I have often said what a wonderful place our town is, sitting like a jewel in the marvellous setting of County Durham. Not for its majestic buildings or towering housing blocks but for its interesting and often hidden gems which we, as citizens, often overlook.
On Monday my good friend David Jasper, Mayor of Sedgefield, paid a visit at my behest for a tour of some of the more notable spots in Newton Aycliffe. Beginning with the historic Locomotion pub up at Heighington station which, I understand, was the world’s first train ticket office and therefore part of the great story of steam in our region.
Of course, talking about railways, I couldn’t resist taking David to have a look at our latest chapter, the Hitachi train plant. Sadly, we didn’t have time to book a civic visit but maybe another time. I was particularly interested in showing off some of our wartime history and, with this in mind, The Mayoress and I took David to see the ROF59 building which carries a Blue Plaque in honour of our Aycliffe Angels and displays pictures of the wartime staff. I initially wanted to introduce the mayor to some of the good work being done by the Five Acres team but unfortunately, it being half term, no one was there. We took a keen look, but showed no interest, in trying out the terrifying climbing walls but did take time to speak to some of the participating patrons who had travelled from Newcastle to use the facilities. Whilst participating in a much safer activity (drinking coffee) we took time to talk to some of the other patrons who were gushing about the facilities on offer and seemed to visit Newton Aycliffe from across the region. I, for one, never thought we would become a tourist destination but it appears places like ROF 59, Ruff and Tumble, Planet Leisure and The Fish Tank are making Newton Aycliffe the place to be.
Next on our itinerary was of course the PCP where Operations Manager Vicky Browning made us very welcome and supplied us with coffee before taking us on a tour of the complex. The Hydrotherapy pool looked absolutely amazing and we were told of plans in the pipeline for an extension which was very pleasing to hear. After warming up in this room we were invited in to see the Options group many of whom were well known to Elaine and I from previous visits. As it happens we caught the group making collages many of which were splendid efforts and a credit to them. We were ushered into the gardens and saw the great work which had been carried out by the volunteers which should give a lovely display as spring progresses.
By this time we were becoming a little peckish so I suggested we call in at our magnificent Oakleaf sports complex for a bite to eat, and a super meal it was, made and served by our friendly staff. After this superb meal we had a tour of the facilities available in the building from squash courts, indoor bowls, five a side football and, of course, the warm space available to any residents of our town. Our little group just had time for a visit to West Park to view our lovely lakes and say hello to our array of wildfowl. Mayor David left for home much wiser and full of compliments for Newton Aycliffe. From comments on Fb we are expecting a flurry of enquiries from other civic dignitaries for a visit.
Ken Robson Mayor of Great Aycliffe