By Fraser Ward
Tucked away on Aycliffe Business Park, the ROF59 Activity Centre hosts a wide selection of attractions for the whole family to enjoy. Whilst the company moves on swiftly with the times, they are continuously adding fresh ideas and content to enjoy, and the history surrounding the business’s origins is still upheld and honoured.
The history of ROF59 premises at Aycliffe dates back to the second world war, where over 17,000 people were employed to produce bullets, shells and mines for our soldiers on the battlefield in the early 1940’s. The employees mainly consisted of local women, who eventually earned the title of the “Aycliffe Angels”, when a traitor who worked for the Nazis, William Joyce, (Lord Haw Haw) claimed in radio broadcast: “The little angels of Aycliffe won’t get away with it”, signifying the importance of their efforts. The name of one of the factories was the Royal Ordnance Factory 59.
The 867-acre group buildings was where all of the behind the scenes action took place, and was the birthplace of the Aycliffe Angels. Almost 80 years later and the same building many people enjoy today is under ownership of John Finley, whose grandmother Olive, Mother Dorothy, and Aunts Winnie and Terese worked in the factory during the war.
The centre now hosts many interactions for both kids and grown-ups to seize, forming a lively enjoyable atmosphere. This surpasses Finley’s intentions, who has succeeded in creating an environment of fun and excitement.
Constantly bringing new ideas, ROF59 now hosts an extensive selection of content for customers since its opening in 12th August 2015. ROF59 It started with an enjoyable a trampoline bounce park and adventure walls, now with the introduction of additional activities you can now kids can enjoy trampolining, adventure walls, basketball court and dodgeball activities, with numerous sessions appealing to toddlers to adolescence and a perfect location for birthday parties and special outings.
Recent facilities include a 360degree Virtual Reality Tent Suite, and outdoor Laser Quest Combat, outdoor play area, 19m drop zone and the newest activity being a 200m zip wire reaching speeds of 26 miles per hour.
ROF59 also has a café, ice-cream parlour, bar, beer garden and function rooms, where parents can do as they please whilst the kids enjoy their fun. A newly furnished restaurant “The Blitz” restaurant also offers customers the chance to dine in a relaxed, spacious setting with a very popular menu and fresh food from light bites to main courses.
In December 2017 John invested over £300,000 on a state of the art climbing and bouldering centre, where Teenagers are attracted to wall rock climbing with no prior experience required. Professional instructors offer detailed safety briefings and assistance throughout the sessions. All ages and abilities can be tested with this activity, with smaller walls designed for younger audiences to hone their skill. More difficult walls exist to test even the most daring of professional climbers.
The ROF59 Centre is a local gem with so much more to offer, perfect for birthday parties and special outings. The selection of activities available on our doorstep can appeal to all ages and interests. Whilst catering to a newer and expanding audience, the history that lies within the walls of the building is still celebrated and remembered gracefully, honouring the Aycliffe Angels who contributed so much to the war effort.
For more information please visit the website – http://rof59.co.uk
