Fordton worker set to make the move to Orford Park (From Warrington Guardian)

Fordton worker set to make the move to Orford Park

12:10pm Friday 11th May 2012 in News

NEARLY 30 years after starting work at Fordton Leisure Centre, a Winwick woman is gearing up for her new job at Orford Park.

Maureen Chadwick will be among the first members of staff to work at the Orford Jubilee Community Hub when it opens at the £32 million Olympic legacy project next week.

The 59-year-old, of Ilex Avenue, said: “I am the oldest person there, so the only one that has been all the way through and I’m quite proud of that.

“I still enjoy it because every day is different – you don’t know what will come the door.

“Anything can happen on your shift and I’m always meeting new people.”

Maureen started work at Fordton Leisure Centre as a receptionist on May 23, 1983.

The mum-of-three still has her letter of acceptance when she was handed the part time role.

She said: “I lived in Orford at the time so I applied for the job.

“It was the first leisure centre to be built in that area, the council was very proud of it.

“It was very popular when it opened, and still is now, but a lot has changed since then.

“They put the swimming pool in and it was converted from the old school hall and that hall is still used here now.”

Maureen is now looking forward to continuing her customer service advisor role when the hub opens to the public next Friday.

The gym at Fordton Leisure Centre will close on Sunday, with the pool shutting down next Thursday.

It will make way for the new facility featuring swimming pools, health and fitness suite, dance studios, squash courts and sports hall.

“Working at the new hub will be exciting, added Maureen.

“It’s sad that the old place is closing down but it’s going to be the people that will make it fun.”