Agency by William Gibson 
Roadchef’s Sandbach motorway service area has honoured Sue Newland for a “remarkable” 35 years of dedication to the company.
Mark Fox, CEO for Roadchef, presented Ms Newland with a long service award to commemorate her milestone.
Ms Newland began her career with Roadchef on 1st June 1989, a time when Margaret Thatcher was prime minister, Jody Watley’s “Real Love” topped the charts and Liverpool FC had just lost the league title in the 90th minute at Anfield. Her first shift was in the restaurant at Sandbach’s southbound services.
Throughout her tenure, Ms Newland has remained a steadfast presence at Sandbach, working exclusively in the restaurant. She started part-time to accommodate childcare following the birth of her daughter and transitioned to full-time work in 2000.
In 2014, she moved to the Sandbach northbound Fresh Food Cafe, where she still works.
She said that the biggest change she had witnessed was the introduction of McDonald’s in 2012, which “significantly increased” the site’s business and the number of team members.
Outside of work, Ms Newland has a passion for sports and holidays. She enjoyed watching Manchester United during the 90s and 00s, remaining a lifelong fan. A keen darts enthusiast, her favourite player is Crewe-based Luke Humphries. She also loves to travel and has recently been to Spain, with upcoming trips to Turkey and New York planned.
She said: “It has been incredible working at Roadchef for the past 35 years and I am thrilled to receive the long service award. The support from my colleagues and the company has been wonderful. I look forward to many more years with the Roadchef family.”
Over the years, Ms Newland has worked with thousands of employees, all of whom can attest to her dedication, and hard work, and upbeat and positive demeanour, the company said.
Mr Fox said: “Sue is a highly valued member of the Roadchef family. Her reliability, positive attitude and dedication to providing excellent service is truly commendable. Everyone at Roadchef is extremely proud to have Sue on the team, and we are immensely grateful for her contributions over the past 35 years.”
(Photo: Roadchef).
