Events
Meet the Dockers: Jackie Rollinson
Jackie Rollinson is a straight-talking proud Cockney who has lived in Newham for nearly 65 years, all her life. From her early days growing up in East Ham she is now a Hospitality Assistant at City Hall. Known at the café for her friendly nature, we spoke with Jackie in this Meet the Dockers interview about her memories of Newham, the area she loves.
You have worked locally for most of your life. Tell us about some of the different jobs you’ve had?
I’ve done loads over the years. My first job was in the accounts department at Royal London Insurance on Romford Road in Manor Park. Then I worked for a computer company in Stratford. I’ve also worked for the DLR at stations like Canary Wharf, Island Gardens and Tower Gateway, helping people at the barriers.
I was also a flight simulator instructor in North Greenwich! I taught people how to use flight simulators for the Boeing Triple 7 and A380 at the Emirates Aviation Experience exhibition. It was just next to the IFS Cable Car on the Greenwich side. I was there for about six years and even trained TV presenter Andy Peters, actor Faye Ripley, and a few West Ham players!
What’s your role at City Hall?
I help set up the catering for meetings and events in London’s Living Room. It’s the space inside City Hall which can be hired and is used for staff functions. We cater for all kind of internal and external events and do all different options from teas and coffees to canapés, cakes, pastries, and hot buffets.
I help out in the café sometimes too. It’s called London's Kitchen Café and is on the ground floor of City Hall in Royal Victoria Dock. It’s not just for staff, it's open to the public too. A lot of people don’t realise you can come in. The food is delicious, and everything is made in house by our chefs, John and Zeke. Members of the public must go through security to get in which I think is totally worth it for the homemade cake! If there’s a public meeting taking place in the Chamber they can also watch from the seating gallery.
A lot of people don’t realise you can come in. The food is delicious, and everything is made in house by our chefs, John and Zeke.
Jackie Rollinson
Tell us about your links to Newham
I was born in East Ham in 1961, right in one of the bedrooms of my mum’s house on Lonsdale Avenue in East Ham. I’ve grown up in Newham, gone to school here, raised my family here and I work here. I also met my partner in a local pub called Wheelies. We’ve been together 26 years now. I’ve been here my whole life.
I’ve lived all over Newham, from Manor Park to Beckton and now Silvertown, where I’ve been for almost 29 years. I love living in Silvertown. It’s close to work, has great transport, and my neighbours are nice.
What was it like growing up in the area?
I had a lovely childhood. We had loads of freedom and were allowed to play outside by ourselves. We just had to head home when the streetlights came on. It was so much fun riding our bikes, playing hopscotch in the street, and hanging out in local parks like Gooseley Playing Fields and Central Park. There were always loads of kids around.
My uncle worked at Ford in Dagenham, which was a big local employer back then. I remember him taking my roller skates into the engineering workshop and adjusting them to make them go so much faster. It was brilliant!
Growing up I loved running, and I was really good at it. I represented my school, Brampton Manor, in loads of athletics competitions. I was quick! In 1994 I won a six-mile race marking the opening of the Beckton DLR extension. I ran it in 36 minutes. Once I started a family, I gave up running but I’m sure all that sport when I was younger is why I’m so full of energy now!
How has the area changed since you were growing up?
The community has changed a lot and I like it. It’s so diverse which is a good thing. Areas like the Royal Docks have totally changed. I remember when London City Airport, the IFS Cable Car, and Excel were being built. Some people were against it, but I think change was needed. It’s good to see new businesses popping up. These companies make the area even better and give people the opportunity to work locally. Lots of friends and even my partner has worked at London City Airport. The airport only used to fly to business destinations but now they go to places like Ibiza, Malaga and Palma. I’ve been on holiday from there twice now. It was great, I just got the bus!
The community has changed a lot and I like it. It’s so diverse which is a good thing. Areas like the Royal Docks have totally changed. I remember when London City Airport, the IFS Cable Car, and Excel were being built.
Jackie Rollinson
Could you ever see yourself leaving Newham?
Because I’ve lived in Newham my whole life, I’ve got so many friends here now. Wherever I go I’ll always bump into someone I know and even I don’t, I’ll talk to anyone! Newham is home. I know the area inside out. I’ve thought about leaving but Newham suits me. I couldn’t really imagine living anywhere else. Also starting over somewhere new at my age would be hard. The only other place I’d ever really consider moving to is Spain but just for the sunshine!
Visit London’s Kitchen Café
London’s Kitchen Café is situated on the ground floor of City Hall past security. The café offers fresh, homemade meals, alongside a selection of coffee, pastries, and light bites. It’s located at City Hall, Kamal Chunchie Way, London, E16 1ZE.
Open Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 4pm it serves breakfast from 8.30am to 10.30am and lunch from 11.30am to 2.30pm.
