Meet the Team - Part II
Continuing our ‘Meet the Team’ series, we’re delighted to introduce you to three members of The Armstrong’s management team: Olivia Riddiford, our Events & Business Manager, Kerri Hyde, our Marketing Manager, and Cheryl Wrench, our Bar Manager.
They all play an important role in bringing The Armstrong to life, from the events you see on stage to the drinks in your hand and the marketing that helps spread the word. We asked them a few questions to find out more about their roles, what The Armstrong means to them, and a few fun facts along the way!
What is your focus at The Armstrong?
I look after the Events Department. Myself and my team programme all the ticketed events you see on our website or on our social channels. We aim to create events that appeal to all audiences but we are always open to suggestions for future shows.
What does The Armstrong mean to you?
The Armstrong means so much to me personally. I felt very strongly about the project when the building closed in 2020 and had to get involved in some way. I've performed on the stage in The Lansdown Hall so many times, all of which hold such dear memories. It's such a special place and I pinch myself daily that we got the opportunity to reopen and give this space a second chance – thanks to the generous donations and hardworking volunteers.
We really do have the best people in Thornbury who support us in so many ways!
Fun Fact
I wanted to become a West End actress but went into Event Management instead!
What is your focus at The Armstrong?
I look after brand and marketing at The Armstrong alongside a team of talented and amazing volunteers. Together, we create content - photos, video, design, copy and more - which is distributed across our website, social media, email communications, the press, events, printed materials and so much more.
The work that the wonderful marketing team does is probably one of the reasons you have heard about us, or perhaps a reason why you have booked an event (we hope!). We aim to give you, our audience, a cohesive and enjoyable journey from the very first moment you hear about us, to booking an event or hiring us, to the visual experience you have whilst visiting our venue.
What does The Armstrong mean to you?
I heard about The Armstrong through a mum at my son's school. It came at a time when I was looking to return to work after a parenting break. I moved to Thornbury just five years ago and was looking to give back to a community that has been so welcoming to myself and my little family.
Fun Fact
I went to school with Harry Styles – unfortunately, he didn't know me then ... (or now) ...
What is your focus at The Armstrong?
I look after the bar at The Armstrong. As well as serving customers, I train the wonderful volunteers, clean the beer lines, do the bar staff rotas and order the stock.
What does The Armstrong mean to you?
I have been involved with The Armstrong for more than 30 years, performing on the stage as part of one of the local theatre groups, as well as looking after the front-of-house for the group when not on stage. When the venue closed, it was a massive loss to my theatre group and the community but also to me personally - I spent so many happy hours there. I am thrilled that the venue is back up and running and is again available to the whole community to use and enjoy. I knew I had to be part of its future.
Fun Fact
I am a donkey guardian!!
We hope you’ve enjoyed getting to know Olivia, Kerri and Cheryl a little better and finding out more about the people working behind the scenes at The Armstrong. Stay tuned for Part 3!
If you would like to be involved in the project, you can register your interest here.
