Centre Manager
For me, finding myself in amazing outdoor places, having a great time sharing adventures with others, feeling good after achieving one’s goals and seeing young people achieve more than they ever imagined is what is so good about the outdoors. Over the years, I have become fully absorbed in the outdoor way of life. Partly because of the personal benefits and meeting new people, but also to give back and share my passion by enthusing and teaching others.
My professional experience
My, teaching, instructing and guiding experience spans 26 years. I was introduced to the outdoors through my secondary school by very enthusiastic teachers. It is that opportunity which has allowed me to gain a career in the outdoors. Originally training as a carpenter, then building site foreman, I started university as a mature student undertaking an outdoor education / science degree at I M Marsh. After working and holding positions in a wide variety of LEA outdoor centres, I gained the post of mountaineering/climbing instructor for 5 years at Plas-y-Brenin (the English National Mountain Centre) I have also worked in the capacity of freelance instructor for a vast array of establishments such as Glenmore Lodge (the Scottish National Mountain Centre), Jagged Globe and a wide range of Local Education Authority centres.
Currently, I manage Blue Peris Mountain Centre, alongside guiding and teaching all over the UK. I am a member of the ‘themic.org’ which identifies the highest standard of climbing and mountain skills instruction in the UK alongside being a member of Association of Mountaineering Instructors. (AMI)
Interests
Well this first has to be Welsh Winter climbing and in particular climbing new and classic routes, being the co-author of the North Wales Winter Climbing. Whilst not winter climbing, then hanging out on sea cliffs, road biking helps keep me fit and gives another opportunity to see the great outdoors and help burn the calories off, as I just love cakes!
I have two young girls, who like fashion more than the outdoors and a house which I have been refurbishing for far too long. Any regrets, not being part of Team Sky (some say as their bike cleaner!)
Qualifications
- BSc QTS (Hons) Outdoor Education & Science
- Mountain Instructor Certificate ( MIC )
- Mountain Instructor Award ( MIA )
- BCU Level 3 Coach Sea Kayak
- BCU Level 2 Coach Kayak
- BCU Level 2 Coach Canoe
- Mountain Leader (Winter and Summer )
- Mine leader Level 1 and 2
- Cave Leader Level 1 and 2
- Single Pitch Award
- REC First Aid Trainer
- MIDAS minibus driver
- RYA Powerboat Level 2
- RLSS Water Safety Management Programme
- Basic Water Safety Awareness Module Units 1 and 2
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- Pool Safety
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- Flat Water Rescue
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- In Water Rescue
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- Coasteering
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Training Courses
- Cave Instructor ( CIC )
- BCU 5* (sea)
- International Mountain Leader
- BCU 4* (open canoe)