MEET THE TEAM
Paul
Director and Chairman
My association with Gelli Iago began in the 1990’s and I developed a passion for the Centre. After becoming a Director, at the 60th Anniversary in April 2023 I took on the role of Chair. Future success has to be a team effort, get involved and help us keep the Centre going for another sixty years!
Suzy
Director and Vice Chair
I’ve been coming up to the Centre for over 30 years now, it’s been a huge part of my life and it a pleasure to use my business skills to help ensure it is here for the next generation of members to experience and enjoy. As Vice Chair I’m there to step in when our Chair isn’t available and be a sounding board for the Chair on the issues and ideas we have to discuss.
Charles
Director and Warden
I manage the property and arrange repairs, organise safety inspections so that all requirements are up to date including the water supply, liaise with our landlord the National Trust and carry out maintenance tasks, including occasionally plunging into the stream to sort the water supply.
Isobel
Director and Membership Secretary
I respond to initial enquiries, maintain a data base of our current members and send out reminders when membership is due for renewal.
Bex
Director and Treasurer
David
Bookings Secretary
I started coming to the Centre when I was a teenager and enjoyed many great walks, climbing and abseiling adventures. I am now more involved in the running of the centre and am the current Booking Secretary and assist the Warden with maintenance and repairs.
Jane
Director and Community Liaison / local contact
I first became involved with ‘Nantmor’ in 1968, as a student inspired by the Mountain Leadership course. Life, teaching and Outdoor Education led me away but I later returned for a second stint as Secretary and now live locally. I meet with new members and arrange inductions, liaise with the local community, light the fire and generally give support when needed.
Jenny
Director
I stepped in to co-lead a school trip to the Centre in 1980 when another teacher was ill, which led to a run of 10 years taking primary age children up. I joined the Committee in the mid-80s and here I still am – this place gets under your skin! I did a long stint as Treasurer but have now handed that on.
Mark
Director
I joined the management committee when I was a student at North Worcestershire College back in 1982 and have not been allowed to leave it. I have helped out on Duke of Edinburgh training at the Centre and run the January members meet. I was also Warden for a few years.
Edd
Director
Edd James, one of the directors of NMCA. I’m a multi trade builder and have been coming to the centre since I was 6 months old. I’m the young blood of the team and try to keep the older ones in line and inject new/modern ideas.
Ken
Director
John
Director
Bob James
President
I have been asked to write about 50 words to explain what I, as President, bring to the Association. I joined the Association as a student in 1969. This year is my 55th year of membership. Most of this time I had the privilege to serve as Warden responsible for managing the property, any developments, liaising with landlords and the local community over the years.
As a group leader I have brought well over 2,000 young people to the Centre as well as adult groups for weeklong courses as well as for weekend trips. So, I offer my profound attachment to the ideals of the Association as well as my love for the Centre building, the landscape it sits in and the people of the area plus such a lot of experience to be used in whatever way is best for the NMCA and its future.
Tony Tatford
Vice President
David Dean OBE
Vice President
Founder Warden 1963-65, President for thirty years, currently a vice president. English teacher and schools’ expeditions leader in Iceland, Norway & the Pyrenees. 30 years in all as founder principal, residential therapeutic school then consulting widely overseas. Our retirement ‘folly’ with shades of Nantmor, The Lazy Duck, Cairngorms still thrills.
Les Borritt
Vice President
I have been a member of Nantmor since 1975 when I went to Shenstone Teacher Training College, largely because it had the link with Nantmor. I have seen many changes over the years, but the fundamentals aims of the association remain as valid today as then. Long may it continue!