Parson House Outdoor Pursuits Centre
With the permanent on site team of Debbie, Gareth ,Rosie and Ryan your in great hands,
We thought a little bio of them might give you an insite.
Debbie
Generally the first face you will see on arrival, and the voice on the phone, with a history in canoeing, climbing, kayaking, & mountaineering , she has lived at the centre for 52 years now. Her parents (Paul & Anne Reaney) got asked to take a derelict sheep farm, with no electricity, sanitation and just the water in a well, and to build an outdoor centre for boys form Kirkby , Liverpool. They arrived in a 4 berth touring caravan, in March 1974, and lived in the caravan in the yard for 1 year, whilst the house and some of the barns were renovated.
Debbie always followed her Dad out on the activities, never realising one day she would be the manager of the outdoor centre. Her passion for the outdoors, took her into shepherding when she left school, on the surrounding moors for the local farmer. But she soon missed canoeing and climbing, and thus took her qualifications to teach and guide people . In the late 1980’s she was awarded Canoeist of the year by the then BCU. In 1991, she went to Nepal, with the Army cadet Force , where she summited Pisang Peak, 19,984 ft, crossed the Thorong La Pass, as well as hiking the Annapurna range.
After becoming an instructor at the centre, she went onto become chief instructor, and eventually Centre Manager in 1995. Leading groups on canoeing expeditions down the Dordogne river in France, French river in Canada, and cross country skiing to Austria, and back packing in Algonquin Park, Canada, snow showing and cross country skiing., to name a few.
Meeting Gareth in 1991, they both shared the same passion for the outdoors . They married in 1995, and Rosie was born in 1996.,
Gareth
Gareth also has a history within the outdoor industry; in particular caving, climbing, mountaineering & canoeing. Debbie’s right hand man. A greeting on arrival from Gareth, is never forgotten, you’ll be welcomed straight into the fold.
As a young lad he could be found in the woods, or on the moors with mates, choosing adventure over school. He was always drawn to caves and mines, exploring every part of anything underground . After pursuing a career in black smithing & welding, he went on to become a proffessional photographer, but Gareth is a man who can turn his hand to anything, and in 1989 he joined a training scheme, at Parson House OPC, where to undertook training in the outdoor activity’s, along with 15 other people. Taking it a step further, gaining his qualifications . Gareth loves nothing better than a caving expedition, especially France, where he has participated on a few expeditions, along with taking groups on the Dordogne river, France, from the mountains onto the beach at Royan.
He started off as an instructor , and is the Chief Instructor at the centre . However, his other ‘cap’ is as a roadie for the Sheffield band Pulp.
Rosie
Born into the life of the centre, Rosie is the 3rd generation at Parson House OPC. Another face, that will greet you with the biggest smile, to make you feel right at home.
She is in charge of the catering/ hospitality side . Her beaming smile greets you first thing in the morning at breakfast, and dinner time, you’ll find her baking in the afternoon, luscious deserts. Providing you with a good hearty meal, she will look after you.
In her own right, Rosie is a skilled horsewoman, who has competed her horse internationally and nationally, with many wins , she is a qualified show jumping coach, who teaches locally. Married Ryan in 2021, Annie arrived in 2024, 4th generation.
Ryan
Ryan fitted into the family straight away, you will find him in and around the centre, a roofer by trade, with his own successful roofing business. Always got a smile on his face, and loves to chat with everyone. He’s happy to lend a hand where ever / when ever. Supporting the family when it’s needed. Rosie & Ryan along with Debbie have a flock of sheep , Kerry Hills, Dales, Beula’s, Herdwicks & Clun Forest, it’s another passion they all share.
Instructors ;
Debbie & the centre are backed up with an awesome team of freelance instructors, lets see who they are ………
Mini
With a career built on the move and a life lived outdoors, Mini represents the gold standard of modern multi-disciplinary leadership. It is rare to find an instructor who doesn’t just teach a sport, but has lived it. His journey didn’t begin in a classroom or a lecture hall; it began on the ramps, the trails, and the steep slopes, where He earned my stripes as a sponsored athlete in skateboarding, and snowboarding.
John
John Daley BEM is an experienced outdoor instructor with years of experience in leadership and youth development, including as a former Prince’s Trust Team Leader. John uses outdoor adventure to build confidence, resilience, independence and positive engagement in young people.
