Our Team

The Team is comprised of a broad range of people varying in age, experience and personality who combine to provide a friendly and caring environment.

 

Many of our staff team have been with us for a number of years providing comfort  to Teachers and Group Leaders who are welcomed by familiar faces each time they return with a new group.

 

We are also assisted by an established core of local Freelance instructors who form an excellent complement to the full-time team.

Kurt Mockridge

CENTRE DIRECTOR
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Starting in post at the Centre in March 1999, Kurt is entering the 4th decade of his career in the Outdoors and has become Centre Director in 2024. During this time he has worked both in the UK and abroad in a variety of Centres building up a wide range of outdoor and management experience. Along the way he has gained various relevant coaching qualifications.

  • RYA Dinghy Coach
  • Advanced Powerboat Instructor
  • RYA Safety Boat
  • BCU Level 3 Kayak Coach
  • APIOL mentor/moderator for the Institute for Outdoor Learning.
  • Mental Health First Aider

Maureen ‘Mo’ Overton

OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR
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Mo is our Administrator and is likely to be the voice on the end of the phone when you call the office. She has lived in the Torbay area for the last 11 years. She cannot imagine a nicer place to be and so she is here to stay.

Darryll Farley

CENTRE MANAGER
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Born and bred in Brixham, Darryll is the longest serving member of the Instructional team becoming the Deputy Manager in 2007 and Centre Manager in 2024. He is always popular with the school groups as well as the staff. The charity has always been strongly linked to the sea and is extremely proud of Darryll being a member of the Brixham Lifeboat crew.

  • RYA Dinghy Senior Instructor
  • RYA Keelboat Instructor
  • RYA Powerboat Instructor
  • RYA Safety Boat
  • NCLA Cave Leader Level 1
  • MLTB Single Pitch Supervisors Award
  • BCU Level 2 Kayak Coach
  • Hill and Moorland Leader
  • Mental Health First Aid
  • Food Safety Level 2
  • FSA Food Allergy and Intolerance Training

James Wakely

DUTY MANAGER / MAINTENANCE
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James joined the centre in 2018 and has over 12 years’ experience in the industry working around the UK and France. Studying at South Devon, this developed James’ passion for paddle sports and led him to achieve a degree in Applied Marine Sports Science. James has taken on the role as Maintenance Manager at the centre to complement his skills in DIY. When not at work, you can find James by the sea, surfing or snorkelling. He also enjoys playing cricket for a local team.

  • BSC Applied Marine Sports Science
  • FDSC Outdoor Education
  • UKCC Level 2 Kayak and Canoe Coach
  • Open Canoe and WW Kayak Leader
  • RCI Trainee
  • RYA Powerboat Instructor
  • RYA Safety Boat
  • RYA Dinghy Instructor
  • Mental Health First aider

Vicky Jewitt

DUTY MANAGER
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2019 was the year Vicky joined us with her energetic nature. With 10 years’ experience working around different centres in the UK and abroad, she is a dynamic member of the team. Vicky enjoys helping children develop their potential, during activities, and encourages them to adopt the same attitude back at home. She has a passion for the mountains, sea and can often be found long distance running in her spare time.

  • BA (Hons) Outdoor Leadership
  • BC Level 1 Paddlesports Coach
  • NCMLA Level 1 Cave Leader
  • Rock Climbing Instructor Award
  • Summer Mountain Leader
  • RYA Powerboat Instructor
  • RYA Dinghy Instructor
  • Mental Health first aider

Steph Taylor-Collins

DUTY MANAGER
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Arriving at the centre in 2012, Steph spent summers at Grenville House volunteering, in amongst travels abroad, before becoming a full-time member of staff in 2018. Steph is a vibrant member of the team, who brings positive energy to the sessions. She’s driven in bringing the children the best experience, while giving them encouragement to push out of their comfort zones. She enjoys all aspects of the outdoors, spending most of her free time walking and exploring new places near and far.

  • BA (Hons) Children’s Physical Education
  • BC Level 1 Paddlesports Coach
  • Hill and Moorland Leader
  • RCI Trainee
  • RYA Dinghy Instructor
  • RYA L2 Powerboat
  • RYA Safety Boat
  • Mental Health First Aider

Callum Job

INSTRUCTOR
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Callum joined us through his Apprenticeship with South Devon College and was offered a full-time position after his course in Summer 2021. He quickly became a valued member of the team, whilst developing his skills and experience as an outdoor instructor. Callum enjoys all things water sports and brings his energetic nature to the sessions. In his own time, Callum enjoys watching and playing football.

  • BC Level 1 Paddlesports Coach
  • NVQ Level 3 Sports Coaching and Development
  • Level 3 Apprenticeship Outdoor Activity Instructor
  • Mental Health First Aider
  • RYA L2 Powerboat

Lucy Holmes

INSTRUCTOR
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Lucy began volunteering at Grenville House before joining us as a part time member of the team. She has a caring approach which makes each person’s outdoor experience memorable. Lucy spends lots of time outdoors with her family as well as being a member of Brixham Coastguard Rescue Team. In her spare time she enjoys wild swimming and being by the sea.

  • BA (Hons) in Sport and Recreation
  • L3 Forest School Leader
  • RYA Level 2 Powerboat
  • MLTB Mountain walking leader trainee
  • Mental Health First aider

Darren Merriman

INSTRUCTOR
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Darren joined the team in 2022 after initially working at Grenville House on a Freelance basis. He has worked in the Outdoor Sector for many years, specializing in team building and orienteering in Schools. Darren loves to spend time on the water Canoeing and Kayaking as well as cycling in his spare time. His friendly manner and patience help him provide positive and successful outcomes.

  • SPA award
  • L2 Canoe coach
  • BOF Orienteering L2 coach
  • RYA Level 2 Powerboat

Michelle Spence

INSTRUCTOR
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Michelle has been a freelance instructor with us for a number of years before taking on a part time role. She is active in the outdoors; enjoys climbing, canoeing and is an active member of a local Coastguard team. Her love of the outdoors and professionalism are clearly apparent when working with groups.

  • Paddlesport Leader
  • RCI award
  • NNAS holder
  • HML Trainee
  • Sea Kayak Leader
  • Paddlesports Safety and Rescue Course Provider

Shana Osborne

APPRENTICE INSTRUCTOR
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Shana joined the team in Summer 2023 as an Apprentice in partnership with South Devon College. As an army Cadet she became involved in outdoor activities and enjoyed competing around the UK in clay pigeon and target rifle shooting. She is skilled in martial arts and white water kayaking and has grown up taking part in Ten tors and D of E. Shana’s energetic leadership helps motivate and engage people in activities.

  • HML Trainee
  • Indoor Climbing Assistant Award
  • BTEC Level 2 Pearson award in Teamwork and leadership in the community
  • NCFE Level 3 in Sport and Physical Activity (Outdoors)
  • RYA Level 2 Powerboat
  • Paddlesport Instructor Award
  • Apprenticeship through South Devon College

Lleyton Forbes

APPRENTICE INSTRUCTOR
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Lleyton has joined the team in October 2024 as an apprentice instructor. He is completing his apprenticeship through South Devon College. Lleyton enjoys paddlesports the most and has an approachable and fun manner when working with groups.

Housekeeping Team

Courtney-Lee Osborne

HEAD COOK
  • Food Safety Level 3
  • Food Standards Agency – Food Allergy and Intolerance Training

Fhaye Millar

HOUSEKEEPER
  • Food Safety Level 2
  • Food Standards Agency – Food Allergy and Intolerance Training

Kyrie Winterson

HOUSEKEEPER
  • Food Safety Level 2
  • Food Standards Agency – Food Allergy and Intolerance Training

THE TRUSTEES

The Charity is overseen by a Management Committee of Trustee/Directors who meet regularly as required. The main purpose of this group of volunteers is to direct the manner in which the Charity meets its’ objects and to ensure that it remains financially secure.

Frank Sobey • Chairman

Martin Rogers • Vice-Chair

Gareth Brown • Trustee

Peter Busby • Trustee

Anne Dyke • Trustee

Paul Matthews • Trustee

Peter Johnson • Trustee

Anthony Prowse • Trustee

John Ridge • Trustee

Clive Robson • Trustee

ACTIVITIES TEAM BUILDING SPECIALIST COURSES ADVENTURE

ACTIVITIES TEAM BUILDING SPECIALIST COURSES ADVENTURE

GET IN TOUCH…

Have some questions? Drop us a quick message using the form below and one of the Grenville House team will reply to you asap.

    GET IN TOUCH

    Have some questions? Drop us a quick message using the form below and one of the Grenville House team will reply to you asap.

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