Name: Sarah Whatmough
AKA: Sarah or Cave Dweller
Position at TNOC: Stores Manager, and occasional instructor for climbing, high ropes and orienteering.
Qualification:
- Climbing Wall Supervisor Award
- Single Pitch Award
- BCU UKCC Level 1 Coach (Bank)
- BOF UKCC Level 1 Orienteering
How long have you worked in TNOC?: 5 years, 3 of which were in Hotrock.
Experience prior to working in TNOC:
- Outward Bound Wales
- SEELB expedition to the Pyrennes
- Operation Raleigh - 3 months in Chile
- Instructing canoeing in Canadian summer camp
- Instructing climbing in Scotland and Wales
- Downhill ski racing
- Orienteering at club level and multi-national events
- Mountain marathons
- 17 years working in logistics and supply management
Why did you choose this career path?: I love being outdoors, seeing the views that few others share because they're off the beaten track. The opportunity to share these experiences with others is a privilege. Opening the eyes of today's youth to the challenges of the great outdoors is an honour. The odd rush of adrenaline is a welcome bonus, as is the travel to new places. All in all, it reminds me what it is to feel alive, and how inconsequential we really are.
If you weren't an instructor at TNOC what do you think you would be doing?: Im reaching that stage in life where I might consider going back packing for a year, or doing some volunteering work overseas.
Who has inspired you most and why?: Ernest Shackleton - his expedition failed but he kept his team alive through 2 Antartic winters, an 800 mile sea journey in a rowing boat and various other hardships. To achieve that was incredible, and he must have been an inspiring leader.
Most memorable moment from your time in TNOC?: Doing my first snow and ice climb in the Cairngorms.
What do you love best about TNOC?: The location - it has to be one of the best places to work in Northern Ireland.
Who would be your ideal student to teach how to paddle / rock climb, etc and why?: Paddy Kielty - he's a Dundrum man, like me, he's game for anything, and the craic would be mighty.
Who would be your worst nightmare to teach how to paddle / rockclimb, etc and why?: Alan Carr - having to listen to the Liverpool accent for longer than 5 minutes would have me running for cover.
If you had the time and the money, what expedition would you go on, why, and who would be your companion?: I would like to travel (bike / walk / canoe) through the East Africa Rift Valley, starting in Ethiopia and then running down to the Great African Lakes. My ideal companion would be David Attenborough, as he could tell me so much about the wildlife as we go, and I would never tire of his mellifluous voice.
What are your own goals and objectives for 2012?: Get out walking and mountain biking so I can go for ML and TCL assessment. Compete at orienteering events again - I miss it! Take my son, Sam, to the Alps and do part of a Grande Route and some Via Ferratas.
Name: Jonny Mornin
Qualifications:
- BCU Level 3 Coach Sea
- Level 3 Coach Inland
- Single Pitch Award
- Mountain Leader
- REC Emergency
Experience prior to working at TNOC: Since spending a year at Tollymore on the Trainee Scheme in 2001, I’ve worked all over Ireland in a range of Outdoor Centres, working with a wide range of groups.
Why did you choose this career path?: I’ve lived in Newcastle under the shadow of the Mournes all my life enjoying all the spoils the location has to offer in outdoor activities. I don’t think there is a sport I haven’t tried so it was a natural progression. Best job in the world!!
If you weren’t an instructor at TNOC what do you think you would be doing?: As cheesy as it sounds I’m a “people person” so maybe a teacher…hmmm maybe not…who knows.
Most memorable moment from your time in TNOC?:My first bouldering session as a trainee, from the first jump into the water I was hooked. Just the raw excitement and the buzz I got is so vivid. Even today I giggle when I go bouldering and then I have to remember I’m an Instructor.
Who would be your ideal student to teach how to paddle/rock climb, etc and why?: The great thing about each group you work with is that they are always different which is refreshing to teach. Variety is the spice of life!!
Who would be your worse nightmare to teach how to paddle/rock climb, etc and why?: Myself…?!
If you had the time and the money, what expedition would you go on, and why, and who would be your companion?: For me an expedition starts when you turn the engine on in the car excited about the trip, until the minute you open the door of home at the end. For me France Alpine White water for the whole experience from the Ferry crossing to Cherbourg, the 16 hour road trip to Briancon with your buddies, the first glimpse of the fast snow melt, water and the fun on the rivers…GOOD TIMES!!
What are your own goals and objectives for 2012?: As much of a water baby that I am, I would be keen to work toward my MIA Training. I’m just looking forward to a year of doing…can’t wait!!
