Welcome to the team week... Mark "Baggy" Richards

Next we'd like to officially welcome Blue Peris centre manager, AMI and MIC instructor and the Perez Hilton of Welsh Winter Conditions blogging, Mark "Baggy" Richards to the team.

Over to Mark

"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!)"

If you don't already then make sure you check out 'Baggys blog' for all the latest North Wales winter action here