The Odyssey Staff Team

The Odyssey experience is only as good as the staff who run it, so Odyssey has consistently used the very best that can be found. The five who run any given course are drawn from a much larger pool of staff trained in delivering Odyssey programmes. Most of the staff normally work as freelancers in the field of outdoor development training, often with groups from workplaces. They have between them an immense breadth of experience, a passionate belief in the power of the outdoors and a huge sense of fun. Meet some of them here.

Charles Lyster

A Zoology graduate, Charles Lyster is a freelance development training consultant who worked for Outward Bound for seven years, first in Mid Wales then as Chief Instructor at the centre in Zimbabwe where he trained instructors in first aid and designed safety equipment and practices for mountain rescue in the Chimanimani mountains.

Charles has a wealth of experience in planning and managing courses for people of varying needs and capabilities and is deeply convinced of the power of the outdoor environment to benefit people in profound and lasting ways.

Charles has travelled and climbed in Europe, Scandinavia, Asia, Africa and South America. He worked part time as a designer-maker of furniture for twelve years and recently built a small boat to a traditional Norwegian design. He is married to the singer Catherine King; they live on the Welsh border with their two young children.

Wendy Large

Based at the Chaucer Hospital, Wendy plays a vital role in advising the programme staff on medical issues. She trained at the Kent and Canterbury, qualifying in 1975 and has worked at the Chaucer Hospital since 1983. In 1986 she was appointed as the first Oncology Nurse at the Chaucer and since then has developed the role as her experience has grown. Wendy has been involved with Odyssey from the beginning and has seen many of her patients gain confidence through the experience.

Ann Thomas

Ann has worked with people in the outdoors for 20 years and has experience with groups ranging from managers to youth at risk. Her practical experience is backed up by considerable academic knowledge and she has conducted research into the effects of outdoor development programmes on participants. Ann has worked in Britain, North America, Africa and Europe and currently lives in Mid Wales. She has worked on the Odyssey programmes since they began.

Duncan Stoddart

Duncan is an artist, photographer and facilitator who lives in Dolgellau in Mid Wales. He has worked with groups of people, often using adventure in the outdoors, for around 20 years. He has travelled widely and enjoys sailing, walking, mountaineering and sea kayaking.

Hugo Iffla: Odyssey Programme Director

Hugo currently works part-time for the John Muir Trust, developing their environmental award scheme throughout Wales. He is involved in the training and assessment of aspirant mountain leaders, and holds the Mountaineering Instructor Certificate.

On top of this he enjoys working for Across The Divide, and has led expeditions to Namibia, the Sahara, Nepal, Patagonia, Vietnam and Northern Sweden. Hugo particularly enjoys winter climbing; and one Christmas he and Charles spent 13 nights bivouacking around Zermatt either in the open or in snowholes, whilst trying to climb or ski, which provided some amusement for the wealthier visitors.

As of October 2009, Hugo has taken over the role of Programme Director, and is responsible for the design, resourcing and staffing of Odyssey programmes as well as creating and implementing safety policy. He is also responsible for the day to day administration of Odyssey

Deb Park

Deb has travelled and worked in Africa and South America. She works with groups as a freelance development trainer and also runs first aid courses. Deb lives in Kendal, loves sailing big and little boats, walking in the hills and climbing the odd crag. Deb enjoys camping and the sound of rain on the canvas, good wine and food. Best at sleeping and reading (not necessarily in that order!)

Ali Bignel

A man of many talents, Ali loves being in the mountains whether it’s climbing, running or some other high energy pursuit, and he has travelled widely. He also enjoys working with people from all walks of life and helping them to achieve their own goals, whatever they may be. Ali currently lives and works in Switzerland.

Kate Wood

Kate has worked on expeditions to the jungles of Belize, the deserts of Qatar, Colombia, the Pyrenees, the High Atlas of Morocco, the Kalahari desert and Okavango Delta among other exotic locations. Along the way she has picked up a working knowledge of French, Arabic and Spanish. She has taught PE, English and Geography and worked as an instructor for Outward Bound in this country and abroad. Her interests include rollerskating, running, snow sports, and trampolining. She is a passionate recycler and is currently studing organic horticulture and countryside management alongside her work with groups in outdoor settings. She likes steamed soy milk with a shot of amaretto and loves branston pickle. Kate's really very ordinary.

Robin White

With over thirty years working in the outdoors Robin brings vast experience to Odyssey. He is a very experienced sailor who was at one time responsible for water activities at Outward Bound Wales. He has built or restored more than one vessel and has sailed round all parts of the British coast. He lives in Mid Wales and his banjo playing is increasingly becoming pleasurable to those around him.

Glyn Davies

Glyn was brought up at Outward Bound Ullswater where his father was Warden and subsequently worked for Outward Bound himself in Wales and Hong Kong. He has worked in the outdoors for over 25 years and this takes him all over Europe and occasionally further afield. He is also a fine watercolour artist and with his wife, Claire, runs a gallery in Mid Wales.

Desmond George

A man of vast energy and imagination, Des would probably not argue with the word 'eccentric'. A popular staff game during courses is trying to find places where Des has not sailed, travelled or worked. (One small island on a lake in Uruguay). He lives in Aberdyfi in Mid Wales where he is the driving force behind the annual pantomime and many other ventures. His life so far has encompassed the circus, furniture making and outdoor management development, and he is licensed to create firework displays.

Aly Purssell

Aly grew up in Surrey and spent twelve years as a maths teacher in South Wales and then Australia before working for a time for Outward Bound in Wales and the Lake District. Now a self employed trainer she enjoys hillwalking, sailing, photography, gardening, travelling, mountain biking and running. Major adventures have included sailing the Atlantic, cycling from Lhasa to Kathmandu and fostering children. She lives in the Lake District.

Ailsa Leach

Ailsa is a fantastic cook (and when she sends in her biography you'll be able to learn more about her!).

John Roberts

John lives in the beautiful countryside near Harlech, North Wales. He developed his 'mainly vegetarian' cuisine from a genuine love of great ingredients, many of them grown organically in his own kitchen garden. He was a former Restaurant Manager at the Centre for Alternative Technology in Mid Wales, and believes that a high-vegetable, low-meat diet is the foundation of good health. He loves being part of the team and hopes his contribution via the dining table adds to the feeling of 'nurture' and care experienced by the Odyssey participants.

Sandi Fisher

Sandi lives in the beautiful Weald of Kent and is currently studying for a Degree in Modern Languages with the Open University. Any spare time is taken up with hobbies such as photography, learning to paint with watercolour and tracing her family history. She took part in an Odyssey course herself in 2006 and has since worked as a volunteer on a number of courses. Sandi loves being part of the team and is pleased to have become an Odyssey cook. She hopes to provide the same high standard of cuisine that previous Odyssey participants have enjoyed.