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Contact Us - Meet the Team

Our main office is located at Sandwell Valley Country Park - King Charles Pavillion, you can also find our shop at this location where we will soon be selling a range of outdoor equipment, accessories, souvenirs and clothing. Company Registration No. 5873131A VAT Registered Company.  You can contact us by email: info@ctte.co.uk or tel: 0845 880 2477 (0121 553 4943)

Postal Address: Closer to the Edge Ltd, Sandwell Valley Country Park, West Bromwich B71 4BG


 Mel Ellis - Company Director.  Trained teacher and retired RAF Squadron Leader (Physical Education branch and Parachute Jump Instructor).  Mel set up CTTE in 2006 after retiring from the RAF on completion of 16 years service.  His main interest in the RAF was leadership development and operational fitness and during his service he worked primarily with the Army's airborne forces and RAF officer fitness training. He also led the RAF Falcons Parachute Display Team in 1997 and commanded the RAF Parachute Training School in 2005-6.  CTTE principles are based on Mel's extensive experience of teaching, leadership development and fitness management.mel@ctte.co.uk

Greg Brookes-Clayton - Educational Director. Greg is a qualified teacher with over 18 year's experience in mainstream and special needs education.  For the most part of his teaching career Greg worked in Pupil Referral Units and prior to joining CTTE he headed up a PRU in Derby City Centre.  As director of our educational provision Greg is responsible for the developmnent of the CTTE 'Learning Outside the Classroom Directive' and the brand new CTTE Academy.  Greg is also the lead trainer for Team Toolbox and undertakes teacher training and coordination of nationally accredited awards that we deliver. email: greg@ctte.co.uk

Ali Glendinning - Chief Instructor.  Ali is an ex RAF Physical Training Instructor (PTI) with a wealth of experience in Adventurous Training and operational fitness. He has taken expeditions worldwide whilst in the RAF and has also worked extensively overseas taking fitness trips.  Ali began an association with Closer to the Edge in 2006 but eventually joined the Team in 2009 - he has brought with him some exceptional fully-formed concepts, Team Toolbox and Elements Fitness being the 2 main examples.  Ali is a level 3 personal trainer and has also successfully competed in 2 Ironman triathlons, he takes responsibility for training, standards and safety within the organisation. ali@ctte.co.uk
Sarah Guest - Senior Instructor. Sarah is responsible for the ropes course training  of all of the staff. She holds the ERCA qualification and assists with staff development at all of our sites.  Sarah plays rugby for both Worcester and England and is away at the moment pursuing her rugby dream.Sarah is a level 2 group trainer. sarah@ctte.co.uk     Rob Simkins - Office Manager Tough job but somebody has to do it.  We have recently taken Rob on following a successful year-long business apprenticeship where he consistently out performed the Educational Director.  Rob is also a very capable instructor and fully qualified to assist with all of our operational requirements.rob@ctte.co.uk

Gareth Wigley - Senior Instructor.  Gareth is a newly qualified PE teacher, he assists with the CTTE educational provision and is very involved with ensuring that outcomes for the schools and colleges are fully met. A keen footballer, Gareth is a graduate of the Port Vale Centre of Excellence, he is also a personal trainer level 3 gareth@ctte.co.uk

 

 Mick Cowells -  Survival Instructor.  Mick served in the army for 23 years during which time he completed his survival training with the special forces.  After leaving the Army Mick worked in Devon, taking groups on expeditions to Dartmouth and Wales.  Mick is passionate about social forestry and teaching in the outdoor classroom.mick@ctte.co.uk
Sally Ellis is the one that you will probably meet 'front of house' when you turn up to the course.  Her responsibilities include reception duties and personal management of the Company Director!  Sally is a trained nurse and currently training to be a counsellor to work on CTTE -specific programmes.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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