About Ackers Adventure

Ackers Adventure is a charitable company with a rich history spanning several decades. Established in 1981 As the Ackers Trust, it originated as a small community project in Birmingham. Initially focused on providing outdoor activities for local youth, the organization gradually expanded its offerings and grew in popularity. Over the years, Ackers Adventure evolved into a prominent provider of outdoor adventure and recreational activities for people of all ages and abilities. With a mission to make outdoor experiences accessible to everyone, we have successfully impacted countless lives through our inclusive programmes. Ackers Adventure continues to thrive, inspiring individuals and communities to connect with nature and embrace the joy of outdoor pursuits.

Our primary goal is to promote physical and mental well-being through outdoor pursuits, aiming to create a positive impact on individuals and communities. We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to engage in outdoor activities, regardless of their background or ability. With a strong focus on inclusivity, the charity actively works to break down barriers and provide equal access to outdoor adventures for people with disabilities, young people facing challenges, and those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
The organization offers a wide range of thrilling activities and outdoor experiences, including canoeing, kayaking, skiing, snowboarding, climbing, archery, and more. These activities are facilitated by a team of experienced and qualified instructors who ensure the safety and enjoyment of all participants. The charity's well-maintained and accessible facilities, including ski slopes, climbing walls, and waterways, provide a conducive environment for individuals to develop their skills and confidence.

We operate on a not-for-profit basis, with any surplus funds generated from activities and donations being reinvested back into the charity's operations and initiatives. This ensures the sustainability and continual growth of our programmes, enabling them to reach a wider audience and make a lasting impact on the lives of individuals in the community.

Our Board

The governance of Ackers Adventure is guided by a strong ethical framework, transparency, and accountability. The company is governed by a Board of Trustees who oversee its operations and ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. The Board comprises individuals with diverse backgrounds and expertise, bringing a range of perspectives to decision-making. Ackers Adventure is driven by its charitable objectives and operates in a way that prioritizes social impact and the well-being of its beneficiaries. The governance structure ensures effective management and strategic planning, allowing the company to fulfill its mission of enhancing lives through outdoor experiences.

Tracy Wassall

Chair

Tracy worked for a high street bank for over 41 years across a number of locations in the West Midlands, and Warwickshire. He now operates as a Commercial Finance broker via Connect to Finance Ltd and in addition to being Chairman of Ackers Adventure Ltd is also Chairman of Alcester & Ragley Park Cricket Club, playing cricket for them and Warwickshire Seniors.

Chris Stroud

Vice Chair

Chris worked teaching Physical Education in Midland schools for 39 years, with the latter years spent teaching in Small Heath at a local secondary school. During his time there he ran the licenced Centre responsible for delivering the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, and as an assessor for the Expedition section. He also worked as a School Sports Coordinator working within local Primary schools helping promote physical education and activity. He is a qualified Alpine Development Coach for skiing, holding an International Coaches Licence, and is an appointed tutor for Snowsport England [the National Governing Body]. In this role he delivers training and assessment courses for Snowsport England and Snowsport Wales throughout the two countries and Europe.
He also completed a six year term on the board of Snowsport England as Members Director, as voted for by the membership.

Eddy Moulden

Eddy came to the Midlands from his native Isle of Man to attend St Peters Teacher Training College in 1959. He then settled in Solihull and taught in a local school for 28 years, and in Alberta Canada for two years. He has always had a passion for the outdoors and introduced hundreds of young people to the mountains via ski and climbing trips.
He has now worked part time at Ackers Adventure as a ski and climbing instructor for over 30 years.

Ian Lane

Ian has worked for the Canal & River Trust for 20 years. During this time he has led the regional Engineering teams, been Waterway Manager with overall responsibility for the West Midlands waterway and more recently led the Trusts involvement in the Commonwealth Games. He has now taken up his current role of Head of Operational partnerships & Fundraising. Prior to joining the Trust Ian worked for a global Civil Engineering consultant for 11 years where he gained a wide range of experience in the inspection, maintenance & repair of assets.

Dave Bateman

Dave started employment at the Ackers in 1982 and throughout the following 38 years gained many awards in canoeing climbing archery to name just a few. For the last 15 years his role was that of Activity Manager managing staffing, health and safety issues First Aid and team development programmes.
Following redundancy at the start of the pandemic Dave set up Outdoorventures4u delivering Bushcraft, First aid training and canoe coaching courses.

Gail Collins

Gail is a town planner, beginning her career in local government where she dealt with a wide range of planning applications, appeals and formulation of planning policy documents, both in the UK and abroad. She then worked for over 20 years in a planning and architectural consultancy, becoming a director, and leading on numerous

projects, including advising on development proposals and redevelopment opportunities for the estates of the West Midlands Police and the Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust. She now works for the Planning Inspectorate.

In addition to being a chartered town planner, Gail also holds a post graduate diploma in management. She is also the coordinator of a West Midlands Police Street Watch group.

Mo Mohamed

Mo is a retired Chartered Civil Engineer with extensive experience in the public, private, and R&D sectors, focusing on large project design and construction, computer simulations, and disaster management planning. Before retiring, he specialised in Environmental Impact Assessment and Mitigation. He also co-founded a training company with CTA, offering courses for professionals like Engineers, Planners, Architects, and Builders, which involved various management tasks including marketing, event planning, and financial management. Mo holds a postgraduate qualification in Organisational Development of SMEs. Dedicated to volunteering, he has been active for around 30 years, starting with the Duke of Edinburgh's Award and later contributing to organisations like Young Carers, Toc-H, DSUK, Sailability, QEHB, Birmingham Christmas Shelter, and Ackers Trust. Additionally, he has experience in fundraising for projects using resources like Grantfinder and EU funding sources.

Emma Martin

After graduating in Sports and Exercise Science from The University of Birmingham, Emma worked at Ackers Adventure as an outdoor activity instructor for 10 years. Progressing to Senior Activity Instructor she gained many awards including skiing, canoeing, climbing and mountain leader.

She now is the Service Director at Character First who support schools with their character provision though a range of trips, workshops, speakers and residentials.