OUR VALUES
Birch Hall is a Christian outdoor education centre for all ages to have fun, to learn, to develop confidence and to spend time enjoying this beautiful part of the Essex coast. At Birch Hall we run activities that encourage young people and adults to take up the challenges that life presents them and live it to the full.
OUR STAFF
Alex Phillips
Centre Director
Alex and his wife Holly founded Birch Hall Adventures in 2014. He has a wealth of experience in both education and the outdoors. His passion is to see children challenging themselves and growing in confidence and experience through outdoor activities. He is never happier than when sailing on a boat!
Naomi Lower
Office Manager
Naomi joined Birch Hall Adventures in 2019. She ensures the smooth running of office operations and on occasion helps out with instructing. She is married to David and they have four children. She enjoys anything to do with admin and the outdoors!
OUR TRUSTEES
Nick Singleton
Trustee responsible for Health and Safety
Nick is a fire officer in Essex and he takes the lead on Health and Safety at Birch Hall Adventures. He is married to Abi and they have one boy. Nick enjoys the outdoors and in particular sailing and paddleboarding. He holds this charity close to his heart.
Guy Main
Trustee responsible for Risk & Insurance
Guy is married and has 3 children. He is passionate about education in all it’s forms as ‘you never stop learning’. In his spare time, Guy enjoys both running and sailing. With his legal background – Guy is our resident expert on risk & insurance.
Peter Law
Trustee responsible for land activities
Peter is the minister of Kirby Evangelical Church. He moved to the area about 7 years ago following a stint of time in Jordan. If it wasn’t for Pippa, our well-being dog, we may not have known that Peter existed! He is a keen sailor and regularly volunteers his time either on the water or on the land!
Rachael Hurst
Trustee responsible for safeguarding & water-sports
Rachael is married to Steve and they have two sons. She is a keen sailing instructor and has been working together with Birch Hall Adventures for a number of years. She is a geography teacher at a local secondary school and can run field studies courses for BHA. Rachael ensures the smooth running of our different activities!
Jo Bingham
Trustee responsible for education
As a primary school teacher, Jo enjoyed bringing school groups to BHA for several years. Now retired, she is keen to support the centre in its delivery of outdoor education, developing links with the curriculum. Married to Matt, Jo is kept busy with both young grandchildren and older relatives. She enjoys sport and has recently taken up Pickleball.
Richard Myers
Trustee responsible for Finance
It’s great to have Richard on board. He has great business skills and is a great help with our accounting and finance!