It’s always exciting to see where life takes our former students, so we caught up with adventure sports grad Tom Robinson to find out how his outdoor adventure pursuits has taken him to TV!
Reaseheath graduate Tom Robinson is to feature in a new reality TV series that follows four celebrities as they get to grips with exploring the British countryside by barge.
‘Celebrity Carry on Barging’ follows novice bargers Debbie McGee, Nigel Havers, Simon Callow and Lorraine Chase as they learn the art navigation down two of Britain’s favourite canals the Kennet and Avon canal and the Llangollen canal.
The celebrity bargers meet Tom and business partner Richard Witheridge as they are travel along the Llangollen canal and stop off at their outdoor activity centre. Tom and Richard co-own and run TNR Coaching, and the programme sees them treat the celebs to an afternoon of abseiling [whereabouts tom??] and a hearty meal at their onsite pub. The pair founded TNR Coaching in 2015 and offer a range activities and training opportunities to individuals and groups across North Wales and the surrounding area.
Tom Said: “We had a great time filming with the celebrity barging team, everyone was really friendly and got stuck to the activities. We’re looking forward to watching the series and feel privileged that we were asked to be involved, especially as we only established our business less than two years ago.”
North Yorkshire born Tom, 28, who graduated with an FdSc in Outdoor Education and Management from Reaseheath after completing his National Diploma in Adventure sports with us, has built up a strong portfolio of outdoor education experience since leaving the college. Initially working as a freelance outdoor activity instructor in North Wales he went on to establish a number of outdoor activity camps in East Africa, France and Scandinavia. He’s also a bushcraft guru, running survival and bushcraft courses around the UK.
On college Tom commented: “My time at Reaseheath definitely inspired me to pursue a career in the adventure industry. I originally planned to join the marines, but the support of tutors and gaining work experience in North Wales, took me on an outdoor adventure path and I’ve never looked back!”
Like Tom, his business partner Richard also has an outdoor coaching background, with over 20 years’ experience in the industry alongside experience managing pubs, working as an IT engineer and computer systems builder. The pair set up TNR Coaching to give the people of Llangollen and surrounding areas the opportunity to explore the landscape in a fun an affordable way.
Alongside running TNR Coaching Tom and Richard deliver a host of other training such as remote fieldwork first aid and health and safety workshops, working closely with Chester Zoo.
Catch Tom and Richard on ‘Celebrity Carry on Barging’ on Friday 24th February Channel 5, 8pm.
