Meet the Team
Below is a little bit about the main teams history of the event so you can put names to faces!
2026 Executive Leadership Team
James Credland
Executive Team Lead
Event Logistic & Infrastructure Lead
Role: James is part of the three‑person Executive Leadership Team responsible for leading the committee in all aspects of planning and delivering both the Fellsman and the Fellsman Dart.
This year, his specific focus is event logistics before, during, and after the weekend, with particular responsibility for QM stores and the management of radios and communications equipment.
About Me: James first got involved with the Fellsman at 14 as a Scout, spending the weekend opening and closing the gate to the HQ car park. After a couple of years away, he found himself back again, helping out on the Capplestone Gate checkpoint. After a few years up on the hill, he moved down to the roadside at Yarnbury before eventually ending up at Threshfield assisting with the radios.
At 21, James joined Keighley Scout Service Network and soon after became part of the Fellsman Committee. Since then, he has had his hand in all sorts of jobs — from checkpoint organiser to driving the food van, mopping the kitchen floor, and taking on the role of Transport and Communications Officer.
These days, he is usually found in the control room at Threshfield during the event, keeping an eye on buses, equipment, and the running of the event. Over the past few years, James has served as the Assistant Event Organiser, and he is now one of the three members of the Executive Team Leads, helping to drive the event forward.
Previous Roles:
Executive Team Lead
Assistant Event Organiser
Checkpoint Assistant
Checkpoint Offier
Communication/ Logistics Officer
Jonathan Olsson
Executive Team Lead
Event Logistic & Infrastructure Lead
Event Admin / Website
Role: Jonny is part of the three‑person Executive Leadership Team responsible for leading the committee in all aspects of planning and delivering both the Fellsman and the Fellsman Dart.
This year, his specific focus is event logistics before, during, and after the weekend. This includes overseeing QM stores, managing radios and communications equipment, and ensuring the event website remains accurate and up to date throughout the season.
About Me: Jonny has been involved with the Fellsman since he was 16, when he joined the team as a hilltop checkpoint volunteer up on a very bleak Hells Gap with Keighley Explorers (the name really does say it all — there’s nowhere to shelter up there!).
At 18, after moving into Cobbydale Scout Network, Jonny took on the role of a “pink shirt” at Threshfield. In those early years, he did all the little but vital jobs that often go unseen — locking gates, rolling bacon, and moving paperwork from the radio table to the corresponding checkpoint peg. This was well before computer systems took over much of the admin work.
Jonny’s involvement grew when he joined Keighley Scout Service Team, later stepping up to the Committee as an Assistant Checkpoint Officer. From there, he helped to develop and manage the deployment of the entrant buses, a role that gradually expanded to include working with the CAM team. As Radio Organiser and Transport Manager a new role was created, Communications and Logistics Systems team, overseeing both radio traffic and transport movements from a central location. This role was later shared with James managing the event from Threshfield to ensure the whole event was covered.
In 2023, Jonny stepped away from the full-time CAM role to become Event Organiser, guiding the event through a period of change, including the landmark 60th edition and the introduction of the Dart.
Outside of The Fellsman, Jonny is a passionate Scouter. He has been a Scout Leader at three different groups within Keighley District, with a proven track record of building up troop numbers. His current Scouting roles include Unit Manager for Keighley Scout Service Network and Assistant Section Volunteer at Oakworth Scout Group.
Previous Roles:
Executive Team Lead
Event Organiser
Communication Officer, Communication/ Logistics Officer
Transport Manager
Checkpoint Assistant
Chris Driver (Screwy)
Executive Team Lead
Checkpoint Organiser
Landowner Liaison Lead
Role: Chris is part of the three‑person Executive Leadership Team responsible for guiding the committee in all aspects of planning and delivering both the Fellsman and the Fellsman Dart. Within this structure, he leads the team overseeing all checkpoint planning and operations, ensuring each location is fully prepared, staffed, and equipped for event day.
For the 2026 season, Chris’s primary focus is landowner liaison. He is responsible for maintaining positive relationships with landowners across the route, securing permissions, addressing concerns, and ensuring the event continues to operate with respect for the land and those who manage it.
About Me: Chris(known to most as Screwy)has been a part of the Fellsman for over 40 years, and he proudly admits it’s partly his fault that many of the current committee members are involved today!
His Fellsman journey began at age 14, when he first volunteered as a Scout, helping with all sorts of jobs and running around the school during the event. Since then, Chris has taken on an impressive variety of roles, both on and off the committee. Over the years, he has operated radios, worked at checkpoints, driven minibuses, managed radio control at Cam, and served as Checkpoint Officer, Kit Check Officer, and Hike Organiser.
Through it all, Chris has witnessed the very best of the Fellsman spirit — the incredible achievements of so many participants and volunteers — as well as the tough moments, including making difficult decisions like cancelling the event in the middle of the night.
He’s even experienced the Fellsman from the other side of the table — as an entrant himself.
Previous Roles:
Hike Organiser
Checkpoint Officer
Kit Check Officer
2026 Event Team Leads
Oli Stow
Headquarters Controller
Role: The Headquarters Controller is responsible for managing the building and facilities at Threshfield throughout the Fellsman and the Fellsman Dart. This role ensures that the physical headquarters operates smoothly, safely, and efficiently from setup through to final close‑down.
Key responsibilities include overseeing access to the building, coordinating room use and layout, managing utilities and equipment, and ensuring that HQ remains a functional, organised base for event administration. The Headquarters Controller supports the wider event by maintaining a stable, well‑run environment for the teams working within the building.
This role will be taken on by Oli, ensuring the smooth running of Threshfield, particularly during the transition from the Secondary School to Event HQ.
After a short break from Scouting, he joined KSSN and the Fellsman Committee, where he has since become a vital part of the event’s organisation. Oli plays a key role in coordinating the network of checkpoints that keep the Fellsman running smoothly — ensuring every location is well-staffed, well-supplied, and ready to welcome both elite runners and weary walkers.
During a brief break from checkpoint duties, Oli also stepped into the Threshfield Kitchen, supporting the catering team as Assistant Catering Team Lead. There, he helped provide much-needed meals and morale to participants and volunteers alike.
Previous Roles:
Checkpoint Organiser
Assistant Catering Lead
Checkpoint Staff
Sarah Driver
Checkpoint Organiser
(Checkpoint Admin Lead)
Internal Event Treasurer
Role: Sarah is part of the team responsible for all aspects of planning and delivering the checkpoints for both the Fellsman and the Fellsman Dart.
This year, her specific focus is checkpoint paperwork and administration, ensuring all documentation, records, and operational information are accurate, organised, and ready for use across the event weekend.
Looking ahead to 2027, Sarah will also be taking on the role of Internal Event Treasurer. This position is responsible for managing the financial administration that supports the internal operations of the Fellsman and the Fellsman Dart. It includes overseeing internal budgets, tracking expenditure, supporting purchasing processes, and ensuring accurate financial records are maintained for all event‑related activities.
About Me: Sarah first became involved with The Fellsman when she met her husband Chris just under 20 years ago. His passion for the event very quickly rubbing off on her. After moving to Yorkshire (from way down south in Hampshire), Sarah joined both the Keighley Scout Service Network and The Fellsman committee. With a background in Computing (among other things
she was involved in developing a system for the RAF, used to co-ordinate air, sea and mountain rescues), Sarah initially became involved in the
Admin side of the event, primarily at Threshfield, as well as a short stint as Entries Secretary.
Most recently Sarah has primarily just been involved on the weekend, supported Chris with kit check, checkpoints and helping him stay awake
driving round the route at silly-o-clock in the morning. She finds it particularly rewarding talking to, supporting and encouraging
entrants at checkpoint in the early hours of the morning.
When not involved with The Fellsman, trains big and small typically feature, thanks to her train-obsessed family (another of Chris’s passions that their two boys have very much embraced). Sarah also loves photography, a hobby she has often combined with The Fellsman.
Previous Roles:
Admin Team
Entry Secretary
Kit Check Team
Assisting Checkpoint Officer
Shona Brunskill
Catering Lead
Shona works with the Catering Lead (HQ) for all things shopping, logistics etc.
About Me: Shona’s (sometimes referred to as Shn) first Fellsman was at Capplestone Gate with Ventures at 16, and she’s fairly sure it’s Screwy’s fault… for 11 years after that she was a radio op, at Cam/out and about, and then Threshfield Control, before finally joining the committee as Assistant Caterer 25 years ago. Unusually for the Fellsman committee, she hasn’t really moved since. You’ll always find her in the kitchen at parties…
Shona’s love of random mass catering formed as an official hobby when in her second (?) year the WRVS were unavailable (after many years running Threshfield) and she realised she could run the kitchen herself, roping in various friends to help. She eventually took charge of the checkpoint ordering too, revamped the menu and for several years her Dad drove the van, whilst her mother spent hours baking her famous Fellsman Flapjack and making fresh soup concentrate for the checkpoints. We all miss that Flapjack…
This year Shona is joined by Sarah in an official capacity, who after a few years staffing the kitchen has decided to take on the Threshfield Catering Role, releasing Shona back into the wild (aka Ingleton start and the Food Delivery Van). There’s strength in numbers.
Previous Roles:
Checkpoint/Cam/Threshfield control radio ops
Assistant Catering Officer
Catering Manager
Entries Secretary
Email admin / online / general admin
Shop
First Aid co-ordinator
Event Organiser
Assistant Event Organiser
Rachael Witney
Catering Lead
(Headquaters – Non Committee)
Role: The Catering Department is, in many ways, the heart of the Fellsman — everyone works better on a full stomach. This team ensures that entrants and support staff are properly fuelled before they set off and are warmly rewarded on their return with a well‑earned, tasty meal.
This role involves organising staff meal orders and entrant food orders (including supper and breakfast), quantifying, ordering, collecting, and cooking food at Threshfield, and managing the setup and clear‑down of the school kitchens. It also includes leading and supporting the catering team to ensure the kitchen remains fully operational throughout the entire weekend.
Although this is not a committee role, it is an essential part of the event’s smooth running and contributes significantly to the overall experience for both participants and volunteers.
About Me: Rachael stepped into the catering role to save the day in 2026, bringing energy, organisation, and a calm head to one of the most demanding parts of the event. She’s looking forward to developing the role further and working closely with Shona in 2027 to continue strengthening the catering team.
Outside of the Fellsman, Rachael is an occasional helper with the 6th Kly Oakworth Scout Group, assisting with activities outside normal meetings and playing a key part in camp teams. She also has two youth members on the event, who can usually be found either helping in the kitchen alongside her or up at Parkrash with her husband, Gav.
Previous Roles:
Checkpoint Staff
Alex Thewlis
Event Controller
(Cam Houses)
Today, Alex leads the team responsible for coordinating event communications and administration, based at Cam, ensuring the smooth running of one of the Fellsman’s most vital operations.
Previous Roles:
Radio Operator
Checkpoint Officer
Equipment Check Officer
HQ Controller
Safety Officer
Beth Credland
Event Controller
(Threshfield)
Key responsibilities include monitoring entrants throughout the event, maintaining fully operational checkpoint teams, ensuring clear and reliable communication channels, and safeguarding the wellbeing of both participants and volunteers. In addition, the role oversees the logistics of event vehicles, coordinating bus movements to ensure entrants are transported safely and on schedule.
Today, Beth plays a key role behind the computers at Threshfield, managing the control desk and helping to keep the event running smoothly from start to finish.
Previous Roles:
Pink Shirt
Checkpoint Assistant
Bus Driver Co-pilot
Catering Van Driver
Communications & Logistics Assistant
Julie Olsson
Registration / Final Check Lead
Shop Manager
Role: Jules leads the fantastic team that greets you on Friday evening, making sure every entrant is checked in smoothly, fully registered, and has their bus tickets ready for the weekend ahead. She’s also the friendly face you’ll meet again at final check‑in after you’ve completed your own event, helping bring everyone safely back through the finish process.
Behind the scenes, Jules keeps things running just as smoothly. In the run‑up to the event she manages all online shop orders, making sure they’re processed, packed, and dispatched in good time so you have everything you need before the big weekend.
Her organisation, energy, and care help set the tone for the whole event — you’re in good hands from the moment you arrive.
About Me: Jules was first introduced to the Fellsman after meeting Jonny in a bar in 2013 — a meeting that eventually led to marriage and a shared love of the event. With a background in administration, she now plays a key role in coordinating the shop prior to the event and is based at Threshfield throughout the event weekend. Her team manages registration on the Friday night and completes the final checks as everyone returns. Jules is always looking forward to welcoming participants and supporters alike!
Previous Roles:
Final Check team lead
Shop Administrator
Communications & Logistics Assistant
Food Van Delivery Co-Driver
Registration Team member
Bev Dickinson
Sweep Team Liaison Lead
Social Media Lead
Role: Bev is the key link between the committee and the sweep teams, ensuring they are fully informed and up to date on any changes in plans, procedures, or route details throughout the lead‑up to the event.
On the event weekend, her role shifts to Sweep Team Bus Driver, coordinating the deployment and collection of sweep teams at the correct times and locations. Bev ensures teams are moved efficiently, safely, and in line with the event’s operational needs, playing a vital part in keeping the sweep system running smoothly.
Looking ahead to 2027, Bev will also be taking on responsibility for running the event’s social media pages, ensuring timely updates, clear communication, and effective engagement with participants and followers.
About Me: Over 20 years ago, Bev became a bus driver for the Fellsman, learning the route and taking those who have withdrawn or retired back to Threshfield. After a number of years, an opportunity arose for her to drive the Sweep Team bus — thanks in part to the previous driver deciding he would take on the challenge of the Fellsman him self.
Now, along with her son as co-driver, Bev ensures the Sweep Teams are in the right place at the right time, following the last of the competitors and making sure everyone stays safe.
Being part of the Fellsman makes Bev feel like she belongs to something truly special — an event run by Scouting that embodies teamwork, adventure, and community spirit. She loves the camaraderie, the friendliness, the smiles at checkpoints, and the magic of seeing dawn break over the beautiful Yorkshire Dales. Every year, she looks forward to meeting the dedicated Sweep Teams who travel from all over the country to join them for their annual jaunt around the Dales.
Previous Roles:
Pink Shirt
Checkpoint Assistant
Bus Driver Co-pilot
Catering Van Driver
Communications & Logistics Assistant
Phill Hands
Event Logistic & Infrastructure
Over time, he’s even brought both of his sons into the fold: after doing stints as radio operators and final check crew, they now serve alongside him on the driving team. Since working on the Fellsman, Phil has also joined scouting for the first time as a member of KSSN and is looking forward to contributing further as a committee member. Outside of scouting, he is an active member of KRUFC and is currently serving as a linesman for the first team during the current season.
Previous Roles:
Back of event driver
Set up Crew
Greg Boole
Event Logistic & Infrastructure
He grew up in a Scouting family in Birmingham and remained active until moving to Yorkshire over 25 years ago. In 2022, Greg returned as a registered volunteer and, in 2025, also joined the Fellsman Committee, keen to support this remarkable event and the dedicated people who make it happen.
Previous Roles:
Checkpoint Volunteer (Park Rash)
Event Transport Team
Bob Whitehead
Health and Safety Advisor
Medical Team Lead
Bob’s professional background lies in the emergency services, where he served as an operational firefighter for over 27 years. During that time, he worked as an instructor in various operational disciplines and as a watch-based Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). After leaving the fire service, he retrained and spent time working as an EMT with the ambulance service.
For around 25 years, Bob has also been a first aid instructor, covering both workplace and outdoor/sports first aid, and has contributed to the development of nationally accredited first aid training across different sectors. Since 2019, he has worked as a fire, health, and safety specialist, supporting several thousand colleagues nationwide.
Outside of work, Bob has always had a passion for sport and fitness. He has completed several off-road marathons and spent many years playing rugby.
First Aider at Yarnbury Checkpoint,
Event First Aid Coordinator,
Iain Kirk
Race Route Advisor Lead
When not in Yorkshire, you will find Iain walking, cycling or many other adventurous activities all over the world. Out of work he is also a volunteer for the RNLI.
Previous Roles:
Entrant
Sweep Team Leader
Route Advisor
Jonathan Carter
Entrant Kit / Equipment Lead
Role: Jonathan leads the Kit Check Equipment team, working closely alongside his wife Suzanne to ensure every entrant arrives fully prepared and safe for the challenge ahead. As an ultra‑runner who loves keeping up with the latest kit, he’s perfectly suited to the role. Together they organise the kit check volunteers, maintain equipment standards, and guide participants through the process. Their teamwork keeps everything running smoothly throughout event weekend.You can’t beat a good kit faff!
old on her first Fellsman. A year without a Fellsman doesn’t seem quite right….
Previous Roles:
Event Organiser
Checkpoint Officer
PR officer
Kit Check officer
Communications Officer
Radio Operator
Checkpoint staff member
Sweep team
Emergency Response crew
Scout Runner
Entrant
Suzanne Carter
Entrant Kit / Equipment Lead
Role: Suzanne leads the Kit Check Equipment team, working closely alongside her husband to ensure every entrant arrives fully prepared and safe for the challenge ahead. Together they organise the kit check volunteers, maintain equipment standards, and guide participants through the process. Their teamwork keeps everything running smoothly throughout event weekend.
About Me: Suzanne first got involved in the Fellsman at the age of 15 as a Venture Scout. Her unit ran the Redshaw checkpoint and she went along to see what it was all about. She can honestly say she’s never been as cold in her life and distinctly remember being wrapped up like a cocoon in her sleeping bag! She was smitten despite that though and has been back virtually every year since in one way or another, either as a volunteer, member of the committee or as an entrant.
Suzanne joined the committee after sending the then Event Organiser, Tim Powell, a list of points for the committee to consider after having volunteered on the event. She was encouraged to join Keighley Scout Service Team and the Fellsman committee in order to be able to action some of her suggestions. As with many things, once you get involved, it’s hard to step away and, over 25 years on, Suzanne is still involved with the committee.
Suzanne’s daughter Erin was born just 6 days before the 2010 Fellsman, of which she was the Event Organiser. Erin is very much a Fellsman baby having attended more events that she’s had birthdays; her birthday celebrations often have to take place after the event, but she doesn’t mind as the Fellsman has always been such a big part of her life.
Suzanne was the first female Event Organiser in its history and safely led the event through the weather-induced safety emergency in 2012. Her most memorable Fellsman moment was crossing the finish line as a successful entrant (and the only female committee member to do so to date) alongside her husband, Jonathan who is also a long-standing committee member. Seeing the event as both a committee member and entrant gives her a unique perspective on all things Fellsman and only served to compound her love for the event: the wild but stunning environment it traverses, the camaraderie of everyone involved and the challenge of navigating around the route make this a truly special weekend-long picnic!
Previous Roles:
Event Organiser
Assistant Event Organiser
Assistant Checkpoint Officer
Radio Operator
Shop Lead
Assistant / Headquarters Controller
PR officer
Kit Check Officer
Emergency Response crew
Checkpoint team member
Entrant
Event Admin
Role currently shared with : Jonny Olsson, Bev Dickinson, James Credland
Event PR
Role: KSSN member, responsible for PR: flyers, social media, website, FB messenger.
Role currently shared with : Bev Dickinson, Iain Kirk, Jonny Olsson