PAR TNERSHIPS: INTERVIEWS WITH EXPERTS
Tales from Retail: Tom Parkin
Meet The Experts From Cotswold Outdoors W
e caught up with Tom Parkin, manager of Cotswold Outdoor’s Harrogate store to find out about his voluntary work the Mountain Rescue Team, his love of climbing, and his passion for preparing people and future generations to enjoy and look after the outdoors.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH THE OUTDOORS?
I think I was introduced to the outdoors properly when I joined Beavers at the age of six and then stayed through scouting. I’ve had some fantastic opportunities; I’ve gone climbing all over the world, mountaineering, walking, but I also think it’s important to appreciate what’s on your doorstep. I think the outdoors is there for everyone to enjoy, and everyone has a right to access it. But at the same time, I think it’s a tremendous privilege, and we have a huge responsibility to look after the outdoors for future generations. We don’t own it, we’re just custodians of it for those who come after us. I’m very lucky to live on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales, where walking and climbing is right on my doorstep. There are some absolutely fantastic spots just a few minutes from me, and a bit further away, you have the whole of the Dales to explore. I think one thing that’s becoming more and more visible for people these days is how integral the outdoor is to people’s health. When I was younger, an adventure was very much about a sense of achievement and conquering. But as I’ve got older, I
can appreciate it’s more about the journey and less about the destination. It might sound corny, but it’s about just being at peace in the outdoors.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR CLIMBING AND SOME OF THE ORGANISATIONS YOU’RE INVOLVED WITH:
I’m not a great climber - I should start by saying that! But I’m passionate, and I’ve been doing it for years. Lots of different disciplines from sport to trad, mountaineering and Scottish winter routes. I think everyone has a right to enjoy climbing whatever their grade. The scouts introduced me to it - again a fantastic opportunity - and I really got the bug in my early teens, and then I just never stopped. When I climb, I am 100% focused. You can’t afford to be anything else. You need to be able to give it all of your concentration to see what’s going on, where you'll be putting your feet next, as well as thinking two or three moves ahead. So, there’s quite a lot to think about, and there isn’t brain space for anything else. I’m not a pro climber, and I’d never claim to be, but the best climber in the room is the one that’s having the most fun.
AND WHAT ABOUT YOUR WORK WITH THE MOUNTAIN RESCUE TEAM: As an outdoor instructor, I’ve had a long relationship with the outdoors, and I feel comfortable in it. Even in howling Scottish conditions in complete whiteouts, I tend not to get flustered. I can remain calm, and that’s born out of the experience of being out in those conditions. I decided it was time to give some of that back by joining my local Mountain Rescue Team and helping others, because anyone can have an accident, and we’re just there to help people when they are in their worst hour. We’re not here to judge because everybody needs help sometimes.
TELL US ABOUT WHAT WORKING AT COTSWOLD OUTDOOR MEANS TO YOU: I’ve been working for Cotswold Outdoor for 12 years now. When I joined, it felt like I was somewhere where everybody understood me, and I understood everybody. I’ve always been passionate about the outdoors, and I can’t think of a better job than being able to speak to other people, day in day out, who share that passion.
In the old days, what I really loved was working with like-minded people and seeing like-minded customers. Now the world’s changed, and we’re getting customers with different experiences from all walks of life, and that’s even more rewarding to see more people enjoying the outdoors. It’s exciting to speak to a customer whether they are going somewhere local or further afield and share in their adventures. Quite often, it's a place I’ve already been, and I’m very passionate about passing on knowledge. Just to be able to relive it with them is exciting.
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT FOR CUSTOMERS TO SPEAK TO AN EXPERT WHEN BUYING THEIR KIT? No one arrives in the outdoors as the finished article, there’s a lot of learning to do, especially around kit. I definitely learned the hard way that you need to invest in quality kit. But hopefully, customers can bypass some of that if they come to Cotswold Outdoor and speak to an expert. I think if you can’t tap into the experience our experts have, you’re learning by trial and error. And ultimately, that’s probably going to end in a miserable weekend. Customers are the only reason we’re here. Seeing a customer on a return visit when they tell me that something I’ve sold them has really worked out is fantastically rewarding, particularly if they weren’t convinced of it at the time!
For advice on kit, as well as free boot and rucksack fitting, visit your local Cotswold Outdoor store and speak to one of their in-store experts, or visit
cotswoldoutdoor.com
Use your discount
64 | CLIMB. WALK. JOIN.
With all this rain and snow make sure you have the right gear! As a BMC member you get 15% discount on all the kit you’ll need including insulation, layering, packs and accessories from our recommended retail partners Cotswold Outdoor and Snow+Rock. Your in-store and online discount code is: AF-BMC-M1
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