Committee 2024-25
![]() ![]() |
Josh Saunders – PresidentAfter a year of being treasurer, Josh is back for another year on committee, this time as the president of UBES! He has all the key qualities of a great UBESter, he is cheerful, adventurous and has a love for all things whimsical. He has a particular knack of bringing musical instruments on backpacking trips, goodness knows how he fits them all into his backpack! His commitment to UBES is seen in the number of trips and events he’s been around for this year, always being great company on a hike or climb. He is friendly and chatty and sure to make any newcomer feel welcome and at ease. His conversations are always entertaining, ask him about Tube Cheese, ‘Lanshans’, and potential vehicles that could be used to get off a mountain – the most recent idea has been a Jetpack! ML(t), RFA(2), BMC-SS, WS, RPS |
![]() ![]() |
Jane Williamson – Vice PresidentJane is one of the friendliest and most down to earth people you’ll ever meet. If UBES were a person, it would most definitely be Jane! She is a truly adventurous soul, with a genuine passion for the environment and love for our community. In her previous role as expedition officer, her organisational skills shone from Dartmoor all the way to Scotland (the greatest trip ever). Now, she is ready and waiting to welcome a whole new generation of UBESters. If you ever need advice, inspiration, or just a chat to a familiar face, Jane is your go-to! She is filled with knowledge and stories: bike-packing adventures, hiking in the Himalayas, trail running, geography field trips and (of course) many adventures in the stunning Scottish Highlands. ML(t), WS |
![]() ![]() |
Beth Saunders – TreasurerKeeping the Saunders dynasty strong, Beth is armed and dangerous with the card machine for a year of looking after the (sadly not gold and shiny) UBES treasure as this years treasurer! Easily spotted in her bright green coat or bright green car (the lime on wheels) or probably some other bright green attire, she has stormed into UBES in just half a year and is now your quintessential UBESter – wherever possible enjoying being in the mountains, on a climbing wall or in a tent. Despite her fierce competitiveness in a game of ratchet screwdriver, Beth is a chill and chatty person to be around and always comes prepared with a big smile and great energy, rain or shine. RPS |
![]() ![]() |
Joel McGraw – SecretaryIncoming Secretary from the esteemed role of Kit and Safety officer, Joel is perfect for the role and is generally a wonderful human being all round. UBES is very lucky to have him 🙂 Whilst his Earth Sciences background means that he can go into the mountains and call it ‘work’, he’s a keen (and very fast) runner, and a seasoned backpacker, from the Peaks of the Balkans to Slovakia, plus many a UBES weekend and two Scotland trips (that ice axe is still lurking somewhere up that mountain…) Joel has also done Winter Skills and Mountain Leader training (on which we learnt, amongst many a mountain skill obviously, how lethal a combination red wine chased with Yorkshire tea can be), so couldn’t be better prepared for another UBES year ahead. ML(t), RFA(2), BMC-SS, WS |
![]() ![]() |
Harry Werring – Climbing OfficerHarry began his climbing journey at UBES intro to climbing just two short years ago and has since become one of the strongest climbers in the society. Having done a learn-to-lead trad course last summer and recently completed his Rock Climbing Instructor training in Snowdonia, he is well equipped to pass on his skills to climbing newbies over the coming year. When not being an academic weapon in the Fry Building library, Harry can usually be found at flashpoint, redpoint or somewhere in the Avon Gorge. On the odd occasion that he’s not climbing, he’s probably hiking in the Lakes or at UBES pub. Harry’s other skills include tiramisu-making and mixology. RCI(t), RPS |
![]() ![]() |
Ella Newmarch – Climbing OfficerAfter finding herself in the deep end traversing Sharp Edge on her first ever trip, it’s a wonder Ella ever came back, but a year on she has become a committed UBESter. From humble beginnings a year ago as an indoor boulderer who would “never do anything as scary as trad climbing”, Ella has been overcoming a pesky fear of heights and conquered massive multipitch excursions in the Avon Gorge and Snowdonia, plus she might actually be starting to prefer lead climbing! She is keen to encourage a new generation of UBES climbers and continue the legacy of Monday Bouldering! After completing the Skye Trail and a mountain skills course in Snowdonia this summer, she is ready to jump headfirst into the new UBES year with a hunger for more climbing and scrambling (weather permitting!). She is also excited for the final year of her Biology degree – if you have any burning questions about colour-changing woodlice, Ella is the person to ask! RPS |
![]() ![]() |
Nina Allen – General Kit and Safety OfficerFresh off an exped to Poland, esteemed Northerner Nina is our new general Kit and Safety officer! When not proclaiming her love for the lake district on a hike (the longer, the better!), she can often be found running around the harborside at ungodly hours of the morning as part of the UBES run club. She has a wealth of knowledge from her years spent outdoors and loves teaching to pass it along. A chemistry PhD student, Nina looks forward to expanding her ‘stores empire’ this year as quartermaster for the local scouts and now also overseer of the infamous UBES stores! FA, WS |
![]() ![]() |
Aidan Johnson – Climbing Kit and Safety OfficerA resident American from the State of Georgia, Aidan is very approachable and friendly and can always be found at the pub – he boasts to have never missed a UBES pub, even joining before getting properly involved in the society. A keen hiker, Aidan is often surprised when a tough hike turns out to be tough, but armed with his certified ‘willingness to suffer’ he always powers through! After being ‘slightly broken’ by the summer exped to Corsica, Aidan is back for another year despite having recently graduated from his engineering degree. A self-claimed skilled climber, Aidan will be bringing his extensive kit knowledge to his new role as Climbing Kit and Safety Officer this year! RCI(t), BMC-SS, WS, RPS |
![]() ![]() |
Monica Jones – Expeditions OfficerNewly appointed for the prestigious position of Expedition Officer at UBES. Monica is a seasoned hiker, pro gardener and a certified tent-enthusiast (she never leaves the house without one!). Hailing from the rugged and wild Bannau Brycheiniog national park she is no stranger to the outdoors (it’s rumoured that she first walked up Pen-y-fan at 2 years old!). You name it, she’s hiked it. From the remote deserts of the Pacific Crest Trail to the wet and windy West Highland Way, she’s done it all. And she’ll be putting this extensive trekking experience to good use this year, both as a ‘walk leader’ and through her committee role, helping in the organization of numerous exciting expeditions to Scotland (whoop whoop) and across Europe over the summer. Her passion for the outdoors and commitment to fostering an inclusive community make her a integral part of the UBES team. So, if you see her say hi! You’ll most likely find her at the end of a long hike taking a refreshing dip in a lake, enjoying a good pint at the UBES pub or smashing it on the climbing walls. She’s super friendly, chatty and your go-to UBESter if you’re ever in need of a pair of freshly knitted socks. RFA(2) |
![]() ![]() |
Joseph Fawcett – Expeditions OfficerIntroducing Joe, one of the new expedition Expedition Officers for UBES! Standing out as a rarity within UBES, Joe brings a keen enthusiasm for water-based adventures spending lots of his time white water and sea kayaking in the UK and further afield in the alps!! Coupled with a love for hiking and climbing, Joe is a versatile outdoorsman with a thirst for exploration. As a dedicated physical geographer, Joe’s knowledge of the natural world adds depth to his outdoor pursuits. Embracing the simplicity of tent life, he finds solace in the great outdoors, whether he’s navigating challenging waters or scaling rocky cliffs. Joe is particularly excited about planning the Scotland winter trip, eager to dive into the details and create an unforgettable experience for everyone who joins us up north! Furthermore, Joe can’t wait to chat with everyone about their exciting summer adventure plans and lending a helping hand to turn those dreams into reality. With his infectious enthusiasm and genuine interest in others’ experiences, Joe is set to foster a community of outdoor enthusiasts within UBES. Get ready for a season of thrilling expeditions, shared stories, and unforgettable memories under Joe’s capable guidance! WS, RPS |
![]() ![]() |
Lily Dalkin-Strube – Development OfficerGrowing up in the Peak District, Lily is no stranger to hiking or climbing. In the Peaks or in the Lake District, she would often be found out in the mountains with family and friends, whether on two feet, two wheels, in a lake or halfway up a crag! An ardent lover of the outdoors, she carries a wide range of skills and knowledge into next year. From walking & scrambling, to rock climbing and a growing experience mountaineering! She’s ready to bring together all these different aspects of UBES fun, and to expand the skill and experience of UBES as a whole! When not half-way up Jacks Rake, swimming lengths in Sickle Tarn, or generally in the mountains, she can be found enjoying our weekly UBES pub and plotting her team’s win next Scav Hunt. BMC-SS, WS, JCAMT, RPS |
![]() ![]() |
Stan Riley – Social Secretary*Queue: David Attenborough on the mic* And here we have spotted a wild Stan in his natural habitat, climbing the walls of Redpoint and chatting up the Monday Boulderers. He’s a rather rare creature – when he’s not chugging bananas and acting as THE Academic Weapon of Park Street Pret (medic saving lives over here – very cool, but we can’t let him know it), he’s usually up a mountain, up a wall or teaching some other UBESters how to follow him there. Some recently uncovered facts about Stan: he’s actually called James, he’s got a ~secret~ twin brother, and did you know he does Camp America?! Previously the UBES climbing sec, Stan shall return from an American-Dream summer to take up the role of best-social-sec-ever (alongside Charlie, of course 😉). His class chat, endless energy and love for anything (and everyone) UBES makes him perfect for the job, no doubt he’ll smash it! WS, RPS |
![]() ![]() |
Charlie Hill – Social SecretaryFresh from the River Dee, Charlie is a ray of sunshine from the land of movie stars (oh wait wrong Hollywood). A master of persuasion, Charlie can convince anyone to have fun, whether it be lake bagging or a trip to Thekla its impossible to not have fun around Charlie! Going into her 4th year at Bristol she is an expert of all things to do! Favourites include BBQs on the downs, freezing dips in Clevedon Lake and saving stray dogs (I made that on up). When Charlie isn’t in the water she’s on it, busting out moves on her stand up paddle board or maybe taking a floating nap. With Charlie in charge of the social calendar you are guaranteed to be busy and entertained, squeezing in everything from coffee shop crawls to taking on 10 before 10 we are in for a very fun year! We might even have time for a wind mill protest – they do kill whales after all… |
![]() ![]() |
Alfie Cross – Postgraduate OfficerAlfie dons many alter egos, the most famous being Alfredo Cruz. Back from being the climbing officer last year, Alfie is ready to become one of the oldies of UBES in his postgraduate role. Keen as ever to tell you about why Norwich City is one of the best football teams, Alfie is sweet, kind, and most of all less funny than his counterpart Gaurav. A climbing fanatic, Alfie will be keen to get you climbing the plastic rocks at Redpoint and Flashpoint and help you learn how to lead climb in no time! Alfie has also become a Scotland fan, having been up three times now with UBES: the famous SCOTLANDDDD winter trip, the West Highland Way, and most recently River Dee. His time as Postgrad officer will surely be filled with more climbing, running, and drinking, and he will gladly do all three at the same time if he could! He looks forward to meeting you. WS, RPS
|
![]() ![]() |
Gaurav Yadav – Postgraduate OfficerEver wanted to be serenaded with a song on a ukulele? Or experience the many vegan wonders of the world? Or question your very existence through an eye-opening existential conversation? Then look no further than the one and only recently graduated and incoming postgrad officer Gaurav! Gaurav first experienced the wonderful worlds of hiking and climbing through UBES, developing a wealth of knowledge throughout (except using crampons). Gaurav is perhaps best known for his ability to run forever through the hills and will be forever keen to go on a run with you! Although maybe best not to ask him about his Yorkshire 3 peaks experience… Gaurav has a love for music and dance, in particular folk and jazz. If you end up on a run, hike or climb with Gaurav you will be sure to have a great time, you can ask him anything, and he will use his unique but wonderful sense of humour to keep you entertained for hours on end! WS |
![]() ![]() |
Thomas Hunter – WebmasterAfter his impeccable first year as webmaster, Thomas returns to committee for a second round (just scroll a little to see why). He’s a very keen UBESter, bringing heaps of enthusiasm to trips and socials, getting stuck in to walking, climbing and winter shenanigans and you can always trust him to have homemade focaccia on hand. Thomas loved the Scotland trip last year, enjoying the company just as much as the scenery. He was also blessed with a snowy Lake District which has inspired him to get involved with more winter fun. This year, the website is going places. Thomas has big plans to enhance the world of webmastery both online and behind the scenes working on the trip organisation system. As a seasoned committee member, Thomas knows what a good trip looks like and is looking forward to sharing that with a new generation of UBESters on trips and expeds across the country. ML(t), RFA(2), WS, RPS
|
![]() ![]() |
Charmaine Sew – CommunicationsNeed some cool knowledge from a wise traveller? Look no further! Charmaine has visited the Balkans, North Macedonia and the UBES Poland exped recently this summer, just to name a few, so her expertise in exploration is unmatched. Alongside travelling, Charmaine loves running but it also very artsy- having an interest in museums, art exhibitions, writing and poetry! Although she does hate coffee, perhaps why she falls asleep very easily watching films… Being from Asia, Charmaine is a sucker for Asian food and LOVES spice. Coming from Singapore where the outdoors is non-existent, she knows how scary starting out can be; so speak to her to be eased in! Being the previous Equalities Officer, she has a strong passion for social issues and is also a complete workaholic having loads of part-time jobs (running a food stall, being a relief worker at a youth hostel etc…). Is she gonna be the best Communications officer or is she gonna be the best Communication officer? RFA(2), WS |
![]() ![]() |
Praveen Balasundaram – Equality OfficerWant a sing-a-long buddy when you’re in the mountains? Prav’s got your back. Catch him singing cheesey pop tunes to Nicki Minaj or Ariana Grande in the hills, or waffle with him about dinosaurs. Prav’s also an avid runner and swimmer (legend says he’s really quick), so if you need a training buddy, you know who to go to. In the day-to-day, being a medical student forms a huge part of his identity. Caring for others and having this heart of gold is evident through his experiences volunteering at his local care home and local library. Moreover, he’s constantly trying to find new ways to be more environmentally sustainable, so if that’s something you care about as well, hit Prav up for a chat or two! Prav’s also got loads to talk about when it comes to food. With an Asian heritage, he loves his spice (Nando’s extra hot is his go-to). Having worked at Subway before, he also claims to be a “pretty good sandwich artist”, but not sure about that though, since he got banned from cutting cheese in UBES… Anyways, his boundless knowledge about everything, lived experience and strong sense of social justice makes him the perfect fit for your Equalities Officer! |
2024-25 Associate Committee
Every year there is an Associate Committee, typically made up of four alumni and ex-committee. They act as an advisory board for the President and committee as they can bring wisdom from their time in UBES. This year they are:
- Isaac Ogden – vice-president 23-24
- David Exton – president 22-23
- Ewan White – president 21-22
- Cassia Copeland – president 19-20
For the meanings of the letters in italics, see the Qualifications List below this table.
Qualifications/Training Explained
- ML(t) – Mountain Leader Award (Training)
- RCI(t) – Rock Climbing Instructor (Training)
- (R)FA(1) – (Remote) First Aid Course (Days)
- BMC-SS – BMC Student Safety Seminar
- WS – Winter Skills
- JCAMT – Jonathan Conville Alpine Mountaineering Trust Course
- RPS – Redpoint Supervisor
You must be logged in to post a comment.