The Evolution Team

Evolution Climbing is dedicated to teaching people of all ages and abilities to climb. For over 50 years the Tullis family have been doing just that. Opportunities to try climbing are commonplace nowadays but opportunities to really learn with highly motivated and very experienced instructors are much rarer.

As a company we are very proud of the large numbers of our ex pupils who continue to climb after catching the bug from us, we are hugely privileged to have started the climbing careers of some amazing people.

We have taught everyone from, Everest Summiteers to Championship winning boulderers, top level climbers to families who were looking for something exciting to do together. All started the same way by learning with us.

Terry Tullis – Retired

Terry was there at the very start, one of the very first to share his love of climbing with others by becoming an instructor, he was responsible for transforming Bowles rocks, from a pig farm to the outdoor centre it is today, for educating the climbers of the 60s and 70s that if they did not start caring for the outdoor climbing environment they would have no rocks left, for providing one of the greatest climbing shops and meeting places ever and for introducing thousands to the wonderful world of climbing.

Julie Tullis – 1939 – 1986

Julie, wife of Terry, was also there right at the birth of climbing tuition and pioneered not only introducing youngsters but also people with disabilities to the joys of climbing on Southern Sandstone. In later life she gave it all up to climb big mountains, becoming Britons top female mountaineer, with attempts & ascents on many of the world’s highest mountains including, Everest and K2 on which she sadly died after summiting.

Chris Tullis – Centre Manager

Son of Terry & Julie, Chris grew up surrounded by climbing and climbers, his knowledge of the area and its climbing history is second to none. He is fortunate to have climbed with some of the greatest climbers in some amazing locations in the UK and abroad. With over 40 years experience in the climbing industry he has particular skills relating to teaching climbing to young people with special needs and a wider experience in the teaching of all aspects of outdoor education.

He is also the warden of Harrisons Rocks on behalf of the British Mountaineering Council.

Matt Tullis – Instructor, Reception

Son of Chris, Matt has been climbing seriously from the age of 12.

A former bouldering champion, he climbs at a very high standard on the local sandstone, and loves bouldering in Fontainebleau in France.

Nina Westacott – Bookings Manager, Reception

A non climber, Nina manages the bookings and runs reception.

Ian Bull – Instructor

Ian is dedicated to climbing, if he’s not teaching it, he’s doing it. He climbs at a very high standard mainly in South East England. However he loves a trip to Fontainebleau, Dartmoor or the Peak District for bouldering or trad climbing.

Paul Widdowson - Instructor

Paul started climbing on Southern Sandstone and went on to become one of the very best young climbers of the 80s, after a break he returned and started to teach. Paul now runs the Junior Bouldering Academy.

Johnny Dawes - Climber - Legend

Johnny will be joining us on our October 2012 Fontainebleau Road Trip, He will be working closely with everyone on the trip with the specific aim of improving technique and ultimately grades.

Sue Horseman - Accounts

Sue started climbing soon after joining our team. She especially enjoys the social side of our road trips.

Daisy - Dogsbody

Meet & Greet, Fetch & Carry. Joined the company in 2010, Loved by all.

Barnaby Ventham - Climber

One of our former pupils and a former bouldering champion he is sponsored by La Sportiva, and is taking a break from teaching to concentrate on his personal climbing. We expect great things.

Brett Ashcroft - Instructor

Brett has been instructing for us for a couple of years now.