Alison Yates    “The God Mother of Astbury”

Alison Yates, A.K.A Ali has been well into her water sports since a very early age, but more seriously since starting to work in the industry for PGL back in ‘96 and ‘97.  She first started working at Astbury as the dogs body gopher on returning from the South of France in 97 and has been here ever since; apart from a couple of breaks for  travelling.  In the year 2000, when the previous owner was ready to move on it was a great opportunity to take over the centre. At that time it had only RYA recognition for windsurfing.  Over the past ten years the business has steadily grown as Ali’s qualifications have increased. She now holds a library of tickets including RYA Windsurfing Instructor Trainer,  Dinghy Coach Assessor, Intermediate Windsurfing Instructor, Dinghy S.I, Advanced Dinghy instructor, powerboat/ safety boat instructor, RYA First Aid Instructor and BCU level 2 paddle coach.  As well as running this thriving centre she also finds time to coach windsurf racing for the RYA North/West Zone squad and is a centre inspector for the North West and Midlands. She also leads instructor training both at Astbury and other centres including Acorn Adventure, South Of France and Flying Fish Greece and Australia. In 2005 she was presented with ‘Young Entrepreneur of the Year’ (Congleton Borough Business Awards) and ‘Excellence in Entrepreneurial Spirit’ (Cheshire Rural Women’s Awards).  More importantly, she absolutely loves what she does!!!!