Skipping Workshops was founded in 1997 by former primary school headteacher Harold Galley. He started a skipping club at his school and soon became aware of the many advantages of encouraging skipping. These include better levels of fitness, improved playground behaviour and gains in all aspects of PE.
Skipping Workshops has gradually expanded, so that by 2003 every LEA in England was being offered free skipping demonstrations.
Harold Galley also founded the ‘Bouncers’ skipping team, now one of the country’s top display teams that have represented Team GB in international competitions.
Most of our work is done by our visits to primary schools throughout the UK, but we also organise regular skipping clubs and work with youth groups. We tailor our daily schedule to suit the size of your school or group. We also sell high quality gymnastic skipping ropes, and an instructional DVD and book.
The aim is to encourage children, parents, and staff, to take up skipping as a healthy and fun form of exercise. It appeals to children of all ages, and is one of the few activities for both boys and girls.
Skipping helps with co-ordination, concentration, co-operation, and communication.
Harold Galley – Chief Coach
Harold founded Skipping Workshops in 1997. He has experience as a Headteacher in London, and nationally as an Ofsted inspector. Since starting Skipping Workshops, Harold has visited more than 1,000 schools nationwide, and has founded one of the top national skipping teams. Contact Harold at 0208 786 7707 or h.galley@skipping-workshops.co.
Lizzie Cox – Coach
Lizzie has worked for Skipping Workshops since 1998. She is based around London, and covers the South and South East of England, but has visited over 1,000 schools all across England, Scotland and Ireland, making her one of the most experienced skipping coaches in the country. Lizzie has also coached ‘the Bouncers’ to many national and international titles.
Adam Cave – Coach
Adam joined Skipping Workshops in 2010 after leaving the British army. Based near Gainsborough, he visits schools throughout the North of England. He is also a qualified fitness instructor (REPs Level 2).
Moira Caplin – Coach
Moira became involved in Skipping 16 years ago when her daughters joined Harold’s skipping club following a visit from Skipping Workshops. She has spent many years as a skipping coach and has coached skippers to compete in National, European and World championships. Moira also enjoys running a weekly after-school skipping club at a local primary school. Moira has visited over 60 schools, mainly in London and the South East.
Marilyn Farnham-Smith – Coach
Marilyn has been working for Skipping Workshops since 2006. She has worked as a teacher in both primary and secondary education for over 30 years, and still works part-time as a supply teacher and educational consultant. Marilyn visits schools across the East of England.
Stacey Leyland – Coach
Stacey joined Skipping Workshops in 2008. She is a qualified teaching assistant. Based in St Helens, Merseyside, she visits schools throughout the North West of England.
Jamie Pettitt – Coach
Jamie has worked for Skipping Workshops since 2005 and has visited nearly 1000 schools nationwide. She has also visited schools in the Isle of Man, Ireland, the Channel Islands and Dubai. Jamie began skipping when she was in primary school and became a member of one of Britain’s top skipping teams, ‘the Bouncers’. She has competed at the national and international level, and appeared on TV shows such as Blue Peter and Record Breakers.
Dan Endicott – Coach
Dan has over 15 years experience working for Skipping Workshops in primary schools in the North and Midlands, visiting around 100 schools a year.
Lorraine Evans – Coach
Lorraine has worked in the fitness industry since 1985, and has been with Skipping Workshops for 10 years. She holds a degree and MSc in Exercise & Nutrition Science. She is also a lecturer and examiner in Fitness & Exercise for OCR. Lorraine enjoys encouraging children of all ages to keep fit and healthy. Lorraine travels widely, but mainly works in the Midlands and South West England.
Ashleigh Caplin – Coach
Ashleigh has been skipping since 2002 when she joined “The Bouncers” skipping team. Since then she has competed in many national and international competitions, including representing the UK at the world skipping championships in 2010. Ashleigh has coached both skipping and gymnastics since 2014.
