As Logan McKelvie prepares to leave YMCA Taunton to return to New Zealand with his family, we want to take this opportunity to recognise and celebrate the extraordinary contribution he has made during his time with us.
We are pleased that he will remain with us for a few more weeks to support a structured handover and help welcome Connor into the role. During this time, Logan will be working closely with Connor, sharing his knowledge, experience and expertise to ensure a smooth transition and to provide the strongest possible foundation for the future of our climbing provision. It is entirely fitting that, even as he prepares to leave, Logan remains committed to supporting the continued success of the department he has worked so hard to build.
It is difficult to fully capture the scale of Logan’s impact on YMCA Taunton. What he has built, shaped and developed will continue to benefit our community for many years to come, and his influence can be seen in every aspect of our climbing provision.
When Logan joined us, our climbing facility was little more than an empty space with tremendous potential. Through his vision, expertise, dedication and hard work, he transformed that potential into the thriving climbing operation we enjoy today.
Logan has quite literally built the foundations of our climbing programme. From establishing operating systems, policies, procedures and safety frameworks, to sourcing equipment, selecting equipment specifications, developing routes, creating programmes, training staff and shaping the overall customer experience, his influence can be seen in every aspect of what we do.
What exists today is a direct result of Logan’s professionalism, passion and commitment. More importantly, the strong foundations he leaves behind will continue to support and benefit thousands of climbers, staff and young people for many years to come.
One of Logan’s defining qualities is his unwavering commitment to excellence. He has never been content with something being merely good enough; everything he touches is approached with care, attention to detail and a determination to make it the very best it can possibly be. Whether developing systems, setting routes, selecting equipment, training staff or improving the customer experience, Logan’s standards have consistently been exceptional.
That pursuit of excellence has helped shape not only our climbing facility, but also the culture within the team. He leaves behind a standard that challenges all of us to continue striving for the same level of quality, professionalism and continuous improvement that he has demonstrated throughout his time with us.
Beyond his professional achievements, Logan has been an exceptional colleague, mentor and friend. His knowledge, patience, positivity and willingness to support others have earned him enormous respect and admiration from everyone who has had the privilege of working alongside him.
Whilst we are naturally saddened to see Logan leave, our overwhelming feeling is one of gratitude. We have been incredibly fortunate to benefit from his leadership, expertise and friendship, and we cannot thank him enough for everything he has given to YMCA Taunton.
The climbing department that exists today is, in large part, a reflection of Logan’s hard work and dedication. He leaves us with a facility, a team and an operating framework that are exceptionally well positioned for the future, and for that we will always be immensely grateful.
As Logan and his family embark on this exciting new chapter back in New Zealand, they leave with our heartfelt thanks, our deepest respect and our very best wishes for the future. We have no doubt that great adventures lie ahead, and we look forward to keeping in touch and following the next stage of their journey.
Logan leaves behind a remarkable legacy and will always be a valued part of the YMCA Taunton story.
