Christmas Balcony Get Together 22nd Dec.

After fencing this week, we'll be having drinks and eats above the hall. All members and fencers welcome. Just for an hour till 11, but a great way to unwind at the end of the evening and get yourself in the Christmas mood.

We're NOT fencing on the 29th

We ARE fencing again on the 5th Jan.

Happy Christmas everyone.

No Fencing Thursday 8th Dec.

Remember not to come fencing this week, but to put your best bib and tucker on and come to the Christmas meal at Lusstmanns. Eating at 8.
A few of us will be in the Boot at 7 for a drink (or two).

News Round-Up: November

It's been a long while since we've pushed an email into your inboxes; we are still alive and we'll try and be more communicative! We have still been throwing things into facebook, so if you've not found us on there yet then track us down.

So what's been going on:
There was a Junior Training Day on 30 October, which was also the day that our Wellesbourne team came third. I've heard positive things back from people who went to the training day and third place is the best result I've heard from Wellesbourne in a long time, so congratulations to Phillip, Matthew, Bev, Sarah, Zoe, Caitlin, James, Phil E, David and Terry.

There was a U20's foil event on 13th November where after a hard couple of fights we saw Ed and Sarah Rose come come with Bronze and Gold medals. Congratulations to both!

4th December saw the Hertfordshire December Tournament - firstly a big thank you to everyone for entering. Hopefully you had a good day out and congratulations to Paul, Zoe, Ben, Jon, Bev and David for walking away with a healthy haul of medals. It was also the HFA EGM which proved that Jon and Philip are eternal volunteers as they got elected HFA Chairman and Treasurer. More fool them. Detailed results for the day are here.

This week is our Christmas meal on Thursday, along with a Three Counties match against Luton on Tuesday and it is the sabre round of our local derby with Watford on Wednesday. So, a busy old week ahead.

In the world of competitions in the not so distant future we have the Cambridge Winter Tournament on 14/15 January.

Remember that due to the Christmas meal there is no fencing this week - we'll be back on the 15th.

PS - Committee meeting on Tuesday 13th at The Goat, 8pm. Be there to discuss fencing and associated horrors.

Ok, so the link that got sent round yesterday was so very wrong.

It's this one.

PS - if you haven't found us already we are using facebook a bit more until we can find a way or a volunteer to revamp the website.

News Update - October

It's been a busy old month - a new beginners course has been starting, Wellesbourne in a weeks time, the novice foil part of our series against Watford and a whole raft of County events either happened or due to happen in the next couple of weeks.

Wellesbourne is on the 30th - thank you for volunteering (or 'volunteering' depending on how persausive Philip and Bev were). We look forward to hearing stories of success and that certain people didn't have a heavy one down the pub the night before.

Also on the 30th is a U20 training day organised by Herts Fencing Association. HFA is suffering from a bumper shot in the arm courtesy of Jon being motivated (always a dangerous thing) - entry forms for U20 and Senior events are all currently on the Watford web page. These are on the doorstep - if you like competing there's no reason not to go. On the general competition theme Liam has prepared a short list of competitions that are either a) not too far to go or b) likely to be of interest to those of you chasing rankings points - it's available here.

Speaking of Competitions, Coventry Open and Bedford Open Epee were last weekend - well done to Bev and Jo for both of those.

Looking forward, the competition at Watford on the 4th December is going to be preceded by a quick EGM to elect a new county committee. Paul Cramphorn, Liam and Helen all have other commitments elsewhere and find it difficult to dedicate the time needed to the HFA so are handing on the torch. Chairman Jon and James Dicker from Watford have volunteered to step in - if there's anyone out there who is interested in developing county wide activities please make yourselves known - we have a schedule of things we would like to do (as well as what we need to do) so good chance to chip in and mooch the occasional pint off different people too.

And finally, as all good ideas start in the pub, there is an all weapons event up in Staffordshire in February (25/26th for those who are interested) - a valuable opportunity to combine road trips, fencing and a sensible night's drinking (!) for those who find such things appeal.

Have a good week/end - see you Thursday.

Greetings fencers.

Just a reminder that tomorrow night there is no fencing (boo!) but there is a thai meal and associated drinks departing from the Boot at 7pm (yay!). If you fancy the meal then drop us an email at the usual so we can make sure there's enough table space booked.

The Open Air will be subject of a far longer post once we've bullied a member of the committee into writing it (and Jon into actually publishing a results list), but the weather held off for most of the day but our clean sheet for Open Air and summery days has finally ended. Volunteers to run it next year eagerly appreciated.

For those of you who have a drinking bent next Wednesday (28th) Philip and several others will be making their way through the various offerings for this years Beer Festival at the civic centre- I dare say they'll let you know where to find them tomorrow.

On a fencing note - The Wellesbourne team trophy is soon to be upon us again. It's 5 teams of 2 for men and womens foil and epee and mixed sabre and will be over in High Wycombe. We've entered in the past and it's a good day out - harass Philip or Jon for details.

See you on the 29th!

St Albans Open Air - This Sunday 11th Sept

The waiting is over - It's all system go for the annual St Albans Fencing Club open air event.
This year we're at Verulam School, Brampton Road, AL1 4PR.
8:30AM to help set up please – there’ll be bacon butties to encourage you.
9AM sabre check in for a 9:30 start. We’ll finish with the traditional BBQ late afternoon.
Please being your BFA membership conformation email or your BFA membership card for inspection.
See you all there.

Happy Friday everyone,

Lots of interesting things happening or in the pipeline at the moment. Jon trekked off to Colchester to see what Eastern Region were going on about with talk of development plans and pennies from British Fencing. He's come back full of ideas and enthusiasm so if you'd like to get involved in either County level or even Regional committee do give him a tap on the shoulder.

Another element of this is that Region are looking for referees and armourers - if you'd be interested do let Jon know at the usual address. The final part of this is that we are looking to hold more competitions within county - if you are prepared to help with those then it would be appreciated.

We've had some communication from Watford about having some more competitions and so we've set up a series of matches starting September 1st. This will be Epee and at home - so there's no reason for all the epeeists out there not to come along and do their bit.

The other dates for your diary are:

• Sabre 12 October - Away
• Foil 3rd November - Home
• Novice Foil - 7th December Away

Teams are of 4 (3 and a reserve) - so if you're interested do let me know!

On competitions, at the pub last night we managed to coerce a healthy proportion of those present into doing the Essex Open. Jon may have mentioned something about providing a healthy reward for the best aggregate result. It's the 3rd and 4th September and from the sounds of it we had a solid 10 or so around the table interested in going. Just remember - you will need your BFA licence for that one. Liam is slowly working up a list of competitions that are reasonably close and we'll post that up when we get a chance.

The Open Air marches steadily closer - please remember to get entry forms back to Philip as we have opened entry up to other clubs.

If anyone is interested there is a committee meeting at Helen T's house this Tuesday at 8 - if you are coming from St Albans give Jon an email for a lift or directions.

Finally, as it'll put a smile on Tony's face - Penn and Teller this Saturday at 9- he shall be performing a stupendous piece of magic that will knock your socks off. Get it Sky+'d people.

News Update: July 18

The Luton Relay saw 9 of us wake up at silly o'clock on a Sunday. We came, we saw and we fenced our little hearts out. Sadly, we didn't win. We did see some impressive attempts to claw victory from the jaws of defeat and Bev managed a small victory which no doubt she shall share with you (at length) for as long as you'll listen.... Thanks to everyone who took part, and for those of you who didn't it was a great day - we'll rope you in next year!

This year's Essex Open (if you've caught competition fever) is on the 3 and 4 September and this year includes a novice foil event. I know there's a few people interested so far, and its not that far to go for an Open. But you will need a full BFA license. Entry is through the Leon Paul shop - and don't forget to let us know if you're going and how you do!

Olympics tickets - some folks have told us they don't want theirs so if you didn't put your name down first time its second chance rules so email us . We'll be pulling names out of a mask Thursday 21st. If you've not paid for your tickets yet can you get cheques to Philip by the 21st as well please.

Open Air looms large upon us once again - Entry Forms to Philip, and Jon usually has a clipboard full with him on Thursdays. It's a great day, we'll have a huge BBQ and bring friends, family and they can see what we get dressed up in the funny white gear for.

See you Thursday

News Update - June 22

We are planning on entering the Luton Team Relay event on 17th July - we have enough sabreurs to rope in to enter 3 teams potentially - we are short of foilists and epeeists. If you're interested please speak to Liam, Bev or email Jon. For those who will feel bad about not doing something involving fencing that weekend, there is also the Norfolk Open that weekend. If you're going let us know how you do.

There is some interesting activity going on in the world of regional fencing (short story - British fencing is doling out some money and region is meeting in July to carve out a development plan). So far we've come up with the following:
Region-wide performance days
Greater emphasis on armourers/refereeing courses
Incentives for coaches to progress beyond level 1
Develop more sabreurs as a region
Promote youth fencing.

If you've got anything you'd like to see delivered at a regional level then please come and see me.

Finally, if we get the numbers we will be running a beginners course from 7 July. If you're not yet a member and fancy joining the course then please get in touch!

St Albans win Herts County Team Foil

Congratulations to Terry, Andy and Paul from the St Albans Fencing Club – They took 1^st place in the annual Herts Team Foil.

Liam seemed to be able to perform a sort of loaf and fishes miracle by being able to kit out the Herts Uni team from his old kit bag and then still have a jacket spare for Dale.

Seven teams took part, 5 from St Albans, one from Herts Uni and one from Paul’s new club at Verulam school . We held a short AGM for the Herts County and then moved on to the competition – Two pools, one with 3 teams and the other with 4 were held, the best two teams from each heat going on the semis.

Tony, Zoe, Matt were up against the Uni team. Andy, Terry and Paul (St Albans A) up against St Albans C (James, Liam and Dale). The C team set them selves the target of being team A’s highest scoring opponents, they managed to streak into a fantastic 3 -0! lead before settling down to a respectable 23 – 45 defeat, Liam being the star by managing to pull back 9 points before his opponent ratcheted up his 5 points.

The final was between two St Albans teams – Zoe, Matt and Tony against Terry, Andy and Paul. St Albans A emerging victorious in a match which without a doubt was between the two best teams.

I know it’s been Shavuot this week, and if I’d paid a bit more attention I’d have remembered more of the 10 commandments, but as far as I do remember, some of them were:

- Thou shalt not go out on the razz the night before and not expect to feel as sick as a dog when you fence

- Thou shalt not watch the box, but shall wait for the president to call halt before you stop fencing.

- Thou shall not sit down between pools, ‘cos you’ll never be able to get up again.

Thank you Liam for organising the event, as ever well run and to time. Hopefully we’ll see some other clubs being beaten by St Albans next year.

News Update:

Good news for those who spoke up about Olympics tickets - we have our full twenty and so if you wanted part of the allocation cheques for £30/ticket to Philip soon please - preferably before the end of the month.

Sword Fighters kit remains in a bit of limbo. British Fencing put a notice around a few weeks ago. The undertone is fairly obvious that for the time being, until SPF kit gets kite marks and the likes, you would probably be best avoiding it for more substantial purchases (socks are probably OK!)

We are now on Facebook for those of you who use these things. No plans for Twitter yet.....

The Open Air starts to loom closer and closer - We are wrapping up final details of venue but it looks very likely to be Verulam School (as a bit of a departure from our normal foray onto the tennis courts) on September 11. Any volunteers willing and able to lend a hand setting up in the morning/sort out pool sheets and the likes would be very much appreciated.

Finally a quick thanks to Helen for hosting the rounders a couple of weeks ago - much fun was had by all even if we do need to consider a new ball!

PS: Herts Team Foil and AGM on June 11. Even if you're not fencing come along and cheer for a bit - it all helps.

Club News

AGM
Helen Porteous has kindly agreed to be club secretary, taking over from David Reid
Junior club membership fees were set at £40 quarterly and £5 per night
The proposed changes to the constitution were agreed - with the new definition of member and the new junior membership category

Membership Survey
It's your last chance to fill out the membership survey, which will close Saturday 2nd April. Please let us know how you'd like us to run your club!

Late Night Fencing
The second extended fencing session will take place on Thursday 7th April and the 1st Thursday of the month for the rest of the year. We start at 8pm as normal, but fence til 10.30pm.

Fencing Social
The next fencing social / non-fencing night will be on Thursday 12th May - event to be announced, but put it in your diaries now please!

Hoodies and T-shirts
Just to remind you all club branded hoodies and t-shirts are still available, please speak to Helen T, or any of the committee if you're interested

Thank you for reading! See you Thursday!

Helen

AGM, County Championships, BFA Coaching Course, BAF Performance Day

On 22 March, 8PM it is our AGM at the Garibaldi. As always there's free food and a free drink to be had if you'll come along. This is your chance to have you say on fees and there is a proposal to change the constitution to create a new membership catagory for U18s. A copy of what is proposed is here. It would be helpful if you could have you say on the membership survey beforehand though.

County Championships time is nearly upon us again. Individual events are on 2nd April and we would thoroughly encourage anyone who'd like to go to do so. There is a novice foil category for those who have been fencing less than two years but you will need an electrified bib and current BFA membership. For those of you on BFA social membership you get a free local competition anyway so for the majority of you this would be it. There will be a team foil competition on June 11.


The BFA are running a coach education course in April - this is a two day course designed to get you to Level 1 in your chosen weapon. If you are going please let Jon know. The full details are on the BFA website.


Finally, Liam and his friends in the BAF have come up with a performance/training day in Staffordshire on 21/22 May. Those of you who have been with us a few years will remember Liam and Peter Wright running a gigantic fencing session for all three weapons as a pre-season warm up. Blurb from Liam below:

COURSE INFORMATION

Maestro Roberto Piranio (CV below) will be coming over from Italy to run the course with Prof. Philip Bruce. It is possible that we will also have other European and British Fencing Masters assiting.

Plans are to run the course from 10 am to 4pm on the Saturday and Sunday of the weekend, with a dinner on Saturday evening for those who wish to have a social element to the event. All three weapons will be covered and we are setting a minimum age of 13 for participants (we will be requesting that any participants under the age of 17 should have a few years of fencing and competitive experience under their belt)

Lunch will be included in the ticket price which will be as follows

£45 per head if you have booked by April 20th, £47.50 per head thereafter, £50 within 2 weeks and £55 on the day. A light lunch and refreshments will be included in the ticket price.

If you'd like further information ask Jon for an entry form.

Finally, the date for this year's open air event will be September 11th - mark your diaries.

Fencing Club Social, Thursday 24th February, Thai Rack

Hi All,

This is the final reminder that there is no fencing on Thursday 24th February, instead we're going for a meal at 7.30pm at the Thai Rack, followed by drinks at the Verulam Arms from around 9pm.

If you'd like to come for the meal and you haven't let me know, please email me asap - social(a)sa-fc-org.uk, replacing the (a) with an @.

AGM, Tuesday 22nd March

Also another quick reminder that the AGM is on Tuesday 22nd March at the Garibaldi pub, starting 8pm, with food at 9pm. Please come along and join in.

Hope to see you all Thursday!

Helen :)

Membership Survey

We want to know what you think. Sadly we are still years away in R&D from proper telepathy so in the meantime we are going to have to ask you to give us a piece of your mind.

Linky

If you've not done so already, please, please fill in the survey. Its your chance to have a say so we can try and put together a bit of a plan for the next year in time for the AGM.

Thank you!

Fencing social Thursday 24th February

Hello all,

There is no fencing on Thursday 24th February, so instead we will be going for a meal at 7.30pm at the Thai Rack on George St, which is excellent, followed by the pub.

Please can you email me if you would like to come for the meal, as I need to know numbers asap. Email address is social(a)sa-fc.org.uk - replacing the (a) with an @.

Alternatively you can let Jon know on Thursday and he'll pass your names on to me.

Hope to see you all there!

Helen

St Albans Fencing Club AGM - Tuesday 22nd March at the Garibaldi pub, 8pm, with food at 9pm

Please come and join in with the AGM and have a say in how your fencing club is run.
We'll be looking for two volunteers to join the committee and nominations are now open!
Secretary, whose duties include; responding to all the enquires received via the website, organising the beginners course and minuting the monthly committee meetings. This position also requires that you be CRM checked.
Web master, whose main duty is design, maintenance and updating of the website.
Many thanks to David R and Liam N, who have done a fabulous job over the past few years on the committee.

Introduction to referring course - 19th February, nr Ipswitch

The Eastern Region fencing association are running an introduction to referring course on Saturday 19th February near Ipswitch. The course lasts all day and costs £14.50 to attend, although they will refund this is you subsequently referee in a competition for them. Jon (Daley) is going up, so there is an opportunity for lift sharing. Please get in touch with him direct for more details.

Fencing Club Social - Thursday 24th February

There is no fencing on Thursday 24th February, as the school hall is unavailable. Instead we are planning to decamp to a nice local restaurant (possibly Thai Rack on George St) followed by the pub (somewhere that does proper beer). More details will be posted closer to the date, but please let Helen know if you would like to come. Email socail(a)sa-fc.org.uk replacing (a) with @.

Membership survey

The committee are planning a membership survey, to see what you all think of current nights, potential changes and what you'd like the focus of the club to be. This is advance notice that an email will be coming your way with the survey details on. Please take five minutes to respond, it will help to make the club what you'd like it to be!

Last, but not least we have two safety warnings for all club members and visitors to the site.
1. If you are fencing electric you must wear breeches; if you are not, you will be asked to stop.
2. If you find any defective kit please tell a member of the committee, or mark the item with some of the warning tape in the kit cupboard. We won't be mad if you break something, but we won't be able to fix it if you don't tell us it's broken!

Thanks for reading,
See you all for fencing on Thursday.

Helen :)

Three Counties League at home to Bedford.

In a nutshell, we won – but only by the depth of rust on our blades from the Christmas break. It could very easily have gone against us.

We won the Epee 6:3 with David W thankfully not dropping a bout. His last bout was, as it turned out, crucial and very close- 5:4. Philip and David R helped out, but could have done better as both lost one bout 4:5. At least Philip could blame it on the cakes (you had to be there!). Amazingly, 5 out of the 9 bouts were won/lost at 5:4.

As if that was not enough, foil was the real nailbiter contest. As is becoming the norm these days, we entered the final bout 4:4. It fell to Terry to carry the mantle to the final bout once the epee had finished. We had expected Dan to change to foil, but having just had the last epee bout with David, they decided that Emmanuel should take his place. Terry took the lead, then lost it, then regained it, then lost it. Well, you know the score. Oh you don’t yet, do you? It went to 4:4 (“as is becoming the norm”). The last point was won by Bedford. I think Terry tried to counter attack, with which he usually succeeds - but not this time. So Bedford won the foil 5:4.

Although our winning margin was only one fight across both weapons, it would have taken Bedford only two extra hits to turn the tables in their favour. Hence the second sentence above.

One doesn’t get much closer than that!

The next match is away to Milton Keynes on 20th January, ie NEXT WEEK! Philip has offered to drive, so if you are up to it please email him- treasurer(AT)sa-fc.org.uk