News Update 28th April

April's been a washout - here's hoping for a warmer May!

Remember, there is no fencing this Thursday coming (3rd May).  This means that if you need to borrow kit for the Herts County Championships you'll need to be down on the 10th.  If you've not entered yet I'm sure you just need to visit the HFA website and print off a form.  

Next weekend is the Brighton Open - if you're into twitter we are @StAlbansFencing and I dare say you might find some updates on there.

Three other competitions coming up:

County Team Foil and Team Epee on 2nd June - remember we pay the entry fees for that.  If you've not been fencing too long this is only teams from within county and there's a great atmosphere as you'll have your SAFC chums cheering you on.   Don't worry about finding a team, we just need to know you're interested, speak to Jo (especially if he's not wearing his hat) who will sort you out.

White Horse Team Trophy is on 24th June, it would be nice to enter a team if we could but from discussions we seem to be short on the epeeist front.  Again, we'll be picking up the tab if folks are interested.  Since it is a Foil/Epee/Sabre event just let us know you're interested and we'll do our best to find a team for you.

Norfolk Open this year is 21st/22nd July.  Three reasons to do this one:

1- Its 2 hours away

2- Its after exams (for those still afflicted with them)

3- There's a great place to get Sunday lunch on the way back for those who do Epee and Sabre.

Finally in August there's some small thing going on in London.

Club wise at our last committee meeting we had a small chat about what our goals as a club are - we didn't finish that conversation and I suspect we won't for a while yet.  If you've any input then please let us know, or better yet we'll be convening at the Garibaldi on Tuesday evening for our regular committee session at 8- all are welcome.

One last thing, Paul Davis went along to the BAF Easter Course and came away with his Level 3 foil qualification - it's a big achievement and he can rightly feel happy with himself.

See you either at Bowling this Thursday (if you'd like to come and not yet told Bev, drop her a line at Social(AT)SA-FC.org.uk) or on the 10th.  

News Update - 2 April 2012

March was a great month for SAFC. We've had junior championships, 2 matches of the three counties league and the Eastern Region Junior Championship/BYC Qualifiers, and we've not done badly for it. We're delighted to see so many fencing with us on a Thursday evening - both beginners and the more seasoned - and it's making for some great fencing and a lively atmosphere. May the good vibe continue!

Back in February we had our AGM, the committee is remaining much as it is at the moment although we are always on the look out for a webmaster. Helen and Bev have swapped roles so Bev is now our Social Secretary and Helen has bravely stepped into the shoes of Open Air Co-Ordinator (a role that is notoriously hard to escape from). Our fees have increased so please revise your standing orders where appropriate (the 18+ rate is now £60/quarter).

In Three Counties we had back to back matches against Watford, a loss on the Wednesday and what Jo has referred to as a 'sound thrashing' was delivered in return on Thursday, so please keep it up - we know that getting to some of the venues after a long day in the mid-week isn't neccessarily the most fun in the world but hopefully the fencing makes up for it! Jo is now our man with a hat so if you're interested in Three Counties or the Herts Team Foil/Epee Championships in June he's the man to go see.

In other news, the sabreurs had a tough training day with the legendary Peter Wright, and all managed to survive the experience and even learn some tips from the master. Great to see the sabre contingent continuing to grow at St Albans.

Next up is the Brighton Open on Sunday 6th May, with all 3 weapons on the same day. Bev and Jon will be going, and I'm sure will be able to help out with lifts etc to those who'd like to come along. We're also thinking a quick paddle in the sea after a hard day's fencing will be in order. If you're interested in coming along give us a shout.

Finally, do come and find us on Facebook and like our page - you'll be able to see what we've been up to, and what events and socials are on too.

See you all on Thursday. And remember: bad footwork makes coach Liam cry...