No Fencing - 3rd May

Just remember folks, there's exams in the hall this week so no fencing - we'll see you at bowling or next week.

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...

16th February

Just remember, we aren't fencing this week. We are however gathering for a meal at Zizzi in St Albans from 8 - those of a thirsty disposition gathering at the Boot just over the way at 7.

AGM on the 21st at the Garibaldi - let the committee know your pressing business if you haven't declared it already.

See you tomorrow!

SAFC News Update - January 2012

Hope everyone has had a good weekend. It's been busy down SAFC which is fantastic. We've never seen a year get off to such a well attended start, and we're all very pleased about it.

We had a small gang of us head to Cambridge on the 14/15th for Sabre - everyone came back in the top 20 (although some were more pleased than others about where in the 20). Other than that not a lot's gone on - although there is plenty coming up:

Our match against Bedford was postponed until this coming Thursday so if you're interested in foil/epee then let Philip know.

If you're under 20 there's County Age Group Championships on the 11 February - entry form is available here, and also has the BYC Qualifier details on the same page. If you'd like more information about either speak to Jon.
For those that are interested there is also the Slough Open next weekend - they may be accepting late entries - from the looks of it there are plenty of slots left for Mens Foil if anyone is interested. If you've yet to do a competition this is probably a good one as there will be some familiar faces about on the day.

Senior County Championships are a way off yet but for a date for the diary 13th May should go in there - entry form also on the HFA website. If you can follow HFA on facebook we'd appreciate it, if you've any ideas then mail them to info@hertsfencing.co.uk.

Finally we have our AGM at the Garibaldi on the 21st February at 8pm, there's food and a drink on offer. Agenda's will be going out either Tuesday or Wednesday this week coming but we've already announced on Thursday that a fee increase is being proposed. If you can think of ways of trimming down the expenses or boosting the income then let us know - if you weren't around on Thursday and want a copy of the proposals and the accounts for last year then let us know at the usual address.

Happy New Year!

Hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas break and you're ready to burn off the Turkey this Thursday until 10:30!

Firstly a big thank you to Bev for sorting out this years Christmas meal - it was very well attended and there were certainly a few of us regrouping at The Boot afterwards...

The day before our Christmas meal we completed the Sabre leg of our local derby against Watford, thus winnning the series and the Wooden Spoon. Well done to all who took part, and I'm sure we all look forward to it ruining trophy cabinets across the club in years to come.

In the world of the less interesting we have our AGM planned for this quarter so in order to vote we need this quarter paid up in advance (if you're over 18 that is) - we'll let you know venue and date when we've got them sorted. If you have anything you'd like to put as an agenda item please let Jon or Peter know. Alternatively if you'd like to get involved then come and harass any of the committee - we like it really.

In the world of competitions coming up:
Cambridge Winter Open - Jan 14/15 (but accepting late entries)
Slough Open - Feb 3/4 (closing date 27 Jan)
HFA Age Group Championships Feb 11 (closing date 4 Feb)
Keele University Fencing Open Feb 25/26 (Closing date 10 Feb- or see Jon)
Nottingham Open March 3/4 (closing date 25 Feb)

If you're going to any of these then let us know. We're hoping to get together a regular crowd who do opens for mutual support/heckling so make yourself known!

See you Thursday

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.