Personal performance course

INTRODUCTION:

Hertfordshire Fencing Association (“HFA”) is organising a personal performance course to help develop fencing within the County. HFA hopes that as many fencers as possible will attend to improve their own skills and to gain new ideas as to how they can train at their own clubs. The cost of organising this day is being supported by HFA.

PROGRAMME:

The day will be suitable for fencers of all ages and abilities (Participants must be aged 11 or older). The day will include sessions focussing upon the development of physical abilities for fencing, footwork exercises in addition to weapon specific training. We hope that the day will be enjoyable for all participants and give them new ideas for their fencing.

COURSE STAFF:

Course staff will include Mr Liam Harrington, Mr Gianpaolo Marini, and Mr Darren Tee. All coaches in the County are welcome to attend at no cost.

TIME AND VENUE:

The day is being organised at the Hertfordshire Sports Village (Map Overleaf) and will be from 10.00am to 4.30pm. So that we can start promptly we would kindly ask all participants to be at the Hertfordshire Sports Village by 9.45am.

More information and course admission form is available on our downloads page

Match report: Three counties Vs Luton

Match Report: Three Counties against Luton 16 July 2009

 

This was the last of the fixtures in this season’s calendar. Although we won both weapons, the score belies the struggle behind them.

 

Foil 6:3

 

The team comprised Andy Wood, Peter Davies and Terry Salinger. In this match, there were four bouts that reached 4:4, which was very unusual.  Two were lost, but two were won, with Terry having to cope with one of each.  These were stressful times for all concerned, including spectators – such bouts require both physical and mental stamina and can be very draining. Perhaps, Terry, if you fenced more regularly you would not have to put us through this torture?!

 

One notable hit was an off target one on the left wrist of a Luton opponent, which went through his watch strap and flung the watch four metres away. The owner did not notice, however!

 

Epee 5:4

 

This team comprised Mike Beazley, Michael Waterworth (making a return to the club from a far too long absence- welcome back, Michael) and Philip Allen. Whilst the competition’s rules dictate that the host club must field six fencers (three in each weapon), visiting teams may ‘double up’.  Luton had two of their four members who doubled up and in order to try and get as many bouts fence as soon as possible, it ended up with each of their epeeists having to fight their three fights consecutively.  This is by no means easy, as some of SAFC know from past experience, due to:

• Lack of experience/preference in one of the weapons,
• High quality of opponents (eg: SAFC!)
• Age

 

Full marks to Luton’s ‘young’ Geoff, whose preferential weapon seemed to be foil, but won two of his epee bouts with only a brief rest in between.  Remember: fencing is a sport for life – however short or long it may turn out to be!  Please also note that you only need to be over 40 to join the

National Veteran’s Association

.

 

Was there a notable event? Well, yes there was; Philip performed his first (and supposedly, last) fleche of the season- and got the point! On second reading, perhaps that should be

notifiable

event.

 

Recorded results for the clubs’ fixtures:

 

 

E&OE!

 

Support your club by……..giving BLOOD!

 

 

H.F.A Team Foil competition

St Albans Fencing Club has four teams competing in the Team Foil competition held on 7th June. Details below, results to be posted next week.

Date: Sunday 7th June 2009 . 10am-3pm
Venue: Hertfordshire Sports Village,
St Albans Road West, Hatfield Herts

Note: All Fencers must fence or reside in Hertfordshire.

More competition dates can be found on the H.F.A website.

Foil Bronze award

Congratulations to Liam Nicholls, and Basia Nadolnik (St Albans) and Max xx (Wheathampstead) who have all passed their Bronze Foil test. They have been training diligently for the past 7 weeks to pass the test and passed with flying colours.

We're on Flickr.com!

Visit our page on Flickr.com to download the latest images from our competitions and social events. If your already a member of Flickr.com why don’t you link up with us and leave some comments on the photos. You can visit out photostream here.

Beginners course 16th of April

Bookings are now open for the beginners course which begins on the 16th of April. Please read the beginners section for information on how to apply.

New safety rules. This affects you!

From January 2006, if you are fencing with electric weapons, you will need to ensure that your clothing conforms to the ` following new safety standards:
1. Jacket - minimum CEN1/ 350 Newtons
2. Plastron - minimum CEN2/ 800 Newtons
3. Mask - minimum 350 Newton bib (PLUS must be fitted with safety back strap)
4. Breeches - minimum CEN1/ 350 Newtons PLUS now compulsory for all electric fencing

Please note that these rules apply to all electric fencing - even just practicing on club nights. (There are even more exacting rules covering FIE A-grade competitions - see the BFA web-site for further details.)

While the club has bought some 800 Newton plastrons (principally for beginners), all members should be aware that it is their individual responsibility to ensure that they have the correct equipment. Details of the FIE safety standards are posted on the BFA web-site and displayed on the club notice board, but if you are unclear about how the rules affect you, please ask a committee member.

An 800 Newton plastron will cost in the region of £30; breeches around £40.

Remember, these rules come into effect from January 2006. You are responsible for your own compliance. Besides the obvious risk to your personal safety in the event of an accident, your BFA insurance is likely to be invalidated if you fail to comply with the new standards.