Russia vs. USA in the second round of the men's individual epee during the 2004 Olympics at Athens
Havering Fencing Club
Newham Fencing Club & Salle Michael Joseph
Fencing is a skilful sport and the aim of all the clubs is to provide the opportunity for any one over the age of 10 years* to come along and have a try.
As the Master in charge for all the clubs on this site I should give some information to visitors about myself.
I began fencing in my 3rd. year of Secondary School, back in 1956.I had a mixed career as a competitor fencing in many competitions in the U.K. and Europe.
I passed my first Coaching Award in 1964 although I did not start coaching until many years later.
I am now a Diploma’d Master of the British Academy of Fencing. I gained this Award in 1980.
I have held the B.A.F. committee posts of Associate and Provost Rep., Hon Treasurer, Hon. Secretary and am now a Vice President of the B.A.F.
I was awarded the Gauthier Trophy in 2001 for services to the Academy and on my retirement from the post of Hon. Secretary in 2003 I was awarded Life Membership of the Academy.
I now hold the Committee appointed posts of Child Protection Officer, Chair of the B.A.F. Disciplinary Sub-Committee, International Secretary, Insurance Liaison Officer and Awards Officer.
I have been involved in drafting the B.A.F. Coach Education Awards, this includes the drafting of the Club Leaders Award used for many years by the B.F.A. as their first level Award, the B.A.F. Proficiency Awards and was Hon Treasurer to the Joint A.F.A./ B.A.F. Coaching Committee from its inception to its demise in the late 80s.
I held the post of National Coach to Paraplegic Fencing and helped to establish their links with the B.F.A. via Dame Mary Glen Haig who was, at that time, acting President for the then A.F.A. (now the B.F.A.)
I am also a Coach Education Award Examiner for the B.A.F. and have many years experience in this field.
I have lived and worked in both Israel and Italy. The stay in Israel was as National Coach. This was in 1968, the year following the ‘Six Day War’. Tensions were high in those days as I am sure you will understand. The fencing was good and my job, as a coach, was varied and very interesting.
As Master in Charge at all of the clubs on this site I take great interest in the methods of training used and the progress of the members. Many of this membership participate in competition.
All the clubs are affiliated to the B.F.A.
I actively encourage members to join the B.F.A.
The system of training members is based on the B.A.F. Proficiency Award Scheme and requires my Associates in the clubs to work to those syllabuses. I am pleased to say they do this with pleasure and skill.
When a member is ready for the ‘test’ I am advised and I do the test. The vast majority pass first time which says they are receiving a high level of basic instruction.
All clubs accept beginners and experienced fencers. Havering F.C. is primarily for children, please see the individual information page for this club.
My team consists of Ted Lee, B.F.A. County Coach at Salle Michael Joseph and Newham Fencing Club and Chris Moody, B.F.A. Club Leaders Award, at Hornchurch Fencing Club.
At the time of going to press I am training 2 members in the skills of coaching. One has passed his B.A.F. Level 1 Coaching Award and is already beginning to set up his own circuit. The second has just begun his training.
I have clearance with the Criminal Record Bureau. This check is being completed once again by 2 differing organisations, a regular occurrence.
I also teach and coach fencing at two of the schools in my home borough of Havering and am the Team Manager for Fencing in Havering.
* This applies to Hornchurch and Havering F.Cs. only.