07/03/10 Southern Region Junior Team Results

RFC fencers continue to dominate local competitions.  Our U14 team - comprised of Daniel Thompson and Ed and Odette Hornby - and our U18 team - Alex Sallons, Alex Paige and Harry Gulliver - took silver and gold respectively.  Well done!

02/03/10 Basingstoke Sports Award

Rising star Edgar Hornby was recognised for Achievement in Sport by Basingstoke Council at a civic award reception - congratulations, Ed, keep up the good work!

21/02/10 Slough Open Results

There were a number of members competing in the 2010 Slough Open held on the weekend of 6-7 February.  Notable results were as follows in the WE - Jenni Goodman 11th, Sam Hughes 42nd and Mariette 62nd.  In the ME, Phil B 10th, Alex Paige 22nd, Alan Knowles 27th, Gareth Williams 29th, Dave Hillier 32nd and Edward Beaumont 37th. Full results can be found at British_Fencing.

21/02/10 Southern Region Championship Results

As usual RFC fielded a number of fencers at both age group and senior level at foil and epee in the 2010 Southern Region Championships held on 31 January.  Notable results were as follows:

Will Mayle 16th (U12 Boy's Foil); Phil B 1st, Edward Beaumont 2nd, Al B 3rd, Alec Jeddere-Fisher 5th, David Hillier 7th, Nial Campbell 12th and Andrew Fry 16th (Senior Mens Epee); Rebecca Mayle 1st, Sam Hughes 2nd (Senior Womens Epee); Al B 1st (Senior Mens Foil). 

Full results can be found here.

10/02/10 Southern Region Junior Team Competition & Appeal for Volunteers

The Southern Region will be running a Junior Team competition for U14s and U18s on Sunday 7 March at Sportspark, Reading University, Shinfield Road, Reading, RG6 6AH (RG6 6UR for Sat Navs) following the success of the inaugral event last year.

Teams of 3 fencers may be entered based upon age at 1/1/2010 and can be either single sex or mixed teams.  All three weapons will be run.  The latest check-in for the epee team event is 9am.

RFC entered an epee team last year and won and it would be good if we can enter some teams again this year.   If you are interested in competing then please let us know.  RFC will pay the cost of the entry fee for competing teams.  The closing deadline for entries is 26 February so we will need to know by no later than 22 February if you are interested by paying a deposit of £10 - this will be refunded provided the team competes in case of any drop outs.  Payments should ideally be made by cheque and will be destroyed in the event that a team competes.

The Southern Region is asking for volunteers to help with the running of the competition such as with the set up of equipment and refereeing.  Any help would be gratefully received for as with all other competitions they cannot be run without the help of volunteers.  If you would be willing to help, please let us know ASAP.

19/01/10 RFC 'Xmas' Dinner

As you will know the Xmas dinner unfortunately had to be postponed due to the bad weather before Xmas, but never fear, the dinner has been re-scheduled for Wednesday 24 February (there will be no fencing on the night) at the Frankie & Benny's restaurant on the A4 near the club's venue.

Tables are booked for 7pm.  A number of you have already paid your deposits but if you have not and would like to come along then please see either Phil or Verity with your deposit ASAP!  You can view the menu choices on the F&B website ( Main Starters | Frankie & Benny's) in advance which would help speed up service on the night.

19/01/10 RFC Cup Presentation

Just a quick reminder to everyone that the presentation of the cups and prizes for the RFC Club Competition is being held at 8pm on Wednesday 20 January.  Please come along, especially those of you who have won prizes!

19/01/10 Young Achiever in Sport Award

Congratulations to Rebecca Mayle for being awarded the Young Achiever in Sport Award by the South Oxon Council in recognition of her results.

17/01/10 BB&O

A good day for Reading fencers at the Berks, Bucks and Oxon championships.  Odette Hornby came 2nd in the U14 Girls Epee, with brother Ed winning the U14 Boys.  RFC did a 1-2-3 in the Mens Epee with Dave Hillier taking bronze, and Phil B. beating ickle brother Al in the final.  Al went on to win the Mens Sabre, defending his Master at Arms title for the Nth year in a row.
Photos to follow.  See the post below (8 Jan) for more information on upcoming competitions.

08/01/10 Your Local(s)

There are a few local competitions coming up which are a fantastic opportunity to have a day out, and beat people up at the same time, without having to travel too far.
It's the BB&O epee championships next Sunday (17 Jan), at Langley Grammar School, Slough.  Two weeks after (on 31 Jan) it's the Southern Region championships which are taking place at Reading University.
If you think they're going to be too difficult, you're wrong.  RFC is by far the strongest club in the Region (and one of the best in the UK), and our fencers dominate these local competitions every year.  The mens epee titles at both events were won by us every single year last decade, so the hardest opponents you'll have to fight will be from the club!
For more information, talk to a committee member or send us an email, and for competition entries either click the links above or go to the Calendar.

07/01/10 Aldershot Open Cancelled

...this weekend, so I wouldn't go there just yet. For more details, click here.

02/01/10 Happy New Year!

A very Happy New Year to everyone from all at RFC, and wishing you a successful and fun-filled 2010. For starters, we will be giving out the prizes for last years Club Competition during January's round - that's the week starting on the 11th! See you all there, and don't forget the club is back open this week, starting on the 4th of January.

22/12/09 Christmas meal snowed off

Hopefully everyone got the message in time that the Christmas meal was cancelled due to inclement weather. We hope to reshechedule for some time earlythe new year.

30/11/09 Ladies team second at London International

Congratulations to the Reading ladies (Emma, Eryn, Sam and Verity) who came second in the London international open epee teams competition. The mens team (Dave, Ed and Harry) came 5th.

24/11/09 Kit for Sale?

Click here.

19/11/09 No fencing on Monday 23 November

Please note that the sports hall is unavailable for hire on Monday 23 November and so there will be no fencing.

15/11/09 Christmas party!

Following on from the success of previous RFC Xmas Dinners, we are planning to hold this again on Monday 21st December at the Frankie & Benny's restaurant (the one located on the A4 just around the corner from the club's venue). Tables will be booked for 7pm and seeing that there will likely be quite a few of us if last year is anything to go by, it would help speed up the table service if everyone takes a look at the Xmas menu . The Xmas menu is 3-courses for £17.95, but if there is plenty of other food to choose from if you don't want the Xmas menu. If you want to come give either Verity or Phil a £5 deposit and let them know your food orders.

15/11/09 Teams for London International

The London International open epee is rapidly approaching and Reading always enter teams (both mens and womens) if you are interested in fencing then talk to Steve or Phil in the club by the 18th.

26/10/09 Elite Epee

Another good weekend for our youngsters.  Rebecca Mayle, who heads off to Germany for a competition soon, came 3rd in the U16 Girls.  Her brother William finished 7th in the U13 Boys, and Ed Hornby continued his good run of form, coming 10th in the U16's.
Remember to check our Calendar to see upcoming competitions with links to the entry pages.

19/10/09 B&B

Well done to Phil Barbasiewicz who won the Bedford Open yesterday.  It's the fourth time he's won the event so far, which is more than any other fencer.  Another good turnout from RFC fencers at an Open competition, so well done to all who took part.
Meanwhile Phil's little brother Alain also had a good day, winning the BB&O Mens Foil Championships for the 6th year in a row, putting him in pole position to defend his Master at Arms trophy which he's held since records began.
Full results from both competitions to follow soon.

11/10/09 Celebrity Status

A star in the making, well done to Ed Hornby who is now Hampshire Boys U14 Epee Champion.  He only started fencing on our beginners course back in January, and is already making headlines - check out a local news article here.

07/10/09 Sussex & Sheffield

Two lovely places, I'm sure you'll agree...  Well done to all who competed at both the Sussex Open and the U17 & U20 Nationals held at Sheffield last weekend.
Jenni Goodman won the Sussex (well done!) and Verity came 11th in the ladies event, with Alan Knowles making it to the L8.
Our youngsters did well at Sheffield, with Rebecca having a storming day in the Cadets, coming 6th (despite having 'the lurgy')!  She shoots up to 11th in the cadet rankings.  Other results include Harry Gulliver (17th, U20's), and Edgar, Hugo and Piers all making the L64.

21/09/09 Bristol Open

A super turnout for Reading at the first and indeed one of the biggest domestic competitions of the calendar.  We had almost 20 fencers competing in the mens and womens epee, with Al B coming 3rd.  Full results available by clicking this link (and selecting the relevant event if need be).
If you're thinking about doing a competition but haven't done so before or just want to find out more, ask someone at the club or send us an email.

16/09/09 BFA guidelines on latest CRB rules

As some of you may have already heard in the news recently, new rules are coming into effect whereby individuals (and potentially sports clubs) involved in taking children to clubs or competitions may need to undergo a CRB check.  Please note that the club will not organise transport arrangements for young fencers.  Parents of young fencers whom make arrangements with other parents to transport children to the club or competitions may or may not need CRB clearance before doing so.  Early indications from the government are that informal travel arrangements between parents which take place irregularly will be unaffected by the new rules, however, if anyone is in doubt it is advisable that you seek clarification directly from the BFA.

15/09/09 Results from the BSC

The 2009 British Selection Circuit Competition took place last weekend in which there were a number of RFC fencers battling it out. Congratulations are in order for the following results - Rebecca Mayle 25th, Edgar Horby 35th (an impressive result given his young age compared with his competition), Harry Gulliver 16th.  Full results will follow shortly once these become available.

01/09/09 Kit for sale!

There is some kit for sale (kindly donated by Ben White whom we wish well with his studies in the US of A), with any proceeds going to charity (Brain Tumour UK).  The kit (all medium-sized and RH) comprises of epee guards, gloves, pistol-grip handles and a 800N jacke.  If you are interested then please contact Phil.

13/7/09 Ian Briggs now coaching

Ian Briggs has joined our coaching staff and is available for private lessons on Wednesdays (Not the 15/7/09).

10/06/09 Southern Region Development Day

There is a Southern Region Development Day being held in Aldershot on Sunday 5 July (there is also a course for coaches being run on 4 July).  There are a number of sessions on offer, including refereeing, weapon maintenance, child protection, sports psychology and general training (e.g. footwork and group exercises).   These Development Days have been very popular in the past so we suggest booking early to avoid disappointment. The club is willing to pay a subsidy to those members who attend any of the courses on offer (e.g. refereeing).  The amount of the subsidy will depend upon how many people take up the offer.  The aim is to fully pay for all courses and if attendance is as in past years we envisage the subsidy being 100%.  The subsidy will not apply to those just attending the general training.   If you are interested and would like further details then email us or let Alain or Philippe know on a club night.

19/5/09 Friendly

We've been approached by the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in Camberley who're interested in holding a friendly between our two clubs.  They have a mixed ability group from beginners upwards and the  match is likely to take place on a Saturday afternoon.  If this might be of interest then please let us know - you can email us or let Alain or Philippe know on a club night.

18/5/09 Phil is running in a half marathon for charity

Phil B will be running in the Henley half marathon (his 3rd such run) for charity on 11 October 2009.  His chosen charity is Brain Tumour UK, in memory of Kevin Griffiths, a long-time RFC member whom many may recall sadly lost his long battle against a brain tumour, when he died in November 2007 at the age of just 41.  Phil would appreciate any donations towards this worthy charity - please click HERE and donate online (if you are a UK taxpayer then 25% in Gift Aid plus a 3% supplement are added to your donation).

16/5/09 FRIDAY SESSIONS...

...are no more!  Due to sustained low attendance rates on Friday evenings, we've decided to stop them altogether for the time being.

7/5/09 LTFC/Haverstock training camp in Hungary

The LTFC/Haverstock 2009 Summer Training Camp 2-9 August, Tata, Hungary. See the website for more details.

28/4/09 Haverstock LPJS

For all junior fencers here is the entry form for the Haverstock LPJS competition.

27/4/09 2009 British National Championships Forms Available

http://www.britishfencing.com/British_Fencing.asp?PageID=1382 The individual events are being held on Saturday 25 July at the English Institute of Sport in Sheffield, with the team events taking place on the Sunday. The closing date for entries is 26th June although there is an upper limit on entries for each event so you are advised to enter early to avoid disappointment. Similarly, booking hotel accommodation within the next couple of weeks would be recommended as from experience the local hotels tend to get fully booked quickly. There are a number of local hotels within a short distance from the venue to choose from, such as the Hotel Etap and the Premier Inn (the Arena location is closest).
As in the past, the club would like to enter both men's and women's teams (of 4) so if you are interested, please let us know.
On a separate note, an updated calendar is available on the RFC website showing our opening dates through to the summer which I suggest you all take a look at, for we are approaching the school exams season when the sports hall will be unavailable to us - there is 1 week in May and 2 weeks in June affected, plus the forthcoming Bank Holidays.

10/3/09 Reading Juniors Win Again

Our U18 team won the SR Team Champs in Headington last weekend. The team were undefeated in a strong field with the final results coming in as Reading 1st; Salle Eton 1 2nd; Espada 2 3rd. Photos to follow.

6/3/09 A Competition in France

For anyone who is interested here are the details of the Circle d'escrime de Blois annual Epee competion. It is generally a well run, well attended and pleasant days fencing and depending on the number of entrants often fought as a "pool unique" so you get plenty of fights. There is a ladies Epee competion as well. Regis, the Matre d'arme and organiser finished 11th in the recent World championship and watch out because he is "en forme" at present. Blois is on La Loire and about 1h drive from Tours airport. Ryanir are giving away tickets for free for flights out on the 26 returning 30th means you only have to pay the airport duties (£53 return). Cheap rate hire cars can also be obtained through Ryanair for pick up outside the airports front doors. I can help out/advise on accomodation. Alternative travel via the Newhaven-Dieppe ferry , overall the cheapest route if you intend to travel by car.
Jon Nottingham

22/2/09 - Elite Epée

Brilliant results at Elite Epee today Rebecca Mayle the won U16 girls (despite having been up at 4.30am and had flown back from Budapest !!!) and, William Mayle came third in the U11 beating the no 2 seed on the way.

9/2/09 - Slough, Lisbon and Basel

Ben got a L32 at the Basal junior A grade and Steve a L64 at the Lisbon A grade (his proper international).
Everyone else went to Slough: Verity and Rebecca got L64s, Phil L8, Gav L16, Alan, Alain, Alex and Gareth L32, Ian L64, Robert, Harry and Dave L128.

10/1/09 - Ben, L16 at the Gothenberg Junior A Grade

Ben got a L16 at the Gothenberg Junior A Grade on Saturday 31 January. He was also featured on BBC's Sportsround program at the weekend (along with Jon May and Lukas Kulmey).

18/12/08 - Congratulations to Steve and Zoë

Their first child, an as yet unnamed boy, was born on the 21st of January

10/1/09 - Ben wins the Epee at the Australian Youth Olympic Festival

Ben wins the epee at the Australian Youth Olympic Festival 2009 .

10/1/09 - Phil wins the Aldershot Open

In a stunning return to form Phil wins Aldershot. This is the third year in a row that a Reading fencer has won this competition

18/12/08 - Congratulations to Gav and Hannah

Their first child, Taylor May, was born on the 18th of December

6/12/08 - James and Rebecca to fence for Southern

Congratulations to James Ross and Rebecca Mayle who have been selected for the Southern region team for the cadet Winton.

6/12/08 - Christmas Party

Following on from the success of last year's RFC Xmas Dinner, we are planning to hold this again on Monday 22 December at the Frankie & Benny's restaurant (the one located on the A4 just around the corner from the club's venue). Tables will be booked for 8pm and seeing that there will likely be quite a few of us if last year is anything to go by, it would help speed up the table service if everyone takes a look at the Xmas menu . The Xmas menu is 3-courses for £17.95, but if there is plenty of other food to choose from if you don't want the Xmas menu. If you want to come give either Verity or Phil a £5 deposit and let them know your food orders.

30/11/08 - Ben comes third at the London International

Despite an injury Ben has continued his outstanding season coming 3rd at the London international, the toughest domestic competition of the year.

30/11/08 - Southern Region Championships...

We won all of the medals in the Mens epee, got a first and third in the ladies and now have a plethora of junior champions. See the results page and photos to see how things went.

11/11/08 - Southern Region Championships...

...are this weekend!!  They're easy, too - Reading wins most of the events every year! - so don't be afraid to take part and, if you don't want to, then just turn up and support.
When: THIS SUNDAY!!!
Where: Bradfield College (MAP)
Click here to be redirected to the Southern Region website where you'll be able to downoad the entry forms.

9/11/08 - Ben comes third at The Welsh Open

Ben White achieves his best senior domestic result to date coming third at the Welsh open. Ben lost a close semi final to Jon Willis, the eventual winner. The results of other club members can be seen here.

09/10/08 - Christmas Party

Following on from the success of last year's RFC Xmas Dinner, we are planning to hold this again on Monday 22 December at the Frankie & Benny's restaurant (the one located on the A4 just around the corner from the club's venue). Tables will be booked for 8pm and seeing that there will likely be quite a few of us if last year is anything to go by, it would help speed up the table service if everyone takes a look at the Xmas menu . The Xmas menu is 3-courses for £17.95, but if there is plenty of other food to choose from if you don't want the Xmas menu. If you want to come give either Verity or Phil a £5 deposit and let them know your food orders.

Please note that there will be no fencing on that evening.

4/10/08 - Sussex Open

Six reading fencers travelled to Portslade for the Sussex Open. Verity Howell came 2nd, reaching her first final at an open, Phil Barbasiewicz 5th, Alan Knowles 14th, Gareth Williams 26th, Dave Hillier 30th and Robert Streeter 53rd. . Photos can be found here .

27/8/08 - September Beginners

The new season is underway and, with it, a new beginners course.  Our September course will be the first to feature a new format, with an 8-week foil course followed by a 5-week improver course in epee.  If you are new to the sport, or are an existing member and know someone else who's interested, then find out more by reading the Beginner section of the site.  The new course will start on Monday 8 September and there are just a few places still remaining!!,

2/8/08 - Epee Classes

We will be holding epee-only classes for the next three Mondays, starting this week.  Classes will take place at the same time as our regular beginner classes, from 19:30-21:00 on Monday the 4th, 11th and 18th. The classes are open to all our past beginners - the fee is just £6/night AND each person who took part on the last course that just finished is entitled to one FREE class.
For those who have just finished and haven't already checked it out, click HERE to browse our Welcome Pack which contains all the info you need to join

1/8/08 - Un-be-LIEVABLE!  RFC kit NOW AVAILABLE!!!

It's been a long (long, long, long, long, long) time in waiting, but RFC kit is now available to buy.
Visit the Resources page for more information, or e-mail us.

21/7/08 - British National Championships

14 Reading (and a few Readingish) fencers travelled up to Sheffield for the national championships. Steve Bateman came 10th, the Mens A team 4th and the Ladies team (Readstock CADS) 9th. Click here for pictures.

29/6/08 - Southern Region Development day

The third Southern region development day is happening in Aldershot in June, it should be a great day with lots of events for fencers and hangers on. As well as fencing work there will be sessions on Armoury, refereeing, psychology, competition managment and much more. Click here for more information.

12/5/08 - Isle of Wight

Nine Reading fencers attended the Isle of Wight open this year with Steve Bateman coming second, Ben White 5th and Verity Howell 8th. Reading also came second in the team event. Photos can be found here .

5/5/08 - Triangular and Excalibur

RFC fielded fencers in this year's  Southern Region triangular and competition and at the Excalibur. At the Triangular Harry Guliver, Will Ross, Verity Howell and David Hillier represented BBO in the senior epee, Mike Bradbury and James Ross represented Wiltshire in the senior epee and Junior foil(!) respectively. At the Excalibur Steve Bateman, Ben White and Andy Gates represented Hampshire coming second in the mens epee event.

31/3/08 - 5 Nations

RFC fielded two fencers in this year's Five Nations Home International, held in Glasgow at the weekend.  Steve Bateman made his debut for Wales and Alain Barbasiewicz represented England, both in the Mens Epée event - Wales won all four of their matches, with Steve fencing well despite wearing borrowed kit (courtesy of British Airways), and Alain scoring most hits on his team, placing 3rd but winning the overall title.  Photos in Gallery, 57-60.

27/3/08 - Rebecca in Poland

Well done to Rebecca Mayle, who finished 44th/112 in Poland this weekend, doing well as one of the younger competitors in the event.

24/3/08 - England Youth Champ's

Southern Region will be hosting the above event on 5th-6th July, down the road from us at the Loddon Valley Leisure Centre. RFC will be lending our support, and with many of our juniors also competing at the event it's an ideal opportunity to lend your support and a helping hand at the same time. Please have a look at our flyer HERE, and mail s or speak to Alain at the club if you're free to help!! Entry forms and further information can be found here.

23/3/08 - Birmingham International

Steve 18th, Gavin 44th, Alan 55th Dave 61st and Verity 60th.

11/3/08 - Improver Classes

Thank you and well done to those who've just completed our January beginners course.  We will be holding more group lessons for you to take part in, focusing on epee and footwork.  Details you need to know... when: Mondays (not Easter), 19:30-21:00... dates: 17 March, 31 March, 7 April... cost: £7.50 per lesson (paid in advance!).  Classes will be open to recent beginners, too, so if you're interested then speak to Alain or Robin at the club or just e-mail us.

5/3/08 - Cadet European Championships

Many congratulations to Ben White, who finished 9th at the above event, held in Rovigo, Italy.

4/3/08 - 5 Nations Selection

Well done to Alain B. (ENG) and Steve Batemen (WAL), who've been selected for this year's 5 Nations Championships, being held in Glasgow on 29 March.

2/3/08 - Nottingham

John Prime placed 5th, with clubmates Gav Lyon, Alan Knowles and Harry Gulliver all making the L32.

16/2/08 - BYC's

A highly successful weekend at the British Youth Championships... U12 Boys Epee: Piers F-T 5th, Sam C-D 22nd, Will Mayle 28th, Ben Brown 29th... U14 Boys Epee: Callum Williams 15th... U14 Girls Epee: Rebecca Mayle, 9th... U16 Boys Epee: Harry Gulliver 5th, James Ross 14th.

10/2/08 - International Result

Steve comes 15th at the Stockholm satellite, just missing out on world ranking points.

3/2/08 - Slough

Steve comes 5th at the Slough open, Phil B L16, John P and Alan K L32.

10/2/08 - Steve Bateman Wins Aldershot

Another open title for Reading. Phil B and Gareth W L16, Alan K and Verity H L32.

27/1/08 - Reading Clear up at BBO Championships

Reading fencers won the U12 boys (Oliver Ross), U16 boys (James Ross) and Ladies (Verity Howell) events and took all of the medals in the U14 Girls (poorly Rebecca Mayle, 3rd) and Mens (Gold, Phil B, Silver, Harry Guliver, Bronze, Will Ross and David Hillier) event at this years County championships.   Rebecca has also been selected for England, congratulations!!!