The Harper Adams Fencing Club

Posted 27 May 2011

Watch the video on our YouTube channel.

As one of the newer and more unusual clubs at Harper Adams University College in Shropshire, the Fencing Club is now on the lookout for new student members.

The club recently hosted its first ever match on campus against Stone, and although the team didn’t win, they still impressed with their skills and technique.

18-year-old club Captain, Andrew Lines, said: “I’ve been fencing for a few years now and really enjoy it, it’s a fantastic sport.

“When I came to Harper Adams I asked about the club and heard that there had been one before, so I worked to see if we could get it back on track and improve membership numbers.”

Fencing is a combat sport that uses a series of three bladed weapons - foil, sabre and épée.

Vice-Captain, Eddie Sisson, 19, said: “Foil is the one that most people start with because it’s good for foot work and point control. Only the torso is on target and you score with the point.

“With sabre, everywhere above the waist is on target and you can score with both the blade and the point. Finally, the whole body is on target when using épée and you score with the point.”

Outgoing Captain, Matthew Howarth, 21, said: “Personally, I use the club for training for competitions outside of Harper Adams and also for the social side. It’s a good way of meeting new people and getting to know a different crowd.

“Our coach, Ken Holding, coaches both here and locally and we’re associated with his other clubs, including Stone, so we can train with them and have club nights together.”

The club recently appointed Social Secretary, Louise Skinner, to organise the events and nights out. The 20-year-old said: “I’ve only just started fencing, but as a girl I’ve found it quite easy to get into, despite me thinking it was a man’s sport due to the swords.

“Socially, we go out on Wednesday evenings together and we’re now planning trips to places like Alton Towers and also paintballing which should improve our agility.”

The club intends to enter the BUCS league next year. For those interested in joining or for more information, contact Ben Harper – bharper@harper-adams.ac.uk

Details of the Stone match can be found here