Historical background
Formed in 1961, in its early years the club was very active and its members represented the county and were prime movers in the creation of the then Worcester (now Hereford & Worcester) County Fencing Union. After a bleak period in the early 1970's, the club was revitalised in 1976 and in 1978 moved to its present venue, formerly the Grange School.
For many years from 1979 a flourishing exchange took place between the club, as representatives of Dudley Sports Council (Now Sport Dudley) and BREMEN, Germany. This was of great benefit both socially and in fencing experience for club members.
Originally only meeting once a week, a second session was established in 2003 after the most successful beginners' course on record in September 2006, which netted over 20 new members.
Competitive achievements
Since the mid 1980's the club has had a steady flow of competitive success, both in team and individual events, producing Regional and County Men's team champions and has won the Wilkinson Sword Trophy 7 times for the best overall Men's & Ladies Hereford & Worcester team. It has also produced County Foil and Sabre champions (12 times out of last 13 years) and the Regional Foil and Sabre champions along many other medallists. There are always club members in any County team; recently several have represented the Region and a member fenced in the Welsh team at the 1994 Commonwealth Fencing Championships, gaining a Bronze medal, and the G B "B" team later that year and 2 members have regularly represented GB in the European Veterans team championships, both gaining medals. Both have also fenced in the European Individual championships and the World Championships culminating with a Gold medal in the Men's Cat. III Sabre in the European Individual Championships in Moscow in June 2003, together with 8th place in the Women's Epée at the same event. That was capped in September 2003 the Sabre World title in Limoges. In January 2005 the club again had two members in the top 50 in the national rankings, with one at 37th in the Man's Sabre rankings - the highest any club member has reached for many years and, for the first time ever, a Woman foilist in the top 50, later to reach 32nd before family commitments disrupted her progress. She was also in the top 100 at épée, along with other members in their weapon. The number of club members competing in Veterans events has been swollen lately and in March this year Steve Potter won his age category in his first attempt at the NVA National Championships, coming 4th overall. As a result he is fencing for GB in a triangular match against France & Germany in Bonn on Saturday 18th August. Former World champion Peter Baron will shortly be off to Sydney for the World Championships 2007.
Development
The club now offers beginners’ courses every school term, usually on both Tuesdays and Thursdays. This may even increase if demand continues to grow.
Whilst aware of its past, the club is very forward looking. Funds are regularly committed to improving the level of equipment available to enable more members to accustom themselves to competition conditions. This grant is further evidence of this commitment and will take the investment to a higher level.