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The St Benedict’s, Ealing Fencing Club
Subcommittee: Adrian Kellett & Matthew Gale
Next Match: The 2nd Annual Old Priorian Fencing Evening
Date & Time: Friday, 05 October at 7 pm
Venue: St Benedict’s Junior School Hall
A call to arms...
"The second OPA vs School Fencing Evening will be held at St Benedict's on Friday, 05 October. The proposed programme includes a number of foil bouts together with demonstrations of épée, and sabre by OPs. Last year's inaugural event was well supported by the School and parents, but OPA representatives were few; we need a lot more this year if we are to play our proper part in what promises to be a special occasion.
If you enjoyed fencing at School - or have taken to it since - this is your chance to show you can still show today's pupils a few tricks! The School can provide equipment if yours is long gone. Even if you can't manage a lunge any more, you can still come along to support our team, meet other fencers and adjourn with us to the Benet Club for refreshment and reminiscence... For those OPs whose School days sadly omitted fencing, this will be an opportunity to see what you missed!
If you would like to know more about the event - and particularly if you would like to take part - I would be delighted to hear from you."
Adrian Kellett (OP 1957) - "If I can still manage it, you can...!"
Order of Events
Welcome from the Captain of the School Fencing Club
Toast from the Youngest Member of the School Fencing Club
Response from the Old Priorian Team Captain, Mr Adrian Kellett
1st Bout |
- Fencing Exhibition Match: Current 1st and 2nd Ranked School Fencers |
2nd Bout |
- Club Captain vs Old Priorian Fencer |
3rd Bout |
- Youngest Fencer vs Old Priorian Fencer |
4th Bout |
- Highest Ranked Girl vs Old Priorian Fencer |
5th Bout |
- Old Priorian Exhibition Match: Fencers from the OPA Fencing Team |
6th Bout |
- Under 11 Fencer vs Old Priorian Fencer |
7th Bout |
- Under 13 Fencer vs Old Priorian Fencer |
8th Bout |
- Under 15 Fencer vs Old Priorian Fencer |
9th Bout |
- Winner of 1st Bout vs Old Priorian Fencer |
10th Bout |
- Invitation to those assembled for a volunteer novice Parent Match |
Presentation of Medal and Farewell (approximately 9 pm)
Notes: Following the close of hostilities, the Old Priorian Fencers and their guests will retire to the Benet Club for refreshments and a team debriefing. On Saturday morning all school fencers are invited to attend a Master Class of Fencing Coaching directed by Mr Adrian Kellett, OP.
How to Register
To register for this event Old Priorian’s should contact Matthew Gale by emailing mgale@stbenedicts.org.uk or The Old Priorian Association (contact details at the top of the page).
History
The 2006 OP Fencing evening was a tremendously enjoyable event, and marked the official return of St Benedict’s to the competitive fencing arena. Old Priorians Adrian Kellett (OP 1957) and Amanda Raby, née Grubb (OP 1991) managed to wrest victory from the hands of very determined competition from the boys and girls in the St Benedict’s Fencing Club. A date has been set for a re-match next year.
The evening began with a fencing demonstration by 26 boys and girls from the club. Club Captain, Walid Hadad welcomed the Old Priorians and the many spectators who turned out to support. One of the youngest club members, Alex Reid proposed a toast to the Old Priorians to which Adrian Kellett replied. There followed demonstrations of electric fencing, sabre fencing and a series of fiercely contested foil bouts. Adrian Kellet, who had gone on to become a British Amateur Fencing Coach after leaving the fencing club (in the late 50s), took the fencing club through it’s paces and offered some valuable advice to the young swordsmen. Finally, the parents in the audience were invited to take part in a novice challenge match. Mrs Matthews and Mrs Kelleher graciously accepted and entertained us with what turned out to be a most laudable encounter.
Finally, Mr Jennings, Master of Ceremonies on the night, presented the contestants with certificates and proposed a vote of thanks to the Mr and Mrs Haddad and the Old Priorian Association for supplying the catering.
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