Doug Facer began his fencing career in Northampton in 1949 before moving away from the area in 1952. During this time he continued to fence and upon his return to Northampton in 1962 he rejoined the club. In 1980 he was elected President of the club and remained the figurehead for the next 21 years, standing down as president a few months before he passed away. In 1982 he qualified as a foil coach for the club, progressing to county coach level in 1993. Many coaches came and went over the years, however for 20 years Doug was instrumental in introducing beginners to the sport. After he died in 2001, the club felt it was fitting to hold an annual foil competition, with the trophy dedicated to Doug's memory, the monies raised during the competition going to his chosen charity, Cystic Fibrosis.
Sean Slootweg has a connection to the club that goes back through the years, but also continues today, as his father is a current member. His sister and two brothers have also been members. Sean was diagnosed with epilepsy in 2004 at the age of 18, just before leaving for university in Swansea. Although that put an end to his aspirations to join the RAF, he dreamt of designing aircraft which future RAF pilots would fly, and that became the driving force behind his decision to study aerospace engineering. His epilepsy medication had some weight gain associated with it, so Sean took up fencing as a way to keep fit. He embraced all 3 weapons, but eventually decided to concentrate on Sabre, particularly as a member of the university men's team. He was the men's team captain (and club armourer) and also an enthusiastic coach of freshers new to the sport. In March 2008, Sean passed away unexpectedly, but his family was supported by the knowledge that he was highly respected and well-loved by his many friends and family. Subsequently, the club decided to establish the Sean Slootweg Memorial Sabre Competition to be held from 2009.
The family's first source of information and support for epilepsy came from the charity Epilepsy Action, so the proceeds of the competition will go to that charity.
Gary Baker became a member of Northampton Fencing Club in 1986 and fenced regularly at the club until he passed away in 1996. He was a keen swordsman especially with his weapon of choice the epee, and it seemed only fitting that the club should hold a competition in his memory.
Gary was also an active supporter of Leukaemia Research after losing his brother to the illness when they were both young, so the club thought it only fitting that the proceeds of the competition should go to such a worthy cause.
Gary Baker became a member of Northampton Fencing Club in 1986 and fenced regularly at the club until he passed away in 1996. He was a keen swordsman especially with his weapon of choice the epee, and it seemed only fitting that the club should hold a competition in his memory.
Gary was also an active supporter of Leukaemia Research after losing his brother to the illness when they were both young, so the club thought it only fitting that the proceeds of the competition should go to such a worthy cause.
In 1982 he qualified as a foil coach for the club, progressing to county coach level in 1993. Many coaches came and went over the years, however for 20 years Doug was instrumental in introducing beginners to the sport. After he died in 2001, the club felt it was fitting to hold an annual foil competition, with the trophy dedicated to Doug's memory, the monies raised during the competition going to his chosen charity, 
His epilepsy medication had some weight gain associated with it, so Sean took up fencing as a way to keep fit. He embraced all 3 weapons, but eventually decided to concentrate on Sabre, particularly as a member of the university men's team. He was the men's team captain (and club armourer) and also an enthusiastic coach of freshers new to the sport. In March 2008, Sean passed away unexpectedly, but his family was supported by the knowledge that he was highly respected and well-loved by his many friends and family. Subsequently, the club decided to establish the Sean Slootweg Memorial Sabre Competition to be held from 2009.