New To The Fencing Club?
When you first join the club you will probably have a lot of questions about fencing, fencing equipment and the club in general.
To help you, we have put together some of the most frequently asked questions new fencers ask us. If your question is not answered here, please ask any of the club coaches or members of the fencing committee, or fill in our contact form and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
You are welcome to join the club, either as a junior (under 16) or senior (over 16). The first two weekly sessions after the beginners course end are free, after that you are expected to join the club and pay an annual fee or pay a weekly visitors weekly fee.
Northampton Fencing Club membership is annual from January to January, with the club setting the annual fees to the Annual General Meeting, held in January each year. If you join the club during the year we will calculate a membership fee as a proportion of the year.
Fees can be paid as a one off payment, half yearly or by special arrangement with the Treasurer.
Junior sessions (under 16 years) run 7.00pm to 8.30pm. (Juniors are welcome to stay later but we cannot guarantee coach availability after 8.30pm). Senior sessions (16 years and over) run 8.00pm to 10.00pm (though we start clearing away kit at about 9.50pm).
Yes, however, the changing rooms and showers are the responsibility of Moulton College. Children must be supervised by their accompanying adult when using the facilities.
The club is run by a committee of volunteers.
The committee meets every two months, usually at the home of a committee member. Any club member is welcome to come to a meeting. However, only committee members may vote on matters.
We require all junior members (under 16) to be accompanied by a responsible adult, and for their responsible adult to sign a register. This is to ensure the club can fully meet its legal responsibilities regarding safeguarding children and vulnerable adults.
No, you can borrow club equipment whilst you decide whether to buy your own.
There are a number of fencing kit manufacturers distributing in the UK, but fencing kit can also be purchased second hand, with lots of equipment for sale in places such as e-bay. The club also has a limited amount of kit for sale from ex-members. However, all kit must have a certain “safety label” on it and some second hand kit does not display this label. Unless your kit displays the “safety label” you must not use it, and the club cannot allow you to wear it. Therefore, you should always take advice from a coach or another experienced fencer before purchasing second hand kit.
To fence “electric” you must have fencing socks, breeches, plastron (a protective layer worn under the jacket), and jacket. All this kit (except socks) must display a safety label.
As a club we require all members to belong to the BFA for insurance purposes. You can find out about the different membership types and join the BFA at http://britishfencing.com/membership/membership_categories/.
Yes, the coaches offer one-to-one coaching in all three weapons on most club nights. To arrange these please speak to a coach.
The beginners course is a Foil course, however, Epee and Sabre are also fenced at the club. If you would like to try one of these weapons please speak to a coach.