leicester fencing club
Leicester
Leicester Fencing Club originated from a merger between Huncote FC and Granby
Halls FC in June 1989. The club was then known as the Granby Hall FC until it
was no longer possible to continue fencing at the venue. Both Steve Wright and
Jim Amberton had gone to Alderman Newton school at what is now Leicester Grammar
School, Peacock Lane. They approached the headmaster to see whether to have
fencing again on the site. Allowing his pupils free coaching, the club moved
venue to the school premises. As the Club grew in size it was decided that we
would have to find a larger venue. The City of Leicester School in Evington
(formally Leicester City Grammar School for Boys) already had a history of
fencing there, so the club moved again in 1992 and due to the change of venue a
new name was required. CLUB ‘X’ was suggested but was thrown out for being too
silly and finally the Leicester Fencing Club emerged from the ashes. The Deputy
Head Master of the School (Alan Rudge) supported the move and growth of the Club
at the School. We continued fencing there for five years but again had to move
this time due to security reasons. Another venue was sought and we approached
Aylestone Leisure Centre. They accepted us with open arms and the rest has been,
as they say, history. The club not only looks after Foil, the club’s main
weapon, but now Sabre and Epee are coached. The club provides beginner groups
for youth and adults which are structured to the British Fencing Association’s
Achievement Awards Scheme, all provided by a well-trained and qualified coaching
team. We also support our more experienced members with weekly sessions
available for further education towards higher grades or simply a safe
environment to have a bit of fun. Our sessions run on Tuesdays for Foil (and
Epee where in demand) and Fridays for Sabre Cadets (under 18s). Both groups meet
from 7pm until 9pm during term times and occasionally run during the half term
breaks and summer holiday, dependent on availability of coaches. For more
information on beginner classes see the beginners section or if you are a more
advanced fencer looking to switch to LFC then take a look at our membership
page.
