The East Devon fencers

Sidmouth and East Devon Fencing Club gave a spectacular half-hour display of fencing with foil, epee and sabre at the Matford Centre, Exeter, for Devon Senior Voice Intergeneration Group, celebrating the Olympics.

Fencing display

There were brief demonstrations of lessons at each weapon, to show general principles, followed by group fencing and pairs combat with electrical scoring equipment.

There was a full range of ages present, from seven to 76. As at our club sessions, the tiniest fencers could be seen explaining the finer points of posture or technique to grizzled veterans!

As an inclusive sport, the club welcomed David Follett, England wheelchair badminton player, who can also fence, and club members enjoyed fencing with him.

Working in conjunction with the Devon Youth Service, the high profile event showcased commitment to the improvement of the health and well being of older people in Devon, and to the improvement in understanding between generations.

Sally Kenealy (nee Littlejohns), GB foil fencer at the 1972 Munich Olympics, encouraged and chatted with the fencers, and was impressed with the easy way the different ages worked together