Fencing at Woolverstone Hall - as told in "Janus"
FIRST ENTRY: 1954
LAST ENTRY: 1977
N°: 17
EARLIEST
COMMENTS
RETURN

Fencing started modestly as soon as 1954 (that Leslie Johnston again!) and plodded along gently through the rest of the decade. The 60s saw a sudden spurt of activity, with regular matches against other schools. This was the period when the legendary Barry Clark was heavily involved! "Legendary" insofar as he is the only WHS boy to have actually become a teacher at the school as far as I am aware! The 70s then saw a minor explosion of activity and excellence, with several boys competing in various championships all over the country. And how many of you knew that the again legendary Adrian Thompson of rugger fame fenced for England! Amazing. At least, I am assuming it is the same one: someone will no doubt correct me if wrong! We don't really associate WHS with fencing (at least if you were a rugger player above all), but great things were done in this domain. Which reminds us how amazingly versatile WHS was and what a wide range of opportunities it offered to boys - AND what terrific commitment there was from staff.

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JANUS

26
EDITION

1977
25
1976
24
1975
23
1974
22
1973
21
1972
20
1971
19
1970
18
1969
NO ENTRY
17
1968
16
1967
15
1966
NO ENTRY
14-2
Winter 1965
14-1
Summer 1965
13-2
Winter 1964
13-1
Summer 1964
12-2
Winter 1963
NO ENTRY
12-1
Summer 1963
11-2
Winter 1962
GOTO TOP NO ENTRIES FROM 1956 to Summer 1962
4-2
Summer
1955

The Fencing Club did not meet regularly during the Summer term but it is worth noting that the first match, against a team of four from the Ipswich Fencing club,was fought. This was lost by 13 fights to 3; but we had no reason to feel disgraced, fighting as we were against much more experienced fencers. We are hoping that other schools in the district will take up this fascinating sport so that more meetings can be arranged. Hordes of little boys have now taken up the struggle, and some of them no doubt will persevere long enough to become adequate swordsmen.

L.J.
4-1
Spring
1955
NO ENTRY
3-2
Winter
1954

The Fencing Club meets regularly but there is nothing of great interest to report. Most members are still in the early stages with the foil. Some are showing a good deal of promise. Those who joined because of the glamour of Hollywood fencing (in which everything except a sword is used) have now fallen by the wayside, and only those really wanting to learn the foil have continued their membership.

L.J.
3-1
Spring
1954
 There is not really a great deal to report on this Club as it is of such recent formation. Altogether, from second, third, fourth and fifth forms, about twenty boys have taken up the foil, which so far is the only weapon we have used. Attendance has not always been as regular as it should be, but by September of this year it will be obvious which boys are really serious in the intention to learn to fence. Some have already made very good progress, and eventually fencing should take its place in the school as a vigorous and very worthwhile sport.

L.J.