Election of Directors - 2023

Scottish Fencing is seeking nominations for three Elected Director posts, to serve on the Board for four-year terms from March 2023.

The terms of office of Sheila Anderson, Paul Vaughan and Adam Szymoszowskyj come to an end on 23 February 2023. Sheila has completed a second four-year term as a Director and cannot stand for a third consecutive term. Adam has indicated that he will not be standing again. Paul Vaughan does intend to seek re-election.

If you want to help lead Scottish Fencing and you have the time to commit please return a completed Proposal Form by 1800 Friday 3 February 2023. Nominees must be current members of Scottish Fencing.

Click here for the Proposal Form.

Submitted Proposal Forms will be published on the Scottish Fencing website as soon as they are validated. An election will be held if more than three valid nominations are received by the deadline of 1800 Friday 3 February 2023.

The Board’s role is to provide strategic leadership for fencing in Scotland, to oversee the activities of Scottish Fencing's staff and volunteers, to maintain its ethical standards and legal obligations, and to safeguard the mental and physical well-being of everyone fencing here.

If you would like to find out more you can speak to Scottish Fencing’s COO, Clare Queen or any of the current Board – email clare.queen@scottish-fencing.com to arrange a call back. You can read a description of the directors’ roles here.

 You can find Scottish Fencing’s Articles of Association, Bye-Laws and other key documents about the Board's work here https://www.scottish-fencing.com/meeting-minutes-strategies.

As part of our commitment to being an equality driven organisation, we strive to provide equality of opportunity for members, volunteers and staff and we will promote a work culture that values diversity.

If you have a disability or have any difficulty in completing the application process please reach out via email to admin@scottish-fencing.com or telephone on 07803207349.

Hugh Kernohan
Electoral Officer (elections@scottish-fencing.com)

2022 Scottish Fencing Award Winners

Congratulations to all our 2022 Award Winners. Stan Stoodley, President of Scottish Fencing, at the 2022 AGM added that it was very hard to single anyone out as there were so many fantastic performances and improvements made this year. Scottish Fencing will make the award presentations in the coming weeks. Check our social media channels to see the presentations.

Our 2022 winners are:

Crosnier Coaching Award

Phil Carson

Phil’s Nomination

His record this last year speaks  for itself. He had:

·       21 members in Commonwealth teams 

·       9  members in British  teams 

·       gold medallist  in u12  British  championship 

·       British members in the cadets juniors senior and veteran teams

And he kept coaching online during the lockdown and beyond.

picture by d bryden

“I’d like to thank Stephen Rennie for nominating me for this award in what has been a challenging but rewarding year.  We have an amazing coach community in Scotland and I’m delighted to accept the award on behalf of all our coaches at Salle Ossian and across the coaching community who work tirelessly to give people the opportunity to participate in our amazing sport"

Crosnier Quaich – Performance

Callum Penman

Callum’s Nomination

Callum Penman for his continued stellar attitude, sportsmanship, and hard work. His achievements this year have been outstanding. Domestically he is the current Men’s Foil Scottish Open Champion. Internationally he won multiple medals including: 2022 commonwealth silver senior team, silver junior individual, and gold cadet team events. On the European circuit he won the Cadet event in Manchester and team Silver at the European Championships. Most recently he was selected to compete in his first Senior World Cup in Bonn, making it out of the pools and placing 149th. Peter Pan has nothing on this guy!

“

“I would like to thank Scottish fencing very much for this award and I’m very happy to receive it. Also would like to thank Paul Stanbridge for nominating me and would really like to show my appreciation to my coach Keith Cook who’s been coaching me since I was 6 years old and who’s helped me get to where I am today. Lastly I would like express my gratitude to Salle Holyrood for being the sort of club that encourages me and other fencers to reach their full potential.”

Sword of Merit

Sean Walton

Sean’s Nomination:

Sean has been a stalwart of Scottish Fencing for at least 40 years, as fencer, team member, coach to a variety of high achieving fencers, selector and founding member of Salle Holyrood.

In recent years he has been recognised by BF for his innovative work on the Fencing podcast and is well known from commentating on fencing competitions worldwide, with his own personal style. It has been an impressive contribution.

It has culminated this year, in his creation of the Commonwealth Experience Video.  As I look at how we will celebrate 100 years of SF next year, the video offers me a personal memory of this years’ Commonwealth competition and SF a historical record. Thank you

“Delighted to win this award. Like an early Christmas present but much bigger and more difficult to wrap.”

Scottish Fencing Pathways Squad 2023 - Registration extended until 8th January

Applications are now open for the 2023 Scottish Fencing Pathways Squad!

What is the Scottish Fencing Pathways Squad?

The Scottish Fencing Pathways Squad brings together the most committed young fencers from across Scotland to practice together regularly through the 2023 season, as well as providing in-person and online educational opportunities for the athletes and their parents.

The squad provides fencers the opportunity for fencers to come together with other like minded fencers to learn and try new things in a safe environment. There is no selection criteria, all that is required is a commitment and motivation to improve.

What is the purpose of the Scottish Fencing Pathways Squad?

We support the fantastic work being done by fencing coaches and clubs across Scotland, by providing additional practice opportunities for the most committed young fencers.

The focus of the Scottish Fencing Pathways Squad is on fun, learning through games / play, developing curiosity, and connecting with others. We believe this focus is vital to fostering a long-term, positive engagement with our sport. The programme will include in-person support from the True Athlete Project and Strength & Conditioning input from S&C Coach, Gil Stevenson. There will be some additional parent support running alongside the programme.

Who is the Scottish Fencing Pathways Squad for?

For U15 athletes (born in 2008 and after) who are committed to the sport and want to be competitive fencers.

Age categories:

• Under-15: born 2008-09

• Under-13: born 2010-11

• Under-11: born 2012 and after

Reasons to join the Scottish Fencing Pathways Squad

• Additional opportunities to practice fencing, with other like-minded and committed athletes.

• Build on the great work already being done with your coach within your club.

• Improve your understanding of how best to prepare for the challenges of competition.

• Get to know and make new friends with other fencers from all around Scotland.

Training Information

8 Sessions - 5 x in-person training days and 3 x online sessions.

Dates

29th January - Salle Ossian FC

19th February - Forth Valley FC

19th March - Salle Ossian FC

2nd April - Forth Valley FC

16th April - Venue TBC

In-person training days will be 10am - 3pm (approx)

Scottish Fencing Pathways Squad Staff

• Team Manager & Welfare Officer – Liz Anderson

• Lead Weapon Coach (Epee) – Rob Blackburne

• Lead Weapon Coach (Foil) – Stan Stoodley

• Lead Weapon Coach (Sabre) – Naomi Farmer

• COO/Head of Pathways – Clare Queen

Cost

£150 for the 2023 Pathways season.

Payment Methods:

a)      In full on sign up to squad, or

b)      Monthly payment plan agreed with SF.

SIGN UP FOR THE 2023 SCOTTISH FENCING PATHWAYS SQUAD

To sign up for the Pathways Squad 2023 please click here.

We have maximum 30 spaces available on the programme.

Registration closes at midnight on Sunday 8th January.

If you have any questions, contact Clare Queen, COO/Head of Pathways clare.queen@scottish-fencing.com

Annual General Meeting - papers

The Scottish Fencing 2022 Annual General Meeting will take place on 7 December at 17.30 via Zoom

You can register your attendance or apologies here

The agenda and links to the papers are below. There is still time to vote for the Award Nominees, this is link for voting and this is the link to read the full list of nominees.

We look forward to seeing you next week.

Annual General Meeting of Scottish Fencing Ltd 

To be held via Zoom 

1730 on 7 December 2022 

Agenda 

1.        Welcome

2.        Minutes of 2021 AGM 

3.        Presentation of accounts for period 01/04/2021 – 31/03/2022 followed by general questions on accounts.

4.        Approval of appointment of Colleen Walker as Finance Director.

5.        Report on Scottish Fencing activity 2021-2022.

6.        Any other business. 

7.        Presentation of Awards.

Opportunity to join the Board of Scottish Fencing

There will be three vacancies for Elected Directors on the Scottish Fencing Board next year when the current incumbents’ terms of office end on 23 February. All members are asked to think whether they are interested in joining the Board to help run Scottish Fencing. Anyone who would like to find out more about the roles or the nature of the commitment can speak to any of the current Directors or to the COO: e-mail clare.queen@scottish-fencing to arrange a call back.

Sheila Anderson will complete her second four-year term as a Director and cannot stand for a third consecutive term. Adam Szymoszowskyj has indicated that he will not be standing again. Paul Vaughan does intend to seek re-election.

Sheila’s specialist expertise in HR and employment issues will be a sad loss to the Board and Adam brought valuable experience in sports development from his work with Scottish Basketball but the main qualifications for new directors are a willingness to be be engaged in the Board’s work and a commitment to the success of Scottish Fencing. A wide variety of skills and knowledge can contribute but in addition to HR, any of event organisation, fund-raising and commercial experience would be very welcome.

A formal call for nominations will be issued after the AGM with a deadline for nominations in late January. If more than three valid nominations are received an election of the membership will be held with online voting as we did in 2019 and 2021.

The Board’s role is to provide strategic leadership for fencing in Scotland, to oversee the activities of Scottish Fencing's staff and volunteers, to maintain its ethical standards and legal obligations, and to safeguard the mental and physical well-being of everyone fencing here. There is a role description for directors here, and you can find Scottish Fencing’s Articles of Association, Bye-Laws and other key documents about the Board's work at https://www.scottish-fencing.com/meeting-minutes-strategies.

Scottish Fencing 2022 AGM Awards - The Nominees!

Every year Scottish Fencing presents three awards:

·       The Crosnier Quaich for Performance,

·       The Crosnier Coaching Award, and

·       The Sword of Merit.

As part of Scottish Fencing’s new tradition of opening up the awards to public nominations and vote the Scottish Fencing members will decide the winners for the Crosnier Quaich Performance Award and the Crosnier Coaching award. The Board of Scottish Fencing will decide the winner of the Sword of Merit Award. 

We will announce all the winners at the Scottish Fencing AGM.

You can read about the nominations below and use this link to vote for the award nominees.

Please note there is one vote per member and only votes that have a valid membership number will be counted.

Voting closes at noon on 5 December.

Crosnier Quaich – Performance Award

Below are the nominees for this year in the words given to us by those putting them forward:

1.         Hugh Kernohan

“Hugh has repeatedly won gold at the veteran age groups and was top to be selected  this year. Qualifying for the vets at the world championships again he has  improved his result every time he has competed; achieving individual Bronze this year. This year he also helped the team to win silver.

As a veteran he was in the Scottish squad  in the home nations. These are just a few of his results.”

2          Callum Penman

“Callum Penman for his continued stellar attitude, sportsmanship, and hard work. His achievements this year have been outstanding. Domestically he is the current Men’s Foil Scottish Open Champion. Internationally he won multiple medals including: 2022 commonwealth silver senior team, silver junior individual, and gold cadet team events. On the European circuit he won the Cadet event in Manchester and team Silver at the European Championships. Most recently he was selected to compete in his first Senior World Cup in Bonn, making it out of the pools and placing 149th. Peter Pan has nothing on this guy!”

3          Georgina Usher

“Georgina has had an exceptional year of achievement within the senior and veteran circuit, and I think would be a worthy winner of this award. To be achieving at senior and veteran in the 50-59 category is a major achievement.

Achievements in the last 12 months include:

Seniors – 3rd in the British nationals, 1st Scottish Open, 5th in the Milner Barry, and 1st Welsh Open

Veterans – 1st British Veterans Championship 21/22, Gold at the Commonwealth Championships, individual and team, winner of the 50-59 age medal, London 2022, individual Bronze and team Silver at the World Championships in Zadar 2022. “

Crosnier Coaching Award

This award recognises the hard work our coaches do in our clubs developing the sport and bringing the fencing community together. Coaches need to be on the British Fencing Coaches register or retired to be eligible. As there is only one nominee this year there is no public vote . Our nominee for this year is:

1          Phil Carson

“His record this last year speaks  for itself. He had:

·       21 members in Commonwealth teams 

·       9  members in British  teams 

·       gold medallist  in u12 British  championship 

·       British members in the cadets juniors senior and veteran teams

And he kept coaching online during the lockdown and beyond.”

Sword Of Merit

This award is nominated by the Scottish Fencing community and the winner decided by the Scottish Fencing Board. Our nominee for this year is:

1          Sean Walton

“Sean has been a stalwart of Scottish Fencing for at least 40 years, as fencer, team member, coach to a variety of high achieving fencers, selector and founding member of Salle Holyrood.

In recent years he has been recognised by British Fencing for his innovative work on the Fencing podcast and is well known from commentating on fencing competitions worldwide, with his own personal style. It has been an impressive contribution.

It has culminated this year, in his creation of the Commonwealth Experience Video.  As I look at how we will celebrate 100 years of Scottish Fencing next year, the video offers me a personal memory of this years’ Commonwealth competition and Scottish Fencing a historical record. Thank you.”

Scottish Fencing Pathways Squad 2023

Applications are now open for the 2023 Scottish Fencing Pathways Squad!

What is the Scottish Fencing Pathways Squad?

The Scottish Fencing Pathways Squad brings together the most committed young fencers from across Scotland to practice together regularly through the 2023 season, as well as providing in-person and online educational opportunities for the athletes and their parents.

The squad provides fencers the opportunity for fencers to come together with other like minded fencers to learn and try new things in a safe environment. There is no selection criteria, all that is required is a commitment and motivation to improve.

What is the purpose of the Scottish Fencing Pathways Squad?

We support the fantastic work being done by fencing coaches and clubs across Scotland, by providing additional practice opportunities for the most committed young fencers.

The focus of the Scottish Fencing Pathways Squad is on fun, learning through games / play, developing curiosity, and connecting with others. We believe this focus is vital to fostering a long-term, positive engagement with our sport. The programme will include in-person support from the True Athlete Project and Strength & Conditioning advice. There will be some additional parent support running alongside the programme.

Who is the Scottish Fencing Pathways Squad for?

For U15 athletes (born in 2008 and after) who are committed to the sport and want to be competitive fencers.

Age categories:

• Under-15: born 2008-09

• Under-13: born 2010-11

• Under-11: born 2012 and after

Reasons to join the Scottish Fencing Pathways Squad

• Additional opportunities to practice fencing, with other like-minded and committed athletes.

• Build on the great work already being done with your coach within your club.

• Improve your understanding of how best to prepare for the challenges of competition.

• Get to know and make new friends with other fencers from all around Scotland.

Training Information

8 Sessions - 5 x in-person training days and 3 x online sessions.

Dates

8th January

22nd January

19th February

19th March

2nd or 16th April TBC

In-person training days will be 10am - 3pm (approx)

We will confirm venues asap.

Scottish Fencing Pathways Squad Staff

• Team Manager & Welfare Officer – Liz Anderson

• Lead Weapon Coach (Epee) – Rob Blackburne

• Lead Weapon Coach (Foil) – Stan Stoodley

• Lead Weapon Coach (Sabre) – Naomi Farmer

• COO/Head of Pathways – Clare Queen

Cost

£150 for the 2023 Pathways season.

Payment Methods:

a)      In full on sign up to squad, or

b)      Monthly payment plan agreed with SF.

Information Evening

We are running two free, online Information Evenings to give an overview of the programme content and answer any questions or queries you may have regarding the Pathways programme.

Thursday 24th November – 7.00-8.00pm

and

Tuesday 29th November – 6.00-7.00pm

To register, please click here

SIGN UP FOR THE 2023 SCOTTISH FENCING PATHWAYS SQUAD

To sign up for the Pathways Squad 2023 please click here.

We have maximum 30 spaces available on the programme.

If you have any questions, contact Clare Queen, COO/Head of Pathways clare.queen@scottish-fencing.com

Scottish Fencing 2022 AGM registration - Awards deadline extended

As part of Scottish Fencing’s annual tradition we are inviting the fencing community to nominate Scottish Fencing members for each of the awards presented at the Scottish Fencing AGM. The three awards are:

 Crosnier Quaich

Performance in competition.

Nominations for this award are welcome for all age groups and events including veteran, senior, junior cadet and para.

Crosnier Coaching Award
Services to coaching.

All nominated coaches need to be on the British Fencing Coaches Register so please check before nominating the coach you think deserves this award.

Sword of merit
To recognise any individual, club or organisation who has made an outstanding and inspirational contribution to the sport of fencing in Scotland.
 
You may nominate an individual, a team, a club or an organisation.

Please send your nominations explaining the reasons for each (100 words max per nominee) to myself Stan Stoodley, Scottish Fencing President..
Nominations close noon on Friday the 25 November 2022.

We will then publish what the Board consider to be the top three nominees in each category.

A public vote will then take place to determine the recipients of the Crosnier Quaich and Crosnier Coaching Award.

The Scottish Fencing Board will vote to determine the recipient of the Sword of Merit.

We will announce the recipients at the forthcoming Scottish Fencing AGM which will take place virtually on 7 December 2022 at 17.30hrs. To attend the AGM you need a valid membership or be attending on behalf of someone who has a current membership.

To register for the AGM click here.

I look forward to receiving your nominations.

Your sincerely

Stan Stoodley

Scottish Fencing President

On behalf of the board of Scottish Fencing.

SF Blog: Rising Costs

The purpose of this article is to highlight some information to clubs and people across the Scottish Fencing community around the rising costs we are all currently experiencing. Hopefully you find it useful and any information you would like to share with the team please just get in touch.

From the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, our lives as we knew it before have been greatly changed. From lockdowns, wearing masks and keeping space – today we are still seeing some of these signs around out and about as we look to recover from the pandemic. Sport as we knew it came to a halt, but we are fortunately now in a position where we have been able to enjoy getting back to doing what we love and being physically active again. However now that we are moving into this winter and a new year round the corner, the challenges that some people are facing right now could be greater than ever.

In our day to day lives, we are all seeing the difference in the rising costs. Inflation is the highest it has been in 40 years [1], weekly shopping costs up, car fuel prices up and gas and electric costs up is just a few things that is greatly impacting so many people across the country. Moving into this winter for some unfortunately the difficult choice between eating and heating is a difficult reality, one which could bring many future challenges while we are still trying to recover as a society from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sport as we all know has great benefits to groups of people and individuals. It can allow you to be physically active and socially connected while doing and being part of something you love. Through Sportscotland working groups, sports are coming together to discuss and share the challenges that are being faced across the Scottish sporting system with the rising costs and the impact this is having on membership, participation and events. The more information that different sports can share about the experiences their sport is facing from the rising costs is vital to continue building that picture. Sportscotland believe it is vital that sport and physical activity remains an important part of people’s lives and doesn’t get pushed too far down the priority list and will continue to lobby at government level.

Clubs I do not doubt across the country will also be feeling the pinch. If you are in your own venue there will be increases in costs to heat venues. Others may experience increases in rental costs as well with venues looking to get some of their money covered by those using their facility. Clubs also have that challenge of wanting to make sure that everyone still attends and that sessions are affordable for people. Having some flexibility to support members with session costs is a benefit and could be the difference between someone taking part in physical activity and the sport they love over the winter period and not doing anything at all – which we all know from the COVID-19 pandemic experienced will just lead to further challenges over the coming years in trying to get all those (and potentially more!) back into our clubs and the sport as a whole. An example that has been shared with us from the Scottish Fencing community has been around seeing the rising costs for travelling to and from competitions. Re-budgeting is something that has had to happen as increases in different costs i.e. fuel & hotels is presenting that challenge of making sure that being able to go to competitions and compete is still something that individuals are able to do. Has this been something that others across the Scottish Fencing community have witnessed & experienced?

We do not think that anyone has all the answers or solutions to be able to solve this rising cost crisis. It is something that is still quite fluid and ever-changing on a weekly basis. The key thing is to know that as a sport and a community, we can be there to help support one another. During what could be tough times for some people – don’t forget to check in and see how other people are doing. If anyone has come up with solutions as a club or an individual to save a few pennies here and there please do share them with the team at Scottish Fencing. As mentioned earlier in this article, the more information and sharing that can be done across the sport can go a long way towards keeping the fencing community in Scotland linked together and helping each other out. At the end of the day, we all want to do the best we can whether that is as a coach, volunteer, fencer, committee member or parent (and I know some of you will wear all these hats!) to make Fencing in Scotland the best it can be to everyone who is part of the sport and the community.

[1] https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-63212669

P.S. Some further links and reading if interested.

“The cost of living crisis is being felt across most households, with people facing worries over things like rent, bills, energy costs, debt and more.

As part of its response to the situation, the Scottish Government has launched a new website, gov.scot/costoflivingsupport, to help you access the support you need.

From help with energy bills and childcare to health and travel, as well as benefits and payments, the new website acts as an important signpost to them all.

There’s also dedicated information for families, older people and disabled people, who can be particularly impacted by rising costs.

Help and advice is available

Energy costs are a concern for everyone at the moment, but support is available to help with bills as well as funding for improvements, including insulation, to keep your home warmer. The Scottish Government funded Home Energy Scotland service is on hand to provide free and impartial advice online and by phone on 0808 808 2282.

Many people are struggling to manage their debt and money. The Money Talk Team is funded by the Scottish Government, and provides advice online, by phone on 0800 028 1456, or in person at your local Citizens Advice Bureau.

No matter your circumstances, everyone is encouraged to seek the financial support they are entitled to.

To find out more, please visit: gov.scot/costoflivingsupport.”

Further information

https://www.samh.org.uk/about-mental-health/self-help-and-wellbeing/five-ways-to-better-mental-health

https://sportfirst.sportscotland.org.uk/articles/playing-our-part-2022/

https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20221107-energy-crisis-how-living-in-a-cold-home-affects-your-health

https://povertyinequality.scot/the-cost-of-living-crisis-and-increasing-poverty/

Scottish Fencing 2022 AGM - Awards

As part of Scottish Fencing’s annual tradition we are inviting the fencing community to nominate Scottish Fencing members for each of the awards presented at the Scottish Fencing AGM. The three awards are:

 Crosnier Quaich

Performance in competition.

Nominations for this award are welcome for all age groups and events including veteran, senior, junior cadet and para.

Crosnier Coaching Award
Services to coaching.

All nominated coaches need to be on the British Fencing Coaches Register so please check before nominating the coach you think deserves this award.

Sword of merit
To recognise any individual, club or organisation who has made an outstanding and inspirational contribution to the sport of fencing in Scotland.
 
You may nominate an individual, a team, a club or an organisation.

Please send your nominations explaining the reasons for each (100 words max per nominee) to myself Stan Stoodley, Scottish Fencing President..
Nominations close noon Monday the 21 November 2022.

We will then publish what the Board consider to be the top three nominees in each category.

A public vote will then take place to determine the recipients of the Crosnier Quaich and Crosnier Coaching Award.

The Scottish Fencing Board will vote to determine the recipient of the Sword of Merit.

We will announce the recipients at the forthcoming Scottish Fencing AGM which will take place virtually on 7 December 2022. To attend the AGM you need a valid membership or be attending on behalf of someone who has a current membership.

I look forward to receiving your nominations.

Your sincerely

Stan Stoodley

Scottish Fencing President

On behalf of the board of Scottish Fencing.