ANNUAL GRAVESHAM FOIL CHAMPIONSHIP 2024

With the first foil competition after the Covid pandemic taking over two years, it is a pleasure to report the Annual Gravesham Foil Competition for 2024 was completed within seven months of its commencement. With a very healthy eleven competitors taking part, there were plenty of opportunities for the members to either hone their skills in this discipline, or, learn some new talents. As it was the responsibility of the Honorary Chairman to keep tabs on the results of the poules and direct eliminations, the author of this report cannot provide more than the final placings and photos of the presentation ceremony (thanks go to Sandy for the pictures!). Special mentions must be made to Sandy, who commenced this competition whilst overcoming a foot injury; Phil, who managed a very credible sixth place, having had shoulder surgery and starting the competition fencing left-handed and finally, Helen, who decided to take on the men despite not having long returned to fencing. This author also has the memory of a fish (thanks to her age) and such a limited knowledge of fencing that she is unable to provide any commentary on the competition, so I shall leave it by commending Joe on his win, Steve on his second place…and Vets Champion and, Sandy and Paul in joint third. Congratulations to all who took part for making it a fun and spirited competition and we wish you all the best of luck for this year’s competition.

FINAL PLACINGS:

1 – JOE

2 – STEVE (AND VETS CHAMPION)

3= – SANDY / PAUL

5 – PETER G

6 – PHIL

7 – MARK

8 – ROHAN

9 – KEVIN

10 – HELEN

11 – PETER H

Your medallists. Post matches, pre medals.

Steve and Paul – “pose looking strong lads; not like we’re going to suffer tomorrow”

Joe – “Anyone want another ten rounds of points to 15?”

Third place medallists – Paul and Sandy

Due to a small technical issue, only one medal was available on the night – clearly one medal that neither man wanted to let go of!

Silver medal presentation – Mark bowing to Steve’s foil prowess

Steve – “what do you mean only second?”

Steve – “in my modelling career, you would either hold the prop like this…”

“…or the prop would take centre stage…like this”

Steve – “two medals? I never had this many props to deal with in my modelling career! Now, are they supposed to cover anything in particular?”

Steve – “Two medals and I’m the Vets Champion. I best pull out my best ‘power pose’ for the camera”

2024 Annual Foil Competition Winner, Joe, receiving his medal.

Steve – wondering what might have been if he’d spent more time practising his fencing instead of his modelling poses (by the way, ‘the relaxed, nonchalant look’ is another catalogue classic pose)