En garde for display of fencing skills
8:51am Monday 23rd May 2011 in Your Town
En garde for display of fencing skills
IT was swords at the ready for a group of fencers when they held a demonstration in Bolton town centre.
Thirty members of Rivington Park Fencing Club showed off the Olympic sport for shoppers visiting the Market Place on Saturday.
They ranged from eight-year-old beginners to elite fencers, such as head coach Stuart Marshall, who won a gold medal in the Commonwealth Games.
They wore protective clothing and demonstrated the parries and attacks used in the sport.
Shoppers stopped to watch the displays, and some people were invited to try out fencing themselves.
Michael Ruaux, club director, said: This is the first time we have done a demonstration like this, and we have had a fantastic reception. People have really enjoyed watching it.
“We wanted to promote our sport and encourage people to give it a try. It’s a great way for young people and adults to compete.”
Among those enjoying the display was shopper Anne Armstrong, aged 52, from Darwen. She said: “I have never seen fencing before. I’m really enjoying the demonstration.”
Stewart Stephenson, aged 30, from Tonge Moor, said: “My son fences and he wanted to see the display.
“It’s great that it’s being held in the town centre. A good crowd of people have stopped to watch.”
The club meets on Monday and Wednesday evenings at Albany Science College in Chorley, with training sessions for people of all abilities. To find out more, visit rivingtonparkfencingclub.co.uk
