Latest News
U20 ADP & BYC Qualifiers
by Matt Russell
Welsh Fencing are pleased to announce that on Sunday March 5th we will be running an Athlete Development Programme (ADP) training day combined with the British Youth Championships (BYC) Qualifiers. The events have been combined to minimise costs for travel and weekends away.
We would encourage all fencers wishing to engage in more competitive fencing to attend the day and compete in the qualifiers to enable you to go to the BYC’s.
The ADP is a Welsh Fencing programme to further develop and support our fencers. More information is available on ADP (fencing.cymru). We are intending to run a brief session with parents and fencers to introduce the programme and answer any questions.
Board Announcement
by Matt Russell
On behalf of the membership, the Board would like to thank Mark Ridsdale and Fran Whalley for their contribution to Welsh Fencing.
Both are standing down from their Director and Secretary roles respectively, with Mark also having previously undertaken the role of Chair.
During their tenures, they have both worked tirelessly to improve access to everything associated with fencing across the whole of Wales. Their passion, and focus on participants has improved support for coaches, referees, and fencers. They have also worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that Welsh Fencing is in the strong position that it is from a governance and finance point of view.
On a personal note, I would like to thank Mark for all the support and patience he has shown me in my first 2 years as Chair. His knowledge and wisdom has helped me enormously in understanding the role of Chair, and developing relationships with our stakeholders at Sport Wales and beyond.
Fran continually inspires a focus on our members. Fencers, coaches, referees, clubs etc are the lifeblood of our sport, and she ensured that this was always at the forefront of board discussions.
A huge thank you to you both.
Matt Russell
Chair – Welsh Fencing
Cadet Winton 2022 - Wales Team
by Matt Russell
We are pleased to announce that the Cadet Winton event has returned to its traditional format of fencing over 2 days with an overnight stay for the fencers at Millfield School. It will take place over the weekend of 17/18 December, and Welsh Fencing have selected the following fencers for this event:
Senior Winton Cup 2022 Report
by Matt Russell
In a very hot Nottingham there was real excitement in the room as old friends were reacquainted, faced each other on the piste, danced the night away in Nottingham night clubs, and came to slightly regret it in the morning!
Cadet Winton 2018 - Captain's Report
by Carl Difford
The annual Cadet Winton tournament took place at MIllfield School.
Ten competing regions meant Wales faced 54 matches; 486 individual ties with 2, 430 hits on offer over two lengthy days.
Commonwealth Fencing Championships 2022 Report - Cadets
by Matt Russell
Day 9 saw the start of the cadets events, and what a start it was! After some mixed results in the poules, Sameer Sunder-Rajan knocked out the no.1 seed in the L16 and then proceeded to dispatch yet more higher ranked fencers to eventually meet the GBR no.1 in the final. This was going to be a tough ask; Sameer acquitted himself admirably and came away with a well-deserved Silver medal after losing the final 6-15.
Congratulations to Euan Deamer
by Matt Russell
Congratulations to BF Referee Euan Deamer (Foil), who has passed the 2022 FIE refereeing exams held in Budapest this week.
See the British Fencing website for full details: Read More
Commonwealth Fencing Championship 2022 Reports
by Mark Ridsdale
Please follow the links below to the various Commonwealth Fencing Championship Results and Reports:
The full results are available on Engarde - Commonwealth Championships 2022
The summary report is here: Commonwealth Fencing Championships 2022 Report
The Seniors & Para report can be found here: Commonwealth Fencing Championships 2022 Report - Seniors & Para
The Junior report can be found here: Commonwealth Fencing Championships 2022 Report - Juniors
The Cadet report can be found here: Commonwealth Fencing Championships 2022 Report - Cadets
The Veteran report can be found here: Commonwealth Fencing Championships 2022 Report - Veterans
Commonwealth Fencing Championships 2022 Report - Juniors
by Matt Russell
The junior fencers arrived with a palpable sense of excitement and keenness to get going. Having seen the successes of the senior fencers, they were keen to emulate their older (& wiser?) counterparts but found a number of very talented fencers from across the Commonwealth waiting for them. Bearing in mind that there were several of our cadet fencers competing an age-group up, it was very encouraging to see so many strong performances.
In individual events, there were creditable L16 places for Erin Corcoran and Georgia Howes (JWS), Bobby Childs (JMS) and Amelie Russell (JWE).
However, in the team events, this is where Team Wales showed what we could do………
Commonwealth Fencing Championships 2022 Report - Seniors & Para
by Matt Russell
The highlights started right from the off, with a deserved L8 result for Marc Burkhalter and strong results from the rest of the SME team.
Commonwealth Fencing Championships 2022 Report - Veterans
by Matt Russell
A strong cohort of the “Older, Sneakier and Wiser” veterans arrived for the final 6 days of competition, which started off with VWS and VME.
Lyndon Martin - Honorary Life Member Award
by Mark Ridsdale
Following what must be the longest award ceremony, we were at last able to present Lyndon with his award. The Welsh Open was a great event to do this, as friends and fencers were able to be there.
The original award was announced after the AGM in 2020, and the final presentation was held on Sunday after the Men's Epee poules were complete.
Congratulations, Lyndon, for a life in fencing - competitive fencer, coach and supporter!
Mold Cavaliers at the Eisteddfod
by Matt Russell
Following recent news of Welsh Fencing’s new partnership with The Urdd, fencers from Mold Cavaliers recently attended the Eisteddfod to showcase fencing to a wide audience.
Fran Whalley Joins UK Coaching Elevate Programme
by Mark Ridsdale
Welsh Fencing is proud to announce that ADP Coach, Fran Whalley, has been accepted to the prestigious UK Coaching Elevate Programme, funded by UK Sport.
The ELEVATE programme explores issues relevant to female coaches and focuses on areas of leadership that will enhance both coaching and personal impact. It will connect coaches with a network of supportive and inspirational women.
Follow the link for the full BF announcement: Fran Whalley
Commonwealth Fencing Championships 2022 Report
by Matt Russell
Tuesday 9th August saw the start of a unique Commonwealth Fencing Championships at SportsDock in East London.
As a result of the postponed Cadet and Junior Championships which were due to take place in New Delhi in 2021, the organisers of CFFC2022 agreed to host, for the first time ever, a championship that incorporated all four age groups, along with, wheelchair fencing events too.
Veteran Commonwealths
by Lyn Robinson
Welsh Fencing are pleased to announce that he following team will be competing in the Veterans Commonwealth Championships:
Coaches:
Epee: John Rees, Maxwell Rowe-Haynes.
Foil: Joseph Pearce,
Sabre: George Suddards, Adam Waller.
Fencers:
Commonwealths - Support Staff & Team Kit
by Matt Russell
The board are pleased to announce the team that will be supporting the Welsh Team competing at the Commonwealth Championships in London later this year.
The competition this year is unique, as it comprises all four age-groups, from Cadets all the way up to Veterans competing consecutively at the same venue.
Veteran Home Nations Selection
by WVFA
Welsh Fencing are pleased to announce the following team selections for the Veterans Five Nations being held in Bristol, on 9th April.
Senior Winton Cup 2022 Selection
by Mark Ridsdale
Welsh Fencing are pleased to announce the following team selections for the Senior Winton Cup being held in Nottingham, over the weekend of 9th/10th July.
For this event, we have selected our Senior Commonwealth Team in order to give them quality time together on-piste. We only select teams of four fencers, so where our Commonwealth team is of five fencers, we have selected four at random. The fifth will be held as reserve in the event one of the four declines the invitation.
This is the 70th anniversary of the event, and the organisers are currently looking at a buffet and bar on campus that would occur on the evening of the 9th shortly after fencing finishes for the day. Full details will be released when we have them, but we have been asked to confirm our team's interest in such a celebratory meal. Once the team has been finalised, we will qauge interest using teamo.
The team has been nominated & accepted over teamo.
Commonwealth Selection Update
by Mark Ridsdale
Welsh Fencing Interim Guidance for Commonwealth Championships Selection – Cadets, Juniors & Seniors and Request for Expressions of Interest

As a result of COVID, the Board are aware that fencers and the fencing calendar have been severely impacted and may continue to be for a significant period.
Commonwealth Team Selection 2022
by Exec Board
Welsh Fencing are pleased to announce the following team selections for the Commonwealth Fencing Championships being held in SportsDock, London in August 2022.
Senior Winton 2019 - Wales Team
by Mark Ridsdale
The Senior Winton Cup, 2019, will be held in Nottingham over the weekend of 7/8 July, 2019. Wales traditionally use this as a development event, so select a team including a combination of both senior fencers and development fencers. The Wales team can be found below:
2018 Senior Commonwealth Championships Team
by Executive Board
Welsh Fencing are pleased to confirm the following team for the Senior Commonwealth Championships 2018.
2018 Cadet & Junior Commonwealth Championships Team
by Executive Board
Following completion of the appeals process, Welsh Fencing are pleased to announce the following team for the Cadet and Junior Commonwealths 2018.
Georgina Usher - MBE
by Matt Russell
On behalf of the fencing community in Wales, the Board would like to extend our congratulations to Georgina Usher, CEO of British Fencing on the recent award of an MBE.
The Honour, for services to Fencing recognises her many fencing achievements and contribution to the sport in many guises, culminating as CEO of British Fencing.
Welsh Fencing have gifted our pin badges to Georgina as a small token of our congratulations and we very much look forward to continuing to work with her in moving the sport forwards.
Read the full BF article here: Read More
Senior Winton 2018 - Wales Team
by Rachel Wreyford
Please find below the Wales Regional Team selected for the Senior Winton 2018:
Cadet Winton 2018 - Wales Team
by Carl Difford
Please find below the Wales Team selected for the Cadet Winton Cup 2018, to be held in Millfield School on Saturday/Sunday 15th/16th December:
Welsh Team Officials: Carl Difford, Tania Craig
Coaches: Michael Evans-Jones, David Fielding
Urdd Partnership
by Matthew Russell
Welsh Fencing are pleased to announce a new partnership with The Urdd (Urdd Gobaith Cymru).
O’Sullivan Cup 2022
by Michael Clemitson
Once again a very closely fought event, with a high standard of fencing. Leading from the start was Nikolas Antoniou (Russell Swords), who successfully took the cup, with Rhys Jackson (Malvern Hills) and Rupert Nute (Whitchurch) hot on this heels …
Full report - whitchurchfencing.co.uk/sullivan
BYC Qualifier Update
by Mark Ridsdale
Thank you to those of you who entered the BYC Qualifiers, scheduled for 26/27 March.
With a total entry of 46 fencers across the 24 events, plus a large number of Byes due to conflicting events, sadly its not viable to actually run the event. There is some good news, in that it means that ALL fencers have qualified for the finals in Sheffield.
So, please do not attend the event in Cardiff, which will not run. WF will notify BF of the qualifiers. You will hear from BF, in due course, about the arrangements for the finals.
75 Year Anniversary
by Mark Ridsdale
2022 will be the 75 year anniversary for Welsh Fencing. We propose to bring together a working group to define how best to celebrate this, and to plan any activities. If you are interested in being part of this group, plase email Fran (fran.whalley@fencing.cymru). It would also help it you could include any specific skills you have that you think would benefit the project.
WVFA Integration Announcement
by Lyn Robinson
On Wednesday 20th July 2022, Welsh Veterans Fencing Association held an EGM to vote on the proposed integration of Welsh Veterans within the auspices of Welsh Fencing. Voting took place anonymously through Survey Monkey and during the online EGM. The results were unanimous amongst those voting that the amalgamation take place. Veterans are now part of the seamless transition and progression from cadet to junior to senior to veteran age groups ensuring equal opportunities for all.
Lyndon Martin - Honorary Life Member
by Mark Ridsdale
At today's Welsh Fencing AGM, Lyndon Martin was awarded the honour of Honorary Life Member. Here are some of the highlights of his fencing career.
Lyndon took up fencing in the 1960s, prompted by the late Wynford Seymour, whom he met whilst working at the Port Talbot steelworks, where Wynford was a nursing officer. After fencing for some years at Swansea, Lyndon ‘moved’ to Cardiff, fencing both there, and in the old Excalibur club, in the 60s & 70s.
An able fencer, noted for his quick accurate attacks, Lyndon was soon taking part in several high profile matches. A member of the Wales epee team in their match against Denmark in Copenhagen in 1972/3, Lyndon was one of the group of Welsh fencers who regularly attended many events at home, and outside Wales, in those years. He was highly placed in the Epee Club Cup in 1978 & again in 1979, and secured 4th place in the Bristol Open of 1977/8.
Y5N 2019 - Wales Team
by Fran Russell
This year, the Y5N will be held in Ireland, over the weekend of 29/30 of June 2019 in Maynooth University.
Welsh Fencing are pleased to confirm the following team for this event
2018 Youth Five Nations - Wales Team
by Executive Board
Welsh Fencing are pleased to confirm the following team for the Youth Five Nations 2018.
2019 S5N Team
by Mark Ridsdale
Please find below the Wales Team selected for the Senior Five Nations 2019, to be held in Dublin on Saturday 23rd November:
Challenge Wratislavia Welsh Team 2018
by Fran Russell
Please find below the Wales Team selected for Challenge Wratislavia 2018.
The official website can be found here: http://www.challengewratislavia.pl/en/
Challenge Wratislavia Welsh Team 2019
by Fran Russell
Please find below the Wales Team selected for Challenge Wratislavia 2019
The official website can be found here: http://www.challengewratislavia.pl/en/
O’Sullivan Cup 2021 – Results
by Mark Ridsdale
Adrian Stoneman, Cardiff, won this year’s cup, his third win to date, in a very closely fought contest.
Full details on www.whitchurchfencing.co.uk/sullivan
Domain Name Change
by Mark Ridsdale
Over the next few weeks, we will be moving to a new domain - fencing.cymru - so to get to our website, you should use this new domain name: https://fencing.cymru.
For the last few years, we have hosted our website on a shared hosting provider. We have not been satisfied with the performance, as we are impacted by the other websites sharing the same server. As we approach the end of that contract, we have established a new domain, and have moved to use AWS Lightsail. This gives us our own Virtual Private Server, which we have more control over, and which we expect to perform much better.
Colin Hyndman
by Mark Ridsdale
Our thoughts go out to the family and friends of Colin Hyndman, who passed away in his sleep.
He made a massive impact on Fencing in Wales, and was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award just over a year ago.
The following article describes his presentation, back in November, 2019:
Sports Kit
by Mark Ridsdale
We are excited to announce that a range of Welsh Fencing sports kit is now available.
Following feedback indicating a demand for high quality, reasonably priced kit that gives all members a clearer identity as Welsh fencers, we have worked with a local supplier, Olorun Sports to design a bespoke set of kit that reflects the Welsh national colours of green and red, this time set on a black background.
A Fencing Blog - Louise Sadler -
by Louise Sadler
I have always loved to participate in many sports clubs, and since I can remember, it’s been me, my horse, my trainers and a pair of goggles. When I was invited to attend a Modern Pentathlon session at 14, I was introduced to the sport of fencing. It was how it was so different to the other disciplines that I developed a passion for it. I was interested in how fencing challenges the physical, mental, technical capacity of an athlete, and after many, many failed attempts, I finally managed to put the pieces together.
I am now 18 and fencing is still very much my passion. Whilst frustrating at times, I just love it. After my A-levels, I took a gap year to pursue my goals in fencing and will be starting at the University of Bath to study French and German in the next academic year. I have some of my best memories in fencing and have had lots of adventures. Fencing has taken me across Europe, including Denmark, France, Germany, Italy and Luxembourg. In 2016, I entered my first domestic ranking competition, placing 13th at the British Cadet Championships for Epée, and after several consistent results I represented GB at U17 at EFC level in my first competition season.
The skills I acquired from competing at a higher level were invaluable and the following year I fought into the top 64 consistently, scoring international points. Both the supportive team atmosphere and the opportunity to spar with international athletes really helped me to prepare for my U20 seasons. Similarly I was selected for the Excalibur team competition, Senior and Cadet Wintons and Senior 5 Nations in my first cadet season for Wales which benefitted me greatly, especially because I had the opportunity to regularly fence top seniors in Britain in a competitive environment and experience first-hand the nerves and excitement that can affect your performance. Being part of Welsh Fencing has given me the opportunity to develop as an athlete and as a fencer at the higher levels.
One of the events that was crucial to my development was the UK School Games which I competed at in 2016 and 2017. Our U20 team won Bronze both years, my first medals at Home Internationals. It really boosted my confidence to have a strong and enthusiastic team encouraging and supporting us throughout the competition. I was selected for the Senior, Junior and Cadet Commonwealth Championships in 2018, and finished my cadet career on a high with a 5th place finish in the individual event, and last year I took Silver at my first and final Youth 5 Nations.
I am now finishing my second to last year as a Junior and have recently returned from the Junior European Championships in Croatia, where, again, team spirit and enthusiasm were so important, and set me in the right direction to perform without too much stress or pressure. Whilst I did not get selected to represent GB in U20s last year, I was able to consolidate and improve upon my skill set, which has had a positive impact on this season; a Silver medal at the Milner Barry, and a second Bronze at the British U23 Championships. I am ranked 4th in the U20 British rankings and have competed in 5 Junior World Cups, as an individual and in the team event. My successes in the senior events placed me in the top 10 for GB in Senior Women’s Epée and I was selected for four Senior World Cups as a result. I am really pleased to have scored international points and am really looking forward to next year’s fencing circuit. My next international is the Junior World Championships, and I am optimistic that I can improve upon my previous results, bring home many more positives and lots more to improve upon! There is always something new to learn, but I would say the greatest lesson I have learned is to appreciate where you are, know your goals and keep on persevering.
Wynford Seymour
by Kel Brundle
WYNFORD SEYMOUR (1931-2020)
Wynford was born in the Swansea valley and moved to Swansea where he pursued his fencing career.
He established the Swansea School of Fencing in 1957, and also gave private lessons at his home. He had a concrete strip in the front garden and a large room indoors when the weather was inclement.
Colin Hyndman - Lifetime Achievement Award
by Mark Ridsdale
Colin Hyndman, of Gwent Sword, was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award following the recent Annual General Meeting.
A former international fencer who represented Wales at foil in the 1974 Commonwealth Championships in Canada, Colin was a coach at the former Newport and Chepstow Fencing Clubs and is now chairman of Gwent Sword Club.
Colin still coaches at Gwent Sword Club at at the age of 85 and his many years dedicated to the sport were recognised at Welsh Fencing's AGM. Tributes were paid to Mr Hyndman by the Board of Welsh Fencing, and fellow fencers and coaches. His award was presented by his daughter, Lynne Melia.
For full details, please see the article in the South Wales Argus: https://www.southwalesargus.co.uk/news/18057879.gwent-sword-club-fencing-coach-receives-lifetime-achievement-award/
CFC18 - Team Manager’s Report
by Jim Crawfurd
With several key fencers unable to make the journey to Australia, we knew we weren’t going to replicate the fantastic medal haul from the last Commonwealth Championships in 2014. In addition, with all the top Australians involved, a decent turnout from Canada, full strength squads from England and Scotland, and India continuing their rapid improvement, this was one of the toughest fields I have ever seen at this event. All our fencers did themselves great credit and to come away with two bronze medals (Senior Women’s Epee Team and Veterans Women’s Sabre Individual) was a great achievement.
Final Results - CFC18
by Mark Ridsdale
Medals for the Women's Epee Team and Emma Waller. For the full results from the Commonwealth Senior and Veteran Fencing Championships, 2018, please follow the link below.
WF Awarded Level 1 Standard in Safeguarding
by Mark Ridsdale
Welsh Fencing have successfully achieved the Level 1 Standard in Safeguarding:
Bereavement Notice
by Mark Ridsdale
It is with great sadness that I have been informed that Bernice (Bunny) Norfolk, spouse of Mike Norfolk, MBE, the Life President of the WVFA and former head coach and founder of Wrexham Fencing club passed away on Thursday 5th July peacefully at home after a short illness.
The funeral is being held at Chester Crematorium, Blaken, Chester on Wednesday 18th July at 15.20.
Steve Dignam
by Mark Ridsdale
Welsh Fencing would like to Wish Steve Dignam a very happy retirement from full time coaching at Celtic Mini Fencing Club.
Steve set up the club with his wife Helen in 2012 and since then has contributed massively to grass roots fencing in Wales and led the way in the use of plastic fencing kit in the country.
We hope you enjoy your travels, spending time with your grandchild and getting back into fencing at Celtic Sword!
Our very best wishes.