Established in 2000 as Hitchin Juniors, HFC - Hitchin Fencing Club now encompasses a thriving junior, cadet and adult membership.
Main Club timings:
Tuesday evenings
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6:30 - 8pm Juniors
8 - 9:30pm Cadets / Adults
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Thursday evenings
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6 - 7:30pm Juniors
Further information:
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Sessions begin with a group warm-up and footwork, followed by a class lesson and free fencing. For students up to 16yrs we follow the BFA Achievement Awards in the first year, and after that training is focused towards regional and national competitions.
On joining the main club, all fencers are required to purchase their own breeches & mask and become a full member of the British Fencing Association.
To join the British Fencing Association visit www.britishfencing.com.
Kit may be hired from the club directly, subject to availability.
PROF. TONY MIDDLETON
Head Coach
- B.A.F Maître d'Armes (Level 5 Diploma in all 3 weapons)
- B.F.A Registered Coach
- Current Chairman of the Hertfordshire Fencing Association
- Over 15 years coaching experience
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His students have achieved a number of medals at regional / county level and results at national championship finals.
He is also currently Head Coach at St Albans Fencing Club, and a Coach Educator for the British Academy of Fencing.
Previously he has coached at Beechwood Park School, Roundwood Park School, London City University, Garden House School (Chelsea), and The Royal Academy of Dance.
However, his full time occupation is as a magician - see www.magichourshow.com
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STEPHEN STRAUGHAN
Assistant Coach
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- BFA Registered Coach
- Level 1 B.A.F Qualification
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I am a Civil Servant, working in Whitehall for the UK Space Agency (yes, we do have one) ensuring the resilience and security of the UK Space sector. I am the youngest of three fencing brothers, and started fencing in my early teens, becoming a member of the North East regional squad under Prof Pat Pearson. Following a break during my degree course I took up fencing again, and started dabbled with coaching, after moving to North Herts. I again took another break from fencing, but a few years ago my son decided to embrace his fencing heritage and enrolled at Hitchin Fencing Club. After several months of getting itchy feet watching him learning I took the plunge, joined the club and gained my coaching qualification in Foil. I can be found at the club generally helping to look after things, trying to develop as a coach and make the sessions as engaging as possible and occasionally fixing broken weapons. My son now takes delight in thrashing me.
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ALEX HOLDEN
Welfare Officer
I am the mum of Fred, a junior member of Hitchin Fencing Club. My background is communications, predominantly in the charity sector, and am currently Chief Executive of Overcoming MS. If you would like to contact me with any welfare concerns or questions, please do email me and I will get back to you quickly.