Two long-standing members of the Chilwell Blades Fencing Club have just been awarded the British Fencing Bronze medal for Services to Fencing.
Malc Cawton and Richard Collins have each put in over 50 years of hard work and passion into the community, shaping the club into the successful and friendly place it is today.
At 82 years old, both fencing veterans have helped shape beginners into championship winners, with one member in particular ranking in the top 100 of Great Britain fencers after just 2 years of experience.
Last year celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Chilwell Blades, and the club has come a long way from its humble beginnings in Malc’s garage in 1974.
A few months after, recreation centre Chilwell Olympia opened, allowing Malc to move the fencing club there and bring his vision to life of making the sport available to all.
Malc Cawton, 82, two time Veteran World Fencing Champion, said: “It all started when me and my friend were looking to enrol in an extracurricular at Arnold and Carlton College.
“We were torn between fencing and the Yacht master’s certificate, but we chose fencing as my dad had done some in 1934 whilst he trained as a PT instructor for the army.
“We were trained by a little lady who was a ballet dancer who ensured we had top quality footwork, having us warm up with plies and that sort which must’ve been a funny sight.
“For the next three or four years I played for Notts County’s Foil B team, whilst also coaching foil to a neighbour’s daughter in my garage.
“She soon became very good, so we outgrew the garage and moved our sessions into Chilwell Olympia which was built that year in 1974.
“They let us use the space to begin with for free, and soon enough news of the Chilwell Blades spread through word of mouth.
“We gained a respectable reputation, so I decided to go on to the University of Nottingham to learn how to coach properly where I joined a class run by Professor Cassapi, which is also where I met Richard.
“We soon enough became a bit of a double act.”
With the help of Richard and their late friend Ian Degville, the Chilwell Blades have built a relaxed, friendly, vibrant environment where juniors and seniors alike can share their love for fencing.
Fencers from all age groups have made huge achievements since being a part of the club, such as competing on the World fencing circuit and representing Great Britain and home countries.
“Whether you’re doing it for a laugh, or want to play competitively, it doesn’t matter.”
fiona harding, chilwell blades chairman
Chairman Fiona Harding said: “We get a real mix of people of all different sizes and ages.
“Fencing is often seen as an elitist sport, however we’ve broken that barrier down to ensure that anyone feels welcome.
“Whether you’re just doing it for a laugh, or want to play competitively, it doesn’t matter.”
Malc Cawton’s number one moment in his competitive career was when he was in his 70s.
He said: “The fight I liked best was at the World Championships final in Germany when I was up against this German who I had fought many times before, but had never beaten him.
“I managed to race up to a decent lead in the first half, however after the break he was keeping up.
“I ended up beating him 10/80 on his home ground and I became Veteran World Fencing Champion.”
- Fencing is one of the oldest Olympic sports, with the aim of the game being to score hits on your opponent’s target without being hit yourself.
- There are three weapon types: epe, foil and sabre, with each one having rules around which parts of the body you can target.
- Fencing often appeals to children and adults who may be shy, anxious, have a lack of self confidence or who aren’t particularly interested in the usual sports.
The main club night runs every Wednesday evening from 7:30 – 9:30 at Chilwell Olympia Sports Centre, with people welcome to participate as a social fencer, a vehicle for fitness or as a serious competitor.
There is also a Fight Night on Tuesday evenings 7:30 – 9:30 at Algrave Hall in Derbyshire for fencers of all abilities, however there is no tuition, and you must have the full electric kit already.
