EDITORIAL
Hello again and welcome to this, the December issue of REPRISE, and the last of the year. Indeed, this is going to be the last REPRISE for some time as I’m off to wonderfully wintry Bosnia in January for 4 months … and people say you don’t get to see the world in the RAF anymore!
Hopefully all you fencers out there will continue to send articles through to me so that on my return in May I can bash out a quick edition. It’ll also give me something to read whilst I’m enjoying the Balkans! Please note, articles can be sent via e-mail but that due to problems with my ISP I am now back onto Hotmail for all e-mail matters.
In this issue, we start with extracts from letters congratulating all the RAF fencers on their Inter Services results from "on high". We also conclude the article on diet and fencing started in the last issue. There’s also the full list of competitions for which travel authority has been granted, a report on both the One Hit Epee competition and the Juniors 2000 (my personal favourite). We’ve also got news of the Army’s latest attempts to gain top class coaching and anything else that happens to crop up.
I’d like to take this opportunity on behalf of Mrs Editor and myself to wish everyone a Merry Christmas, a very drunken New Year and every success for the coming year. Enjoy yourselves and I’ll see you all in May.
A CHRISTMAS SCENE
by Group Captain Nick Kurth
Scene: A poorly lit, cold office, with Scrooge-Jackman and hard-worker Cratchet-Kurth sitting at desks compiling their ledgers.
Scrooge-Jackman: Well, what have you to say about the year Cratchet-Kurth?
Cratchet-Kurth: I'mmmmm freezing - could I have two groats to buy one lump of coal for the fire?
Scrooge-Jackman: Don't be a wimp! Besides, when have I put my hand in my pocket?(Cratchet-Kurth looks to the middle distance trying to work out the answer to that question).
Cratchet-Kurth (shivering): It was not a good year - it was an excellent year. The results speak for themselves. They were not achieved without a large amount of hard work from the coaching team and the fencers themselves. Indeed, fencers are continually being drawn through the system to get to the top level in Service fencing - which bodes well for the future. Is there any chance you can spare me on Christmas day?
Scrooge-Jackman: Now you mention it - no. We are much too busy. What are our plans for next year?
Cratchet-Kurth: We must keep working at gaining new fencers by using the starter packs, coaching and putting in place club leaders. Moreover, we must assist the middle ground fencers with entering civilian competitions; it is only by this route that the right experience can be gained. What say you?
Scrooge-Jackman (looking up quickly): I'm sure I saw something then but I couldn't recognise it (ghostly picture of £5 note floats past). Anyway, never mind what I say, what should we do about the management of the Union?
Cratchet-Kurth: We need to encourage fencers to take responsibility for the running of the organisation. We are both getting on and we need to think about the future.
Scrooge-Jackman: Speak for yourself Cratchet-Kurth. Again, I have just seen something I couldn't recognise (ghostly wallet flashes across the stage). Perhaps I am too mean; do take Christmas off Cratchet-Kurth and please accept this groat to buy your family a (small) Christmas dinner.
Cratchet-Kurth: Well thank you Scrooge-Jackman. It seem that the stories about you and your dusty wallet are completely untrue (Cratchet-Kurth crosses fingers). I must tell the rest of the Fencing Union when I wish them all the best for Christmas and the New Year ...
(Lights fade)
CONGRATULATIONS FROM...
"I was delighted to hear of the recent success..., an achievement that I am sure demanded high levels of commitment and determination and which reflects great credit on the Royal Air Force. Please pass on my congratulations to all the players and committee members and my best wishes to the Team for their continued success"
Air Chief Marshal Sir Peter Squire KCB DFC AFC ADC FRAeS RAF,
Chief of the Air Staff
"Many congratulations on such a convincing win over the other two Services. It is very clear to me that RAF Fencing is riding an a high of some size. Keep it up."
Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Kennedy GCB AFC
"I was sorry I could not be at the Inter-Services to cheer the "light blue" fencers on again this year, but I am thrilled to hear they did so well again. Please pass on my warmest congratulations to all concerned. I was particularly pleased to hear that one of my old proteges, Dave Jerry, was still involved and had made a significant contribution with his coaching."
Air Vice Marshall RG Peters CB
Guild of Air Pilots and Air Navigators
"These results are, without doubt, the best the RAF has achieved in living memory, and the strength in depth that we now have within the RAF bodes very well for the future."
Air Vice Marshall H G Mackay OBE AFC BSc FRAeS RAF
President, RAF Fencing Union
"... at the Inter Services Fencing Championships (the RAF) did exceptionally well. Congratulations. May the RAF Fencing Union go from strength to strength."
Lady Chacksfield
Editor's Note: This was our best Inter-Services, and it's nice when this is recognised. I'll add my name to the slightly more illustrious names above in saying "Well done" to all the fencers involved, and please, feel free to pat yourselves on the back!!
DATES FOR THE DIARY
The following are competitions, either Service or Civilian, for which travel authority has been granted. All personnel wishing to participate in any event are to inform the Match Sec, Flt Lt Lynette Bolton. Should the Match Sec not be informed, then personnel are technically not on duty and will not be covered by the RAF should anything go awry, nor can they
claim duty mileage. Where possible, notification should be given to the Match Sec at least 2 weeks prior to the event. On completion of the event results are to be passed to the Match Sec for onward notification to the Sports Board.
Scottish Open Stirling 13 Jan
Aldershot Open Aldershot 20 Jan
Corble Cup London 27 Jan
Slough Open Bracknell TBC Feb
Surrey Challenge Richmond TBC Feb
RAF Cmd Champs Cosford TBC Feb
Merseyside Open Liverpool 24 Feb
Clara Rayner Memorial Nottingham 3 Mar
Portsmouth Open Portsmouth 10 Mar
Editor’s Note: Remember that every year the John Warburn Memorial Trophy is awarded to the RAF fencer who achieves the best results at competitions throughout the year … Service and civilian. Therefore it is in your best interests not only to compete in as many competitions as you can, but also to inform the Match Sec of your results ASAP. Good luck out there!
ONE HIT IS MORE THAN ENOUGH
The annual Military Anniversary Tournament, or “One Hit” competition, was held at RAF Cosford on 23 September, with a respectable turnout of 24 fencers, slightly down on last year.
In the 3 man scratch team event, things went down to the wire with the competition open to 5 teams, all dependant upon their final round results, and the fact that 2nd & 3rd and 4th & 5th were separated by indicators is testament to the high quality of fencing throughout. Once again though it was a case of the Civil Service being the team to beat, and with only one match defeat they took the team trophy with 6 victories. Second place was fought between “The Epee Cures”, the Veterans team, with 5 match victories, and the RAF scratch team of “No Fork And Good” also with 5 victories. After a tense wait it was determined that the Veterans took it with 43 victories as opposed to 39 for their close rivals.
There was also a battle for 4th & 5th, with the RAF’s “The Management” up against “The Lost Sheep”, with both teams having 4 match victories. On count back though, the RAF team took it on indicators 42 to 35.
Scratch Team Results |
|||
Place |
Team Name |
Victories |
Indicators |
1 |
Civil Service: |
6 |
43 |
2 |
The Epee Cures (Veterans): |
5 |
43 |
3 |
No Fork And Good (RAF): |
5 |
39 |
4 |
The Management (RAF): |
4 |
42 |
5 |
The Lost Sheep (Scratch): |
4 |
35 |
6 |
The DOCs (Scratch): |
3 |
36 |
7 |
New Civilians (Scratch): |
2 |
24 |
8 |
Dazed and Confused (RAF): |
0 |
14 |
The individual results also proved to be extremely close, with 3 fencers tied on 18 individual victories, resulting in a 3-way barrage to determine the top 3 places. Much to his shame, Steve Jackman, that well-known sabreur, took the win!
In the invitational team event, the RAF team lost to the Veterans in the first round, whilst the Civil Service lost to the RN team (which was propped up with 2 RAF fencers!). The 3rd/4th play-off between the RAF and Civil Service saw the Civil Service emerge victorious. A tense battle between the RN and Veterans though saw the RN team take the winners podium.
Individual Results |
|||
Place |
Name |
Victories |
Remarks
|
1st |
Sqn Ldr Steve Jackman |
18 |
Final position decided after barrage |
2nd |
John Carleton |
18 |
Final position decided after barrage |
3rd |
Chris Kennedy |
18 |
Final position decided after barrage |
4th |
Cpl Phil McNulty |
16 |
|
5th |
Neil Mackie
|
15 |
|
7th |
Ricky Howdle
|
14 |
|
11th |
Georgina West
|
13
|
|
13th |
Cpl Dave Long |
12 |
|
14th |
Jon Sowerby
|
11 |
|
17th |
Sqn Ldr Carol Ackroyd |
10 |
|
18th |
SAC Sharon Booth |
9 |
|
19th |
Sara Perring |
7 |
|
20th |
Di Harness
|
6 |
|
22nd |
SAC Rob Desforges
|
4 |
|
24th |
Flt Lt Lynette Bolton |
3 |
|
THE BRIGADIER GETS THE POINT
by Cpl Phil McNulty
It was swords at dawn (well, just before lunch anyway) when Brigadier Ham, D Networks visited RAF Oakhanger. As he had visited several times before, and there are only so many times one can be given the guided tour before involuntary drowsiness becomes an issue, his visit caused something of a problem; how to keep him entertained and amused once the humdrum business of “shop talk” had been concluded.
It was whilst planning for the Brigadier’s visit that a gap in his itinerary was discovered. There was an hour just before lunch where nothing was scheduled, and I was approached to see if I could fill it. As he is something of a sportsman, it was suggested that I might like to give him a fencing lesson. My immediate question was obvious; had he fenced before? Obviously, researchers being researchers, the answer was unknown!
Although I had recently started a joint Oakhanger/Odiham fencing club and was coaching on a regular basis, knowing in advance the standard of your student had shown itself of major importance when deciding on lesson plans. What was I going to do with him, especially if it turned out he was a master swordsman and ex-Olympic standard fencer (If that was the case, then I’d probably get a serious pasting!).
Like all good military personnel though, I decided on the appropriate course of action; suck it and see.
And so it was that I met the Brigadier in the Oakhanger fitness suite and, much to my relief, found that he was a complete novice. This made the lesson plan extremely straight-forward – pointy end faces away from you, scream, run at your opponent, stab!
After running through the basic stance, en garde position, and footwork it was down to some blade-work, and it was an interesting experience teaching the Brigadier; it was the first time I’ve ever been polite when stabbing someone! I was surprised by just how quickly the Brigadier learned though. Perhaps after the Army’s defeat at the hands of the RAF team at the Inter Services this year, was this their cunning plan to win next year; use an RAF coach to improve their standard? Surely not!
Unfortunately the time ran out before I could move him onto more complicated attacks, but the Brigadier did notice the one subject I had avoided. The real reason I had started fencing. With tight Lycra and cotton jackets and breeches, you don’t half look a lot slimmer than you actually are!
JOINT CLUB TAKES HONOURS
Cpl Phil McNulty, RAF Oakhanger almost swept the board at the recent RAF Junior Fencing Championships only to have his run of form cut short by a determined epeeist on the final day of the competition.
The event started with the sabre competition, and straight away Phil stamped his authority on the event as he went through both seeding rounds without dropping a fight to go into the direct elimination stages as No.1 seed, gaining a bye into the last eight.
It was to be a good start to the competition not only for Phil, but also for his recently formed fencing club, a joint Oakhanger/Odiham venture. Phil is the Club Coach and he watched with admiration as SAC Glenn Shiner, Odiham and Flt Lt Andy Cooke, Oakhanger, both in their first competition, knocked out the No.2 and No.3 seeds respectively to give the club 3 out of the 4 semi-finalists. Andy, the more experienced of the 2 proceeded to dispatch Glenn on his way to an all Oakhanger final. This was the first time Oakhanger had entered more than one fencer in a competition and it was a shame that someone had to lose, but after almost winning Master-at-Arms last year Phil was determined that the title would be his as he beat his club colleague 15-10 to take the Junior Sabre title.
Once the excitement of the sabre had died down it was time to dig deep into the energy reserves as the foil competition began. Still tired from the hard fought sabre final, Phil McNulty lost a fight in the seeding round to JT Gary Brailsford, Coltishall, losing the coveted No.1 seed slot. As the direct elimination rounds started, Sqn Ldr Adrian Bettridge, Waddington overcame his poor 10th seeding, beating both the No.7 and No.2 seeds on his way to a semi-final match with Phil, seeded No.3.
After witnessing Adrian’s win over the No.2 seed this was a fight Phil was not looking forward to, but surprisingly he found his form and a reserve of energy to blast into the final 15-3. In the other side of the draw, No.1 seed Gary Brailsford had a much closer semi-final, narrowly winning 15-12 to tee up a final against Phil. Both fencers, obviously tired, struggled in what at times became a rather scrappy encounter but eventually through well-timed attacks and a staunch defence Phil took the Junior Foil title 15-8.
After a night of heavy celebrations, the end of British Summer Time allowing an extra hour of celebration to the more exuberant fencers, the epee competition began early the next day. It was at this point last year that Phil had thrown away his chances of winning Master-at-Arms, failing to make the last 8 by taking the competition far too seriously and allowing the pressure to build too much, affecting his fencing. This was definitely not going to occur this year, as Phil was concentrating mainly on getting rid of a severe hangover as he stepped on the piste for his first match! This approach seemed to work, as he won every match in the seeding round, again gaining the No.1 seeding and another bye into the last 8. This was almost his undoing
though as he stepped onto the piste for the quarter-final match against the No.8 seed. Perhaps not taking things seriously enough, Phil narrowly scraped through to the semi-final 15-14, albeit with a severe
adrenaline rush! Again, Glenn Shiner from Odiham had performed outstandingly to reach the semi-final, only to have his hopes dashed as Phil, his club coach, systematically took him apart 15-3. In the other semi-final No.3 seed Gary Brailsford was determined to turn the tables for his defeat in the foil final as he strolled into a final showdown with Phil.
The final was to prove to be one of the most exciting matches of the day, as both fencers took turns at gaining the upper hand, with no more than one point separating them at any time.
By the end of the 2nd period of fencing, Gary led 13-12 and as the final 3 minutes began the tension was palpable. As Phil scored to bring the scores level again his excitement was obvious as he danced a jig on the piste! The next hit seemed to go Phil’s way, with his light appearing on the score box. His celebrations had already started only to be cut dramatically short as Gary’s light also appeared – a double hit. With the scores at 14-14 neither fencer wanted to take a chance, but eventually a series of attacks and counter-attacks ended with a hit for Gary, stopping Phil’s clean sweep of the trophies.
With two weapon wins and a second place, Phil McNulty successfully took the men’s Master-at-Arms title with 23 points from 2nd placed Gary Brailsford on 18 points.
The final event of the weekend was the Inter Unit 3 Man Team event, and more was now asked of Phil’s novice fencers from Odiham as they came up against a more experienced Waddington team. Cpl Russ Sayers lost his sabre match against MAeOp Dave Jerry, the previous RAF coach, whilst Cpl Dave Long, Odiham’s team captain and mainstay of the Odiham club took victory in the epee. With one win each the title was to be decided in the foil and it was up to SAC Pete Dewey from Odiham to bring the trophy home as he narrowly beat Lia Reid 15-13. 
In their first competition since the formation of the club, the Oakhanger/Odiham contingent had managed to come away with 2 weapon wins, 2 seconds, 2 thirds, Master-at-Arms and the team trophy – not a bad achievement after only four months!
Editor's Note: It is with a lot of satisfaction that I publish this article, not only because of my results but also because of the results of my Club. Both Dave Long and I put our heads together and came up with a plan of action, got hold of a starter pack and hassled our respective PEd Flts. Once we showed them that there was interest, they gave us gym time and some money for weapons. Now, after showing success at the Juniors they've happily handed over even more money! Starting a club needn't be difficult; once the initial problems with kit are overcome (by getting the starter pack for 6 months) your PEd Flt will be supportive. Take a chance at your station, get a club going, and keep the RAFFU supplied with more up and coming Listons and Gibsons!
CAPTION COMPETITION
Well, what can I say? I was absolutely inundated with entries to the last caption competition, featuring an extremely drunk young member of the fencing squad who went for a sociable drink with our Polish hosts, and who discovered the potency of Polish vodka (particularly when consumed in copious quantities!).
Yes, I had so many entries that my In tray at work was overflowing.
The Post Office registered a complaint with the Station that the amount of mail arriving at Oakhanger had doubled, requiring their staff to work overtime to distribute it on time.
The poor lady in our registry had a nervous breakdown as she found herself trapped under an ever growing pile of mail.
Of course, some of you may have noticed a slight hint of sarcasm there? That would be easily explained then by the fact that entries to the last competition were a staggering ... (drum roll please) .... none.
Yep .. zero, nada, nil, none.
Obviously this was because all the members of RAFFU are such nice people that they didn't want to upset Sharon. Either that or they've seen Sharon angry and didn't want to be on the receiving end!
So, let's hope for at least one entry this time ... please? I don't often beg (contrary to what Mrs Editor says!) but with a target like this there must be someone out there who wants to have a pop!!!
Send your entries to me at the usual address, marked "I Know Why Steve's Got That Look On His Face". Due to increased production costs, the winner will no longer receive a free years subscription to Reprise. Instead first prize will be the destruction by the Editor of any incriminating photos of the winner, ensuring they cannot be used in future Caption Competitions.*
*And if you believe that, you'll believe anything!
CARBO POWER PART 2
Submitted by Carol Ackroyd based on an article written for Cornish Fencing Team by Alison Avery.
During Competition.
You don't need to be constantly stuffing your face with food to keep the carb levels up. Just one bite of an energy bar with a mouthful of sports drink every 20-30 mins will be enough. If you choose not to have solid food then take a couple of mouthfuls of drink instead. However if you choose to do this all day, then you will need more than 2 lites of sports drink.
The Glycaemic Index (GI) lists food and the rates at which the carbs are converted into glycogen and absorbed into the muscles ready for use. The higher the number the quicker the absorption. When deciding what snacks to take into the sports hall with you, take the ones listed in the left hand column. If you miss a top up then you need the higher scoring ones. If you are working hard then you should take more, about 20-40 grams an hour. The fitter you are the more you need. Also, your age and size will make a difference. Never over eat or drink; just the small regular amounts.
The following are recommended:
Energy bars
Home made biscuits and cakes
Sports drinks
Bananas
Dried fruit
Glucose tablets
Sticks of carrot
Pasta salad (even with all this snacking you may still want lunch!)
The first 30 mins after competition is vital to your recovery rate.you need to warm down, and once again, fill up on carbs. Whether you do this or not will affect how your muscles feel that night, and more importantly whether they will be tired and achy the next day.
Hydration
It is important to realise that as soon as we feel thirsty we are already 2% dehydrated and this will affect our performance by 10%! When competing, we need at least 2 litres of fluid a day. Your body should get used to being hydrated at least one week before a competition and to stop excessive urination, whilst maintaining a healthy fluid balance.
Sports Drinks
During competition sports drinks are more effective than pure water. This is because:
They are absorbed into the system quicker than water
They are a good source of potassium and sodium which is excreted through sweat. Both are needed for muscle and nerve function
They are a good source of carbohydrates and can be used instead of snacking, or to boost snacking
They replace lost fluids
You don't need to buy expensive shop versions. You may be surprised to know that there are only 3 ingredients needed. other ingredients in the shop bought ones are only fillers with little or no nutritional value. For 2 litres a day, mix:
1 litre of water
1 litre of fruit juice (orange is the usual choice, but as long as you don't use a diuretic like Cranberry)
1 gram of salt
Put it into any clean 2 litre bottle andshake well, making sure the lid is secure.
SUMMARY
7 days before the competition eat lots of carbohydrates and drink 1.5 - 2 litres of water a day.
2 days before the competition load up on carbohydrates. Drink at least 2 litres of water. Keep food simple. Don't over do it.
Competition Day. EAT BREAKFAST!!! Snack throughout the day small amounts. Up to 30 mins after finishing top up again. Carb load once again in the evening ready for the next day.
Drink regularly. DON'T WAIT TO GET THIRSTY, IT'S TOO LATE THEN. If you are properly hydrated your urine will be pale and practically odourless.
Foot Note: Alcohol; The energy content of alcohol can only be used by the liver. It could make you feel sick and it will affect the speed and efficiency of the carb-glycogen conversion.
POST COMPETITION
Up to 30 mins after event.
This is the most beneficial time to help prevent sore tired muscles the following day. You should be doing a warm down routine. This will help to disburse lactic acid from your muscles. It is also a time when you should still be putting carbs into the system. They will help speed the recovery of the muscles.
Choose:
Bananas
Sandwiches with either white or wholemeal bread and a low fat filling; so no full fat cheese!
Energy bars(these can be bought from health food shops, made yourself or something like a tracker bar).
Water, to help take the lactic acid out of the system. Or more sports drink.
Evening meal
Avoid rich spicy foods. Look for:
Thick crusty pizzas with a vegetable topping
Jacket potatoes filled with beans, fish, chicken, hoummos or coleslaw
Rice dishes susch as risotto or rice salads
Vegetable lasagne
One other tip to keep in mind:
As you exercise the muscles will start to build up waste materials. The most commonly known waste matter is lactic acid. Once it builds up, it hinders fresh blood, which is carrying much needed oxygen getting in. This starves the muscles, resulting in that tired heavy, I've got nothing left in my arms/legs feeling. If you start to feel this coming on you need to massage the muscle. This literally squeezes the blood out of the muscle. As you ease the pressure fresh clean blood can rush in, carrying with it all the oxygen and food sources the muscle needs to carry on working hard.
Table 1: The Glycaemic Index of various foods (glucose = 100)
High Moderate Low
Cereals
White bread 69
Whole bread 72
Brown rice 80
White rice 82
Cereals
Wholemeal pasta 42
White pasta 50
Oats 49
Barley 22 Pulses
Butter beans 36
Baked beans 40
Haricot beans 31
Chick peas 36
Lentils 29
Kidney beans 29
Soya beans 15
Breakfast Cereals
Cornflakes 80
Muesli 66
Shredded Wheat 67
Weetabix 75 Breakfast Cereals
Porridge 54
All Bran 51
Fruit
Raisins 64
Bananas 62 Fruit
Grapes 44
Orabges 40 Fruit
Apples 39
Cherries 23
Plums 25
Apricots 30
Grapefruit 26
Peaches 29
Vegetables
Sweetcorn 59
Parsnips 97
Potatoes, baked 98
Carrots 92 Vegetables
Sweet potatoes 48
Crisps 51
Yam 51
Dairy products
Milk 32
Yoghurt 36
Ice Cream 36
Other
Chocolate biscuits 59
Mars bar 68
Honey 87
Sucrose 59
Glucose 100
Orange cordial 66 Other
Oatmeal biscuits 54
Sponge cake 46
Other
Fructose 20
FINAL ANNOUNCEMENTS
Although I'm off to Bosnia I still want your articles. Send them to the usual address!