All the latest News items, whether it be announcements regarding upcoming events, or requests for volunteers, all will be posted as news.
TRACKSUIT PROBLEM!! PLEASE NOTE THIS!!!
I didn't realise until tonight that both pictures of tracksuit tops have the same item numbers - DOH!!
Can the people who have already emailed me please clarify their choice of tracksuit top - is it from the 1st image, or the 2nd (in other words, predominantly light blue or dark blue)?
Can people that get in touch in future also make the distinction between the two - many thanks!
Posted: 19 January 2006
TROPHY HUNT
Although I was absent from the Juniors, the "DOC Packup" I sent through to Rob Desforges was apparently very useful, resulting in a very smoothly run event. My thanks to Rob and Brigitte Morgan for running things for me.
Unfortunately, the age-old issue of trophies not being available for presentation raised it's head. I am trying to get hold of the DOC (Admin) to dig out the signature sheets for trophies from 2003 and 2004. If YOU have a Juniors trophy and have not returned it PLEASE get in contact with me ASAP. Don't wait for me to chase you up.
You have had the pleasure of fencing well enough to win the trophy and had it in your possession as your reward - give someone else a chance to do the same.
Posted: 14 November 2005
JUNIORS IS GOING AHEAD AS PLANNED
Breaking News: After a bit of a wait, I can now confirm that the Juniors 2005 ARE going ahead as planned, 22/23 Oct.
The paperwork has just landed in my email Inbox, so once I manage to get it transferred to my home computer I'll get it posted online ASAP. Please note that you MUST get your replies in by 18 Oct at the absolute very latest, particularly for accommodation requirements.
Posted: 14 November 2005
WELLESBOURNE TEAM TROPHY IN THE AIR .... AGAIN!!!
Who'd be a Captain?
After the withdrawal last weekend of 2 of the selected female fencers, I felt extremely proud of my efforts when within a week I had managed to find replacements and once more had a full team.
Imagine my horror to receive an email this morning saying that I MAY now be short of a male foilist! If anyone who wasn't selected is still available, please let me know ASAP, just in case I require your services.
Posted: 10 October 2005
WOMEN'S TEAM FALLS THROUGH - HELP NEEDED!!!!!
After finalising the team for the Wellesbourne Team Trophy competition on 30 Oct 05, I have just been informed over the weekend that 2 of my female fencers are now no longer available. GRRRRR!!!
I currently require one foilist and one epeeist for the team, and would appreciate if people could get in touch we me ASAP. Email me by clicking here
Posted: 26 September 2005
ONE MORE FEMALE FENCER REQUIRED
Many thanks to all those who have volunteered for the Wellesbourne Team Trophy on 30 Oct 05. I now almost have enough fencers to make the full team, only being short of one female epeeist.
If there is a female epeeist who hasn't yet made herself available, could she please contact me ASAP? Many thanks.
Posted: 14 September 2005
CONGRATULATIONS AGAIN!
Well there must have been something in the water 9 months ago, as it's now time to say congratulations to Mark Gumley and his wife Mandy on the birth of their new daughter Chloë Elizabeth Gumley, born 4 Sep 05, 6.37 PM, 8 Lb 5 Oz.
On behalf of RAFFU congratulations to you both and hope the sleepless nights don't last for too long.
Posted: 9 September 2005
CHALLENGE MATCH POSTPONED
Many thanks to all the fencers who registered and let me know they were available for the Challenge Match against Scottish Fencing and the Army. Unfortunately, due to circumstances beyond the organisers control the event has had to be postponed.
I will endeavour to let you know as soon as I can when more information about the rescheduled event becomes available.
Posted: 7 September 2005
ONE HIT EPEE & QUINQUENNIAL DINNER
The 5 yearly (or Quinquennial for those that were wondering what the word meant!) RAFFU dinner is being held the same weekend as the One Hit Epee competition.
Numbers are required ASAP for both events, particularly where accommodation and final costings for the dinner are concerned. PLEASE respond as quickly as you can by emailing Kath Linton your returns.
Posted: 25 August 2005
WEBMASTER GIVES BIRTH TO BABY BOY!
OK, so I didn't actually give birth myself, but I was there in the delivery room and that has to count for something!
On Saturday 6th August at 10:24 am I became the proud owner of a brand new baby boy, Sean Peter, who weighed in at a whopping 9 lb 7 oz (I told my good lady that I'd forgive her moaning and wingeing about the pain as she MIGHT have been slightly justified with him being so big!).
Once I finally start getting some sleep again I'll hopefully get back into fencing proper ... next event should be the One Hit, but still no further details on that one yet.
Posted: 9 August 2005
CANADIAN ENTRIES CLOSED - NEW COMPETITION OPENS!
The names submitted for selection onto the CS team touring to Canada this year have now been submitted to the CS Captain. Selection should be finalised in the near future and all the lucky personnel nominated will be informed as soon as possible.
On another note though, Malcolm Napier-Holford from the Army is in the process of teeing up a match against Scottish Fencing and has invited RAFFU to attend. As in the case of the Canada trip, please use the Availability page to register your interest so we can see if we can garner enough interest to put in a full team.
Posted: 9 August 2005
CANADIAN RETURNS REQUIRED ASAP!!!
I have today received an email from the Captain of Combined Services fencing regarding the Canadian Match in November.
I have to provide a full list of RAF nominees by COP 15th July, therefore if you still wish to be considered for selection then you MUST have either emailed, phoned or electronically registered your interest by COP 13th July. You have been warned!!
Posted: 8 July 2005
REGISTER YOUR AVAILABILITY FOR THE TEAM
The new links on the menu for Availability are to allow you to electronically register your interest in competing for either the RAF or Combined Services team.
There are 2 competitions currently listed: the Wellesbourne Team Trophy and the CS Canada Tour. If you would like to be considered for selection, please provide your details and 1st/2nd choices of weapon you would like to fence if selected to compete.
Like all new things on this website, I've tried to make sure it all works, but if you spot any problems please let me know.
Posted: 5 July 2005
REPRISE MAGAZINE MAKES IT'S RETURN!
After giving up the Editorship of the RAF Fencing Union Magazine, Reprise, at the end of 2003, it's been a long wait for the next edition.The new editor hated the prospect so much he ended up leaving the RAF!.
However, Cpl Shaun Taylor agreed to take on the job and has just produced his first edition. This has now been transferred onto the website for all those who didn't receive a copy. The only problem with it? Shaun has written it in Microsoft Publisher - which I've just installed so I could read it - but getting it from that format into my web application was a nightmare. If anyone knows of any way to convert from Publisher to Word or similar, I'd appreciate the assistance!
Posted: 1 July 2005
INTER SERVICE INDIVIDUAL RESULTS ONLINE
The full set of results for the Individual and Inter Unit Team events are now online.
Check out the Results page for the link.
Posted: 30 June 2005
INTER SERVICES FINALLY OVER!
The Inter Service Fencing Championships are finally over, and after a hectic full week of fencing, the results will take some time to collate.
Please watch this space for the Match Report, full results and photographs (including some of the "Ladies of Fencing").
Posted: 27 June 2005
SECOND PAGE OF SENIORS PHOTOS POSTED
Finally found the time to reduce the size of the photos that Dave Long sent me (and there are LOTS) and posted them online. Use the link on the Gallery page to access them.
Posted: 11 June 2005
FIRST BATCH OF SENIORS 2005 PHOTOS ONLINE
I've finally managed to find some time to cut the first CD of photos I received down to size to allow them to be more accessible on the web (the original files were HUGE and of extremely high quality).
Check out the Gallery page to see these, with some more to follow in the (hopefully) near future.
Posted: 10 June 2005
PROBLEMS ACCESSING SITE FROM MILITARY NETWORKS
After an upgrade to the Military Internet gateway, I found that when accessing the site from a DII workstation, the Menu would not display, in addition to several minor problems.
I've since found out the problem was specific to the menu I was using; as a result I've had to recode the entire site to use a simpler version. And this one SEEMS to work!
If you find any links that don't work, please let me know, and I'll try to fix the other minor problems soon.
Posted: 10 June 2005
SENIORS MATCH REPORT AND INTER SERVICE INORMATION NOW AVAILABLE
I have just finished posting online the Seniors Match Report, as well as the Inter Services programme of events and Individual selection lists. (I'm not going to post the Triangular Match team list, because that would let our opponents know who they are up against!
You may also notice that the menu system has been slightly revised, to give access to AGM minutes and Inter Service information without having to navigate down menu trees.
Posted: 20 May 2005
COMMAND CHAMPIONSHIPS
Finally received the Match Report and PTC results from the Command Championships back in February. So for all those PTC types that were wondering what happened to their results, they are now posted up for you.
Now, with so many updates done in so few days, is everyone keeping up to date?
Posted: 11 May 2005
CAPTAINS REPORT 2005
Since I was unable to present my Captains Report at the AGM (something to do with sitting in a wheelchair at The Princess Royal Hospital waiting to get a needle injected into my rear!), I've posted it online here for you all to see.
I've also updated the Committee contacts page to reflect the fact Graeme Hart has agreed to take over as the RAFFU Coaching Coordinator. His phone number is now on the page.
Posted: 10 May 2005
MORE SENIORS STUFF ONLINE - PHOTOS AND WOMENS RESULTS
The Ladies results have now been added to the Seniors 2005 results page, as well as a few photos from the event.
These photos aren't of the fencing action, but show what can happen when you let competitiveness go too far.... more photos to follow soon.
Posted: 10 May 2005
SENIORS 2005 OVER
They say pride comes before a fall, and for some of us that definitely came true at this weekend's RAF Championships!!
The event was extremely well attended and a high standard of fencing was displayed, boding well for the future. I've posted the full Men's results online and will add the Ladies when I find those bits of paper!
The Men's Ranking lists have also been updated with the addition of the Seniors results, so go find out if you're up, down or just managed to stay the same.... I crippled myself just to stay in the same place... that was worth it!!!
Posted: 8 May 2005
MISCELLANEOUS TITBITS!!
1. 2004 AGM Minutes have now been posted online. With the 2005 AGM scheduled to take place this weekend at the Seniors, you might want to have a look at what happened last year.
2. Joining Graham Hart in the top 100 of the UK Foil Rankings (May Rankings - not yet on the BFA website but I have my sources! See here: Senior
Mens Foil Rankings ) is Ruari Henderson-Begg after his good results this year. Congratulations! I've managed to overcome my poor start to the season and jump from 382 to 168 after L32 at Nottingham & L16 at Glasgow. Now to try to stay there and catch up with those other two...
3. The trial of the electronic registration process has been successful, with secure data insertion and reporting working very well. It is planned to implement this for the first time "in anger" at the Juniors later this year. Spread the word and see if we can save a rainforest or two!
Posted: 3 May 2005
ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION
I have been working over the last month or so to come up with an electronic registration process for future RAFFU competitions, and have finally completed my initial set-up. Although it is too late to implement this process for the Seniors, I would like as many fencers as possible to give it a try by accessing the new menu items.
This is how it will work: enter your details using the Registration page. This will put your details into a secure database. Once your details have been correctly entered you will be taken to the Current Entries page and should see youe name appear in the weapons you have chosen.
The DOC(Admin) will then be granted access to another page to gather all the information you provided. Obviously at any time you can use the links on the menu to access the Current Entries to see what the competition will be like!
I'd appreciate it if you could all start testing this now... if you are entering the Seniors you should have already sent your application off. Now if you could take 5 minutes to complete the electronic registration I can see how it works. Thanks.
Posted: 28 April 2005
RAF RANKINGS REVISED
After a couple of people pointed out that they weren't ranked highly enough, I re-jigged the whole ranking system just to keep them happy! (NOT!!) Actually, the point was raised that the BFA rankings take the best 6 results out of all those scored; and as some personnel didn't always manage to make it to every event, it wasn't really fair to use all 3 events for the ranking. So, the ranking is now based on the 2 highest scores. (Just as an aside, I DID point out to the individual concerned that the ranking didn't really make that much difference - at the end of the day he'd still have to beat EVERYBODY on the day!)
Posted: 19 April 2005
WINTON CUP FINALLY OVER
After organising and running this year's Winton Cup on behalf of the Combined Services, I would just like to offer my thanks to all the personnel (both fencing and non-fencing) who gave their time and support. Everyone I have spoken to since has commented on how well it was run, and this could not have happened without the hard work done beforehand by Ann Gibson, and all the personnel from all 3 services who helped me out over the course of the weekend. I couldn't have done it without you!
Posted: 18 April 2005
FULL DETAILS FOR SENIORS 2005
Full information on this years Seniors competition is now online, as well as an Entry Form. I haven't been able to work out the technical wizardry to allow you to email the entry form, but you can print it and then fax it through to the DOC(Admin). Look forward to seeing you all there!
Posted: 12 April 2005
MORE RESULTS IN SCOTLAND
It seems that Scotland is the place to be for RAF fencers wanting to get good results. A trip up to the Glasgow Open saw James Downes take 25th in the Men's Sabre, while I lost my initial 13th seeding to finish 20th overall. In the foil, James's late running train meant he missed check-in, but after losing only one fight in 2 seeding rounds, I managed my highest ever result at a civilian competition, finishing 11th overall. Now, let that be encouragement to get out on the civilian circuit!
Posted: 5 April 2005
CONGRATULATIONS TO RAF FENCERS
Congratulations have to go out to the RAF fencers who entered the Edinburgh Open foil competition. Graeme Hart managed a fantastic 8th, with Ruari Henderson-Begg reaching the L16 to finish 13th overall. In the women's event, although competing in a very small field of only 18 fencers, Sharon Booth managed to fence her way to the semi-final to come 3rd overall. Well done to you all! It's also been good to see so many RAF fencers out on the civvy circuit, with myself doing foil and sabre at Nottingham, and the usual crowd of epeeists pitching up on Sunday - keep it up folks and let's get the newer guys (and gals) out there too.
Posted: 16 March 2005
THE SENIORS ARE COMING!!!
I'm now in a position to give you a heads up on the Seniors, to be held at Cosford over the weekend 7/8 May. As always, Saturday will have foil and sabre, with Sunday for the epee and Inter Unit 6 Man Team. Entry fees this year will be £7.50 per weapon, or £20 for all 3 (Cosford/Halton trainees will only pay £4 per weapon or £10 for all 3). I will be aiming to close check-in by 0830 each day for an 0845 start. Please Note: Personnel can REGISTER for the epee on Saturday, but MUST still check-in on Sunday by 0830 (You know who you are!!!). There will probably be a social event on the Saturday night at a cost of £5 per head - more info to follow.
Posted: 16 March 2005
UPDATES GALORE!!!!
Well, I have been a busy beaver today (the joys of having a two year old who loves watching Shrek!). After a passing suggestion from George Liston that what the RAF needed was a ranking list, similar to (but separate from) the UK rankings, I put my mind to the task of how best to achieve this. After a couple of days working on it, I've now posted it on the site. It should be pretty self-explanatory how it works: compete, achieve results in the top 32 at the Seniors, or top 16 at the Commands or Inter Services and get points. What do points make? Good rankings! I've also posted today a description of how the pre-seeding works at RAF events, which will tie in nicely now with the new ranking list. Give it a read if you want to find out what goes into being DOC (Tech). Additionally, I've updated the Links page to add England Fencing and correct the address for the Scottish Fencing website. If you spot anything else that needs doing, just give me a shout.
Posted: 23 February 2005
WHERE OH WHERE ARE THE PTC RESULTS?
That was the question that arrived in my Inbox this evening, and I can completely understand the hordes of PTC fencers clamouring to know how well they did! Unfortunately, due to the small amount of fencers entered, it wasn't worth setting up the computer to run the event; and as the results I posted were from the Engarde software..... The Command Sec should be formulating a match report, and as soon as that becomes available I'll get it online for all you impatient PTC types.
Posted: 22 February 2005
CONGRATULATIONS TO JAMES GRIFFITHS
Many congratulations to RAF fencer James Griffiths on his wedding to Helena. Those of us who made it to the day had a fantastic time and both James and Helena seemed to enjoy their special day. From all on the committee, wishing you all the very best for your future together.
Posted: 20 February 2005
COMMAND CHAMPIONSHIPS A RESOUNDING SUCCESS
The Command Championships were held over the weekend 12/13 Feb and they were a big success. Thanks to Jamie Cumming and the Cosford fencers for their part in setting up and stripping down the pistes. The STC Command results have been posted on the Results page, and hopefully the match Report will go on shortly. The next RAFFU event will be the Seniors in May, so make sure you all get out there and get some practice in!
Posted: 16 February 2005
HELP REQUIRED
The Command Championships will be held this weekend, and with the absence of the Armourer (enjoying the joys of a sunny detachment) help would be appreciated in setting up the gymnasium. A fencer at Cosford has agreed to take on responsibility, however he will need assistance. If you can get to Cosford and help out it would be extremely helpful, otherwise we find ourselves setting up on Saturday morning!
Posted: 9 February 2005
WEBSITE COMPLETELY REDESIGNED!
After a few months working away whenever the chance presented itself (in between moving house, working over Christmas, spending time with the family, and of course, fencing) I've finally finished redesigning the website. Hopefully I've tested all the links and made sure they work, but if you find any problems, let me know. Hope you like the new look!
Posted: 4 February 2005
MISSING MATCH REPORT POSTED
Finally found the match report from the 2004 Senior Championships which hadn't been posted online. It's now been added to the results page.
Posted: 24 January 2005
COMMAND CHAMPIONSHIPS STILL GOING AHEAD
Although no paperwork has yet been issued, the Command Championships ARE still going ahead over the weekend 12/13 Feb 05. Make sure you keep your weekend free!
Posted: 24 January 2005
CONGRATULATIONS TO QUALIFIED REFEREES
Several RAF fencers took part in a BFA-run refereeing course and examinations over the weekend 14 - 16 Jan 05. Although the course was designed as a first step, to provide Grade 4 (County) examinations, 3 of the fencers, JD, Shaun Taylor and my humble self, achieved high enough marks in the theory and displayed suitable competence in the practical refereeing at the Aldershot Open to qualify as Grade 3 (Regional) referees at foil and epee. Well done us!!!
Posted: 21 January 2005
WEBMASTER BACK ONLINE, BUT ONLY WITH DIAL-UP
Like stepping back into the Stone Age (or fencing steam sabre after years of going soft with electric!), I've finally got back online, but have to wait till the end of Jan for Broadband access. So although I'm putting some updates online, nothing major will go on until then. Hope you understand!
Posted: 21 January 2005
WEBMASTER CURRENTLY WITHOUT WEB ACCESS
My apologies for the lack of updates at the moment. I have moved house over the Christmas period and those wonderful people at BT managed to disconnect my phone line a whole month before providing me with a new one! Hopefully I should be back on the phone by January 19th, and back on the internet soon after. If anyone urgently needs to contact me, my mobile can just about pick up a signal in the new house.
Posted: 10 January 2005
