Committee

Get to know the Club’s Committee Members:

Gordon Mankelow: Chair
I learnt to fence in late 2006 at the ripe old age of 37. I had been wanting to learn to fence for quite some time but my impression was that it was a sport for young people. I spoke to a couple of Clubs and it was clear that the range of fencers covered 6 years through to 80+ so I thought I would give it a go. I learnt to fence in Tonbridge and then joined Crawley Sword Club but due to the travel, I gave up fencing just after a year. After that, I regularly checked the British Fencing Association website for a more local Club and in September 2011 Lewes Fencing Club was set up so I joined.

For me, Fencing is a great sport. It keeps you fit, although I am not as fit as I could be, but like all sports, you get out of it as much as you want to put in. If you are competitive there are competitions locally, nationally even internationally for every level. The competitions are fun and friendly. It’s also the only sport I know where your opponent in a competition can range from a novice through to a Commonwealth Champion.

Whilst I may be biased, I think Lewes is a great Club. It has a range of ages and levels with friendly and helpful members. We have a great Head Coach and a number of Level 1&2 coaches who can give advice on technique and equipment.

Lewis McInley: Head Coach
I started fencing at 13, and began giving lessons at 16. My interest in coaching has only grown since then! I’m a Maitre d’Armes (Level 5 Coach in Foil, Epee and Sabre) and I enjoy coaching a wide range of fencers with different abilities and aims. I think there’s a lot to get out of fencing, whether you approach it from a purely recreational point of view or with a more competitive mindset! I also compete myself, primarily at epee although sometimes at foil as well. See you in the club!

Della Bowley: Competition Secretary, Social Media lead & Coach
I started fencing in May 2011 when a beginners’ course came up in my home town of Haywards Heath and immediately got hooked. There is never a dull moment as both the physical and mental elements of the sport are a continual challenge and I love how inclusive the sport can be, all ages and abilities joining in together and that’s what the Lewes Club is all about. Of course, I do like trying to win as well either at the Club or at external competitions.

Claire Cox, Treasurer & Social Secretary

My interest in fencing was sparked as a teenager taking part in a ‘fencing taster term’. Thirty-five years later I discovered fencing again. As someone with past back injuries and keen to continue to manage and prevent further issues I was delighted to find something far more fun and rewarding to continue this.  Fencing requires & helps develop strong core strength, coordination and flexibility, which is excellent.

A bonus is enjoying the company of great club members and also those I have met while competing or training elsewhere. The club is a great family-orientated club which regularly attracts over 30 members. There is a good mix of ability and experience so you always have something to work on and improve. Getting on the piste is one highlight of my fencing session!

Jo Banks: Welfare Officer (supported by Claire Cox)

Thank you to Jo who is taking on this role and is also a parent of a fencing member and involved with this role in other local fencing clubs  Claire will continue to have a supporting role. British Fencing has expanded the need to have not only the safeguarding of young people as a priority, but to include the safeguarding and welfare of everyone (all fencers and those linked in some way such as coaches, armourists, visitors, parents etc)  EVERYONE is at risk. It is also EVERYONE’s RESPONSIBILITY  to watch out and raise concerns. The welfare officer can be contacted with any questions or concerns, as are all the committee, or by email to Jo at Safeguarding@lewesfencingclub.org.uk

Simon Fox: Armourer and Coach

I am a fencer and coach and helped set up the club with my colleagues since its inception in 2011.

Ashley Larks: Parent representative. After many years of patiently supporting his son Finlay who has been a member from a youngster to a highly successful competitive fencer today. Ash has been invaluable with his ideas, feedback and practical support to the committee over many years.

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