Beginners courses in 2009
For 2009 we are introducing new arrangements for booking places on our courses for beginners. We keep a waiting list of those who are interested in joining a course, and when a new beginners course is scheduled they will be invited to book a place by paying the full course fee, which will not be refundable. If demand exceeds the number of places available preference will be given to those who have been on the waiting list longest.
The composition of each class can thus be fixed before the course begins, avoiding disruptive changes and allowing the most effective use of the first week of the course itself.
From time to time we offer taster sessions, which should make it easier for people to decide whether or not to commit themselves to the full eight-week course. It is still possible to book a place on a course without attenting a taster session.
Our courses for beginners are led by Matthew Thompson or Olly Bickley, qualified British Fencing Association (BFA) coaches. They take place in the new sports hall of Rye St Antony School: see location and school site plan.
Beginners should wear indoor trainers with non-marking soles, tracksuit or similar loose trousers and a T-shirt; the club provides fencing equipment that conforms to current BFA/CEN safety specifications.
The most recent taster session was on Friday 8 May.If you would like to be informed of future taster sessions or be added to the waiting list for future courses please email the club’s secretary: secretary@oxfordfencingclub.co.uk
A new eight-week course started on 15 May. The next course will be in the autumn.
Insurance
It is the club's policy that everyone should have fencing insurance. In the class you are covered by the coach's insurance, but when you start to fence outside his direct supervision you will need the insurance provided by basic individual membership of the BFA; this can be obtained on the BFA website for a charge of £10 for twelve months: see BFA membership.
Family discount
Fencing is a sport that can be enjoyed by all ages. To encourage family participation Oxford Fencing Club offers a discount of 50% per child under the age of 16 to parents who are also enrolled in its beginners class or who are members of the club. For further information please email treasurer@oxfordfencingclub.co.uk.