THE Bridport-based West Dorset Fencing Club hosted a six-week beginners’ foil fencing course at Herrison Hall in Charlton Down.

Previously, courses had been held in Beaminster but the club wanted to provide an opportunity for the residents of the Dorchester/Weymouth/ Portland area to learn to fence.

The Charlton Down village hall, proved to be an excellent venue and 10 newcomers signed up, with ages ranging from 10 to 67.

Some had fenced previously but considered themselves rusty and others were complete beginners.

WDFC coach Csaba Hajdu, a Hungarian international Master, put the course participants through their paces.

Each evening started with a general warm-up followed by fencing-specific exercises.

Hajdu taught basic footwork, how to hold the foil and how to place it on the opponent’s target area.

Soon the budding fencers were enjoying being fully kitted up and fencing one another The course culminated with a competition, which was won by Milly Lovell.

West Dorset Fencing Club was founded in 2009 by ex-Olympian Shirley Parker, who competed in Rome (1960) and Tokyo (1964).

Some 45 years later, she saw that West Dorset was an area of the country that was devoid of fencing as a sport.

The young club is friendly, is open to everyone and has attracted people of all ages – it’s never too late to take up fencing.

As well as Parker, WDFC is extremely fortunate in having Allan Jay, a five-times Olym-pian, as its honorary president.

n WDFC will be running another six-week course, starting on Wednesday, January 28 at Herrison Hall, Charlton Down.

All equipment is provided by the club and anyone interested should call 07786 354403.