NVA Newsletter March 2009 HA - Veterans Fencing!

THE NEWSLETTER OF THE NVA VOLUME XXII: ISSUE 3: MARCH 2009Bobby Winton rememberedI write this on behalf of the committee who join me in sendingour condolences to Heather and the Winton family.Bobby was close to our association for some time, and wewere delighted when he joined with his brother Sir Nicholas, insuggesting that we organise a Veterans Winton Cup in 2008.It was an immensely successful inaugural event held atLilleshall in September, and we were delighted that Bobby andHeather were able to join us on the Sunday and present thetrophies and, of course, the Veterans Winton Cup.The welcome given to Bobby and Heather by some 160veteran fencers participating, was a clear indication of therespect and gratitude owed to Bobby for not only his supportof the NVA but also for the role he has played for many yearsin support of fencing throughout the UK.The competition was conducted throughout the weekend in thevery spirit that Bobby and Sir Nicholas had requested i.e. thatveteran fencers at all levels should be encouraged to take partin a friendly and competitive event with the opportunity tosocialise with fellow fencers and their families.We were pleased to be able to give Bobby and Sir Nicholas analbum of photographs and pages signed by those who tookpart, and in thanking us for this, he told us that he felt aparticular affinity with the NVA and the members and in thedevelopment and growth of veterans fencing in the UK.Bobby always took a great interest in the activities and plansof the NVA, and he will be greatly missed by us all as a truefriend of veterans fencing.Frank MillsChairman, NVAA selection of other comments- from the websiteThank you for forwarding the sad news of Bobby Winton'spassing. I did not know him or the family personally but wasaware of his achievements. Please pass on my condolences tothe family should you contact them.RegardsJamall NasirI'm so sorry to hear this very sad news.I will forward thise-mail to my coach Les Jones, who I know will be shocked tohear this sad news. I loved being involved with the vets wintonit was such a great weekend and made all the better that hewas able to come and present the cup.Please pass on my condolences to his family and friends.Kind regardsLynn KeoghThank you for the information from Peter Winton, it is indeedsad news.The Winton Trophy made a major contribution to BritishFencing. I remember with pleasure the times I captained theNorth West team at the Winton in the 1950/60'sThank you for the information on the sad loss of BobbyWinton. There will be very few of us that have not fenced inthe Winton cup and for that reason his name will live on.The end of another era.RegardsJoe ShackellIt's hard to believe that someone who looked so fit and wellonly a few months ago has passed away. He was a greatservant to British Fencing.Jim PhilbinI am glad that he was so organised as it will make it mucheasier to give him a deserving obituary.Although I have known him almost from the beginning of myfencing career and indeed met him more than once in competitionsbut I believe most of his vast contribution to our sporthas been on the administrative side and I will be fascinated tolearn more about which I should know.RegardsBill HoskynsThanks for your e mail, with the letter from Peter Winton. Ididn't know that Bobby had any children and in fact onlyvaguely remember meeting Heather once when I went roundto Bobby's house for something - he lived 5 minutes fromwhere we did.I had heard from Malcolm Fare with a request for anyinformation on Bobby for an Obituary - I have done so. Bobbywas a force in the AFA administration for many years - indeedhe got the MBE for it!All the bestAllan JayThanks so much for sending this on to me. I had known Bobbyfor longer than I can remember, and I have very fond memoriesof him, his support and kindness.I am not able to get to his funeral, but will write to his family.Also send a donation. I am sure there will be a good representationfrom the Vets.Regards,Penny SpinkBobby WintonIf anyone has any reminisces or indeed anything to say about BobbyWinton, please send it to me and I will add it to the obituary section onthe NVA website. I am happy to receive photographs as well.John Masonmailto:NVA@jrmason.demon.co.ukKind regards,Les Jones PAGE 4