the_sword_july_2015

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMessage from the chairAs I write this July Message, we are at the “business end” of the season, with the European Champs followedby the inaugural European Games (in Baku) and then the Worlds, which hectic schedule I cannot reflectin these notes. The world of championships is ever exciting and we have what the Americans used to call“contenders”. But, with Rio coming up next year, the pace and tension for everyone will continue to quicken.We all wish our top fencers well, and the support teams around them.We can mark a key landmark in our progresswith the World Class Programme with thelaunch of British Fencing’s first, proper EliteTraining Centre, in Hendon. This is a BFpartnership with Leon Paul, to which bothorganisations are fully committed. It is good toreport that the official launch was performedformally by the new Secretary of State forCulture, Media and Sport, John WhitingdaleMP, who was accompanied by the Chairs ofSport England and UK Sport, respectively NickBitel and Rod Carr. Some media representativespresent noted quietly that these are the threemost powerful men in British sport - all turningout together for a British Fencing event. So,not an ordinary day! But there is no lookingaround and admiring the view; whilst thesethree gentlemen expressed kind views about BFand our sport, they will expect more and moreprogress and results. They are right to do so,as custodians of the public and Lottery moniesthey provide for fencing and other sports. So,we shall continue to be concerned only with thechallenges ahead, which are at the core of thissummer Message.The challenges for BF in 2015, on the road toour 2024 strategic goals, are all about how wecan grow and develop our sport. Here are someof the challenges and ambitions.We have of course to make sure we meet thetargets agreed with the funding partners, SportEngland (SE) and UK Sport (UKS), to justifyour increased funding and to ensure we arewell placed to maintain our future income. Wemust watch carefully the impact of the newMinisters; and we shall work closely with SE inparticular on its new strategy, for 2017 onward,consultation on which has just been announced.We are seeking a new sponsor, to replace theexcellent Beazley, who are very active for us inthis search process (with contributions like forexample a new video explaining how well ourpartnership with them has worked). We wish toenhance our website and use of social media.We are working hard with the Home Countrieson a revamped membership scheme, designedto give you, the members, the best service andvalue we can. We are keen to take all possiblesteps towards that better value goal; you, themembers, and indeed all our volunteers, are thelifeblood of our sport and the key to our futuredevelopment. One idea that we know manymembers would like to see in place is annualawards for our best clubs, coaches, organisers,volunteers, etc. We have that in our sights but Icannot yet confirm how soon we can get this inplace, given the priorities we have to juggle. Mylist is already long…….I believe we are fortunate, in these challengingtimes, to have an effective Board of Directors.The elected Directors, who of course are alwaysin the majority, make sure we are anchoredfirmly in the sport’s traditions and values. Ourindependent Directors bring that left field visionessential to any governing body these days. BFis also lucky to have strong management andcommitted staff, including a new Developmentteam under Gabby Williams. All together, theBoard and HQ personnel make a hard workingteam with a clear sense of direction andpriorities. Georgina Usher’s leadership, basedsecurely in a fencing upbringing, has made animportant difference to us.As ever, we need your advice and feedback.As ever, we must be closely wired into the bignetwork of fencing knowledge you all represent.As ever - my contact details are below and theHQ details are on the website.David TeasdaleChair, British FencingT: 07803 891623david.teasdale@britishfencing.comJULY 2015 THE SWORD 9