History

Egham Fencing Club was originally formed by a small band of fencers in 1976, who had attended an introductory fencing course at Egham Sports Centre. The course was arranged by Dr Derek Evered, a senior lecturer at University College London, an amateur fencer and coach.

The trio of fencers who formed the original club are still involved today, with the founder coach serving as President.

A dedicated junior section was formed in 1981. The juniors began to achieve competitive success, with second and thirteenth places in the National Kids league. Another junior was invited to train with the National Junior squad at sabre.

Our Juniors now regularly compete in competitions all over the UK.

In 2001 the club engaged Herman du Preez, a young South African coach who was being sponsored by British Fencing to become a National coach. Herman achieved this along with an International Diploma from Hungary after training with some of the world’s best fencers and coaches. The following year, Mick Johnson, the club secretary qualified as a Regional Coach at all three weapons under the close tutelage of Herman du Preez. The club also extended its hours for junior fencing and introduced an additional evening specifically for adult beginners. 

In 2007, Mick Johnson gained the Diploma of the British Academy of Fencing for Epee coaching, earning him the title Maitre d’Escrime, the highest professional qualification in the UK. 

2008 started off well with two of our juniors doing well in the Nationals. Charlie Peters came 5th in the under 12 foil and Alex Paige came 2nd in the under 14 epee.