Our club was founded in 1988 by a group of enthusiastic Formby fencers of all abilities, whose aim was to make the sport of fencing accessible and enjoyable for people of all ages, at a minimum cost. Some of our fencers had been taught by the legendary Professor W. M. Zarloff from Tsarist Russia who had introduced fencing to Liverpool and Manchester. Others had just completed a beginners’ course!. When the opportunity to use a community venue was presented, we couldn’t wait to start!
Formby Ravens Fencing Club is a not-for-profit community sports club governed by a constitution. We have been supported over the years by a number of very generous grants from the Foundation for Sport and the Arts and The Community Foundation for Merseyside local network fund. This has enabled us to keep our costs to a minimum and all our officers and coaches work on a voluntary basis.
We have worked with schools, Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme candidates, special needs fencers and those who have achieved at national level.
We would now like to welcome you.
Rodney is the club's chairman. His involvement with sport started during his early working life in Nigeria, where he played several sports and became the chairman of the local football club. This gave him considerable experience of managing a sports organisation. After returning to England Rodney became involved in fencing and is a founding member of Formby Ravens. Rodney also acts as the club's COVID-19 officer.
Frances is the club treasurer.
Laurence Pritchard is the club’s welfare officer. He has successfully completed the Safeguarding & Protecting Children Course run by UK Coaching. He is a former governor at a Formby primary school.
As the club has a strong focus on developing fencing opportunities for young people, we take ensuring their well-being very seriously. So to properly exercise a duty of care to all our members we have a detailed Child Protection Policy Statement that follows the national guidelines provided by Sport England Club Matters. We also have a venue specific risk assessment for fencing at Ravenmeols Community Centre and a COVID-19 protocol document.
© 2021 Formby Ravens Fencing Club.