A Bridlington sports club really is opento all ages and continues to grow.
Many clubs state they can cater for anyone aged eight to 80 but at Bridlington Blades, they have a member in her 90s and a junior section, The Musketeers, who cater forsix to nine year olds.
Ava and Joy battle it out in a match. Photo: Echo Media Group.
Club president Joy Fleetham, a sprightly 91, has been fencing for 28 years and one of her opponents is 11year old Ava Thornton – an 80-year-gap.
Ava, a pupil at Headlands School has only been fencing for three years but achieved a club first when she passed her level one refereeing course.
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Joy said: “Ava took her refereeing course under our main coach Cliff Weston and is now qualified to officiate at club matches.
We’re all so proud of her. She’s a marvellous child and wants to go as far as she can. We all love her. Herattitude is infectious.”
Some of the fencers from the Bridlington Blades Club. Photo: Echo Media Group.
Joy took up fencing at the age of 63 after her husband died and said: “I wanted to do something to get outmore,” she said. “I went to the fencing club when it was at the school in Marton Road but wasn’t too sure because it was all men.
“The coach, Terry Davies, said I had a knack for it and should come back. I did and the rest is history. Fencingand the work around it has led me to attend a garden party at Buckingham Palace and visit the Houses of Parliament to mark the fundraising I’ve done for the club.”
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“Fencing is a hobby that’s taken over my life. I’m only seven stone but fencing helps my body and mind stay active and keeps my reflexes quick. Cod liver oil is the secret!”
Joy added: “We are a very welcoming club and never turn anyone away. Anyone can come and join.”
Ava and Joy. Photo: Echo Media Group.
Bridlington Blades meet every Friday, 7-9pm, at East Riding Leisure, onthe Promenade.
They return to action on January 10. Sessions are £6 each andall the equipment is provided.
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