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| Date | News Item |
| 13th January 2005 |
The British Academy of Fencing Awards Geoff Griffin
 The British Academy of Fencing has awarded Geoff Griffin, coach of Crawley Sword Club, the Brian Pitman Trophy for services and achievement in the coaching of fencing. Geoff is the first recipient of this new award that was presented to him at the Academy’s annual dinner.
The late Brian Pitman, a Master and Vice President of The British Academy of Fencing, at one time held the position of National Coach and was very much respected and admired by all, his coaching techniques were unique. Geoff Griffin was fortunate and privileged to work with Brian whilst working towards his own coaching qualification and feels that much of the success of Crawley Sword Club is due to the knowledge he acquired whilst working and studying as a student of Brian. Geoff’s fencing activities started in 1949 whilst serving in H.M. Forces and when he left, in 1952, he became involved with three fencing clubs in South London. He moved to Crawley in 1954 and founded Crawley Sword Club in June of that year. Unable to obtain the services of a fencing coach he took it upon himself to take on this responsibility and venues were found through Evening Institutes and the Youth Service.
When the Leisure Centre opened on Hazlett Avenue, Crawley Sword Club took the opportunity to make it a permanent venue and has made use of part of the main hall on two evenings each week. When the “Sports Centre”, as it was then classified, was officially opened by the then Prime Minister, Harold Wilson, the Club almost had another member when he spent time to discuss his interest.
Under the direction of Geoff, Crawley Sword Club has produced and catered for all types of fencers from social up towards competitive fencers of National and International level. The trophies and medals won by the Club’s members over the years are in excess of 1,000. Two juniors were ranked Number 1 in the British Junior Epée and fencers from Crawley Sword Club have represented their country in Europe, America and Australia, where in the latter a Bronze and Silver medals were won by Dudley Tredger of Crawley Sword Club in the Commonwealth Fencing Championships in 2002. Crawley has also hosted Modern Pentathlon competitors who have practiced their fencing discipline with Club members. The Club also has a very strong contingent of fencers in the Under 12 and Under 14 age groups who have already claimed medals and trophies at County, Section and National levels. Geoff is convinced there are future champions among these youngsters who are hungry for medals. |
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