On Saturday 8^th October 2016, British Fencing held its 2016 Annual General Meeting at the offices of the British Olympic Association, in London.

A brief introduction from Chairman, David Teasdale, was followed by an unchallenged approval of the minutes of last year’s meeting and an announcement that John Troiano was reappointed to the Board.  It was then announced that Anne-Catrin Sallaba would be joining the Board as an elected Director.

Mark Lyttle was then formally introduced as the incoming Chair, taking up his post on 1^st November 2016.  His appointment coincides with the approval by the AGM for Hilary Philbin to continue as President for the next Olympic cycle.

John Troiano, Chair of the Audit Governance & Risk sub committee of the Board, (responsible for the organisation’s finances,) proceeded to give another excellent summary of British Fencing’s position.  Major points included:

–       British Fencing’s desire to break even year-on-year

–       The hosting of international events

–       Remaining diligent on finances in the light of uncertainty regarding public funding

Chief Executive, Georgina Usher, then notified the members of the membership price increases, (agreed with England Fencing, Scottish Fencing and Wales Fencing,) coming into affect on the 1^st January, 2017. In response to a question from the floor confirmed that a Patron’s Membership category was being considered.

President, Hilary Philbin, then presented BF Awards to a number of members for services to the sport and international results with the new Head of the Honours Committee, Peter Jacobs.

The floor was then opened for Any Other Business during which Laurence Burr let it be known that the Epee Club would be happy to work with British Fencing to support up and coming epee fencers and Viv Mills appealed for support in her cause to get fencing back on to the GCSE curriculum. 

David Teasdale, returned to close the meeting in what was his final AGM before handing the position of Chair over.  He provided those present with a witty but forthright summary of his time in the post claiming that his biggest mistake was “falling in love with the sport”.  A standing ovation followed as he was presented with a magnificent portrait courtesy of Malcolm Fare.

An informal lunch followed the meeting which provided everyone a chance to give David Teasdale their best wishes.