This week has seen the end of term for most of our schools although some were earlier and Buccaneer Blades have been SOO busy – so sorry for the lack of postings!

We have been involvd in a range of varied projects all across the conty from advising on the fight scenes for a Year 6 production of MacBeth (St. Marks Junior School ), to full school activity days (Tuffley and Robinswood Primary schools), Prospectus photos for Rosehill Prep school  and end of term parties for Scout and Guiding groups all over the South West.

Below are a few of the photos from these activities and they will be added to in the next few weeks……………….

Tuffley fencing

Rosehill Photos

Salvation Army Guiding Party

It was our last session in the Village hall yesterday and since my group have been such quick learners we had a mini group tournament. The Freedom Fighters against the Slicing Scimitars! (The children chose their names!! It was a great opportunity to see their tactics and how they have progressed. The Freedom Fighters finally won but not without some fierce resistance from the Scimitars.

Im hoping to see many of them again next term as we move to the new venue and maybe a few during the holidays trying the “real thing”!

Came back yesterday from a fantastic camp at Botany Bay. We had super weather and over the day BuccaneerBlades managed to get over 75 scouts, cubs and beavers fencing – Quite a sight!

I have to say an enormous “thankyou” to all the people who helped me, especially the ladies and scouts keeping me fed and watered (tea and coffee actually) all day. It was much appreciated.

Also just have to add that all of the children were wonderful, they were really polite and it was great to see them enjoying themselves so much. I cant wait to see some of the photos and video that was taken.

It was a very special day for me too as I got the chance to do archery for the first time and I think it may turn out to be my new favourite hobby!! (…………after fencing obviously).

I had the last fencing club of the term at Avening on Tuesday. They have been a great group. They have choreographed their own presentation fights and the standard of fencing has been phenomenal.

We ended with a team tournament – the “3 musketeers x2 “ versus the “Buccaneerblades” . It was a close run thing with some seriously contested bouts!

The victors in the end were the “3 musketeers x 2″ and the team medal will hopefully grace the school display cabinet!

Some individual medals were awarded too for a number of reasons – some nominated by the children and some by me.

They should all feel very proud of themselves for their dedication and improvement. I wish all the Year 6s well and Im sure they will do brilliantly at their next schools.

I have had so many requests for the full club “metal” fencing this term that the half term break seemed the perfect time to run a few taster sessions for all the talented children that BuccaneerBlades has worked with over the last few months.

There are four sessions running throughout the county and all the details are on the Holiday Clubs page. (They are proving very popular though and booking up fast).

Its great to be able to add a number of schools to our ever growing list and in different formats which is fantastic!

Very excitingly Robinswood, Gloucester are getting the whole school involved and BuccaneerBlades will be doing a series of taster sessions for ALL the students – who knows we may even get the staff en guarde!

Two schools in Cheltenham are giving Shakespeare an authentic boost with some “audience participation” …….. I cant wait!

“Is this a dagger I see before me?   ………….. no its a big sword!!”

and then, also, we are looking forward to extending our evening club work………..cant say too much at the moment, but watch this space.

Im reading a fantastic book at the moment and thought I would share it with you all.
It is Knight – The Medieval Warrior’s Unofficial Manual,  by Michael Prestwich.

It is written brilliantly and you really get a feel for the knight as a soldier. It takes you through their place in society, career options, living costs and equipment issues! The illustrations are lovely with great detail for knightly equipment and beautiful paintings and tapestries from the time. I would say a great book for about 12years old upwards.

I had the first session at Rosehill yesterday and it was a glorious day! We ended up outside enjoying the sunshine and practising our en-garde. I have a great group and Im sure we are going to see some fine fencing in the weeks to come.

Ive just been at a meeting to plan the promotion of National School Sport Week and it is very exciting! All over our county schools are going to be involved in trying new sports, having fun and getting fit. There are all sorts of projects throughout the area and clubs and coaches like myself getting involved – so expect to be wowed.

If you dont know what your school is doing yet please ask or if you want to be involved you can always check out the School Sport Week website and be inspired!

……….. And watch out for the fencing in the video – its really quick!

I have just been signed up to teach some sword skills at a scout camp in May.  I have a feeling its going to be a really fun day. There is a Roman theme so I may have to grab some sandals and a helmet!!

I’ll just start praying for some Italian summer weather now.