Remembering Dennis Ward by Brian Speight, Chair, Espada FC, Bournemouth

Dennis Ward had a fencing career that spanned approximately 70 years. It all started when he took up the sport following his decision to join the  Royal Navy. After his his return to civilian life he continued with the sport and subsequently joined Espada Fencing Club in Bournemouth. He was a member of Espada for over 4 decades and took an active part not only in fencing all three weapons, but in helping to manage the club.

Dennis planned the movement of kit in storage and the construction of new storage facilities when the club moved from one venue to another. For many years he also looked after the financial side of the club. He was also active and held office within the Hampshire Fencing Union and Southern region. He was a regular in competitions and I recall over many years going to London and other competitions around the UK with fellow fencer John Payne competing  as individuals and as a three man Epee team.

He became a regular fencer with the Vets  again fencing around the UK and in Europe where he achieved success, gaining European  Bronze medals usually with Sabre. He qualified as a referee and was a regular official at junior competitions where he could be found  refereeing matches of all three weapons. He presented a trophy to the club for our junior Epeeists to compete for and took great pleasure in presenting this to the winner. He was awarded the Bronze medal by British Fencing for his services to the sport. He retired from Espada in about 2014 due to his ill health.

Thank you Dennis, for your support, motivation and memories.