Penny Spink MBE

1938-2018

It is with great sadness that I announce the passing of Penny last Saturday morning.  Penny served as a Director of British Fencing for over 25 years, was Chair of England Fencing, Chair of South West Region Fencing, a Vice President of British Fencing and was appointed MBE in 2003 for her services to sport. She was awarded a Torch Trophy for volunteering by the Princess Royal.  She worked tirelessly at competitions including The British Championships, FIE World Cups, regional competitions and the Veterans’ World Championships held in Bath in 2005.  In addition she raised vast amounts of funding for younger fencers by negotiating Sports Aid Foundation grants.  She was involved in running the Commonwealth Fencing Championships in Barnstaple and then worked as a volunteer at both the Athens and London Olympic games and even took part in the Olympic Torch relay.  No task was ever too mundane or too much hard work for Penny if it would help fencing or fencers.  Generations of fencers owe her a very great debt.

I counted Penny as splendid Director in the twenty years I worked alongside her on the BFA Board as a fellow Director and then President.  Above all I counted her as a close personal friend.

On behalf of fencing and British Fencing I would like to extend our condolences to Andrew and Richard her two sons and their families at this very sad time.

Rest in Peace, Penny.

Keith Smith

British Fencing Vice President

Memorial Service

We are pleased now to be able to let you know that there will be a Service of Thanksgiving for Penny’s Life at St Nicholas Church, Sandford Orcas, Sherborne, DT9 4SB at 2.30pm on Tuesday 26th June 2018, followed immediately afterwards by a reception at Holway Mill, Holway, Sandford Orcas, DT9 4RZ.  All are welcome.