IN PERSON
Activity
Beside Explosion! Museum, Priddy’s Hard, Gosport, Hampshire, PO12 4LE
Everyone loves watching a good sword fight in the movies – but sometimes just watching isn’t enough!
So come and cross swords with someone for real in one of these taster sessions, held in tribute to swordmaster, Bob Anderson.
With supervision from the Portsmouth & Southsea Fencing Club, you’ll learn how to attack and defend yourself, and get to try your mettle against each other in a few fights!
One very famous fencer, Bob Anderson, was born here in Gosport, one hundred years ago. It is true to say that nearly 100% of fencing in Britain today is directly or indirectly attributable to the work of this man.
Bob started his career as a Royal Marine and quickly distinguished himself among the Navy’s fencers. After winning not only the Navy championships (multiple times), but the Inter-Services too, and representing Great Britain at the Olympics, he was invited to become Britain’s first National Fencing Coach. This role took him nationwide, training athletes and coaches and also supervising courses for the Army, Navy and Air Force Fencing Associations. In addition to all this, he was responsible for directing the squad training for all the British Teams.
So, how fitting that these try-out sessions are held on the grounds of Explosion! National Museum for the Royal Navy.
Bob later became even better known for his role in stunt choreographing and training the actors for many of the most well-known sword fights in movie history, coaching actors such as Errol Flynn, Pierce Brosnan as James Bond, Viggo Mortensen in Lord of the Rings – and even wielding the weapon himself, standing in for David Prowse as Darth Vader in many of the Star Wars lightsaber combat scenes!
Each session lasts approx 45 minutes
OPENING TIMES
Please note that this is an Event from 2022
BOOKING DETAILS
Pre-booking: Preferred
Please self book, but if you experience any difficulties please contact us.
Email: bookings@gosportheritage.co.uk
ACCESS
Anyone who can see and keep hold of something in their hand can take part, including wheelchair users. No special clothing is needed as the equipment being used will not be metal weapons. Please wear a one-piece top that covers all of the torso without gaps, i.e. not button-up shirts or crop-tops; material should not be too flimsy; no flip-flops or other unsecured footwear. T-shirt and trainers is ideal. Children aged 7+ can participate. Under 16’s should be accompanied by an adult. Please arrive 10 mins early for a prompt session start time.
COVID-19 Considerations
This event will run in line with local & national government guidelines at the time of the festival.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
These taster sessions will be fun to participate in but also to watch. So come on down to see a bit of amateur swashbuckling. You might even be lucky and find that a space becomes available to join in… Portsmouth & Southsea fencing club was founded by the Navy in the 1950s, and still maintain close links with the Navy’s club. They pride themselves on being one of the most open and friendly clubs around and do their best to make everyone feel welcome.
Welfare officer: Lorna Cooke – 07795833105
ORGANISED BY
Portsmouth & Southsea Fencing Club
MAP / DIRECTIONS
Next to the Grand Magazine at Explosion!
