From the Whistable Times, April 1 2004

MALLARD FENCING CLUB

The genteel cut‑and‑thrust of fencing has, never been particularly televisual. Holding matches in drab sports halls may have something to do with that.

However, veteran fencer Simon Hartley was determined the Herne Bay Mallard Fencing Club's video should introduce a touch of drama.

The 61‑year‑old, who only took up fencing 12 years ago and then won the World Veteran Championships last year, had always had a dream of staging a duel in the cloisters of Canterbury Cathedral. So that's what John and Helen arranged.

John said: "Simon is passionate about fencing. He loves the romantic image of men fighting in white floppy shirts. So that's what we did. We walked round the cloisters, found  the Cathedral's press officer, and to our surprise he jumped at the chance. It was all arranged within a week."

Except that Simon's opponent turned out to be 22‑year‑old Victoria Clayton, a former women's silver medalist and daughter of the club's secretary Jane.

John said: "Their partnership and 40‑year age‑gap illustrates how the sport can appeal to all sexes and all ages. Children and men in their 90s can all take part."

He added: "It is an interesting notion in this day and age that competitors fight to the death, but I'm glad to say the nearest they get to drawing blood is an electronic bleep when their foils and sabres hit an opponent's body"

The club is hoping to forge links with Herne Bay High School, the ultimate aim being to put fencing classes on the curriculum