THE 2023 UK FENCING CHAMPIONSHIP GOES DOWN TO THE WIRE!
The 2023 UK Fencing Championships, held in July at the Driffield Show, proved to be a big success.
A team from Herefordshire-based MJ Evans Fencing taking the honours ahead of Dan Critchlow Fencing of Derbyshire and John Morgan Fencing / J A Bradley Services.
The nine competing teams were assessed and marked by judges Gary Batley, John Frizzell, Philip Juniper and Tim Bennett with New Zealander Nick Liefting providing a superb commentary throughout the competition.
One of the winning team, Mark Evans, commented: “It was a tremendous competition and the standards just get better and better. It was good to get back into it after the Covid years and I certainly didn’t envy the job of the judges!
“All in all it was a thoroughly enjoyable day and roll on 2025!” added Mark who recently competed in a fencing competition in New Zealand.
Hampton Steel kindly provided the wire used in the competition as well as the prize money with Calders & Grandidge supplying all the timber and gates.
David Beet, Sales Manager of Hampton Steel Ltd. said: “We are happy to have provided our Hampton Net™ fixed knot fencing for the Fencing Competition at the Driffield Show. The event did not disappoint with a high standard of fencing skills on display.”
John Secker of Calders & Grandidge said: “It was a pleasure to provide all the fencing timbers for this year’s competition once again but, of course, to build a well-constructed, quality materials are only half the story when it comes to building a first class fence. Watching the guys demonstrate their skill, expertise craftsmanship along with sheer effort, energy and determination was amazing. Hats off to all the competitors and well done to the winners for showcasing the industry at its very best.”
Judge Gary Batley commented: “I’d like to congratulate all the teams who took part in what is not only a technical but extremely physical challenge. The standard of workmanship was very high and this makes the judging ever more difficult but is a credit to the way our industry has improved over
the years.
“It’s great to see some first time competitors producing some fantastic work being up there in the results. It’s very encouraging for the future of fencing in the UK,” added Gary.
Ben Walton of Fencing News concluded: “Congratulations to Mark and his team for coming out on top in what was a keenly fought contest, and it really did go down to the wire!
“We would just like to put on record our thanks to all of the competing teams, judges and sponsors of what proved to be a fantastic fencing challenge.
“A big thank you to Hampton Steel, Calders & Grandidge as well as the WPA, AFI, Buxton Press, Koppers and Arxada for supporting what we hope will once again become a regular fixture in the fencing calendar.”
