JANE CLAYTON – Head Coach (L3 foil and L1 epee)
I have been coaching for 30 years and am a level 3 qualified foil coach and level 1 qualified epee
coach.
Mallard has always been my first club and it was named in memory of my 1 st coach – Professor Alf
Mallard – who sadly passed away when the club was set up in 1984.
My own fencing career started at the age of 12 when I joined the school club, moving onto the
Folkestone fencing club, then Thames fencing club in London before retiring to have my family.
I returned to fencing and saw both of my children reach National and International levels in the
sport.
My own competitive career began again in the veterans events and I have been fortunate to have
been selected for 15 veteran World championships, last year winning a silver medal in the Women’s
epee team event and recently a bronze medal in the European veterans foil event.
I see myself very much as a community coach, giving the best start to new fencers and helping more
experienced fencers follow the best route for their development.
CHRIS HIGGINSON– Epee Coach (L3 Epee)
I am a full-time B.F.A. Level 3 Epee Coach providing group and 1-2-1 lessons. I work at several schools including Dulwich Prep Cranbrook, Claremont School and at several clubs, including my own located on the boarders of Kent and Sussex. In spring of 2023 I was asked to be take on the role of Epee coach at Mallards and join Jane and the team in bringing the best training to all who come through Mallards door.
My performance coaching includes young and seasoned Fencers alike; with my young athletes, who in 9 months of taking up the sport, have competed in the British Youth Championships and achieved podium finishes at Junior County Competitions. My University and International Veteran’s going on to win medals and places on the GB Team.
Best compliment received: ‘I did as you said and I won.’
Worst moments: Having your pupil’s taking your advice and winning points off the coach on a club night…. How rude.
ELLIE FRASER– (L1 foil)
I first started fencing in 2014 at mallard fencing club Canterbury where I have stayed and progressed my career. During this time I have been Kent and South East foil champion, won the Leeds open been ranked in the top 25 in the women’s senior foil. I have also represented GBR abroad at U23 EFC events.
I started coaching at Mallard whilst doing my bronze Duke of Edinburgh award and after completing the award I undertook my L1 coaching course.
Club Committee
Chairman: Jane Clayton (Temporary)
Secretary: Jane Clayton
Treasurer: Dominique Kennet
Welfare Officer: David Carr
Webmaster: Ellie Fraser
Other Members:
Rhys Davies
Helen Easter
Parent Reps:
Iain Baker
Catherine Cassai