Two of Norfolk Fencing Club's oldest members have achieved well-deserved recognition recently.
Connie Adam, (aged 83) after a decade of campaigning, finally achieved Freeman of Norwich status, following in the footsteps of her grandfather who was awarded this status in 1863 and her father in 1926. Most people will be familiar with this medieval honour that can be traced back to14th century. At the time, it allowed the holder to graze their animals on the common land, although Connie doesn't intend to exercise this right. Her aim, in pursuing this was not just for personal satisfaction, but largely in ensuring all her children and grandchildren are eligible successors.
In Norwich and many other cities, although not all, it was a hereditary honour that only males were entitled to. Norwich City Council, until this year had held out against women receiving the title, on the basis that, to allow it would be "too complex" and potentially too costly. Connie took her campaign to the steps of City Hall even in sub zero temperatures and enlisted the local media where her fencing achievements are often featured. Being a high profile fencer fuelled the headlines "Connie is crossing swords with the City", "Champ fights for women" amongst others.
Connie fought alone for a number of years in pursuit of this crusade, arguing that in an age of equality the city's position could no longer be defended. Another active campaigner in the last couple of years joined her and between them they secured a historic victory. Eventually 212 women at a grand ceremony had the honour of Freemen bestowed upon them by the lady Mayor of Norwich. As Connie's surname is Adam, she was fittingly, having instigated the process and given her tenacity, the first woman in Norwich called to receive the title, more than 800 years after it was first introduced.
Above: Connie Adam - First Woman Freeman of Norwich
Ken McCubbin (aged 83) the honorary president of Norfolk Fencing Club was recently awarded the Keith Peel, 'Services to Sport Award'.
This award was made by the Eastern Daily Press and Active Norfolk in recognition of Ken's contribution to fencing in Norwich and Norfolk over a period of 43 years. He succeeded in overcoming considerable competition for the award for a number of reasons some of which are as follows. He rescued the Norfolk Fencing Club from the doldrums in the early 70's after it had been declining for a number of years. He instigated and for many years ran, virtually single-handedly, the Norfolk Open, now in its 39th year. He contributed to the coaching of many of all ages including individuals who ultimately represented their country in the commonwealth championships and significantly influenced the development of two of the professional coaches currently working in Norfolk, thereby affording a high standard of fencing tuition to be widely available. He also re-established the Norfolk County Fencing Union providing competition opportunities for senior and junior fencers throughout the county.
It is only because of Ken's determination, unfailing sense of optimism and resilience that fencing is now so well established in Norwich.
Above: Ken Mc Cubbin with the Keith Peel Award for service to sport