Jane Clayton is a founder member, committee member and senior coach of Mallard Fencing Club, Herne Bay, Kent. Mallard Fencing Club evolved some twenty-six years ago from Canterbury Fencing Club, which was then an adult evening class and as such ran only during term times. A group of members, keen to develop fencing and ensure its future in the area decided to form their own club that would be able to operate independently and offer all-year-round fencing to a wider membership, including juniors.

The club was named after Professor A Mallard who, for many years, had been the principal coach in East Kent, but who had sadly died a little time before the club was formed. Both Professor Mallard and his wife had coached Jane when she was at secondary school in Folkestone.

The club committee took the decision to apply for Clubmark status in July 2007 following a Kent County Fencing A.G.M. where examples of other sports clubs' submissions were made available and where potential benefits to successful clubs were explained. Although the process appeared daunting at first, particularly to Jane who took on the bulk of the work, everything gradually fell into place thanks to a good deal of endeavour and the guidance of the Clubmark folder and associated officers.

The whole process took about sixteen months and proved to be very beneficial and the catalyst for the thorough review and subsequent modification of existing practices and policies. As a result, Jane and the other committee members feel that the club is much better organised and all are now confident that the club's policies, practices and provision conform to all relevant legislation relating to the running of a safe and effective club for members of all ages.

" Until we embarked on the process to achieve Clubmark status, none of us were fully aware of our legal obligations regarding health and safety, first aid, child protection etc. The process opened our eyes to the full extent of our responsibilities" says Jane.

The club-school links have proved invaluable with numerous taster sessions producing new members thus benefiting the public, the club and the sport of fencing alike. Coaching provision within the club has been significantly enhanced and the club can now boast three qualified coaches providing coaching in all three weapons - foil, epee and sabre. Clubmark has added significant weight to the club's application for the various grants available. The programme to update and improve the club's equipment continues with some considerable success and impetus and in so doing makes the sport available to an ever wider audience.

Prior to achieving Clubmark status, Mallard had "ticked over" for twenty-five years. Clubmark status has provided a huge boost for the club, it has put it on a much more professional footing and is now central to its future development.

Jane concludes

" I can unreservedly recommend that any club that genuinely cares about its provision and its development and that conscientiously considers its responsibilities should seriously consider applying for Clubmark status. The process is as beneficial as the end result."