The riddle of MFC

Right now MFC is the biggest it has ever been. It's even being rumoured that we're now the biggest fencing club in NSW. No surprise then that it feels like we're bursting at the seems in our hall!

But this recent expansion doesn't end there. We've grown in diversity as well as sheer numbers. We now have thriving weapon teams in each of the three fencing weapons – two years ago we were basically an epee club. The coaching group has expanded as senior fencers step forward to help with the coaching. And more parents are involved, taking washing and sanitising gear and generally helping us stay safe.

As our global horizons seem to shrink, we expand. In times of global anxiety we are a place of excitement and buzz. Dislocated of our previous activities and connections, new ways of being in the world are found here.

How is this possible? That's the riddle!

Perhaps it's like Dr Seuss (may have) said – "You have to be odd to be number one." We're certainly odd!

How are we responding to this outbreak of odd fencing passions? First, we're celebrating! Huzzah for fencing!

Second, we'll be changing our operations and the layout of our space to safely accommodate our fencers. For instance the stage area of the hall will now be for fencing, not bags or onlookers (we'll put out chairs elsewhere for parents). We'll also start using multiple spaces in the community centre on a Saturday morning and we'll look into rearranging the pistes so we can fit more in the hall.

Oh, and we aren't done yet either. We want more people to join this fantastic sport, especially adults. There are plans afoot. So watch this space!