Parents foil European red tape (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Parents foil European red tape

PARENTS and friends of Malmesbury School have come to the rescue of its fencing club after new health and safety rules threatened it with closure.

They have put together a sponsorship package to pay the £2,000 cost of new equipment required under new European Union minimum safety standards.

The money has been raised since an appeal was made just before Christmas and it has paid for protective clothing and masks that meet the standards.

Amongst the sponsors were Richard and Karen Franklin, whose 12-year-old daughter Emily has been a member of the club for two years.

"It's a great opportunity for the children to learn a sport like this. It would have been a shame if the club had to fold," said Karen.

Hector Cole, who has run the fencing club for 25 years said he was delighted that sufficient money was raised to keep the club going.

"It provides an opportunity for children who don't shine at other sports to come in, have a go and if they like it, they can go a long way in it.

"Also it's a very active sport, physically and mentally, so that is good for them too. In the summer we do archery, and other children join in with that."