After being thouroughly thrashed by the Baron last week, my thoughts returned to the time many years ago when the Baron first beat me. Unlike his latest Victory, I can confirm that on this occassion I did let the Noble Baron soil his blade upon my person without too much defence. I refer from my book ' Tales from the Piste.'

The Baron and I were invited to do a fencing demonstration at a local school as part of their healthy lifestyle week. After the demonstartion the pupils were then given a chance to have a go at fencing. As there was about 400 pupils to get through, the sessions went on all day with various groups.

Instead of just doing a boring talk to our captive audience, I came upon the idea to start an argument between ourselves that would lead to a duel, and of course the customary etiquuette at the end of the fight.

Standing at the front of a hall full of teachers and pupils, the Baron had cunningly left his bag exactly where I was to stand.

 None of the pupils knew whose bag it was, and I started to moan how stupid and dangerous it was to leave it there, and that whoever was responsible should move it.

Cue the Baron : It was his bag, and when I suggested he move it, the reply was to move it myself. This esculated into an argument and resulting duel.

Once the Baron had beat me with the Foil, I would exit stage right and return with an Epee, as did the Baron. After he beat me with the Epee, I would exit stage left and retrurn with the Sabre, as did the Baron.

On the final beating, the customary shaking of hands took place, and of course the removal of the Barons bag by the defeated coach, and then at last to the business in hand.

As the day wore on, and more and more groups passed through the hall, we both really started to get into the role of our little pantomime. In the end our argument was so convincing ( at least to teachers and assistants ) they were so worried what they had brought into their school, they were on the point of absolute panic until the truth dawned. Never for once fooled the kids though.

Still remains one of my greatest memories of fencing, I just wish the Baron didn't count these victories in his record book.