Candidates for next year's Committee

President: James Fullam

"Hello fencers! As many of you may already know, it is my intention to stand for the position of club president. I’d like to take a moment to introduce myself further and tell you why I think you should elect me as your president for 2006/7.

My name is James Fullam and I’m an International Relations student. I have been fencing since 2002, during which time I served on the committee of the University of Essex fencing club and fenced for their men’s team on numerous occasions. Since I joined the club here at UEA I have taken part in a number of matches with the team, all of which have been excellent experiences. My favourite weapon is epee, but I’m making a dedicated effort to fence sabre and foil to a reasonable standard too!

I think that I am the best candidate for club president for a number of reasons, which I shall now detail: - Extensive leadership and organisational experience in a wide variety of environments including the cadet forces (ATC for those who are curious!) for seven years, as well as holding a managerial job in the private sector for over a year. As I already mentioned, I have previously served on the committee of a fencing club. - I enjoy responsibility. See above. - I am a good listener. If you have any problems, concerns or suggestions I will be more than happy to accommodate you. - UEA fencing is one of, if not THE best sports club at this university. I will keep it that way. - I promise to fight your corner in negotiations with the Union in order to get us the best deal possible with regard to funding, equipment and travel. - I will ensure a smooth and flawless liaison between other club committee members. - I will maintain the already excellent relationship the club has with our coaching staff. - I think fencing is awesome.

I am more than happy to answer any questions that you may have. You can either talk to me in person on a Monday or Wednesday evenings, or e-mail/IM me at jimf1911@hotmail.com or j.fullam@uea.ac.uk.

Thank you for taking the time to read this election bulletin, and I hope it leads you to make what I feel will be a superb decision for everyone involved. Vote for James as your new president!"

Secretary: Dan Tucker

"Why do I want to be our club secretary? Good question. It’s basically because Gemma said you get given free sandwiches. However seriously I have been fencing now for 2 years and I’ve really enjoyed it and now I think it’s about time I gave something back. I believe I’m up to the task as I am fairly good at organising myself even if I do say so myself. While biology may not have the work load of say medicine or other really hard courses. Getting all my work done on time and getting to my 20 hours plus of lectures and practicals each week and still having time to come to fencing to stab or more often in my case be stabbed (often in areas I’d rather not be stabbed as Roland I’m sure will TESTIfy) by various people does take a certain amount of organisational skill. While I have not had previous experience as a club secretary I am quite prepared and happy to learn everything that is required so that I may get the job done properly. Another reason why I believe I will be good is I’m told I’m fairly easy to get on with and easy going so I believe I will be able to get on with the other members of the committee to create a “good working environment” or whatever those weird people that big companies pay millions of pounds a year to create in there business these days (sorry I was only pretending to pay attention when my friend was explaining the finer points of “the importance of a good working environment” but I thought I’d try to use it in my pitch anyway) So finally while I do know many of the people who go to the later session on Mondays I don’t know you all. I will understand if those of you who have not met me (and to make it fair those of you that do as well) would rather vote for RON. Instead of the bedraggled long haired poor excuse for a fencer you will see telling you to vote for him at the elections in week 11. However I would just like to say RON is really boring (and smells a bit funny to if you ask me but maybe that’s just the fencing kit) and after the elections your have to get to know one of us (well you won’t but I will attempt to get to know you all). Or at least receive the emails and I’d be proud to be the bedraggled long haired poor excuse for a fencer that sends out the emails each week.

Thank you for reading"

Treasurer: Christophe Priebe

"Hi, my name is Christoph Priebe and I am a first year student of Environmental Sciences. Before coming to UEA, I fenced in my hometown of Brussels for three years. When I moved to Norwich, I was delighted to find that I could continue my fencing in such a friendly and competitive club. For the next academic year, I would like to become a member of the Committee and ensure that future members will feel as welcome to the club as I did.

As Treasurer, I want to make sure beginners can join the club at an affordable price. Furthermore, I feel it is important for all fencers to continue to receive qualified coaching, as well as being provided with equipment sufficient to suit their needs.

Together with the other committee members, I would utilise my role as Treasurer to implement your ideas. In achieving this, money will invariably be an important issue in the decision making process, and thus has to be considered very carefully. As the former Head of my college’s Pupils’ Committee in Brussels, I feel I have the necessary experience and skills to achieve this.

I have always enjoyed the challenge of finding new ways to put ideas into practice, particularly those which at first seemed quite unrealistic. Doing so requires commitment and creativity, skills which I would be happy to give to the club in the position of Treasurer."

Social Secretary: Andy Gethin

"(More serious) Statement of Intent for the position of Social Secretary, UEA Fencing Society, UEA, Norwich, Norfolk, UK, Earth, World, Milky Way? No I prefer Galaxy, universe. England.

This statement of intent is actually to you what I intend to do with you all to socialise you, or something. I do intend to take you too the beach, as rumours (started by me) have said, it was a success last year and can be again. Also intended is a trip to a little theme park I know on the East Coast, hopefully I’ll encourage someone to drive the minibus, so I can take even more people in car. See the posters.

That’s the intent for the summer term anyway. For autumn:

Week 3 or 4: pub crawl with games to get everyone meeting and talking especially beginners, will work better than the default bowling.

Week 5 or 6: open. Bowling. Quasar. Etc.

Week 8 or wherever Halloween falls: something different and special, it’s a surprise until I can confirm it, and its not a house party.

Week whenever the ice rink arrives: Guess. Followed by pub or Henry’s.

Week 12: Christmas meal. Before Chistmas.

That should cover you for now.

For organisational stuff and why I’d be good take a look at ueasundayleague.co.uk, that’s all my work and I don’t just mean the site, organising 24 teams to play for (so far 21 Sundays) is no easy feat I assure you.

Even more serious statement: I hereby therefore and do thus promise to uphold the UEA Fencing law to do better than Nick. By better I mean to have MORE socials. I’ve been disappointed with the number this year (3?) and will have MORE for everyone."

As always, RON will also be available for all positions