2025 BF HONOURS: ALEXANDER SCOTT

We’re shining a spotlight on this year’s BF Honours recipients. In this feature, we speak to Alexander Scott, who received an Award of Merit for a decade of dedicated service to Tiverton Fencing Club and more latterly also Hearts Of Devon Swords, and more widely in the county in multiple roles.

Tell us about the work you do to support fencing…

My work supporting fencing is split between two main roles, with clubs and with competitions. For the past ten years or so, I have been involved with the running of Tiverton Swords Fencing Club, trying to make sure that it is a welcoming environment both for new fencers – of all ages – and for experienced fencers joining us after moving to the area. More recently, I helped to get Heart of Devon Swords up and running in Crediton, to cater for that different catchment and different demand.

Since 2016, I have been Competitions Secretary for Devon County Fencing Union, as part of which I take the lead in organising and running events across the county throughout the year. I also help with running the Regional Junior Championships, usually either refereeing or behind the DT desk.

What is your favourite memory of your time volunteering in fencing?

It’s tricky to pick out a favourite memory of volunteering – there have been so many highlights, and so different – but I’d probably choose the outreach stand that we ran at this year’s Mid Devon Show. We had a stream of interest from passers-by throughout the day, many of whom even had a quick go at the basics of bladework, and we also had two fairly well-attended exhibition slots on one of the smaller arenas. The way in which so many club members and their families came forward to help us put the day on was very encouraging, and it was a welcome opportunity to raise the profile of our clubs and of fencing in general to the local community.

What does it mean to receive the 2025 BF Honours award?

To be honest, I was quite surprised to have been nominated for an Award, let alone to win one. There are surely countless people who have done at least as much as I for their clubs over at least as long, and I consider it a privilege to have been singled out for such recognition.

What would you say to people considering volunteering in fencing or sport in general?

For anyone considering volunteering, I would say go for it! There are always plenty of ways to help out, whether formal roles or not, and most of them need no training or can be picked up as you go. Even something as simple as giving your coach a hand setting out or packing away a session can make a huge difference.

ABOUT THE BF HONOURS

BF Honours are awarded to members who have demonstrably upheld the BF values of honesty, respect and excellence, all while making a significant contribution to fencing in the UK. Awards are conferred annually and announced and presented at the AGM by the BF President, which took place this year on the 25th October.

Fencers who have represented GBR either as an individual or as a team member and have achieved a podium place in specific categories will automatically be recommended for an appropriate award.

The BF Honours are separate from the BF Community Awards, which are currently open to nominations. The nomination deadline for the Community Awards is midnight on 14th December 2025. More info can be found here.

Click here for more information about the BF Honours, including past recipients.