The UK Fencing Championships are here again, and the event is expected to be every bit as high-spirited as last yearís triumphant affair, and with even more visitors there to see it.

"The event, organised by Fencing and Landscaping News, has an ever-growing prestige and will be sponsored by prestigious companies such as McVeigh Parker, Kanga, Arch, Gripple and many more. The rewards on offer will be categorized into two separate groups ñ the Seniors and the Under 21ís. For the Senior competition, the 3rd prize will be £250, 2nd prize £500, and the winner will receive £1000. In the Under 21ís category the 3rd prize will be £150, the 2nd prize £300 and the Under 21 winner will collect a cool £500. The entries will be judged by both Jock Bryce, chairman of Bryce-Suma Post Drivers, and Charlie Hubbard, the 2007 Fencing Champion.

The competition has a slight adjustment on the modes of rule and entry - both groups will be competing with power tools only, a slight amendment on last yearís layout and one which we feel will give the competition a fresh approach.

So for all fencers who enjoy the hearty conflict that arises in a little healthy competition, donít miss out on the chance to gain recognition for your skills - the UK Fencing Championships will take place over the two days of Thursday and Friday the 19th and 20th September. The competition is a biannual event and this year, hopefully for the first of many, will be held in conjunction with the highly established APF International Forestry Exhibition.

The APF international forestry exhibition, in which we will be hosting our very own ëFencing News Villageí, will be held on the dates of 18th/19th/20th September and will provide host to a wide variety of arena events, competitions and displays ñ and a visit to APF 2008 will provide a rare opportunity for the public to learn about how the industry goes about looking after Britainís 6.76 million acres of woods and forests. If you or your business is interested in exhibiting alongside us, then donít hesitate to contact the Fencing News team. At the time of print, we have fifteen exhibitors signed up and are looking to get even more involved. At just £850 for a shell scheme stand, itís certainly a worthy investment.

In addition to the show, for those wanting to attend our networking dinner this year, it will be held at the Moat House Hotel at Acton Trussell just outside Cannock, on 18th September 2008. Those who attended last year will be sure to remember the after-dinner speaker George ëDoddieí Weir and his witty narrations and in the same vein this year, we will be joined by the trick shot king himself, John Virgo, who we are sure will have many an interesting tale to tell.

The cost will be £65.00 per head. To sign up for what promises to be a memorable evening, just contact Simone on 01274 610101 or email simone@fencing-news.co.uk