THE man who brought fencing to Weymouth is laying his swords to rest.

Doug Milne, 52, who has taught at the resort's Outdoor Education Centre for the past 22 years, is standing down due to a lack of funding for the sport which is forcing it out of the Knightsdale Road venue.

Since 1982, the canny Scotsman has coached and examined scores of enthusiasts with his last pupil being local lad Richard Walters.

Sixteen-year-old All Saints' schoolboy Richard has achieved his Level Three Proficiency Award for Sword Fencing with the Foil.

"Richard has done really well," explained Doug. "He has been learning sword fencing at the centre for two years under the instruction of Martin Toombs who himself was a former pupil of mine.

"There are eight British Fencing Proficiency Awards covering the three weapons, foil, sabre and epee. As an examiner I insist on 100 per cent pass mark so Richard has done really well."

Despite his outstanding success, Doug is philosophical about having to call it a day.

He added: "Although sword fencing remains my glorious obsession, it is no longer

economically viable. Whereas the old Youth Activities Centre was subsidised by the local authority, the Outdoor Education Centre is largely self-supporting.

"This means a considerable rise in session fees, with the resultant fewer students. It isn't just the cost of the facility, but also much needed equipment which is expensive.

"I've always enjoyed sword fencing and wanted to share my enthusiasm and experience of it. If just one person benefited from my coaching then I'd have considered it a success.

He continued: "It has been a marvellous 22 years. I must have taught around 500 youngsters including parents at taster

sessions and activity weekends. Fencing, like trampolining,

is something folk want to have

a go at and there's not a

great deal of opportunity to do so

"But this doesn't necessarily mean the end of sword fencing in Weymouth altogether. Martin Toombs is trying to find a new venue and is considering various possibilities.

"Whatever happens it's sad to lose the Outdoor Education Centre and I'll certainly miss it."