It is with mixed feelings of grief, relief and gratitude we announce the letting go of our physical space on Gregson Street in downtown Durham, NC. It has been the home base for Mid-South Fencers’ Club for the past 7 years and we are grateful for all it has offered us.
There are many things we will miss about this space. The balcony for parents and spectators, the high ceilings and brick walls. Mostly, we will miss this space because of the people brought together in it.
The people have always been what has made Mid-South Fencers’ Club. We are creative and resourceful. We care about each other. We believe in the power of competition. We believe competition brings out the best in us and how we use that best that comes out of us, through the participation in sport, is what matters most.
We have enjoyed hosting local and regional tournaments and having international visitors from all over the world to visit and to participate in camps and clinics.
Our community will continue to work in Durham and it will grow. We will continue to offer classes virtually and outdoors. We will continue to find creative ways to be and grow together, and be better.
As we re-manifest, we are looking to continue to build our national and international fencing reputation and unite Durham through sport fencing. The pandemic has shown us clearly our next rendition of the club must give as much into our community as we have pushed out into the world. We will be stronger, more inclusive, more inspiring, and more determined than ever.
In the meantime we have to grieve and regroup.
We offer you one last time to say goodbye to the space. Join us Saturday, August 29th or Sunday August 30th, from 10am-noon to visit the Gregson Street space one last time. We will be moving Sunday afternoon and will need helpers. You will see us packing up the last bits and offering gratitude to the space for all it has offered us.
Thank you for everyone’s continued support. We feel it and are humbled.
Jen, Jeff, Cathleen, Chris, Stephen, Dre and Mike
It is with great sorrow to see you moving on. When I would visit my son & family in Cary, I would go to practices & watch my grandson, Leo. I also went to a few of the tournaments over the years that he competed.
We are so proud of the man Leo has become. His experiences & your caring sincere attitudes were part of his maturation.
Jeff & Jen , you will be missed. Hoping great things are in your future.
Great memories! The Tamburros has been rock solid in their support from the beginning. WE ARE STILL HERE, but riding out the pandemic at an outdoor covered space down the road. Thank you for your kind words.
Jen and Jeff
Jeff and everyone – you have provided a great service to Durham and fencers in the region. We are sad that you have left your space, but we look forward to seeing you outdoors! Wishing you the absolute best as you move into this next phase.
Oh, I’m so sorry we missed this — we were taking Fiona up to college. Very sad news, but looking forward to checking out your new space!
Way cool! Some very valid points! I appreciate you penning this post and also the rest of the website is very good. Kaitlin Kasper Kauslick