A flyaway comment passed between manufacturer,Barry Paul and county coach KJM Reilly, whom Leon Paul sponsor, saw a deluge of youngsters decend upon the North London factory of this prestigeous kit maker.

30 members from Portsmouth & Southsea Juniors attended the morning at Camley Street to watch the manufacturing process of Swords and Masks. 'It was fantastic to see the way stuff is made' said 10 year old Joe Kew, ' I particularly enjoyed seeing the metal turn white hot in the hardening machine.

The complicated process of making swords was conveyed to the kids with great interest and not a few gasps of appreciation, as the special machinery used to stretch, temper and hammer the raw steel into foils, did their job. 'Making masks, looks easy but I think that I would probably get it all wrong' said 8 year old Issac Orman having watched the foreman of works deftly manipulate the wire mesh around its frame.

The trip proved to be a highlight in the calender of the south coast club, 'I am keen to expand the social aspect of the club and increase the members knowledge of all aspects of the sport' commented KJM Reilly who manages the
section. The young fencers went on to spend their parents hard earned cash in the shop which included a special discount for 9 year old, club armourers daughter, Frithur West. 'Mrs Paul let me have two watches at cost price and
I am really grateful' The children, who were accompanied by several parent helpers then made their way to the Science Museum and later to see the Christmas lights in Piccadilly and Regents Street. 'I am so pleased that the kids had such a great day out and I should like to thank everyone at Leon Paul's for their support in this achievement' reitterated KJM Reilly.

Leon Paul staff, in return, commented how nice it was to see so many young people taking such a keen interest in the work, that goes on behind the scenes in manufacturing the highest quality kit required for the sport. 'The group were a credit to their parents and staff'.

Whilst large groups such as the Portsmouth & Southsea contingent requires advanced notice, other individuals who are interested in the manufacturing process are often treated to an impromptu view of the factory unit on request, often given by owner, Barry Paul himself This can only be made availablr midweek and committments permitting.