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An illegitimate child, Adam did not meet her father until 1977, when she was almost 50 years old. Her father was a
Freeman of the City of Norwich, and Adam was disappointed to discover that women were not able to take the honour. Alongside others, she launched a campaign to enable women to become
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Adam took up fencing at the age of 60 after attending a 'come and try day' organised by
Norwich City Council. She trained at the Norfolk Fencing Club, and travelled nationally and internationally for competitions. Adam went on to win more than 100 medals, including bronze at the World Veteran
109:'s Brewery on a bottling machine. The following year, in 1942, bomb damage forced she and her grandparents out of their home. At 17, she became a taxi driver in Norwich - possibly the only woman taxi driver in the city at that time.
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in place. The couple had three children: Pamela, Robert and Ian. Throughout her marriage, Adam worked a variety of jobs to help support the family, including for 27 years as a driver for a businessman.
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Constance Varvel was born in
Norwich in 1927, and raised by her grandparents. She obtained her first paid work at around the age of 7, and left Angel Road School at 14, finding work at
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Adam retired from fencing in 2019 at the age of 91, citing the unmanageable weight of the kit she travelled with rather than any decrease in fitness. In 2020, she was named by the
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when it passed through
Norwich in 2012. She described this as a "once-in-a-lifetime experience". Adam acted as an ambassador for Active Norfolk, and was featured as part of the
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said of Adam: "At
British Fencing we want to share Connie’s story further to help inspire women and girls at any age and at any ability to have a go at fencing."
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97:. Although she did not take up fencing until retirement, Adam won 140 medals in the sport, and was crowned both European and Commonwealth champion.
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wrote that "Norfolk and fencing have lost one of its inspirational characters but her spirit will live on amongst those who have known her."
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Freemen of the city. Following ten years of campaigning, the efforts were successful, and a special ceremony held at
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561:"Still sword-fighting at 87: Norfolk's octogenarian fencing champion set for latest challenge | Mustard TV"
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243:"From bottling beer to international fencing champion - the first lady Freeman of Norwich (1941-2012)"
184:, Adam's name was painted on a stone as part of a project to honour notable women from Norfolk by the
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In 1948, she married James M. Adam. This required her to leave
Steward & Patteson's, with a
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admitted 250 women as
Freemen. With her surname beginning with 'A', Adam was the first.
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613:"'I'm still taking on new challenges' - Amazing inspiration of birthday girl Connie"
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In recognition of her sporting achievements, Adam was asked to carry the
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532:"Inspirational torchbearers gear up for Norwich's Olympic Torch visit"
338:"Tributes paid to inspirational fencer Connie, after death at 93"
451:"Connie, 85, from Norwich, wins medal at fencing championships"
668:"Blue stones placed across Norwich to honour incredible women"
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campaign, as well as that of
British Fencing. James Craig of
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Connie Adam died in 2021 at the age of 93. Fencing magazine
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Veteran fencing; being the first Lady
Freeman of Norwich
373:"Norfolk fencing legend sets down her sabre – at 91"
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271:"Connie Adam 1927-2021 – British Veterans Fencing"
506:"The Olympic Torch brings London 2012 to Norwich"
399:"Silver medal for 88-year-old Norwich fencer"
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425:"England & Wales Marriages 1837-2005"
126:Championships in 2011, held in Croatia.
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152:as one of Norfolk's "Sporting Heroes".
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563:. 27 April 2016. Archived from
93:and the first woman Freeman of
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639:"25 Norfolk sporting heroes"
587:"#THISGIRLCAN - CONNIE ADAM"
89:; 1927–2021) was a champion
53:2021 (aged 93–94)
299:Gallop, Peter (July 2021).
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16:English fencer (1927–2021)
182:International Women's Day
135:University of East Anglia
301:"Connie Adam 1927-2021"
107:Steward & Patteson
510:Norwich Evening News
429:www.findmypast.co.uk
745:English sportswomen
740:People from Norwich
672:Eastern Daily Press
643:Eastern Daily Press
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403:Eastern Daily Press
377:Eastern Daily Press
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194:Sophia Duleep Singh
150:Eastern Daily Press
35:Constance M. Varvel
156:Freeman of Norwich
694:"Rosie's Plaques"
645:. 15 October 2020
619:. 6 December 2019
593:. 13 October 2015
457:. 17 October 2013
163:St. Andrew's Hall
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730:2021 deaths
725:1927 births
247:WISEArchive
190:Amelia Opie
80:Connie Adam
25:Connie Adam
719:Categories
204:References
101:Early life
62:Occupation
175:The Sword
84:Constance
44:, England
703:10 March
678:10 March
649:10 March
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597:10 March
571:10 March
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487:10 March
481:BBC News
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277:10 March
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121:Fencing
95:Norwich
42:Norwich
431:. 1948
196:, and
91:fencer
87:Varvel
65:Fencer
307:: 34.
305:Sword
82:(née
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50:Died
38:1927
31:Born
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