Austen joined Birmingham Fencing Club initially in his late 60’s, with a prehistory of having fenced during his National Service in the RAF as a Medical Officer. He joined the Club and then the emerging Veterans Association as he continued to hone his useful foil skills in the following years. With a lively sense of humour he fenced for fun, and as a social exercise meeting with and fencing with all ages, and at all 3 weapons. A light touch and skilful wrist action kept him stealing scores off those who underestimated his ability. Still competing in 2018 he died at his home in Walsall age 97.