Even squirrels get involved at the championships (Photo: Ashton Conker Club)
When: 12th October 2014 from 10.30am
Where: The Shuckburgh Arms, Southwick, near Oundle, Northamptonshire
£: Admission for spectators costs £4 for adults, £2 for senior citizens and children. Family tickets cost £10. Parking is free.
What is it?
The World Conker Championships will take place on Sunday 12th October 2014 at Southwick in Northamptonshire.
The World Conker Championships first took place on Ashton village green, surrounded by horse chestnut trees, in 1965. It was said to have started after the regulars at a local pub couldn’t go on a fishing trip. They decided to have a game of conkers instead with a small prize for the winner. Today the event is staged nearby in Southwick with competitions for men, ladies and juniors.
David Jakins as the King Conker (Photo: Alan Fox)
All conkers and laces for the championships are supplied by Ashton Conker Club. Each player takes three alternate strikes at the opponent’s conker. The game is decided when one of the conkers is smashed. The competitors play on white podiums in the arena and have to play through various rounds until a winner emerges. The winner is then lead to the Conker Throne and crowned with conkers.
Visitors will be able to see a display of armoured vehicles and find out what role the conker played in the First and Second World Wars.
In addition to the championships there will be traditional dancing from Peterborough Morris Men, a guide dog demonstration, juggling workshops, traditional bar games and live music from the Samba Bandits. There will be craft stalls, and tea and cakes available on the village green and in the village hall.
The proceeds from the World Conker Championships go to charity. For details on how to enter the 2015 World Conker Championships visit the website.
More info: www.worldconkerchampionships.com