See the Conkering hero comes

With apologies to George Frederic Handel.

As part of their nature lesson in the park this morning my grandsons learnt about Horse Chestnut trees and especially about conkers.

The first recorded game of Conkers using Horse Chestnuts was on the Isle of Wight in 1848.

The game has come a long way since then. The World Conker Championships are held in Northamptonshire, England on the second Sunday in October. In 2004 an audience of 5,000 came to watch 500 competitors from all over the world. There are also championships in North America and several other countries. Olympics soon?

At these International events competitors have to use the conkers provided to avoid cheating. Cheating can involve using conkers kept for a year or two, baked, soaked in vinegar or painted with clear nail varnish.

No doubt grandsons will be back in a couple of months laying down a challenge.