The Annual Wellington Junior School Conker Championships smashed into action last Friday when a hoard of excited school children rose to the challenge and pitted their strength and skill against each other.
Eighty children in Years 3, 4 5 and 6 competed for the coveted “Conker Bear Trophy” which was carried off by a triumphant Will Jeanes from Year 5. All children brought their own conkers and the competition was fierce!
“Sadly, the game of Conkers has declined in school playgrounds over the last 20 years, mainly due to rumoured ‘Health and Safety’ issues”, commented Adam Gibson, Headmaster of Wellington Junior School. “Such information is nonsense and we are determined to redress the balance and encourage our children to engage in competitive playground activity and traditional outdoor entertainment”.
The rules of the challenge are clearly laid out, and adapted from the International Rules and Regulations (www.worldconkerchampionships.com). They include such details as the maximum allowed length of string, and time allowed in each round and the dreaded ‘sudden death’. In the name of fair pay, competitors are discouraged from soaking the conkers in vinegar or the old “slow-bake” trick!
“The children rose to the challenge and enjoyed the competition immensely. We encourage them to take risks and the game of conkers is a great opportunity for this. We look forward to seeing Will defending his title next year,” concluded Adam Gibson.
Conker Facts:
- Britain is believed to be the only country in the world where the game of conkers is traditionally played
- The first recorded game of conkers was on the Isle of Wight in 1848
- The origin of the name ‘conker’ is unclear, but is believed to stem from the French word cogner, meaning to ‘hit’ or ‘biff’!
- On finding your first conker of the season, you should say “Oddly, oddly onker, my first conker”. This ensures good fortune and few tangles throughout the championships