In Southwick, Northamptonshire, the World Conker Championships face an unusual challenge this year: the conkers are too small. Organisers say that Britain’s hot and dry summer has made it difficult to find the large, strong horse chestnut seeds usually used for the game. The championship is planned for 10 October, but there are worries it might be harder than usual to collect suitable conkers.
The World Conker Championships began in 1965 and take place each autumn outside the Shuckburgh Arms pub. The event has become popular worldwide and helps raise money for charity.
In the game of conkers, players thread a string through a hard chestnut and take turns hitting their opponent’s conker until one breaks. Strong conkers are key to success, so the current shortage could affect the competition.
Organiser Charles Whalley explained, “We want big, good, fresh conkers because they’re the best for the championships.” He remains hopeful that a better batch can still be gathered in time.
Last year’s event was also memorable due to a controversy. The winner, 82-year-old David Jakins—nicknamed “King Conker”—was accused of cheating by using a steel conker. He later explained that although he had one in his pocket, he didn’t use it in the match and was cleared of any wrongdoing.
The event includes umpires to make sure all players follow the rules, and organisers are determined to keep the championship fair and fun, even if the conkers are a little smaller this year.
