Bonkers for conkers!
Are you bonkers for conkers?
Liverpool City Council’s Rangers are on the look-out for the 2009 conker king or queen to take part in one of the city’s most competitive events.
On Saturday (3 October) around one hundred conker-ers are expected to descend on Calderstones Park. Armed with their prized conkers, they will fight to the (conker) death to earn the title of Liverpool Conker Champion and lift the highly coveted Golden Conker Award.
The free fun starts at 1pm and the event is open to all age groups, where competitors will face each other in a boxing ring in front of the Mansion House in the knock-out contest.
City Council Park Ranger Richie Baker will be hosting the event. He said: “This is a fantastic and fun family event and it certainly brings out the competitive side of everyone involved – particularly the adults!
“One year a man was doing fantastically well and smashed all his opponents’ conkers and made it to the final. Being a bit suspicious I decided to inspect his conker and it turned out to be a painted mahogany castor wheel – I disqualified him!”
The categories people can take part in are under 8s, 8-12, 12-15 and adults. There are also special competitions which will see mums and grans taking on each other and dads vs dads.
The popular championship is now in its 15th year.
Liverpool city council’s executive member for the environment, Councillor Berni Turner, said: “More and more people take part in this event every year as it’s a fantastic atmosphere with people desperate to get their hands on the golden conker trophy!
“This is a great example of one of the many ranger-run events which take place in our parks and gardens across the city, and they encourage residents and visitors to spend quality time in these beautiful areas.
“I’m sure the 2009 championships will prove just as popular, and as competitive, as previous years.”
Rules for Liverpool’s Conker Championships include:
Competitors are allowed six swings each and the person with the highest number of direct hits wins – if it’s a tie it goes to sudden death.
You can use your own conkers, but Rangers will also provide some.
The length of string must be 4 inches, this is increased to 6 inches for the final.
Conkers soaked in vinegar are accepted, although castor wheels disguised as conkers are not.
People should meet outside the Mansion House and anyone with any enquiries can call 0151 233 3007.
Conkers is England’s oldest game and was played in honour of William the Conqueror in 1066. People used to use snail shells on a piece of twine and when they smashed their opponents shell they would shout ‘Conqueror’.
