The World Conker Championships, organised by Ashton Conker Club, first started in 1965 and has grown year-on-year ever since.  Nowadays, teams from all over the world meet for the competition, which last year moved from its original venue of Ashton to the charming rural location of The Shuckburgh Arms in Southwick.

As well as being a fantastic fun family day out with stalls and sideshows, there is a serious point to the championships: to raise money for charities for the blind and the visually impaired. With tremendous voluntary work by the organising committee, members of Ashton Conker Club and, of course the players, stall holders, sponsors and spectators, over £400,000 has been raised so far.

This year’s competition takes place on Sunday 12th October. The opening ceremony begins at 10.30am local time and long range weather forecasts already indicate fine conditions.  There are separate men’s, ladies’ and junior competitions. You need to enter the men’s or ladies’ competition online in advance but juniors can turn up and play on the day.  Teams are more than welcome and there is a Team Award for the team whose members progress furthest through the competition.  The Guide Dog Demonstration Team will be attending the 2014 championships and Peterborough Morris Men will show some traditional dancing. Back by popular demand, acoustic accompaniment from Five String Thing with Tap ‘n’ Sync will be entertaining you, and there will be traditional pub games and a very welcome return by The Balls Up Jugglers who will be staging workshops from 11.15am until 2.15pm.

Craft stalls and goodies will be around the green and in the Village Hall. Teas and cakes are also available in the village hall.  A diverse selection of tempting foods are on offer alongside an excellent choice of fine ales from the Shuckburgh Arms. You can expect the pub itself to be lively all day and there is live music from afternoon until late, so why not stay a bit later and spend an enjoyable afternoon and evening?

As a spectator, the entrance costs are £4 for adults and £2 for senior citizens and children.  Family tickets (2 adults and up to 4 children) cost £10. Car Parking is free.

 

The World Conker Championships

The World Conker Championships