Autumn bring out the nuts, so to speak, as the World Conker Championship at Ashton returned for its 24th annual event.
“Almost continual drizzle failed to dampen the enthusiasm of the crowd flocking to the 24th World Conker Championships at Ashton on Sunday.
Vic Owen, the burly King conker, and showbiz celebrities Norman Rossington and Robert Gladwell, were out on the green at Ashton to see fair play among the 200 competitors at this annual event.
Compered by the indefatigable Nigel Croskell from Southams, who kept up a stream of banter throughout the whole procedings, the event looks set to equal the £7,500 raised last yar.
After a series of nail biting heats when competitors thrashed and basjed away at the conkers in the true spirit of the occasion the winners emerged.
For the second time Bill Cox, a retired plumber from Homiton in Devon, became men’s champion, beating restaurant owner Gary Watson (also known as Alan Cotton) in a short, sharp final.
Bill (69), who travel to Ashton regularly for the championships, first won in 1981.
‘There is no technique involved,’ he said. ‘It’s just a matter of luck and hoping you pick the right conker.’
No known as William the Conkerer to hjis friends, Bill is determined to return next year to defend his title.
For the first time in its history, the organisers, Ashton Conker Club, invited ladies to put their skills to the test and 32 accepted the challenge.
Winner was Sheila Doubleday from Peterborough.
The 42-year-old mother of three was entered by her husband – who failed to turn up for the historic event!
Asked how she felt on becoming the first lady champion, Sheila, who runs the Helpston Fish Bar, replied: ‘It’s incredible. I was convinced I would be out in the first round. I haven’t played since I was ten.’
Runner-up for the ladies’ championship was Sharon Shatford from Kettering.
Trophies were presented by Alan Johns, managing director of Six-O-Four Building Supplies, who were sponsors for this year’s event.
In the children’s section 40 youngsters took part with 10 year-old Martin Nikel of Peterborough becoming the winner following an exciting battle with Jeremy Newman (10) of Oundle. . .
The Stamford Mercury, 14th October, 1988.