This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-northamptonshire-50036278
The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Previous version
1
Next version
Version 0 | Version 1 |
---|---|
Rain delays play at the World Conker Champions 2019 | Rain delays play at the World Conker Champions 2019 |
(2 days later) | |
The World Conker Championships has taken place despite play being delayed due to heavy rain. | The World Conker Championships has taken place despite play being delayed due to heavy rain. |
Between 250 and 300 entrants normally brandish their conkers in the event, but this year only 135 people took part. | Between 250 and 300 entrants normally brandish their conkers in the event, but this year only 135 people took part. |
The main arena, at Southwick, Northamptonshire, was flooded so podiums had to be moved elsewhere. | The main arena, at Southwick, Northamptonshire, was flooded so podiums had to be moved elsewhere. |
Jasmine Tetley, 26, went on to claim the 2019 title after beating Andy Moore, 53, from Birmingham. | Jasmine Tetley, 26, went on to claim the 2019 title after beating Andy Moore, 53, from Birmingham. |
Despite the start of the event being delayed for about two-and-a-half hours, the soil scientist, from Long Eaton, Derbyshire, could not be dampened. | |
Organiser St John Burkett said the championships had been going for 54 years and it had only rained in four of those years. | Organiser St John Burkett said the championships had been going for 54 years and it had only rained in four of those years. |
He said last year's weather had similarly affected the turnout and it was feared the competition's future could be in doubt if the same thing happened again next year. | He said last year's weather had similarly affected the turnout and it was feared the competition's future could be in doubt if the same thing happened again next year. |
"It costs us about £7,000 to put the championships on and we keep money back for one extra championships should we make no money. | "It costs us about £7,000 to put the championships on and we keep money back for one extra championships should we make no money. |
"We've got enough to run it next year if we make no money today... but a bit of sponsorship would help a lot." | "We've got enough to run it next year if we make no money today... but a bit of sponsorship would help a lot." |
The event is said to have raised £420,000 since 1965 for the blind and partially sighted. | The event is said to have raised £420,000 since 1965 for the blind and partially sighted. |
Stephanie Withall, crowned champion in 2015, was also one of those undeterred by the weather and keen to lift the trophy once more. | Stephanie Withall, crowned champion in 2015, was also one of those undeterred by the weather and keen to lift the trophy once more. |
"It's a great British event… it's a really good laugh," she said. | "It's a great British event… it's a really good laugh," she said. |
"It's something I think should be supported. I used to play conkers as a kid, so now I can actually get crowned as a conker champion. | "It's something I think should be supported. I used to play conkers as a kid, so now I can actually get crowned as a conker champion. |
"The kudos is worth a couple of free pints here and there and to say you are a world champion does tend to throw people until you explain." | "The kudos is worth a couple of free pints here and there and to say you are a world champion does tend to throw people until you explain." |
Official rules | Official rules |
Conkers are provided for each game and cannot be tampered with or reused | Conkers are provided for each game and cannot be tampered with or reused |
Previous version
1
Next version