3rd Scottish Conker Championship a Smashing Success |
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Wild weather is becoming a regular feature of the Scottish Conker Championship but despite the wind and rain, the biggest crowd yet turned up at Tweed Green, Peebles to watch the action. 70 competitors from every corner of Britain converged in the championship marquee to show their striking skills, including 2007 World Conker Champion, Ady Hurrell. The four categories (Juniors, Youths, Adults and Rogues) were hotly contested. Conkers were provided for the aged categories and competitors in the rogue competition were able compete with their own their own doctored conker, some of which were allegedly soaked in vinegar or dried in airing cupboards. Bowhill Ranger Lynsey Menmuir took the Rogue trophy. Her small conker had drawn sceptical glances in the early rounds, but it proved to be unbreakable. Competition was fierce in the adult category this year. Iain Laidlaw of Forestry Commission Scotland had shown good form in qualifying but in the final proved to be no match for Maurice Hurrell of Tullibody. It came as no surprise to discover that Maurice is the brother of former World Champion Ady, although he insisted he’d only been given a quick lesson the day before. 12 year-old Scott Bell of Peebles was triumphant in the Youth category and Christopher McDonald, also of Peebles showed concentration and skill beyond his eight years, making him one to watch for the future. All winners received a beautiful handmade elm burr conker made by local wood turner Bruce Frost from Wood Works in Peebles. The championship was organised by local environmental charity, Borders Forest Trust as part of the Tweed Valley Forest Festival. |
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