The Media Archive for Central England is the public screen archive for the East and West Midlands. An independent charity and company based at the University of Lincoln, MACE acquires, catalogues, preserves and makes widely available moving image materials that inform our understanding of the diverse cultures and histories of communities between the Lincolnshire coast and the Welsh border.
This film is part of Free
Conkers
Ever wondered where the conker capital of the world is? Thought not. Oh! Okay, if you insist: it's Aston in Northamptonshire.
From the collection of:
Overview
Self proclaimed 'Conker King', Vic Owen, has to wear a new string of conkers around his neck every year the World Championships are held at Aston in East Northamptonshire. As they've been running the event since 1965 that honour must be starting to weigh quite heavy. This film shows us the 1981 event. It's a disappointing year for the 1979 champion Charlie Bray with a new name on the trophy that has become legendary as far away as Oundle - Bill Cox.
The World Conker Championships were held in the village of Aston in East Northamptonshire from 1965 until 2010 surviving high winds and disease (to the conkers). Subsequently the event has taken place in the nearby village of Southwick.
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