Sunday, 18 September 2011

Health and Safety - Conkers

Armed with a large bag of conkers and some string we decided that last Monday night would see a conkers contest just like those we used to have when I was a child back in the dark ages. Of course the first thing to do was check out any Health and Safety (H&S) issues that might be present.

After reading of the escalation of banning conkers and other places who institutes rules regarding goggles, gloves and other protective equipment we were dreading what lay before us, but we were pleasantly surprised when it appeared that the H&S wallahs were quite up for such sport. In fact it seemed that those who had embraced draconian measures (I love Bram Stoker!) had caused the H&S people quite a lot of problems and branded them as excessive killjoys, something it appears they certainly aren't.

So off we went and go the kids to play against each other in a knockout competition. The result was that some asked us where they could 'buy' conkers and how we made them (really!! What have we done to our children?). So perhaps we have, in our own small way, contributed to a little bit of childhood being reclaimed. The best bit is that the game is played in full colour and 3D without any need for special polarised glasses or two different coloured lenses.

Bargain!

And as for the injuries? It appears that I was the only one to bear any scars at the end of the day:

1 comment:

sharpstart said...

its good to see tradition still playing a roll, we are having a conker comp this weekend and all are looking to enjoy the night. I am all in favour of health and safety particularly on building sites, but I am not sure about goggles for conkers. but they will be provided for anybody to ware if they want to.