Conkering - one nut at a time

Conkers are hard brown nuts found in a prickly case that fall from the horse chestnut tree when ripe. A playground favourite in the U.K. for as long as there have been playgrounds and horse chestnut trees, conkers were introduced into Britain in the 1600s. The first recorded game of conkers dates back to 1848 on the Isle of Wight. The origin of the name 'conker' is unclear but it's believed that it comes from the French word 'cogner' meaning to hit. ( Photo by A1C Perry Aston)

Blackberries growing wild

Blackberries are collected and eaten with great enthusiasm in Britain, where blackberrying occupies a special cultural niche as a uniquely rewarding leisure activity. Traditionally blackberries should not be picked after Michaelmas (Sept. 29) . Folklore says that after this date, the devil spits or stamps on the berries, rendering them unfit. (Photo by Suzanne Harper)

Conkering - one nut at a time

Staff Sgt Felicia Welch and Senior Airman Brian Ellis engage in a game of conkers. The game is played between two players taking turns striking their opponent’s conker with their own. The intent is to hit the opponent’s conker as hard as possible, inflicting damage on your opponent.The first recorded game of conkers dates back to 1848 on the Isle of Wight. Conkers are hard brown nuts found in a prickly case that fall from the tree when ripe. The origin of the name 'conker' is unclear but it's believed that it comes from the French word 'cogner' meaning to hit. ( Photo by A1C Perry Aston)

British Billy

Billy the Cat (aka British Billy) lives in Elveden, a local village about ten miles from RAF Lakenheath. Billy has been around a bit. He came from a rescue centre and prefers not to dwell on the past. He is proud of his country and its heritage and counts his friends and family as hailing from all corners of the British Isles. He is proud to be a “moggy”. Many of his American friends and admirers ask Billy about the things puzzling them about life and culture in the U.K., and if he doesn’t know the answer, he has ways and means of finding out. Feel free to send him any questions, and when he isn’t sleeping or hunting, he’ll try and put a few thoughts together to help you out.

British Billy pounces into Autumn

Published Sept. 29, 2010
By British Billy
48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England -- It has come to my attention some of you are unhappy about the shortening hours of daylight and the gloomy weather we are experiencing at the moment. It's true you have to seize your sunshine when you can find it at this time of year, but I have to admit, I love autumn. I am never happier than when I am chasing around after the falling leaves and grooming my winter fur into pristine condition.

In this region, surrounded by trees and woodland, you can bask in the glory of the forests clad in their golden autumnal splendor. Fruits and nuts abound and the squirrels busily hide their winter stores. In my humble garden, the apple trees are heavily laden with fruit and the blackberry bushes drip with their juicy offerings.

My whiskers droop when one of my American chums asks me why we don't celebrate Thanksgiving in the U.K. I shall not engage with the topic at this point in time, but we do have a tradition of harvest festivals, which are usually held on or near the Sunday of the harvest moon, the full moon closest to the autumn equinox, which was Sept. 23 this year. In Britain, harvest celebrations have existed since pagan times, and schools and churches are often beautifully decorated with harvest fare with gift boxes of food provided to those who are in most need.

If nature's bounty and the fabulous colours of Autumn aren't doing the trick and you're still a bit glum, then a game of conkers is guaranteed to brighten your spirits.

Conkers are hard brown nuts found in a prickly case that fall from the horse chestnut tree when ripe. You may know the conker better as the 'buckeye'. A playground favourite in the U.K. for as long as there have been playgrounds and horse chestnut trees, they were introduced into Britain in the 1600s. The origin of the name 'conker' is unclear but it's believed that it comes from the French word 'cogner' meaning to hit. Cats know these things.

Conkers are a bit thin on the ground at the moment due to the leaf miner moth, which has been nibbling its way through many of the horse chestnut trees in the south of the U.K., but you can still find them if you try. Don't confuse horse chestnuts with the sweet chestnut trees, which you will see around the base.

The 2010 World Conker Championships will be held at New Lodge Fields, near Oundle, Northamptonshire, Oct. 10. It's an international event with competitors from more than 20 countries. Thousands flock to the venue to watch this great spectacle as modern-day gladiators fight for glory armed only with a nut and 12 inches of string.

This season of mists and mellow fruitfulness is one of the most spectacular, beautiful and unpredictable times of year. So, if there is any sadness lingering now that summer has gone, enter into the spirit of fun and fullness. I know the squirrels in my garden have. They are looking remarkably fat at the moment and pelt me with acorns and beech nuts at every opportunity. It's a tough life, but I love it.

For more information on the World Conker Championships, visit www.worldconkerchampionships.com