It’s that time of year once more when the trees give us up their bounty to boys of all ages who are here to collect, and in particular the bounty of this particular tree.

Aesculus hippocastanum, the horse chestnut or the noble conker tree.
Being a creature of games and diversions of earlier times it is natural that the good Professor should have an interest in conker collecting and the game of conkers. In particular we hope tonlay to rest the age old question; how do I make my conkers the hardest?

We intend therefore to conduct a little experiment with baking, vinegar and whatever else to find what can make a conker rock hard. Incidentally if you are thinking of entering the world of competitive conker playing don’t try any of the methods here. It is technically cheating.
Come back over the next few weeks to see how we get on…