British Expatriate Network

Monster's note please post all discussion of the similarly named pictures thread here )

carry on, East17, old chap........


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I found a conker tree in Hackley Park in the middle of Muskegon! I'll get something organised for a conker competition in Michigan next autumn. Anyone fancy a go?

Are they so rare over here?

There's one in the playground of our children's school -I can't believe they leave all those shiny brown conkers just lying there! The kids have no interest in them whatsoever, the adults don't even know what they are. There are loads just a few miles over in Canada though. I bet them crafty canucks know what to do with them lol

Oh I love playing conkers - when home for school reunion in 03, we found a lovely conker tree. One old friend and I wanted to strip the tree and have a good old go round. But, the other guy planning the event suggested leaving it alone. Bummer! neutral

Have to say Monster, that essence of Britain thread is making me homesick, all those lovely photos. Planning a trip for the summer! 8)

I know going off conkers subject, but that postcard on there think Vegas posted it, couldn't find any of those in 03, was told they are 'politically incorrect'. Again bummer... razz

They still sell them, postcards that is, saw a bunch last year when we were there. Think it was probably while we were in Blackpool though, so that would explain a lot.

They are called Buckeyes here

I am really pleased with that thread. It isn't making me homesick, but I enjoy remembering and looking up pictures of all the things that don't happen or you don't get here.

I'm really glad East17 started this thread, because I wanted to add some descriptions and links, but it would have spoiled that one. Anyway it appears gurning is a truly British thing. Google it if interested.

Also, Vegas, glad to see you finally got it ;)

Long time since ive drilled a small hole in the thing and hang it on a string .

Now be honest how many of you lied about the number of * conkers * your champion had dispatched .


i MIGHT have done cant remember the memory fades as you get older


twisted smile

We have a couple of conker trees locally (one just round the corner). When you talk about conkers to people here they really have no idea what you are talking about. But when I actually collected some and brought them to show people who asked what they were, the older ones (generally at least a bit older than me) recognized them and a couple of them mentioned something about a disease or a bug/beetle that killed a lot of them off. Don't know how true that is but it would explain why these trees are only around sporadically.

Huh? Got what?

/still on my first cup of coffee so brain cell not firing

There's a horse chesnut tree outside my office so every autumn brings back some good memories of "conker bundles" and smacked knuckles when someone's aim was off.

Conkers remind me of my younger brother.

In the good old days of the 1970's, my bruv and his pals played with them and were entertained for hours, days, even. Oh how times have changed. Makes me quite sad.

Did any of you boys ever build a go-cart/wagon made up of strips of wood, other materials and old pram wheels? I remember riding with bruv on the back of his, well not actually riding, but pushing along with my feet!

That had to have been a Brit Boy thing to do, all kids do these days is play tv games. sad

jumpers for goalposts, playing in the mud, orange squash after the game...marvellous!!

I was wondering what you finally got, too, and I have had about 3 cups already. :???:

I'm not sure about those Bolton Paul Defiants Monster. Should have found a pic of Spitfires or Hurricanes instead.

then you post some.

you broke the rules by the way, so I moved your post. There's always one smartarse isn't there? I hope you feel better for it.

roll