3 October 2011
Mil Conkers All!
Milivoj Matavulj has been crowned king of the conkers at Teesside Shopping Park today. Security guard Mil swept the board at the championship, winning more than 20 battles to become North East champion.
Mil Matavulj said: “It was an absolutely brilliant day. I only tried out conkering for the first time yesterday and I wasn’t very good but today I just got into the swing of it. I think I’ll have a few bruises tomorrow though.”
When asked if he would like to take part in the world championships, Mil thought he might like to give it a go next year.
Mil was one of almost 100 people who took part in the event at Teesside Shopping Park to raise money for the charity which cares for cancer patients at the James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough. Lots of families battled it out with Teesside Shopping Park’s own champion conker player, King KongKer, and donated £1 each to the charity.
The event was organised by the manager of WH Smith and the shopping park’s management. They collected all the conkers locally and prepared them for competitors to ensure that no tampering had taken place.
Jane West, deputy manager Teesside Shopping Park said: “We’ve been overwhelmed by the response today. There’s been loads of parents and children giving it ago and having a great time.”
Dave Brown, manager WH Smith said: “Thanks to everyone involved. We’ve raised around £200 for James Cook already but we’re still collecting in-store if anyone wants to contribute.”
