Smiles all round as Baffins Pond Association founder’s memorial conker bash returns

A beloved autumn tradition returned in triumphant style on Saturday, 3rd October 2026, as community members, families, and enthusiastic competitors gathered for the annual George Benham Memorial Conker Bash, organised by the Baffins Pond Association.

The popular event drew crowds from across the area and beyond, including eager visitors who travelled all the way down from Woking. Although they arrived too late to register for the tournament, they stayed to cheer on the contestants and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.

Darren Sanders, councillor for Baffins, was also present and supervised the event as steward.

The atmosphere remained fiercely competitive yet full of local spirit throughout the day. In the adult category, the victory was particularly poignant as Jack Benham, the great-nephew of the late George Benham, took home first place. Meanwhile, nine-year-old Hadley Haynes claimed the top spot in the junior section after an impressive run through the bracket.

Sophia Benham, niece of George Benham, shared how much the event means to the local community and her family: "This event is the highlight of my year. It shows how passionate my uncle George was about the community. Events like this need to keep people out, enjoying themselves, meeting others, and having great fun in the process. It was nice to see everyone joining in and smiling. The weather stayed dry and warm throughout, which always helps."

Runner-up Albert Peet, aged nine, put on a memorable performance after rigorous preparation. Speaking on behalf of his son, local dad Michael Peet shared the effort that went into the tournament: "We've been training all week for this, collecting conkers, baking them off, and training in the back garden," he laughed. "It's just a nice little thing to do; everyone gets involved community-wise, and we get to meet people we've not met before."

Parents praised the event for bringing traditional outdoor pastimes back into the spotlight for the younger generation. Brooke Reynolds, mother of junior champion Hadley Haynes, expressed her delight with the day's turnout: "It's lovely to get my son outside in the fresh air doing old traditional games rather than constantly being on technology," she said. "We love this event. We come every year and can't wait to return next year."

The Conker Bash offers young and old members of the community a rare chance to trade screen time for simple, timeless outdoor fun.

Attendees extended a huge thank you to all the dedicated volunteers at the Baffins Pond Association who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to run the day smoothly; without their hard work and commitment, the event simply would not be the success it is.

For more information on upcoming community activities and news, visit the Baffins Pond Association official website or check out the Baffins Pond Association Facebook page