David Jakins, 84, is retiring as King Conker after 20 years as the official mascot of the World Conker Championships, two years after a cheating scandal shook the event.
Jakins was caught with a steel conker in his pocket and accused of swapping his real conker for the metal replacement to win his first title in 40 years. He was later cleared of wrongdoing, but the controversy led to 'airport-style' security checks at last year's event.
Mascot roles passed to daughter and chairman
Jakins says he is stepping down 'with great sadness' due to reduced mobility, which has left him struggling to compete at the highest level. The crown will pass to his daughter, Fee Aylmore, and World Conker Championships chairman Jim Packer, who become the new Queen and King Conker.
Jakins said: 'It is with great sadness that I step down from my role as King Conker after 20 wonderful years. However, I am extremely pleased to pass this role onto my daughter, Fee, who will be a wonderful Queen Conker, supported admirably by Jim, who will be supporting her as a new King Conker.'
Organiser reflects on legacy and security measures
Organiser John Burkett said: 'It will be sad to see David go as he has served his role admirably. He is struggling with his mobility due to arthritis in his knees, so he feels now is the right time. I don't think the cheating scandal weighed that heavily on his decision – he feels he has cleared his name regarding that matter. However we have since kept his steel conker in a perspex box, which we display at the event to make sure there is no repeat of the events of 2024.'
The World Conker Championships are asking the public for suggestions for better names for the two mascots, as the titles King and Queen can be confused with the winners each year. Burkett added: 'We have already dismissed 'Conkey McConkface' as it's a bit too obvious. But want something which is alliterative, suitable for a man and woman, and which gives a good idea of the honorary role. We're inviting people to contact us with their ideas.'
Packer pays tribute and event details confirmed
Packer said: 'David was such a character, and always had that wry sense of humour, so you were never sure if what he was telling you was right. He never let on about the steel conker, even to me. I hope I'm up to the job.'
This year's event takes place in Southwick, Northamptonshire, on October 11.
