Mr Halfpenny claims it was the only way he
could let the kids play conkers after receiving a memo on
health and safety. He said: "The children asked to play
conkers in school and I thought it would be really mean if
I said no. I was aware of a memo that had gone round warning
about health and safety related to play in school.
"These days you cannot be too careful, especially when
health and safety inspectors are watching. At the same time
this is a custom that should not die."
Many schools have banned conkers for fear of getting sued
if pupils are injured. Mr Halfpenny's move came after kids
discovered a bumper crop of conkers on a school trip. He said:
"I needed to make sure everything was done safely. So
I drilled through the conkers myself to save little hands
and fingers and went out to buy two pairs of goggles. If anything
the goggles have increased the joy in the game, it gives it
a sense of occasion."
Last month council chiefs in South Shields triggered outrage
when they chopped the branches off horse chestnut trees claiming
it was unsafe for kids to collect conkers. Tory MEP Martin
Callanan hit out at the goggles ruling. He said: "It's
over the top. I can't remember a child ever receiving a serious
eye injury from a shattering conker.
"The worst that could happen is a sharp rap to a finger."
Source The
Sun 4th October 2004
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