I’m used to doing daft things for my art but I have to admit I was filled with fear when the Daily Mirror asked me if I’d take part in an international conker championship. Although I have collected conkers in recent years - to sprinkle around the house to ward off spiders - I was probably about 12 when I last played the actual game. To make matters worse my plans to compete with some extra-strong varnish-coated conkers were instantly thwarted by news reports prior to the tournament. Apparently all competitors would...