In the year 1980, an ancient grudge casts a dark shadow over the village of Gumley. The traditional conker competition is at stake as amateur Cynthia May takes on Arthur Finch, authoritarian chair of the parish council. The ensuing tussle is witnessed by George Darby, a young barrister from London, who has nominally been brought in to strengthen Mrs May’s resistance to the championship’s termination amid a shortage of horse chestnuts. But does she need his help, or will her insights into human nature, and a profound grasp of conker physics, see her through to victory?