The Quiz has been running on a monthly basis since the beginning of 2017. There had been a predecessor in 2016 when I first moved to Chichester but after a couple of months it disappeared and asking around, I felt there was a demand for it to continue. So what else could I do?!
Before moving here I had been involved with both Age UK and Croydon libraries and had organised a variety of activities and initiatives for them, the most popular of which had traditionally been the quizzes in one form or another. I ran several evening quizzes as a fundraising measure for Age UK, whereas for the library I founded an Over 60s group whose activities were primarily quiz-based and also devised bespoke quizzes for special occasions, such as Black History Month, World Book Night and the library centenary celebrations.
Thus the CCDT quiz began to take shape, thanks to the invaluable help I have received from Susan Shord, Anna and Derek Hiscock (and assorted others) at the quiz itself, plus the brilliant support I always get from Emma and Angie at CCDT. The venue now alternates between the Lodge in Graylingwell Park and the Community Hall in Roussillon and presents an ideal opportunity to socialise with other residents and to have fun showing off your knowledge (or lack of it – although competition can sometimes be cutthroat, we really don’t mind if you don’t know anything as long as you come along intending to enjoy yourself!)
The evening traditionally kicks off at 7 p.m. and finishes around 9.30. Halfway through there is a break for the partaking of delicious fish and chips (chicken, sausage and vegetarian options are available) from Andy’s Fish Bar, all washed down with whatever choice of beverage you bring along with you. There are generally six rounds on a variety of subjects – recent subjects have included horror films, wildlife, food and drink, European geography, comedy songs, black history and sport, to name just a few. There is also a table quiz designed to whet the appetite and to get the brain cells into gear, but which does not count towards the final score. The prize for the evening is the coveted CCDT Quiz trophy and the winning team gets to carry it off and display it proudly in full view in a kitchen window for the next month before it is once more up for grabs at the succeeding quiz. I imagine it must be a real wrench to yield it up!
The quiz evening costs £8 which includes the food and a £3 donation to charity. Up until July the donation was split between the World Wildlife Fund and NSPCC, but from September there will be a guest charity each month. Cancer Research was the first recipient in September and such was the attendance at October’s event that I was able to donate £130 to the local charity, Stonepillow. In view of the almost serendipitous timing of the November quiz the next charity will be Children In Need, and December’s charity will (probably) be Crisis At Christmas. Thereafter I am always open to suggestions if quizzers care to nominate a favourite charity.
Everyone is welcome – come singly and join a team or make up a team of your more competitive friends. It’s always advisable to book in advance and you can do this by phone on 01243 697072 or email info@wptest.chichestercdt.org.uk. Please make sure that you give the numbers who will be attending if you book under just one name.
The next quiz is at the Lodge, Graylingwell on Wednesday 13th December and the one after that is at Roussillon Park on Wednesday 17th January.
Looking forward to seeing you there.
By Brian Baker, your local Quiz Master
