Countdown to 10th anniversary Barnstaple Really Big Quiz

Published on 28th October 2019

Simpkins Edwards, is calling on North Devon’s brightest brains to compete in the 10th anniversary of Barnstaple’s Really Big Quiz, which raises thousands of pounds for local charities each year.

Taking place at the Barnstaple Hotel on Wednesday 13th November from 6.45pm, the annual Really Big Quiz brings quiz teams and businesses together to compete for the coveted title of Barnstaple’s and North Devon’s brightest brains.

The event raises vital funds for the Mayor of Barnstaple’s chosen charities, which this year includes Age Concern Barnstaple and the See Hear Centre, Barnstaple.

Having raised more than £27,000 over the past nine years, Simpkins Edwards is hoping for a record-breaking evening that could push the total raised past £30,000. Last year, the event raised over £3,000 for Over & Above: The North Devon Cancer and Wellbeing Centre Appeal, and Families in Grief.

23 keen teams have already signed up, leaving just 13 spaces available for this fun-filled annual event.

As last year, the legendary James Morrish of Kivells will be on hand to announce the winners of the raffle, auction off items, provide plenty of laughs and encourage guests to part with a pound in a hilarious game of chance: Heads or Tails.  It is hoped that this year’s event will result in a record-breaking total, beating the £4,000 raised by the event in 2018.

So far, auction lots and prizes include: a family ticket for a Sunday Carvery at the Royal Hotel, Barnstaple Hotel or Fortescue Hotel; two tickets to The Big Sheep; two tickets to Wildlife and Dinosaur Park at Coombe Martin, three tickets to Funderzone indoor soft play centre in Barnstaple; a family ticket to the Christmas Pantomime at the Queens Theatre, Barnstaple on Friday 13 December; four tickets to Scott Cinemas in Barnstaple; and a Morgan Aero 8 Supersport 201 model car S2181.  Many more items have been kindly donated and further generous items are welcome.

The winners of the quiz will receive a bottle of fizz each and the Really Big Quiz trophy; there are also prizes for second and third places.  Last year, 36 teams competed in the event with Norfolk ‘N’ Chance from Investcast Ltd walking away with the title and the trophy on the night.

Jilly Watson, partner at Simpkins Edwards, commented: “2019 is a very special year for the Really Big Quiz here in Barnstaple, as it signifies the tenth anniversary of the charity fundraising event. Over that period, we have raised tens of thousands of pounds for good causes and local charities, helping to make a big difference to communities across North Devon and Barnstaple.”

Cllr Alan Rennles, Mayor of Barnstaple, commented: “The Really Big Quiz is a fantastic initiative that has made a huge difference to charities supported by the Mayor of Barnstaple’s office since 2010.

“Once again, we have an enviable list of auction items that have been kindly donated by local businesses and individuals, and alongside the raffle and money raised from the quiz, we hope to make the tenth anniversary of The Really Big Quiz the very best yet.”

Cllr Rennles added: “We encourage members of the local business community and fans of quizzes to rally round and book a table as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.  It’s set to be a fantastic evening which will raise money for two very worthy local causes.”

To register a team, click here. The entry fee is £50 per team and each team can have up to five members.  The fee includes a light buffet and a licenced paying bar is available (although not included in the entry fee). Doors open at 6.45pm, ready for the quiz to begin at 7.15pm.