Setting up a new interest group from scratch is always a bit daunting. Will anyone show up? Will the questions be too easy or too hard? Fortunately, I think we managed to hit the sweet spot, at the launch afternoon that was enjoyably competitive, and thoroughly entertaining.
Our 16 attendees were randomly sorted into teams of four, using the high-tech “numbered lolly sticks picked out of a bag” method. This means members don't have to get a team together, and can feel comfortable attending on their own. The random allocation led to a lot of socializing and some new friendships, which is really the whole point.
The quiz consisted of six rounds of ten questions, designed to cover a broad spectrum of knowledge. A particular highlight for the quizzers was my inability to enunciate "Necessity is the Mother of Invention" (it was my first quiz, I was a bit nervous), and they mercilessly asked me to repeat the question more than I thought was necessary. In return, I personally enjoyed the collective groan that echoed through the room at the one answer nobody got right (Which group had hits in the 60s, 70s, and 80s, each time with a completely different line-up? Answer below.)
The marking system (teams swapping papers to mark each other's answers) was extremely good natured, but it's early days… The final scores were really close - so much so that I was at the point of trying to divide our 4 prize chocolate bars into 16, but congratulations to Min Gardiner, Anthony Jory, Elsa Monaghan and Liz Harris for edging it on the last round.
The atmosphere was warm, with a spirit of friendly competition, and we are all looking forward to the next one, so make sure to book your spot for next month. Bring a cup, bring your trivial knowledge, and maybe bring a pair of glasses for the picture round.
Next Meeting: Tuesday, August 4th, The Tythings Gallery Room. New members welcome, but please email me on quiz@yateleyu3a.org.uk so I can have the right number of lolly sticks ready.
By the way, the answer to the question was…The England World Cup Squad.