Countdown to the Exeter Really Big Quiz 2019! Event to raise thousands for Lord Mayor’s charity
Exeter-based chartered accountancy firm Simpkins Edwards is inviting businesses from across Exeter and Devon to take part in its 16th annual Really Big Quiz. Last year, the quiz raised a record-breaking £9,171 for the Lord Mayor’s chosen charity, and this year the goal is to surpass that total in aid of the Devon branch of SSAFA, The Armed Forces Charity.
Taking place at the Corn Exchange on Wednesday 8 May from 6.00pm, the annual Really Big Quiz brings together Exeter’s best and brainiest quiz teams in what is the city’s largest event of its kind.
Last year, 72 teams battled it out for the prestigious title and many businesses will once again return to pit their wits against each other. Just 74 spaces are available for this annual event, which pairs 8 rounds of brainteasers, and a bonus picture round, with a fantastic auction and raffle. All money, including the cost of the tickets, goes to the Lord Mayor’s charity of the year, SSAFA.
Over the past 15 years, more than £77,000 has been raised by the Really Big Quiz and the hope is that 2019 will be the best year ever.
One of the biggest fundraising elements on the night is the auction, which this year includes a number of ‘unique, once in a lifetime mystery military experiences’ to be unveiled on the evening.
Other auction items include a signed Exeter City Football Shirt, a signed Exeter Chiefs ball, and a football created by internationally acclaimed artist, Mark Wallinger. His One World ball marked the centenary of the First World War, inspired by the famous Christmas truce of 1914, when soldiers from both sides emerged from the trenches and met in No Man’s Land to exchange gifts and play football.
The legendary auctioneer, James Morrish from Kivells, will once again be on hand to encourage bids as well as raffle ticket purchases. He’ll also entice competitors ‘to give a toss’ in the hilarious annual game of heads and tails.
John Coombs, partner at Simpkins Edwards, commented: “The Really Big Quiz is a hugely entertaining evening that raises thousands of pounds for good causes. It puts the very best brains in Exeter to the test and stands out as a highlight in the business calendar. With just the last few tables left, we’re looking forward to a packed house in aid of an exceptionally worthy cause.”
Lord Mayor of Exeter, Councillor Rob Hannaford, commented: “Thanks to Simpkins Edwards, the generosity of many local businesses and the Armed Forces, we have an impressive list of items to be auctioned and won at The Really Big Quiz. We hope that money raised on the night, combined with tickets sold for the event, will boost the amount of money raised by the quiz to record levels.”
Chairman of the Devon Branch of SSAFA, Brigadier Andy Pillar OBE, commented: “Fundraising events are critical to our work, enabling us to support serving and former members of all ranks of the Armed Forces, including the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Army and Royal Air Force including all Volunteer, Reserve Forces and Nursing Services.
“But it doesn't end there; also eligible for support are; spouses and former spouses; widows and widowers; civil partners and former civil partners; partners who are, or were, in an established relationship with a beneficiary; children who are dependent on a beneficiary and those who provide, or have provided care for a beneficiary.
With the help of money raised at the Really Big Quiz, we will be able to continue our work for the good of families and individuals in our community and throughout the county.”
To register a team visit www.simpkinsedwards.co.uk where you can enter and pay online, alternatively you can download an entry form, or for further details email sroberts@simpkinsedwards.co.uk or call 01392 211233.
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 bar is available (although not included in the entry fee). Doors open at 6.00pm, ready for the quiz to begin at 7.15pm.
