Really Big Quiz is Biggest Ever!

Exeter’s 10th annual Really Big Quiz really did turn out to be the biggest ever, raising an impressive £5,981.90 for the Lord Mayor of Exeter’s charity, SOCOPS – the most ever raised at the event.

Organised by chartered accountancy firm Simpkins Edwards, this year with support from Tozers Solicitors, the quiz took place at the Corn Exchange in Exeter on Wednesday 8 May. More teams from local businesses entered than ever before, with a reserve list having to be started after the venue’s capacity of 70 teams was reached.

Guests enjoyed a lighthearted evening of challenging quiz questions presented by John Coombs of Simpkins Edwards and Graham Bond of Tozers Solicitors, plus a raffle and auction hosted by James Morrish of Kivells. After adding together the money raised from entry fees, the raffle and auction and other donations on the night, a grand total of £5981.90 was presented to Councillor Rob Newby, Lord Mayor of Exeter, and representatives from the charity SOCOPS – Social Opportunities, which provides support for children in Exeter aged 8–16 with high functioning Autistic Spectrum Condition and their families.

The winning team on the night came from Gilbert Stephens Solicitors, who were presented with a trophy to mark their title as Exeter’s brainiest business, as well as some well earned champagne. Teams from Exeter’s Labour party and Exeter City Council’s planning office came second and third respectively, winning wine and chocolates.

“We’re thrilled that so many teams entered this year and helped us raise such a fantastic amount,” said John Coombs, Partner at Simpkins Edwards.

“We’d like to thank everyone who took part and dug deep into their pockets and brains! We’re delighted that the event is so well supported by a large number of people including those businesses who donated raffle and auction prizes and the Sea Cadets who help collect answers sheets each year. We must also say well done to Gilbert Stephens who won the trophy this year – but we’re sure there will be a few teams nipping at your heels, ready to steal it from you at next year’s quiz!”

Graham Bond, chairman of Tozers Solicitors added: “My firm is delighted to have worked with Simpkins Edwards to put on The Really Biggest Quiz ever for their 10th year! This is an extremely well organised, slick event and it is fabulous to see the Corn Exchange so full with people quizzing. Moreover, it is a great achievement to have raised nearly £6,000 for SOCOPS, which is such a worthwhile charity.”

The Lord Mayor of Exeter, Councillor Rob Newby said: “I am extremely grateful to Simpkins Edwards along with Tozers for putting together such an amazing and entertaining evening, but most importantly, a big thank you to everyone who both attended and helped to make the event such a successful night for my chosen charity, SOCOPS”.