Chiefs shirt and ball up for grabs

Exeter chartered accountancy firm Simpkins Edwards is delighted to announce two of the top auction prizes at their 11th annual Really Big Quiz – a rugby ball and shirt signed by winners of the pivotal LV= cup final on 16 March this year, which clinched the Chiefs’ first major trophy in their 143-year history.

Taking place at the Corn Exchange on Wednesday 7 May from 6.30pm, the annual Really Big Quiz is an opportunity for local firms to compete for the title of Exeter’s brainiest business, and help raise funds for the Lord Mayor’s nominated charity, Ataxia UK – which funds research into a group of neurological disorders that affect balance, co-ordination and speech.

The Really Big Quiz has earned a formidable reputation for fierce competition and great fun, and local firms are invited to enter a team and put their wits to the test. With 69 teams already signed up and only a couple of places left, there’s no time to waste!

All proceeds from the quiz, auction and raffle will be donated to Ataxia UK, and it is hoped that the rugby ball and shirt signed by the champions of the Chiefs’ first major silverware win will raise a significant sum for the charity. The auction and raffle will be run by auctioneer James Morrish from Kivells, and other prizes gathered so far include: a meal for two at the Merry Harriers in Westcott, a Cygnet Theatre gift voucher and a Darts Farm Luxury West Country Hamper.

The winners of the quiz will receive a trophy and case of champagne; there are also prizes for second and third places. Last year 70 teams competed in the event, and a combination of entry fees, auction bids and raffle tickets raised over £5,900 for charity.

“We’re delighted to see local businesses from all sectors joining in,” said John Coombs, partner at Simpkins Edwards. “It’s always a fantastic evening, and we’re aiming to raise a record amount this year for a very worthwhile cause. We’re pulling out all the stops to make this the biggest Really Big Quiz yet!”

The Lord Mayor of Exeter, Councillor Rachel Lyons, said: “I am very grateful to Simpkins Edwards for the chance to raise awareness of Ataxia UK at this year’s Really Big Quiz and raise much needed funds – I’m sure the event will be a great success.”

To register a team, email sroberts@simpkinsedwards.co.uk, call 0844 257 9232 or visit www.simpkinsedwards.co.uk to download an entry form. The entry fee is £50 per team and each team can have up to five members. The fee includes a light buffet and an alcoholic bar is available (although not included in the entry fee). Doors open at 6.30, ready for the quiz to begin at 7.15.