ROUND 1 - Announced theme - 'Cold November'

Each answer contains a word or part of a word that can be preceded by the word 'cold'

1.

The plot of which 1982 novel by Michael Morpurgo follows Joey, a bay Irish Hunter horse raised by English teenager Albert as he is bought by the British Army and sent to the battlefields of Europe?

2.

How was the title of the 1929 German novel Im Westen nichts Neues translated into English?

3.

In 2000, who did Channel 4 choose to present the inaugural series of Big Brother on British television?

4.

After a pleasingly upfront performance in her 1937 debut film They Won't Forget Lana Turner became the first and most iconic Hollywood actress to be given which nickname?

5.

Taken from the Old Testament's Book of Daniel which phrase is often used to describe a hidden, serious weakness, or character flaw, in someone who is otherwise admired, powerful, or respected?

6.

This metaphor can be traced back to the 12th century philosopher Bernard of Chartres but it is Sir Isaac Newton who is best remembered for which phrase meaning to use the understanding gained by major thinkers who have gone before in order to make intellectual progress?

7.

Partly named after its lead singer, who had previously been an original member of Fairport Convention, which band had a UK number one hit in 1970 with their cover of Joni Mitchell's Woodstock?

8.

What is the English title of the critically acclaimed 1957 film directed by Akira Kurosawa which transposes the plot of Shakespeare's Macbeth from medieval Scotland to feudal Japan?

Sp1

In a desperate attempt not to win the bloody thing again Ireland sent Dustin to Belgrade to represent the country in the 2008 Eurovision Song Contest.  Why did Dustin stand out from the other contestants?

Sp2

What was the title of the dramatic monologue written by Alan Bennett for the BBC's celebrated Talking Heads series in which Thora Hird plays Doris who has suffered a fall and is less than pleased with the effort her home help puts into tidying up.

Go to Round 1 questions with answers

ROUND 2 - Name these TV shows from their fictional locations

1.

Danebury village hall, Suffolk

2.

Button House, Surrey

3.

Hartley police station, Lancashire

4.

Gasforth police station

5.

East Hampton hospital

6.

County General hospital, Chicago

7.

La Chateau Anglaise restaurant

8.

H W D Components canteen, Manchester

Sp1

Cafe Rene, Nouvion

Sp2

British sitcom shot in an NHS Geriatric Ward

Go to Round 2 questions with answers

ROUND 3 - Pairs

1.

Frank Gusenberg, a targeted victim who died a few hours later and a mechanic's dog called Highball were the only surviving witnesses when police were called to the scene of which infamous 1929 crime?

2.

Which English city is the only non-capital city to be twinned with the USA’s capital, Washington DC?

3.

What were the birth names of the 3rd Baron Glenavy (1913-1980) under which he became a respected Irish journalist, humorist and long-serving team captain on the BBC panel show Call My Bluff?

4.

Give the title of a 1929 novel by William Faulkner by giving the two missing words in this quote from Act 5 of Shakespeare’s Macbeth:

"It is a tale / Told by an idiot, full of..?..... and .....? , / Signifying nothing."

5.

Give the title of a pretentious 1996 novel by David Foster Wallace by filling in the missing two words from this quote from the 5th Act of Shakespeare’s Hamlet:

"Alas, poor Yorick! I knew him, Horatio: a fellow of ...?.....?.., ,of most excellent fancy."

6.

Born in Scotland, reared in London and dying in Ireland, under what name did Iain McGeachy become a successful singer-songwriter and guitarist?  His obituary in 2009 described him as "an electrifying guitarist and singer who blurred the boundaries between folk, jazz, rock and blues."

7.

Who has the distinction of being the only Englishman encountered in Paradise by Dante in The Divine Comedy?

8.

A shady character dubbed 'The Umbrella Man' and a mysterious and untraceable woman referred to as 'Babushka Lady' were suspiciously present at which major 20th century historical event?

Sp1

Which brand of sweet is described here?  Packets of these fruit-flavoured boiled sweets were launched by Mars Ltd in 1950 and continued until the 1980s.  Square with a circular depression they were known for their bold colours and distinctive geometric packaging.  In more innocent times one of their early advertising slogans was "the sweet way to go gay".

Sp2

Which men's lifestyle magazine was launched in 1994 with the marketing slogan "For men who should know better"?

Go to Round 3 questions with answers

ROUND 4 - Pairs

1.

At the northern terminus of the scenic railway along the east coast of New Zealand’s South Island, which ferry port is the main link to Wellington on the North Island?

2.

Birthplace of sometime Manchester resident Ernest Rutherford, which city is the second oldest settled city in New Zealand, and despite being on South Island, is actually slightly north of the capital city of Wellington?

3.

Which of Thomas Hardy’s Wessex novels, subtitled: The Life and Death Of A Man of Character, describes the rise and fall of the main character in a fictitious town assumed to be Dorchester where Hardy grew up?

4.

Charles Dickens completed 5 novels titled with the names of the main character.  Name any 3.

5.

In the recent Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in Rotterdam who won 2 silver medals for Great Britain in the floor and vault disciplines?

6.

The Red Roses, England’s Women’s Rugby Union team, had a 4 year winning streak ended by Canada recently.  Who captains the Red Roses?

7.

Which 2026 TV Series stars Pearce Quigley as the eccentric Michael Sleep, whose search for his missing partner leads him to create magical prophesying spirits.  It has attracted a surprising cult following?

8.

According to the Independent (20th October), what TV program attracted the biggest audience, both live and streamed, to date in 2026?

Sp.

Which Austrian composer (b 1732, d 1809) is often referred to as the 'Father of the Symphony' and also the 'Father of the String Quartet'?

Go to Round 4 questions with answers

ROUND 5 - Hidden theme

1.

Which US drama series, 2022-2024 concerns the Dutton family and a large ranch estate?

2.

Which US police drama series, 2009-2014, is mainly set in New York?

3.

The Northern Light cinema is in which Greater Manchester suburb?

4.

The new Elizabeth Line in London runs from Reading to two eastern termini, one being Shenfield in Essex, the other being where in Kent?

5.

Which US American artist, born in Italy and died in London, was a leading portrait painter of the Belle Epoch period?

6.

'Ficus Elastica' is the Latin name for which flowering plant mainly found in South East Asia?

7.

What is the predominant colour of the flag of Morocco?

8.

Smith & Wesson, and Sturm Ruger & Co., are US manufacturers of which type of firearm?

Go to Round 5 questions with answers

ROUND 6 - 'County Lines'

1.

Known as the 'Staggies' which professional Scottish football club is based in the Highland town of Dingwall?

2.

Which Senator from Massachusetts was the Democratic nominee for president in 2004 when he lost to George W Bush?

3.

Which important mountain pass lies near the meeting point of Kentucky, Tennessee and Virginia? Lonnie Donegan topped the charts in 1957 singing about it.

4.

Since 1758 which island has been officially divided into three counties given the names Cornwall, Middlesex and Surrey?

5.

"The Stour to the North, The Lea to the West, The Thames to the South, and the sea for the rest".

This short rhyme serves as a mnemonic device for the historic boundaries of which English county? 

6.

Haverfordwest is the largest town and administrative headquarters of which county in Wales, known in Welsh as Sir Benfro.

7.

All but two of the fifty states in the USA are divided into political subdivisions called counties.  Which state takes a less secular approach and is divided instead into 64 parishes?

8.

Which county, situated along the Hudson River in the south-eastern corner of New York State comes between Greene County to the north and Orange County to the south?

Sp1

Given that the Hundred-Acre Wood was based on Ashdown Forest, in which county did Winnie the Pooh live?

Sp2

The Dennis Potter play Blue Remembered Hills takes its title from the 40th poem of which famous collection of 63 poems written in 1896?

Go to Round 6 questions with answers

ROUND 7 - Pairs with an Italian theme

1.

The Italian male name 'Guglielmo' has which English equivalent?

2.

In the 1990 World cup, held in Italy, England played Germany in the semi final, held in which city?

3.

The Italian newspaper La Stampa literally means what?

4.

Which is the main city of the Italian region of Campania?

5.

Which is the main city of the Italian region of Liguria?

6.

The Italian newspaper 'Corriere Della Sera' literally means what?

7.

In the 1990 world cup, after England lost to Germany, they played Italy in a third play off match held in which city?

8.

The Italian male name 'Enzo' has which English equivalent?

Sp1

Bari is the main city of which Italian region?

Sp2

The Italian name 'Lorenzo' has which English equivalent?

Go to Round 7 questions with answers

ROUND 8 - Hidden theme

1.

According to the 1953 film Calamity Jane, what was “rolling on over the plains”?

2.

What signature dish did Heston Blumenthal create in 2003 for his Michelin starred restaurant by treating oats like risotto rice and adding an unusual protein source?

3.

In Bob Dylan’s 1964 song The Times They Are A Changin, he advises listeners to “start swimmin’ / Or you’ll ……..”.  What 4 words follow?

4.

Which 1998 romcom starred Gwyneth Paltrow and provided 2 possible storylines depending on whether she caught a train or not?

5.

What machine of ancient origin, usually attributed to a famous inventor, has been used for irrigation for centuries and has found a new lease of life in power generation?

6.

By what 3-letter acronym is the flag carrier airline of Portugal known?

7.

What name is given to the series of clashes between the British Union of Fascists and a broad coalition of anti-fascists on 4th October 1936 in East London?

8.

What is the modern, politically correct, version of the now frowned upon corporate jargon phrase 'brain-storm'?

Sp.

What term is given to a dedicated pool of money set aside gradually over time to pay for a large, known, or anticipated future expense?

Go to Round 8 questions with answers

ROUND 1 - Announced theme - 'Cold November'

Each answer contains a word or part of a word that can be preceded by the word 'cold'

1.

The plot of which 1982 novel by Michael Morpurgo follows Joey, a bay Irish Hunter horse raised by English teenager Albert as he is bought by the British Army and sent to the battlefields of Europe?

War Horse

2.

How was the title of the 1929 German novel Im Westen nichts Neues translated into English?

All Quiet on the Western Front.

3.

In 2000, who did Channel 4 choose to present the inaugural series of Big Brother on British television?

Davina McCall

4.

After a pleasingly upfront performance in her 1937 debut film They Won't Forget Lana Turner became the first and most iconic Hollywood actress to be given which nickname?

 The Sweater Girl

5.

Taken from the Old Testament's Book of Daniel which phrase is often used to describe a hidden, serious weakness, or character flaw, in someone who is otherwise admired, powerful, or respected?

'Feet of clay'

6.

This metaphor can be traced back to the 12th century philosopher Bernard of Chartres but it is Sir Isaac Newton who is best remembered for which phrase meaning to use the understanding gained by major thinkers who have gone before in order to make intellectual progress?

'Standing on the shoulders of giants'

7.

Partly named after its lead singer, who had previously been an original member of Fairport Convention, which band had a UK number one hit in 1970 with their cover of Joni Mitchell's Woodstock?

Matthews Southern Comfort

8.

What is the English title of the critically acclaimed 1957 film directed by Akira Kurosawa which transposes the plot of Shakespeare's Macbeth from medieval Scotland to feudal Japan?

Throne of Blood

Sp1

In a desperate attempt not to win the bloody thing again Ireland sent Dustin to Belgrade to represent the country in the 2008 Eurovision Song Contest.  Why did Dustin stand out from the other contestants?

He was a puppet turkey

(becoming the first puppet to represent a country at Eurovision......allegedly......)

Sp2

What was the title of the dramatic monologue written by Alan Bennett for the BBC's celebrated Talking Heads series in which Thora Hird plays Doris who has suffered a fall and is less than pleased with the effort her home help puts into tidying up.

Cream Cracker Under the Settee

ROUND 2 - Name these TV shows from their fictional locations

1.

Danebury village hall, Suffolk

The Detectorists

2.

Button House, Surrey

Ghosts

3.

Hartley police station, Lancashire

Juliet Bravo

4.

Gasforth police station

The Thin Blue Line

5.

East Hampton hospital

Green Wing

6.

County General hospital, Chicago

ER

7.

La Chateau Anglaise restaurant

Chef

8.

H W D Components canteen, Manchester

Dinnerladies

Sp1

Cafe Rene, Nouvion

'Allo 'Allo

Sp2

British sitcom shot in an NHS Geriatric Ward

Getting On

Go back to Round 2 questions without answers

ROUND 3 - Pairs

1.

Frank Gusenberg, a targeted victim who died a few hours later and a mechanic's dog called Highball were the only surviving witnesses when police were called to the scene of which infamous 1929 crime?

The Saint Valentine's Day Massacre

2.

Which English city is the only non-capital city to be twinned with the USA’s capital, Washington DC?

Sunderland

(ancestral home of George Washinton's family)

3.

What were the birth names of the 3rd Baron Glenavy (1913-1980) under which he became a respected Irish journalist, humorist and long-serving team captain on the BBC panel show Call My Bluff?

Patrick Campbell

4.

Give the title of a 1929 novel by William Faulkner by giving the two missing words in this quote from Act 5 of Shakespeare’s Macbeth:

"It is a tale / Told by an idiot, full of..?..... and .....? , / Signifying nothing."

(The) Sound and (the) Fury

5.

Give the title of a pretentious 1996 novel by David Foster Wallace by filling in the missing two words from this quote from the 5th Act of Shakespeare’s Hamlet:

"Alas, poor Yorick! I knew him, Horatio: a fellow of ...?.....?.., ,of most excellent fancy."

Infinite Jest

6.

Born in Scotland, reared in London and dying in Ireland, under what name did Iain McGeachy become a successful singer-songwriter and guitarist?  His obituary in 2009 described him as "an electrifying guitarist and singer who blurred the boundaries between folk, jazz, rock and blues."

John Martyn

7.

Who has the distinction of being the only Englishman encountered in Paradise by Dante in The Divine Comedy?

(Saint or The Venerable) Bede

8.

A shady character dubbed 'The Umbrella Man' and a mysterious and untraceable woman referred to as 'Babushka Lady' were suspiciously present at which major 20th century historical event?

The assassination of JFK

Sp1

Which brand of sweet is described here?  Packets of these fruit-flavoured boiled sweets were launched by Mars Ltd in 1950 and continued until the 1980s.  Square with a circular depression they were known for their bold colours and distinctive geometric packaging.  In more innocent times one of their early advertising slogans was "the sweet way to go gay".

Spangles

Sp2

Which men's lifestyle magazine was launched in 1994 with the marketing slogan "For men who should know better"?

Loaded

Go back to Round 3 questions without answers

ROUND 4 - Pairs

1.

At the northern terminus of the scenic railway along the east coast of New Zealand’s South Island, which ferry port is the main link to Wellington on the North Island?

Picton

2.

Birthplace of sometime Manchester resident Ernest Rutherford, which city is the second oldest settled city in New Zealand, and despite being on South Island, is actually slightly north of the capital city of Wellington?

Nelson

3.

Which of Thomas Hardy’s Wessex novels, subtitled: The Life and Death Of A Man of Character, describes the rise and fall of the main character in a fictitious town assumed to be Dorchester where Hardy grew up?

The Mayor of Casterbridge

4.

Charles Dickens completed 5 novels titled with the names of the main character.  Name any 3.

Any 3 from:

Oliver Twist, Nicholas Nickleby, Barnaby Rudge, Martin Chuzzlewit, David Copperfield

5.

In the recent Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in Rotterdam who won 2 silver medals for Great Britain in the floor and vault disciplines?

(Jake) Jarman

6.

The Red Roses, England’s Women’s Rugby Union team, had a 4 year winning streak ended by Canada recently.  Who captains the Red Roses?

(Meg) Jones

7.

Which 2026 TV Series stars Pearce Quigley as the eccentric Michael Sleep, whose search for his missing partner leads him to create magical prophesying spirits.  It has attracted a surprising cult following?

Small Prophets

8.

According to the Independent (20th October), what TV program attracted the biggest audience, both live and streamed, to date in 2026?

Celebrity Traitors

Sp.

Which Austrian composer (b 1732, d 1809) is often referred to as the 'Father of the Symphony' and also the 'Father of the String Quartet'?

(Joseph) Haydn

Go back to Round 4 questions without answers

ROUND 5 - Hidden theme

1.

Which US drama series, 2022-2024 concerns the Dutton family and a large ranch estate?

Yellowstone

2.

Which US police drama series, 2009-2014, is mainly set in New York?

White Collar

3.

The Northern Light cinema is in which Greater Manchester suburb?

Sale

4.

The new Elizabeth Line in London runs from Reading to two eastern termini, one being Shenfield in Essex, the other being where in Kent?

Abbey Wood

5.

Which US American artist, born in Italy and died in London, was a leading portrait painter of the Belle Epoch period?

John Singer Sargent

6.

'Ficus Elastica' is the Latin name for which flowering plant mainly found in South East Asia?

Rubber

(plant or bush tree)

7.

What is the predominant colour of the flag of Morocco?

Red

(with green star in centre)

8.

Smith & Wesson, and Sturm Ruger & Co., are US manufacturers of which type of firearm?

Revolver

Theme: Each answer contains a key word which appears in the title of one of The Beatles' albums

Go back to Round 5 questions without answers

ROUND 6 - 'County Lines'

1.

Known as the 'Staggies' which professional Scottish football club is based in the Highland town of Dingwall?

Ross County

2.

Which Senator from Massachusetts was the Democratic nominee for president in 2004 when he lost to George W Bush?

(John) Kerry

3.

Which important mountain pass lies near the meeting point of Kentucky, Tennessee and Virginia? Lonnie Donegan topped the charts in 1957 singing about it.

The Cumberland Gap

4.

Since 1758 which island has been officially divided into three counties given the names Cornwall, Middlesex and Surrey?

Jamaica

5.

"The Stour to the North, The Lea to the West, The Thames to the South, and the sea for the rest".

This short rhyme serves as a mnemonic device for the historic boundaries of which English county? 

Essex

6.

Haverfordwest is the largest town and administrative headquarters of which county in Wales, known in Welsh as Sir Benfro.

Pembrokeshire

7.

All but two of the fifty states in the USA are divided into political subdivisions called counties.  Which state takes a less secular approach and is divided instead into 64 parishes?

Louisiana

(the other exception is Alaska which is divided into boroughs)

8.

Which county, situated along the Hudson River in the south-eastern corner of New York State comes between Greene County to the north and Orange County to the south?

Ulster County

Sp1

Given that the Hundred-Acre Wood was based on Ashdown Forest, in which county did Winnie the Pooh live?

 East Sussex

Sp2

The Dennis Potter play Blue Remembered Hills takes its title from the 40th poem of which famous collection of 63 poems written in 1896?

A Shropshire Lad

(by A E Housman)

Go back to Round 6 questions without answers

ROUND 7 - Pairs with an Italian theme

1.

The Italian male name 'Guglielmo' has which English equivalent?

William

2.

In the 1990 World cup, held in Italy, England played Germany in the semi final, held in which city?

Turin

(we lost on penalties and Gazza cried)

3.

The Italian newspaper La Stampa literally means what?

4.

Which is the main city of the Italian region of Campania?

5.

Which is the main city of the Italian region of Liguria?

Genoa

6.

The Italian newspaper 'Corriere Della Sera' literally means what?

Evening Courier

(answers must include the word 'evening')

7.

In the 1990 world cup, after England lost to Germany, they played Italy in a third play off match held in which city?

Bari

(we lost 2-1, and finished 4th)

8.

The Italian male name 'Enzo' has which English equivalent?

Henry

Sp1

Bari is the main city of which Italian region?

Puglia

Sp2

The Italian name 'Lorenzo' has which English equivalent?

Lawrence

Go back to Round 7 questions without answers

ROUND 8 - Hidden theme

1.

According to the 1953 film Calamity Jane, what was “rolling on over the plains”?

The Deadwood Stage

2.

What signature dish did Heston Blumenthal create in 2003 for his Michelin starred restaurant by treating oats like risotto rice and adding an unusual protein source?

Snail Porridge

3.

In Bob Dylan’s 1964 song The Times They Are A Changin, he advises listeners to “start swimmin’ / Or you’ll ……..”.  What 4 words follow?

"Sink like a stone"

4.

Which 1998 romcom starred Gwyneth Paltrow and provided 2 possible storylines depending on whether she caught a train or not?

Sliding Doors

5.

What machine of ancient origin, usually attributed to a famous inventor, has been used for irrigation for centuries and has found a new lease of life in power generation?

Archimedes Screw

6.

By what 3-letter acronym is the flag carrier airline of Portugal known?

TAP

7.

What name is given to the series of clashes between the British Union of Fascists and a broad coalition of anti-fascists on 4th October 1936 in East London?

The Battle of Cable Street

8.

What is the modern, politically correct, version of the now frowned upon corporate jargon phrase 'brain-storm'?

Thought-shower or

Idea-shower

Sp.

What term is given to a dedicated pool of money set aside gradually over time to pay for a large, known, or anticipated future expense?

Sinking fund

Theme: Each answer contains the name of a house-building component

Go back to Round 8 questions without answers