ROUND 1 - 'Famous Firsts'

1.

Which 1970 novel begins: "What can you say about a twenty-five-year-old girl who died?  That she was beautiful.  And brilliant.  That she loved Mozart and Bach.  And the Beatles.  And me."

2.

Which 1988 novel begins: "'To be born again,' sang Gibreel Farishta tumbling from the heavens, 'first you have to die'."?

3.

On 21 August 1965, what Football League first did Keith Peacock of Charlton Athletic achieve?

4.

In 1976 in Montreal, who became the first person to be awarded a perfect score of 10 in an Olympic gymnastics event?

5.

Presented live from Rusholme, Top of the Pops was first broadcast on Wednesday, 1 January 1964 at 6:35 pm.  Which band was first to appear on the show?

6.

Which UK television first did Bird’s Eye Frozen Peas achieve on 15 November 1969?

7.

On 18 March 1965, Alexey Leonov became the first human in space to do what?

8.

On November 3rd 1957, the dog Laika became the first animal to orbit the Earth.  What first did the dogs Belka and Strelka achieve on August 19th 1960?

Sp1

Anointed the ‘Queen of Soul’ in 1968, who became the first woman to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987?

Sp2

In April 1964, the actor/comedian, Peter Sellers, became the first man to appear on the cover of which publication?

Sp3

After joining Manchester United in May, Jose Mourinho went to see his first match at Old Trafford on 5 June 2016.  Name either of the two teams playing - and neither of them was Manchester United

Go to Round 1 questions with answers

ROUND 2 - 'Best of the Worst'

Each answer makes reference to the title of a British film released in 1969 - or, if you like, you can just treat this as a Pot pourri Round

1.

The Infernal Galop from Offenbach's Orpheus in the Underworld is the tune most associated with which dance?

2.

Born in c1450 and dying in 1516, which Dutch painter is known for his fantastic imagery, detailed landscapes, and religious illustrations, including his macabre depictions of hell?

3.

This word describes a pubic wig, originally worn by prostitutes after shaving their genitalia.  In the 1964 film Dr. Strangelove, it is the US President’s first name, as played by Peter Sellers.  What is the word or name?

4.

In 1984, who became the first sponsors of the Derby horse race at Epsom?

5.

The plant 'myosotis scorpioides’ has hairy stems, about a foot in height.  Flowering from May to October, its five-petalled blooms are usually blue with yellow centres, but can be pink.  Sometimes called Scorpion Grass, by what name is it more commonly known?

6.

The Ark of the Covenant had a gold lid with two cherubim coming out of its ends.  It was connected with the rituals of the Day of Atonement.  According to the Hebrew Bible, this covering is called the what…?

7.

Which one word links the fatty deposits found on certain even-toed ungulates, and an annual film festival in the USA, initiated in 2005, which showcases home-movie erotica, amateur sex cinema, and locally produced pornography?

8.

What phrase did Samuel Pepys first write on January 4th 1660, and then repeated on many later occasions?

Sp1

The American stand-up comedian, George Carlin, was noted for his black comedy and thoughts on politics.  Complete this quotation by him: "Scratch any cynic and you will.....…" what?

Sp2

This TV series, based on The Southern Vampire Mysteries by Charlaine Harris, follows the lives of vampires and humans in the fictional Louisiana town of Bon Temps.  It centres on telepathic barmaid Sookie Stackhouse, who is disillusioned with life until she meets a mysterious 173-year-old vampire named Bill Compton.  What is the TV series called?

Sp3

Until the 1991 ban, TV adverts for this brand featured numerous celebrities such as Ian Botham, Gregor Fisher and Russ Abbott, and used an excerpt from a jazz rendition of Bach's Air on the G String, played by Jacques Loussier and his trio.  What was the slogan?

Go to Round 2 questions with answers

ROUND 3 - Paired Transport questions

1.

He came to prominence in 1965, with the publication of his book Unsafe at Any Speed, a critique of the safety record of American automobile manufacturers.  Who is this five-time US presidential candidate?

2.

This Australian-born driver won his third and final Formula 1 World Driver’s championship in 1966.  In doing so, he became the first - and still the only - man to win the F1 championship driving in a car of his own design.  Who was he?

3.

Boudicca (or Boadicea) led the Iceni, against the Romans in 60 or 61AD.  There is no evidence for it, but some believe she was buried between platforms 9 and 10 in which railway station?

4.

In 1998, Florent Longuepée, a municipal councillor in Paris, wrote to the UK PM, Tony Blair, demanding that he change the name of which railway station?

5.

The first successful heavier-than-air powered aircraft flew near Kitty Hawk, North Carolina on 17th December 1903.  What was the biplane called?

6.

This form of aircraft has an unpowered, horizontally rotating propeller on a shaft above the fuselage to provide lift, while a conventional propeller provides forward propulsion.  It first flew in 1923.  Film appearances include You Only Live Twice in 1967, and the second Mad Max film in 1981.  What is this form of aircraft called?

7.

What vessel’s name links the American inventor Robert Fulton in 1800, Jules Verne in 1870, and a launch in 1954?

8.

There were over 100 ships in Tokyo Bay on 2nd September 1945, but which one was the focus of attention? 

Sp1

Who designed, among other things, the Volkswagen Beetle in 1938 and the Tiger II tank in 1943?  (surname only will do)

Sp2

The Hogwarts Express departs from Platform 9¾ on 1st September at 11am, while Platform 7½ offers a long-distance train to wizard-only villages in continental Europe.  Name the station.

Sp3

The world's first fully aerobatic helicopter was designed and built by Westland Helicopters.  It went into operational usage in 1977 as a multi-purpose military helicopter.  In 1986, a specially modified version set an absolute speed record for helicopters (over a 15km and 25km course) of 400.87 kilometres per hour (249.09 mph).  This record remains unbroken.  What is its name?

Sp4

Launched in 1910 and sold for scrap in 1935; launched in 1911 and sunk in 1912; launched in 1914 and sunk in 1916.  In any order, name these three ships, built by Harland and Wolff in Belfast.

Go to Round 3 questions with answers

ROUND 4 - 'Myths & Legends'

Each answer contains a mythological, legendary, or folkloric name

1.

In the 1930s, the Germans built a defensive line opposite the French Maginot Line, which they called the ‘Westwall’.  Which English song about it, was popular during WW2?

2.

In the US sitcoms, Cheers and Frasier, what is the name of the character that Frasier Crane marries, has a son by, and divorces?  (first name only is needed)

3.

Which 2.5 mile long cycleway and bridleway, links Hayfield to New Mills, via Birch Vale and Ollersett?

4.

Br’er Rabbit is the main character of a book, published in 1881.  Who is the title character and narrator of this collection of African-American folktales?

5.

This brothel keeper made headlines in the 1970s and 1980s after holding sex parties in Streatham in exchange for luncheon vouchers.  In the 1992 Streatham general election, she stood as candidate for the Payne and Pleasure Party (that is 'Payne' spelt 'P-A-Y-N-E').  By what nickname was she widely known?

6.

Midway between the Red Lion and Christies, on the opposite side of the road, is a block of shops.  On the right of Mike's Fish ’n Chips is a Coral betting office.  What is the name of the long-established Middle Eastern restaurant to its left?

7.

The 18th century landscape architect, Capability Brown, designed over 170 parks, many of which still endure.  What was his real first name?

8.

The shooting of the final scenes of the film Troy were delayed several months, when Brad Pitt suffered what sort of injury?

Sp1

In a 1925 case, ‘The State of Tennessee v. John Thomas Scopes’, Scopes was accused of breaking the law by teaching human evolution in a state-funded school.  By what name was the case popularly known?

Sp2

 In 2000, a special BAFTA was awarded to four actresses who had appeared in a 1960s TV series, with a 1976-77 sequel.  The actresses were Honor Blackman, Diana Rigg, Joanna Lumley and who else?

Go to Round 4 questions with answers

ROUND 5 - 'Commemorative Plaques'

All the answers in this round involve people, buildings, or events commemorated by blue, red, black or green plaques in Manchester (all plaques are in the town centre, unless otherwise stated)

Note: Blue plaques are for People, Red plaques for Events of Social Importance, Black plaques for Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest and Green plaques for Other Categories

1.

Which event led to the foundation of the Manchester Guardian in 1821?

2.

Dutch Tears are tadpole-shaped glass droplets with long thin tails.  The bulbous end can withstand a hammer blow, but if the tail end is even slightly damaged, the tear drop explodes.  By what other name are these drops known?

3.

Which sporting organisation was founded on 17th April 1888 at the Royal Hotel, which stood on Market Street?

4.

He was acclaimed for his urban landscapes of Manchester, but is now chiefly remembered as L S Lowry’s tutor.  Who was this French Impressionist painter?

5.

Following events in August 1945, there were about 650,000 ‘hibakusha’.  As of March 31st 2016 there were 174,080 still alive.  What is a ‘hibakusha’?

6.

He served as Bishop of Manchester (1921–29), Archbishop of York (1929–42), and Archbishop of Canterbury (1942-44).  He is the last Archbishop of Canterbury to have died while in office and the first to be cremated.  Who was he?

7.

On November 5th 1980, Manchester became the first city of this type in the world.  There are now about 50 in the UK, and more around the world.  What are they?

8.

He once said: "Modern music is three farts and a raspberry, orchestrated".  This conductor’s bust is outside the Bridgewater Hall, but he is more closely associated with the Free Trade Hall.  Who is he?

Sp1

In 1910, an Eccles-born pilot founded an aircraft manufacturing company, famed for its bombers, in Ancoats.  Sites were later established in Alexandra Park, Chadderton, Trafford Park, and Woodford.  Who was he?

Sp2

This Declaration was passed by France’s National Constituent Assembly in August 1789.  Key drafts were prepared by General Lafayette, working at times with Thomas Jefferson.  What is it called?

Go to Round 5 questions with answers

ROUND 6 - Pairs

1.

What surname links a 19-year old daughter from a wealthy family in the novel Dracula, and a New Zealand singer, whose first international album Pure, was No. 1 in the UK classical charts in 2003?

2.

In 1998, the Lego logo underwent a ‘graphic tightening’ for better Internet reproduction, but it has used the same colours since 1973.  Which four colours comprise the Lego logo?

3.

What do the Satsuki golf course (in Sano, Japan) and the Gunsan Country Club (in South Korea) have, which no other 18-hole golf courses has?

4.

Born on 13th September 1874, he suffered from triskaidekaphobia.  In his incomplete three-act opera Moses und Aron, 'Aron' originally had two As, until he realised the title contained 13 letters, and he crossed one out.  He died on Friday 13th July 1951.  Name this Austrian composer.

5.

Born in 1866, he wrote works such as Authentic Flabby Preludes (For a Dog).  He established his own church - the Metropolitan Church of Art of Jesus the Conductor, and he only ate white food.  After he died in 1925, over 100 umbrellas were found in his home.  Who was this French composer and pianist?

6.

In golf, a 'Birdie' is one under par for a hole.  What term is used for four under par?

7.

The current Google logo was launched in September 2015, and has used the same four colours since 1998.  Which two colours are used twice in the Google logo?

8.

What surname links a ship’s captain, whose letters to his sister form part of the novel Frankenstein, and an Oldham-born classical composer, whose 1923 work Façade was described by The Manchester Guardian as "relentless cacophony"? 

Sp1

Sp2

In the 1960’s TV series Thunderbirds, how many members were there in the Tracy Family?

Go to Round 6 questions with answers

ROUND 7 - 'A Sports Round'

1.

Since 1980, this World Championship has been held on a Saturday in late June, at Willaston in Cheshire. The World Record, set in 2009, is 567 in 30 minutes from a 3 metres square plot.  To what does '567' refer?

2.

For about an hour, in late August or September, teams from the Royal Southern Yacht Club, Hamble, and the Island Sailing Club, Cowes, play what sport in the middle of the Solent?

3.

The world championship is held every August Bank Holiday near Lllanwrtyd Wells in mid-Wales. Competitors must complete the 120 yard course without using arm strokes, relying on leg power alone. The course record is currently 1min 22.56secs.  What sport are we talking about?

4.

In 1957, the Duke of Edinburgh appointed The Goons as his royal champions against Cambridge University.  The World Singles event started in 1973, and the World Pairs event followed in 1978. International competition is overseen by the IFTwA.  What game are we talking about?

5.

The annual World Championships are held in the town of Upperthong in Holmfirth, where the sport originated.  Competitors are required to hurl or ‘wang’ their projectile as far as possible within boundary lines, from a standing or running start.  The maximum run-up is 42 paces, chosen in memory of Douglas Adams, who played the sport.  What is used as the projectile?

6.

This game has been dated to the time of the Han dynasty (206 BC – 220AD).  The 10th UK Championship is this Saturday at the Green Man Pub in London.  Gambits include Avalanche, Bureaucrat and Toolbox.  Also called Roshambo, by what name is this game better known?

7.

On the 2nd Sunday in September, this championship takes place outside the Oaks pub in Ramsbottom.  It involves a purpose built stand called the oche, a 20-foot high plinth, and which two foodstuffs?

8.

First held in 2007, this wrestling competition takes place at the Rose 'n Bowl, at Stacksteads in Rossendale on August Bank Holiday Monday.  Contestants wrestle for 2 minutes, and are scored by audience applause, and for the various moves.  What ingredient is integral to the competition?

Sp1

This sport is traditionally associated with Somerset, but the National Championships is usually held in Sherston, Wiltshire in October.  Contestants stand with both feet in a pitching basket and throw their missiles at the target, which is called a Norman.  Closest to the Norman wins.  Which vegetable, developed in the 18th Century, is used for both pitching and as the target?

Sp2

The game of 'Dwile flonking' involves two teams, each taking a turn to dance around the other while attempting to avoid being hit by what item, thrown by the non-dancing team?

Go to Round 7 questions with answers

ROUND 8 - 'Famous Lasts'

1.

First shown on 28th February 1983, Goodbye, Farewell and Amen was the 256th and final episode of which TV series?  It was the most watched TV broadcast in American history until the 2010 Super Bowl.

2.

Pieter van den Hoogenband, won gold in the 100m freestyle in the 2000 Olympics, in 48.30 seconds, but people tend to remember the swimmer who won his heat, and set a new national record for Equatorial Guinea, with a more languid 1:52.72.  Who was he?  (nickname will suffice)

3.

Which 70’s horror film ends with this dialogue:

Chief Martin Brody: "I used to hate water"

Matt Hooper: "I can’t imagine why"?

4.

Born on August 27th 1908 in a farmhouse, who was the last US President not to be born in a hospital?

5.

Born on November 19th 1831, who was the last US President to be born in a log cabin?

6.

Which dystopian crime film from the 1970s ends with the character Alex speaking this line:

"I was cured all right"?

7.

The first 'Lanterne Rouge’ was awarded to Arsène Millocheau of France in 1903.  The 2016 holder is the Irishman Sam Bennett.  To whom is this award made and in what event?

8.

After 295 episodes over 37 years, which TV comedy series ended in 2010 with a slapstick joke about a pair of trouserless policemen, and one of the few remaining original cast members pondering: "Did I lock the door?"?

Sp1

From the late 18th century to 1909, what prize was awarded by Cambridge students to the man who earned a 3rd-class degree in the Maths Tripos, but had the lowest exam marks?

Sp2

On 20th April 2016, Choppers, a 48 year chimpanzee , died at Twycross Zoo.  What was her link to TV?

Go to Round 8 questions with answers

ROUND 1 - 'Famous Firsts'

1.

Which 1970 novel begins: "What can you say about a twenty-five-year-old girl who died?  That she was beautiful.  And brilliant.  That she loved Mozart and Bach.  And the Beatles.  And me."

2.

Which 1988 novel begins: "'To be born again,' sang Gibreel Farishta tumbling from the heavens, 'first you have to die'."?

The Satanic Verses

(by Salman Rushdie)

3.

On 21 August 1965, what Football League first did Keith Peacock of Charlton Athletic achieve?

The first substitute

(he replaced injured goalkeeper Mike Rose, 11 minutes into their away match against Bolton Wanderers)

4.

In 1976 in Montreal, who became the first person to be awarded a perfect score of 10 in an Olympic gymnastics event?

Nadia Comăneci

5.

Presented live from Rusholme, Top of the Pops was first broadcast on Wednesday, 1 January 1964 at 6:35 pm.  Which band was first to appear on the show?

The Rolling Stones

(singing the Lennon-McCartney-penned song I Wanna be Your Man)

6.

Which UK television first did Bird’s Eye Frozen Peas achieve on 15 November 1969?

First product advertised in colour

7.

On 18 March 1965, Alexey Leonov became the first human in space to do what?

Walk in space

(technically, he conducted extravehicular activity, exiting the capsule during the Voskhod 2 mission for a 12-minute spacewalk)

8.

On November 3rd 1957, the dog Laika became the first animal to orbit the Earth.  What first did the dogs Belka and Strelka achieve on August 19th 1960?

First animals to orbit the Earth, and survive

(accompanied by a grey rabbit, 42 mice, two rats, flies and several plants and fungi - all passengers survived)

Sp1

Anointed the ‘Queen of Soul’ in 1968, who became the first woman to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987?

Aretha Franklin

Sp2

In April 1964, the actor/comedian, Peter Sellers, became the first man to appear on the cover of which publication?

Playboy

(the 10th and most recent male cover was Bruno Mars in March 2012)

Sp3

After joining Manchester United in May, Jose Mourinho went to see his first match at Old Trafford on 5 June 2016.  Name either of the two teams playing - and neither of them was Manchester United

(either) England (or) The Rest of the World

(SoccerAid 2016. He led the England team of celebrities and footballers)

ROUND 2 - 'Best of the Worst'

Each answer makes reference to the title of a British film released in 1969 - or, if you like, you can just treat this as a Pot pourri Round

1.

The Infernal Galop from Offenbach's Orpheus in the Underworld is the tune most associated with which dance?

Can-can

2.

Born in c1450 and dying in 1516, which Dutch painter is known for his fantastic imagery, detailed landscapes, and religious illustrations, including his macabre depictions of hell?

Hieronymus Bosch

3.

This word describes a pubic wig, originally worn by prostitutes after shaving their genitalia.  In the 1964 film Dr. Strangelove, it is the US President’s first name, as played by Peter Sellers.  What is the word or name?

Merkin

(the President is called Merkin Muffley)

4.

In 1984, who became the first sponsors of the Derby horse race at Epsom?

Ever Ready

5.

The plant 'myosotis scorpioides’ has hairy stems, about a foot in height.  Flowering from May to October, its five-petalled blooms are usually blue with yellow centres, but can be pink.  Sometimes called Scorpion Grass, by what name is it more commonly known?

Forget-me-not

6.

The Ark of the Covenant had a gold lid with two cherubim coming out of its ends.  It was connected with the rituals of the Day of Atonement.  According to the Hebrew Bible, this covering is called the what…?

Mercy Seat

7.

Which one word links the fatty deposits found on certain even-toed ungulates, and an annual film festival in the USA, initiated in 2005, which showcases home-movie erotica, amateur sex cinema, and locally produced pornography?

Hump

8.

What phrase did Samuel Pepys first write on January 4th 1660, and then repeated on many later occasions?

"....and so to bed"

Sp1

The American stand-up comedian, George Carlin, was noted for his black comedy and thoughts on politics.  Complete this quotation by him: "Scratch any cynic and you will.....…" what?

"....find a disappointed idealist"

Sp2

This TV series, based on The Southern Vampire Mysteries by Charlaine Harris, follows the lives of vampires and humans in the fictional Louisiana town of Bon Temps.  It centres on telepathic barmaid Sookie Stackhouse, who is disillusioned with life until she meets a mysterious 173-year-old vampire named Bill Compton.  What is the TV series called?

True Blood

Sp3

Until the 1991 ban, TV adverts for this brand featured numerous celebrities such as Ian Botham, Gregor Fisher and Russ Abbott, and used an excerpt from a jazz rendition of Bach's Air on the G String, played by Jacques Loussier and his trio.  What was the slogan?

"Happiness is a cigar called Hamlet"

Film title theme:

Can Hieronymus Merkin Ever Forget Mercy Humppe and Find True Happiness?

This 1969 British musical film was directed by and starred Anthony Newley.  The cast included his then wife Joan Collins, Milton Berle, and Bruce Forsyth.  In 2006, the movie won a readers' poll in the Chicago Tribune as ‘The Worst Movie Title Ever’

Go back to Round 2 questions without answers

ROUND 3 - Paired Transport questions

1.

He came to prominence in 1965, with the publication of his book Unsafe at Any Speed, a critique of the safety record of American automobile manufacturers.  Who is this five-time US presidential candidate?

Ralph Nader

2.

This Australian-born driver won his third and final Formula 1 World Driver’s championship in 1966.  In doing so, he became the first - and still the only - man to win the F1 championship driving in a car of his own design.  Who was he?

Jack Brabham

3.

Boudicca (or Boadicea) led the Iceni, against the Romans in 60 or 61AD.  There is no evidence for it, but some believe she was buried between platforms 9 and 10 in which railway station?

King's Cross, London

4.

In 1998, Florent Longuepée, a municipal councillor in Paris, wrote to the UK PM, Tony Blair, demanding that he change the name of which railway station?

Waterloo Station

(he said it was upsetting for the French to be reminded of Napoleon's defeat whenever they arrived in London by Eurostar)

5.

The first successful heavier-than-air powered aircraft flew near Kitty Hawk, North Carolina on 17th December 1903.  What was the biplane called?

The Wright Flyer

(accept the Flyer, Flyer I or 1903 Flyer)

6.

This form of aircraft has an unpowered, horizontally rotating propeller on a shaft above the fuselage to provide lift, while a conventional propeller provides forward propulsion.  It first flew in 1923.  Film appearances include You Only Live Twice in 1967, and the second Mad Max film in 1981.  What is this form of aircraft called?

Autogyro

(accept also gyroplane, gyrocopter, or rotaplane)

7.

What vessel’s name links the American inventor Robert Fulton in 1800, Jules Verne in 1870, and a launch in 1954?

Nautilus

(the submarine designed by Fulton in 1793-97 and successfully tested in 1800; the submarine in Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea; the world's first operational nuclear-powered submarine)

8.

There were over 100 ships in Tokyo Bay on 2nd September 1945, but which one was the focus of attention? 

USS Missouri

(on which the signing of the Japanese Instrument of Surrender took place)

Sp1

Who designed, among other things, the Volkswagen Beetle in 1938 and the Tiger II tank in 1943?  (surname only will do)

Ferdinand Porsche

Sp2

The Hogwarts Express departs from Platform 9¾ on 1st September at 11am, while Platform 7½ offers a long-distance train to wizard-only villages in continental Europe.  Name the station.

King's Cross, London

(J. K. Rowling chose it because it was where her parents first met when getting a train to Scotland)

Sp3

The world's first fully aerobatic helicopter was designed and built by Westland Helicopters.  It went into operational usage in 1977 as a multi-purpose military helicopter.  In 1986, a specially modified version set an absolute speed record for helicopters (over a 15km and 25km course) of 400.87 kilometres per hour (249.09 mph).  This record remains unbroken.  What is its name?

The Westland Lynx

Sp4

Launched in 1910 and sold for scrap in 1935; launched in 1911 and sunk in 1912; launched in 1914 and sunk in 1916.  In any order, name these three ships, built by Harland and Wolff in Belfast.

Olympic (broken up at Inverkeithing, 1938),

Titanic,

Britannic (hit by a mine off the Greek island of Kea)

(all were Olympic-class ocean liners built for The White Star Line)

Go back to Round 3 questions without answers

ROUND 4 - 'Myths & Legends'

Each answer contains a mythological, legendary, or folkloric name

1.

In the 1930s, the Germans built a defensive line opposite the French Maginot Line, which they called the ‘Westwall’.  Which English song about it, was popular during WW2?

We're Going to Hang out the Washing on the Siegfried Line

2.

In the US sitcoms, Cheers and Frasier, what is the name of the character that Frasier Crane marries, has a son by, and divorces?  (first name only is needed)

Lilith Sternin

3.

Which 2.5 mile long cycleway and bridleway, links Hayfield to New Mills, via Birch Vale and Ollersett?

The Sett Valley Trail

4.

Br’er Rabbit is the main character of a book, published in 1881.  Who is the title character and narrator of this collection of African-American folktales?

Uncle Remus

5.

This brothel keeper made headlines in the 1970s and 1980s after holding sex parties in Streatham in exchange for luncheon vouchers.  In the 1992 Streatham general election, she stood as candidate for the Payne and Pleasure Party (that is 'Payne' spelt 'P-A-Y-N-E').  By what nickname was she widely known?

Madame Cyn

(Cynthia Payne, who died in November 2015)

6.

Midway between the Red Lion and Christies, on the opposite side of the road, is a block of shops.  On the right of Mike's Fish ’n Chips is a Coral betting office.  What is the name of the long-established Middle Eastern restaurant to its left?

The Aladdin

7.

The 18th century landscape architect, Capability Brown, designed over 170 parks, many of which still endure.  What was his real first name?

Lancelot

8.

The shooting of the final scenes of the film Troy were delayed several months, when Brad Pitt suffered what sort of injury?

A torn left Achilles tendon

(accept any answer that mentions Achilles tendon)

Sp1

In a 1925 case, ‘The State of Tennessee v. John Thomas Scopes’, Scopes was accused of breaking the law by teaching human evolution in a state-funded school.  By what name was the case popularly known?

The Scopes Monkey Trial

Sp2

 In 2000, a special BAFTA was awarded to four actresses who had appeared in a 1960s TV series, with a 1976-77 sequel.  The actresses were Honor Blackman, Diana Rigg, Joanna Lumley and who else?

Linda Thorson

(Cathy Gale, Emma Peel, Purdey, and Tara King in The Avengers)

Go back to Round 4 questions without answers

ROUND 5 - 'Commemorative Plaques'

All the answers in this round involve people, buildings, or events commemorated by blue, red, black or green plaques in Manchester (all plaques are in the town centre, unless otherwise stated)

1.

Which event led to the foundation of the Manchester Guardian in 1821?

The Peterloo Massacre

(Red plaque on the former Free Trade Hall, Peter Street)

2.

Dutch Tears are tadpole-shaped glass droplets with long thin tails.  The bulbous end can withstand a hammer blow, but if the tail end is even slightly damaged, the tear drop explodes.  By what other name are these drops known?

Prince Rupert's Drops

(Blue plaque on Didsbury Library)

3.

Which sporting organisation was founded on 17th April 1888 at the Royal Hotel, which stood on Market Street?

The Football League

(Red plaque on Royal Buildings, 124-130 Market Street)

4.

He was acclaimed for his urban landscapes of Manchester, but is now chiefly remembered as L S Lowry’s tutor.  Who was this French Impressionist painter?

(Pierre) Adolphe Valette

(Blue plaque on The Manchester School of Art, Cavendish St., All Saints)

5.

Following events in August 1945, there were about 650,000 ‘hibakusha’.  As of March 31st 2016 there were 174,080 still alive.  What is a ‘hibakusha’?

A surviving victim of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki

(allow if only Hiroshima or Nagasaki is mentioned)

(Hibakusha translates as ‘explosion-affected people’)

(Green plaque on the People’s History Museum, by the Irwell)

6.

He served as Bishop of Manchester (1921–29), Archbishop of York (1929–42), and Archbishop of Canterbury (1942-44).  He is the last Archbishop of Canterbury to have died while in office and the first to be cremated.  Who was he?

William Temple

(Blue plaque on Cathedral Street)

7.

On November 5th 1980, Manchester became the first city of this type in the world.  There are now about 50 in the UK, and more around the world.  What are they?

Nuclear Free Zones

(Red plaque on the Town Hall, Albert Square)

8.

He once said: "Modern music is three farts and a raspberry, orchestrated".  This conductor’s bust is outside the Bridgewater Hall, but he is more closely associated with the Free Trade Hall.  Who is he?

Sir John Barbirolli

(Blue plaque on Appleby Lodge, Wilmslow Road, opposite Platt Fields)

Sp1

In 1910, an Eccles-born pilot founded an aircraft manufacturing company, famed for its bombers, in Ancoats.  Sites were later established in Alexandra Park, Chadderton, Trafford Park, and Woodford.  Who was he?

AV Roe

(Sir Edwin Alliott Verdon Roe - the Avro company built the Lancaster and Vulcan bombers)

(Blue plaque on Brownfield Mill, Ancoats)

Sp2

This Declaration was passed by France’s National Constituent Assembly in August 1789.  Key drafts were prepared by General Lafayette, working at times with Thomas Jefferson.  What is it called?

The Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen

(accept 'Declaration of the Rights of Man' but do not accept 'Declaration of Human Rights', which was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in December 1948)

(Green plaque supposedly near Hanging Ditch)

Go back to Round 5 questions without answers

ROUND 6 - Pairs

1.

What surname links a 19-year old daughter from a wealthy family in the novel Dracula, and a New Zealand singer, whose first international album Pure, was No. 1 in the UK classical charts in 2003?

Westenra

(Lucy and Hayley)

2.

In 1998, the Lego logo underwent a ‘graphic tightening’ for better Internet reproduction, but it has used the same colours since 1973.  Which four colours comprise the Lego logo?

Black White Yellow Red

3.

What do the Satsuki golf course (in Sano, Japan) and the Gunsan Country Club (in South Korea) have, which no other 18-hole golf courses has?

A par 7 hole

4.

Born on 13th September 1874, he suffered from triskaidekaphobia.  In his incomplete three-act opera Moses und Aron, 'Aron' originally had two As, until he realised the title contained 13 letters, and he crossed one out.  He died on Friday 13th July 1951.  Name this Austrian composer.

Arnold Schoenberg

5.

Born in 1866, he wrote works such as Authentic Flabby Preludes (For a Dog).  He established his own church - the Metropolitan Church of Art of Jesus the Conductor, and he only ate white food.  After he died in 1925, over 100 umbrellas were found in his home.  Who was this French composer and pianist?

Éric Satie

(he once wrote: "I can only eat white foods: eggs, sugar, scraped bones, fat from dead animals, veal, salt, coconuts, chicken cooked in white water, rice, turnips, things like pasta, white cheese, cotton salad and certain fish")

6.

In golf, a 'Birdie' is one under par for a hole.  What term is used for four under par?

Condor

(only ever recorded four times - two under is an 'Eagle', three under is an 'Albatross') 

7.

The current Google logo was launched in September 2015, and has used the same four colours since 1998.  Which two colours are used twice in the Google logo?

Blue (for the G’s) and Red (for the first O and for the E)

8.

What surname links a ship’s captain, whose letters to his sister form part of the novel Frankenstein, and an Oldham-born classical composer, whose 1923 work Façade was described by The Manchester Guardian as "relentless cacophony"? 

Walton

(Robert and William)

Sp1

7

(Pugh, Pugh, Barney McGrew, Cuthbert, Dibble, Grub, and Captain Flack, who calls the roll)

Sp2

In the 1960’s TV series Thunderbirds, how many members were there in the Tracy Family?

7

(The five brothers Scott, Virgil, Alan, Gordon, and John, the father Jeff, and Grandma Tracy)

Go back to Round 6 questions without answers

ROUND 7 - 'A Sports Round'

1.

Since 1980, this World Championship has been held on a Saturday in late June, at Willaston in Cheshire. The World Record, set in 2009, is 567 in 30 minutes from a 3 metres square plot.  To what does '567' refer?

Worms

(the World Worm Charming Championship)

2.

For about an hour, in late August or September, teams from the Royal Southern Yacht Club, Hamble, and the Island Sailing Club, Cowes, play what sport in the middle of the Solent?

Cricket

3.

The world championship is held every August Bank Holiday near Lllanwrtyd Wells in mid-Wales. Competitors must complete the 120 yard course without using arm strokes, relying on leg power alone. The course record is currently 1min 22.56secs.  What sport are we talking about?

Bog Snorkelling

4.

In 1957, the Duke of Edinburgh appointed The Goons as his royal champions against Cambridge University.  The World Singles event started in 1973, and the World Pairs event followed in 1978. International competition is overseen by the IFTwA.  What game are we talking about?

Tiddlywinks

(IFTwA = International Federation of Tiddlywinks Associations)

5.

The annual World Championships are held in the town of Upperthong in Holmfirth, where the sport originated.  Competitors are required to hurl or ‘wang’ their projectile as far as possible within boundary lines, from a standing or running start.  The maximum run-up is 42 paces, chosen in memory of Douglas Adams, who played the sport.  What is used as the projectile?

Wellington Boot

(the sport is known as Welly Wanging)

6.

This game has been dated to the time of the Han dynasty (206 BC – 220AD).  The 10th UK Championship is this Saturday at the Green Man Pub in London.  Gambits include Avalanche, Bureaucrat and Toolbox.  Also called Roshambo, by what name is this game better known?

Rock Paper Scissors

7.

On the 2nd Sunday in September, this championship takes place outside the Oaks pub in Ramsbottom.  It involves a purpose built stand called the oche, a 20-foot high plinth, and which two foodstuffs?

Black Puddings and Yorkshire Puddings

(the Black Pudding Throwing Championship)

8.

First held in 2007, this wrestling competition takes place at the Rose 'n Bowl, at Stacksteads in Rossendale on August Bank Holiday Monday.  Contestants wrestle for 2 minutes, and are scored by audience applause, and for the various moves.  What ingredient is integral to the competition?

Gravy

(it takes place in a 16-foot pool of gravy)

Sp1

This sport is traditionally associated with Somerset, but the National Championships is usually held in Sherston, Wiltshire in October.  Contestants stand with both feet in a pitching basket and throw their missiles at the target, which is called a Norman.  Closest to the Norman wins.  Which vegetable, developed in the 18th Century, is used for both pitching and as the target?

Mangelwurzel

(accept mangold wurzel, mangold, mangel beet, field beet, or fodder beet)

Sp2

The game of 'Dwile flonking' involves two teams, each taking a turn to dance around the other while attempting to avoid being hit by what item, thrown by the non-dancing team?

A beer-soaked cloth

Q2: Annually, low tide reveals Bramble Bank sandbank, which, at about 200 metres long, is used as a pitch until the tide turns

Q5: The standard welly is Dunlop green, size 9, non-steel toe-cap.  Rules include: ‘Distances shall be measured in yards, feet and inches - none of this European nonsense

QSp2: A dwile is a knitted floor cloth, and ‘flonk’ is probably a corruption of flong, an old past tense of fling. Points are awarded as follows: +3 for a direct hit on a girter's (i.e. dancer’s) head, +2 for a body hit, +1 for a leg hit, -1 per sober person at the end of the game. The team with the most number of points wins, and is awarded a ceremonial pewter gazunder

Go back to Round 7 questions without answers

ROUND 8 - 'Famous Lasts'

1.

First shown on 28th February 1983, Goodbye, Farewell and Amen was the 256th and final episode of which TV series?  It was the most watched TV broadcast in American history until the 2010 Super Bowl.

M*A*S*H

(Super Bowl XLIV in 2010 surpassed it in total viewership, but not in ratings or share)

2.

Pieter van den Hoogenband, won gold in the 100m freestyle in the 2000 Olympics, in 48.30 seconds, but people tend to remember the swimmer who won his heat, and set a new national record for Equatorial Guinea, with a more languid 1:52.72.  Who was he?  (nickname will suffice)

Eric Moussambani (Eric the Eel) (Karim Bare of Niger and Farkhod Oripov of Tajikstan were meant to race Eric in the heat, but disqualified themselves with a simultaneous false-start - so as well as finishing 1st, Eric also finished last)

3.

Which 70’s horror film ends with this dialogue:

Chief Martin Brody: "I used to hate water"

Matt Hooper: "I can’t imagine why"?

Jaws

4.

Born on August 27th 1908 in a farmhouse, who was the last US President not to be born in a hospital?

Lyndon B. Johnson

5.

Born on November 19th 1831, who was the last US President to be born in a log cabin?

James Garfield

6.

Which dystopian crime film from the 1970s ends with the character Alex speaking this line:

"I was cured all right"?

A Clockwork Orange

7.

The first 'Lanterne Rouge’ was awarded to Arsène Millocheau of France in 1903.  The 2016 holder is the Irishman Sam Bennett.  To whom is this award made and in what event?

The competitor in last place in a cycling race, particularly in the Tour de France

(the phrase refers to the red lantern hung on the railway wagon at the back of a train)

8.

After 295 episodes over 37 years, which TV comedy series ended in 2010 with a slapstick joke about a pair of trouserless policemen, and one of the few remaining original cast members pondering: "Did I lock the door?"?

Last of the Summer Wine

Sp1

From the late 18th century to 1909, what prize was awarded by Cambridge students to the man who earned a 3rd-class degree in the Maths Tripos, but had the lowest exam marks?

The Wooden Spoon

(this is the origin of the phrase)

Sp2

On 20th April 2016, Choppers, a 48 year chimpanzee , died at Twycross Zoo.  What was her link to TV?

Last surviving star from the PG Tips adverts of the 1970s and 1980s

(she played Ada)

Go back to Round 8 questions without answers