ROUND 1 - Hidden theme - 'Hail to the Chief'

1.

Scenes from which film were used in rival TV adverts for Holsten Pils and Carlsberg in the 1980s?  The film was made in 1958 and starred John Mills, Sylvia Sims and Anthony Quayle?

2.

What is the name of the traditional English dish consisting of the fried leftover vegetables from a roast dinner?

3.

This style of Gothic architecture began to replace Norman architecture in the late 12th century.  One of the best examples of this style is Salisbury Cathedral.  What is it called?

4.

In May 1940 in his first speech in the House of Commons as Prime Minister Winston Churchill said that he had nothing to offer but what?

5.

This film adaptation of a book with the same title written twenty years earlier won the Palme d’Or at Cannes in 1979 and the Oscar for best foreign language film the following year.  What is its title?

6.

This comic novel was published in 1932.  Its heroine is Flora Poste.  It also features the Starkadder family and cows named Graceless, Aimless, Feckless and Pointless.  What is the novel called?

7.

What was the title of the stage play which was adapted to become the stage musical and film Cabaret?

8.

Which food company has had TV adverts featuring amongst others Patsy Kensit, June Whitfield, Suggs and a talking polar bear called Clarence?

Sp1

Which 1971 Number One hit features the line "She’s faster than most and she lives on the coast"?

Sp2

Finally a question linking the two leaders of the free world – President Trump and Lord Bath.  It is alleged that the Russians possess a tape of Donald Trump in a Moscow hotel room.  It is said to show him encouraging a number of prostitutes to relieve themselves on a bed previously slept in by President and Mrs Obama.  By what nickname is this practice known?

Go to Round 1 questions with answers

ROUND 2 - Announced theme - 'The Names of The Beatles'

Each answer contains names used in songs by the Beatles - but note: not all the names appear in the songs’ titles

1.

What is the name of the island resort, south of Cape Cod, which is a summer home for many of America’s well-heeled elite?

2.

Which footballer played for (amongst others) Nottingham Forest, Leeds United, Blackburn Rovers and Anderlecht?  During his career he was well known for his ability to jump over a mini and throw a golf ball the length of a football pitch.

3.

The first was in the grounds of Lincoln Castle and the last on The Strand in London.  What are they?

4.

In which novel do Sue Bridehead and Little Father Time appear?

5.

How is the gas '1,1-thiobis(2-chloroethane)' better known?

6.

What has the general chemical formula '(C2H4)n'?

7.

Who was the most famous owner of the yacht called Lady Ghislaine?

8.

The 1980 film Coal Miner’s Daughter starring Sissy Spacek is based on the life of which country and western singer?

Sp

What is the name of the painting which frequently appears in the sit-com ‘Allo, Allo?  A copy of the painting hangs in Lord Bath’s home.

Go to Round 2 questions with answers

ROUND 3 - Mixed pairs

1.

Whose final words, before he died in 1980, were: “I love you very much, my dear beaver”?

2.

What name is given to the technique of removing the backbone of poultry or game birds and flattening out the carcass for grilling?

3.

The Battle for Henderson Field (1942) was the most significant land engagement during the pivotal air, sea and land battles on or around which island?

4.

Among Isaac Azimov’s most famous works of science fiction is a trilogy of novels, which takes its overall name from the title of the first.  The series was later expanded with the addition of two prequels and two sequels, but what were the titles of the three original novels?

5.

Which modern cookery method involves placing food in a vacuum-sealed bag and cooking at a constant, relatively low, temperature for a prolonged period?

6.

Whose last words, before he died in 1566, were: “Tomorrow, at sunrise, I shall no longer be here”?

7.

Which author wrote the classic Lensman Series of Scifi stories, initially serialised and published in novel form between 1948 and 1954?

8.

Operations Epsom, Windsor and Goodwood were all part of the battle to capture which French city in June and July 1944?

Sp1

Which formerly busy port on the Suffolk coast was largely destroyed by storms and coastal erosion in the 13th and 14th centuries.  In the most recent census its population was 184.

Sp2

Which recent film starring Casey Affleck and Michelle Williams has received six Oscar nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director and Best Actor?

Go to Round 3 questions with answers

ROUND 4 - Pairs

1.

What links John Lennon, James Dean, Marx and Jack Flash?

2.

What links Buddy Holly, Steve Biko and cheddar cheese?

3.

In July 2014 Judith Weir became the first female holder of which office?  The first was appointed in 1626.

4.

In May 2010 Moya Greene became the first female chief executive of which leading British company?  It was originally established in 1516.

5.

On this day in 1327 who was crowned King of England?

6.

On this day in 1884 the first volume of which reference book was published?

7.

Which 2016 film had the tagline ‘Worst. Heroes. Ever.’?

8.

Which 2016 film had the tagline ‘The only safe place is on the run’?

Sp1

May 29th 2017 is the centenary of the birth of which US President?

Sp2

Who is currently the top ranked batsman in test cricket?

Go to Round 4 questions with answers

ROUND 5 - Announced theme - 'Do the Maths'

Each answer contains a term used in Maths (including abbreviations) - the mathematical term may appear in the answer as part of a longer word

1.

What is the title of the 2012 film for which Ang Lee won the 2013 Oscar for Best Director?

2.

Which 1999 film directed by the Wachowski brothers has characters including Neo, Morpheus and Trinity?

3.

What is the official title of the Spanish national anthem?

4.

Which six words follow the phrase “we hold these truths to be self evident” in a rather important document currently in need of study and the full protection of the law?

5.

Which four words follow "Alas poor Yorick"?

6.

Which five words follow "I knew him Horatio"?

7.

Which Mozart opera has characters including Dorabella and her maid Despina?

8.

In which Wagner opera does the eponymous hero take part in a singing contest at Wartburg Castle?

Sp

Which group’s only UK Number 1 was When Will I see You Again?

Go to Round 5 questions with answers

ROUND 6 - Hidden theme

1.

Which author, who died in 2010, published works including The Bottle Factory Outing, An Awfully Big Adventure and Every Man For Himself?

2.

Which 1922 novella, set largely in Montana, concerns the fortunes of the Washington family?

3.

In 1949 what moved 104 miles in darkness rather quickly after having been stationary for over 100 days?

4.

What will start to be issued from next Monday with a worth of up to 50 times their apparent value?

5.

Where, in 1939, would you have found Frank Morgan living?

6.

Which company, founded in 1862, began by producing custom-made sewing machines and graduated to selling bicycles before starting to make the products for which it is now famous, forty years after the business started?

7.

What offices are currently held by London couple David and Belinda Hitchen?

8.

In 1976 what appeared for a few months between the demise of the followers of the god of shepherds and rustic music and the arrival of a collection of limbs and their associates?

Go to Round 6 questions with answers

ROUND 7 - Hidden theme

1.

Whose image appeared on the reverse of the £10 note between 1975 and 1994?

2.

What is the more common name for the fungal infection candidiasis?

3.

Which actor played Greer Garson’s husband in the film Mrs Miniver?

4.

Who wrote Beau Geste and its sequels Beau Sabreur and Beau Ideal?

5.

Only one actor has won the Academy Award for best actor posthumously.  Who?

6.

Which one of the nine lords of the Brethren Court was in part modelled on Keith Richards.

7.

8.

Jaguar Land Rover (Jaguar Cars) was originally founded under what name in 1922?

Go to Round 7 questions with answers

ROUND 8 - Announced theme - 'Tom, Dick or Harry

The answer to each question contains the surname of a famous (or infamous) Tom, Dick or Harry - the answer may appear as part of a longer word

1.

In which work of fiction, its author’s first published novel, does the storyline involve the murder, by poisoning, of Emily Inglethorp?

2.

Of which organisation has Prince Philip been the official Twelfth Man since it’s foundation in 1950?

3.

In which US city was the UN Charter signed by 50 of the 51 founding members (Poland signed two months later) on 26th June 1945?

4.

Who was the mayor of Chicago for twenty one years from 1955 onwards who allegedly 'assisted' JFK to win the state of Illinois in the 1960 presidential election by stuffing the ballot boxes with the votes of the dead?

5.

Give the next in this sequence: Milk, Littlewoods, Rumbelows, Coca-Cola.

6.

Which rank in the Royal Navy is equivalent to Staff Sergeant in the Army, Flight Sergeant in the RAF and Colour Sergeant in the Royal Marines?

7.

In which town (now a London borough) was the Royal Small Arms factory located?  It was founded in 1816 and continued to operate until its closure in 1988.

8.

Which alcoholic drink is the main ingredient in a Snowball, a Fluffy Duck or a Bombardino?

Sp

Gainsborough’s Blue Boy is portrayed wearing what, at the time, was a popular style of costume named after which earlier artist?

Go to Round 8 questions with answers

ROUND 1 - 'Hail to the Chief'

1.

Scenes from which film were used in rival TV adverts for Holsten Pils and Carlsberg in the 1980s?  The film was made in 1958 and starred John Mills, Sylvia Sims and Anthony Quayle?

Ice Cold in Alex

2.

What is the name of the traditional English dish consisting of the fried leftover vegetables from a roast dinner?

Bubble and Squeak

3.

This style of Gothic architecture began to replace Norman architecture in the late 12th century.  One of the best examples of this style is Salisbury Cathedral.  What is it called?

Early English

(both words required for a correct answer)

4.

In May 1940 in his first speech in the House of Commons as Prime Minister Winston Churchill said that he had nothing to offer but what?

"Blood, toil, tears and sweat"

(full phrase required)

5.

This film adaptation of a book with the same title written twenty years earlier won the Palme d’Or at Cannes in 1979 and the Oscar for best foreign language film the following year.  What is its title?

The Tin Drum

6.

This comic novel was published in 1932.  Its heroine is Flora Poste.  It also features the Starkadder family and cows named Graceless, Aimless, Feckless and Pointless.  What is the novel called?

Cold Comfort Farm

(by Stella Gibbons)

7.

What was the title of the stage play which was adapted to become the stage musical and film Cabaret?

I Am a Camera

8.

Which food company has had TV adverts featuring amongst others Patsy Kensit, June Whitfield, Suggs and a talking polar bear called Clarence?

Bird's Eye

Sp1

Which 1971 Number One hit features the line "She’s faster than most and she lives on the coast"?

Hot Love

(by T.Rex)

Sp2

Finally a question linking the two leaders of the free world – President Trump and Lord Bath.  It is alleged that the Russians possess a tape of Donald Trump in a Moscow hotel room.  It is said to show him encouraging a number of prostitutes to relieve themselves on a bed previously slept in by President and Mrs Obama.  By what nickname is this practice known?

Golden Shower

ice bath; bubble bath; early bath; bloodbath; tin bath; cold bath; eye bath; bird bath; hot bath; shower bath

ROUND 2 - Announced theme - 'The Names of The Beatles'

Each answer contains names used in songs by the Beatles - but note: not all the names appear in the songs’ titles

1.

What is the name of the island resort, south of Cape Cod, which is a summer home for many of America’s well-heeled elite?

Martha’s Vineyard

2.

Which footballer played for (amongst others) Nottingham Forest, Leeds United, Blackburn Rovers and Anderlecht?  During his career he was well known for his ability to jump over a mini and throw a golf ball the length of a football pitch.

Duncan McKenzie

3.

The first was in the grounds of Lincoln Castle and the last on The Strand in London.  What are they?

Eleanor Crosses

4.

In which novel do Sue Bridehead and Little Father Time appear?

Jude the Obscure

5.

How is the gas '1,1-thiobis(2-chloroethane)' better known?

Mustard Gas

6.

What has the general chemical formula '(C2H4)n'?

Polythene

7.

Who was the most famous owner of the yacht called Lady Ghislaine?

Robert Maxwell

8.

The 1980 film Coal Miner’s Daughter starring Sissy Spacek is based on the life of which country and western singer?

Loretta Lynn

Sp

What is the name of the painting which frequently appears in the sit-com ‘Allo, Allo?  A copy of the painting hangs in Lord Bath’s home.

The Fallen Madonna with the Big Boobies

(accept Fallen Madonna or Madonna With the Big Boobies)

Martha My Dear, Father McKenzie, Eleanor Rigby, Hey Jude, Mean Mr Mustard, Polythene Pam, Maxwell’s Silver Hammer, Loretta Martin and Lady Madonna

Go back to Round 2 questions without answers

ROUND 3 - Mixed pairs

1.

Whose final words, before he died in 1980, were: “I love you very much, my dear beaver”?

Jean-Paul Sartre

2.

What name is given to the technique of removing the backbone of poultry or game birds and flattening out the carcass for grilling?

Spatchcock
 

3.

The Battle for Henderson Field (1942) was the most significant land engagement during the pivotal air, sea and land battles on or around which island?

Guadalcanal
 

4.

Among Isaac Azimov’s most famous works of science fiction is a trilogy of novels, which takes its overall name from the title of the first.  The series was later expanded with the addition of two prequels and two sequels, but what were the titles of the three original novels?

Foundation, Foundation and Empire and Second Foundation

5.

Which modern cookery method involves placing food in a vacuum-sealed bag and cooking at a constant, relatively low, temperature for a prolonged period?

Sous-vide

6.

Whose last words, before he died in 1566, were: “Tomorrow, at sunrise, I shall no longer be here”?

Nostrodamus

7.

Which author wrote the classic Lensman Series of Scifi stories, initially serialised and published in novel form between 1948 and 1954?

E E Smith

(accept ‘Doc’ Smith)

8.

Operations Epsom, Windsor and Goodwood were all part of the battle to capture which French city in June and July 1944?

Caen
 

Sp1

Which formerly busy port on the Suffolk coast was largely destroyed by storms and coastal erosion in the 13th and 14th centuries.  In the most recent census its population was 184.

Dunwich
 

Sp2

Which recent film starring Casey Affleck and Michelle Williams has received six Oscar nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director and Best Actor?

Manchester by the Sea

Go back to Round 3 questions without answers

ROUND 4 - Pairs

1.

What links John Lennon, James Dean, Marx and Jack Flash?

All appear in the lyrics of American Pie

(by Don McLean)

2.

What links Buddy Holly, Steve Biko and cheddar cheese?

All appear in the lyrics of Reasons to be Cheerful

(by Ian Dury and the Blockheads)

3.

In July 2014 Judith Weir became the first female holder of which office?  The first was appointed in 1626.

Master of the Queen's Music

4.

In May 2010 Moya Greene became the first female chief executive of which leading British company?  It was originally established in 1516.

Royal Mail

5.

On this day in 1327 who was crowned King of England?

Edward the Third

6.

On this day in 1884 the first volume of which reference book was published?

The Oxford English Dictionary

7.

Which 2016 film had the tagline ‘Worst. Heroes. Ever.’?

Suicide Squad

8.

Which 2016 film had the tagline ‘The only safe place is on the run’?

Snowden

Sp1

May 29th 2017 is the centenary of the birth of which US President?

John F Kennedy

Sp2

Who is currently the top ranked batsman in test cricket?
 

Steve Smith

(of Australia)

Go back to Round 4 questions without answers

ROUND 5 - Announced theme - 'Do the Maths'

Each answer contains a term used in Maths (including abbreviations) - the mathematical term may appear in the answer as part of a longer word

1.

What is the title of the 2012 film for which Ang Lee won the 2013 Oscar for Best Director?

Life Of Pi

2.

Which 1999 film directed by the Wachowski brothers has characters including Neo, Morpheus and Trinity?

The Matrix

3.

What is the official title of the Spanish national anthem?

Marcha Real

4.

Which six words follow the phrase “we hold these truths to be self evident” in a rather important document currently in need of study and the full protection of the law?

 "...that all men are created equal"

5.

Which four words follow "Alas poor Yorick"?

"...I knew him Horatio..."

6.

Which five words follow "I knew him Horatio"?

"...a fellow of infinite jest..."

7.

Which Mozart opera has characters including Dorabella and her maid Despina?

Cosi Fan Tutti

8.

In which Wagner opera does the eponymous hero take part in a singing contest at Wartburg Castle?

Tannhauser

Sp

Which group’s only UK Number 1 was When Will I see You Again?

Three Degrees

Theme: The terms used are: pi, matrix, real, equal, ratio, infinite, cos(ine), tan(gent), degrees

Go back to Round 5 questions without answers

ROUND 6 - Hidden theme

1.

Which author, who died in 2010, published works including The Bottle Factory Outing, An Awfully Big Adventure and Every Man For Himself?

Beryl Bainbridge

2.

Which 1922 novella, set largely in Montana, concerns the fortunes of the Washington family?

The Diamond As Big As The Ritz

(by F Scott Fitzgerald)

3.

In 1949 what moved 104 miles in darkness rather quickly after having been stationary for over 100 days?

HMS Amethyst

(which featured in 'The Yangtze Incident')

4.

What will start to be issued from next Monday with a worth of up to 50 times their apparent value?
 

The sapphire jubilee commemorative coins

(a limited edition of 21 £1,000 coins are valued at £49,995 each)

5.

Where, in 1939, would you have found Frank Morgan living?

The Emerald City

(he played the title character in The Wizard Of Oz)

6.

Which company, founded in 1862, began by producing custom-made sewing machines and graduated to selling bicycles before starting to make the products for which it is now famous, forty years after the business started?

Opel Cars

7.

What offices are currently held by London couple David and Belinda Hitchen?

They are the Pearly King and Queen of The City of Westminster

(accept 'Pearly King and Queen')

8.

In 1976 what appeared for a few months between the demise of the followers of the god of shepherds and rustic music and the arrival of a collection of limbs and their associates?

Ruby Flipper

(the short-lived dance troupe which appeared on Top of the Pops between the end of Pan’s People and the start of Legs & Co.)

Theme: Each answer contains the name of a gemstone

Go back to Round 6 questions without answers

ROUND 7 - Hidden theme

1.

Whose image appeared on the reverse of the £10 note between 1975 and 1994?

Florence Nightingale

2.

What is the more common name for the fungal infection candidiasis?

Thrush

3.

Which actor played Greer Garson’s husband in the film Mrs Miniver?

Walter Pidgeon

4.

Who wrote Beau Geste and its sequels Beau Sabreur and Beau Ideal?

P C Wren

5.

Only one actor has won the Academy Award for best actor posthumously.  Who?

Peter Finch

(for Network in 1977 - note that Heath Ledger won an Oscar for best supporting actor in The Dark Knight in 2009)

6.

Which one of the nine lords of the Brethren Court was in part modelled on Keith Richards.

(Captain!) Jack Sparrow

7.

8.

Jaguar Land Rover (Jaguar Cars) was originally founded under what name in 1922?

Swallow Sidecar Company

Theme: Each answer contains the name of a bird

Go back to Round 7 questions without answers

ROUND 8 - Announced theme - 'Tom, Dick or Harry

The answer to each question contains the surname of a famous (or infamous) Tom, Dick or Harry - the answer may appear as part of a longer word

1.

In which work of fiction, its author’s first published novel, does the storyline involve the murder, by poisoning, of Emily Inglethorp?

The Mysterious Affair at Styles

(Harry Styles – a singer, apparently)

2.

Of which organisation has Prince Philip been the official Twelfth Man since it’s foundation in 1950?

The Lords Taverners

(Dick Taverne – former Labour, and later independent, MP)

3.

In which US city was the UN Charter signed by 50 of the 51 founding members (Poland signed two months later) on 26th June 1945?

San Francisco

(Dick Francis – jockey and author)

4.

Who was the mayor of Chicago for twenty one years from 1955 onwards who allegedly 'assisted' JFK to win the state of Illinois in the 1960 presidential election by stuffing the ballot boxes with the votes of the dead?

Richard J Daley

(Tom Daley – diver)

5.

Give the next in this sequence: Milk, Littlewoods, Rumbelows, Coca-Cola.

Worthington

6.

Which rank in the Royal Navy is equivalent to Staff Sergeant in the Army, Flight Sergeant in the RAF and Colour Sergeant in the Royal Marines?

Chief Petty Officer

(Tom Petty – musician)

7.

In which town (now a London borough) was the Royal Small Arms factory located?  It was founded in 1816 and continued to operate until its closure in 1988.

Enfield

(Harry Enfield – comedian)

8.

Which alcoholic drink is the main ingredient in a Snowball, a Fluffy Duck or a Bombardino?

Advocaat

(Dick Advocaat – footballer and manager)

Sp

Gainsborough’s Blue Boy is portrayed wearing what, at the time, was a popular style of costume named after which earlier artist?

Van Dyck

(Dick van Dyke – Cockney mangler)

Go back to Round 8 questions without answers