Quiz success all round

    

Last night was my quiz night and raffle at the Fiddler's Elbow and I was really happy with the turn-out! Setting up took a little longer than anticipated as I was held up at work and then when I had arrived at the venue I discovered the staff weren't quite ready for me. Due to double booking my event ended up being put in the basement room, which although it still had a bar, was on the snug side! Moreover, there was no-where near enough tables and chairs. So it was all hands on deck to bring down more tables & chairs from the hotel, put up posters & banners advertising WaterAid and blow up balloons. Those who arrived early kindly helped out and my gorgeous assistants Ruth, Laura & Fred did a sterling job of collecting in pre-paid tickets, selling more tickets and promoting the raffle.

Finally at 7:30 the Quiz was under way, 9 rounds in total, with a bonus water-related question at the end of each round. Half-way through I held the raffle with 16 wonderful prizes up for grabs. These were all items I had collected over the last few months from various companies who have been so supportive and generous and to whom I owe tremendous thanks! I think people were impressed by the prize on offer as a lot of raffle tickets were sold including some at work during the day.The majority of winners were there on the night but 3 from work also won - Frank, Ivy and Noreen and I am sure they will be delighted to receive their prizes next week!

As the night went on, the drinks flowed and the questions got a little harder, the noise in the room increased and I was glad to have my microphone to be heard. Apologies for the 'feedback' from the amp when I stood to close to it, by the third time you would have thought I would have learnt my lesson! <g> All in all however, people were respectful and quietened down to hear each question. I also took a few minutes to explain a little about WaterAid and why I am doing this challenge and then to promote my 2 auction items. Fred was a great help, carrying the Coulson painting around to each table and showing it off! Thanks Fred :-) Due to time I decided it was best to hold a silent auction and asked those interested to pass me a note of their bid. At the end of the night the 2 items went to the highest bidder with the stunning painting fetching £130 and the membership for the NTS £40! Not bad at all ;-)

The Quiz finished at around 10:30 with the winning team announced as "Quiz Akabussi" and a bottle of Piper Heidsieck champagne was presented in celebration. The team that finished last were also presented with some Tunnock's chocolate goodies. All-in-all the Quiz was a great success, a few people strolled in during the course of the evening and joined some teams but at my last head-count I had 44 participants! With the late-comers I think some teams ended up being bigger than the suggested 5 per team rule but it wasn't school, I wasn't going to make an issue, lol! I'd like to shout out particular thanks to Gillian, one of the PAs at work for kindly sending round an email in the office to promote this event and for coming along herself and joining the SBC :-) Thanks also to Ian & Bill with the Sunday Brunch Club for also promoting my event and getting a couple of teams together, much appreciated!

As the evening came to an end, I had some great feedback about how much people had enjoyed the quiz and the staff at the Fiddler's Elbow were really kind in offering me the chance to host another event there in the future. Although setting up the room was rather last-minute and with my numbers we were all very cosy, the staff were thoroughly helpful and pleasant and I really appreciate all the did for me. I was particularly touched when Jason commended me on my fundraising efforts too!

 

Back home, my good friend Tracy and I counted up the takings and I am over-the-moon to anounce I raised £582 for WaterAid last night! My current total stands at £2478, so if anyone would like to help me reach £2500 then you can do so my sponsoring me directly through Just Giving - www.justgiving.com/trekforwater2013

 

On a final note:
 

THANK YOU TO THE FIDDLER'S ELBOW, ALL WHO PARTICIPATED IN MY QUIZ

& AUCTION & ALL WHO BOUGHT RAFFLE TICKETS!

I COULDN'T HAVE DONE IT WITHOUT YOU!

                    The Venue