Barnstaple’s Really Big Quiz raises more than £2,000 for Mayor’s charities

The annual Really Big Quiz hosted in Barnstaple by accountancy firm Simpkins Edwards has raised more than £2,000 for the Mayor of Barnstaple’s chosen charities.

This year’s fundraising will support two local causes - Man Down, a non-profit organisation offering peer-led talking groups for men facing mental health challenges and Barum Boxing Club, which provides a safe, inspiring space for all ages and works closely with the youth justice system, local schools and the police.

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A total of £2,100 was raised through team entry fees and a bumper raffle packed with prizes donated by local businesses, Barnstaple Town Council and the quizzers themselves.

Above: Simpkins Edwards partner James Welton with the Mayor of Barnstaple, Councillor Janet Coates. Credit: Aisling Magill

Hosted at The Barnstaple Hotel, the brain-teasing event is now in its fifteenth year and always sparks a friendly competitive spirit among teams, many of whom return year after year.

This time, 20 teams took part. The winners were Scumbag University, who also claimed first place in 2023. Second place went to 50 Percent, with Polly Peachums Ensemble coming in third.

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Simpkins Edwards partner and quizmaster James Welton, who heads up the Barnstaple office, said: “A huge thank you to all our quiz teams for taking part and donating so generously to the raffle.

“A special mention to the team at Kit Heath Jewellery who gave a beautiful necklace for the raffle. Kit sadly passed away in September, and we are particularly appreciative of their support.

“We’re also grateful to everyone at Simpkins Edwards for their hard work in organising the event and to the fantastic team who supported on the night to make it such a success.”

Guests also enjoyed a buffet provided by the Barnstaple Hotel and took part in a series of entertaining games throughout the evening.