A CHRISTMAS QUIZ

The editors thought that readers might like a Quiz this Christmas as a change from our regular crossword. Probably a crossword next time! For some of the questions older readers may need to consult younger generations. Use of Google and other search engines is also recommended. In some cases, hints are given, and in others, it is a case of choosing the right option. No prizes this time – just the enjoyment of taking part. Answers in the next edition of the magazine.

1 Stilton cheese often makes an appearance at Christmas time. The smell remains a little longer. Apparently, this cheese is only made in three countries. Can you name them?

2 In the UK in 2022, Mars Wrigley created an uproar by removing a particular chocolate bar from the Celebrations selection boxes. What was that bar?

3 There are four Gospels in the New Testament. But only two of them contain substantial narratives about the birth of Jesus. Can you name those two gospels?

4 Which English actor said that he was going to play the role of Scrooge in a film "as though there are no puppets around me?" Name the actor and the film.

5 In which year did the classic animation The Snowman (by Raymond Briggs) first appear on UK television? (a) 1972 (b) 1982 (c) 1992 (d) 2002 (e) none of those.

6. The 'Miracle on 34th Street' is a much-loved classic Christmas film first screened in 1994. Which English actor played Santa Claus.

7 Officially for a blizzard to be declared, the wind speed must be at least (a) 10 mph (b) 30 mph (3) 50 mph (4) wind speed is irrelevant.

8 It was first launched as a toy or game in 1978. Two years later it hit the international market. What was the name of this bet selling puzzle game?

9 One of the best selling toys of all time has been the Barbie doll. A UK rival doll was created in 1963 and topped the sales in 1968 and 1970. What was it called?

10 Frank Hornby launched on the market in 1898 a construction kit of metal strips, axles, gears and so on. In which northern city was this product invented?

11 What did Geraldine have four of in the 1996 Christmas Vicar of Dibley? Was it (a) bottles of sherry (b) weddings to officiate (c) Christmas lunches (d) bouts of indigestion

12 How many times does Shakespeare refer to Christmas in his plays? (a) 0 (b) 34 (c) 3 (d) they didn't celebrate Christmas when Shakespeare was alive.

13 In The Snowman written in 1978 by Raymond Briggs, what is the colour of the snowman's scarf? (a) Grey (b) yellow (c) red (d) multi-coloured check.

14 Can you name a novel written by the poet and author who wrote a Christmas poem about the Nativity called 'The Oxen' in 1915?

15 Who played the drums on Band Aid's 1984 hit 'Do They Know its Christmas?'

16 How many miles south of the North Pole is London? Roughly, (a) 1660 (b) 2660 (c) 3660

17 Which of Father Christmas's reindeers gets its name from the Dutch word for lightning?

18 Did Queen Elizabeth 11 ever wear a Santa Hat for her annual Christmas message?

19 Do people in Britain and Ghana celebrate the New Year at exactly the same time?

20 How many hours are there in a Leap Year?