Lets get quizzical!

There is overwhelming demand for sheltered-housing that offers the city’s pensioners vital social contact and care support in a stay-active environment which is why the ExtraCare Charitable trust has linked up with Sheffield businesses in a landmark project to raise funds for senior citizens.

ExtraCare has enrolled more than a hundred local companies onto its Great Big All Sheffield Quiz, a city-wide contest which is raising funds for Brunswick Gardens Retirement Village, opening in Woodhouse next year.

With questions based entirely on Sheffield knowledge, Big Quiz events have been set up across the City, kicking off this month. Themed to suit various business sectors, heats are likely to be a battle of wits as organisations go head-to-head.

Will the estate agents chase the lawyers, or dentists drill the doctors?

Major sponsor Murphy’s Irish Stout has supported local pubs to take part, whilst Sheffield International Venues will be providing over half the venues, including the City Hall for the Grand Final on November 6.

John Proudfoot, of Oval Insurance, organised a team after his Sheffield office put up funds for the Sports/Clubs/Groups & Societies heat. He explained: “More progressive options for our senior citizens are a very important initiative for Sheffield and we like this unique fundraising event.”

Orgreave-based Clark & Partners, which sells products for disabled and elderly people, is backing the Health/Education/Public Services quiz night.

Divisional Manager, Terence Clark, says: “We are delighted to be involved. Brunswick Gardens will be a valuable addition to the area.”

Finance Director, Kelwin Heighton, was eager for School Trends to sponsor the Handsworth/ Woodshouse/ Beighton quiz night, commenting: “Like Schools Trends, which is an award-winning, employee-owned company, ExtraCare is an innovator - a charity which is changing the future of ageing in Sheffield. We applaud their work and we plan to win a place at the Final in the Quiz!”

Quiz organiser, ExtraCare’s Gail Wyman adds: “All of us working on the quiz hugely appreciate the support that has come from our sponsors and teams. The quiz is for an important cause - creating better lives for older people and their families, right here in Sheffield.”

Supporting the Quiz will help fund health and leisure facilities in the heart of Brunswick Gardens Village. Access will be affordable for all, benefiting 700-plus older people across the City.

The Village is a partnership between ExtraCare, The City Council and Arena Housing - but only ExtraCare can provides funds to equip village centre facilities.

These facilities will include a village hall, shop, gym, restaurant, pub/bistro, spa-pool, crafts room, IT suite, hair-dressing salon, library, greenhouse, woodwork shop, worship room and well-being centre.

n Quiz Teams of four cost 200 to register. Please call Gail Wyman on 0114 2293 073 or 0772 055 3666, email [email protected] or visit www.thegreatbigallsheffield quiz.com

Swotting up for the Quiz?

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n Research online at www.thestar.co.uk , http://www.sheffieldtelegraph.co.uk/, www.bbc.co.uk/southyorkshire www.scci.org.uk, www.sheffield.gov.uk, www.sheffieldhistory.co.uk, www.sheffieldfirst.net