"both the Quiz and dinner were just TERRIFIC."
The South African team won by a country mile, were truly extraordinary in their range of knowledge across ten topics. And yes, the little Canadians were amazing to achieve a good second, ahead of the two UK and two NZ teams. As usual the event was superbly well organised, with audience relishing both the contest itself and the many opportunities to answer the adult questions. The only thing lacking from some previous years was a nail-biting finish between two top teams, by half way through the SA team’s position was virtually unassailable.
The dinner for 160 equally well organised – tables looked lovely, the lamb shanks dinner quietly and efficiently served by a team of previous Quiz contestants, and Gerri did a fantastic job as Raffle Master raffling a whole pile of books in between eating and the entertainment items. I thought it was terrific the way she also drew local authors (other than the 4 speaking) into the limelight – eg Gretchen Brassington, Sharon Holt who were present and a whole lot more shown on a very good PowerPoint presentation. The selected kids talking about their favourite books charmed and moved the audience.
The two local MPs, GG’s wife Lady Susan Satyanand and Mayor plus all the overseas kids, parents and coaches would have gone away with a much expanded knowledge of NZ Lit. Alison Robertson was equally good as general MC. The local committee headed by Gerri and Alison had apparently worked hard on this event and with Wayne, all the arrangements for the visiting teams for 6 months, and it deservedly ran like clockwork.
No doubt the kids and their supporters are all having a great time together this week. And Southwell School was a perfect venue.
So, applause and congratulations all round. Look forward to next year’s world final in Auckland.
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