On Friday 3rd March, 13 teams of Freemasons, their friends and families descended on Rochdale Masonic Hall ready to battle it out to be crowned the 2023 Quiz Champions.
This was a high stakes event – the winners set to take home the Doug Smith Trophy and go on to represent the District at the Provincial Quiz. The losers would be going home with hand-made Masonic wooden spoons.
Between them and potential glory stood 6 rounds of brain boggling questions set by Quiz Master WBro Chris Henthorn.
District Charity Steward, WBro John Taylor, opened the evening speaking about The Masonic Charitable Foundation and thanking everyone for supporting their excellent work by attending the quiz.
During the first few rounds, John Taylor and WBro Russ Perks sold a huge amount of raffle tickets, all in aid of the 2026 Festival.
At the half-way point, a fantastic curry was served and non-masons in attendance were invited to take a tour of the Lodge rooms.
At the end of the 6 rounds, the tension was palpable. All 13 teams sat in anticipation of the final results. Table by table, the results were given, with scores rising higher and higher until the winners were announced – Lodge of Harmony with a whopping score of 108 points took the top spot, went home with the trophy and their eyes firmly set on the Provincial Quiz.
St Martin’s Lodge were less successful however. With a score of 62, they went home with the hand-crafted wooden spoons kindly made and donated by WBro Martin Ross’ wife.
Thanks to the generosity of the Brethren and their guests (plus a small donation from The Rochdale Social Committee to round up the total on the night) a massive £1000 was raised towards the 2026 Festival which will go to supporting The Masonic Charitable Foundation.
WBro Doug Smith, District Chair said “I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who attended tonight and helping to raise a fantastic amount of money towards the 2026 Festival. Special thanks must go to Russ Perks and John Taylor for organising this excellent event.
Congratulations to the Lodge of Harmony, we all look forward to celebrating your victory at the Provincial Quiz!”