Local News: Alan Myers bows out as Wendover Quizmaster

Alan Myers has decided that last autumn’s 2024 Wendover Quiz will have been his last, after 25 years’ sterling service as question deviser and quizmaster.

The first quiz organised by Wendover Parish Council was organised in the autumn of 1991, after a team from Wendover appeared in a quiz on local radio, did well, and was encouraged by friends and neighbours to share the good feeling back home.

The two main movers were Rev Andrew Meynell, Vicar of Wendover, and Parish Clerk Jane Toplis. Andrew became the quizmaster and Jane organised the event which became an annual autumn fixture. It was originally in St Anne’s Hall then moved to the Bowls Club in Dobbins Lane, which benefitted from a drinks bar! It was enjoyed by many, competing through Wendover clubs and societies, or groups including neighbours, friends or family.

One day Councillor Judith Myers came home from a Parish meeting quite downhearted. Her husband Alan, asked what was the matter. “They need a new quizmaster”, she replied. “Could I fill in for a bit?” he asked. He has been quiz setter and quiz master since autumn 1999. On New Year's Day, he starts collecting questions and has usually written enough by May or June. He rests for a bit and begins again on 1 September, setting up the questions for actual games.

Alan had been a teacher so he knew a lot of “useless” information and where to find it even in the days before the internet! As a senior member of staff, he had to have a fundamental knowledge of all the subjects offered in the secondary school where he taught. His questions came from the news, reading books, watching entertainments and joining in conversations.

Covid in 2020 meant people couldn’t gather in person for a quiz, so Alan put out some questions through the Wendover Parish Council website. In 2021 it came back in full-swing, with familiar faces and newbies alike turning up to face the questions.

The last quiz of this type finished in November 2024 with a thrilling final and an exciting high scoring result – Wendover Free Church A (41) v Wendover Evening WI Team 1 (40). A fitting climax to Alan’s 25 years of hard work. All quiz participants over the years will doubtless thank him for his efforts!

Phoebe Sharps, estates and events Manager for Wendover Parish Council, is now exploring the autumn entertainment on offer for 2025. Watch this space!

Jane Larkham