Quiz league celebrates 25th year

Members of the quiz league at the annual presentation night

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One of the most popular quiz leagues in the country is celebrating its 25th birthday this year – right here in Rochdale.

The Rochdale and District Quiz League started as the Castleton Quiz League in 1985, and since then has expanded hugely, at its peak it had 38 teams from pubs all across the borough.

Last year there were 22 teams from 18 pubs, and with the 2010/11 league getting closer numbers are currently being drawn up for this year’s teams.

The league takes place in pubs across Rochdale, including Middleton, Milnrow and the town centre.

“The Rochdale and District Quiz League is one of the most successful, exclusive quiz leagues in the country,” said organiser Mark Preston.

The league runs every Wednesday night from September to April, and finishes with a presentation night where the teams with the highest divisional scores receive trophies.

“It is a unique league,” said Mr Preston “I have met some very good people, nice and intelligent people over the years.

“It is good to get out and about and there is a great social aspect to the league.

Mr Preston has organised the league for ten years, and although he has put his own mark on the league he didn’t want to change anything dramatically, “If its not broke then don’t change it,” he said.

Although there isn’t a big party planned for the league’s birthday as the moment Mr Preston is keen to make the presentation night bigger and better than ever before.

“It will be a bit more special,” said Mr Preston.

Mr Preston has been involved with the league as a player since the 1990s, he became organiser in 2000/1 and this, his tenth year, and the league’s 25th birthday will be his last as organiser.

“What better way to bow out,” said Mr Preston.

Mr Preston has thoroughly enjoyed his involvement with the league and he is keen to take part as a quiz member when he finishes in his role as organiser.

He added: “I will be sad to leave, it has been a big aspect of my life and it will be missed.”

This year’s Rochdale and District Quiz League starts on 29 September, and is open to new teams.