Win a night on HMS Defender

Exeter chartered accountancy firm Simpkins Edwards is thrilled to announce that the top auction lot at its 12th annual Really Big Quiz will be a very special evening and night’s accommodation aboard HMS Defender – a Daring-class air-defence destroyer whose White Ensign was raised for the first time as a Royal Naval vessel in 2012. Under the command of Commander Stephen Higham, HMS Defender is the affiliated ship of the City of Exeter.

The unique experience for two people includes a Navy escort from home to where the ship is docked (at either Plymouth or Portsmouth), dinner with the Captain as the ship sets sail and a night on board.

Taking place at the Corn Exchange on Wednesday 13 May from 6.30pm, the annual Really Big Quiz is an opportunity for local firms to compete for the title of Exeter’s brainiest business and help raise funds for the Lord Mayor’s nominated charity, Exeter Leukaemia Fund, which provides tailored support to families affected by blood cancers and blood disorders across the South West as well as funding clinical research.

The Really Big Quiz is well known amongst the business community as a fun-filled evening and many local firms will be returning this year to put their wits to the test. 57 teams have signed up already so there are only a limited number of places left.

All proceeds from the quiz, auction and raffle will be donated to Exeter Leukaemia Fund and it is hoped that the special evening and night’s accommodation aboard the HMS Defender will raise a significant sum for the charity. The auction and raffle will be run by auctioneer James Morrish from Kivells and other lots and prizes donated so far include: a framed, signed Coldplay poster, a Rugby World Cup 2015 ball signed by Exeter Chiefs and England player Jack Nowell, a place for one person to attend a social media training course, a four-person voucher for a game of nine holes at Exminster Golf Club and a John Lewis gift package including a two-hour style experience, £50 fashion voucher as well refreshments for two people.

The winners of the quiz will receive a trophy and case of champagne; there are also prizes for second and third places. Last year 70 teams competed in the event, and a combination of entry fees, auction bids and raffle tickets raised £6,200 for charity.

John Coombs, partner at Simpkins Edwards, commented: “We look forward to the Really Big Quiz every year; it’s always a brilliant evening with local businesses from many different sectors joining in. We’re delighted to have secured such a fabulous top lot for the auction this year – there’s no doubt we’ll be in for some competitive bidding as well as some fierce competition in the quiz!”

The Lord Mayor of Exeter, Councillor Percy Prowse, said: “I am very grateful to Simpkins Edwards for the chance to support Exeter Leukaemia Fund at this year’s Really Big Quiz. This well-loved local charity provides an invaluable service to patients and their families and I’m sure the event will be a great success as always.”

To register a team, email sroberts@simpkinsedwards.co.uk, call 01392 211233 or visit www.simpkinsedwards.co.uk to download an entry form. The entry fee is £50 per team and each team can have up to five members. The fee includes a light buffet and a licenced bar is available (although not included in the entry fee). Doors open at 6.30pm, ready for the quiz to begin at 7.15pm.