History of QuizSoc

The Cambridge University Quiz Society, despite being in its infancy, is a well-established part of University life in Cambridge. Oxford has had a quiz society for many years, and so in June 1999, Sean Blanchflower (Trinity), Robin Bhattacharyya (Trinity) and Olly Johnson (Christ's) created Cambridge's very own version to hold a variety of University-wide events.

The Society was pleased to host the British Student Quiz Championships in both 2001 and 2002 at the Centre for Mathematical Sciences. The Society regularly sends teams to both inter-university and open tournaments around the country, with Cambridge teams finishing as runners-up in each of the first four British Student Quiz Championships. In 2000, a Trinity team represented Cambridge and the UK in a tournament in Boston, finishing in the top half of the field despite most of the questions being on baseball and US senators! More recent visits include the slightly more tongue-in-cheek 'trash' tournament at St John's College, Oxford in 2004, with Cambridge's sides having mixed performances. Our Varsity history has seen some extremely unfortunate losses, including the infamous 'technical' defeat of 1999. Traditionally, the B team performs better in the Varsity match, with several strong victories over the years.

In each year of its history, the society has run the hugely-popular Intercollegiate Tournament in Lent term, with each year providing stronger teams as University Challenge style quizzing grows in the university. It also proves to be a focal point of the year, with over 100 people regularly taking part.

Keen to hand on to fresh blood, Sean and Robin passed the baton to Ajay Gudka (Catz) who presided over a relatively quiet year. In 2001, Matt Mayer (Downing) and Lawrence Drever (Christ's) took over the reins for two years, taking the society to new strengths and obtaining important sponsorship, as well as introducing Jon, Steve and Paul to the committee.

In 2003 a new committee was formed, with Darren Khodaverdi as President, who is remembered for raising the standard against which all University Society Presidents are now judged. Jon Griffith (Magdalene) adopted his role of treasurer, whilst Paul Kellaway (Fitzwilliam) took on the Mandelsonesque position of Committee Member without portfolio whilst Steven Burgess (Emma) snatched time away from the Archimedeans to be webmaster.

2004-2005 saw the welcome arrival of Christopher Handscomb, (King's) as Secretary and Hannah Cahill (Fitzwilliam) as 'Women's Officer'. Paul was elevated to the exalted heights of 'Question Master' whilst Jon (now at Corpus!) continued as Treasurer. The committee initiated weekly Pub Quizzes which proved hugely popular and continue to this day. They also strove to increase the range of events run by QuizSoc by running quizzes for the University Development Office and numerous college JCRs. Finally, 2005 saw the introduction of the new website, designed and updated by the Secretary, Christopher Handscomb.

The current committee of 2005-2006 saw an international element added to the committee with the arrival of Paul Beecher (Ireland) as 'Intelligence Officer' and Jacob Hupart (New York via Pembroke) as our very own 'International Affairs' officer. And finally, no quiz society committee would be complete without a president who upholds the fine tradition of not doing anything. Indeed, this year a president was elected who was not even a member of the University - Hayley West (Hughes Hall alumna) was a very welcome addition to the team.

This brings us up to date, with QuizSoc going from strength to strength. The hugely popular Bath House Pub Quizzes continue each week, the ICC drew participants from across the university and, after a long absence, the Varsity match returned! All in all, QuizSoc is looking forward to a very bright future!

Join QuizSoc

The easiest way to join is to request that you be added to the mailing list. You'll then be sent our weekly quizzing update with details of all quizzing events in and around Cambridge. Periodically, we also receive information and requests from TV production companies. Such information is also pasted on to members through the weekly e-mails. Alternatively, you can simply turn up to one of our regular events, and speak to a member of our committee

The Website

The new QuizSoc Website went online at the beginning of Easter term 2005. It was designed and is maintained by Christopher Handscomb. All artwork is original and every effort has been made to contact the copyright holders of the photos used. If you have any queries, please contact the committee.

The Constitution

We are required by the university to publish the constitution. It is available online here.