A QUIZMASTER has raised almost £100,000 for charity after hosting quizzes for more than a decade

Chris Hunt started hosting quizzes at the Purple Dog pub in Eld Lane, Colchester, in 2011 on every first Monday of the month. 

His events have been hugely popular and are packed with visitors and trivia enthusiasts, leading to him hosting even more quizzes at other venues.

Now he has been “re-homed” to Three Wise Monkeys in Colchester High Street and Lloyds Avenue, Ipswich. 

Chris said: “I remember the night when the quizzes passed the £50,000 mark, and on that night I kind of jokingly said on the microphone that the next big target is £100,000, not thinking it would actually happen.” 

“In the last two years, since Covid, the quizzes have really picked up and it almost feels like I’ve started with them again, with new regulars attending each month.” 

His quizzes include popular film franchises and TV shows, such as Harry Potter, The Office, The Lord of the Rings and many more. 

“I always used to think they’d maybe end one day soon, but right now, it feels like they’re just getting going again," he added.

Gazette: Three Wise Monkeys

“I cannot believe that it is about to pass £100,000.

"It doesn’t seem possible that such an incredible thing has come out of me and my lispy voice asking geeky questions out in a pub or bar each month.” 

In the past, the proceeds coming from the £3 entry fee for the quizzes have been donated to St Helena Hospice, Mind, Autism Anglia and The Robin Cancer Trust and many more. 

Besides Colchester and Ipswich, the quiz events also take place at the Victoria Inn in North Station Road, Colchester, and the Shoulder of Mutton in Aldham. 

“I’d like to thank everyone who has ever attended a quiz and helped contribute to this amazing achievement, and especially to those who attend quizzes regularly and come back again each month," he added.

“Those people are the reason I get to continue to do something I love doing so much and they helped make this incredible total reach a reality.”