Merry Quizmas
The now apparently annual Joxley Writes quiz of the year
Thank you, readers, for another year of your attention. It’s time to test, however, how much attention you have been paying. To keep you amused this Christmas time, I’ve put together another quiz. 50 questions, across a range of topics - from the nation’s news to political facts and figures. Answers can be found via a link at the bottom - no cheating.
And as a little Christmas present, here’s a treat for upgrading to a paid subscription for 2026. Yours to redeem between now and the 6th Jan.
Now, eyes down, it’s quizzing time:
Round 1: Were you paying attention?
It’s been a long year, with lots of newsy happenings. How much of it passed you by? Here are 12 questions from 12 months of UK events.
1. In January, who resigned as Economic Secretary to the Treasury, over a scandal linked to the ousted government of Bangladesh?
2. In February, what did John Swinney deny the Scottish government were planning to ban on environmental grounds?
3. In March, which airport was closed due to a massive substation fire?
4. In April, Keir Starmer and Prince William attended whose funeral?
5. In May, Ethel Caterham achieved what accolade?
6. In June, which architect was announced as the designer for the national memorial to Queen Elizabeth II?
7. In July, who was dismissed as presenter of Masterchef following a series of scandals?
8. In August, David Lammy was accused of committing what offence with US Vice President JD Vance?
9. In September, who resigned as Deputy PM and Deputy Leader of Labour after admitting to underpaying stamp duty?
10. In October, Sarah Mullally was the first woman appointed to which role?
11. In November, the Home Office announced which elected role would be scrapped?
12. In December, protestors covered what in apple crumble and custard?
Round 2: And the winner is…
There have been many triumphs this year. But did you keep track of them? Who won the following events or awards in 2025
1. PDC World Darts Championship?
2. The Women’s Champions League?
3. The Tour de France?
4. The Ryder Cup?
5. The Academy Award for Best Actor in a Lead role?
6. Brit Award for Best British Artist?
7. The Nobel Peace Prize?
8. The FIFA Peace Prize?
9. The Ballon D’Or
10. The BAFTA for Best Actress in a Leading Role?
Round 3: General Knowledge
Maybe you have remembered this year well, but what about your broader knowledge? Test it with these ten questions about generals!"
1. Which general led “The 300” against thousands of Persians during the heroic defence of the mountain pass at Thermopylae?
2. Which general went on to serve as the 34th President of the United States?
3. Which general in the 1948 Arab-Israeli war was famed for his eyepatch?
4. Which general’s statue was removed from Richmond, Virginia, in 2021?
5. Which general was known as the Desert Fox?
6. Which general’s namesake ship was famously sunk during the Falklands War?
7. Which general was President of Pakistan from 2001-08?
8. Which general is the geometric theory of gravitation published by Albert Einstein in 1916?
Round 4: Picture Round
Can you name the English council from its 2025 electoral map? (All borrowed from https://electionmaps.uk/).
Nos. 1 - 3
Nos. 4 - 6
Nos. 7 - 10
Round 5: The Numbers Game
Politics abounds with facts and figures, but how many can you recognise? Below are ten facts about the UK, and ten figures in random order - match the title up with the correct figure.
And that’s your lot! Hope you had fun playing. Answers can be found HERE. No challenges will be entered into, quizmaster’s decision is final etc. etc.
Have a lovely Christmas and a great New Year!