MORE than 225 people packed into Malmesbury Town Hall last night to attend a 'raucous and electric' Christmas quiz.
A core team of six Rose and Crown regulars organised the lively event on Thursday, December 21 to raise money for next year's duck race and mental health charity Mind.
They chose Mind because two young people from the town have committed suicide in the past year and they wanted to raise awareness for mental health and signpost some of the charity's services.
Neil Wilkinson, who moved to Malmesbury from London during the pandemic, was instrumental in organising this event and wants to thank everyone in the community who attended and helped make his vision a reality.
A band performed various recognisable tunes for the music round, rubber ducks were decorated for the Christmas tree and 'quackers' attaining raffle tickets were presented to guests.
The Jingle Belles team were declared the winners of the quiz.
The full amount raised is yet to be totalled but Mr Wilkinson said they have counted £2,000 so far.
Mr Wilkinson said: "The Mind charity is really important to us because two young souls committed suicide this year and they were both under 30.
"We really wanted to help spread awareness for mental health.
"There was a great speech from Rose and Crown staff at the end of the night which said if you are feeling alone, especially over the Christmas period, you can always reach out to the pub or call friends and family.
"It was a great night, we were completely blown away with how well it went.
"The atmosphere was raucous and electric, it was very Christmassy and very festive.
"We would like to say a massive thank you to everyone who came.
"All these wacky ideas to raise money have come from chats over a pint at The Rose and Crown pub in Malmesbury.
"Lots of people have chipped in and helped, the quiz was a real community effort.
"We are an inclusive bunch, so anyone who wants to help out with future fundraising events can get in touch."
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