Some very sad news, Anna Torpey of Scumbag College has passed away. Her teammates have written the following obituary and it has been proposed that the new Handicap Competition trophy be named in her memory. Wirral Quiz League offer our sincerest condolences to her family, friends and teammates.
Anna Torpey was a rare member of the Wirral quiz community.
First, she was female. Secondly, she delighted in specialising in such low-brow topics as 'Big Brother' and 'X-Factor' and, finally, she was significantly below the average age of fellow quizzers.
Blessed with talent, intelligence, social skills, a fabulous family and a musical gift, she also had a very sharp wit accompanied by a dry sense of humour. Sadly, her gifts could not help her with her battle with cancer which she lost on Friday, 20th December, 2019.
Anna played for Wallasey Cricket Club quiz team from 2012 and its later incarnation, Scumbag College, in Wirral division 1, However, her poor health prevented her from making any appearances this season.
She had effectively concealed her illness for several years, so much so that opposition players were genuinely surprised when told of the reason for her absence this season. She was always gratified by the good wishes that so many teams passed to her via her team members.
A former pupil of St Mary's College, Wallasey and a graduate of St. Hilda’s College, Oxford University, she had myriad interests. Her musical contributions to her church and local community, as well as local primary schools, were legion. In addition, Anna was a question-setter for a wide variety of subjects on BBC's ‘Mastermind’, a programme she appeared in the final in 2008.
A singular and idiosyncratic thinker, she had trenchant opinions, but was always willing to discuss and debate rather than hector or harangue. Her humanity, decency and sincerity were obvious to all, and she will be sorely missed.
Our condolences go out to her husband, Chris, and their three children, Jude, Ted and Jean.
There is a generous proposal to dedicate the new Handicap Quiz Trophy to her honour and memory and this gesture is regarded warmly and graciously by her fellow team members.