Precious Things Trivia Quiz

Answer: Ireland

It rains an awful lot in Ireland and so the grass is a luxuriant green. The phrase 'The Emerald Isle' is credited to the 18th century poet William Drennan who used these words in his poem 'The Rise of Erin'.

Answer: Alf Garnet

'Till Death Us Do Part' was written by Johnny Speight and the obnoxious Alf Garnet was played by Warren Mitchell. His long suffering wife was played by Dandy Nichols and his daughter and son-in-law by Una Stubbs and Antony Booth. The series poked fun at Alf's racist attitudes which were very prevalent in the 60s.

Answer: Golden

'Golden Slumbers Kiss Your Eyes' comes from 'The Cradle Song' lullaby by Thomas Dekker, and Paul McCartney also wrote a version of it for the Beatles.

It is believed that 'Silence is Golden' as a saying first originated with the ancient Egyptians. The song was written by Bob Crewe and Bob Gaudio and recorded by The Four Seasons, and subsequently covered by many other artists, most notably The Tremeloes.

A golden handshake is a clause in a contract guaranteeing benefits if the job does not last, or even in some cases at retirement.

Answer: Emerald

Golden is 50 years and Ruby is 40. There does not seem to be a Sapphire anniversary. In Roman times a silver wreath was given by a husband to his wife after 25 years of marriage and a golden after 50 years. The others appear to be the result of commercialism in more modern times.

Answer: her love

'Ruby, Don't Take Your Love To Town' was written by Mel Tillis and sung by Kenny Rogers. It paints a sad picture of a disabled Vietnam war veteran begging his wife to stay at home when he suspects that she is going to town to find a lover.

Answer: Eat it

Eat it. Ruby Murray is English Rhyming slang for a curry. Ruby Murray was a popular singer of the 1950s.

Answer: Wax

Ruby Wax trained to be a classic actress but works as a comedienne and presenter. She has also trained as a psychotherapist.

Ruby Keeler was a famous American actress, singer and dancer. Ruby Dee was an American actress, poet, journalist and activist. Ruby Turner is a Jamaican R&B singer.

Answer: Emerald City

The makers of the 1939 movie 'The Wonderful Wizard of Oz' really wanted Shirley Temple to play Dorothy, but for contractual reasons she was not able to. So, happily, the marvellous Judy Garland got her chance. The movie was based on the book 'The Wonderful Wizard of Oz' by L. Frank Baum.

Answer: peridot

Peridot is one of the most common crystals of the earth but good specimens are difficult to find. It is also named Olivine for its beautiful green colouring. It is said to have healing properties which help us to take action from the heart. This stone is a popular gem stone formed from magnesium iron silicate.

It is a beautiful soft green colour and is plentiful on the Canary Island Lanzarote.

Answer: Silver surfer

As a person over 50 years old who uses the internet I consider myself to be a silver surfer. However it appears that there is a comic book superhero called 'Silver Surfer' who appears in Marvel comics, video games, movies and on TV. As an English woman I had not come across him before.