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That's News to Me (3) Trivia Quiz

A look at the news in September 2003 from the viewpoint of the British media.

A multiple-choice quiz by rialto88. Estimated time: 6 mins.

Author
rialto88

Time
6 mins

Type
Multiple Choice

Quiz #
150,696

Updated
Dec 03 21

# Qns
20

Difficulty
Tough

Avg Score
12 / 20

Plays
970

One at a Time - Single Page - Timed Game

Question 1 of 20

1. Which body of citizens lobbied Parliament in the first half of September 2003 due to the decline in their incomes? They were particularly requesting the restoration of a "link" abolished by Margaret Thatcher in 1980. Hint

postal workers

members of Parliament

pensioners

farmers

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Question 2 of 20

2. In September 2003 David Blunkett (the Home Secretary) ordered the police to explain why anti-terrorist legislation was used to control protesters who were against Europe's biggest arms fair at the Excel Centre in East London's Docklands.

True

False

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Question 3 of 20

3. Which political party celebrated its 30th birthday in September 2003 at its annual conference in Lancaster? Hint

the Liberal Democrat Party

the Conservative Party

New Labour

the Green Party

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Question 4 of 20

4. Which "country legend" singer died in America at the age of 71 in September 2003? Hint

Johnny Cash

Jimmy Cash

Jamie Cash

Josie Cash

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Question 5 of 20

5. What yearly event at the Royal Albert Hall in September 2003 attracted over 6,000 people to attend? Also, 70,000 people to attend like gatherings in parks in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland? Hint

the Last Night of the Proms

a party political broadcast

the annual Labour Party Conference

a film premier

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Question 6 of 20

6. British researchers working under Professor Kevin Fearon at the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary in September 2003 found what substance(s) may dramatically improve the lives of some cancer patients? Hint

Scotch whisky

fish oil supplements

Irish Whiskey

American beefburgers

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Question 7 of 20

7. The World Cancer Research Fund in September 2003 warned against what as a cause of serious overweight, obesity, cancer and heart disease? Hint

American trend super-size portions

burgers

fish oil supplements

watching television too much

NEXT>

Question 8 of 20

8. In September 2003 the British government lost a bye-election in one of its safest seats. Which constituency was the government beaten in? Hint

Vauxhall

Brent North

Brent East

Basildon

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Question 9 of 20

9. In September 2003 Paula Radcliffe won the world's biggest half marathon race in a new world-best time. What is the name of the half marathon? Hint

the London Half Marathon

the Dartford Half Marathon

the Great North Run

the Glasgow Half Marathon

NEXT>

Question 10 of 20

10. Who said in September 2003 on a television programme that for the government "It is going to be a very big challenge to rebuild trust" and win a third term of office? Hint

Ian Duncan Smith

David Blunkett

Gordon Brown

Charles Kennedy

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Question 11 of 20

11. In September 2003 a British backpacker escaped armed kidnappers and returned home from which country? Hint

Bangladesh

Iraq

Colombia

Peru

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Question 12 of 20

12. Which British singing star died in September 2003 at the age of 54? Hint

Robert Palmer

Richard Palmer

Rene Palmer

Roy Palmer

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Question 13 of 20

13. The first Black Chief Constable of Police was appointed in September 2003.

True

False

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Question 14 of 20

14. In September 2003 where did the Labour Party hold their Annual Party Conference? Hint

Blackpool

Oldham

London

Bournemouth

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Question 15 of 20

15. Although not held in September 2003, but in early October 2003, where was the Conservative Party Conference set? Hint

Bournemouth

Blackpool

Harrogate

Brighton

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Question 16 of 20

16. In September 2003 which Premier Association Football team was rising high in the Premier Division helped by the money of a Russian billionaire? Hint

Spurs

Chelsea

Arsenal

Manchester United

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Question 17 of 20

17. Which country had its worst blackout (power-cut) in its history in September 2003? Hint

Italy

America

England

France

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Question 18 of 20

18. Who said in September 2003, I've "not got a reverse gear" in riding out of a "rough patch"? Hint

Tony Blair

Ian Duncan Smith

Margaret Thatcher

Gordon Brown

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Question 19 of 20

19. In September 2003 a 17-year-old girl alleged to police a gang rape and intensive investigations followed. Who was the allegation made against? Hint

the police

youths in a Brixton street

some Premiership Association Footballers

a cricket team

NEXT>

Question 20 of 20

20. Which enquiry completed its report in January 2004 into the sad death of Dr David Kelly? Hint

the Bradman Inquiry

the Hutton Inquiry

the Compton Inquiry

the Blair Inquiry

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Oct 14 2024 : Guest 92: 16/20
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Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

Answer: pensioners

The National Pensioners' Convention were lobbying against the decline in income for pensioners. They want the link between state pensions and earnings restored (abolished by Margaret Thatcher in 1980). Recent pension increases are seen as derisory when weighted against the increases in the cost of living such as council tax.

It is often said that you can judge a country by the way it treats its pensioners. I shall say no more!

Answer: True

Apparently the Home Secretary did follow this matter up. The arms fair was by Defence Systems and Equipment International. I doubt if the police caught any terrorists as they were probably busy buying the goods!

3. Which political party celebrated its 30th birthday in September 2003 at its annual conference in Lancaster?

Answer: the Green Party

The Green Party has gradually grown in influence in domestic politics and is planning not only to add to its number of European MPs and local MPs, but to make inroads into Parliament.

4. Which "country legend" singer died in America at the age of 71 in September 2003?

Answer: Johnny Cash

Sadly, this great legend of country music died in hospital in Nashville, Tennessee. Famous since the 1950s, may his legacy to us always be remembered.

Answer: the Last Night of the Proms

This was the first time that the Promenade Concert's last night was linked to other venues. Covered by the BBC1 television the event has almost equal status with England football internationals and the Eurovision Song Contest (although thankfully there is no voting at the proms!).

6. British researchers working under Professor Kevin Fearon at the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary in September 2003 found what substance(s) may dramatically improve the lives of some cancer patients?

Answer: fish oil supplements

Fish oil has long been thought to assist against some heart problems. It is alleged that eskimoes have no word in their language to cover heart attacks as their fishy diet makes them more immune from heart attacks. However, fish oil supplements may also have a role to play against cancer.

7. The World Cancer Research Fund in September 2003 warned against what as a cause of serious overweight, obesity, cancer and heart disease?

Answer: American trend super-size portions

The charity (WCRF) estimates that one in five British people are overweight.

8. In September 2003 the British government lost a bye-election in one of its safest seats. Which constituency was the government beaten in?

Answer: Brent East

The Liberal Democrats raced in from all over the country and the Labour Party lost its first Commons seat in a bye-election for 15 years. Previously the Labour Party held the seat with a majority of over 13,000 votes. This is the seat held by Ken Livingstone before he left the Labour Party and became Mayor of London.

9. In September 2003 Paula Radcliffe won the world's biggest half marathon race in a new world-best time. What is the name of the half marathon?

Answer: the Great North Run

The run goes from Newcastle to South Shields and Paula did a time of 65 minutes 40 seconds. Having already broken the world marathon record she must be wondering where she goes from here. Mind you she was lucky she could move so fast, being the world's biggest half marathon the crush of runners behind her must have been enormous!

10. Who said in September 2003 on a television programme that for the government "It is going to be a very big challenge to rebuild trust" and win a third term of office?

Answer: David Blunkett

The remark was made on the television programme "Breakfast with Frost". Being the Home Secretary he ought to know.

11. In September 2003 a British backpacker escaped armed kidnappers and returned home from which country?

Answer: Colombia

Held in the Colombian jungle Londoner Matthew Scott, aged 19, made a dramatic escape down a mountainside and returned home safely.

12. Which British singing star died in September 2003 at the age of 54?

Answer: Robert Palmer

Sadly this British star and Yorkshire born singer died in Paris of a heart attack. May his legacy live on with us.

13. The first Black Chief Constable of Police was appointed in September 2003.

Answer: True

Michael Fuller aged 44 and Deputy Assistant Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police was appointed to lead the Kent police force. It remains to be seen how this move will influence the force nationwide.

14. In September 2003 where did the Labour Party hold their Annual Party Conference?

Answer: Bournemouth

The Labour Party faithful trotted off to the seaside and an area once thought of as solid Tory territory amongst the retired pensioners.

15. Although not held in September 2003, but in early October 2003, where was the Conservative Party Conference set?

Answer: Blackpool

That well-known west coast seaside resort was booked to host the Conference. This was not exactly loyal Conservative territory in the past.

16. In September 2003 which Premier Association Football team was rising high in the Premier Division helped by the money of a Russian billionaire?

Answer: Chelsea

Roman Abramovich having bought the Chelsea Football Club was pouring as much money as needed into Chelsea to buy the ideal team. It remains to be seen if the manager Claudio Ranieri can convert seemingly unlimited money into success on the field and a world beating team.

17. Which country had its worst blackout (power-cut) in its history in September 2003?

Answer: Italy

Following similar events earlier in the year in London and America, Italy followed. The blame was placed abroad on possibly France or Switzerland.

18. Who said in September 2003, I've "not got a reverse gear" in riding out of a "rough patch"?

Answer: Tony Blair

The Prime Minister told the Labour Party Conference that he was clearly not for turning. Words we have heard before somewhere, haven't we?

19. In September 2003 a 17-year-old girl alleged to police a gang rape and intensive investigations followed. Who was the allegation made against?

Answer: some Premiership Association Footballers

Eight Premiership footballers were alleged to have gang raped a 17-year-old girl at the Grosvenor House Hotel, Park Lane, Central London. Sorry, but no names can be provided, but if this hideous event occurred I am sure the fans on the terraces will not withold their opinions.

20. Which enquiry completed its report in January 2004 into the sad death of Dr David Kelly?

Answer: the Hutton Inquiry

The government was exonerated.

Source: Author rialto88

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor Beatka before going online.
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