Written by Adam Rees, CEO Abbeyfield Bristol and Keynsham.

One of the highlights of my job is when I get to visit one of our houses, spend time with residents and see firsthand the vibrant community spirit that thrives within its walls. It’s always a treat when a visit to our Keynsham House happens to fall on a Thursday—because that means Pete’s Quiz is in full swing, and last week I was lucky enough to be roped into one of the most entertaining mornings I’ve had in a long time.

Now, if you’re imagining a gentle, sedate trivia session, think again. Pete’s Quiz is a Thursday morning ritual that is equal parts brain workout and comedy show. Hosted by Pete, one of our long-standing residents, the quiz is infamous across the Abbeyfield Bristol community for its unpredictable twists, cheeky humour, and fiercely competitive edge.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝘂𝗹𝗲𝘀 (𝗦𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗢𝗳)

The format is deceptively simple. Each week, Pete selects ten themes—ranging from “Breed of Dog” to “Circus” to “Things You’d Find on a Farm”. Then, he pulls a letter from a bag of Scrabble tiles, and everyone has ten minutes to come up with a word for each category that starts with that letter.

Sounds straightforward, right? Well, here’s where things get interesting.

Pete, as quizmaster, has the final say on whether your answer earns points. And his rulings are legendary. You get:

• 2 points for a unique answer no one else has,
• 1 point if someone else shares your answer,
• 3 points if you match Pete’s answer—which is often a wild card.

All in all, it’s part quiz, part pantomime, and completely brilliant, with a room full of laughter, playful protests, and the occasional dramatic appeal to Pete’s better judgment.

𝗔 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

It’s not just that it is a clever game, but that it brings everyone together. Residents of all abilities are engaged—some who don’t usually interact much were fully immersed, laughing, debating, and celebrating each other’s answers. It was a joy to witness.

Even more heart-warming was seeing a number of retired Abbeyfield staff who still return every Thursday just to take part. That kind of lasting connection speaks volumes about the sense of belonging and joy that Abbeyfield fosters.

𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝗝𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗮 𝗚𝗮𝗺𝗲

Pete’s Quiz is more than a weekly activity—it’s a testament to the creativity, humour, and resilience of our residents. It encourages mental stimulation, social interaction, and a whole lot of fun. And it’s a reminder that wellbeing isn’t just about nutrition and support—it’s also about laughter, connection, and shared experiences.

I left the house that day with a smile on my face and a win for one round (thanks to “Foxhound,” “Floss [Candy],” and “Farmer’s Wife”). I also left with the sneaking suspicion that I might not be allowed to play again—at least not without a handicap! Pete runs a tight ship, after all.