Merseyside Quiz Leagues

At the last Council Meeting (14 March) it was proposed that the 2021-22 Season not start until January 2022.  After some discussion it was agreed that just ahead of the next Council Meeting (27 June), all teams should be canvassed for their opinions.  It was thought that by say mid-June, they could be in a better position to weigh up the lifting of restrictions, their players' feelings about face to face meetings and the availability of venues.  Area secretaries were asked to contact their teams about this time.
It was also suggested that if it was felt that we could perhaps start a normal season in September, that the Leagues should consider the temporary restructuring of their divisions.  The aim would be to give maximum flexibility for coping with a 'winter break' or a shortened schedule should COVID restrictions be re-imposed.

In the meantime, your Area Secretaries will have been in touch about the following two competitions;
The Merseyside Individual Competition on Monday 10 May with finals the following week.  Please contact your Area Secretary immediately if you want to make a last minute entry. 

The three leagues that have been running online will soon come to an end.  If any teams are interested in a short season in June or July then again please contact your Area Secretary to register. 

We are very sad to announce that former MQL player, Janet Barker died suddenly on 26th February.  Janet played in the Liverpool and Merseyside Leagues for many years and was the leading player in the Poste House / Excelsior team that dominated the Liverpool League in the 80s and 90s also winning the Merseyside Challenge Cup 9 times and the Feeny Cup 17 times.  In that period Janet was also part of the Liverpool team that won the President’s Trophy on 8 occasions.  She was Merseyside Mimir Champion in both 1990 and in 1993.
Before becoming a professional setter Janet enjoyed success on TV in Ask the Family, Winner Takes All and Jeopardy.  She was a Mastermind semi-finalist and also appeared on Brain of Britain and Counterpoint.  Her friend, colleague and long-time team-mate Neville Cohen has written a fine tribute which you can read here.
Older members of the Leagues will remember Janet as an exceptional player and a formidable opponent. We offer her family and friends our sincere condolences. 

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Andy Francis of Greyhound and the Ormskirk Quiz League.  A long time member of the MQL who played regularly in Mimir and President's Trophy competitions, Andy died suddenly last weekend after a short illness.  We ask his family and friends to accept our deepest condolences.  An obituary can be read here.

It was with great sadness that we heard of the sudden death of Malcolm Charles of the Wirral QL.  Malcolm had played in the WQL for over 30 years and was known by players throughout the MQL.  His team mates have written some fine words here.  We offer our sincere condolences to his family and friends.