Hello and welcome to the official website of Top of the Pew.
Whether you are a team organiser, member, caterer, scorer, supporter or a complete neutral with no idea what Top of the Pew is about, we hope to explain here!
Officially started in early 1972 by founder John Bedells, Top of the Pew took its name from the popular quiz show, Top of the Form, adapted to make a fun church quiz, originally of the Bromley Common district. Begun that year with only 8 teams, 7 of which are still competing in its 42nd year, it has expanded in both area and popularity, currently including 30 churches from Orpington to Anerley.
Until recently the competition was run by John's daughter, Sarah Hinchliffe, and is still going strong under new management.
For the 2023 competition we are again short of a full quota, and so one lucky team will make it through to the second round as the highest scoring loser. With or without a full 32 teams a draw is made at the beginning of the year and Question Masters from independent churches are chosen. Matches in the 1st round are usually played on a Sunday evening by around the end of June. The winning teams move forward to the second round which is played similarly by early September. The quarter finals and semi finals are played out in good time for the Grand Final held towards the end of November.
Top of the Pew has two objectives - getting to know other churches within the Borough and raising money for a charity. Above all it should be fun!
For more details of how the competition runs please see the rules and suggestions to Question Masters elsewhere on this website. If you have any questions or queries please contact the organisers Anthony & Marion Bayley (07983 334946) [email protected]
Whether you are a team organiser, member, caterer, scorer, supporter or a complete neutral with no idea what Top of the Pew is about, we hope to explain here!
Officially started in early 1972 by founder John Bedells, Top of the Pew took its name from the popular quiz show, Top of the Form, adapted to make a fun church quiz, originally of the Bromley Common district. Begun that year with only 8 teams, 7 of which are still competing in its 42nd year, it has expanded in both area and popularity, currently including 30 churches from Orpington to Anerley.
Until recently the competition was run by John's daughter, Sarah Hinchliffe, and is still going strong under new management.
For the 2023 competition we are again short of a full quota, and so one lucky team will make it through to the second round as the highest scoring loser. With or without a full 32 teams a draw is made at the beginning of the year and Question Masters from independent churches are chosen. Matches in the 1st round are usually played on a Sunday evening by around the end of June. The winning teams move forward to the second round which is played similarly by early September. The quarter finals and semi finals are played out in good time for the Grand Final held towards the end of November.
Top of the Pew has two objectives - getting to know other churches within the Borough and raising money for a charity. Above all it should be fun!
For more details of how the competition runs please see the rules and suggestions to Question Masters elsewhere on this website. If you have any questions or queries please contact the organisers Anthony & Marion Bayley (07983 334946) [email protected]