THE LOCKDOWN period has reshaped the lives of people throughout the country.

Visits to the shops were met with strict health and safety measures, and perhaps the UK’s favourite place - the pub - was closed.

While publicans and drinkers mourned the loss of bar gossip and local banter, the weekly pub quiz, often a highlight amongst regular visitors, was also put on hold.

Maughan Nicholson from Bardon Mill, however, was determined to continue his weekly tradition as quiz master throughout Tynedale.

The Hexham Courant launched its bouquet of the week appeal in April to recognise the work of special citizens across the Tyne Valley.

Although the Haltwhistle Working Men's Club, where Maughan is quizmaster, had closed, he continued to prepare questions across a wide range of categories.

Around 100 people were tuning into Maughan’s weekly quiz, transmitted live on the Haltwhistle Matters Facebook page, at the height of lockdown.

“It was an honour to be asked, and to present a quiz to locals and Halty ex-pats around the world,” he said.

“It was something to alleviate the onset of stir craziness for those who attended my pub quizzes, and those who fancied a challenge on Sunday evening.

“Members include ex-pats in Australia, Austria, Germany, and New Zealand.”

Maughan’s quizzes were so popular, members of the Hexham Matters Facebook page also requested his services.

“I do quizzes throughout Tynedale and usually manage to do 14 a month," Maughan added. “I have always been fond of quizzes in pubs and hostelries.”

The journey of hosting quizzes started after a conversation with his cousin after buying the former North-East sport newspaper The Pink.

“I used to compile a quiz from the newspaper and shout it from the bar, and more and more people asked me to do them at pubs,” Maughan said.

Having started off as light hobby, Maughan soon found himself travelling to pubs in Haydon Bridge, Bardon Mill, Humshaugh and Wark to deliver quizzes.

And during lockdown, he has collected in the region of 100 quiz questions from newspapers over the past few months.

So what is the secret to a successful pub quiz?

“Musical lyrics questions have been really popular with people,” Maughan said.

“Nobody likes to get zero out of 50 so every quiz I make sure there are questions for different ages.”

Maughan’s Quick Quiz:

lThe village of Boulmer had a reputation for which illicit activity in the 18th and 19th centuries?

lWhat is the river that flows through Jesmond Dene?

lWhich road number is carried across the Tyne by Blaydon Bridge?