A Poem on the Neil O'Brien's DI Open Quiz held on Sunday December 9, 2018.

 

The grand old O'Biren 
(as the name was pronounced by non English speaking janta)
of Jamir lane,
Though a teacher, a publisher, 
with many laurels to his name,
Took quizzing to such heights, 
It brought him much love and fame.

It was in 1967 that he held the first DI Open,
Since then many quizzing records have been set and broken.
One such evening was held yesterday,
When Derek and Barry held their sway.

84 teams perspired to qualify,
Only 8 made the cut though each one did try.
Guessing and fudging until they hit bull's eye.

In true DI tradition, the audience cheered on,
Winning breakfast at Flurys and meals with the O'Briens.
The Mehboob band trumpeted in with a cameo,
As Kumar Mitra diligently kept score.

As the evening progressed, the fight got tougher,
Coming neck to neck between Answering service and Bypok Hammer,
It finally came down to DI-B and Neil's Boys,
Both of whom held the buzzer with great poise.

But it was none other than Mrs. Joyce who fired the final missile, (American pronunciaton)
When she called it a day with her full mouthed whistle!

Of nostalgia, reminiscence, learning and fun,
A Calcutta style evening, where everyone won.