News from the 1980’s that never made the headlines
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This quiz book focuses on news from the 1980’s with 20 different categories and over
340 multi-
These are weird, wonderful and odd stories and all true; for quiz masters needing new and unique material and those who enjoy reading about the slightly bizarre side of real life.
Take a short fun quiz on the 1980's Quiz Book page.
The Jesus Bequest
Jesus Christ will not return to poverty when he comes back to earth -
An insurance policy arranged through Lloyds of London will pay the Saviour over £300,000 as soon as he proves his identity. In the meantime, the remote cousins of Mr Ernest Digweed can benefit from the £300,000 which the Portsmouth religious recluse bequeathed to the Messiah in his will.
The Public Trustees Office, a Government department which acts as executor for several thousand wills each year, will shortly be going to the High Court for, permission to finalise this somewhat worldly arrangement.
Mr Digweed appointed the Public Trustees to be the executors of his will. But his closest relations asked the department to treat Mr Digweed as though he had left no will, so that the legacy earmarked for Jesus could be divided between them.
The Office has provisionally agreed, but wants to take out an insurance policy in case the intended beneficiary returns to collect his money.
Mr Digweed was well aware of just how much interest his lump sum could earn. His will lay down that the money is to be invested to produce a 12 per cent return. It stipulates that if the Last Judgment takes place within the next 21 years (say 2003), Christ should receive capital and interest, which by then should come to £324,115.90.
Mr Digweed spent some time working out the date of Christ’s arrival, through a series of calculations, based on figures in the Book of Revelation. He expected it to take place before the 21 years were up, but his will lays down that should the return be postponed for any reason, the lump sum should still be kept for God the Son, although all further interest would be diverted to the state.
Unless the claimant returns, the trust will remain in force for 80 years (say 2062). Under the 16th Century Law of Perpetuity it would then be dissolved, and the money would go to whoever Mr Digweed’s closest relations happened to be at the time.
An insurer has offered to take the risk at ½ per cent of the total £324,000, a premium of £1,620. The biggest worry is going to be identification. The insurers will want to put in tight conditions. Two claimants have already tried and failed to get the money.