General knowledge crossword

ACROSS

1 An 11-letter English word with all the vowels in the correct sequence (11)

8 What vegetable was the subject of notes made by Charles Darwin on his wedding night? (7)

9 When Columbus arrived in the West Indies in 1492, where did he think he was? (5)

10 The ladybird is the official insect of which American state? (4)

11 Which renowned Italian directed films from 1950 to 1990? (7)

12 Roman goddess Maia gave us which month? (3)

13 What is the abbreviation for University of California at Los Angeles? (4)

15 A throbbing pain (4)

17 What action in rugby scores five points? (3)

19&20 Which number one hit for UB40 was also Sonny and Cher’s only number one hit? (1,3,3,4)

23 What is the eighth letter of the Greek alphabet? (5)

24 Rally driver Tommi Makinen was born in which country? (7)

25 What is interviewing an actor, singer or dancer for a role? (11)

DOWN

1 What unit of measurement for water depth equals six feet? (6)

2 What breed of dog is the Queen’s favourite? (5)

3 What is the luminous trail of particles following a comet called? (4)

4 What is “to turn into bone”? (6)

5 What is a passage for surplus water from a dam? (8)

6 World War II halved the 11 million speakers of which language? (7)

7 Which is South America’s biggest country? (6)

12 Which US state was named after the wife of Charles I? (8) 14 What caused more than 370,000 deaths in India between 1898 and 1907? (7)

16 What is a young cat? (6)

17 What type of low seat is mentioned in a well-known nursery rhyme? (6)

18 What is an old or experienced sailor? (3,3)

21 Which family of violin makers in Cremona developed the modern violin design? (5)

22 What is Latin for “in the year of”? (4)