National Treasures Game
- Simon O'Donovan
- Aug 21
- 10 min read
A "National Treasure"is a subjective term, but generally refers to someone who is widely admired and respected, often for their contributions to culture, arts, or public service, and is seen as embodying positive national values. There isn't a formal rating system, but several qualities often contribute to someone being considered a national treasure.
Here's a breakdown of factors often considered:
Qualities that contribute to the perception of "National Treasure":
Longevity and Consistency:
Often, people who have been in the public eye for a long time, consistently demonstrating talent, skill or positive contributions, are more likely to be seen as national treasures.
Breadth of Appeal:
They are generally well-liked across different demographics and age groups, not just among a niche audience.
Positive Influence:
They inspire, entertain, or educate in a way that is seen as beneficial to the nation.
Modesty and Humility:
While they may be celebrated, they are often perceived as being humble and not seeking excessive attention.
Cultural Impact:
Their work or actions have had a significant and lasting impact on the nation's culture or identity.
Public Recognition:
They are often formally recognised with awards or titles, or widely celebrated in popular culture.
Inoffensiveness (but not Blandness):
They are generally seen as inoffensive and agreeable, but also possess a certain spark or charm that prevents them from being seen as boring.
Embodiment of National Values:
They are seen as representing positive national ideals, even if those ideals are open to interpretation.
NB. The inclusion criteria are that the National Treasures listed lived and excelled in the 21st century.
NATIONAL TREASURES GAME 🦁
This CST activity page presents a 'National Treasures Game' for CST group facilitators to use whenever an opportunity arises, e.g. if a person featured is honoured or passes.
There are 30 'National Treasure' cards provided. The idea is to print them out on A4 paper and laminate them for protection and future use.
Lay the cards out in the room, a few on each table. Then follow these guidelines (or wing it as you wish) ...
Ask members to hold up the 'National Treasure' card which matches with the musical clue (a Spotify playlist is provided below). This may need some prompting, e.g. "I think this person might be on your table".
Ask the person holding the card to say a little about the person, not necessarily reading out the summary provided.
Ask members to comment on the 'National Treasure' status assigned to the person, using the following headings"
National Value
Societal Contribution
Beloved & Respected
Legacy
You might like to use a rating scale for these four headings, marking each out of 5 points, so the person's 'National Treasure' status is marked out of 20.
To help members decide the above, there is a YouTube playlist highlighting some aspect of the person's life and work.
After working through all the 'National Treasure' cards, pick out those which are most highly rated, perhaps a 'Best 5'.
Then have the group vote and decide an overall 'National Treasure' winner.
Another approach (for a shorter session), would be for members to look at all the 'National Treasure' cards and choose one or two to champion to the rest of the group. They should be asked to say why they choose this person, what they admire and respect most about them and what they would say to the person if they were lucky enough to meet them. (For members with language difficulties this might be more challenging, but facilitators can help by asking a few closed questions to build on those above, e.g. "Did you choose this person because you like their music?" or "Did you like their xxxx movie?"
Here are the 'National Treasure' cards (if you need these in another format email me on simondementia@gmail.com )
Members might, of course, choose another or several other National Treasures (let me know in comments below) and if anyone feels strongly that I have missed somebody significant, let me know and I will add cards.
RUNNERS UP
QUESTIONS & CLIPS
Here are some questions to help prompt discussion about each person:
Dame Maggie Smith - Which of her movies was your favourite?
"The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie", "A Room with a View", "Gosford Park", and her portrayal of Professor Minerva McGonagall in the "Harry Potter" film series. She also received critical acclaim for her roles in "The Lady in the Van", "The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel", and "Downton Abbey".
Here are some of Maggie Smith's best "Downton Abbey" lines - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GoV80LsmrJc&t=6s
Dawn French - What do you think of the fact that Dawn French (and Jennifer Saunders) refused a Queen's honour (OBE)? What do you think of the honours system?
Here are some of the end jokes from 'The "Vicar Of Dibley" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JYrp6D9akQA&t=8s
Sir David Attenborough - What must it have been like to come across a family of mountain gorillas? What would you have done?
Here is the video of David Attenborough meeting the mountain gorillas - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y1zeMH7Udp0
Factoid. In 2016, the general public were asked to name this new polar research ship and voted to call it "Boaty Mc Boat Face".
Sir Lenny Henry - Can anyone bring to mind a stand out 'Comic Relief' moment? Did anyone buy and wear a red nose?
Here is "Lenny Henry's Frank Bruno impersonation." clip - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vhFvr2psiYk
Dame Mary Berry - How does one avoid having "a soggy bottom"? What is or was your 'signature bake'?
Here is Mary Berry's "90th Birthday British Vogue Bake Off" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IiYHJUrO_Lg
Dame Joanna Lumley - Which of her roles is most memorable?
Joanna Lumley is best known for her iconic role as Patsy Stone in the British sitcom "Absolutely Fabulous". However, her career extends beyond this, encompassing roles in "The New Avengers", "Sapphire and Steel", and various films such as "On Her Majesty's Secret Service" and "Shirley Valentine".
Here is the "Wine Tasting" sketch from "Absolutely Fabulous" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K706oNKwVF0
Stephen Fry - Which of his roles is most memorable?
Stephen Fry's most memorable roles span television, film, and voice acting. He's known for playing Jeeves in "Jeeves and Wooster," the Master in "The Hobbit" films, and the Cheshire Cat in Tim Burton's "Alice in Wonderland". He is also well-known for his roles in the comedy series "A Bit of Fry and Laurie" and "Blackadder" and presenting "Q.I.".
Funniest Stephen Fry moment on "Graham Norton" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y7YRGAs0kFA
Sir Paul McCartney - What is your favourite 'Beatles' or 'Wings' song & why?
Paul McCartney's best work is subjective and varies depending on individual preferences, but some consistently praised albums and songs include "Band on the Run" (Wings), "Ram" (with Linda McCartney), "Flaming Pie," and songs like "Maybe I'm Amazed," "Let It Be," and "Hey Jude" (with The Beatles). Many also point to his work with Wings, including "Live and Let Die" and "Silly Love Songs," as highlights of his post-Beatles career.
"20 Beatles Songs in 4 Minutes" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rfOx4CmQWLs
How many songs can you name?
Terry Wogan - It's time for a song break. Here is Terry Wogan's "The Floral Dance" ...
Dame Judi Dench - Which of her roles are most memorable?
Dame Judi Dench is celebrated for a wide range of roles, but some of her most acclaimed performances include Queen Victoria in "Mrs. Brown", Queen Elizabeth I in "Shakespeare in Love", and M in the "James Bond" series. She's also known for her roles in "Philomena", "The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel", "Ladies In Lavender" and "A Room with a View".
Her is Judi Dench performing a sonnet by Shakespeare from memory on "Grham Norton's" show - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QY0A9TWFPNw
Sir Billy Connolly - His nickname is 'The Big Yin'. Has anyone here got a nickname, or did you have one in earlier life?
Here is Billy Connelly on the "Parkinson" show - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QFTBPZdk6ac
Dame Shirley Bassey - It must be nice your name being synonymous with the place you were born, i.e. "The Girl From Tiger Bay". Who has visited Cardiff Bay? How has it changed over the years?
or What is her best song?
Shirley Bassey's best work encompasses her powerful vocals, captivating stage presence, and iconic James Bond theme songs, particularly "Goldfinger," "Diamonds Are Forever," and "Moonraker". Beyond Bond, her repertoire includes hits like "Big Spender," "This Is My Life," and "Something," showcasing her versatility and enduring appeal.
Here is a Shirley Bassey medley of songs - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=88u7PKu3A4E
Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson - Who likes to watch the Summer or Winter "Olympic Games", or the "Paralympics"? What is your favourite Olympic sport?
"Tanni Grey-Thompson History Maker" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iIlt3mJ0xJs
Michael Palin - His 'Around The World In 80 Days' travels were remarkable. Where is the farthest or best place you have travelled?
"Monty Python - The Lumberjack Song" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FshU58nI0Ts&list=RDFshU58nI0Ts&start_radio=1
Kate Bush - What is her most memorable of best work?
Kate Bush's best work is subjective and varies depending on individual preferences, but some of her most acclaimed and popular pieces include "Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God)", "Wuthering Heights", "Hounds of Love", "Cloudbusting", and "This Woman's Work". Her album "Hounds of Love" is frequently cited as a masterpiece, and songs like "Running Up That Hill" and "Cloudbusting" from that album are often highlighted as highlights of her career. Other notable works include "The Man With The Child In His Eyes", "Babooshka", and "Moments of Pleasure".
"Kate Bush's first concerts in 35 years" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pqoZuXIcrfk
Jamie Oliver - What was your favourite school dinner & pudding?
"Bake It Off: Stand Up To Cancer" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FshU58nI0Ts&list=RDFshU58nI0Ts&start_radio=1
Andy Murray - Who enjoys watching tennis? Which other sports are members' favourites?
"Andy Interviews Andy" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D6aiD-PCnvA
Victoria Wood - Which of her roles are the most memorable?
In the 1990s, she wrote and co-starred in the television film "Pat and Margaret" (1994), and the sitcom "Dinnerladies" (1998–2000), which she also produced. She won two more BAFTA TV Awards for her 2006 television film "Housewife, 49". And of course, her "As Seen On TV" sketch show was especially acclaimed.
Dame Floella Benjamin - What was your favourite children's TV show?
"Floella Benjamin receives a BAFTA Fellowship" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MY14lSgbDDk
Sir Elton John - What are his best songs?
Elton John's best work is subjective and can be found in his iconic songs and critically acclaimed albums, particularly during his peak years in the 1970s."Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" is often cited as his finest album, while "Your Song," "Tiny Dancer," "Rocket Man," "Candle in the Wind," and "Bennie and the Jets" are consistently ranked among his best songs.
Dame Julie Walters - What are her most memorable roles?
Julie Walters is known for a wide range of memorable roles, both in film and television. She is internationally recognized for her portrayal of Mrs. Weasley in the "Harry Potter films". Her role in "Educating Rita"earned her an Academy Award nomination. Other notable performances include her roles in "Billy Elliot" and her comedic turn in "Mamma Mia!" are noted.
"Billy Elliot dance" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tlNWINImRNg&list=RDtlNWINImRNg&start_radio=1
Sean Connery - Which are his best films?
Sean Connery's best films include his iconic James Bond roles in "Dr. No", "From Russia with Love", and "Goldfinger", as well as his memorable performances in "The Untouchables", "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade", and "The Hunt for Red October". Other notable films include "The Man Who Would Be King", "Marnie", and "The Rock".
Which was your favourite 007 James Bond? - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YT0Qhyv3pjo
Sir Ian McKellen - Which of his roles is your favourite?
Ian McKellen is most famous for playing the wizard Gandalf in "The Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit" trilogies and the mutant Magneto in the "X-Men" film series. He is also a celebrated British stage actor, recognised for his extensive Shakespearean work and roles in plays such as "Amadeus", and is a prominent activist for LGBT rights.
"Extras" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m5CX00i4uZE
Cliff Richard - Which of his songs is your favourite?
Cliff Richard's singing career, spanning over 65 years, began in the late 1950s as a rebellious rock and roll singer with the backing group The Shadows. His early success included the British rock and roll song "Move It" in 1958, followed by film work and a television show. Other hits included, "The Young Ones", "Summer Holiday", "Living Doll", "Bachelor Boy", "Congratulations" and "Devil Woman".
Here is his best-selling Christmas number one - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rZCEBibnRM8&list=RDrZCEBibnRM8&start_radio=1
Cilla Black - As Cilla Black said she wanted to be remembered as a singer rather than a TV presenter, which is our favourite song of hers?
Cilla Black had a highly successful singing career in the 1960s and 1970s, starting in 1963 with support from The Beatles and management by Brian Epstein. She achieved two UK number-one singles in 1964, "Anyone Who Had a Heart" and "You're My World". Other hits included "Step Inside Love", "Sing A Rainbow" & "Alfie".
David Bowie - Which of his songs was your favourite?
David Bowie's singing career, from his 1967 debut to his final album Blackstar in 2016, was marked by constant innovation, genre-hopping, and iconic personae, beginning with "Space Oddity", "Starman" and the glam rock of Ziggy Stardust, moving through to hits such as "The Jean Genie", "Life On Mars", "Heroes", "Ashes To Ashes", "Fashion" & "Under Pressure" (with Queen). He also had a couple of quirky hits - "The Laughing Gnome" & "The Little Drummer Boy" (with Bing Crosby).
Bruce Forsyth - What was your favourite Bruce Forsyth show?
Bruce Forsyth's TV career, lasting over 70 years and earning him a Guinness World Record for the longest career in male TV entertainment, began with a big break in Sunday Night at the London Palladium in 1958. He became best known for hosting prime-time game shows such as "The Generation Game", "Play Your Cards Right" and "The Price Is Right". He also co-hosted the hugely successful "Strictly Come Dancing" from 2004 to 2014 and was a beloved family entertainer with signature catchphrases like "Nice to see you, to see you nice!".
"Sky News Tribute" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CXu1sK9dRi4
Rod Stewart - Which of his songs is your favoruite?
Sir Roderick David Stewart is a British singer and songwriter. Known for his distinctive raspy singing voice, Stewart is among the best-selling music artists of all time, having sold more than 120 million records worldwide. His hits included "I Don't Want To Talk About It", "Sailing", "Maggie May", "The First Cut Is The Deepest", "Do Ya Think I'm Sexy" & "You Wear It Well".
"How my career began" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YZPSzGN4e44
Factoid. Did you known he is an avid model railway enthusiast?
Tom Jones - It's time for a singalong with 'Delilah' ...
HRH Queen Elizabeth 11 - It is well known that Queen Elizabeth loved Corgi dogs. Who is or was your most beloved pet?
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