The ebulliant  Nadia Hasnaoui, presenter of TV´s popular quiz-show "Double or Quits", began when intruducing the theme which "will change the way you look at long road-trips in Norway for ever...". She was refering to the boundary signs most municipal and rural councils erect, proudly bearing their coats of arms.

In shows aired in February 2010 Ole Wiseth demonstrated his knowledge of Norwegian municipal heraldry- a passion he has borne since his childhood in Steinkjær. In the NRK programme many interesting and amusing heraldic titbits were aired. For eksemple, when  King Oscar II on 18th july 1891 was served dinner in Risør, the menu was decorated with an image of a fort standing on a rock between two stars. After dinner, the King signed the menu - and this is taken as his royal approval of the arms borne by Risør council to this day.

On the theme of "Norwegian municipal heraldry- regional, local and city arms from the middle ages til today, Wiseth´s answers were detailed and confident, and impressed the referee -attorney and heraldist (and former NHF chairman) Hans Cappelen.

How well did he do..? 

Video of the whole programme is available via NRK web-TV  (part 1) and (part 2 see: 10m00 – 20m30)

In addition to his prize money, Ole Wiseth was presented with membership in the Norwegian Heraldry Society. Welcome  – and many congratulations Ole!

"Illustrations from “Heraldry of the World" (http://www.ngw.nl/indexgb.htm) by Rolf Hartemink. Used with permission. All rights reserved"