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Get active in April!

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Regional News

Despite illness and heavy snow preventing several guests from attending our regional party night in Nottinghamshire in February, there were still over 100 partygoers and a good night was had by all. If you want to know what you missed please see the review and photos in this issue of Empress. We are currently seeking suggestions for the venue and type of event members would like to see for our regional event in February 2010. Don't be shy! If you have ideas please contact me on [Phone Number] or [Email]

Although events involving food and drink are always popular, some time ago a group discussion led to the conclusion members would like to see more activities being organised. So we are calling this month "Active April" and you'll find a range of more energetic events on offer throughout our region. Choose from walking, cycling, ten pin bowling, golfing, dancing and more. Why not come along and have a little exercise whilst making new friends? See Empress, Mensa Magazine or www.mensa.org.uk/eastmids for full details of all these events as well as our regular get togethers.

At our regional committee meeting prior to the party night we discussed future regional events. A joint East and West Midlands Mensa day out is already arranged for Sunday 28th June at Twycross Zoo on our regional border. This will include a private talk, guided tour of the zoo, educational sessions making toys/feeding devices for the animals, buffet lunch and free time to explore. Tickets only cost £10 per person. A bargain as normal admission is £11! Please contact me to book. Places are limited due to the activity sessions.

We are also planning another regional day which is provisionally booked to take place at the Holiday Inn Rugby/Northampton on Saturday 4th July. Watch this space as details are finalised! We have used this venue on two previous occasions as it is centrally located, very easy to find from M1 J18 and the staff have given us excellent service. We are also looking into the possibility of holding an outdoor pursuits weekend in the summer. Please let me know if you might be interested in this type of event so that I can keep you informed.

Finally, we are seeking a Regional Publicity Officer for East Midlands Mensa. The role is basically to liaise with the media as required. Newspapers and radio stations occasionally wish to speak to a Mensan about what the society has to offer, especially when a test session is about to take place in their local town. If you would be willing to represent Mensa in this way please do get in touch with me. Thank you!

Maxine Bates

Regional Officer

Events and Meetings

photo of Val Hinkins

Mid Bucks

On Sat 25th Apr at 12.15pm - Active April: Walk

Active April walk on 25th. At 12.15pm meet up at the top of the approach to Beaconsfield Station (London bound side) for a coffee and light snack before setting off on a three mile walk to Penn. The route is mostly on quiet footpaths. We will visit The Cottage bookshop, said to have inspired Discworld's Unseen University Library, where we will emulate the careful student and make sure we all get out in time for dinner. A compass and ball of twine for threading our way through the stacks of second hand books might be useful.

If you have seen Midsomer Murders "A Tale of Two Hamlets" you may recognise The Cottage as Lower Walden bookshop. There is a convenient hostelry close by where we can find refreshment before returning to Beaconsfield, probably by a subtly different route. Alternatively if your purchases are too heavy to carry home, Penn is served by frequent local buses which run to High Wycombe station.

Val Hinkins

Contact [Email] or [Phone Number] for details

photo of Maxine Bates

Notts News

On Sun 5th Apr at 8.00pm - 5OTM

Round off the weekend with a friendly drink and chat at the Vat & Fiddle pub on Queensbridge Road from 8.00pm on Sunday 5th. You can find us to the left of the bar. Look for the yellow Mblem or phone [Phone Number] in advance for directions. The pub is near Nottingham railway station and adjacent to Castle Rock Brewery.

On Wed 8th Apr at 7.00pm - Chicks & Flicks

Our 'chicks & flicks' event takes place on Wednesday 8th. As usual meet us inside the doors to the Cornerhouse at 7.00pm. We'll dine at Nando's Portuguese chicken restaurant before watching a film at Cineworld. You are welcome to join us for either part of the evening. For further details contact Paul on [Phone Number] or [Email]

On Mon 20th Apr at 7.30pm - Theatre - Little Shop Of Horrors

'Little Shop Of Horrors' is being staged at the Theatre Royal and I'm planning a group trip to their 7.30pm performance on Monday 20th. Tickets cost from £13 for rear balcony to £27.50 for front stalls. Please contact me as soon as possible if interested, stating seat preference, so I can try to get a group discount.

On Fri 24th Apr at 7.30pm - Active April: Bowling

As part of "Active April" we're going ten pin bowling at the alley on Clifton Boulevard at 7.30pm on Friday 24th. The local group used to go quite regularly but we haven't practised our bowling skills for some time now. All ages and abilities welcome. The cost varies depending on number of bowlers and how early we book so please contact me soonest to reserve your place. Please state whether you'd like two or three games and/or a basket meal and I'll make a booking based on the majority.

Please see details elsewhere in this issue of Empress of other events I'm organising: a visit to a golf driving range in Derby on Tuesday 7th and a Mexican meal in Loughborough on Tuesday 28th. And don't forget if you want to learn a little ballroom and Latin American dancing you are welcome to join a dozen of us every Thursday evening in Chilwell from 8.30-9.30pm with an optional pub visit afterwards.

Ciao for now!

Maxine Bates

Contact [Email] or [Phone Number] for details

photo of Jo Sidebottom

Mensans in MK & Bedford

On Thu 2nd Apr at 8.00pm - FThOTM

First Thursday is at our regular venue of Jurys Inn on Midsummer Boulevard, on 2nd April, from 8.00pm. Look out for the Mblem in either the foyer or the bar - most likely the foyer as it's quieter. Parking is a bit busy around Jurys and The Hub, so we usually try and get in across the road and then walk through the underpass.

On Wed 15th Apr at 8.00pm - 3WOTM

Our Third Wednesday meeting at the Old BeamsOld Beams in Shenley Lodge is on 15th April. If you're definitely planning to come, please let me know as it will help us to grab the right sized table, but don't let that put you off deciding on the spur of the moment - you'll still be welcome. See www.mcmullens.co.uk for location and menu details. You can eat or not, as you wish - their food is quite good and reasonably priced. Look around for the Mblem as we don't always get the same table each time.

On Sun 26th Apr at 11.00am - Active April: Walk

To mark Active April month, Richard Allen and I will be hosting a guided walk in Bedford town centre on Sunday 26th April. Final details to be confirmed but the walk will start at 11.00am and is likely to last for about 1½ hours. The cost will be £3 per person. Please call either me or Richard for further details or to book your place.

We intend to go for lunch afterwards, between 12.30 and 1.00pm - call Richard or me for details.

Hope to see you there,`

Jo Sidebottom

Contact [Email] or [Phone Number] / [Mobile Number] for details

photo of Jacquie Harrison

Lincoln

On Sat 4th Apr at 12.00pm - FSaOTM

The regular first Saturday meeting, which I am hosting for this month, continues on the 4th in the Drill Hall Armoury cafe - there is excellent live music but we try and sit at the bar end so it is not too intrusive. Look out for the magazine or ring me for encouragement/details including cheaper car parks nearby. It has been great to meet more members at this venue recently.

On Sun 19th Apr at 12.00pm - Coffee and sculpture

We have been attracting members from the "historic" northern part of Lincolnshire and the Ropewalk at Barton-on-Humber is an interesting venue with free parking so our meetings on Sunday 19th April are based there. Join us for coffee or lunch at the Coffee Shop at 12 noon and we will then view Miles Halpin's "Map of the Universe" exhibition in the artspace (free). His main works are steel landscape sculptures. For more details/encouragement please contact me as above or look out for the magazine. I can offer a couple of lifts from Lincoln or en-route if anyone wishes - just let me know before the day.

On Sun 19th Apr at 3.00pm - Active April: Birdwatching

After this, our April "activity" event will be birdwatching at one of the nearby reserves - it will be better to decide which nearer the time, depending on weather, what is about, and the like. If you wish to join in after the Ropewalk meeting, please telephone as above before 10.30am so I can advise you where to meet us. Binoculars will be useful but not essential.

Jacquie Harrison

Contact [Email] or [Phone Number] / [Mobile Number] for details

photo of Ian Sargent

Northants NNotes

On Thu 2nd Apr at 9.00pm - FThOTM

Don't be a fool, as we're not meeting on the 1st April. Come along instead to our 1st Thursday meeting on the 2nd April. Confused? I am! If you've managed to work that out then you'll find us in the main bar of the Fox & Hounds at Harlestone from 9.00pm. It's only a mile or so north of Northampton on the A428, so it's not that difficult to get there.

On Thu 16th Apr at 8.00pm - Roadshow

This month's Roadshow goes back to Paulerspury. The Barley Mow is the venue and we are normally firmly ensconced in the area to the right of the bar. Paulerspury is a few miles south of Towcester, just to the west of the A5. The pub itself is at the far end of the main road through the village and it's hidden just round a sharp bend - so don't worry if it takes you a while to find it (the entrance to the car park always catches me out and I've been going there for years). Join us from 8.00pm on Thursday 16th.

This is Active April, but we couldn't find a suitable date to do anything. Hopefully the Northants contribution to the fitness of the East Midlands will take place in early May. More details in next month's Empress.

For both of the April meetings a copy of the Mensa Mag will show you who we are.

Ian Sargent

Contact [Email] or [Phone Number] / [Mobile Number] for details

photo of Richard Allen

Hertfordshire Happenings

On Thu 2nd Apr at 8.15pm - FThOTM

Regular FThOTM meeting on 2nd at 8.15pm. As always, we're at the Millstream, Cambridge Road, Hitchin. Good food and good beer both available! Call for more details and encouragement. The pub is about ten minutes' walk from the railway station.

On Sat 18th Apr at 7.00pm - Eating Meeting

On 18th at 7.00pm meet at the White Horse, Castle Street, Hertford (left-hand bar) for a preliminary drink and to decide what to eat and where. The pub is in the town centre with car parking available nearby and is about 15 minutes' walk from Hertford North or 10 minutes from Hertford East stations.

On Fri 24th Apr at 8.00pm - LFOTM

Join us at the White Horse, Hertingfordbury village (about one mile west of Hertford town centre, just off the A414) for LFOTM on 24th at 8.00pm. A warm welcome and stimulating conversation is guaranteed! Look for the Mag/Mblem. Hertingfordbury is about 20 minutes' walk from Hertford North station. Contact me, or Gwen on [Phone Number], for further details/encouragement.

Richard Allen

Contact [Email] or [Phone Number] for details

Derby Diary

On Tue 7th Apr at 7.00pm - Active April: Golfing

As part of "Active April" we have a couple of extra events lined up this month. On Tuesday 7th we will be visiting the floodlit golf driving range at Morley Hayes Hotel on the A608 between Derby and Heanor. Meet in Roosters Bar for a meal at 7.00pm or in the driving range lobby around 8.15pm to tee off. A basket of balls costs around £2. No previous golfing experience required, all ages welcome.

On Wed 15th Apr at 7.30pm - 3WOTM

Our regular 3WOTM meeting at the Standing Order in Derby falls on Wednesday 15th. Join us for a meal or just a drink and some great conversation from 7.30pm. Look out for the yellow Mblem on a long table in the area just beyond the bar. Contact me as above for more details/directions.

On Sun 26th Apr at Afternoon - Active April: Clay Pigeon Shooting

At the end of the month why not come along to Kegworth Shooting Ground for an afternoon of clay pigeon shooting on Sunday 26th. Full safety equipment and expert tuition by experienced instructors provided. If you think you would like to give it a try but are unsure about what to expect please contact me and I'll be happy to answer any queries you may have. Please let me know if you would like to come so I can book you a place.

As always it would be great to hear from you if you have any suggestions for future meetings or events, or if you would like to advertise one of your own.

Matthew Smith

photo of Sue Watford

Leicestershire Letter

On Sat 25th Apr at 1.00pm - Active April: Cycling

Activity month! . . . but not too strenuous for Leicestershire, and very suitable for families. We'll cycle round Rutland Water on Saturday 25th April, meeting at 1.00pm by the Whitwell cycle hire building. If it's gorgeous sunshine we'll have a picnic afterwards - or maybe we'll have the picnic anyway, barring a torrential downpour. Families, friends - all welcome. The distance round Rutland Water is approximately 17 miles - 26 if you include the peninsula. Prices to hire a cycle differ enormously (please see www.rutlandcycling.com), depending on the cycle and for how many hours it's borrowed. If you're interested, please get in touch so I can make sure they'll have the cycles available.

On Tue 28th Apr at 7.30pm - Eating meeting

Our last eating meeting in Loughborough attracted a record turnout of members from Notts, Derbys, Leics and Northants. Can we repeat this success on Tuesday 28th April when we go for a Mexican meal at Cactus Cafe on High Street? A two course meal costs only £8. There's a starter of corn chips with salsa and a choice of meat or vegetarian enchiladas or burritos for the main course. Desserts and drinks extra. Please book with Maxine by 24th latest.

Sue Watford

Contact [Email] or [Phone Number] for details

photo of Jenny Habib

Berkhamsted

On Wed 29th Apr at 7.45pm - Active April: LWOTM

We will meet at the Greyhound at Aldbury, opposite the village pond. Car parking is around the pond area which usually has spaces. Do come and join us for a drink, or to eat or just for a chat. After our eating/drinking at about 9.15pm we will walk across to the field and around to the Tring Station, taking in the wonderful view across the valley. All members welcome, come if you can.

Jenny Habib

Contact [Email] or [Phone Number] for details

Party Night

The Macarena girls
Let the dancing begin
New faces from Lincolnshire
Maxine cuts the cake

Despite germs, snow and ice conspiring to spoil our regional party night, there were still over 100 guests who came to Greasley Parish Hall in Nottinghamshire to enjoy the free buffet, bar and disco provided from our regional funds. Many thanks to those who travelled some distance (one person flying in from Ireland to see East Midlands Mensa friends!), took time off work or had to arrange babysitters in order to attend.

Thanks must also go to my partner Andy and friend Christine who worked all day to prepare a vast buffet so that I did not spread my germs in the kitchen. It was bad timing that I came down with a cold the previous day! Thanks to Paul "Spike" Davis, a Mensan DJ, who moved to Fuerteventura since I booked him but flew back in order to entertain us. As some of you know, I was using the occasion to celebrate my 40th birthday so finally thanks to Wendy Staples, a Derby Mensan, who is in the process of setting up her own business called Quirky Cookies & Cakes and made a fantastic cake. The icing hearts and flowers were exquisite, the sponge delicious and there was ample for all of us. Big and pink was my request and that was exactly what I got! Contact Wendy on [Phone Number] if you ever need a cake. Highly recommended!

Guests started arriving before 7.30 pm and the room was soon buzzing. Wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks flowed, the smoked salmon sandwiches went down very well, there was plenty to dip in the chocolate fountain, party tunes like Time Warp, Macarena and Saturday Night got people on the dance floor, and there was ample opportunity to make new friends. It was nice to see new faces and families travelling from beyond the county. With so many people with whom to chat the evening just whizzed by for me!

The party was summed up beautifully by one member. "A wonderful time, the turnout was fantastic, the food was a definite cut above the usual, the cake looked stunning and the company was brilliant. And I had a hangover next day, which was novel because I don't usually drink!"

20 Questions (No. 91)

Answers from the music video quiz in February were Fat Les (Vindaloo), Madonna's Like A Prayer which was used in an ad for Pepsi, John Landis, Weapon Of Choice (Fatboy Slim), Girls On Film, Prince Charming, My Guy, Video Killed The Radio Star (Buggles), Aardman Animation made the video for Sledgehammer, computer graphics, The Andrews Sisters, Danny DeVito has appeared in one of their videos, Gorillaz, Here It Goes Again (OK Go), Stockholm, George Michael (Fast Love), France, Bob Dylan (spent the whole video dropping cue cards), The White Stripes (Fell In Love With A Girl) and Tony Christie/Peter Kay. Just four entries this month from Michael Warren of Derby, Helene Parry of Brentford, Steve Percy of Leicester and Judith Meller of Derby. Congratulations to the winner Helene!

As it is "Active April" this month we have a sports themed quiz. Send your answers to '20 Questions (No. 91)', [Address], to arrive by 20th April stating whether you would prefer a £10 voucher to spend on food/drink/days out or books.

1. Which city hosted the 1956 Olympic Games?

2. What game is played at Wentworth?

3. In which sport is the herringbone technique used?

4. What is used to hit the ball in a game of croquet?

5. Which British football team are known as 'The Seasiders'?

6. The triathlon comprises of which three events?

7. In which US city do the Lakers basketball team play?

8. What is the name of the famous toboggan course at St Moritz?

9. In what game would you find a fly slip?

10. Who was the first professional footballer to be knighted?

11. In which month is the Cheltenham Gold Cup run?

12. Which two countries compete for the Calcutta Cup?

13. How long to the nearest mile is the TT motorcycle race circuit?

14. In which year were the first winter Olympics staged?

15. What course runs between Putney and Mortlake?

16. Rudolph and randolph are terms in which sport?

17. How many players are in an ice hockey team?

18. Which boxer's name was 'The Brown Bomber'?

19. The Watsonians are a rugby union club based in which city?

20. Which football club won the European Cup for the first five years of its existence?