Congratulations Maxine - Volunteer Award 2010

 

Regional News

Many thanks to everyone who came along to our Mardi Gras Party Night in February. A review and photos are in this issue of Empress. Prior to the event the officers of East Midlands Mensa met for their annual committee meeting. The focus of our discussions was event planning for the forthcoming year and we are now working on a range of events to hopefully suit all tastes, ages and budgets. These include a regional day out to take place late spring, an event aimed at Junior Mensans (members aged 18 and under) and their families in the summer, a string of talks on Saturday 1st October as part of the Mensa Brilliance event celebrating the society's 65th anniversary, and we're already working on ideas for our regional event in February 2012. We're a busy bunch, aren't we!? 

However, none of these events are yet set in stone so suggestions for venues and activities are most welcome. Please do tell us what you'd like to see and do as part of your Mensa membership. You can contact me or any Local Secretary via phone, email or even snail mail. We'd love to hear from you! Especially if you have an interesting job or hobby that you would like to share with other members. If you would like to get more involved with Mensa - and it's definitely a case of the more you put in the more you get out - we currently have vacancies for a Luton Local Secretary to look after members in the LU postcode area, a Regional Publicity Officer to respond to any media enquiries, and possibly a new role of Junior Mensa Officer to be a contact for all members aged under 18 living in the East Midlands. Please contact me on [Phone Number] or maxine@maruba-events.

Finally, Jo Sidebottom had a surprise at our Mardi Gras Party Night and presented me with the British Mensa Volunteer Award 2010 so thank you to everyone who voted for me. It was truly a surprise and I was looking around the room wondering who she was referring to when she announced my name! Of all the awards and certificates I've won within Mensa over the years this probably means the most as it was voted for by you, the members, and not awarded by the Board or other officers. So a big thank you.

Maxine Bates

Regional Officer

Events and Meetings

photo of Jo Sidebottom

Mensans in MK & Bedford

On Thu 7th Apr at 8.00pm - FThOTM

Our regular First Thursday meeting is at 8.00pm on Thursday 7th April at Jurys Inn Hotel on Midsummer Boulevard. Look out for the Mblem on one of the tables to the right in the foyer. 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 Sun 17th Apr at 11.00am - Walk & Lunch

On Sunday 17th we're going to walk round Caldecotte Lake, on the south side of Milton Keynes. We'll meet at 11.00am outside the main entrance of the Caldecotte Arms, on the north side of Bletcham Way (H10) and just east of the A5. Afterwards we will have lunch in the Caldecotte Arms, which is a Brewer's Fayre type pub/restaurant - it's easily recognisable as the one with the windmill.

On Sun 24th Apr at 10.15am - Sunday breakfast

Having settled last time on Carluccio's for our Sunday breakfast meetings, I have discovered they are closed this Sunday (the whole shopping centre is closed for Easter Day). So Sunday breakfast this time will be at the new Brown's restaurant in front of The Hub (on Midsummer Boulevard side). It's right next to Jury's Inn so should be easy for our regulars to find.

We had a very nice meal there a few weeks ago but have to admit we haven't tried breakfast there yet. However, their menu looks good (the PDF version has prices): http://www.browns-restaurants.co.uk/locations/milton-keynes/menus/food/breakfast-brunch-0311/. The bar is at the front, so we will be in the restaurant behind, hopefully somewhere easily visible with the Mblem on show. Feel free to come for a full breakfast, a snack, or just a drink, but if you can let me know by Saturday it would be helpful, so I know what size table to grab when we arrive. Please contact me on 01908 226296 / 07825 701066 / castadiva@mindless.com if you need directions or encouragement.

We hope to see as many of you as possible at one or other of our events in April!

Jo Sidebottom

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

photo of Maxine Bates

Notts News

On Fri 1st Apr at 7.30pm - Meal

We kick start the month on Friday 1st with a meal and charity quiz night in the upstairs private function room at the Horse & Groom in Moorgreen. The pub is located on the B600 and five minutes drive from either M1 J26 and J27. The menu and directions can be found at www.horseandgroominn-nottingham.co.uk. You are welcome to join us for the meal at 7.30pm or just come along later for the general knowledge quiz that will start at 9.00pm. It will cost £2 per person to enter with all money going to Cancer Research UK and a prize for the winner(s). So come and make new friends, test those brain cells and help a very worthwhile cause. An idea of numbers would be appreciated so that the venue can set out enough tables and chairs for us.

On Tue 5th Apr at 8.00pm - 5OTM

On Tuesday 5th we have our regular get together at the Vat & Fiddle pub on Queensbridge Road. Although in the city centre there's free parking right outside or take the train or bus as both stations are nearby. Look for the yellow Mblem on the table usually to the left of the bar from 8.00pm.

On Mon 11th Apr at 7.30pm - Theatre

"Corrie!" celebrates 50 years of Britain's longest running and most loved soap and is a funny and affectionate tribute to five decades of Coronation Street following the fortunes of two of Weatherfield's finest families, the Barlows and the Platts. We'll be going to see the 7.30pm performance at the Theatre Royal on Monday 11th. Tickets cost £16 to £24. We may already have made a group booking by the time you read this but please contact me to check availability.

On Wed 13th Apr at 7.00pm - Chicks & Flicks

Kev will be hosting this month's "chicks & flicks" event at Nando's and Cineworld on Wednesday 13th. Please let him know if you're able to join him and cast your vote for which film to see on [Phone Number] or [Email]. Then meet at 7.00pm inside the doors to the Cornerhouse.

On Tue 26th Apr at 7.30pm - Mexican meal

Our "eating meeting" will be at 7.30pm on Tuesday 26th so hope you're not too full of Easter eggs to join us for a Mexican meal at Chiquito on Redfield Way in Lenton (near the Showcase cinema). Two courses cost £9.99 and you can find the menu at www.chiquito.co.uk. Please book your place with me by 21st so I can reserve a table. It will be an eggscellent night!"

Ciao for now!

Maxine Bates

Contact [Email] or [Phone Number] for details

photo of Christine Howells

Lively Lincs

On Sat 9th Apr at 12.00pm - 2SaOTM

A couple of old favourites for April: There's the usual 2SaOTM at The Collection in Lincoln which is turning into part chat, part discussion meeting, February's included how we funded our student days, should prisoners be given the vote and favourite cakes. So, for frivolous cheering chat or a bit of think about an issue, do join us on 9th April, 12.00-2.00pm or for as long as you like, lunch or quick coffee. We're usually at the far end of the room, spot the MBlem.

On Sat 16th Apr at 7.00pm - Chinese meal

The following Saturday, 16th, at 7.00pm we're going back to the ever-popular Beijing Dragon Chinese restaurant in Spilsby. I would be grateful if you would contact me beforehand so that I can arrange a suitable table. For more info, encouragement etc. contact me (details below).

Christine Howells

Contact [Email] for details

photo of Jenny Habib

Berkhamsted

On Wed 27th Apr at 7.45pm - LWOTM

The meeting on Wednesday 27th will be at the Old Mill on Berkhamsted High Street, at the end nearest to Hemel Hempstead. There is a car park, but this is popular so try to be there early. We will sit at the bar end, in the same place as last time, on the right side as you go in beyond the bar.

Jenny Habib

Contact [Email] or [Phone Number] for details

photo of Richard Allen

Hertfordshire Happenings

On Thu 7th Apr at 8.15pm - FThOTM

Hitchin Thursday 7th from 8.15pm. Regular first Thursday of the month meeting. Come and join us! We'll be around for our usual mix of lively conversation and a good atmosphere. As always, we're at the Millstream, Cambridge Road, Hitchin. Good food and good beer both available! The pub is about ten minutes' walk from the railway station. Note that if you're driving, there are major roadworks in the area and you may have to park elsewhere. At the time of writing, the extent of these roadworks is not known - give me a call closer to the time.

On Fri 15th Apr at 8.00pm - 3FOTM

Digswell (near Welwyn) Friday 15th from 8.00pm. Not LFOTM. Last Friday is brought forward a couple of weeks this month to avoid Easter and the Royal Wedding. So this month it's Third Friday, so we hope you can still join us at the Cowper Arms, Digswell (near Welwyn village). Good food and good beer available to suit all tastes! The venue is next to Welwyn North railway station (Kings Cross - Cambridge and Peterborough line with trains every 30 minutes).

Call me for more details and encouragement on either of the above events.

Richard Allen

Contact [Email] or [Phone Number] for details

More or Leicester

On Mon 4th Apr at 8.00pm - Eating Meeting

Having been around the county once, we're heading back to the badlands of the southern borders for an eating meeting at The Elms pub, just off J20 of the M1 near Lutterworth. We'll be meeting up at 8.00pm on Monday 4th, and last time we were there, we found the prices reasonable and the food good! You can find out more about the place at http://www.elmspub.co.uk/.

On Thu 21st Apr at 8.00pm - 3ThOTM

Following on from that, we'll be having the third Thursday of the month meeting actually on the third Thursday of the month!! Call me Mr. Adventurous if you like, but sometimes you just have to run wild! We'll be at The Old Horse on London Road on Thursday 21st at 8.00pm. One of the things up for discussion is whether to meet there on a Tuesday one month to take part in the pub quiz. Why not pop along and let me know what you think?

For both of the above, please feel free to email me at [Email] or call me on [Phone Number] if you want further details, reassurance, or just a chat! I look forward to seeing you soon,

Paul Coulson

photo of Ian Sargent

Northants NNotes

On Thu 7th Apr at 8.30pm - Pub Social

Our 1st Thursday meeting in Northampton is with a difference this month. We're off to The Romany, on the corner of Kingsthorpe Grove and Trinity Avenue (NN2 6JN) on Thursday 7th at 8.30pm. Normally we pick a quiet pub to have a chat in but this time I thought we would try some entertainment, so join us in the Lounge to listen to the jam session."

On Thu 21st Apr at 8.00pm - Roadshow

The Roadshow is on Thursday 21st at 8.00pm and it's another new venue for us. The Stirrup Cup, Woodlands Avenue, Barton Seagrave (NN15 6QR) is where we are heading and you will find us in the Lounge. The village is just to the south-east of Kettering and is accessible from the A6 and A14."

On Fri 22nd Apr at TBA - Walk

Looking ahead, I hope to be organising another saunter around the Northamptonshire countryside in May; 3 or 4 miles followed by a pub lunch. However, if you are up for something more challenging join me on the next leg of my walk from Northampton to Birmingham on Friday 22nd April. The start of the walk is Napton-on-the-Hill just over the border into Warwickshire and the target is Leamington Spa. It will be about 10 miles along the canal towpath; not the toughest of walks but you will need to reasonably fit. If you're interested get in touch so that I can give you directions to the start point.

Ian Sargent

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

Derby Diary

Just two events this month. The regular Third Wednesday meet and something different - a Ghost Walk in Derby city centre. I have done a similar ghost walk with Richard Felix a few months ago and enjoyed it immensely. Supper on that occasion was a jacket potato and I expect it will be something similar this time. This event needs pre-booking.

On Mon 18th Apr at 6.45pm - Ghost Walk

Monday 18th 6.45pm. One of Richard Felix's Derby City Centre Ghost Walks, starting from Derby Gaol, Cost is £21, which includes supper. More details and to book your place visit www.derbygaol.com/ghostwalks.htm. Please let me know you are coming.

On Wed 20th Apr at 7.30pm - 3WOTM Pub/Meal

Wednesday 20th 3WOTM Pub/Meal. Join Maxine and me for the regular pub meet in the Standing Order, a popular Wetherspoons pub in Irongate. No need to book.

Alistair Blackett

photo of Val Hinkins

Mid Bucks

On Sun 17th Apr at 10.30am - Walk

April is time for the first walk of the season. On Sunday 17th we will start from Wendover station and walk to Great Missenden, arriving in time to visit the Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre. The walk is about six and a half miles, not too many hills once we have climbed out of Wendover. Meet at Wendover Station at 10.30am for the walk. There is a café at the museum or various other places to eat in Great Missenden when we get there. If you would prefer to join us at the museum look out for us there around 2.00pm. See http://www.roalddahlmuseum.org for full museum information. Also note that there are engineering works planned on the Chiltern Line this weekend, full details of timetable changes are not yet available. Please contact me a few days in advance so that I can confirm the start time.

Val Hinkins

Contact [Email] or [Phone Number] for details

photo of David Seddon

WATever . . .

On Mon 11th Apr at 8.00pm - Games evening

Monday 11th at 8.00pm. Games evening (hosted by Elaine Yates). Bring along a board game and enjoy a couple of hours of conversation, competition and maybe nibbles and drinks. There will probably be the usual 'upwords' and I might devise another fiendish puzzle to solve! This will be at Elaine's place and I will advise her address for those attending. Elaine will also be in touch if we plan to do nibbles/soft drinks. Space is limited - so first come first served! Please contact me if you wish to attend.

On Mon 25th Apr at 8.00pm - Pub meeting

Monday 25th at 8.00pm. Pub meeting. Essex Arms, Langley Way, Watford. Please look for the Magazine on the table. Did you realise that beer is more expensive than petrol??

Email addresses - another reminder! I have a number of email addresses that are out of date. Please could you email me with a working email address to update my records and add you to the mailing list? I send out regular updates and notices and you're missing out if you aren't receiving these.

David Seddon

Contact [Email] or [Phone Number] for details

Editor's Bit at the Bottom

Phew! Only just squeezed in here - there's so much going on in the region this month. But May-August is when Nick takes over while I have a 4-month break from editing and I wanted to wish you all a wonderful summer.

Have fun! See you in September.

Rosie Jefferson

High Wycombe Furniture Factory tour

A group of Mensans and friends enjoyed a private guided tour of one of High Wycombe's last remaining traditional furniture factories. Dating back in part to the 19th century, the factory buildings are clustered around an open timber yard where stacks of carefully selected wood are quietly seasoning, waiting to be turned into luxury chairs, tables, cupboards or fitted kitchen and bedroom units. Standard pattern forms for different chair seats, legs and arms hang on the walls of the workshops, ready to be used again. In the finishing shop a deep layer of polish has built up on the floorboards. Some of the machinery used to shape the wood appeared to be as old as the buildings, but we were assured that unlike modern electronic equipment it rarely fails and any problems can be swiftly cured with straightforward old-fashioned engineering skills.

Stewart Linford conducted us around the workshops himself, explaining the history of furniture making and showing us different types of wooden joints, finishing effects and styles of furniture made on site. We admired the craftsmanship of the carvings used to decorate the special edition items - the Shakespeare side table features a carved wooden panorama of London, with the Globe theatre projecting forward to provide a drawer handle. A highly decorated inlaid chair transforms into a set of library steps for reaching the books on the top shelf. Other cabinets have secret catches or compartments like the cigar humidor hidden in the seat of the Churchill chair. Smaller decorative items on display included wooden vases, bowls of fruit and bunches of flowers. These showed a wide range of colours and finishes achieved by the careful choice of different timbers.

As well as manufacturing furniture the company restores damaged and antique items and houses a small museum. Local Windsor chairs are well represented, but there are also frame chairs from other parts of the country. Some of the space is used by local artists for exhibitions of their work.

At the centre of the site is a house, now used as offices. The side walls still show a painted monogram of the initials B&A, referring to Birch and Alpe Ltd. who acquired the house in Kitchener Road and the adjacent greenfield site in 1922. Here they built shops for machining, chair making, upholstery, polishing and packing, leaving the vacant space for the timber yard. In 1947 they were responsible for fitting out the state-rooms in the Cunard White Star liner RMS Caronia.

Birch & Alpe manufactured furniture on the site until 1963 and retained ownership of the property until 1988/1989 when they sold it to Stewart Linford, who had previously been a sub-tenant. Only after our visit did regular local member Ian Birch tell us that his grandparents were the same Charles William Birch and Annie Alpe who set up the firm in 1922. They came from a long line of Birches who had been involved in furniture making since 1839, but broke away from the family firm to set up on their own.

After a fascinating tour, we returned to the showroom for refreshments and a chance to try some of the finished articles for size.

Mardi Gras Party Night

19th February 2011

The event actually began late afternoon when guests were invited to come along to the Charnwood Arms Hotel in Coalville, Leicestershire, to make a mask to wear that evening. A table was laid out in their Forest Suite with cardboard, paints, feathers, braiding, glitter, ribbons and other materials. The creativity was amazing with around half the attendees making superb masks; some just pretty and colourful and others in the shape of animals!

At 7.00pm guests starting arriving for the Mardi Gras Party Night and we had half an hour to mingle, buy drinks from the bar and show off our masks before being seated for dinner. Miscommunication during a change of management at the hotel meant that the accompaniments to the main course weren't as expected, but nobody starved and each table was offered a bottle of complimentary wine as an apology.

Once everyone had finished dining, guests who had made masks were invited onto the dance floor and Kate and Andy from Salsa People, who were our dance teachers for the evening, became judges with Elisa Benson being selected as wearing the best mask and winning a box of chocolates. Then it was time to start learning some salsa and merengue steps and I'm pleased to say everyone got up on the dance floor at the start, although some people were flagging after two hours and had to sit down. Kate made the evening fun with progressional dances so we got to say hello to each other. As an interlude from the dancing she ran a short quiz - which was brave of her knowing the Mensa audience! - and a 'last man standing' competition which David Seddon won. The prize was a voucher for a free salsa dancing class. A pity David lives in Watford and the classes are in Leicestershire!

Also as a break during the dancing Jo Sidebottom took over the mike and announced she had a presentation to make. Unknowingly to me I had won the British Mensa Volunteer Award 2010! So thank you to anyone and everyone who voted for me and to Jo for her kind words. The engraved glass award now takes pride of place in my display cabinet.

Before the disco started we drew the raffle. Many thanks to those who donated one of the 20 prizes so that every penny raised went to charity. There was a good selection of wines, chocolates, books, games, gift sets and gadgets. I'm delighted to say due to the generosity of attendees we raised £124 for Cancer Research UK.

As the night progressed guests began drifting off to their homes or hotel beds with just a dozen of us remaining until 1.00am. A good night was had by all.

Some post party comments . . .

""Thank you very much for a lovely party!""

""Thank you for organising the event - once again very enjoyable. It was another reminder of what a great bunch of people go to Mensa events and an incentive to get to more.""

""Really enjoyed the evening.""

""Many thanks for organising the Mardi Gras Party Night . . . We'll be along to another event soon . . .""

20 Questions (No. 115)

The famous people from the February competition were Liam Fox, Edward Michael "Bear" Grylls, Peter Swan, Dr Frasier Crane, James Whale, Christopher Robin, James Wolfe, Eldrick Tont "Tiger" Woods, Cat Stevens, Sir Christopher Wren, Michael Fish, John Steed, Mike Batt, Sir Francis Drake, William Henry "Dusty" Hare, Quintin Hogg, Adrian Mole, Lionel "Buster" Crabb, Sandra Bullock and Richard Finch. Entries were received from Lynn Cooper of Herts, Pamela Covey of Woburn, Judith Mellor of Derby, David Fearnehough of Derbyshire, Ian Nelson of Letchworth, Alex Foster of Derby, D W Dell of Leighton Buzzard, Chris Impey of Tring, Don Foster of Nottinghamshire, Andy Cole of Cleethorpes, Chris Benger of Bedfordshire, David Crozier of St Albans, Sue Barker of Bury, T Hamilton of Sleaford, Chris Newbold of Quorn, Philip Abbott of Watford and Carol Wheatcroft of Derby with Andy being first out of the hat and winning the £10 book token.

As royal wedding fever hits us this month we have a quiz about weddings. Send your answers to '20 Questions (No. 115)', [Address], to arrive by 20th April.

1. The first toast at a wedding should be to whom?

2. In China it is traditional for brides to wear which colour?

3. Who played the title role in the film 'Runaway Bride'?

4. The family of the bride sit on which side of the aisle during the ceremony?

5. Who designed the wedding dress of Queen Elizabeth II?

6. In Greece the best man pays for what as part of the wedding celebrations?

7. In what year did same-sex civil partnerships become legal in the UK?

8. Who composed the 'Bridal Chorus'?

9. What is the traditional gift for a 5th wedding anniversary?

10. On which date did Prince William and Kate Middleton announce their engagement?

11. What should a bride not wear if marrying a second time?

12. In English folklore which day of the week is said to be the unluckiest to marry?

13. Middle Eastern brides use what to paint their hands and feet?

14. What is the most popular flower used in American weddings?

15. The custom of having groomsmen originated in which country?

16. How many times should marriage banns be read in church?

17. Who started the trend of wearing white wedding dresses?

18. In France what is thrown instead of confetti or rice?

19. Which city in the world hosts the most wedding ceremonies per year?

20. The word bride means what in old English?