Blues band The Beeliacs

The Beeliacs play at our Blues Party Night, were you there?

 

Regional News

It was good to see the majority of our officers at our regional committee meeting in February where a range of subjects were discussed. We're hoping to launch an online competition shortly so keep an eye on our web site for a chance to win a prize -www.eastmidsmensa.org.uk. We know from previous feedback that members like to read member profiles in Empress, but we struggle to get people to submit them. So we're looking if it's possible to set up a form that can be completed and submitted online in case that encourages some of you to tell us about yourself. In the meantime do feel free to drop a line to either of our editors, Rosie or Nick, introducing your home town, writing a book or film review, or telling us about any project in which you may be involved. Unlike other regional newsletters we strive to feature members rather than internet humour.

It was also good to see so many members at our Blues Party Night in February. You'll find a review and photos in this issue of Empress. We're already working on a possible summer event in the south of our regional suitable for families and a regional event in early 2014. More details will be announced here as things are finalised.

As ever you're welcome to contact me on [Phone Number] or [Email] with comments and suggestions.

Maxine Bates

Regional Officer

Events and Meetings

photo of Ian Sargent

Northants NNotes

On Thu 4th Apr at 9.00pm - FThOTM

Our first meeting of the month takes us to the southern border of Northampton, to the village of Collingtree. At 9.00pm on Thursday 4th we will be paying a visit to The Wooden Walls of Old England in the High Street, NN4 0NE. It must be nearly 10 years since we last went there. Look for us in the lounge (on the right if you come in from the car park, or on the left from the front door). If we're not in the lounge then we will be in the Skittles Room.

On Thu 18th Apr at 8.00pm - Roadshow

Two weeks later the Roadshow goes to a pub that we used after a walk in 2011. Join us on Thursday 18th at 8.00pm in the Stag's Head, High Street, Great Doddington, NN29 7TQ. There's easy access from the A45 and from Wellingborough, so come and meet the regulars. We will be in the bar or in the lounge depending on which room is the quieter on the night.

On Sat 27th Apr at 11.00am - Walk and lunch

And talking of walks, your first chance this year to take in the delights of the Northamptonshire countryside will be at 11.00am on Saturday 27th. The meeting point is the Village Centre Car Park, Bridge Street, Weedon Bec, NN7 4PN, for a 3 mile circular walk that takes in the village of Flore and the Grand Union Canal. We'll finish off with lunch in one of the pubs in Weedon (free car park). As this event is weather permitting please contact me before you set off.

For the evening meetings a copy of the Mensa magazine will show you who we are. If you need any further information please contact me.

Ian Sargent

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

photo of Jenny Habib

Berkhamsted

On Wed 24th Apr at 7.45 pm - LWOTM

Wednesday 24th at 7.45 pm: our regular meeting at The Old Mill, London Rd Berkhamsted. Have a drink or eat with us. Pub does good meals. New members, partners etc. always welcome. Free car parking.

Jenny Habib

Contact [Email] or [Phone Number] for details

photo of Val Hinkins

Mid Bucks

On Sat 13th Apr at 10.30am - Walk and lunch

Meet me at the pay and display car park on the B489 near Marsworth Bridge by 10.30 am on Saturday 13th. Ian will lead a gentle stroll along the Wendover Arm of the canal and around the Tring reservoirs, habitat of many species of water birds. We'll also watch out for anglers and twitchers!

The total distance is approximately three miles and the paths and hides claim to give good access for wheelchairs, buggies, etc. Walking is reasonably level, no steep slopes, no stiles and unless the weather is very unkind, not too much mud. Family, friends and well behaved dogs are welcome to join us. More details of the area are available at: www.tringreservoirs.org.uk/touristinfo.html#Map

Having worked up an appetite we will adjourn to the "Angler's Retreat" opposite the car park for lunch. Alternative refreshments are also available at the adjacent tea room. It would be helpful to have some idea of numbers in advance, but you are welcome just to turn up on the day. Please let me know if you would like to join us for lunch without doing the walk first so that we can arrange a time to meet and I can let you know if we are delayed.

On Thu 25th Apr at 10.30am - Morning coffee

On Thursday 25th we will return to Costa near the church in the centre of High Wycombe from 10.30am for relaxed coffee and conversation. I will try to get one of the comfortable sofas downstairs. Just come in and look for me inside. If you let me know you are coming I will save you a space!

The High Wycombe Arts Festival runs from 27th April to 2nd June. The programme should be available by mid-April so I will bring a copy with me and we can look through to see if there are any interesting events we would like to attend.

For directions or encouragement on any of the above please contact me.

Val Hinkins

Contact [Email] or [Phone Number] for details

photo of David Seddon

WATever . . .

On Mon 8th Apr at 8.00pm - 2MOTM

Monday 8th at 8.00pm: A favourite film - our regular 2nd Monday meeting this time held at George Howie's house. Choose one of your favourite films and let us know what you like about it. If you can bring a clip or a DVD that's fine too. Please bring the usual small amount of crisps or nibbles. Please email/phone me if you plan on attending and I will let you have George's address.

Date TBA Time TBA: The Rex, Berkhamsted - film and food. I'm planning on booking a table for film + food in April. Please let me know in advance if you would like to attend?

On Mon 22nd Apr at 8.00pm - 3MOTM

Monday 22nd at 8.00pm: Pub meeting King's Head, Bridge Road, Hunton Bridge, WD4 8RE. We usually meet upstairs in the 'gallery' area furthest from the bar. The pub is easy to find from the dual carriageway (A41 Watford Road). From Watford turn right at the traffic lights, over the small bridge and then on the right. Look for the magazine or ask at the bar. New members are warmly welcomed.

David Seddon

Contact [Email] or [Phone Number] for details

Derby Diary

On Wed 17th Apr at 7.30pm - 3WOTM

We have two events this month. Opportunity to dine out then work off all the calories on a walk! We'll be in the rear section of the Standing Order on Irongate in the city centre from 7.30pm on Wednesday 17th so why not join us for a meal or just a drink? Both are excellent value as this is a Wetherspoons venue. No loud music so good conversation too. New faces always welcome and you can stay as long as you wish.

On Sun 21st Apr at 11.00am - Walk and lunch

On Sunday 21st we're going for a walk starting at Whatstandwell car park on B5035 (just up the road from the Derwent Arms). Meet at 11.00am for a circular walk of approximately three miles that encompasses canalside, woodland, passing over the tracks at the National Tramway Museum, a short ascent to Crich Stand for fantastic views, then downhill for a pub lunch at the Cliff Inn before returning to the car park. However, please phone me on [Phone Number] in case of inclement weather to check the walk is still going ahead. Suggestions for future walks are very welcome. As are volunteers to become Derby LocSec!

Maxine Bates

Contact [Email] or [Phone Number] for details

photo of Jo Sidebottom

Mensans in MK & Bedford

On Tue 9th Apr at 8.00pm - Eating meeting

Hoping for better weather this time (i.e. no snow!), we are having another go at visiting Que Huong, the new(ish) Vietnamese restaurant in Bedford. It's in St Mary's Street, and we will be there at 8.00pm on Tuesday 9th. Please let me know by Sunday 7th if you plan to come so that I can book a table.

On Mon 15th Apr at 7.30pm - 3MOTM

On Monday 15th we continue our new Third Monday of the Month meetings at The Barge at Woolstone. Join us from 7.30pm if you wish to eat or chat beforehand, and then from 9.00pm we will form one or more teams for the quiz. Cost is £1 per person. See www.vintageinn.co.uk/thebargewoolstone/ for location and menu details. If possible, please let me know beforehand if you're coming so we can reserve a big enough table.

On Sun 28th Apr at 10.15am - Sunday breakfast

Sunday breakfast will be at 10.15am on Sunday 28th at Wetherspoons on Midsummer Boulevard West, next to Chiquito's and not far up from the railway station (NOT the other Lloyds/Wetherspoons nearer the shopping centre and next to Jurys Inn). Come for a full breakfast, a snack, or just a drink - look for the Mblem on a table.

Just a reminder about our M-MK & Bedford Facebook group - if you would like to join please search for the group and send me a request. I also keep an email distribution list for meeting reminders and any last-minute changes, so if you would like to be added to this please let me know.

We hope to see as many of you as possible at one or other of our events in April. Do remember that you're welcome to bring a guest with you, so if you've never been to a Mensa event and are a little nervous about coming along on your own, just bring a friend.

Jo Sidebottom

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

photo of Christine Howells

Lively Lincs

April sees us eating and talking, as always - I'm open to other suggestions if anyone out there wants something completely different.

On Sat 13th Apr at 12.05pm - 2SaOTM

For now, it's back to the Adam and Eve pub on Lindum Hill on Sat 13th at 12.05pm for general chat and some discussion of 'Should celebrities be expected to be role models?' Some lunch, others just imbibe; free car park, friendly faces, what a nice way to spend Saturday lunchtime.

On Tue 23rd Apr at 7.00pm - Eating meeting

On Tuesday 23rd at 7.00pm, we will continue our bimonthly weekday evening jaunts to the eating places of Lincoln, venturing to Wagamama on Brayford Wharf. All very welcome to join in our convivial fun but it would make my life easier if you could kindly book with me by Sat 20th, thanks.

On Sun 28th Apr at 3.00pm - Teatime Thinking

Then on Sunday 28th 3.00-5.00pm we wind down the month with Teatime Thinking at my house near Alford. More romping through the alphabet of philosophers and their ideas with tea and various cakes to sustain us in our deliberations - basic stuff, no previous knowledge required. This month 'Optimism; Occam's suggestion that the simpler the better.'

For all 3 of the month's excitements, do contact me for further details, directions, encouragement, etc.

Christine Howells

Contact [Email] for details

photo of Richard Allen

Hertfordshire Happenings

On Thu 4th Apr at 8.15pm - FThOTM

Thursday 4th from 8.15pm: FThOTM will be at the Millstream, Cambridge Road, Hitchin. Good food and good beer available! The pub is about ten minutes' walk from the railway station.

On Fri 24th Apr at 8.00pm - LFOTM

Friday 24th from 8.00pm: LFOTM. We're back to our usual Last Friday slot and we'll be at the Cowper Arms, Digswell, Herts (by Welwyn North station). The pub is next to the railway station, which is served by stopping trains from Kings Cross to Cambridge and Peterborough. For more details and encouragement, call me.

Would anyone be interested in joining me at occasional performances at the Gordon Craig Theatre in Stevenage? I'm interested in going to see "Cadfael: the Virgin in the Ice" based on Ellis Peters' novel, which is on from 21st-25th May. Give me a call if you're interested.

Richard Allen

Contact [Email] or [Phone Number] for details

photo of Maxine Bates

Notts News

On Fri 5th Apr at 8.00pm - 5OTM

After two months of being evicted from the Golding's Room due to a private booking we should be back on our usual table this month from 8.00pm on Friday 5th. However, our move into the main bar did coincide with the Vat & Fiddle's weekly Tuesday night quiz where we won a gallon of beer - having swiftly hidden the Mblem from view as the winning team was announced!

On Thu 11th Apr at 7.30pm - 2ThOTM

On Thursday 11th we'll be meeting at the Beekeeper pub/restaurant on Meadow Lane in Beeston for food or just a drink any time from 7.30pm until closing. New faces always welcome and you'll find us on the long table just beyond the food order point at the end of the bar with a yellow Mblem on display.

On Wed 24th Apr at 6.00pm - Pamper night

I'm organising a pamper night between 6.00pm and 9.00pm on Wednesday 24th at Eastwood Comprehensive School (NG16 3EA). Admission is £2.00 in advance or £2.50 on the door including a non-alcoholic fruit cocktail and entry into a prize draw to win a hairdressing voucher. Enjoy a beauty treatment such as manicure, nail art, facial, eyebrow shaping, massage and more from just £3. Browse stalls selling beauty products, cakes, books, jewellery, candles, homeware, giftware and more. There will also be a tombola with lots of lovely prizes. All proceeds will go to Cancer Research UK and this event was very well attended last year raising over £800. Gentlemen welcome too!

This is advance notification that we'll be going to the dogs on Friday 10th May taking part in another of the popular charity greyhound racing tournaments at Nottingham Greyhound Stadium. Tickets cost £5 with accompanied under 18s free. Please contact me if interested. Also let me know if you'd like to see the Rocky Horror Show at the end of September when it returns to the Theatre Royal. Don't dream it, be it!

Ciao for now!

Maxine Bates

Contact [Email] or [Phone Number] for details

More or Leicester

On Mon 8th Apr at 8.00pm - Pub munch

Having tried two out of the three Wetherspoons in Leicester, we're starting off this month by completing the set with dinner at the High Cross on the top of High Street in Leicester on Monday 8th at 8.00pm. Full details of the place can be found at http://tinyurl.com/cccnvej, but please call/email for any extra info you might need.

On Thu 25th Apr at 8.00pm - 4ThOTM

After that, we're back heading to our usual haunt at The Craddock Inn in Knighton for our fourth-Thursday thingammyjig on the 25th. See you there about 8ish!

On Tue 30th Apr at 7:30pm - Eating meeting

On Tuesday 30th, there'll be dinner at Livio's Italian restaurant in Shepshed (http://www.livios.co.uk/). This has had some excellent reviews, so please can you let Maxine Bates know you're coming ([Email]) so a table can be reserved?

One thing to note is that all events are open to friends and family as well. If you've never been to a Mensa get-together before, then by all means bring someone along as - the way I see it - the more, the merrier!

Don't forget to keep an eye on the East Midlands Mensa website (www.eastmidsmensa.org.uk) for any last minute changes, or for information about other events going on in the region (and you'll be welcomed at any of them!)

I look forward to seeing you soon,

Paul Coulson

Editor's Bit at the Bottom

Hi! I hope you had a good Easter break and found room for the traditional chocolate eating. I discovered recently that I have not one but two friends who don't like chocolate - unbelievable, how can they not like chocolate? (If you have any thoughts on that, please let me know.)

A reminder that this is your newsletter; we like to keep it regional and pertaining to your interests and activities. The front page and double pages 6-7 are for your input - photos, reviews, articles, profiles, thoughts, so please send and share. We'd love to hear from you.

Rosie Jefferson

The Beeliacs perform to a packed hall
Dancers doing the Macarana
Dancers doing the Timewarp

Over 60 members and guests attended our party night at Diseworth Village Hall travelling from around the East Midlands as well as Ireland, London, West Midlands and North West. It was great to see new faces as well as some I hadn't seen for a long time.

The evening started with an optional table quiz with 50 blue themed questions with plenty of time to mingle and grab a drink from the help-yourself bar. Congratulations to quiz winners Susan Luke and Mark Graves who received chocolate and wine. Around 8pm the buffet was opened and huge thanks must go to Andy Farrell, Stewart Kennedy and Lesley Coulson for helping prepare the feast whilst juggling work commitments and hand injuries. I don't think anyone went hungry and it was lovely to hear comments such as "wonderful choice for vegetarians" and "wow, someone has been busy".

Guests could continue grazing on the buffet throughout the evening whilst enjoying the sounds of our live blues band, the Beeliacs. Thanks must also go to Paul Coulson for suggesting his band and volunteering to perform with them as well as act as DJ despite it being his birthday. However, he did receive many cards, a few presents and a surprise cake. (Those who know Leicester LocSec Paul may be familiar with his love of cakes!)

Following the band we drew the raffle that included two dozen prizes mostly donated by Crackers Ltd. Thanks to guests for so generously buying tickets and raising £130 for Cancer Research UK.

Finally there was a DIY disco meaning we could play our own choice of music. We were treated to some excellent dancing by Martina Havercroft and Kim Plaskett (perfectly synchronised despite never meeting before as far as I'm aware) as well as a formation Macarena troupe and a full dance floor for the obligatory Time Warp!

Many thanks to everyone who stayed at the end to help tidy the hall. On returning the keys the following day the caretaker commented that it was even cleaner than when we'd arrived and we would be welcome back any time.

20 Questions (No. 139)

The answers from the February competition were Mock turtle, Rockies, sockeye salmon, Bock's Car, according to Cocker, crock of gold, Cockaigne, Socks, Knock, hockey, Shock of the new, Glock, Norman Rockwell, flock, lockjaw, aftershock, block, Rocking Horse, Docker and pockmark. Entries were received from Sue Staples of Nottingham, Michael Warren of Derby, Pamela Covey of Woburn, Helene Parry of Brentford, Marianne Croll of Derby, Patrick Cavanagh of Mullingar, Alex Foster of Derby and Christine Barradell of Leicester. The winner of the £10 book token was Helene.

Do you know these strange facts? Send your answers to arrive by 20th April to "20 Questions (No. 139)", [Address], for chance to win the book token.

1. Albert Einstein was offered presidency of which country in 1952?

2. Which natural phenomenon can last no longer than 7 minutes 58 seconds?

3. The Mona Lisa painting is missing which body part?

4. In the human body which is the only muscle that is only attached at one end?

5. Which type of oil is used for cooking in submarines?

6. People in nudist colonies play which sport more than any other?

7. Which university spans four time zones?

8. Which is the only metal that doesn't rust?

9. In ancient Greece tossing which fruit to a girl was a proposal of marriage?

10. Which is the only number not represented by Roman numerals?

11. Which company paid $28 million for copyright to the song 'Happy Birthday'?

12. In 1976 which vaccine caused more deaths than it was intended to prevent?

13. What letter does not appear anywhere on the periodic table of elements?

14. Which is the only fruit whose seeds grow on the outside?

15. Which planet becomes 100 tonnes heavier each day due to falling space dust?

16. In the American Civil War which toy was used to deliver messages?

17. Which is the only part of the human body that cannot heal itself?

18. Ancient Romans used which fluid as mouthwash?

19. Which sense is the last to go as a person dies?

20. How many zeros are in a google?