We take over the best area of the best CenterParcs village,
throw parties each night, with a help-yourself bar
included, and enjoy the nearby Lake District or the on-site
subtropical swimming paradise and other activities during the
daytime. What a formula for a great weekend!
We have been doing this since the CenterParcs village opened
near Penrith 18 years ago, and we've refined it so there's a full
weekend programme of activities -
hiking, quizzes, fancy dress
parties, tastings, pub lunches, and playing in the pool.
The Lakes Party Weekend
4th - 7th November 2016
Whinfell Forest CenterParcs, Penrith, Cumbria
Price from £150 per person
Regional News
This month we welcome Richard Dimmock of Milton Keynes as a new Empress editor. Richard will share the rota with Maria but we do have a vacancy for one more volunteer to join our editorial team. So if you've been thinking about it now is the time to get in touch! Please contact me for further information.
The Mensa calendar is shaping up nicely with a mixture of intellectual and social events being organised for you. Think At Oxford takes place 2nd-3rd April and the theme this year is "1960s: Science & Diplomacy". As usual the Irish Mensa Annual Gathering takes places over the first May bank holiday weekend which will be 29th April to 2nd May with the location being Wexford. Mensa Wales are hosting a fun weekend of sightseeing and socialising in and around Newport 17th-20th June. Mensa At Cambridge takes place 18th-21st August with the theme of "Magic Relationships". And not forgetting the British Mensa Annual Gathering hosted in London Docklands 23rd-26th September to celebrate the society's 70th anniversary. For details of all these events go to www.mensa.org.uk or contact the Mensa office. Also keep Saturday 1st October free if you'd like to join us on the actual anniversary as I'm organising a 1940s themed event at the Radisson Blu Hotel East Midlands Airport. Further details will appear on www.eastmidsmensa.org.uk as everything is finalised.
I look forward to meeting you at one of our future events. As always feel free to contact me on [Phone Number] or [Email] if you have comments, event ideas or feedback on your Mensa membership.
Maxine Bates
Regional Officer
Editorial
Welcome to the April Edition of Empress.
Lots of things happening this month. We have a new Editor, Richard Dimmock, who will alternate the editing of Empress with me.
We are also starting the Theatre Season with a number of plays to satisfy your cultural needs, as well as the usual local events, to satisfy your socialising ones.
Maria Falces
Member Profile
1.- Name and location?
Richard Dimmock. Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire
2.- What is your occupation?
I am retired, and actually now I am working harder than ever. Sadly too many friends and relations around me died within a year of retirement.
I believe activity, both physical and mental is essential for longevity. I worked in the printing industries, obviously not digital printing, as computers had not been invented when I started. During those 37 years I had 5 jobs, but in my last position was told my services were no longer required. At 52 I re-trained as a teacher and taught for 10 years, but had to retire early due to a knee injury.
3.- When did you join Mensa?
About 19 years ago, just before I left industry. I was feeling very down and disillusioned and felt I needed reassurance. I have always felt I could join Mensa, but I never felt the need earlier on.
4.- Why did you join?
When you lose your job after 14 years, through no fault of your own, you have doubts about yourself. Joining Mensa gave me that boost to enable me to retrain and change career at the age of 52.
5.- Have you attended any events?
I attended the Diamond Gathering 10 years ago and gave two "M2M" talks. The weekend was well organised and everyone seemed to enjoy it. I enjoyed it very much as well. I attended another more locally and gave a talk there as well.
6.- Do you belong to any SIGs?
I do not belong to any SIGs, but I feel I should, and I will as soon as I can, or maybe start my own,
7.- Hobbies/interests?
My hobbies are a little like my jobs through life, a few of them, and most, long lasting; Magic, has featured in my life for 60 years.
Although I perform very little these days, the magic I perform is of my own design and I never get the shout: 'We have seen that before'. When I do perform now I need to practice though, whereas in my heyday my shows were my practice. Drawing, I have spent slightly less time than magic, about 55 years. In my teens I drew sketches and these usually only took me minutes to complete. Today my drawings are very different. I draw to a 'vision'. Once I get my 'vision', I search for colour photos on the internet and draw those. My 'vision' is in 'shades of grey', and that is how I achieve my detail and accuracy drawing direct from colour. Drawing took on a new meaning to me two years ago as 'recuperation therapy'.
I have never smoked, but I describe my drawing now as 'chain drawing'. When I complete one picture, I start the next.
Yoga, actually after 50 years this has become a way of life and not just a hobby. It started when I was diagnosed with a nasty stomach ulcer at 19.
I had two options at the time, take Valium or start yoga. I took the latter and within three months my ulcer had completely gone. My yoga has continued ever since. My regime covers all four disciplines; Deep Relaxation, Deep Breathing, Postures and Meditation, and for most days of my life. My main interests are my close family and playing bowls.
8.- Anything else?
I am married to Tricia and next year we celebrate 50 years of marriage. Next year we also both become 70. We have a daughter Tanya and two grandchildren, Kieran and Jasmine. Two years ago Tricia and Tanya helped me through a nasty illness where there was doubt about my survival. Two years on I am fit and well again and have a very healthy lifestyle.
Events and Meetings
Derby Diary
On Wed 20th Apr at 7.30pm - 3WOTM
Just our regular event at the Standing Order on
Irongate from 7.30pm until late on Wednesday
20th. Find us on an ever-expanding table in the rear
section of the pub. You're welcome to come along
for a meal or just a drink. Both good value at
Wetherspoon prices and even cheaper if you have
a Cathedral Quarter card!
Maxine Bates
Contact [Email] or [Phone Number] for details
Hertfordshire Happenings
On Thu 2nd Apr at 8:00pm - FThOTM
We are now at the Three Magnets, Leys
Avenue, Letchworth. Thursday nights are
curry nights but other food (standard
Wetherspoons' fare) is available as well. Leys
Avenue is the main shopping street in
Letchworth and is a few minutes' walk from
the station (Kings Cross to Cambridge line).
Call me for more details and encouragement.
On Fri 24th Apr at 8:00pm - LFOTM
Last Friday is at our usual venue of the Cowper Arms,
Digswell.
The pub is next to Welwyn North station and is served by
stopping trains from Kings Cross to Peterborough and
Cambridge. Good food, beer and conversation
guaranteed! Please call me for more details and
encouragement.
Richard Allen
Contact [Email] or [Phone Number] for details
Lively Lincs
On Sat 9th Apr at 12:05pm - Pub discussion
Normal service will be resumed this month with both
of our usual Lincoln meetings. Firstly, on Sat 9
April 12.05, our pub discussion will be at our usual
venue, 'Adam and Eve' on Lindum Hill, probably in
the alcove, look for MBlem. This month's topic: 'To
what extent should children be guided in their view
of the world?' Feel free to join us to add your
pennyworth, food available to fuel the grey cells.
On Tue 19th Apr at 7:00pm - Eating meeting
More food available at our midweek eating
meeting on Tues 19 April 7pm. For a more cost
conscious meal we're returning to the Pizzahut,
the one on Nettleham Road, near Fire Station
and Waitrose. All welcome but please book with
me by 14th if possible, thanks.
Christine Howells
Contact [Email] for details
Mid Bucks
On Sat 2nd Apr at 2:30pm - Theatre
On Saturday 2nd April Mark Sandford is hosting a trip to the
Wycombe Swan to see a revival of Terence Rattigan's play "Flare
Path". Set in 1942 and based on his wartime experiences as a tailgunner,
the play paints a picture of life in Britain including the
stresses and strains endured by the families of those engaged in
active service.
Please buy your own tickets for the 2:30pm performance from the
theatre or on-line at https://wycombeswan.co.uk/Online/
Prices from £28 - £17.50. Ring Mark on [Phone Number] or e-mail him
at [Email] to let him know you are coming.
We may go for an informal meal in High Wycombe afterwards.
On Fri 8th Apr at 10:30am - Morning coffee
Meet me from 10:30am onwards
on Friday 8th April for a morning of
informal conversation and
coffee. This month we are going to
Costa at 31 High Street, Chesham,
HP5 1BW. If you can, please let me
know in advance that you are
coming so I can choose a suitable
table. You will still be welcome if
you just turn up on the day.à6¤o
Advance notice for Mid Bucks
On Thursday May 19th Mark
Steel asks "Who Do You Think I
Am?" at the Old Town Hall, High
Wycombe. After appearances on
Have I Got News for You, the
News Quiz, QI and Room 101,
Mark Steel is a well-known
performer. He also writes for the
Independent.
"Who Do You Think I Am?" tells the story of his search for his own
origins - a surprising and enthralling history. First presented at the
Edinburgh Festival in 2015 The Scotsman's review described it as frank,
dryly funny and moving, but subtly thought-provoking too. Please note
there is a minimum age limit of 14 years. Tickets (£16.00) and further
information from https://wycombeswan.co.uk/Online/ Doors open at
7:30pm and the show starts at 8:00pm. Please buy your own ticket,
but let me know you are coming so that we can meet up beforehand.
For further details or encouragement contact me.
Val Hinkins
Contact [Email] or [Phone Number] for details
Mensans in MK & Bedford
On Tue 5th Apr at 7.30pm - Eating meeting
We start April with a Greek meal in
Bedford, at the Athena Palace in
Midland Road. We've eaten there
several times and always found it very
good. I will reserve a table for 7.30pm
on Tuesday 5th, so please let me know
by Sunday 3rd if you plan to come along -
call me or email me for directions and/or
encouragement.
On Mon 18th Apr at 8.30pm - 3WOTM & Quiz
Our monthly visit to the Barge
in Woolstone for the quiz is on
Monday 18th. Meet from 8.30 -
the quiz starts at 9pm and costs
£1 per person. Look out for the
Mblem on a table. Please let
me know beforehand if you're
coming so I can bag a large
enough table.
On Sun 24th Apr at 10:00am - Sunday breakfast
Sunday breakfast will be on
24th at 10am at Carluccio's
in the Centre: MK. You will
probably find us in one of
the red booths just in front
of the restaurant - look for
the Mblem on a table.
Come for a full breakfast, a
snack, or just a drink.
We hope to see as many of you as possible at one or
other of our events in March. 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
More or Leicester
For April, we're delivering a veritable Smörgåsbord of cerebral and spiritual expansion opportunities; a
chance to get out your theatre togs and stick a Thai on maybe...
On Tue 12th Apr at 7:30pm - Theatre
We start off with some culture as Joyce Moore invites you to the
Concordia Theatre in Hinckley for a unique presentation of
Donizetti's popular comic opera L'elisir d'amore (The Elixir of Love).
This is the "seaside version", sung in English as a simple love-struck
bumpkin sets out to win the heart of the aloof and feisty girl of his
dreams aided by a 'magic' potion and a doctor of dubious
credentials. Donizetti's light-hearted comedy bubbles with
effervescent arias and charm as the elixir causes as many problems
as it solves. It runs from 8-16 April, but you'll need to book with
Joyce ([Phone Number] or [Email]) by April 4th at
the very latest. Tickets £12 (£11 for concessions and a 10% discount
for groups of 10 or more)
On Tue 26th Apr at 7:30pm - Eating meeting
After that, if you're not already
Thai'd up for the evening, why not
join Pen Penny in Ashby on 26th
April at 7:30 for what is described
as a "Fantastic little find" on
Tripadvisor at the 'Taste of Thai'
restaurant on Market Street
(http://www.tasteofthaiashby.co.uk).
Please book with Pen ([Phone Number] or [Email])
by the 22nd at the very latest.
On Thu 28th Apr at 8:00pm - 4ThOTM
We end the month with yet more culture as we head off back to the pub (Look.... yeast IS a culture, right?).
You know the score... The Cradock... fourth Thursday.... 8:00pm....
Paul Coulson
Notts News
On Tue 5th Apr at 8.00pm - 5OTM
Lots happening this month! As usual we have
our get together at the Vat & Fiddle pub on
Queensbridge Road (near Nottingham railway
station) from 8.00pm on Tuesday 5th. Pop in
briefly or stay all evening for alcoholic or nonalcoholic
drinks and a chat.
On Thu 14th Apr at 7.30pm - Natter & nosh
On Thursday 14th we're back at the Beekeeper (Hungry
Horse pub/restaurant) on Meadow Lane in Beeston for
our "natter & nosh" event. Come along any time from
7.30pm until late for a drink/meal/snack and a variety of
conversation. This is a popular event and new faces are
always welcome.
On Fri 15th Apr at 6.00pm - Greyhound racing
We return to Nottingham
Greyhound Stadium in Colwick
on Friday 15th to take part in
their charity tournament. Gates
open 6.00pm, first race at
6.28pm and last race finished by
10.30pm. Come and cheer on our
allocated dog and help raise
money for Cancer Research UK.
Tickets have been donated by the
stadium and I'm selling them for
£3 with that money going to
charity. Usual admission and race
card is £6 so a bargain night out!
If you've not been before, why
not give it a try? You can
arrive/leave any time to suit
yourself. If you're interested in
eating at the venue there is a
cafeteria downstairs in the bar on
a pay-as-you-go basis or a three
course meal in their upstairs
restaurant available for a reduced
price of £16 if booked and paid in
advance quoting your ticket
number. All welcome and
accompanied under 18s are
admitted free of charge. Contact
me to purchase tickets in
advance.
On Mon 25th Apr at 8.00pm - Theatre - Rocky Horror Show
We have a block booking near the front of the stalls at the Theatre Royal for the 8.00pm performance of
the Rocky Horror Show on Monday 25th. At the time of writing all tickets had been sold but please contact
me to check availability in case there are any cancellations. Don't dream it, be it!
Ciao for now!
Maxine Bates
Contact [Email] or [Phone Number] for details
20 Questions (No. 175)
The literary answers from February were Don Quixote, Robinson Crusoe, Joseph, 1984, John Steinbeck, Goldie Hawn, Benjamin Disraeli, John-Boy, 25th January, Charles Dickens, Rudyard Kipling, Phileas Fogg, John Buchan, Daniel Defoe, Moby-Dick, Miss Jean Brodie, Chess, Nevil Shute, Science Fiction and The Scarlet Pimpernel.
Lots of correct entries this time but Nigel Bryant of Bedford was picked 'out of the hat' and wins the £10 book token.
As summer approaches this month we have a gardening themed quiz. Send your answers to arrive by 20th April to '20 Questions (No. 175)', [Address] or [Email] but remember to include your name and address in case you win.
1. Which term describes trees that shed their leaves in autumn?
2. What is the name of the tool used for pruning?
3. The Chilean pine is more commonly known as what?
4. What is the name given to the female reproductive organ of a plant?
5. Which is the tallest species of tree on earth?
6. The leaves of the laburnham tree are which colour?
7. What is the most common colour of the cornflower?
8. Which flower is sacred to Buddhists?
9. Hybrid tea and floribunda are types of what?
10. What is the real name of the gardener Monty Don?
11. Which liquid is produced by a flower to attract insects?
12. What is the world's largest flower?
13. Which plant is the emblem of Scotland?
14. What was the first name of landscape gardener Capability Brown?
15. What is the popular name for the antirrhinum?
16. Which famous golf course features holes named after flowering shrubs?
17. The trimming of bushes and shrubs into ornamental shapes is known as what?
18. Which novelist and gardener is associated with the village of Sissinghurst in Kent?
19. What is the name of the pointed implement used to plant seeds and bulbs?
20. The tulip originated in which country?