Northants Mini Weekend
Regional News
I've been asked to keep my column short this month as there's a lot to squeeze into this issue. But would like to say I'm delighted to have been reappointed Regional Officer and thank you to those members who took the time to send me lovely messages. I enjoyed seeing lots of new faces at our mini-weekend in Northampton and look forward to meeting many more of you in the coming months. Please feel free to get in touch with me on [Phone Number] or [Email] if you have any ideas or suggestions. Don't forget to keep an eye on the main Mensa website, East Midlands Mensa website, Mensa Magazine, Empress and Facebook group for details of all our social events of which there are a lot this month.
Maxine Bates
Regional Officer
Editorial
Welcome to the April Edition of Empress. Mark will be back next month We have a great review of the mini-weekend in Northants and some lovely photos. There is also a Family Mensa visit to Woolsthorpe Manor and Chris Hudson celebrates his 50th Mensa WarksWalk. Join in!
Enjoy the reading!
Maria Falces
Member's profile
Name?
Chris Hudson.
Age?
73
Location?
Rugby, Warwickshire.
Occupation?
Retired engineer (mechanical).
Status
Married to Carole for 49 years, no children.
How long have you been a Mensa member?
30 years.
How have you participated?
Organiser of WarksWalks and Malvern Hills Walks. Editor of 'Compass', the RAM (Rambling and Mountaineering) SIG newsletter.
Hobbies?
Walking and hill walking. Snooker and billiards. Billiards refereeing. Reading and writing. Cinema. Theatre. Music (guitar).
Holidays?
Greece and Balearics. Achievements? Climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Kenya, Mont Blanc, all the Monroes of the British Isles. Plus Coast to Coast walk in 2018 and Annapurna Trail in 2019.
Check Chris' Walk Sat 11th April in the Northampton section.
Events and Meetings
Derby Diary
On Sun 5th Apr at 2:30pm - Cancelled - Gossip & Games
This event has been Cancelled
Following a successful Eat & Greet meeting at our home in Mackworth, we're holding another afternoon meeting. Tea/coffee, cakes and biscuits all provided. Some unusual board games too if you wish, though otherwise you can just sit and natter. Please ring [Phone Number] or e-mail [Email] for address and to make sure we'll have enough cake!
On Wed 15th Apr at 7:30pm - Cancelled - 3WOTM
This event has been Cancelled
Look for us on a group of tables in the rear section (beyond the bar) of the Standing Order (Wetherspoon) pub on Iron Gate in the centre of Derby (DE1 3GL). Look for the yellow triangular Mblem. Drop in briefly or stay all evening for food and/or drink and chat. New faces especially welcome. Contact Susan on [Phone Number] or [Email] for directions and encouragement
On Sat 25th Apr at 1:40pm - Cancelled - Distillery Tour
This event has been Cancelled
Numbers are limited so act quickly to get a place on a tour of White Peak Distillery (whisky and gin) with gin tasting included. Tickets are £12. The address is Derwent Wire Works, Matlock Road, Ambergate DE56 2HE. We must be there by 1:45pm so we can be taken to the start of the tour for 2:00pm. Contact Susan on [Phone Number] or [Email] to book and arrange payment.
Susan Graves
Contact [Email] or [Phone Number] / [Mobile Number] for details
Hertfordshire Happenings
On Thu 2nd Apr at 8:00pm - Cancelled - FThOTM
This event has been Cancelled
Once again, we are at the Three Magnets, Leys Avenue, Letchworth. Thursday is traditionally curry night, but other food is also available (standard Wetherspoons fare). Leys Avenue is the main shopping street in Letchworth and is just a few minutes' walk from the rail station (Kings Cross to Cambridge line). Call me on [Phone Number], or email [Email] for further details and encouragement.
On Fri 3rd Apr at 7:30pm - Cancelled - Theatre Group
This event has been Cancelled
Rabbit Hole at The Little Theatre. A Pulitzer prize-winning drama about a shocking event that turns a suburban couple's world upside down. £14.50. Friends and family welcome. If interested, please contact me on [Phone Number], [Phone Number] or email [Email].
On Tue 21st Apr at 6:45pm - Cancelled - Theatre Group
This event has been Cancelled
Cavalleria Rusticana/Pagliacci at The Broadway Cinema. A live transmission from Covent Garden. The award-winning production by Damiano Michieletto presents vividly the fast-moving, shocking events brought about by secret love and uncontrollable jealousy. £18. Friends and family welcome. If interested, please contact me on [Phone Number], [Phone Number] or email [Email].
On Fri 24th Apr at 8:00pm - Cancelled - LFOTM
This event has been Cancelled
As ever, we are at the Cowper Arms, Digswell. The pub is next to Welwyn North station and is served by stopping trains from Kings Cross to Cambridge. Good food, beer and conversation guaranteed! Please call me on [Phone Number] for more details and a spot of encouragement to come and join us.
Steve Thomas
Contact [Email] or [Mobile Number] for details
In Leicestershire
On Mon 20th Apr at 8:00pm - Cancelled - Pub Social
This event has been Cancelled
Join me for a drink and a natter at the Cradock Arms, 201 Knighton Road, Leicester, LE2 3TT. We usually gather in the lower part towards the rear of the bar. New faces are always welcome. You are also welcome to bring a friend/partner. Look out for the magazine or Mblem. For directions or encouragement, please contact me on [Phone Number] or by email at [Email].
On Sat 25th Apr at 7:00pm - Cancelled - Pub Meal
This event has been Cancelled
This month we are dining at the Sugar Loaf, 2 Nottingham Road, Ab Kettleby, LE14 3JB (on the A606 near Melton Mowbray). We hope you will join us to sample this home, cooked to order, food. Booking in advance is essential so please contact me, Sue Watford, by 20th April, on"[Phone Number] or e-mail [Email]
Haydn Starkie
Contact [Email] or [Mobile Number] for details
Lively Lincs
On Sat 11st Apr at 12:00pm - Cancelled - Pub discussion
This event has been Cancelled
Regular Second Saturday meeting at the Adam & Eve Tavern, 25 Lindum Road, LN2 1NT (opposite Pottergate Arch). The topic this month is: "Is it better for the world if humans focus on what is going well?" All welcome. Car park, pub food, decent ales, tea/coffee available. Look for the Magazine on the table, in the side alcove. Contact Jacquie on [Phone Number] or [Email] for encouragement or more details.
On Fri 24th Apr at 11:00am - Cancelled - Gentle walk
This event has been Cancelled
Walk in the vicinity of Bardney, between Lincoln/Horncastle. Please contact Jacquie for more details by 21st April on [Phone Number] or [Email] as we should then have a better idea of the condition of local footpaths after recent flooding.
On Fri 24th Apr at 12:30pm - Cancelled - Pub lunch
This event has been Cancelled
Join us at The Old Angel Inn, 2 Wragby Road, Bardney, LN3 5XE, for an informal lunch. Large village pub with car park and good inexpensive food. Please contact Jacquie for encouragement or more details on [Phone Number] or [Email]. Guests always welcome.
On Sun 26th Apr at 11:00am - Cancelled - Isaac Newton's House
This event has been Cancelled
FAMILY MENSA visit to Woolsthorpe Manor, the home of Isaac Newton and the apple tree. Science centre, cafe, limited accessibility. National Trust property - cost £9.20 adult/£4.60 child. Family tickets available/free for for NT members. Timed entry tickets to be pre-booked. Contact Christina for details on [Phone Number] or [Email].
Jacquie Harrison
Contact [Email] or [Phone Number] / [Mobile Number] for details
Mid Bucks
On Sun 5th Apr at 2:00pm - Cancelled - Games Afternoon
This event has been Cancelled
Join Dave and Alison at home for a relaxed and informal afternoon of indoor board games and chat. Tea, coffee, etc. provided. All members and friends welcome. For further information and directions please contact Dave a few days beforehand. Either telephone him on [Phone Number] or e-mail to [Email]
On Thu 9th Apr at 10:30am - Cancelled - Coffee & Chat
This event has been Cancelled
Coffee at The Apple Orchard, High Street, West Wycombe, Bucks, HP14 3AG. https://www.theappleorchard.co.uk/coffee-shop Fascinating 16th century building, lovely food and good coffee. No need to book, but if you want me to look out for you, let me know you are coming on [Phone Number] or e-mail me at [Email]
On Sat 25th Apr at 2:00pm - Cancelled - Escape Room
This event has been Cancelled
Escape Room at Vire Aylesbury, 14 Temple Street, Aylesbury, HP20 2RQ. Cost between £15 and £20 per person, depending on numbers. Minimum age 10 years, if under 18 please bring a responsible adult with you. See"https://virezone.co.uk/aylesbury-escape-rooms/ for details. Book your places with me by Wednesday 15th April on [Phone Number] or e-mail me at [Email] so that I can confirm final details and timing.
For further details or encouragement contact me on [Phone Number] or e-mail me at [Email]
Val Hinkins
Contact [Email] or [Phone Number] for details
Mensans in MK & Bedford
On Sat 11st Apr at 3:00pm - Cancelled - T@3
This event has been Cancelled
Join us at Dobbie's Garden Centre in Fenny Stratford for tea, coffee, and cakes in the restaurant. We will probably be in the conservatory area at the back. Contact Jo at [Email], or [Phone Number] / [Phone Number] for directions/encouragement.
On Mon 20th Apr at 7:45pm - Cancelled - 3MOTM Quiz
This event has been Cancelled
Our monthly quiz outing to The Plough at Simpson. Meet from 7.45 for a 8.00pm start - cost is £1 per person. Please let me know if you are coming so I know if we will be one team or two. Contact Jo at [Email], or [Phone Number] / [Phone Number] for directions/encouragement.
On Sun 26th Apr at 10:00am - Cancelled - Breakfast
This event has been Cancelled
Join Christine and others at Brown's on Midsummer Boulevard from 10am for a full breakfast, a snack, or just a drink. Contact [Email] for directions/encouragement.
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 this month. 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
News from Northampton
On Sun 5th Apr at 10:30am - Cancelled - Brunch
This event has been Cancelled
A week earlier than usual (to avoid Easter Sunday!) our breakfast/brunch will be as usual at the Zapato Lounge in Welsh House, 2 Newlands Walk, NN1 2EB. Look for the Mensa emblem on the table. After the quizzing we'll consider the final Open Day for croquet at St Andrews Hospital and arrangements for later this year. Contact Marianne on [Phone Number] or email: [Email] for more information and encouragement.
On Sat 18th Apr at 11:00am - Cancelled - Walk
This event has been Cancelled
Join us on Saturday 18th April for a 3-mile circular walk from Great Doddington across the Nene Valley and around the Summer Leys Nature Reserve, followed by a pub lunch. Meet at 11am outside the Stag's Head, 1 High St, Great Doddington, NN29 7TQ. For details contact Ian Sargent at [Email] or [Phone Number].
Notts News
On Thu 2nd Apr at 7:30pm - Cancelled - Theatre
This event has been Cancelled
The hit musical Mamma Mia comes to the Royal Concert Hall. Follow this story of love and friendship set on a Greek island told to the timeless songs of Abba. Tickets £24.50 to £54.00. £5 discount in stalls and tier 1 for groups of 10+. This is a sign language interpreted performance. Express interest with Maxine on [Phone Number] or [Email] ASAP please.
On Fri 3rd Apr at 7:30pm - Cancelled - Pamper Party
This event has been Cancelled
An evening of fun and laughter for ladies at my home in Langley Mill. Try lovely items from the Tropic range. Hot/soft drinks, wine and nibbles provided or BYOB. Optional lucky dip gifts for only £1 for Cancer Research UK too. Please contact Maxine on [Phone Number] or [Email] to confirm attendance as an idea of numbers would be helpful. Feel free to bring a friend!
On Sun 5th Apr at 8:00pm - Cancelled - 5OTM
This event has been Cancelled
Round off the weekend with an hour or two at the Vat & Fiddle pub, Queensbridge Road, NG2 1NB. Real ale, reasonably priced soft drinks, varied conversation, free parking right outside, what's not to like!? Look for Yellow Mblem on the table. Contact Maxine on [Phone Number] or [Email] for directions/enacouragement. New members welcome.
On Thu 9th Apr at 7:30pm - Cancelled - Natter & Nosh
This event has been Cancelled
Our popular get together at The Cadland, High Road, Chilwell, NG9 5EG, where we have a large table reserved at far side of bar. Join us for a meal or later for just a drink. Large car park at the pub or close to bus stops. Contact Maxine on [Phone Number] or [Email] for further info or look for yellow Mblem on the night.
On Tue 21st Apr at 7:00pm - Cancelled - 3TuOTM
This event has been Cancelled
Newark members invite you to join them for a friendly natter over food and/or drink at the Fox & Crown pub at 4-6 Appleton Gate. Further info from Pete on [Phone Number] or [Email] or just turn up on the night and look for Mensa sign. New faces always welcome.
On Fri 24th Apr at 6:00pm - Cancelled - Greyhound Racing
This event has been Cancelled
A night at a charity tournament at Nottingham Greyhound Stadium in Colwick. Arrive/leave any time between 6.00pm and 10.30pm. Race card and admission only £4 (normal price £8) with all money going to Cancer Research UK. Friends, family and work colleagues welcome. Accompanied under 18s admitted for only £1. Free parking. Food and drink available at the venue. Contact Maxine on [Phone Number] or [Email] to purchase in advance.
On Tue 28th Apr at 7:30pm - Cancelled - Eating Meeting
This event has been Cancelled
Join us for Italian cuisine at Gino's, 58 Church Street, Ruddington, NG11 6HD. Menu at ginos-ruddington.com. Special offers on a Tuesday evening. Please reserve your place with Maxine on [Phone Number] or [Email] by 21st.
Ciao for now!
Maxine Bates
Contact [Email] or [Phone Number] for details
Northants mini-weekend
In February we held a mini-weekend of fun in Northants attracting around 70 members to one or more events.
On the Saturday we met at Silverstone race track for group admission to their new Silverstone Experience with this event attracting members from as far as Southampton, Somerset and Plymouth
The afternoon started with an optional lunch in their café then we set off together to walk the Heritage Track Trail around the old race track in the sunshine, stopping to read the information panels. We then re-entered the main building to explore the exhibition. The first floor covered the history of the village of Silverstone and how a race track had come to be set up there. The ground floor covered the history of motor racing
It was difficult to keep together as a group as everyone had different speeds of reading and levels of interest, but I did receive some lovely messages of thanks for organising afterwards so I think everyone enjoyed it.
The attraction is suitable for all ages with interactive aspects like a race board game in the village pub, chance to sit in an historic race car, the 'tech lab' learning about the mechanics of racing, and opportunity to stand on the winner podium with trophy. The final part of the attraction is a giant film show narrated by Murray Walker with the feel of taking part in a race.
A few of us stayed at the Holiday Inn M1 J18 overnight with a couple of us taking advantage of the pool, sauna and jacuzzi in their leisure club. Excellent value considering rooms were on offer for only £36 sleeping up to three guests. We then met for dinner at the Wheatsheaf pub in Crick village. Highly recommended, especially as the pub provided a free taxi service both ways!
On the Sunday morning the East Midlands Mensa volunteer officers met for our annual regional committee meeting covering a range of subjects to hopefully improve your membership over the coming year. At 1pm guests started arriving for our "Tea & Talks" event in the main function room of the hotel. The staff did a wonderful job setting up the tables and food and we dined on delicious sandwiches, mini cakes, trifles, scones, cream and jam accompanied by tea, coffee or juice for the children.
It was lovely to see so many families there and we arranged a table so the youngsters could sit together. High winds caused a power cut across the whole area during our afternoon tea, although the hotel did provide candles and torches.
Things became interesting when it was time for our first presentation. Top marks to Peter Sadd for improvising with a flip chart instead of laptop and projector and managing to teach us about cartooning when we all moved chairs as near to the window and natural light as possible. Fortunately power was restored before Maria taught us some basic Spanish and Rachel and Ged gave an informative session on first aid. Otherwise wrapping each other in bandages in the dark may have been even more interesting!
Thank you to all our speakers for giving up their time to entertain and educate us and to our new Family Officer Christina who kept the youngsters amused with activities in an adjacent room.
Also thank you to everyone who attended part of this weekend. We hope to arrange something similar next year. Watch this space!
By Maxine Bates
Family Mensa Event
On Sunday 26th April at 11:00am, visit Woolsthorpe Manor, the home of Isaac Newton and the apple tree. Science centre, cafe, limited accessibility. National Trust property - cost £9.20 adult/£4.60 child. Family tickets available/free for for NT members. Timed entry tickets to be pre-booked. Contact Christina for details on [Phone Number] or [Email].
Family Mensa is for Junior Mensans (under 18) or for Mensa members who would like to attend with their children or young family members. It is open to anyone whether they are parents, grandparents or carers
We try to organise events where young people and their families can come together and enjoy each other's company across the East Midlands, and also provide a friendly face if you would like to speak to someone.
Events will be advertised through the magazine, and in the East Midlands we chose to label them in two categories
Family Mensa: This will be events especially arranged for young members and their families and they will be the focus. Other Mensans are welcome to attend if they like.
Family Friendly: These are regular events aimed at all Mensans, but children will be welcome and the venue suitable.
Under 18's must have a responsible adult attend with them at all times, unless the event has specifically been advertised otherwise.
There is a national Facebook group for families if you would like to meet other families online, and where you can see family events from the whole country. Just search for 'Family Mensa' - you will need to provide the name and membership number of either yourself or the Junior Mensan.
We are all volunteers helping out to organise events, while looking after our own families. We do our best to organise as broad a range of activities as possible, but if there is something you would like to see happen let us know, especially if there is something interesting happening in your local area, or alternatively you are always welcome to organise something of your own - either your Local Officer or the Family Officer will be happy to help you. With Mensa you get as much out as you put in!
If you would like me to stay in touch please let me have your contact details or ask your Local Officer to pass them on to me.
Christina Andersen-Bacon
East Midlands Mensa Family Office
20 Questions (No. 222)
The fruity answers from the February quiz were blackberry and raspberry, China, olive, blackcurrant, Brazil, raspberry, pomegranate, sloe, spring, orange, pineapple, peach, avocado, apricot, Bramley, durian, apple, lycopene, maraschino and strawberry.
The winner of the £10 book token was Pamela Covey of Woburn.
Pamela won't win this month as she has set the quiz! Unscramble the following to reveal names of TV detective/crime/murder series. Send your entries to arrive by 20th April by post to '20 Questions (No. 222)', [Address], or by email to [Email]. Remember to include your name and address!
1. CONTEMPORISERS
2. ADD THE WEAK GIN
3. LEAFY ROWS
4. STUFF ROACH TOO
5. BAD NICKS
6. BEST LUSH ILL
7. OVER A NUDE
8. COULOMB
9. WE CLIP A MOON
10. STEPPER MUSIC
11. CITE & SAY BOLT
12. PLEASE DIAL NZ CODA
13. RUDE RUMBLE
14. LESS TIN IN STEW
15. END ALL RAW
16. YES THEN WEE
17. OK DRAWL & RUE
18. SWAY ONE DIG
19. SHOUT ERE MR DREW
20. FOX COON GENDER KID