Regional News
What are your thoughts on the new format Mensa Magazine (that will now be published every other month so therefore not contain event listings) and the weekly email sent out from the Mensa office? Feel free to discuss on the East Midlands Mensa or Brightspace Facebook groups. I sincerely hope you will still find out details of all our social events and come along to support the volunteer hosts when you can.
The British Mensa Annual Gathering takes place in Birmingham 20th-23rd October 2023. Details will be announced once finalised by the office. If you are lucky enough to be travelling the world you are welcome to attend any Annual Gathering including Seoul (South Korea) in April, Rotterdam (Netherlands) in August, Dallas (USA) in October, Bali (Indonesia) in November and Belgrade (Serbia) over New Year's Eve. Myself and a dozen British Mensans once attended an American gathering and it was very different to the British gathering so give it a chance if you ever get the opportunity. Mensa is a worldwide family so you will be warmly welcomed.
Don't forget all our social events are listed on our regional web page at www.eastmidsmensa.org.uk and now also on our Facebook group. Search 'East Midlands Mensa' and request to join if you don't already belong. Please note that membership is controlled by the Mensa office, so that only current members are subscribed. If the request is during out of office hours there may be a slight delay before you are approved.
I'm on [Phone Number] or [Email] and always happy to hear from you.
Maxine Bates
Regional Officer
Editorial
Here we are, April again. April's fools this year happens to be the first day of Easter holidays for many students, parents and teachers. Spring is blooming and we all wish for the good weather to stay while we enjoy gardening, walking around and even a daring trip to the beach.
I wonder how many lucky readers will be reading this edition while abroad on vacation or round the corner on staycation. It would be great if you could take a few pictures, add a few lines, send that to Empress and make us all very jealous. This mag looks much nicer with photos and it may provide some ideas about where to go/what to avoid for the foreseeable future (aka school summer term hols).
I hope you enjoy this edition of Empress.
Maria Falces
Events and Meetings
Derby Diary
On Wed 12th Apr at 1:00pm - Lunch
Our regular 2nd Wednesday of the Month meeting in Belper, at Cocoa Cafe, 2 Strutt St, Belper DE56 1UN. Free parking just off the market square, or on nearby side streets, or paid parking at the Coop opposite the cafe. Panini, sandwiches, salads, daily specials, hot/soft drinks etc. It's Easter week, so please contact Helen early as they may get booked up, but the previous weekend at the latest. Contact Helen on [Phone Number] or [Email]. All welcome!
On Wed 19th Apr at 7:30pm - Third Wednesday
Join us for something to eat or just a drink at Mr Grundy's, Ashbourne Road, Derby, DE22 3AD (part of the Georgian House Hotel, entrance round the back). We have a separate room booked, ask for "Susan's Group". Real Ales are available. The hotel has its own car park. Wheelchair accessible, please contact ahead. Contact Susan on [Email] or [Phone Number].
Susan Graves
Contact [Email] or [Phone Number] / [Mobile Number] for details
Hertfordshire Happenings
On Thu 6th Apr at 8:00pm - FThOTM
This is our monthly meeting at the Three Magnets, in Leys Avenue. This is one of the main shopping streets of Letchworth, and is a short walk from the railway station, which is served by frequent trains between London and Cambridge. Thursday is traditionally curry night, but other meals are available (standard Wetherspoons fare). If interested, please contact me on [Phone Number], or email [Email]
On Fri 28th Apr at 8:00pm - LFOTM
As ever, we are at the Cowper Arms, Digswell (next to Welwyn North station) from 8 pm. Good food and good conversation guaranteed. Please call [Phone Number] to let me know by the 21 April if you intend to come so that I know to book enough tables, as it does get busy there on Friday nights.
Steve Thomas
Contact [Email] or [Mobile Number] for details
In Leicestershire
On Sat 15th Apr at 2:00pm - Treasure Trail
Come and solve the mystery of who killed the local historian Luke Indepast. Park on Town Green Street LE7 7NW or nearby and meet me at the Blue Bell for your detective notes. Takes 1.5 hours approx. and is 1.5 miles long. Wheelchair and pushchair friendly. Please let me know that you are coming by Wed 12th April so that I can make sure I have enough clue printouts. Contact Pen on [Phone Number] or [Email]
On Mon 17th Apr at 8:00pm - Pub Social
Join me and our friendly group for our usual convivial third Monday of the month gathering at the welcoming Cradock Arms, 201 Knighton Road, Leicester, LE2 3TT. This pub serves Cask and Guest ales and food if you want it. Look out for the Mblem or Magazine. If you need any directions or encouragement, please contact me on [Phone Number] or at [Email].
On Sat 29th Apr at 7:00pm - Pub meal
Join us for dinner at the Britannia Inn, 47 Main Street Queniborough LE7 3DB. This country pub serves home made food. Feel free to being a friend along but please let me know if you are coming by April 20th so that I can book a big enough table. Contact Pen on [Phone Number] or [Email]
Haydn Starkie
Contact [Email] or [Mobile Number] for details
Lively Lincs
On Sat 8th Apr at 12:00pm - 2SOTM pub discussion
Our regular discussion over lunch. This month you are invited to 'Come and have ten minutes, only ten minutes, on your soapbox!' All welcome, and you can bring a guest. Decent food, good ales, car park, at the Adam & Eve Tavern, Lindum Hill. I need to book our space, so please let me know by Friday 7th if you're coming along. Please contact me on [Email] or [Phone Number].
On Thu 27th Apr at 1:30pm - Nature garden
Behind Lincs Wildlife Trust's offices at Banovallum House is a small riverside nature reserve and garden, open to the public free of charge. Join us for a stroll and explore, then afterwards we'll have a look around the town and find somewhere for tea. Please contact me in advance for details of where to meet, etc, on [Email] . Please note: cancelled if wet.
Jacquie Harrison
Contact [Email] or [Phone Number] / [Mobile Number] for details
Mid Bucks
On Sun 2nd Apr at 2:00pm - Games Afternoon
Join Dave and Alison for a relaxed and informal Sunday afternoon of board games and chat. All members and friends are welcome. We play most Sunday afternoons using Jitsi for chat. Further details are on the main Mensa web site. For more information please contact Dave a few days beforehand. Contact: [Phone Number]
On Sun 16th Apr at 12:30pm - Central Region Meeting
Join our friends in Central Region at their event in Maidenhead. Peter Sadd will be giving a talk on cartoons entitled "From Daumier to Dilbert" and Helen and Neil Matthews will be speaking about the preparation and writing of their published guide books. Further details on the Mensa web site. Contact: [Phone Number] or [Email]
On Fri 21st Apr at 10:30am - Coffee & Chat
This month we are returning to the Metro Lounge at 63-65 Hill Avenue, Amersham, HP6 5BX. No need to book, but if you want me to look out for you, please contact me to let me know you are coming. Contact: [Phone Number] or [Email]
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 1st Apr at 3:00pm - T@3
Join us in the restaurant of Woburn Sands Emporium (the other garden centre near Frosts) for tea, cakes and chat. Look out for the Mblem on a table. Contact: [Phone Number] or [Email]
On Thu 20th Apr at 7:30pm - Book Group
Join us in the foyer of Leonardo's Hotel on Midsummer Boulevard as we discuss the next book in our series. Contact me for details of our current book. Contact: [Phone Number] or [Email]
On Sun 23rd Apr at 10:00am - Sunday Breakfast
Join us in the lounge of The Swan Revived in Newport Pagnell for a leisurely breakfast, or just a coffee if you prefer. Let me know you're coming if possible, for the table reservation. Contact: [Phone Number] or [Email]
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 2nd Apr at 11:00am - A Walk In The Park
Join us for a spring stroll around Abington Park in Northampton, followed by lunch in the café. Meet at the entrance on the corner of Wellingborough Road and Ardington Road (NN1 4EY will put you close to it). On-street parking along Ardington Road or an adjacent street is normally possible. Contact [Phone Number] or [Email]
Notts News
On Tue 4th Apr at 2:00pm - Visit
A visit to the National Holocaust Centre, Laxton, NG22 0PA. Two thought provoking exhibitions, stained glass windows and an acre of memorial gardens. £9.00 adult or £7.50 age 65+. Please contact Maxine on [Phone Number] or [Email] by 1st as pre-booking may be required depending on numbers. Optional lunch in their tea room (sandwiches, soup, cakes, etc) beforehand.
On Thu 13th Apr at 7:30pm - 2ThOTM
Join us for a meal/drink/interesting conversation at The Cadland, High Road, Chilwell, NG9 5EG. We have a large table reserved in the front window at far side of bar from car park. Contact Maxine on [Phone Number] or [Email] for further info or just turn up on the night.
On Fri 21st Apr at 7:30pm - Pamper Party
Ladies are invited to my home in Langley Mill (NG16 4AW) where Anne-Marie will be showcasing her lovely range of Tropic skincare, bodycare and make-up products and giving some free mini-facials. Try with no obligation to buy. Hot/soft drinks, wine and nibbles will be provided. You are welcome to bring a friend. An idea of numbers would be appreciated. [Phone Number] or [Email]
On Tue 25th Apr at 7:30pm - Eating Meeting
A taste of Eastern Asian cuisine at The Golden Phoenix, Oxclose Lane, Arnold, NG5 6FZ. Eat-as-much-as-you-like buffet with live cooking stations for £17.99 per person. Restaurant has a car park. Book your place with Maxine on [Phone Number] or [Email] by 20th.
Ciao for now!
Maxine Bates
Contact [Email] or [Phone Number] for details
Mr Grundy's
Mr Grundy's is one of the two venues we alternate between In Derby for our meeting on the third Wednesday of every month.
Mr Grundy's Tavern is named after a First World War veteran, Clifford Grundy, who is pictured on the tavern's sign. He was a previous occupant of the building in the mid 20th Century. He served in the Notts and Derby Regiment (Sherwood Foresters) and was commissioned as a Lieutenant in 1916 when he was 19.
The bar is part of the Georgian House Hotel on Ashbourne Road. The hotel started trading in 1967 with the bar being opened in 1996. The entrance to the bar is around the back where there is also a car park. It's on the 'swift' bus route, many other bus routes are within a few minutes walk.
The pub serves real ales including from its onsite microbrewery. There is a menu of pub classics. There is also a separate business that serves authentic Neapolitan wood-fired pizza. It's also fine to just come for a drink.
We meet in a separate wood panelled room which is a pleasant space. In mid summer we have been known to sit outside in the beer garden. There is wheelchair access but probably best to call ahead to give notice. Our main contact there is very helpful. People attending for the first time should ask for "Susan's Group".
Susan Graves
Advance notice: Southwell Day Out Saturday 20th May
A full day of events in this pretty Nottinghamshire town. You may join in any or all of them.
10:30 - 11:45 A guided tour of Southwell Minster including recently restored Chapter House and discovering the architecture, stained glass, Roman Plaster, Saxon beginnings and more. £8 per person. Numbers strictly limited.
These two events you can do in either order...
12:15 or 14:00 A visit to Southwell Workhouse including the workhouse built in 1824, the infirmary and kitchen garden. £14 adult, £7 child, £35 family or free for National Trust members.
12:15 or 15:00 One of our popular treasure trails exploring Southwell whilst solving clues to reveal whodunnit. Covers 2 miles and should take approx. 1.5 hours to complete. Free to take part and suitable for all ages. Do this alone or with your own team or join up with other members to form small teams.
17:00 - 19:00 An early evening meal at The Admiral Rodney on King Street. See menu.
19:30 - 21:00 Nottingham Harmonic, featuring Derby Local Officer Susan, along with choristers from Southwell Minster will be performing a concert in the nave. Listen to favourites by Benjamin Britten, Edward Elgar, Vaughan Williams, Max Richter and Arvo Part. Tickets £17 and can be purchased online in advance or on the door on the day. Details of this performance.
Cont act Maxine on [Phone Number] or [Email] for further information on any of these events, to check availability of Minster tour tickets and so enough treasure trail packs are printed.
20 Questions (No. 258)
The answers to the February competition were life, garden, carrier, stamp, scale, free, hound, over, large, tennis, plus, glow, time, ski, all, error, gossip, station, set and green. Well done to David Ribbans of Bedfordshire who wins the £10 One4All gift card.
This month we have another of the popular quizzes set by Les Hurst. Each answer begins with M and a vowel and there are four of each combination, i.e. Ma, Me, Mi, Mo and Mu. Send your answers to arrive by 20th April by post to ?20 Questions (No. 258)?, [Address] or by email to [Email]. Remember to include your name and address!
1. Which 2016 Disney film is based on Polynesian mythology?
2. Which is the most northerly football club in the Championship?
3. What is one millionth of a meter?
4. The name of which Mediterranean dictator was one letter away from his national spirit?
5. In the late 1960s Oscar de la Renta introduced which style of skirt?
6. In April 1944 what became the first jet fighter to enter service?
7. The reindeer hide boots worn by Inuit people of the Arctic are called what?
8. Emmanuel Macron defeated who to become President of France?
9. Despite its name, Baja California belongs to which country?
10. Bamako is the capital of which landlocked country?
11. The con-man encountered by the crew of the Starship Enterprise was Harry who?
12. What can prefix the names Mouse and Mussorgsky?
13. Which mail ship held the Blue Riband for 20 years?
14. The wild mountain sheep of Corsica and Sardinia are called what?
15. What can be either a sterilizing fluid or a poet's surname?
16. Swansea Bay sweeps to which headland in the west?
17. The Corleone family moved into Las Vegas by murdering which mobster?
18. In the late 1970s who claimed to have had his television aerials removed, saying it was the moral equivalent of a prostate operation?
19. In 1944 Judy Garland invited you to do what in St Louis?
20. Who were the first 'europop' group with their 1971 hit 'Chirpy Chirpy Cheep Cheep'?