Regional Rove Reviews

Picture from Bletchley Park

I have only been in Mensa for a couple of months but I imagine that the "Regional Rove" was one of the most ambitious events put on for the East Midlands region for some time. It consisted of a tour of the whole region going from north to south starting in Nottinghamshire and finishing in St Albans. Nearly 60 people took part in one or more event.

The rove kicked off with an Italian theme party at Maxine's house in Langley Mill. Those of us relying on public transport to get us to Langley Mill had to reckon with 'industrial action' on the part of Midland Mainline trains, which meant that I personally almost didn't make it. There was plenty of food and drink and the weather smiled on us as well. Some also chose to sample Maxine's hot tub in the garden, something for me to try another time! I may be wrong about this but I believe the Mensa Connections boardgame didn't make an appearance, a rare thing at East Midlands events! For me it was an opportunity to meet and talk with Mensans who I hadn't come across so far.

On Saturday night we all descended on Milton Keynes and enjoyed party number two. Jo and Chris hosted the event and I also got to meet a couple of people who up until then had only been names on an email group. Everyone enjoyed the opportunity to chill out after the narrowboat event and there was a fairly relaxed and laid back feel to things, apart from some lighthearted pushing on some people's part for a Milton Keynes weekend gathering in 2007!

On Sunday some of the group stopped off to see the (in)famous concrete cows before arriving at Bletchley Park. For me personally this was one of the highlights of the rove. We had a well-informed and highly enthusiastic speaker who told us all about the history of the buildings there which goes much further back than the war; in fact it was as much by luck as anything else that the government acquired the buildings for the codebreaking work that went on there. We were asked to guess what one part of the building was, and I'm afraid even the Mensans in the party couldn't recognise a meat safe.

We were given a potted history of the enigma machine and then started walking round the various buildings where the codebreakers, administrators and the operators of Alan Turing's code-breaking bomb machine worked. After Turing's initial breakthrough in 1940 things were going well till the German navy introduced a new advanced version of the enigma, the practical upshot of which was that the German u-boats could pick off convoy shipping more or less at will and at one point we were within two months of total starvation. However, once Bletchley had cracked even this new enigma they eventually got to a point where they were deciphering 50 different codes from as many different areas per day.

Bletchley as a tourist project is still being developed. They are planning to build a replica of Turing's bomb machine and actually put a demonstration of it into the talk you get with a guided tour. It would have been nice to have had more objects outside of glass cases for the visually impaired to feel, but my final thoughts on the whole experience were ones of admiration for the intelligence and the dedication that those codebreakers demonstrated in cracking the enigma. I couldn't help thinking that although to get into Mensa you have to demonstrate an IQ in the top two percent, there is a different and much higher level of intelligence altogether, and I certainly don't have it!

Picture of a group of 7 East-Mids mensans at the garden party in Letchworth. Two of the men are standing directly behind the garden flares which are just less than waist high giving an interesting line of site effect.
Nice group, but those garden flares look a bit uncomfortable!

After our visit to Bletchley park we went to Richard's for a garden party. He had been making pessimistic remarks about bank holiday weather but as it turned out the sun continued to shine and Rosie brought some garden flares which gave things a nice touch. Turn out was higher than expected and some Mensans who had not been active for a while turned up which was nice to see.

On Monday those of us who had stayed at Richard's house got what for us (or me at least) was a rare treat, breakfast al fresco in glorious sunshine. Although a thundery shower descended on us as we hit St Albans, it quickly disappeared and some of us even had a BBQ lunch at a pub after our visit to the Roman museum and amphitheatre. The amphitheatre was particularly worth seeing, despite its somewhat melancholy history of gladiatorial contests and bear-baiting. The museum had some wonderful very large frescoes and there was plenty to touch as well as look at, reasonably good value for the modest entry fee. In the afternoon a few went on a visit to the cathedral while others with further to travel started home early.

To finish with I'd like to express special thanks to those who organised things and who made their houses available for events; personally I haven't enjoyed a bank holiday weekend so much in a long time!

by Guy Whitehouse

Picture of a group of a dozen mensans by their narrowboat.

A full house of 12 Mensans turned up at Union Wharf in Market Harborough to go narrowboating. After some instruction on how to manoeuvre the boat, turn it and work the oven (!), it was all aboard. The weather was very nearly on our side, just a bit windy, which made sure that whoever was at the helm had a job on their hands. Under the careful and calming guidance of new member Peter, everyone who wished to had a turn at the tiller, steering the nine ton narrowboat past moored craft, under bridges, through trees and into the bank. We didn't ground the boat at any time but we did have a number of skirmishes with willows, ducks and really massive beetles. We did tackle a swing bridge on the way, and it was here that two boats overtook us. Was this canal rage?! No, hardly, it would be very hard to get any rage at all when pootling along at 3.5 miles an hour.

After about 2.5 hours, we reached our destination, Foxton Locks. We visited a lovely pub called the Shoulder of Mutton for lunch. Great food and conversation ensued. After lunch we explored the famed Foxton Locks, a flight of 14 locks, some only single berth. Despite the beautiful weather there were few boats out and the locks weren't in use by anyone. Some people had an ice-cream then we set about turning round. A sense of urgency was instilled in the crew as they realised that a wide boat taking people on a trip was coming the opposite way and we were at this point at right angles to the towpath, totally adrift in the canal. Tense moments of crazed throttle waggling ensued, but thanks to a group effort the boat was turned round and moored up. At this point, it was obvious that the other boat had misjudged their angle coming towards us, either that or they actually just aimed straight at us. They hit us, they lost a fender, and we laughed heartily. So onwards we went, casting off again for the return leg. On the journey back an obligatory game of Mensa Connections was played!

We arrived back in Market Harborough five minutes before we had to, which was either excellent judgement or total luck. You decide. We thanked the boat owner then it was off to the pub for dinner before setting sail sans bateau to Milton Keynes. Will we be doing this boating business again ? Aye Aye, Skipper! A good time was had by all.

by Jackie Goss

Don't Forget Regional Open Day and Barbeque Saturday 13th August Holiday Inn Rugby/Northampton M1 J18

Regional News

Thanks to everyone who took part in our "Regional Rove" back in May. You will find reviews and photos of the event in this issue of Empress and also on our web site at www.mensa.org.uk/eastmids.

Our next regional event is an open day and BBQ on Saturday 13th August. The venue is the Holiday Inn Rugby/Northampton just off M1 J18 and very easy to find. During the afternoon there will be an icebreaker activity, chance to play the Mensa Connections boardgame, find out about all the benefits of Mensa membership, and listen to talks by Mensa members. Learn some basic sign language, find out about hypnotherapy and discover more about Egyptology and how to write your name in hieroglyphics. From 6.30 pm there will be a BBQ on the lawns of the hotel with either a meat or vegetarian option and this will be followed by an informal disco in the Albany Suite until midnight. The cost to attend all these events is only £7.00 per person. To book please contact Maxine on [Phone Number] or [Email] by 6th August. Friends and family are welcome too.

Further afield - but I'm organising the event so it gets a plug here! - the Channel Islands Weekend takes place 9th-12th September. There are good value flights with bmibaby from East Midlands airport, a three night package at a 4 star hotel on Jersey costs from £108 per person and events range from free to £38.50. Please contact me for further details. Bookings close on 26th August.

Last but not least I'd like to welcome Philip Lowry as new Empress Editor. Philip joins Rosie and Nick and am sure will provide an informative and entertaining read when his stint arrives early 2006. Philip introduces himself in this issue.

Maxine Bates

Regional Officer

20 Questions (No. 47)

Did you unscramble the famous places from the June issue? They were Statue Of Liberty, Taj Mahal, Buckingham Palace, Grand Canyon, Notre Dame, Mount Rushmore, Empire State Building, Eiffel Tower, The Acropolis, Petronas Towers, Sugar Loaf Mountain, Great Wall Of China, Temple Of Heaven, Ayers Rock, St Peter's Square, Golden Gate Bridge, Panama Canal, Mount Everest, Stonehenge and St Paul's Cathedral.

Entries were received from Geoff Ward of Lincoln, John Whiteman of Derby, Matt Francis of Hertford, Michael Warren of Derby, John Green of St Albans, Paul Gilbey of Watford, Esther Bushell of Daventry and David Ribbans of Luton with David winning the prize of a £5 W H Smith voucher and Mensa pen.

The Scottish Mensa Annual Gathering (SMAG) takes place over the August bank holiday weekend so this month we have a Scottish themed quiz. Send your answers to arrive by 20th to '20 Questions (No. 47)', [Address].

1. When is St Andrew's Day?

2. Who played William Wallace in the film 'Braveheart'?

3. The ruins of which castle overlook Loch Ness?

4. In which town does the ancient ceremony of Fireballs take place on New Year's Eve?

5. Which king was the father of Mary, Queen of Scots?

6. What does 'aber' mean in a place name?

7. In which month does the Edinburgh Military Tattoo take place?

8. Robert the Bruce died of which disease?

9. In which castle was Princess Margaret born?

10. The A868 runs through which island?

11. How much does a curling stone weigh in kg?

12. At which tourist attraction would you find Mons Meg?

13. Which is the most northerly Shetland Island?

14. Who is the lead singer of Simple Minds?

15. Where did the first Highland Games take place?

16. On which island is the former Labour Party leader John Smith buried?

17. When is Burns Night celebrated?

18. Whose statue is on top of the column in George Square, Glasgow?

19. A caber is usually made from the trunk of which type of tree?

20. Where was the Scottish Mensa Annual Gathering held in 2004?

Events and Meetings

Notts News

On Fri 5th Aug at 8:00pm

Join us from 8.00 pm on Friday 5th for a drink and chat at the Vat & Fiddle pub on Queensbridge Road. Find us sitting outside on the front if warm or inside to the left of the bar if cooler. This is our regular pub social and usually attracts 12-16 members of all ages. Everyone welcome! If you need directions call me on [Phone Number].

On Wed 10th Aug at 7:00pm

Our other regular event is our "chicks & flicks" night on the 2nd Wednesday of each month, this time on 10th August. We meet inside the entrance to the Cornerhouse complex at 7.00 pm to eat at Nando's chicken restaurant before watching a film at the UGC cinema. We sometimes split into two groups to watch different types of film. You are welcome to join us for either the meal, film or both. If you have a Cornerhouse card you'll get a free drink with your meal and if you own an Orange phone you can get 2 for 1 tickets at the cinema. A cheap night out! Contact Andy for more info on [Phone Number] or [Email]

On Fri 19th Aug at 7:00pm

It's our annual trip to Nottingham Greyhound Stadium in Colwick on Friday 19th. £10 gets you admission, race card, pie and pea supper, two drinks (Carling, Reef or J20) and £2 worth of bets. We'll be meeting at 7.00 pm as the first race takes place at 7.22 pm with the last race at 10.22 pm. This is always a fun and sometimes a profitable night out. Sorry, the group package is for over 18s only though children are welcome to spectate. Please book with me by 5th August latest.

On Tue 30th Aug at 7:30pm

Finally we are going to try out the new Vietnamese restaurant called Phat - but don't let the name put you off! - on Wheeler Gate at 7.30 pm on Tuesday 30th. Chinese dishes are also available. Come and collect another stamp for your "Globetroughers" passport with chance to win a prize at the end of the series of these eating meetings. Please book your place by 23rd on [Phone Number] or [Email]

Ciao for now!

Maxine Bates

Lincoln

On Sat 6th Aug at 6:15pm

We've chosen Saturday 6th August to see "As You Like It" open air at the medieval Bishop's Palace. If you would still like me to try and get more tickets I will as there is no allocated seating plan - telephone [Phone Number]. If the weather is good, we may get there early and picnic prior to it starting at 7.30pm (I can't really say "curtain-up"in the circumstances).

Jacquie Harrison

Derbyshire

On Wed 17th Aug at 7:30pm

At the last few third Wednesday meetings at the Standing Order on Irongate in Derby several people have come along for the first time and we hope to see them again whenever they can find the time. If anyone else is wondering about dropping in, the August meeting on the 17th, would probably be a good time, since it will still be possible to stroll down Irongate in daylight at 7.30. We'll be in the non-smoking area at the back until late.

On Mon 22nd Aug at 8:00pm

On the following Monday, the 22nd, I thought it would make a pleasant change to try a meeting in Chesterfield since nothing seems to have happened there, Mensa wise, for some time. If anyone else wants to see what Chesterfield is like nowadays, I'll be in the non-smoking area of the Portland Hotel (Wetherspoons) from 8.00 p.m. to enjoy a meal and a chat. More details on [Phone Number] or [Email].

Bernard Briggs

Buxton

On Sat 21st Aug at 10:00am

Two circular walks from the Travellers Rest (SK 032678) on A53 Buxton to Leek road. Six mile walk to Flash (highest village in England) and Three Shire Heads - where Cheshire, Derbyshire and Staffordshire meet. After lunch join us for a 4 mile walk to the head of the river Dove. Details from Ray on [Phone Number][Email]

Ray Calverley & Geoff Coxon

Leicestershire

Picture of the Reclaim Garden at Barnsdale
One of 38 separate gardens at Barnsdale, the "Reclaim Garden" was built from second hand materials

On Sat 6th Aug at 10:00am

A visit to the Barnsdale Gardens made famous by Geoff Hamilton during his time on BBC Gardeners' World on Saturday 6th August at 10.00am. The eight acre site is made up of 37 individual gardens. Admission is £5 per adult and free for children. Refreshments are available. Book with Rebecca by Thursday 4th August on [Email] or [Phone Number].

Rebecca Mawby

Milton Keynes

On Sun 28th Aug at 1:00pm

fLunch Part 1 : Join Chris for our regular film & Sunday Lunch meeting at Xscape in Central MK. Lunch (venue tba) 1 pm, film not compulsory! Contact Chris for further details at [Email] (mention fLunch in subject) or [Phone Number] / [Phone Number].

On Sun 28th Aug at 3:00pm

Flunch Part 2 : Join Chris for our regular Film & Sunday lunch meeting at Xscape. Film (to be agreed at lunch) starting 3 pm-ish; check www.cineworld.co.uk (select "Milton Keynes") for possible choices & cinema info. Call Chris for our decision after 1.30 pm, [Phone Number], if not attending lunch.

Jo Sidebottom & Chris Lonsbrough

Northants NNotes

On Tue 30th Aug at 8:00pm

Kettering gets the Roadshow treatment again. Help us to celebrate the penultimate day of the month in the lounge of the Talbot Inn in Meadow Road.

As ever, look for the Mensa Mag on a table. Directions and further information from me on [Phone Number] or [Email].

Ian Sargent

Hertfordshire

On Thu 11th Aug at 7:30pm

Pub meal at the Cricketers, Weston. This one's not on any bus routes in the evening, so get your bikes out! Call Helen on [Phone Number] or Richard on [Phone Number] for directions and encouragement. Good food and beer both available!

Helen Rees

On Wed 17th Aug at 8:00pm

Indian meal at an old favourite, the Garden Lodge restaurant, Hitchin Road (A505), Letchworth. This is about 15 minutes' walk from the station and town centre (for local bus services). Ring me on [Phone Number] to book.

Richard Allen

High Wycombe

On Thu 18th Aug at 8:00pm

It is the middle of the Summer and a lot of people (including myself) will be away on holiday. Never the less by popular demand I have arranged a return visit to the Shaheen Tandoori in Easton Street. As some of you will know the restaurant was closed for refurbishment until a few weeks ago and is overdue a return visit. Please telephone Alistair on 01494 539908 to book your place.

Alistair Blackett

Regulars - see main mag for details

Thu 4th Aug8:00pmWoughtonFThOTM Ye Olde Swan Jo Sidebottom

Thu 4th Aug8:00pmRoystonFThOTM Old Bull Dan Ormsby

Sun 7th Aug8:00pmSt AlbansFSuOTM The Plough at Sleapshyde Lesley Chester

Thu 11th Aug9:00pmHarlestone2ThOTM Dusty Fox Ian Sargent

Wed 17th Aug8:00pmMilton Keynes3WOTM Wetherspoons Jo Sidebottom

Fri 26th Aug8:30pmHertingfordburyLFOTM White Horse Richard Allen

Wed 31st Aug7:45pmBerkhamstedOld Mill PubJenny Habib

Meet Phil

Portrait photograph of Phil Lowry

Phil Lowry is the new Empress Editor. His first issue will appear in 2006.

When did you join Mensa?
1997.
Why did you join?
I took the test out of interest, and because of the social contacts that Mensa offers.
Have you attended any events?
I have been to weekends in Manchester, Birmingham, London and Stoke. I also try to attend meals out and music events in the High Wycombe area.
Do you belong to any SIGs?
France SIG, LASERS and Travel SIG. Also the Classical Music e-SIG - which is free! I was in one of the Writers' SIGs, and had a short story published in their magazine.
Do you have any hobbies/interests?
In bridge, I'm a county player and a former junior international and an administrator. One of my tasks is to look after the junior players in two counties, one of whom has become my regular partner. I play chess in the Internet Chess Club. In cooking, my latest conquest is lemon meringue pie!
What's your occupation?
I'm a freelance tax adviser and accountant.
Anything else?
As one of the Empress editors, I shall aim to get around the region and meet as many people as possible. Well-run events will get a good write up!

Mensa At Oasis

Fancy a weekend staying in a wooden lodge in a forest in the Lake District with the chance to go partying, walking, sightseeing, swimming, dining out or just relaxing?

Around 100 Mensa members and their guests visit the Oasis holiday village twice a year.

Our next event is 2nd-5th December 2005 and the cost is only £75 per place including three nights accommodation, three parties with limited free bar and use of the World of Water with slides, flumes, wave machine, spas, river rapids and more.

The Friday party is an icebreaker with chance to meet everyone, the Saturday party theme is "Uniforms" and the Sunday party theme is "My Holiday".

New faces always welcome! For further information contact Maxine on 01773-715330 or see www.boondock.demon.co.uk

Editorial

Here we are, at the end of my four month stint again. I hope that you have enjoyed reading the recent editions of Empress, but if not please write and tell me where I'm going wrong. As usual, I'd like to thank all those who have contributed to this newsletter during my editorship.

Whenever discussions turn to what to put in Empress, Maxine always says "just don't mention the goats", so I won't (oops), but there must be plenty of other hoary old subjects that could do service as topics for discussion here, such as Pascal's Wager or the existence of objective truth.

Now, if you don't want to read my ignorant and limited opinions on such subjects, the best approach would be to send me something of yours to print instead. Regular pieces or one offs are both most welcome. Thoughts and ideas for attracting contributions are also invited. Perhaps we should have a haiku competition, extolling the virtues or vices of your local town.

Before signing off, may I echo Maxine in welcoming Phil Lowry to the editorial team. I look forward to reading his first issue, which will be immediately following Rosie's coming stint. I leave you in her capable hands.

Nick Stimpson

Urban Myths Exposed - #4

The Great Wall of China is by no means the only man-made object visible from space. Although it is visible from low earth orbit, other man-made features are also visible, many much easier to see than the Great Wall.

No man-made objects can be seen from the moon.