A teapot, cup and saucer and a milk jug

Tea @ Three Returns

T@3 events are being held all around the region in August. See the event listings for details.

Lakes Party Weekend

4th-7th December 2009

A weekend of partying, activities or just relaxation based at the CenterParcs village in the Lake District.

Package includes three nights accommodation in a modern lodge in a forest setting, three parties (one with a fancy dress theme), two buffet meals, help-yourself bar throughout the weekend, cocktail of the day, unlimited access to the water dome, programme of events including walks, quizzes, tastings and activities.

Singles, couples and groups of friends all welcome.

Cost £120 per place.

For full details contact Maxine on [Phone Number] or see www.maruba-events.com

Regional News

Following our sell-out trip to Twycross Zoo in June and our American themed day in July, this month we have a series of "T@3" events. As this idea proved popular some years ago we have repeated it. In contrast to the usual pub socials our "T@3" events are held on a weekend afternoon and are suitable for families. Rather than choose one date, this time LocSecs around the East Midlands will be hosting "T@3" events on various Saturdays and Sundays throughout the month, thus enabling members living on the border of two counties to attend more than one event should they wish. Locations vary but most offer cream cakes as well as drinks. So forget the diet and join us at a variety of venues including members homes, National Trust properties and garden centre cafes.

Don't forget there are several weekend gatherings taking place in the coming months. Join Mensans on the Orkney Isles for the Scottish Mensa Annual Gathering 28th-31st August, in Shrewsbury 11th-13th September or in Bristol for the British Mensa Annual Gathering 2nd-5th October. Details can be found on both the main Mensa web site and our own regional one at www.mensa.org.uk/eastmids

Maxine Bates

Regional Officer

Mensa Music Weekend

It is probably too late to book now, but please contact Diane at diane@mensa.org.uk, or 01902 772771 and choose the option for Events, or David on 020 8654 6090 or david.dreebin@btinternet.com in case of any places left for the Mensa Music Weekend. Don't forget that there are very reasonable day rates too, but no bookings will be accepted at all after the 3rd August.

There will be an end-of-session performance at 2.00pm on Sunday 16 Aug at the John Lill Centre, University of Herts, College Lane, Hatfield AL10 9AB. Admission free, but you will need to let David know on 07540 610985 if enquiring after Wednesday 12th August so he can give your name to security. There may be places left for our Saturday evening meal at an outside restaurant, for non participants of the weekend, please contact David via e-mail or the landline on or before Weds 12th, and after that on his mobile number.

Events and Meetings

photo of Maxine Bates

Notts News

On Wed 5th Aug at 8:00pm - 5OTM

We'll be at the Vat & Fiddle pub in Nottingham city centre from 8.00 pm on Wednesday 5th. Do join us for a drink and chat. The pub is on Queensbridge Road near the railway station, adjacent to the Castle Rock brewery and has free parking outside. Look for the yellow Mblem on the table, usually to the left of the bar.

On Wed 12th Aug at 7:00pm - Chicks and Flicks

The following week, Wednesday 12th, we have our regular "chicks & flicks" event. Meet at 7.00 pm sharp inside the doors to the Cornerhouse from where we'll head to Nando's restaurant and over dinner debate which film to see at Cineworld later, maybe splitting into two groups if there's no consensus. If you have a Cornerhouse card there's a free refillable soft drink at Nando's and if you own an Orange mobile phone there's 2-4-1 on cinema tickets. Further info from Paul on [Phone Number] or [Email]

On Sun 16th Aug at 3:00pm - T@3

From 3.00 pm on Sunday 16th we have a "T@3" event where you are invited to my home in Langley Mill to taste a variety of teas including assam from India, lapsong souchong from China, green tea from Morocco, apple tea from Turkey and premium Ceylon tea from Sri Lanka. A cake contribution to accompany the teas would be welcome though not obligatory. All ages welcome.

On Tue 25th Aug at 7:30pm - Eating meeting

Our "eating meeting" on Tuesday 25th takes place in Castle Donington so should be easily accessible for a large number of members from Notts, Derbys and Leics. This will be an Indian meal at the highly recommended Rose Of Bengal restaurant at 42 Borough Street. Please let me know if you'd like to join us by 21st as I'll need to reserve a table. If you have any restaurant recommendations for future events do let me know!

And don't forget each Thursday up to a dozen of us go ballroom/latin American dancing in Chilwell from 8.30pm-9.30pm followed by a drink at the nearby Beekeeper pub. You are welcome to join us for the dancing and/or a drink.

Ciao for now!

Maxine Bates

photo of Jacquie Harrison

Lively Lincs

On Sat 1st Aug at 12:00pm - Conversations over lunch/drinks

Join us for lively conversation over lunch or just drinks at our regular first Saturday meeting in the Drill Hall, Armoury cafe. For encouragement/ details please contact Christine at [Email] or Jacquie Harrison on [Phone Number]. All very welcome.

On Sun 9th Aug at tba - Tennyson exhibition

If anyone is interested in looking at Alford Museum's Tennyson exhibition prior to Tea@3 please contact Jacquie on [Phone Number] before the 9th. We can offer a couple of lifts from Lincoln.

On Sun 9th Aug at 3:00pm - T@3

Join us at Alford Windmill's teashop - the mill is on the main road near the eastern boundary of the town. Please ring as above for more details/encouragement.

Jacquie Harrison

Derby Diary

On Wed 19th Aug at 7:30pm - 3WOTM

Our regular 3WotM meeting at the Standing Order in Derby falls on Wednesday 19th. Join us for a meal or just a drink and some great conversation from 7.30pm. Look out for the yellow Mblem on a long table in the area just beyond the bar. Contact me as above for more details/directions.

As always it would be great to hear from you if you have any suggestions for future meetings or events, or if you would like to advertise one of your own.

Matthew Smith

photo of Sue Watford

Leicestershire Letter

On Sun 9th Aug at 3:30pm - Cream tea

Our annual cream tea meet has been brought forward to 9th August, as they're only doing the second and third Sundays this year. So we're meeting at Little Dalby (just off the Melton to Oakham road) around 3.30 pm for home-made desserts and cakes in a private garden at extremely reasonably prices, followed by a short wander (if you wish) up across a couple of fields to the church - after which we have been known to go back for more. This is the only fundraising the church does, and is very popular: If the weather looks doubtful they put a large gazebo up. Tempted? Please get in touch.

On Sat 22nd Aug at 3:00pm - Eastwell fete

It is always nice to see members at the Eastwell Fete. This year the date is Saturday, 22nd August, and gathering for a drink in the bar area at 3.00pm worked well last year, as we don't otherwise always manage to see each other. The fete is held in the grounds of Eastwell Hall and the adjoining 12th century mediaeval church and churchyard: art exhibition, craft fair, demonstrations, village stalls, all day entertainment, mediaeval encampment, children's rides - see www.eastwellfete.co.uk. If you let me know you're coming, I'll look out for you.

Sue Watford

photo of Ian Sargent

Northants NNotes

On Thu 6th Aug at 9:00pm - FThOTM

One road dominates the Northants events this month. On Thursday 6th August head north-west from Northampton on the A428 to Harlestone, where you will find us in our normal venue - The Fox & Hounds. We'll be somewhere in the bar area as usual from 9pm.

On Thu 20th Aug at 8:00pm - Roadshow

Two weeks later we take the A428 south-east from Northampton (the Bedford Road) to Yardley Hastings. The Red Lion in the High Street is the venue for this month's Roadshow meeting and we'll be there from 8pm; probably in the bar, but possibly in the games room if the skittles table is available. If you're coming in from the Northampton direction then the High Street is the second signposted turning on the left into the village. If you're coming in from the Bedford direction then it's the first signposted turning on the right!

For both meetings a copy of the Mensa mag on the table will give away our location.

Ian Sargent

photo of Jo Sidebottom

Mensans In MK and Bedford

On Sat 1st Aug at 3:00pm - T@3

We start August with another popular T@3 on Saturday 1st at Dobbie's Garden Centre in Fenny Stratford, just south of Milton Keynes. Look for us in the restaurant from 3pm onwards - there are several sections so we may not be immediately obvious, but we'll be there somewhere.

On Thu 6th Aug at 8:00pm - FThOTM

First Thursday is at our regular venue of Jury's Inn on Midsummer Boulevard, on 6th August, from 8 pm. Look out for the Mblem on one of the tables to the right in the foyer. Parking is a bit busy around Jury's and The Hub, so we usually try and get in across the road and then walk through the underpass.

Our Third Wednesday meeting at the Old Beams in Shenley Lodge is on 19th August. If you're definitely planning to come, please let me know as it will help us to grab the right sized table, but don't let that put you off deciding on the spur of the moment - you'll still be welcome. See www.mcmullens.co.uk for location and menu details. You can eat or not, as you wish - their food is quite good and reasonably priced. Look around for the Mblem as we don't always get the same table each time.

Hope to see you there,

Jo Sidebottom

photo of Val Hinkins

Mid Bucks

On Sun 9th Aug at 3:00pm - T@3

Forget the diet this afternoon and join us at Church House, Hughenden for one of their famous teas. A good choice of home made cakes, full cream teas, toasted tea cakes or delicious local ice cream is available.

Church House is easy to find - just take the turn for Hughenden Manor (NT), park at the bottom of the hill and walk up through the churchyard. The tea rooms are then just outside the next gate. Meet there at 3pm.

If it's a nice day we will walk out from High Wycombe along Benjamin's Walk, named in honour of Disraeli, who lived at Hughenden. About 2 miles, some uphill, but lovely views to admire if you need to stop and get your breath back. We'll set off just after 2:00pm from outside Wycombe Museum gates.

Please ring me on [Phone Number] or e-mail me at [Email] if you want to walk with us or just to let me know to look out for you.

Val Hinkins

On Sat 22nd Aug at 10:15am - Country walk

Meet at Wendover Station Approach for a walk in the Chilterns. Good bus and train links and parking available at the station.

Just over 7 miles long with slopes, one descent difficult (from Coombe Hill down to Ellesborough). On a clear day there will be fine views of the Wendover Gap, the Aylesbury Vale, the Chequers Manor and the Chequers Estate.

Follow me!

If you want to be sure we don't set off without you, please let Val know you are coming. Contact details with T@3 meeting on 9th August.

Ian Birch

photo of Richard Allen

Herts Happenings

On Thu 6th Aug at 8:15pm - FThOTM

Regular first Thursday of the month meeting. As always, we're at the Millstream, Cambridge Road, Hitchin. Good food and good beer both available! Call me on [Phone Number] for more details and encouragement. The pub is about ten minutes' walk from the railway station.

On Sun 16th Aug at 2:30pm - T@3

I'm hosting a Tea At Three event at my place this afternoon; this will be held in my garden (weather permitting - indoors otherwise) with board games available for those who are interested. Please let me know if you're coming no later than Sunday 9 August so I can arrange catering.

I'm about ten minutes' walk from Letchworth railway station (Kings Cross - Cambridge line).

Call me as above for more details and encouragement.

Richard Allen

On Fri 28th Aug at 8:00pm - LFOTM

Join us at the White Horse, Hertingfordbury village (about one mile west of Hertford town centre, just off the A414). A warm welcome and stimulating conversation guaranteed! Look for the Mag/Mblem. Hertingfordbury is about 20 minutes' walk from Hertford North station. Contact me on [Phone Number] or Gwen on [Phone Number] for further details and encouragement.

Richard Allen/Gwen Jones

photo of Jenny Habib

Berkhamsted

On Wed 26th Aug at 7:45pm - LWOTM

We will meet at the Three Horseshoes on the canal side, over the swing bridge down the little lane beside the Texaco petrol station at Bourne End, on the London/Hemel Hempstead Road, just after the A41 roundabout.

We can sit out beside the canal if it is fine, and inside if it rains. All members, young and adult very welcome. There are two car parking areas along the Lane on the opposite side to the pub.

Hoping to see you all there.

Jenny Habib

Congratulations to Elisa Laing on gaining a BA (Hons) Hist (Open) with a Diploma in European Humanities and a Diploma in Classical Studies after nine years of studying.

Words, Words, Wonderful Words

Michael Taylor provides a response to this column's June article:

Though I rarely respond to articles, etc, I should like to offer the following comment on Stuart Duckmanton's item, "Words, Words, Wonderful Words" in Empress, June 2009.

Whilst I largely share Stuart's "dim view" of seven of his twelve quoted phrases, a further four of them are in a quite different league. These are numbered 1, 2, 8 and 9; the phrases "I was SAT", "I was STOOD", "It SEMT ..." and "He was TRET ..." are widely used today across much of northern England. Significantly, their use has sometimes been mistakenly thought to be confined to less-educated groups, whereas (not least thanks to Yorkshire/Lincolnshire regional television) I can confirm that I regularly hear them used by people across the spectrum of backgrounds, most certainly including those in various professions. I believe that this reality may have sometimes been masked by the fact that, until relatively recently, people of regional origin were greatly under-represented in broadcasting.

Regarding Stuart's "phrase" "CHAIR" - instead of chairman or chairwoman: I share his distaste for the use of "chair", but I actually favour the use of "chairman" in all cases, even when the "chairman" is a woman. My preference takes its origin from the notion that the best method of eliminating the impression of being sexist is to spare women the indignity of seeming to be thought unworthy of being called a "chairman". I regard the use of the term "chairwoman" as far more demeaning even than using "chair" for everyone.

Michael Taylor

Think Tank

This month's think tank is courtesy of Amy Barley from Derby.

What law would you introduce if you could?
If the temperature reaches below -2°C you don't have to go to work/school. It's just too cold.
... and which would you repeal?
I would want to reduce the drinking age to 16. Everyone has had at least one drink by that time. At least if it was legal the situation could be monitored and those in trouble could go for help.
Which charity do you most like to support?
The Macmillan Cancer Trust.
Whose picture would you like to see on a bank note?
Mine!
Name a place local to you that you'd recommend people visit
Pub: The Blessington Carriage. Park: Darley Park or Alvaston Castle Restaurant: Friar Gate Steak House Club: Mosh
What device would you like to see invented?
Either: a)A mute button for people who won't stop talking about themselves and their oh-so-interesting lives. Or b) A button to rewind my stupid moments.
Who would you like to see in the Big Brother house?
No one. Ever again.
How would you reform parliament?
Have a parliament that actually stands for something, does what it has promised to do and actually listens to the citizens of the country they are running. Also, one that gives the citizens a chance to vote for the people running the country, not one that develops a new law that means only they can choose when we re-elect. Thinking about it, what wouldn't I want to reform about our current parliament. Everything is wrong with this country.
How can we save the planet?
We can't. If what the media is saying is true, it's too late. If it's not true then why panic? How can billions of years worth of damage be rendered by a couple of years worth of switching off a tv? Also, has anybody stopped to think about the Ice Age? Wasn't that just global cooling? The earth seemed to survive pretty well then.
Name an event at which the British could win an Olympic gold medal.
The complaining competition. Everyone else would give up after 15 hours, not us!
What song would make a good national anthem for England?
The national anthem we have at the moment works well, if we are allowed to sing it. The song itself isn't the problem, it's the lack of national pride that makes it sound like drivel.
Who would you like see entered into room 101?
The Labour Party.
Suggest a new question for this page.
Who would win in a fight, a lion or a shark?

Thanks to Amy and everyone who has submitted a Think Tank contribution. Do you have some good answers to these questions? If so email me or write a letter, or simplest of all, visit http://www.mensa.org.uk/eastmids, click the "Think Tank" tab and complete the questionnaire on-line.

20 Questions (No. 95)

This month can you guess the country by the description of their national flag? Send your answers to arrive by 20th August to '20 Questions (No. 95)', [Address]. Please state whether you would prefer a £10 National Book Token or £10 Leisure Voucher if you are the lucky winner.

1. Three vertical stripes in green, white and green

2. Red with a green pentagram in the centre

3. Three vertical stripes in blue, yellow and red

4. Three horizontal stripes in red, white and black with a yellow eagle in the centre

5. Blue globe on a yellow diamond on a green background

6. Red with three legs in white armour bent at the knee and cojoined at the thigh in the centre

7. Two vertical stripes in green and white with a red crescent and star in the centre

8. Blue with a white five pointed star in the centre

9. Gold cross on a blue background

10. White with a red circle in the centre

11. Three vertical stripes in red, white and red with a cedar tree in the centre

12. A yellow St Andrew's cross with green at the top and bottom and black at the sides

13. Two horizontal stripes in blue and red with a gold crown in the top left hand corner

14. Green with a red circle in the centre

15. Nine horizontal stripes in white and blue with a yellow sun in the top left hand corner

16. Three vertical stripes in green, red and yellow with a yellow five pointed star in the centre

17. Red with a five pointed yellow star in the centre

18. White with a map of the island and two olive branches in the centre

19. Three vertical stripes in black, yellow and red

20. Blue with the Union Jack in the top left hand corner and four red stars to the right

The sci fi films from the June issue were Bladerunner, The Matrix, Independence Day, The Abyss, Armageddon, Back To The Future Part III, Beetlejuice, ET: The Extra Terrestrial, Galaxy Quest, Ghostbusters, Aliens, Plan 9 From Outer Space, Dark Star, Forbidden Planet, The Day The Earth Stood Still, Dune, Brazil, Mars Attacks, Close Encounters Of The Third Kind and Star Wars.

Thanks to Rita Beeson of Kempston, Don Foster of Notts, Michael Warren of Derby, Chris Benger of Bedfordshire, Helene Parry of Brentford and Pamela Covey of Woburn for entering. Everyone got 20 out of 20 but the winner picked at random was Pamela.