A couple of photos from walk.

Sunday 21st June.

St Marys Church Wendover. Bovington Hill view with David, John, Val Hinkins and Mark.
 

Members profile - Iris and Eddie Foweather

Photo of Iris and Eddie Foweather ny a castle wall
1.-What are your names?
Iris and Eddie Foweather.
2.-What's your location?
We live in Nottingham.
3.-When did you join Mensa?
Iris joined in 1984 and Eddie three years later, in 1987.
4.-Why did you join?
Iris: I did the home test then years later the supervised one and joined because they let me! Eddie joined because Iris was a member...
5.-Do you belong to any SIGs? If so, which one(s)?
We are subscribed to lots of pdf ones. Active members of RAMSIG the Rambling and Mountaineering SIG.
6.-Have you attended any social events? If so, what were they like?
We have gone to many over the years, mostly interesting, you tend to get more back the more you put in!
7.-What is/was your occupation?
We are now retired and both used to be in IT.
8.-Do you have any hobbies/interests?
We are keen cyclists and have been known to travel to Mensa events by bike. We ride most Thursdays and Sundays with the Notts CTC group. We are both bridge players and we foolishly partner each other, not always best for marital harmony! Iris is also very keen on handicrafts and Eddie loves drinking tea as a "hobby".
9.- Is there anything else we should know about you two?
Both are blood donors, and have given 117 donations between us so far. Iris has been trained to be a Silverline friend and has recently been paired up with a 'friend'. Eddie volunteers with Framework (a homeless charity) mending bikes for sale and helping train people to fix bikes.

Robin Hood's Statue by Keith Brough

Last month's Empress showed a picture of the bronze statue of Robin Hood which stands outside Nottingham Castle at the top of Friar Lane. As a young schoolboy in the 1950's the centre of Nottingham was our playground and we often during the lunchbreak used to explore the area round the Castle. I can remember the statue being put in place, but can't recall exactly when, but it was of great interest to we lads.

I do recall that not long after the statue was put in place someone stole the arrow and this was a big news story in both the Nottingham Evening Post and the Evening News; yes we did have two evening papers in those days and their printing works were very close together in the area behind Holy Trinity Church going towards the Theatre Royal and Empire Theatres. So that was two evening papers and two major theatres all very close together. Later the Church was moved to the suburbs and a multi storey car park took its place.

I digress from the tale. The arrow was stolen and some weeks later a new one appeared but this time securely welded to the bow. I do believe, but cannot be certain, that this too was stolen some time later. Over time the area changed and I do believe that the statue moved slightly to its current location. Maid Marion Way was constructed which cut Friar Lane in half so our boyhood route from Slab Square to the Castle is much more difficult today.

The city now is a totally different place with all the post war reconstruction, new roads and the like but it was interesting seeing and living through the start of the major changes to the centre. The last time I was in Nottingham I did have a look round and noted that the Albert Hall is still there and even my old school, Peoples College, survives partly just around the corner.

Thanks Empress for the nostalgia.

Editorial

Studio photo of Maria

Welcome to the August edition of Empress.

You may be enjoying the British summer, or the British shower, by the time you read this newsletter but there are lots of things to do, see and read. So, take the Pimm's out, sunglasses on, sit outside and relax.

Maria Falces

Regional News

I've received a few queries recently so thought I'd clarify a few of them here.

As you know we have our own "East Midlands Mensa" Facebook page where members can say hello to each other, receive advance information on our social events, discuss possible future events, arrange car shares to events, have occasional debates, etc. Members need to be approved to join as this group is purely for current Mensa members who live in the East Midlands region. You wouldn't believe the number of people who request to join who live outside the region or aren't even members! This Facebook page is just one perk of your membership.

The special birthdays that are listed each month in Empress hopefully give a friendly feel to our region. By 'special' we mean those big birthdays ending in '0'. We realise all birthdays can be special but if we listed every member celebrating during the month Empress would just be a list of names! We are also pleased to announce any births, marriages or other happy celebrations so do forward details to either myself or any of the Editors if you would like to share your news.

We do have regional funding so if you fancy hosting a one-off event that may need some financial help do get in touch with either myself or your LocSec. Remember any member can host an event. Don't be afraid to ask for help if you'd like to organise something. The more the merrier!

Lincs LocSec Christine is trying to arrange a visit to the British Horological Institute in Upton, near Newark. Possible dates are either a Monday afternoon or Sunday afternoon between late September and early November. Please express interest with Christine as the date will depend on who would like to participate.

Leics LocSec Paul is also organising a different event in Kibworth - a clay pigeon shooting session. The proposed date is Sunday 6th September. Contact Paul if interested.

As always if you're unable to attend our social events for whatever reason you are welcome to contribute a member profile to Empress. Many thanks to Iris and Eddie for doing just that this month. They are members I met at my very first Mensa event back in 1992 and we're still going strong!

Maxine Bates

Regional Officer

Events and Meetings

Derby Diary

On Wed 19th Aug at 7.30pm - 3WOTM

Just our one regular get together this month on Wednesday 19th. We'll be in the rear section of the Standing Order on Irongate in the city centre from 7.30pm until late. Come for a meal or just a drink. Stay all evening or pop in for half an hour. New faces always welcome. Contact me in advance for further information or just turn up on the night and spot the yellow Mblem.

We are still looking for someone to take over as Derby LocSec. Please contact me if interested. There is a ready-made active group so it shouldn't be a difficult task. Or if you can recommend any walking routes in this beautiful county or any restaurants please get in touch too.

Maxine Bates

Contact [Email] or [Phone Number] for details

photo of Christine Howells

Lively Lincs

On Sat 8th Aug at 12:05pm - Pub discussion

Our long-running pub discussion meetings continue on Saturday 8th at 12:05pm, long running both in years since we commenced the event and length of time we sit and talk for. This month's topic is 'Pros and cons of free-at-point-of-access NHS'. Free car park, pub food, pleasant way to spend a, hopefully, sunny Saturday, you're very welcome to join us at the Adam and Eve on Lindum Hill, Lincoln, look for the MBlem.

On Thu 27th Aug at 7.00pm - Eating meeting

Another long-running event, mid-week eating meeting, this time at Ask on Brayford Pool, Lincoln on Thursday 27th from 7.00pm. All welcome but it would be really helpful if you could book with me by 18th at the latest, please.

However, we don't just do the same thing over and over. A new venture is the pub quiz at Minting, usually the first Wed of the month. It is very popular, so probably no room left for you to join us in August but if you are interested in coming sometime, please email me and I will send you details.

Advance Notice: late Sept-early Nov British Horological Institute

I am hoping to revive the idea of a trip to the British Horological Institute at Upton, Newark. The tour takes about 2 hours and then we hope to repair to the teashop next door. I will need a minimum number to run that, so expressions of interest would be gratefully received. Again, if interested, please email me. I don't have a date yet, depends on numbers, the minimum is 20 for a weekend, 10 for during office hours. So, probably a Monday afternoon; if more, then we could do a Sunday pm, I'm thinking of late Sept-early Nov.

Christine Howells

Contact [Email] for details

photo of Richard Allen

Hertfordshire Happenings

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

VENUE SUBJECT TO CHANGE:

We should be back at the Millstream in Hitchin. The venue is about ten minutes' walk from Hitchin station. If it is still closed, we will meet at the Cowper Arms in Digswell (see LFTOM for details). Good food and good beer both available! Call me for more details and encouragement and to confirm the venue has opened in time.

On Sat 22nd Aug at 5:30pm - Pub Crawl

Join the friendly, mixed crowd of pub crawlers in picturesque Ware (Hertford East - Liverpool St line). Start and finish is a bit early so people can get home easily. 1st pub: The Waterside Inn (outside by the river if the weather is ok), 2a Star Street, Ware, Herts, SG12 9DW leaving at 6.30pm. Contact [Phone Number] or [Email]. Map and full itinerary: www.loveplums.co.uk/ware.

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

As always, we're at the Cowper Arms, Digswell, which is by Welwyn North railway station, which is served by stopping trains from Kings Cross to Cambridge & Peterborough. Good food and good beer both available! Call me for encouragement or more details.

Richard Allen

Contact [Email] or [Phone Number] for details

photo of Val Hinkins

Mid Bucks

On Fri 7th Aug at 10:30am - Morning coffee

This month we are returning to the café at Chenies Garden Centre near Little Chalfont, WD3 6EN. Meet me from 10:30am onwards on Friday 7th August for a morning of informal conversation and coffee. Delicious cake! A good range of plants, garden tools, garden furniture, gifts and food is also available for sale in the shop. See www.vanhage.co.uk/garden-centres/chenies/ for further information and an idea of the goods and services on offer. The café can get very busy so if you know in advance you are coming please let me know so I can assemble enough chairs. You will still be welcome if you just turn up on the day.

On Sun 30th Aug at 3:00pm - T@3

On the Bank Holiday weekend, Sunday 30th August, forget the diet and join us at 3pm at Church House, Hughenden, HP14 4LA 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 and past the church. The tea rooms are in Church House which is just outside the gate at the top of the churchyard. Look for me inside at 3pm.

Advance Notice

On Monday September 14th we will be going to the Swan Theatre in High Wycombe to watch GK Chesterton's famous detective, Father Brown unmask the killer in "The Curse of the Invisible Man". The action takes place in an archaeologist's country house - are the multiple deaths caused by a malevolent ancient curse? Please buy your own tickets for the theatre, but let me know you are coming so we can look out for you. It may also be possible to meet up and eat before the performance. For further details or encouragement call or send me an e-mail.

Val Hinkins

Contact [Email] or [Phone Number] for details

photo of Jo Sidebottom

Mensans in MK & Bedford

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

We start August with T@3 on Saturday 1st, in the restaurant at Dobbie's Garden Centre in Fenny Stratford. We'll probably in the conservatory area at the back, from 3pm - there'll be a yellow Mblem on the table.

On Mon 17th Aug at 8.30pm - 3WOTM Quiz

Our monthly visit to the Barge in Woolstone for the quiz is on Monday 17th from 8.30 the quiz starts at 9pm.

On Sun 23rd Aug at 10:00am - Sunday breakfast

Sunday breakfast will be on 23rd 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.

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. We hope to see as many of you as possible at one or other of our events in August. 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.

Advance Notice:

We will be cruising the river on the John Bunyan boat on Sunday 6th September. Arrive at Priory Marina 1.15pm for 1.30 departure - please book your own places in advance at: http://www.johnbunyanboat.org/book-a-public-cruise/sunday-cruises/, Route 1, £14 adults. We will be doing Route 1 to Kempston via Sovereigns Quay. The return trip is around 4 hours and there is a small bar on board but it's cash only.Contact me to let me know you're coming, so we can co-ordinate beforehand. On return we will have dinner at the Priory Marina Beefeater in Bedford, around 5.30pm. Come just for the meal if you don't want to cruise but either way please let me know by Friday 4th so I can book a table.

Jo Sidebottom

Contact [Email] or [Phone Number] / [Mobile Number] for details

More or Leicester

On Tue 4th Aug at 7:30pm - FThOTM

What better place to spend a glorious August evening that a meal out in a pub oozing rural charm and rustic character in picturesque surroundings?

We'll be heading off to The Badgers Sett in Cropston when the mood takes us! It's your chance to find out for yourself as we'll be going there on Tuesday August 4th from 19:30. We WILL need to book ahead, so please can you let me know by 28th July at the very latest if you're planning on coming?

On Thu 27th Aug at 8:00pm - 4ThOTM

Following on from that, it'll be the usual Fourth Thursday, 27th, at The Cradock. It's been getting busy in there, so consider finding the yellow mBlem or magazine on a table an extended part of your Mensa qualification tests.

I hope to see you there!

Advance Notice

Introducing A Rootin' Tootin' Shootin' Spectacular!

Time to dust down the wax jackets, polish up the green wellies and blow the cobwebs off the flat caps as we're off on a clay-pigeon shooting extravaganza! Will you be a dead-eye or a dead-duck?We'll be beginning with classroom tuition into gun safety before being divided up into smaller groups each with their own tutor to try out different stands and seeing if you can hit anything! The price includes cost of the tutor, gun hire and 25 shots. There's a cafe on-site, but we'll move onto a local pub afterwards for lunch and prize-giving. The cost: £45 per person (excluding lunch). I'd need a non-refundable deposit of £15 per person by 9th August at the latest with the balance payable on the day. Please feel free to email or call me for more information, and for the address to send deposits! In the meantime....... PULL!!

Paul Coulson

photo of Maxine Bates

Notts News

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

You're invited to join us for a midweek chat over a drink from 8pm on Wednesday 5th at the Vat & Fiddle pub. We're usually on the first table in the Goldings Room to the left of the bar. Would anyone be interested in taking a tour of the adjacent Castle Rock Brewery during one of our"5th of the month" events?

The cost is £12 per person and after touring the brewery there's chance to pour your own drink and sample up to three different ales in the visitor centre and have your photo taken behind the bar. Sorry, over 18s only on the tour.

On Fri 7th Aug at 6.00pm - Greyhound racing

On Friday 7th we return to Nottingham Greyhound Stadium in Colwick for another of our popular charity race nights. Gates open 6.00pm with the first race at 6.28pm and the last race finished by 10.30pm. You can arrive/leave any time during the evening. Food and drink are available at the venue as well as ample free parking. If you've never been to the dogs come and try it for a bargain £3. Normal admission and race card is £6 but for this charity night I'm selling tickets at half price and that money goes to Cancer Research UK too. Accompanied under 18s are free of charge. Tickets must be purchased in advance from me though as I'm not allowed to hand them out at the venue on the night. All welcome!

On Thu 13th Aug at 7.30pm - Natter & Nosh

If you fancy any combination of food/drink/chat then do join us at the Beekeeper pub/restaurant in Beeston from 7.30pm until closing on Thursday 13th. We'll be on the first long table beyond the end of the bar with a yellow Mblem on display. Come and go whatever time suits.

On Tue 25th Aug at 7.30pm - Eating meeting

For this month's "eating meeting" we're going Greek. I'll be reserving a table for 7.30pm on Tuesday 25th at Emilio's on High Street in Arnold. Two courses cost £13.95 or three courses cost £16.95. See menu at ww.emiliosgreekrestaurant.co.uk and book your place with me by 21st latest please. This restaurant comes highly recommended on Tripadvisor.

There's lots happening in our county this month including the Nottingham Riviera in the Market Square (all month) and Robin Hood Festival in Sherwood Forrest (3rd-9th). If you're interested in going as a group to either of these places do get in touch and something can be arranged.

Advance Notice

for Cumbria Fri 6 - Mon 9 Nov Lakes Party Weekend Maxine Bates A weekend based at Whinfell Forest CenterParcs. Package includes three nights accommodation in twin/double room, three parties, buffet meals, help-yourself bar throughout weekend, cocktail of the day, unlimited access to the swimming dome, programme of walks, quizzes, tastings, board games and much more. All ages welcome. From £150 per person.

Ciao for now!

Maxine Bates

Contact [Email] or [Phone Number] for details

photo of Bob Ford

Luton Leisure

On Tue 4th Aug at 7:30pm - FTuOTM

At the 'Brache' Beefeater, Osborne Road, opposite the Vauxhall Design Building from 7.00pm. There is parking on site. Come along for a drink and a chat, or just the chat. Food is available at the bar or in the restaurant from the same menu. New faces will be welcome to join our group. Contact me for directions or more details.

Bob Ford

Contact [Email] or [Mobile Number] for details

20 Questions (No. 167)

Thanks to Alex Foster of Derby, Roger Lord of Aylesbury, Pamela Covey of Woburn, Roger Plant of Nottingham, Helene Parry of Brentford, Carol Wheatcroft of Derby and Judith Meller of Derby for entering. The £10 book token is winging its way to Roger in Nottingham.

This month all the answers contain a number - although perhaps disguised such as "one" in "nonentity" - with thanks to Les Hurst for compiling it. Send your entries to arrive by 20th August by post to '20 Questions (No. 167)', [Address] or by email to [Email] but remember to include your name and address.

1. Yom Kippur

2. A quaver as an American would call it

3. Family who owned Blandings Castle

4. Paddington Bear's cocoa at Mr Gruber's

5. Surely "Kiss Me" made them wealthier?

6. Hands touching in the air

7. Small ovens eaten at the end of a meal

8. Aimee Semple McPherson's gospel

9. Not quite car theft acronymically

10. Drivers of the Creepy Coupe

11. A tube inserted within a vein

12. Jenkins, Owen, Rogers, Williams

13. Prestidigitation

14. Abandoned in a fathom of fathoms

15. Capital of ancient Assyria

16. Nancy Whiskey's means of locomotion

17. Emptying one's hand of cards as in Parliament

18. All-encompassing politics under canvas

19. Older term for Trading Standards

20. Visionary rabbit of Watership Down