The place to be for Mensa's 60th Birthday

Picture of members holding oversize scrabble tiles spelling 'Nottingham'.
 

Above, one of over 100 words produced at the Body Scrabble Ice-breaker; below, revellers at the Robin Hood Banquet and racing sheep that had no sense of direction! More photos inside

Picture of members making a toast in their Robin Hood dress.
 
Picture of the model sheep racing at the start.
Picture of the model sheep heading in all directions except towards the finish.
 

Congratulations to Maxine and Andy for organising this stunningly successful event.

Regional News

Picture of Maxine and Andy from the diamond gathering.

2006 has certainly been an eventful year for me. As coorganiser of the British Mensa Diamond celebrations much of my spare time has been taken up with planning the 60+ events, which was no easy task having to deal with Mensa volunteers, tourist attractions, coach companies, hotels and entertainers. But I'm delighted to say the five day event was a huge success and we've been inundated with thank you notes from many of the 600 guests who joined the fun. Both this issue of Empress and the Mensa Magazine carry photos of the Diamond so if you weren't able to attend you can see what you missed. The specially created indoor pyrotechnic and laser display is certainly something to remember! And Empress winning the 'hat trick' at the Awards Luncheon was the icing on the cake. Our newsletter has now won awards in all three categories (entertainment, service and presentation) over the last three years. Well done, Rosie and Nick.

In June my workplace suffered a major fire to the extent the whole building was demolished and the company took the decision to rebuild that part of the business on our site in Germany rather than Derbyshire. Thus on 30th October I was made redundant, having spent the summer covering in departments elsewhere on site which were unaffected by the fire. However, every cloud has a silver lining. I am now working part time doing admin for a small local company whilst setting up my own events management business and completing a diploma in event planning. Thanks to Mensa I have over ten years experience of organising events and enjoy it very much so have decided to make it my new career! Watch this space when I'm ready to launch!

Those who know me will also know I have a passion for travel and during this year I have been lucky enough to stay with Mensa friends in the Netherlands and explore some of their cities. In the summer seven Mensans joined me on a Baltic cruise and some of us have even booked our next cruise for 2007! Plus I am recklessly spending some of my redundancy cheque fulfilling a long-standing ambition to spend several weeks touring New Zealand. Stopovers in Hong Kong and San Francisco mean I can finally circumnavigate the globe and have that strange experience of repeating the same day by crossing over the international date line!

2006 was also the year I took part in Race For Life running 5 km for the first time - I think you marathon runners are all mad! - and raising £557 for Cancer Research UK thanks to sponsorship from family, work colleagues and Mensa friends. Andy and I also spent considerable time and effort producing charity joke books, collecting tombola prizes and organising a sheep racing event during the Diamond in order to raise funds for RNIB Talking Books. I'm delighted to say our £2,110 has now enabled "Margrave Of The Marshes" to be recorded with a dedication at the start of the book from Mensa. This is the autobiography of John Peel which was completed by his wife after his sudden death.

Which leads me nicely onto a plug for our next regional event - a Charity Winter Ball at the Rutland Square Hotel in Nottingham on Saturday 17th February 2007. This is a four course meal with dancing and the hotel played excellent hosts to our black tie dinner during the Diamond celebrations. Tickets cost £25 with a £5 donation from each sale going to Cancer Research UK. Do join us! For those travelling some distance we have negotiated discounted accommodation and put together a programme of events over that weekend including visits to Nottingham Castle, Brewhouse Yard Museum and Galleries Of Justice, a treasure hunt, a Blue Badge guided walk, a repeat of the successful ye olde pub crawl and Sunday lunch at a historic pub. Full details on the winter ball here. Bookings for the ball close on 31st January.

I wish you an enjoyable festive season and every health and happiness in 2007.

Maxine Bates

Regional Officer

Events and Meetings

High Wycombe & Amersham

On Thu 7th Dec at 8.00pm - Thai Meal

We visit Anong Thai at 256 Desborough Road, High Wycombe. Call me for directions/encouragement etc., ideally by Tue 5 Dec, on [Phone Number]. Limited transport available from central High Wycombe.

In common with most other people, December, with the run up to Christmas, is a busy time for Mensans. I am already missing at least one of my work related celebrations because of the Oasis weekend! Accordingly I am planning just one "official" meeting this month which will be at Anong Thai.

As the name suggests this is a Thai restaurant that will provide a welcome alternative to traditional Christmas fayre. The restaurant comes highly recommended though unusually is not in the centre of High Wycombe and accordingly I will drive there and am happy to provide transport if required.

I wish all Mensans and their families a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Alistair Blackett

photo of Richard Allen

Hertfordshire

On Thu 7th Dec at 12.15pm - FThOTM - Royston

Regular first Thursday of the month meeting at the Old Bull, High Street, Royston. Good food and good beer both available! Call Dan Ormsby on [Phone Number] or Richard on [Phone Number] for more details and encouragement. The pub is about ten minutes' walk from the railway station and is also handy for local bus routes.

On Tue 12th Dec at 7.30pm - Christmas Pub Meal

Yes, it's THAT time of year again, so come and help us celebrate the Festive Season at the Three Moor Hens, Hitchin. Please note that as the pub gets very busy, we need to book in advance, so please let Helen know no later than Tuesday 6th December that you're coming.

On Wed 13th Dec at 8.30pm - Pub Quiz

We compete at the monthly quiz at the Plume of Feathers, Little Wymondley. Why not come and join the fun? Food available. Little Wymondley village is served by bus 101 (Luton - Hitchin - Stevenage). Ring Helen on [Phone Number] or Richard on [Phone Number] for further details and encouragement!

On Every Fri evening - Cinema - Stevenage

Helen goes to the cinema (Cineworld) in Stevenage Leisure Park on Friday evenings. With 16 screens there is usually plenty of choice! If you wish to join her please call her on [Phone Number] or [Phone Number].

Richard Allen

Derby Doings

On Wed 20th Dec at 7.30pm - 3WOTM

Everyone welcome to the last Derby meeting of the year. Possible special guest appearance by Mr. Rich as Winston Churchill/Groucho Marx/Santa Claus/all three. A sight not to be missed. Cheap drinks and food to add to the merriment. More info on [Phone Number] or [Email]

Bernie Briggs

Leicestershire

Due to my commitments over the festive season I won't be organising any meetings this month. I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and I look forward to seeing you in the New Year.

Rebecca Mawby

photo of Ian Sargent

Northants NNotes

On Mon 4th Dec at 7.30pm - Curry Night

Meet in the Malt Shovel at 7.30pm for a drink before a short trip up the road to the Indian restaurant at 8.00pm (English menu available). Advance booking preferred to book a large enough table.

On Thu 14th Dec at 9.00pm - 2ThOTM Pub

The last meeting of the year at The Dusty Fox in Harlestone. Take a break from the stress of your Christmas preparations and join us for a chat. Look for the Mensa mag.

Details and directions from [Phone Number] or [Email]. Look for the Mensa mag on one of the tables.

Ian Sargent

photo of Maxine Bates

Notts News

On Tue 5th Dec at 8.00pm - 5OTM

Join me for a festive drink at the Vat & Fiddle pub on Queensbridge Road as I dash between Penrith and New Zealand! Look for the yellow Mblem on a table.

On Wed 13th Dec at 7.00pm prompt! - "Chicks & Flicks" night

Meet at 7.00pm prompt inside doors to Cornerhouse in city centre for a meal at Nando's chicken restaurant then a film at Cineworld. Please contact Paul on [Phone Number] or [Email] so a table can be reserved.

On Thu 28th Dec at 7.30pm - Twixmas

Stuff the turkey sandwiches! Join Paul instead for a post-Christmas celebration at the Roebuck (Wetherspoons) on St James Street, Nottingham. Either come for a meal or just a drink and a chat. Look for the yellow Mblem on the table, contact Paul (see 13th Dec) for directions.

No Postcode Pubcrawl event this month as it falls on Boxing Day. Normal service resumes in January. Happy Christmas!

Ciao for now!

Maxine Bates

On Mon 29th Jan at 8.00pm - ADVANCE NOTICE: Rocky Horror Show

Rocky finally returns to the Theatre Royal, Nottingham. I've 20 tickets in front stalls. £24 each. Book with me on [Phone Number] or [Email]. First come first served!

photo of Jo Sidebottom

Milton Keynes & Bedford

On Sat 2nd Dec at 10.30am - Pottery Café

Have a go at painting your own piece of pottery (prices start from £5) in CMK's pottery café. For details see www.paintmepottery.co.uk Please let me know by Thursday 30th if possible if you plan to come along.

On Thu 7th Dec at 8.00pm - FTh: Movable Feast

Join us at L&K in the Theatre District. Reasonably priced Las Vegas style buffet on Thursdays - newly opened but well-reviewed on MKWeb. Booking essential by Tuesday 5th.

On Wed 20th Dec at 8.00pm - 3WOTM

Continuing our new venue, the Suffolk Punch at Heelands, Saxon Street, just below H3 (beside Novotel) - drive into Heelands and approach from back. Real ales/good value food - look for Mblem in lounge bar on right. Contact Jo at [Email], or [Phone Number] / [Phone Number] for directions/encouragement for any of these events.

Jo Sidebottom

photo of Jacquie Harrison

Lincoln

On Sun 3rd Dec at 1.00pm - Coffee and Walk

Meet us in the new coffee shop at Gibralter Point visitor centre for snacks/coffee and then a walk to part of the reserve. Binoculars if available and warm clothing a good idea. Family friendly meeting - if the weather bad, indoor observation terrace is new.

On Sat 16th Dec at 1.00pm - Eastern Lunch

A relief from Christmas shopping. Join us for an inexpensive oriental buffet lunch and chat at the Laughing Buddha buffet on Silver Street, Lincoln. Please let me know by 15th if you hope to attend, on [Phone Number]. All welcome.

Firstly, my apologies to everyone for the sporadic notices in Empress - I am afraid it is a symptom of my recent work changes and hence appeals for a new LocSec - it is fun but does need 3-4 hours a month to be fair to local members. You do not need to live in the city, most members who attend meetings do not, and you can chose when you put the time in and where you go. If you would like to know more, please contact me on [Phone Number].

Jacquie Harrison

Diamond 2006

Picture of dancing at the Diamond.
Dancing through the decades: forward, and back, then cha cha cha!

Thanks to everyone who sent me the photos on the front page, this page and the following two pages. To all who were at this special AG weekend - I hope you had as good a time as I did!

Rosie (Ed.)

Picture of members making greetings cards.
M2M Make your own greetings cards: an international group focus on embossing, pergamano and stamping
 
Picture of a Mensa Connections game in progress with Paul Henchcliffe on the right.
Congratulations to Paul Henchliffe (right), of Nottingham, becoming Mensa Connections Champion 2006
 
Picture of a members in the studio at Heart FM.
A visit to regional radio station, Heart 106 FM, for a look behind the scenes at their studios and news rooms
 
Picture from the self defence class.
Alistair learns self defence
Picture from the laser show.
Spectacular birthday laser show
Picture of the tombola prizes.
100s of tombola prizes to be won
 
Picture of a group enjoying a dip in a jacuzzi.
Pamper Day: not just for the girls!
Another picture of scrabble spelling.
The final Body Scrabble word of the evening
 

20 Questions (No. 63)

Surprisingly there was only one entry to the diamond themed quiz in October - perhaps everyone was too busy enjoying the celebrations? - the winner is Paul Henchliffe of Nottingham. Congratulations and your Diamond logo mug is on the way to you! For those interested the answers were D, loupe, 0.20, Great Star of Africa, 8, America, April, spectroscope, round, 755 carats, cleavage, white, 1871, F, Uncle Sam, 57, polariscope, pear shaped, colour and 60 years.

How much do you know about our society? This month we have a Mensa themed quiz which may look difficult but most of the answers can be found in previous issues of the Magazine. To reward your efforts in entering, the prize is a two night weekend break for two people at the Britannia Hotel in Nottingham to be taken on a date of your choice, subject to availability. Please send your answers to arrive by 15th December to '20 Questions (No. 63)', [Address]. [Please note amended closing date and address for this month only.]

1. What nationality was co-founder of Mensa Roland Berrill?

2. What is the postcode of the British Mensa office?

3. Who designed the Mensa Connections boardgame?

4. Which company prints Mensa Magazine?

5. Who is the current International Honorary Chairman?

6. In which year was British Mensa Ltd fully incorporated at Companies House?

7. The Scottish Mensa Annual Gathering is traditionally held over which weekend?

8. Who designed the Mensa logo?

9. Who is the Regional Meetings Co-ordinator for Wales?

10. On what mode of transport did Lance Ware and Roland Berrill meet?

11. Who organises the Mensa Games competition?

12. In which city was the 1979 British Mensa AGM held?

13. On which date did Victor Serebriakoff die?

14. Who is the Communications Manager at the British Mensa office?

15. Who is Regional Officer for East Anglia?

16. In which US state was the World Gathering held in 2006?

17. Who is 'word wise' in Mensa Magazine?

18. What is the name of the whisky created especially for our society?

19. Who subsidised the first Mensa At Cambridge gathering?

20. On which date did Mensa celebrate its 60th birthday?