Regional News
As ever at this time of year I must thank all the officers of East Midlands Mensa for their time and effort in doing their volunteer roles. It is even more appreciated in what has been a challenging couple of years. I'd also like to thank everyone who has hosted an event this year and everyone who has attended one. I've especially enjoyed meeting some new members recently. I feel we are slowly getting back to some normality, although sadly COVID means that some of our venues have changed. However, we also have some new regular events. Thank you to Helen Krasner for suggesting and hosting a lunchtime get together in Belper, Derbyshire, that is already attracting a dozen members and planned to be a monthly event now. Don't forget any member can host an event. Just get in touch with myself or your Local Officer if you have any ideas of what we can do in the coming months.
Our treasure trails around the region have proved popular so we will be continuing those throughout 2022. A perfect combination of some gentle exercise in the fresh air whilst using those brain cells to solve some clever clues, suitable for all ages and fitness levels, and free to join in. Highly recommended when one comes to your area! In the meantime if you'd like to test your general knowledge, please log onto the East Midlands Mensa Facebook group at 8.00pm on Tuesday 21st December for another regional quiz. Please note that you need to be subscribed to this group in order to participate and the Mensa office are now in control of adding and removing members so that only current members belong therefore membership may only be approved during office hours.
If you are interested in attending the next British Mensa Annual Gathering that will take place in Southampton 7th-10th October 2022. So make a note of the dates and keep an eye on the Mensa website and Mensa Magazine as details are finalised.
Wishing you health and happiness throughout the festive season and let's hope 2022 provesto be better than the previous two years!
Maxine Bates
Regional Officer
Editorial
Welcome to the December edition of Empress. This will be my last for a while as Roy Latham will be taking over the reins as editor. He'll be creating his first Empress, but it's not his first go at editing newsletters. Good luck, Roy, and welcome aboard! You too can be become an editor. If you're interested, don't hesitate to drop us a line. If you have not already done so then please let the office (membership@mensa.org.uk) know your email address. The regional newsletters are now sent electronically, so it is vital that the office can contact you via email.
Mark Sloan
Events and Meetings
Derby Diary
On Wed 8th Dec at 1:30pm - Lunchtime Meeting
Meet for lunch, coffee/cake, or even both, at Beaurepaire, 52 King Street, Belper DE56 1PL. We'll hopefully have a room to ourselves on the second floor (steep stairs!), but ask for Helen. Lots of local car parking. Let me know by the weekend before so I can book a table. Contact Helen on [Email] or [Phone Number].
On Wed 15th Dec at 7:30pm - 3WOTM
This month we will be at Mr Grundy's, Ashbourne Road, Derby, DE22 3AD (part of the Georgian House Hotel). We've booked a separate room - ask for "Susan's Group". Come along to eat or just for a drink. Chef is happy to meet different dietary requirements, please contact in advance. Please let me know if you are thinking of coming. Contact Susan on [Email] or [Phone Number].
On Wed 22nd Dec at 7:30pm - Online Chat
Join us for a chat on Zoom. It usually lasts an hour and twenty minutes but stay as little or as long as you like. Have your choice of refreshment to hand, and (optionally) some seasonal decorations in the background. New faces very welcome. Please contact me for the Zoom link and with any questions. Contact Susan on [Phone Number] or [Email]
Susan Graves
Contact [Email] or [Phone Number] / [Mobile Number] for details
Hertfordshire Happenings
On Thu 2nd Dec 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. Due to the uncertainty around COVID-19, please do check before travelling that the meeting is still going ahead. Please call [Phone Number] or email [Email] for details. Or please visit the East Midlands Mensa Facebook group for updates.
Steve Thomas
Contact [Email] or [Mobile Number] for details
In Leicestershire
On Mon 6th Dec at 7:00pm - Restaurant Social
We shall be meeting for a pre-Christmas meal at the Miller and Carter Steakhouse, 933 Loughborough Road, Rothley, LE7 7NJ. This restaurant is offering a special festive three course menu for £28.50, in addition to the regular menu. If you would like to attend this gathering, please let me know by 1st December. Please contact me on [Phone Number] or at [Email].
Haydn Starkie
Contact [Email] or [Mobile Number] for details
Lively Lincs
On Sat 4th Dec at 11:00am - Zoom coffee morning
Avoiding the crowds at Lincoln's Christmas Market, join us online for coffee and chat for an hour or so. All very welcome, especially those from further away who are unable to meet up with the Lincoln group in person. Email Jacquie beforehand to request the Zoom link, on [Email].
On Sat 11st Dec at 12:00pm - SSOTM pub discussion
Join our regular light-hearted discussion over lunch at the Adam & Eve Tavern on Lindum Hill (opposite Pottergate Arch). If there are restrictions in place, we'll switch to Zoom. Feeling seasonal this month, as we ponder 'What would I miss at Christmas if ...' All very welcome, but please contact Nicola by Friday 10th if you'll be attending, so she can book a table. Email n.watson77@yahoo.co.uk, or phone 07891 370197.
Jacquie Harrison
Contact [Email] or [Phone Number] / [Mobile Number] for details
Mid Bucks
On Sat 4th Dec at 12:00pm - Pre-Christmas lunch
Saturday 4th December marks the 40th anniversary of Peter joining Mensa. Join us at Kappad 21A High Street, High Wycombe HP11 2BE to celebrate with a Southern Indian meal. See https://www.kappadrestaurant.com/ for more information on the venue. Please contact me a few days before to confirm the meeting is going ahead and reserve your place on [Phone Number] or e-mail me at [Email]
On Sun 5th Dec at 2:00pm - Games Afternoon
Please join Dave and Alison online for a relaxed and informal Sunday afternoon of board games and chat. All members and friends are welcome. We play most Sundays using www.boardgamearena.com and Jitsi for chat. Further details are on the main Mensa web site. For more information please contact Dave a few days beforehand. Either telephone him on [Phone Number] or e-mail to [Email]
On Fri 17th Dec at 10:30am - Coffee & Chat
Join me for coffee at The Apple Orchard, High Street, West Wycombe, Bucks, HP14 3AG. https://www.theappleorchard.co.uk/coffee-shop Fascinating 16th century building, lovely food and good coffee. Please contact me a few days before to confirm the meeting is going ahead on [Phone Number] or e-mail me at [Email]
On Thu 30th Dec at 2:00pm - Treasure Hunt
This month's East Midlands Treasure Hunt will be in Aylesbury, Bucks. Start time and a possible meal afterwards will depend on the Covid rules and the number of members interested. If you would like to take part, please let me know on [Phone Number] or e-mail me at [Email] as soon as possible. I will then let you know the detailed arrangements nearer the time.
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 Thu 9th Dec at 5:30pm - Christmas markets
Join us for a wander round the Christmas stalls & food kiosks in the CMK shopping centre. Meet at 5.30pm by Oak Tree Court in Intu Contact [Email], or [Phone Number] / [Phone Number].
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 5th Dec at 10:30am - Breakfast Meeting
Join us at: Zapato Lounge, Welsh House, Market Square, NN1 2EB. Join the small, friendly group of regulars for a coffee or treat yourself to a full breakfast. Look for the Mblem on one of the tables at the front of the café. Contact me on [Phone Number] or [Email]
Notts News
On Thu 2nd Dec at 7:30pm - Theatre
From the creators of the highly successful The Play That Goes Wrong, Groan Ups is a comedy following a class from 6 years old through school to adulthood. Venue is Nottingham Theatre Royal. Tickets £15.50 to £34.50. Discounts available for age 26 and under or groups of 10+. Contact Maxine on [Phone Number] or [Email] to express interest.
On Sun 5th Dec at 8:00pm - 5OTM
Join us for a drink and chat at the Vat & Fiddle pub on Queensbridge Road (adjacent to Castle Rock Brewery and near Nottingham railway station). We should be in the Goldings Room with a yellow Mblem on display. But please check this event is going ahead before setting off in case the weather or COVID or pub opening times change our plans! [Phone Number] or [Email]
On Thu 9th Dec at 7:30pm - Natter & Nosh
Our festive meal at The Cadland, High Road, Chilwell. 2 courses £16.49 or 3 courses £18.99. Pre-booking essential. Contact Maxine on [Phone Number] or [Email] for menu and to check availability.
On Tue 21st Dec at 8:00pm - Quiz
Celebrate the winter solstice by testing those brain cells! Log onto the East Midlands Mensa Facebook group where general knowledge questions will be posted followed by the answers later. Play on your own or with the family. Have a glass of mulled wine or mince pie to hand if you wish to get in the festive mood!
On Tue 28th Dec at 7:30pm - Eating Meeting
Sorry, no event this month as it's a bank holiday. Restaurant suggestions welcome on [Phone Number] or [Email] for us to visit throughout 2022.
Ciao for now!
Maxine Bates
Contact [Email] or [Phone Number] for details
Did you know...?
East Midlands Mensa have been hosting treasure trails throughout our region during 2021 and these will continue throughout 2022. They are professionally and cleverly compiled by www.treasuretrails.co.uk. There are over 1,200 trails across the UK covering 67 counties/areas. There are three types: spy mission, detective mystery and treasure hunt. The company has been operating since 2005 and have so far entertained over 2 million people. The trails are not just for children and are aimed at all ages. The company once held the Guinness world record for the most participants on a trail. Look out for a trail coming near you in 2022!
Maxine Bates
Aylesbury Treasure Hunt
Come and explore some unexpected corners of Aylesbury on the Treasure Hunt on Thursday 30th December (Editor note: See Mid Bucks section of Regional Events above for more details).
Contact Val Hinkins on val.hinkins@ btinternet.com or 01494 534754 to register your interest.
Val Hinkins
In memory of Ian Birch
Ian Birch, a long term Mensa member from High Wycombe died in August. A number of local members attended a recent event to celebrate his life. This was held in the George & Dragon at West Wycombe on Friday 29th October. An album, with loads of pictures of Ian and the memorial event, can be seen here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/3djMkyVqRwZkvDwg9
Val Hinkins
Derby Meal
A lovely meal was had at The Paddock on Mansfield Road in Derby, where Susan Graves hosted a 3rd Wednesday of the Month meeting on 17th November.
Mark Sloan
20 Questions (No. 242)
The winner of our October competition was Andy Cole of Cleethorpes and the answers were Oxford,Winston Churchill, John Logie Baird, LouisReard, Argentina,Mother FrancesXavier Cabrini,Woman'sHour, Bill Clinton, ENIAC, Italy, Esperanza Baur, Derby County, Maureen Lipman, USA, Archille Varzi, London,CannesFilmFestival, Stevenage, Aspirin and Dr Benjamin Spock.
This month we have a festive quiz. There is a £10 One4All gift card up for grabs that can be redeemed at dozens of shops, restaurants and entertainment venues in store or online. Please send your answers to arrive by 15th December (note earlier closing date) to [Address] or maxine@maruba-events.com remembering to include your name and address in case you win. Any member from any region can takepart.
1. Which country donates the Christmas tree to London's Trafalgar Square?
2. What Christmasthemed itemdid confectioner TomSmith invent?
3. The food item called 'pigs in blankets' contains which two meat products?
4. In what year was Mariah Carey's All I Want For Christmas first released?
5. Which company is credited with portraying Santa Claus in a red suit?
6. Which British monarch delivered the first Christmas Day message?
7. What type of fish do Hungarians traditionally eat on Christmas Day?
8. In which country is it now traditional to eat Christmas dinner at KFC?
9. Which film featuresthe song Walking In The Air?
10. Christmas Island is located in which ocean?
11. Which plant with red and green leaves is known as the 'Christmas flower'?
12. To which city are the family going on holiday when Kevin is left behind in the Home Alone film?
13. Who had the Christmas number one hit in 2018 and 2019?
14. How many ghosts appear in A Christmas Carol?
15. Which actor plays Scrooge in The Muppet Christmas Carol?
16. What game was played between British and German soldiers during the truce on Christmas Day 1914?
17. Which world leader celebrates his 50th birthday on 25th December 2021?
18. What was the name of the dragon in the Christmas 2019 John Lewis advert?
19. Which singer was the only one to perform the same line on Do They Know It's Christmas? in 1984 and 2004?
20. How many giftsin total were given in the Twelve Days Of Christmas?