A Merry Christmas to all our readers!
Regional News
As is usual at this time of year, I would like to say a sincere thank you to all our officers and event hosts in the East Midlands. The time and effort you contribute is much appreciated. If anyone else would like to get more involved please do get in touch as there is certainly a little task we can find you to do. Many hands make light work!
The last 2-3 years have certainly seen changes in the world thanks to the pandemic. Some members have stopped attending in person events, whilst others are doing more now we?re let out again. It's always nice to see new faces. Now I have been on a plane again without the need for masks and testing and form filling, I feel normality has resumed. Whilst I love travelling, now I want to see people rather than places. So please come out and say hello!
I wish you and your loved ones a wonderful festive season and a happy and healthy new year. I look forward to meeting many more of you in 2023.
I'm on [Phone Number] or [Email]
Maxine Bates
Regional Officer
Editorial
Welcome to the December edition of Empress, which will be my last as editor in my current stint. I'm sure that Roy will do an excellent job as your next editor. 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 14th Dec at 1:00pm - Lunch
Our regular 2WOTM meeting is back in its original location, at Cocoa Cafe, 2 Strutt St, Belper DE56 1UN, https://www.ishouldcocoacafe.co.uk/. Free parking nearby. Panini, salads, daily specials, homemade cakes, hot/soft drinks etc. I need to know numbers so tables can be reserved, so please contact Helen on [Phone Number] or [Email] by the weekend before if possible. All welcome.
On Wed 21st Dec at 7:30pm - 3WOTM
We will be back at Mr Grundy's, Ashbourne Road, Derby, DE22 3AD (part of the Georgian House Hotel, entrance round the back). We should have a separate room booked - ask for "Susan's Group". Come along to eat or just for a drink. Standard menu plus hopefully some Christmas specials. Real Ales. The hotel has its own car park. Wheelchair accessible. Contact Susan on [Email] or [Phone Number].
Susan Graves
Contact [Email] or [Phone Number] / [Mobile Number] for details
Hertfordshire Happenings
On Thu 1st 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, which is served by frequent trains between London and Cambridge. Thursday is traditionally curry night, but other meals are available (standard Wetherspoons fare). If interested, please contact me on [Phone Number], or email [Email]
Steve Thomas
Contact [Email] or [Mobile Number] for details
In Leicestershire
On Mon 5th Dec at 7:00pm - Restaurant Social
We're having our annual Christmas meal at the Miller and Carter Steakhouse, 933 Loughborough Road, Rothley, LE7 7NJ. A number of us had an enjoyable Christmas meal there last year. If you, and a guest if you wish to bring one, would like to attend, please let me know by 30th November. Please note the restaurant's dress code. [Phone Number] - [Email]
Haydn Starkie
Contact [Email] or [Mobile Number] for details
Lively Lincs
On Sat 10th Dec at 12:00pm - 2SOTM pub discussion
The festive issue of our pub meeting at the Adam & Eve Tavern, Lindum Hill. Our topic this month is: 'What would the Three Kings bring as gifts in the early 21st century?' All welcome, but not suitable for children. Car park, food, decent ales, tea/coffee. We have to book the alcove, so please contact me by Friday 9th if you hope to come. Email [Email] or telephone [Phone Number].
On Sun 18th Dec at 1:00pm - Lunch and games
Join Jacquie and John at home for a relaxing Sunday afternoon of lunch followed by games. Contributions to food welcome, please co-ordinate with Jacquie in advance, also if you would like to bring your own game. Space limited, please get in touch for details by the 12th on [Phone Number] or email [Email].
Jacquie Harrison
Contact [Email] or [Phone Number] / [Mobile Number] for details
Mid Bucks
On Sat 3rd Dec at 12:30pm - Christmas Lunch
Join me at The Manor, 39, High Street, Princes Risborough HP27 0TT for lunch. Further details of the restaurant at https://themanorgroup.co.uk/risborough/ Please contact me to book your place by Wednesday 30th November. Contact: [Phone Number] or [Email]
On Sun 4th Dec at 2:00pm - Games Afternoon
Join Dave and Alison online for a relaxed and informal Sunday afternoon of on-line board games and chat. All members and friends are welcome. We play most Sunday afternoons using www.boardgamearena.com and Jitsi for chat. Further details are on the main Mensa web site. (Contact: [Phone Number] or [Email])
On Fri 16th Dec at 10:30am - Coffee & Chat
Join me for coffee and chat at The Cape, Station Road, Beaconsfield, HP9 1NN Details and directions at https://www.thecapeonline.com/ No need to book, but if you want me to look out for you, please let me know you are coming. Contact: [Phone Number] or [Email]
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 8th Dec at 7:00pm - Dinner
Join us at Thai Modern just off Midsummer Blvd. Please let me know you're coming by Mon 5th, for the table reservation - [Phone Number] or [Email].
On Mon 19th Dec at 7:00pm - Book Group
Join us in the foyer of Jury's Inn Hotel on Midsummer Boulevard as we discuss the next book in our series. Contact me for details of our current book - [Phone Number] or [Email].
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 Sat 10th Dec at 10:30am - Pub Walk
Country walk. Jurassic Way, farmland and disused railway. Meet at 'The Red Lion' Stockwell Lane, Hellidon, Daventry. NN11 6LG (516 582) OS 206 6.5km (2 hrs 10 mins). Drink afterwards at 12.45 at 'The Red Lion' Stockwell Lane, Hellidon. NN11 6LG. For help or encouragement: [Phone Number] or [Email]
On Sun 11st Dec at 10:30am - Breakfast Meeting
The last Northampton breakfast meeting for 2022. Join us at Zapato Lounge, Welsh House, Market Square, NN1 2EB. Join us for a light snack or the full Lounge Breakfast! Look for the Mblem on one of the tables at the front of the café. Contact [Phone Number] or [Email]
Notts News
On Sat 3rd Dec at 1:00pm - Open House
Join me at my home in Langley Mill (NG16 4AW) for a hot drink and some festive nibbles any time 1-6pm. I'll also be selling various items to raise funds for Cancer Research UK. Some great 'stocking fillers' but no obligation to buy. Contact Maxine on [Phone Number] or [Email] to let me know you're coming and for directions.
On Thu 8th Dec at 7:00pm - Festive Meal
Our festive meal at The Cadland in Chilwell. £17.49 for 2 courses or £20.49 for 3 courses. Contact Maxine on [Phone Number] or [Email] for menu and to check availability by 1st December latest.
On Thu 15th Dec at 7:00pm - Ten Pin Bowling
A night out at Tenpin bowling alley, Redfield Way, Lenton, NG7 2UW. Two games of bowling, burger (beef, cheese or veggie) with chips for only £10 per person. Pre-booking essential. Contact Maxine on [Phone Number] or [Email] by 12th to book. All ages welcome.
On Tue 27th Dec at 7:30pm - Eating Meeting
Sorry, no meal this month as it's a bank holiday. Normal service resumes in 2023.
Ciao for now!
Maxine Bates
Contact [Email] or [Phone Number] for details
Ilkeston Charter Fair
Susan Graves led a group around Ilkeston Charter Fair on Thursday 20th October. A lovely night and the rain stayed away!
Mark Sloan
Treasure Hunting at Wollaton
On Saturday 15th October we hosted another of our popular treasure trails. This time in Wollaton, Notts, incorporating the outside of magnificent Wollaton Hall, deer park, lake and formal gardens. Once again we were very lucky with the weather as the afternoon was filled with autumnal sunshine. Once I'd set off the five teams from Notts, Derbys and Leics, I wandered through the traditional fair rides set up in the grounds that weekend, around the gardens and hadn't long decided which bench to sit on in the sunshine and read when the first team appeared well within the time stated it should take to solve the clues! Other teams weren't too far behind so, after checking answers, we gathered for a group photo before most of us headed to a nearby pub for food and drink and to continue socialising. Thank you to the treasure traillers and I look forward to seeing you on the next one!
Maxine Bates
Wycombe Swan Theatre.
Mark, Peter, Val, Alison & Dave enjoying their afternoon tea after a fascinating back-stage tour of Wycombe Swan theatre.
20 Questions (No. 254)
The winner of our October competition was Nigel Bryant of Bedford and the answers were Megafobia, Bolliger & Mabillard, Aerosmith, Thompson, Stampida, Formula Rossa, 16th August, 3 (Hong Kong, Shanghai and Tokyo), Sik, 235 ft, Dreamworld, German, Japan, 14, Six Flags Magic Mountain, 300 ft, Shockwave, Kingda Ka, Dolly Parton and Traumatizer.
This month we have a festive quiz. Can you unscramble the anagrams to find words associated with the festive season? 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 [Email] remembering to include your name and address in case you win. Any member from any region can take part.
1. TINY VITA
2. OARS CLINGING
3. COORDINATES
4. DISPATCHING DRUMS
5. TECH STUNS
6. RESIST REMATCH
7. WINS MEET HERE
8. NUDE WILLEM
9. VET CRADLED ANNA
10. FIRMEST CRASH HAT
11. KNIFE SCANNER
12. LAWN SLOBS
13. LUTHER PHONE DEIRDRE
14. HELP OR NOT
15. MOST CATCHING RISKS
16. BODY AXING
17. SELL ACE KNOT
18. MOST ELITE
19. BELGIAN LAGER
20. WINNER NOT DAWDLER