Party Night

East Midlands Mensa invites you to Party Night

on

Saturday 7th February 2009

from 7.30pm to midnight at Greasley Parish Hall, Dovecote Road, Newthorpe, Nottingham, NG16 3QN

Dress code: smart/casual

Free buffet * Free bar * Disco

For all members and their guests but numbers are limited.

Put your name on the guest list now by contacting Maxine on [Phone Number] or [Email]

See Free Party Night for more details.

Regional News

This month I write some facts and figures that you may not know. At the end of 2008 British Mensa had 23,162 members. There are 13 regions and the East Midlands is the third largest - after London and the South East - with 2,415 members. The overall population of British Mensa is 65% male and 35% female, and the average age range is 50 - 59. This year the aim of the Board and Mensa office is to increase membership figures so if you have friends or family who you think may be interested in joining do encourage them to sit the test and hopefully then enjoy some entertaining and educational events as well as some interesting reading. You will be rewarded with a 'Mensa Ambassador' pin badge for anyone you recommend who joins. See below for more information.

Our next regional committee meeting will take place at Greasley Parish Hall, Newthorpe, Notts, on 7th February and will be followed by our next regional event which is simply a Party Night. We will be providing a free buffet, free bar and free disco - all you have to do is turn up! The venue is easily accessible from M1 J26 with ample parking. Please see the cover of this month's newsletter for more details. Further information on accommodation, directions and things to do/see in the area are available from either me or our excellent web site at www.mensa.org.uk/eastmids. Although this is a totally free event it is important to add yourself to the guest list and not just turn up on the night. This will help catering and ensure we do not exceed room capacity for fire regulations. Contact me on [Phone Number] or [Email] but please don't leave it until the last minute as the event is filling quickly.

We have lots more ideas for Mensa activities over the coming months so watch this space as things are finalised! I wish you a happy and healthy 2009 and look forward to seeing you at one of our events during the year.

Maxine Bates

Regional Officer

Events and Meetings

photo of Jo Sidebottom

Mensans in MK & Bedford

On Thu 8th Jan at 8.00pm - 2ThOTM

Happy New Year all! The First Thursday in January is New Year's Day, so we have postponed our regular Jurys Inn meeting to the following week, Thursday 8th January. Jurys Inn is on Midsummer Boulevard (West), and we meet from 8.00pm, usually in the foyer as it's quieter than the bar. Look out for the Mblem. Parking is a bit busy around Jurys and The Hub, so we usually try and get in across the road and then walk through the underpass.

Unfortunately we can't make Wednesday 21st for our normal Third Wednesday meeting at the Old Beams. It has not proved possible to rearrange it to a different date, so we won't be holding this meeting in January. However, we should be back to normal in February so hope to see you then.

Finally, just a reminder about my new mobile number, [Phone Number]. I still have the old one as it's my work phone, but the new one is now the best one to use.

Hope to see you there,

Jo Sidebottom

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

photo of Richard Allen

Hertfordshire Happenings

On Thu 8th Jan at 8.15pm - 2ThOTM

Regular FThotM meeting - but just to confuse you it's on the second Thursday, 8th, which will also give you a bit of time to get over the New Year celebrations. As always, we're at the Millstream, Cambridge Road, Hitchin. Good food and good beer both available! Call me for more details and encouragement. The pub is about ten minutes' walk from the railway station. By this time, I hope to be completely mobile again - we'll drink to that!

On Fri 30th Jan at 8.00pm - LFOTM

Join Gwen and me at the White Horse, Hertingfordbury village (about one mile west of Hertford town centre, just off the A414) on Friday 30th January at 8.00pm for LFotM. A warm welcome and stimulating conversation guaranteed! Look for the Mag/Mblem. Hertingfordbury is about 20 minutes' walk from Hertford North station. Contact me for further details and encouragement.

Advance notice: Hertford and Ware eating meetings. Gwen and I plan to have a series of monthly eating meetings alternating between Hertford and Ware. The first will be in Hertford in February, followed by Ware in March.

Richard Allen

Contact [Email] or [Phone Number] for details

Derby Diary

On Wed 21st Jan at 7.30pm - 3WOTM

Our regular 3rd Wednesday of the month meeting at the Standing Order in Derby falls on the 21st. 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. Please feel free to contact me, as above, for more details/directions.

It would also be good 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 Jacquie Harrison

Lincoln

On Sat 3rd Jan at 12:00pm - Lunch and chat

I know we LocSecs say it every year but why not make it a New Year's resolution to attend a meeting this year if you are one Mensa's silent majority. As Christine is chairing her regular First Saturday meeting at noon on the 3rd January, you may still be keeping your resolutions and we may meet even more members. Please do venture out to join her in the Armoury Bar of the Drill Hall for conversation and lunch if you wish. All very welcome. Look out for the magazine or contact Christine on [Email] or telephone me as above for directions/encouragement.

Happy New Year.

Jacquie Harrison

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

photo of Maxine Bates

Notts News

On Mon 5th Jan at 8.00pm - 5OTM

If Monday 5th is your first day back at work after the Christmas break why not pop along to the Vat & Fiddle pub from 8.00pm to cheer yourself up with a friendly drink and chat and make some new friends? The pub is on Queensbridge Road near Nottingham railway station, close to Broad Marsh bus station and has free parking right outside. We can usually be found to the left of the bar. A warm welcome awaits at the table displaying the yellow Mblem.

On Wed 14th Jan at 7.00pm - Chicks & Flicks

Our first "chicks & flicks" event of the year falls on Wednesday 14th. This is our monthly visit to Nando's peri-peri chicken restaurant followed by a film at Cineworld. We meet at 7.00pm inside the doors to the Cornerhouse in the city centre. The whole evening can cost under a tenner as there are offers at both venues. For directions, film options, details of the offers or just to say you're coming please contact Paul on 0115-976-399 or [Email]

On Fri 16th Jan at 8.00pm - At Home

There will be a get together from 8.00pm on Friday 16th at my home in Langley Mill on the Notts/Derbys border. I'll provide tea/coffee and some nibbles, you provide the company! Bring something alcoholic to drink if you wish and/or any boardgames you'd like to play. Contact me as below for directions.

This month our regular eating meeting will be on Tuesday 27th in Bingham but hosted by Leicester LocSec Sue Watford. Please see her piece in Leicestershire Letter for full details.

Ciao for now!

Maxine Bates

Contact [Email] or [Phone Number] for details

photo of Val Hinkins

Mid Bucks

On Sun 18th Jan at 6.00pm - Scrabble

Join us on Sunday 18th at 6.00pm for an evening at home, playing Scrabble, or other board games if you prefer. We have chosen a Sunday, so we can start earlier and have more time. We'll provide tea/coffee and a few light snacks, plus a dictionary to sort out the inevitable disagreements! All standards of play are welcome. Please contact Peter or Val as above a few days ahead for directions / encouragement.

Val Hinkins

Contact [Email] or [Phone Number] for details

photo of Jenny Habib

Berkhamsted

On Wed 28th Jan at 7.45pm - LWOTM

On Wednesday 28th January at 7.45pm-ish we will meet at the White Horse at Bourne End, half way between Hemel Hempstead and Berkhamsted for LWotM. Car parking is in the front and the back, which usually has plenty of spaces. Do come and join us for a drink, or to eat or just for a chat. All members welcome, come if you can.

Jenny Habib

Contact [Email] or [Phone Number] for details

photo of Sue Watford

Leicestershire Letter

On Tue 27th Jan at 7.30pm - LTuOTM eating meeting

On Tuesday 27th at 7.30pm, we're hosting a joint Notts/Leics meeting, as Maxine is unavailable that evening. This will be the usual Notts last Tuesday of the month eating meeting, held this month at The Chesterfield Arms, Church Street, Bingham, which lies on the A52 about midway between Nottingham and Grantham. They describe the menu there as Mediterranean European/English, and the price of the main course varies between £9.95 and £14.45. Could you please let me know by Tuesday 20th January if you intend coming? Thanks.

On Sat 31st Jan at 7.30pm - Eating meeting

On Saturday 31st at 7.30pm, we have our annual meal at Ruth's farmhouse in Long Clawson, with a room to ourselves. This is usually a popular event, as all the cooking (traditional English dinner) is done by Ruth. For this reason, there is a limited choice of menu: roast beef, steak & kidney pie or coq au vin. I will need to know how many of each to order by Monday 26th January, please, so Ruth can do the shopping. The cost for the 3 course meal is £11.50, and you need to bring your own drinks.

Sue Watford

Contact [Email] or [Phone Number] for details

photo of Ian Sargent

Northants NNotes

On Thu 8th Jan at 9.00pm - 2ThOTM

Our 1st Thursday is a week late this month (guess why). The meeting at the Malt Shovel didn't work so we're back at the Fox & Hounds in Harlestone . Why not join us for a fireside chat on 8th January at 9.00pm? Look for the Mensa mag on one of the tables. Contact me for details.

On Thu 22nd Jan at 8.00pm - Roadshow

On Thursday 22nd at 8.00pm, this month's Roadshow goes back to Paulerspury. You'll find us in the bar of the Barley Mow, which is on the main road through the village. Look for a Mensa mag the table to see where we are. Contact me for details.

Ian Sargent

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

Luton & Dunstable

On Sat 10th Jan at 7.30pm - Indian Eating Meeting

On Saturday 10th at 7.30pm, meet at The New Greyhound Pub, 191-199 High Street South, Dunstable, Beds LU6 3SS (or pub next door if they have function on that night) for a drink and chat before we move on to The Curry Cottage Restaurant at 45 Lowther Rd, Dunstable, Beds, LU6 3NL, to eat about 8.30pm. All are welcome, but please book by Thursday 8th. Email or call me as above, or call Andy ONLY if you get lost on the night on 07771-933-658. We look forward to seeing you.

Les Draper Eames

Meet... Matthew Smith

Portait photo of Matthew Smith

Matthew is the new Derby LocSec.

When did you join Mensa?
I joined Mensa in May 2008.
Why did you join?
I first decided to take the Mensa test because I was curious what my IQ was. Then I chose to join Mensa for the chance to meet new people and join in with the various events going on in my area.
What do you think of the events you've attended so far?
The events I've attended have been quite fun and interesting. When I first started coming to events I found everyone to be very welcoming.
Have you joined any Special Interest Groups?
So far I have joined the Quiz and Humour SIGs.
What's your occupation?
I am a Customer Service Agent for the Department of Work and Pensions.
What are your aims for the future?
One aim I have is to travel more. There are many countries that I want to go to, but haven't had the chance yet.

Help to develop and grow the society by becoming a Mensa Ambassador

Mensa Ambassador Logo

Do you know someone who would be a prospective member of the High IQ Society? Have you ever looked at your family, friends and colleagues and thought they have the potential to be a Mensan?

We are always looking for new members of Mensa - the growth and development of Mensa is at the core of its future.

  • More members mean we can plan different types of events.
  • You have the opportunity of meeting new and different people.
  • The family of Mensa becomes bigger and the organisation can enjoy better economies of scale.

If every member suggested one more member then just imagine how far we could grow.X

Every member is likely to know someone that would probably qualify to join - we do tend to prefer like-minded people - so why not talk to them about Mensa today. After all as a Mensa member you are the most qualified to offer advice on the benefits of Mensa membership.

So let us help them to confirm their curiosity about Mensa and join a unique society in the world.

Information on testing and joining British Mensa is also available on our website - www.mensa.org.uk

If you know someone who would like to join Mensa they can contact the Wolverhampton office for more information on taking the supervised IQ test on [Phone Number] or by emailing [Email]

You may also know someone who was previously a member, so why not encourage them to rejoin by letting them know what they are missing out on. Anyone considering rejoining Mensa can call the Wolverhampton office on [Phone Number] or email [Email]

If the person you recommend becomes a member of Mensa we will acknowledge your achievement by sending you a pin badge bearing the Official Mensa Ambassador emblem.

European Mensa Annual Gathering (EMAG) 2009

Group photo from the first EMAG

Last year saw the first ever EMAG, in Cologne in Germany. The event was so successful that it will become an annual event and so in 2009 we will see "iQtrecht" being held from July 29th to August 2nd in Utrecht in the Netherlands.

This is an international event, which includes visits to sites of local interest plus talks/workshops (all in English). The internal events run in parallel along three themes:

  • Mensa stimulat - these are talks or workshops that stimulate the brain (serious stuff).
  • Mensa exitat - this includes entertainment for the body and soul (dancing, singing, practical workshops etc.)
  • Mensa concentrat - this concentrates on Mensa specific aspects.

If anyone feels that they have knowledge or ability in any area that might be of interest to other European Mensans, please get in touch with either Ann Rootkin ([Email]) or Chris Tyler ([Email]).

Meanwhile, note the dates 29th July to 2nd August in your diary and if you don't feel inclined to present anything, just come along to enjoy yourself!

Words, Words, Wonderful Words

Aren't words wonderful? Only 26 different letters to work with but, depending on their arrangement, they can evoke a wide range of feelings in their reader; they can sadden, gladden or madden; they can frustrate, irritate or alienate; they can enthuse, confuse or amuse.

This month some words that irritate.

Researchers at Oxford University compiled this list of the ten most irritating phrases:

  • At the end of the day
  • Fairly unique
  • I personally
  • At this moment in time
  • With all due respect
  • Absolutely
  • It's a nightmare
  • Shouldn't of
  • 24/7
  • It's not rocket science

In an online poll, 700 Daily Telegraph readers came up with these most annoying utterances:

  • Literally
  • A safe pair of hands
  • I'm gutted
  • Basically
  • Going forward
  • Upcoming
  • Shouldn't of
  • Up until
  • Neither here nor there
  • On a daily basis

Words that irritate me are when someone says of an effort they made, "I gave it 120%" or "I put 150% into it". Really? How is it possible to put in more than the total of what you have to give?

What words/phrases would you nominate as being the most irritating? Let me know by sending them to [Email] please. Perhaps we'll have our own East Midlands top ten!

20 Questions (No. 88)

The answers on chivalry from the November competition were The Order of the Garter, Officer of the Order of the British Empire, Dame Commander of the Order of St Michael & St George, 1917, 1947, Prince Henry (Duke of Gloucester), David Albert Charles Armstrong-Jones (Viscount Linley), CBE, The Order of the Thistle, The Royal Victorian Order, Canada, Conrad Black, The Order of the Star of India, The Order of the Bath, Baronet, Denis Thatcher, Lieutenant of the Royal Victorian Order, the only woman to be created a Baronetess, (Gentleman Usher of the) Black Rod and The Royal Order of Victoria and Albert. A tough one this month but with entries from Kevin O'Shaughnessy of Leighton Buzzard, Chris Impey of Tring, Michael Warren of Derby, Roger Plant of Nottingham, Steve Percy of Leicester and Roger Lord of Aylesbury. Steve was the winner. Congratulations!

This month we have a quiz about 1969. Please send your entries to '20 Questions (No. 88)', [Address], to arrive by 20th January stating whether you would prefer to win a £10 Leisure Voucher or £10 National Book Token.

1. Which musical festival began in 1969 near the village of Bethel in New York state?

2. Where in Britain did the 1969 football league cup final take place?

3. Which 1969 children's TV programme had characters that ate blue string soup?

4. In which capital city was the Eurovision Song Contest held on 29th March 1969?

5. Biba opened a fashion store in 1969 in which area of London?

6. Who was sentenced in 1969 to 99 years in jail for the murder of Martin Luther King?

7. Which group had a hit with "Ob-La-Di Ob-La-Da" in 1969?

8. On 3rd February 1969 who was appointed to head the PLO?

9. Who was inaugurated as 37th President of the United States on 20th January 1969?

10. Who replaced Charles De Gaulle as President of France in 1969?

11. How many Oscars did the film "Midnight Cowboy" win in 1969?

12. Which bird did Fleetwood Mac sing about in 1969?

13. Which presenter of the 1969 children's TV show, "Playschool", has a famous daughter?

14. The Stonewall riot in New York in 1969 marked the beginning of which movement?

15. Which member of the Beatles sent back his MBE in 1969?

16. Where was Charles invested as Prince Of Wales on 1st July 1969?

17. "Subterfuge" and "The Executioner", films released in 1969 both starred which actress?

18. Which Granada TV show, still running today, had the highest ratings in January 1969?

19. Which heavyweight boxer died on 31st August 1969, one day before his 45th birthday?

20. In which lunar sea did Apollo 11 land in 1969?