Nottingham Mensa, Festive Christmas meal at the Cadland
Regional News
Happy 2022! Please let this year prove to be better than the previous two years!
COVID is obviously still with us, but in hindsight would you have done anything differently during the pandemic? I think back in March 2020 most of us thought we'd be living in lockdown a matter of weeks or perhaps a few months - not living with restrictions a couple of years! Might you have used any spare time whilst stuck at home differently? I possibly would have taken up learning Spanish again or resumed cross-stitch, both activities I did 20-30 years ago. However, I've not been bored...
As some of you know, I'm an ardent supporter of Cancer Research UK, and am pleased to say that with some inventive fundraising over the last two years myself and my (mostly Mensan) fundraising team have still managed to raise nearly £8,000 cash. Plus I run a 'donation station' collecting items from friends for their charity shops and since the pandemic started have sent in nearly 700 bags of all sorts of stuff estimated to be worth over £20,000 for the charity.
I've also been an avid quizzer, both participating and compiling. My partner, Michael, persuaded me to sign up to a quiz app that he now regrets as I'm addicted! But it has won us three good prizes. And my commitment of playing 360 questions every day will hopefully be beneficial when regular pub quiz nights start again! I've used some of this newfound knowledge to compile my own quizzes for Cancer Research UK, East Midlands Mensa and Mensa Magazine.
Did you know that you can now read all the regional newsletters online via the Mensa website? And that some regions have competitions that any member can enter? I've won a few of those too! My time living through a pandemic has not been completely wasted.
However, I'm really hoping we can return to some normality this year. Thank you to everyone who took the time to fill in our little online survey at the end of last year. We now have a better idea of what events and activities you'd like to see and do and hopefully will see you at one of them soon.
I'm on [Phone Number] or [Email] and always happy to hear from you.
Maxine Bates
Regional Officer
Editorial
Welcome to the January edition of Empress. I hope that you have had an enjoyable Christmas and New Year. The deadline for this edition is before Christmas and so I'm hoping that Covid will allow us all to enjoy a more normal festive season.
This is my first edition as editor - so please be gentle with me as you're stuck with me for 3 months! I'd like to thank Mark for his sterling work over the last few months and I hope you enjoy a well-earned rest from editing. From time to time I plan on adding some content from the British Mensa Newsletter of the 1980's which can be entertaining, Cringe-worthy and humorous - depending entirely on the skill of the creator.
Roy Latham
Events and Meetings
Derby Diary
On Wed 12th Jan at 1:30pm - Belper Lunchtime
A meeting for those who are free in the week, for friendly chat, lunch, coffee/cake, or all of those! Cocoa Café, Strutt Street, Belper DE56 1UN does light lunches, coffee, and delicious cakes. Car park opposite, or free parking at several places in town; ask for details. We will probably be upstairs, but ask for Helen. Let me know by the weekend before if possible. [Email] or [Phone Number].
On Wed 19th Jan at 7:30pm - 3WOTM
Join us at The Paddock, 391 Mansfield Road, Breadsall, Derby DE21 4AW (near the Meteor Retail Park). It's a "Hungry Horse" pub. Come along to eat or just for a drink. I've booked a table at the front. Please let me know if you are thinking of coming to make sure the table is large enough, or look for the yellow Mblem. Contact Susan on [Email] or [Phone Number].
Susan Graves
Contact [Email] or [Phone Number] / [Mobile Number] for details
Hertfordshire Happenings
On Thu 6th Jan 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. Richard will be hosting it this month as Steve will be out of the country. Please call Richard on [Phone Number] for further information and encouragement.
On Fri 28th Jan at 8:00pm - LFOTM
As ever, we are at the Cowper Arms, Digswell (next to Welwyn North station) from 8 pm. Currently, numbers are restricted to six people at a table, so if you want to come, please can you call me on [Phone Number] no later than Friday 21 January. Regrettably, it may not be possible to accommodate you if you don't let me know in advance.
Steve Thomas
Contact [Email] or [Mobile Number] for details
In Leicestershire
On Mon 17th Jan at 8:00pm - Pub Social
Join me for our usual convivial third Monday of the month gathering at the welcoming Cradock Arms, 201 Knighton Road, Leicester, LE2 3TT. The pub serves cask and guest ales and food if you want it. You are welcome to bring a friend or partner. Look out for the Mblem or Magazine. If you need any directions or encouragement, please contact me on [Phone Number] or at [Email].
On Sat 29th Jan at 7:00pm - Pub meal
This month I'm hosting our last Saturday of the month meal at Soar Bridge Inn 29 Bridge Street, Barrow upon Soar LE12 8PN. There is a car park and the pub is in the Camra Good Beer Guide 2022. If you would like to join us, booking in advance is essential, so please let me know by 23rd January. Contact me on [Phone Number] or e-mail [Email]
Haydn Starkie
Contact [Email] or [Mobile Number] for details
Lively Lincs
On Sat 8th Jan at 12:00pm - SSOTM pub discussion
Join us for our friendly (often lively!) discussion on a pre-arranged topic. This month: 'Can creativity be learnt? Can creativity be taught?' All welcome, and you can bring a guest. Decent food and good ales, and a car park, at the Adam & Eve Tavern, Lindum Hill. Let me know by Friday 7th if you're coming, so I can book a table. Please contact me on [Email] or [Phone Number].
On Sun 23rd Jan at 11:00am - POSTPONED - Treasure Trail
This event has been postponed to the 6th February.
A treasure hunt around uphill Lincoln. Compete for prizes, or do for interest at your own pace. Teams of up to 4 - I'm happy to put people together in teams. Please contact me by Friday 21st for full details. It should take an hour or so, and you will need a pen, a sense of direction and/or a compass. Suitable for accompanied children. Contact on [Email] or [Phone Number].
Jacquie Harrison
Contact [Email] or [Phone Number] / [Mobile Number] for details
Mid Bucks
On Sun 9th Jan 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 Sat 15th Jan at 12:00pm - Birthday lunch
Long standing member Mark celebrates a significant birthday this weekend. Join us at Historia Meze & Grill, 40 Oxford Street, High Wycombe HP11 2DJ to celebrate with a meal. See https://historiamezegrill.co.uk/ 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 Fri 28th Jan at 10:30am - Coffee & Chat
Come to Costa upstairs at the Next superstore on Crest Road in Cressex by junction 4 of the M40, HP11 1UA. Join me there for coffee. Free parking & a bus stop right outside. Please contact me a few days before to confirm the meeting is going ahead on [Phone Number] or e-mail me at [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 Sat 15th Jan at 3:00pm - T@3
Join us in the restaurant of Dobbie's Garden Centre for tea, coffee, cakes and chat. Contact [Email], or [Phone Number] / [Phone Number].
On Mon 17th Jan at 7:00pm - Book Group
Join us in the foyer of Jury's Inn Hotel on Midsummer Boulevard as we discuss our first book. Contact [Email], or [Phone Number] / [Phone Number] for more details.
On Sun 30th Jan at 10:00am - Sunday Breakfast
Join us at The Swan Revived Hotel in Newport Pagnell for a breakfast, a snack, or just a coffee. Confirm your attendance in advance if possible (though not essential) at [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 9th Jan at 10:30am - Breakfast Meeting
Join us at: Zapato Lounge, Welsh House, Market Square, NN1 2EB. Meet 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 Wed 5th Jan at 8:00pm - 5OTM
Start the new year with a get together at the Vat & Fiddle pub, Queensbridge Road, NG2 1NB. We are usually in the Goldings Room to left of bar. Option to meet earlier for dinner as food service ends 8pm. Free parking and near trains, trams and buses. As the pub's website says opening hours subject to change, please check this event is happening on [Phone Number] or [Email]
On Sun 9th Jan at 1:30pm - Treasure Trail
Can you deduce whodunnit in this murder mystery trail around Ruddington? Approx. 2 hours and 2 miles. Suitable for all ages and fitness levels. Starts outside St Peter's Church (NG11 6EL) and will end for an optional early dinner at The White Horse pub on Church Street. Please let Maxine know you are coming so enough trail packs are available. [Phone Number] or [Email]. New members welcome!
On Thu 13th Jan at 7:30pm - Natter & Nosh
Join us for a meal at The Cadland on High Road in Chilwell. Large table reserved at the far side of the bar to entrance from car park. Look for yellow Mblem on table. Menu at www.emberinns.co.uk. You are welcome to join us later for just a drink. Further info from Maxine on [Phone Number] or [Email] or just turn up on the night.
On Tue 18th Jan at 7:30pm - Theatre
Dan Brown's best selling novel The Da Vinci Code comes to the stage at Theatre Royal in this epic thriller. Starring Nigel Harman and Danny John-Jules. Tickets £19.50 to £39.50 depending on seats. Discounts for under 26s and groups of 10+. Please contact Maxine on [Phone Number] or [Email] to express interest.
On Tue 25th Jan at 7:30pm - Eating Meeting
Ahead of Chinese New Year we're going to The Golden Phoenix restaurant, Oxclose Lane, Arnold, NG5 6FZ. Live cooking stations serving over 100 dishes from Eastern Asia of starters, mains and desserts. £15.95 per person for eat-as-much-as-you-like. A la carte menu also available. See www.thegoldenphoenix.co.uk. Private free car park. Please reserve your place with Maxine on [Phone Number] or [Email] by 21st latest.
Ciao for now!
Maxine Bates
Contact [Email] or [Phone Number] for details
The Cadland
Nottingham Mensa meet on the 2nd Thursday of each month at The Cadland in Chilwell. The event came into being when a group of Mensans started ballroom dancing lessons every Thursday around 2004 when Strictly Come Dancing began. At that time we rounded off the evening at a local pub and as the number of dancers grew we started advertising it as an event. Over the years all bar one have stopped dancing but we've continued meeting monthly rather than weekly and exchanged the dancing for dinner! Our previous pub was refurbished some years ago and we didn't like the new style and lack of large tables. It was at this point we decided to find an alternative nearby venue and plumped for The Cadland where the management and staff have always made us welcome and reserve us a regular table each month.
The pub is believed to be the only one bearing that name in the UK. Historical records tell us that the building has been a public house since the late 18th century. It was originally named The Bulls Head, but changed to The Cadland in 1828, allegedly in honour of the British thoroughbred horse that won the Derby that year. He went on to win a further 11 races before being exported to France where he died in 1837. Local legend says that the landlord named the pub after the horse as it was trained in the fields of Chilwell, although there are no records to show the horse ever placed a horse shoe in the town. Another legend says the pub was named after the horse as the landlord won a large sum of money having bet on Cadland! Records show that both John Hopewell and John Felton were landlords around that time, so presumably one of them changed the name.
Nowadays the pub is owned by the Ember Inn pub/restaurant chain and is a traditional pub with a comfortable atmosphere serving classic pub grub, a good range of drinks and has a welcoming real fire. See their menu at www.emberinns.co.uk. The address is 342 High Road, Chilwell, Nottingham, NG9 5EG. We meet from 7.30pm until late every 2nd Thursday and usually sit at a large table at the far side of the bar from the car park entrance. (Near the window at the right of the building in the photo.) Do join us!
Mensa Regional Newsletter Photography Competition 2022
It was decided at the Regional Officers and Newsletter Editors conference in October that we should run a regional photography competition with the regional winners being entered into a national competition. The details of the competition are as follows:
Terms and Conditions:
1. The competition is open to any current member of British Mensa.
2. The closing date for entries is noon on Friday February 25, 2022.
3. The theme of the competition is Winter Sun. Members can interpret the theme in any way they choose.
4. Images should be submitted as jpeg files and be no bigger than 1MB. The title of the image, the member's name, region, and Mensa membership number must be included in the filename of each jpeg.
5. Entries should be emailed to empress@mensa.org.uk with Regional Photography Competition in the subject line.
6. After the closing date, a panel of judges chosen by the Empress editors and regional officer will select a winner to represent the East Midlands in the national competition.
7. The national winner will be selected by a panel of judges chosen by the chief executive and communications manager.
8. At all stages of the competition the judges' decision is final, and no correspondence will be entered into.
Prizes:
Each regional winner will be able to choose a T-shirt from the Mensa shop, and the overall winner will receive a £25 Amazon voucher.
Maxine
IMAG 2022 Waterford
The Irish Mensa Annual Gathering (IMAG) will take place the weekend of Friday the 29th of April 2022 in Waterford City on the South East Coast of Ireland.
Waterford City was established by Vikings in 853 and retains a strong Viking heritage. Dooley's Hotel is the host venue, and is conveniently located in the City Centre, directly across from Waterford Bus Station.
Some highlights of the IMAG Programme include a tour of the House of Waterford Crystal, where you can watch craftsmen as they create world-renowned Waterford Crystal pieces. You can explore Waterford's rich Viking history with a guided tour of the Viking Triangle. Take a coach tour to Mount Congreve Gardens, where you can view over three thousand different trees and shrubs. Alternatively, you can take a coach out to Waterford's Copper Coast, and take a guided tour (above ground) of the mining area, followed by a visit to the historic Curraghmore House and Gardens.
The weekend has something for everyone, so why not bring the family? All are welcome and the only event that excludes non-members is the Members' Meeting itself. Even if you can only make it to a couple of events, we'll be delighted to see you. However, please note that those under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult who is responsible for their welfare at all times.
Don't miss out, fill in the booking form and return it NOW. Further information on each event is available on the website but if you don't have internet access drop a line to the organiser, whose address is on the final page.
Contact details for IMAG: Email: Admin@imag2022.com; Website www.imag2022.com.
High Wycombe
Mark, Dave, Alison & Val at Kappad restaurant in High Wycombe
Feghootia
I joined Mensa forty years ago. In those days the Mensa Newsletter was a 20 page, A4 publication with no pictures and printed on yellow paper. There was a regular feature that had me in fits of laughter - 'Feghootia'. This was often a single item or, at times, a collection of very artfully created puns. From time to time, I intend to resurrect the finer examples. The first one and probably the most contrived follows:
Many centuries ago, the local authority of a northern town, noted for the high proportion of Vikings in its population, decided to embark on a programme of rehousing its elderly inhabitants. Compact, bungalow-type dwellings were constructed, and all went well with the project up to the completion of the last house which had been allocated to a retired Viking seaman.
While working on the bathroom one of the workmen had the misfortune to trip and fall heavily against washbasin, which shattered. This accident presented the workmen with quite a problem, as a replacement washbasin was not available.
After frantic discussion, one of the council staff remembered that the new tenant was known to have serious eyesight defect and suggested to his colleague that as a temporary measure they should clean up and install an old cement carrier in the place of the washbasin. This they did and the house was occupied the following day.
A week later the workmen visited the Viking to check that all was well and specifically asked him what he thought of the bathroom. "Fine, just fine," he replied.
On leaving, one of the workmen remarked to the other, "Well that proves it, a hod is as good as a sink to a blind Norse".
By Martin Holloway
Published in BMJ, November 1981
I'm sure that some of our regular readers can come up with better and more artfully created examples which I'm sure that you would like to share with your fellow readers.
20 Questions (No. 243)
The answers to the November competition were The Lavender Hill Mob, Alan Bennett, Harry Enfield, Week Ending, Spam, Shirley, Boeing Boeing, Ed Reardon's Week, Nobody's perfect, Snug, Rosie Jones, The News Huddlines, The Ladykillers, Family Guy, Shut up and deal, Clare in the Community, Chris McCausland, keep his house, this cheap and rented out my room. Just four entries this time with everyone getting top marks. Well done to Suzanne Wilkinson of Boston who was picked at random.
This month can you unscramble the anagrams to find place names in the East Midlands region?
Send your answers to '20 Questions (No. 243)', [Address] or [Email] by 20th January. Don't forget to include your name and address! The prize on offer is a £10 One4All gift card valid online or in store at over 130 high street shops, restaurants and entertainment venues giving a wide choice where to spend it.
1. GIANT MONTH
2. BE DRY
3. SECRET LIE
4. GHOUL GOB HOUR
5. LET IN MONKEYS
6. RED FROTH
7. MAD SHEEP HELMET
8. TORN PHANTOM
9. REGENT KIT
10. ON ROGUISH BAG
11. HARM GNAT
12. DENTAL BUS
13. PLEBER
14. TO BURN
15. SOW PORK
16. TURN LAD
17. MAD FROST
18. MOMENTARY BLOW
19. CONTINENTAL DOGS
20. BAN LASTS