Ian plummets to earth

Moments of Madness (Part 3)

It's 9.45am on the 7th of May. It's my 50th birthday and I'm at Langar, an old WW2 airfield in Nottinghamshire, for a tandem sky-dive. I've always I wondered what it'd be like and now I'm going to find out. I meet Chris, my instructor, and we get kitted up. He briefs me on what is going to happen, what his hand signals mean, what I should/shouldn't do! We leave the control tower and walk around the perimeter of the airfield to the runway. I get to meet Tony, who is going to video the jump, and we are joined by about seven other sky-divers - including Roger, a friend of mine from Northampton who has taken the day off work to jump with me. It's really his fault that I'm here as he suggested this as a challenge after my bungy jump a few years back.

Ian jumps from the plane

The plane lands and we board; there's no seats, so we all squat on the floor. Even less leg-room than on a budget flight to Spain (and no in-flight catering). We take off and it takes us 15 minutes to get up to our designated height. I'm getting a little bit nervous at this stage but as all the other are experienced jumpers the atmosphere is relaxed, which probably calms me down a little. At 10,000 feet all straps and buckles are double-checked and helmets are donned and my harness is firmly clipped to Chris's. Everybody wishes each other good luck and at 13,500 feet the shutter at the back of the plane is raised. The others leap out in pairs and we inch towards the opening. Tony steps out onto a platform on the side of the plane and Chris sits on the edge - which means that I'm now hanging outside the aircraft with arms crossed over my chest.

A quick wave to the camera and we do a sideways roll off the plane during which I see sky, horizon, ground, upside-down horizon, plane disappearing out of sight, more sky and finally the ground, all in the space of a second or so. A tap on the shoulder means that I can uncross my arms and... and... and... well I don't know. For the first few seconds I'm trying to comprehend what I'm seeing. The ground is down there a couple of miles below me and nothing's holding me up, but I don't get any sensation of falling. The wind is rushing past at a great rate and it's noisy but it's totally unlike what I was expecting.

I keep thinking that I should be scared at this point but instead I'm just concentrating on the experience and trying to remember to wave to the camera as Tony comes in for some close-ups photos. Roger jumped out with us but he's out of my line of sight. In just 45 seconds we've dropped down to 5,000 feet at up to 120mph (so I'm told). Chris pulls the ripcord and our parachute opens. Tony zooms off below us and it's only then that I get an impression of what speed we were doing.

The wind noise has disappeared and Chris is now able to talk to me; he points out some of the things that we can see and shows me how the parachute can be steered. We spend about 3 minutes doing this then all too soon the ground is getting closer so I get into the landing position. We come down safely, if none too elegantly and I say a few final words to the camera before we troop back to the control tower. Off with the gear and I get to see a run through of the video. Oops, that naughty word will have to be edited out!

I hadn't noticed the adrenaline kicking in but now I start to feel it draining away so I head off to the canteen for a bacon roll and coffee. Half an hour later I stroll outside. Shall I stay to watch the next lot of sky-divers? No, best not otherwise I'll be signing up for another tandem jump and I don't think that my credit card can stand it.

It was an amazing experience and if you're interested I can thoroughly recommend the people at Langar. Their website is at www.bpslangar.co.uk.

Ian Sargent

Regional News

As Mensa deadlines work two months in advance, I write this column just prior to the Milton Keynes Weekend. We hope to bring you reviews and photos of this transport and travel themed weekend in a future issue of Empress. David Dreebin organises an annual music weekend for Mensa members and this year it will be taking place in our region at the University of Hertfordshire in Hatfield. The dates are Thursday 14th to Sunday 17th August. If you sing or play a musical instrument this event is for you! Please contact the Mensa office for further information.

Transport, travel and music are all subjects covered by Mensa's Special Interest Groups (SIGs). Are you aware that you are entitled to join two free SIGs as part of your membership then additional ones for just a small postage charge? Though plans are afoot to offer distribution of newsletters as PDF files via email, therefore greatly increasing your choice of free SIGs. There are over 100 SIGs mostly corresponding with like-minded members by regular newsletter though many arrange trips to meet each other at special events related to their interest. In the East Midlands region we have SIG Secretaries covering Classical Music, Cycle, Genealogy, Hearing Impaired, History, Medics, Mind Explorers, Pagan, Party, Phoenix, Quiz, Rock, What If and Young Mensa. I'm sure you'll agree a varied collection of topics!

After more than 15 years with Mensa Sara Zaffino - the person responsible for issuing the thousands of SIG newsletters - has decided not to return to work following her maternity leave and will stay at home with her son Harvey and new daughter Saskia. Her job will be covered by other members of staff. Communications Manager, Caroline Garbett, has recently left Mensa to pursue a similar role with the PDSA nearer to her home in Telford. Caroline will retain links with Mensa as she is also a member.

Maxine Bates

Regional Officer

Mensa Music Weekend comes to East Midlands!

If you play an instrument, or sing, to whatever standard, please join David and other music weekenders for a weekend of music-making. We'll be having the services of a professional conductor for the orchestra (and choir subject to interest), but it will all be on an informal basis.

The event will take place in Hatfield at the University of Hertfordshire, College Lane, Hatfield, Hertfordshire AL10 9AB , using the music facilities of the John Lill Centre there.

The date is Thursday 14 - Sunday 17 August 2008. Cost will be £88 full residential rate, including accommodation and all musical activities, or about £8 per full day if joining us just for the music. Food is excluded.

Please contact Diane (Salter) at Mensa, [Phone Number] or [Email], for a booking form, or David Dreebin [Phone Number] or [Email] for any further details.

The closing date for bookings is Wednesday 30th July 2008.

Events and Meetings

photo of Maxine Bates

Notts News

On Sat 5th Jul at 8:00pm - 5OTM

It's holiday season with members spending their time and money elsewhere so just our regular offerings this month. As usual we'll be at the Vat & Fiddle on Queensbridge Road from 8.00 pm on Saturday 5th. The pub is near the railway station and close to Broad Marsh bus station and has free parking right outside. Look for the yellow Mblem to left of bar. New faces are always welcome.

On Wed 9th Jul at 7:00pm - Chicks and Flicks

On Wednesday 9th Paul is hosting our "Chicks & Flicks" event. We meet at 7.00 pm prompt inside the doors to the Cornerhouse in the city centre before dining at Nando's Portuguese chicken restaurant (veggie options too) then watching a film at Cineworld. If we can't agree on a film we sometimes split into two groups. To help table reservation and for film choices contact Paul on [Phone Number] or [Email] .

Don't forget every Thursday around ten of us attend a dance class from 8.30 pm to 9.30 pm in Chilwell. For £4 a qualified instructor will teach the basics of waltz, cha cha cha, quickstep, jive, etc. Afterwards we go for refreshment at a nearby pub. For further information please contact me as above.

On Tue 29th Jul at 7:30pm - Postcode Pubcrawl

After 2½ years we have our final "Postcode Pubcrawl" event on Tuesday 29th. As next month we're going nowhere, this month we're going to the Muddle Go Nowhere! This large modern pub is on Barrowby Road, Grantham, not far from the A1/A52 junction. NG31 8SR for those with sat nav! Join us for food and/or a drink from 7.30 pm. Look for yellow Mblem on the table. Prizes will be awarded including £30 worth of Leisure Vouchers to the person with the most stamps in their "Postcode Pubcrawl" collector card. Plus each attendance of one of these events gains an entry into the draw for a bottle of champagne. Do join us if you can.

A review of the "Postcode Pubcrawl" events appears on page 7.

On Fri 1st Aug at 7:00pm - Greyhound Racing

Our annual trip to the greyhound racing at Colwick Stadium will take place at 7.00 pm on Friday 1st August. The group deal costs £10 per person and includes admission, race card, pie and pea supper, one drink and three bets. As this needs to be pre-booked please let me know by 15th July latest if you would like to join us. Under 18s are welcome but cannot participate in the group deal.

Ciao for now!

Maxine Bates

Contact [Email] or [Phone Number] for details

Derby Diary

On Wed 16th Jul at 7:30pm - 3WOTM

Writing this in May means I have no idea what the weather's like now that you're reading this in July. Hopefully we're all enjoying clear blue skies and warm sunshine, or maybe summer's been and gone and we're already into autumn, who knows? Well, at least I know one thing, there's a warm welcome awaiting you at our "3rd Wednesday" at the Standing Order in Derby on the 16th this month, so why not join the crowd any time from 7.30pm for a meal or just a drink or even just to pop in to say hello. Just look for the yellow Mblem on one of the tables at the back. Please contact me for directions and encouragement.

Unfortunately, I won't be having an 'at home' this month and I apologise for having to cancel last month's as well. I had to go into hospital in May and I'm still recuperating. Hopefully, normal service will be resumed in August so watch this space! In the meantime, if you're thinking of attending your first meeting, advertise one of your own or just want to say hello, then please call me at home on the above number or email me on [Email]

Merry Metcalf

photo of Sue Watford

Leicestershire Letter

On Sat 26th Jul at 2:00pm - Lyddington Bede Houses

This month, a visit to the Lyddington Bede Houses. Although food may be involved somewhere along the line - if not in the coffee shop at the Bede Houses, then maybe in a local bar/restaurant somewhere. Lyddington lies a few miles south of Uppingham, and we'll be meeting by the church gate at around 2.00pm on Saturday, 26th July. There is usually plenty of parking on and around the main street. Look forward to seeing you.

Sue Watford

Contact [Email] or [Phone Number] for details

Lively Lincs

On Sat 26th Jul at TBC - Open-air Theatre

Join us for "The Taming of the Shrew" at the Bishop's Old Palace. I'll provide a basic picnic if it's warm, if not we can decide whether to meet early for a meal or not. Times to be confirmed but please ring me by the 3rd if you want more info or tickets as no phone bookings.

Jacquie Harrison

photo of Ian Sargent

Northants NNotes

On Sat 5th Jul at 11:00am - Walk

We're going for a walk on Saturday 5th July. The starting point is the Ward Arms, High Street, Guilsborough (plenty of on-street car parking). Then we'll set off for a 5 mile ramble round Hollowell Reservoir. The walk is fairly easy going, with just a few stiles to negotiate. Back at Guilsborough we'll call in at the pub for lunch, so bring a change of footwear. As this is dependant on reasonable weather please give me a call beforehand if you're thinking of coming along.

On Thu 10th Jul at 9:00pm - 2ThOTM

Our Harlestone meeting this month is on Thursday 10th July, which is a week later than normal due to holidays. As always, the Fox & Hounds in Harlestone is the venue and a Mensa magazine on one of the tables in the bar area will show you where we are. We'll be there at 9.00pm.

On Thu 24th Jul at 8:00pm - Roadshow

The Roadshow meeting goes back to Paulerspury, which is very easy to get to if you're anywhere near the A5. The Barley Mow pub is the venue and you'll find us in the seating area to the far right of the bar. Look for the Mensa mag sometime after 8.00pm.

Ian Sargent

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

photo of Jo Sidebottom

Mensans in MK & Bedford

Just the two regular events in July. Much as we love to see our regular members, we also love to see new faces, so this month I'm positively encouraging any new members (or people who just haven't attended a meeting before) to come along. If you're wavering, or nervous, please give me a call and I'll talk you into it! We were all new members once - it took me ten years to work up the courage to go to my first meeting, but I haven't looked back since!

On Thu 3rd Jul at 8:00pm - FThOTM

First Thursday is at our now regular venue of Jury's Inn on Midsummer Boulevard, on 3rd July, from 8 pm. Look out for the Mblem in either the foyer or the bar - most likely the foyer as it's quieter. Parking is a bit busy around Jury's and The Hub, so we usually try and get in across the road and then walk through the underpass.

On Wed 16th Jul at 8:00pm - 3WOTM

Our Third Wednesday meeting at the Old Beams in Shenley Lodge is on 16th July. If you're definitely planning to come, please let me know as it will help us to grab the right sized table, but don't let that put you off deciding on the spur of the moment - you'll still be welcome. See www.mcmullens.co.uk for location and menu details. You can eat or not, as you wish - their food is quite good and reasonably priced.

Jo Sidebottom

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

Luton & Dunstable

On Sat 26th Jul at 7:30pm - Pub Meal

Please join us for a lovely pub meal and friendly banter in Harpenden. Specific location to be arranged, please email as below for details or I will contact you if I have your email address. Look for Mblem or mag. We will be eating about 8.30pm. Please email me on [Email] or ring: [Phone Number] or only on the night, if you get lost on: [Phone Number] Please let me know by Thursday 24th at latest, please so I can confirm numbers. All welcome and it's ok to bring a friend. I do need to know ASAP though, please.

The days have come round too quickly and I can't think where to go this time. We are planning to go somewhere in Harpenden, Herts. The Pub expert is playing Scrabble and this needs to go today.

As I don't know when we will be on holiday, I am not going to post anything for August, as yet. Hope to see as many as possible there, where-ever July it turns out to be! Hopefully in a garden if available, weather permitting. Please email asap if you may like to come, thanks.

Les Draper Eames

photo of Richard Allen

Herts Happenings

On Thu 3rd Jul at 8:15pm - FThOTM

Our regular first Thursday of the month meeting is 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. Sadly, there are now very few evening buses in the area.

On Sun 20th Jul at 10:30am - Country walk and pub lunch

Join us for a nine mile circular walk in the quiet Hertfordshire countryside from Breachwood Green (between Luton and Stevenage). We will stop for a pub lunch mid-way. The nearest stations are Luton, Luton Airport Parkway and Hitchin and pick-ups can be arranged. Call me for further details and encouragement.

Richard Allen

Contact [Email] or [Phone Number] for details

On Fri 25th Jul at 8:00pm - LFOTM

Join us once again at the White Horse, Hertingfordbury, to unwind at the end of the month. Food and an interesting range of beer available and interesting and stimulating conversation guaranteed! Look for the Mag/Mblem. Hertingfordbury is about 20 minutes' walk from Hertford North station. Contact Gwen on [Phone Number] or me for further details and encouragement.

Please note that this is a change of venue from that published in Empress and the Mensa mag. This meeting is now at the White Horse.

Richard Allen/Gwen Jones

Contact [Email] or [Phone Number] for details

photo of Val Hinkins

Mid Bucks

On Sun 13th Jul at 2:30pm - Water Mill and Walk

Pann Mill Open Day 11.00 am - 5.00 pm.

Sunday 13th July is National Mills Day, so come to Pann Mill in High Wycombe. See www.pannmill.org.uk for further information and directions.

Water Trail - a gentle waterside walk starts from Pann Mill on the Rye at 2.30 pm. Excellent tea and cakes at the Mill afterwards. Leave a message for Val on [Phone Number] or [Email] so I know to look out for you.

Val Hinkins

Contact [Email] or [Phone Number] for details

photo of Jenny Habib

Berkhamsted

On Wed 30th Jul at 7:45pm - Pub

Please note the change of venue. We will meet at the Inn at Ley Hill. Car parking is in the lay-by opposite, 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. If the weather is nice we can stay outside.

Jenny Habib

Contact [Email] or [Phone Number] for details

Mid Bucks

On Sun 20th Jul at 2:00pm - National Trust Visit

The July N.T. visit is to Claydon House at Middle Claydon near Buckingham, meeting at the car park of Claydon House. If you would like to join me for a pub lunch beforehand could you let me know in advance on [Phone Number] so that I can book a table.

Ralph Thomas

Postcode Pubcrawl Review

Following the success of the 'Globetrougher' series of eating meetings in Nottingham we started 'Postcode Pubcrawl' events on the last Tuesday of each month. The idea was to visit a pub in all the NG postcode areas. A total of 29 with the pub crawl starting in January 2006 and being completed in July 2009. Hosting an event that roved around the entire county meant that at least one venue should have been accessible to every member and given them an easy opportunity to come and meet us. Although we haven't seen new faces every time it has attracted members who don't like travelling into the city centre or came along simply because it was handy for them.

'Postcode Pubcrawl' has not been without its ups and downs but that all adds to the fun. Our November events were combined with a Christmas meal and attracted the highest number of 24 attendees. The last Tuesday in January 2009 coincided with my birthday so I'd selected an unusual pub restaurant for a celebratory meal - only to discover they'd had a powercut ten minutes before our arrival! Whilst we could have dined by candlelight there was no heating nor cooking facilities. The venue kindly phoned nearby pubs to see who had power and could accommodate 16 of us at short notice and when we finally got fed the food was delicious as well as cheap. Another time I'd phoned to reserve a table only to be told the pub had closed for refurbishment that day so I spent an afternoon finding an alternative venue and then phoning/texting/emailing everyone I knew who was planning to attend.

It was my intention not to make this just another pub social but to find venues with bargain menus, quiz nights, pub games, unusual locations, etc. Every time we've taken part in a quiz a Mensa team has won much to the annoyance of the regulars! Three times we've held one of my hilarious sheep racing nights in a function room and raised around £70 each time for Cancer Research UK. We've dined and drunk at chain pubs such as Wetherspoons, Ma Hubbards or Greene King as well as real ale pubs, haunted taverns and olde worlde village inns. A couple of times we've taken an after-dinner stroll including to see the famous Major Oak in Sherwood Forest by moonlight.

As expected, some months were more popular than others, but with an average turnout of 10-12 members I would say 'Postcode Pubcrawl' has been worth doing. Each person was given a collector card and earned a stamp for every event they attended. Although going to print before our final event it's probably safe to say that Linda Ward will win the £30 worth of vouchers for having the most stamps as she has overcome logistical problems to be there every month.

Maxine Bates

20 Questions (No. 82)

As it's American Independence Day this month we have a quiz on American Presidents. Thanks to Nick Stimpson for setting it. Send your answers to '20 Questions (No. 82)', 80 Milnhay Road, Langley Mill, Nottingham, NG16 4AW, to arrive by 15th July. Please state your preference of either a Leisure Voucher (valid at restaurants, shops, hotels and tourist attractions) or National Book Token (valid at major book stores) if you should win. Note slightly earlier closing date this month.

1. Who in 1863 said "... The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here ..."?

2. Who was the only president not to speak English as his first language?

3. On which calendar day is the president traditionally inaugurated?

4. Who said "I have left orders to be awakened at any time in case of national emergency, even if I'm in a cabinet meeting."

5. Which president gained, lost and regained the title of "oldest living president".

6. Jimmy Carter farmed what crop before becoming president?

7. Who is the only president to have resigned the office?

8. How many presidents died while in office?

9. Harry Truman had a sign on his desk which said "The buck stops here". What did it say on the reverse side?

10. Who was the first president to live at the White House?

11. William Jefferson Blythe III adopted his stepfather's surname at 14. How is he better known?

12. Which president won a Pulitzer Prize?

13. Which newspaper printed the erroneous headline "Dewey Defeats Truman" after the 1948 election?

14. Which president's likeness appears on the obverse of a two dollar bill?

15. James Madison convinced congress to declare war on which nation in 1812?

16. How many presidents also served as Ambassador to the Court of St James's?

17. Who is only president to serve two non-consecutive terms?

18. How many presidents have been elected despite losing the popular vote?

19. Richard Nixon lost only one state in the 1972 election, prompting the bumper sticker "Don't blame me, I'm from ...". Where?

20. Which president reportedly said "I am not fit for this office and never should have been here"?

Answers to 20 Questions No. 80.

The monarchy answers from the May quiz were Princess Eugenie, Lady Sarah Chatto, Cedric Robinson MBE, Bulgaria, Clunies-Ross, 16, King George V, George IV, Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Charles, British Antarctic Territory, Norway, Elizabeth Alexandra Mary, Alexandrina, Treetops Hotel in Kenya, George Lascelles 7th Earl of Harewood, The Imperial Privy Council, Your Grace, the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh, and Colonel Thomas Blood. Just four entries this month from Lynn Cooper of Herts, Pamela Covey of Woburn, Tony Dodd of Belvoir and Roger Lord of Aylesbury with Tony winning the £10 voucher.