Regional News

Do you take full advantage of the benefits of Mensa? Even if you can't attend our social events due to work or family commitments, there are other ways to get involved. Join one of the multitude of Special Interest Groups and correspond with like-minded members on a huge range of subjects. Contact the Mensa office for a full list of what is available. You are entitled to join two SIGs free of charge and just pay for printing and postage for additional ones.

If you would like to chat to other members in the East Midlands region via email then we have a low traffic email group. To subscribe simply send a blank email to m-eastmidlands-chat-subscribe@yahoogroups.com. You can also participate in forums on the British Mensa web site at www.mensa.org.uk

Our regional web site at www.mensa.org.uk/eastmids is frequently updated (with many thanks to our web master Nick Stimpson) and includes reviews/photos of events, contact details for all our officers, the current issue of Empress for you to read online and more. There's a link to businesses run by Mensans and these are diverse as interior design, helicopter flying lessons, bungee trampoline hire, mobility scooter loan, machine tool servicing and balloon decorating. If you run a business and would like a link included please contact Nick. His details are listed on the back page of Empress.

If you enjoy our '20 questions' quizzes each month and would like to contribute one then they are most gratefully received by myself or either editor. Go on - challenge the minds of your fellow members!

I'm on [Phone Number] or [Email] and would love to hear from you.

Maxine Bates

Regional Officer

Events and Meetings

Lively Lincs

On Sat 10th Jul at 12:00pm - 2SaOTM

Second Saturday 10th July offers you a choice this month. You are very welcome to join us for conversation, with lunch/drinks in the coffee bar at The Collection, Danes Terrace. Usually we're at the far end of the room or outside if weather suitable, spot the yellow Mblem. All very welcome, for more details/encouragement please contact Christine on [Phone Number], or [Email]

On Sat 10th Jul at TBD - Americana Show

And, for something a little different, there is the Americana Show at Newark Showground which includes American vehicles and live country and western music. There will be about 50 bands playing over the three days and we're getting a group together for the Saturday. For more information please see www.americana-international.co.uk and contact Susan at [Email] if you want to join in.

On Thu 22nd Jul at 6:00pm - Jools Holland at the SO Festival

The SO Festival will be held in Skegness 22-25 July. Join Christine Howells at the Embassy theatre for the Jools Holland concert on the Thursday evening.

Jools will be joined on stage by his Rhythm & Blues orchestra drummer, Gilson Lavis, as well as vocalists Ruby Turner and Louise Marshall. Plus special guest performance from former Soft Cell frontman, Marc Almond. For tickets, contact the Embassy box office on 0845 674 0505.

Please join us in the bar of the Embassy theatre from 6.00pm where we will be prior to the concert. Contact [Email], [Phone Number], or look out for the yellow Mblem.

For full details of the festival, see www.sofestival.org/pages/about.html.

Jacquie Harrison

Notts News

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

Do join us from 8.00 pm on Monday 5th for our regular get together at the Vat & Fiddle pub on Queensbridge Road. The pub is near Nottingham railway station and adjacent to Castle Rock brewery so there's a good selection of real ales as well as good value soft drinks, coffee and other regular tipples. Look for the Mblem on the table usually to the left of the bar. New faces are always welcome.

This month's eating meeting is in Derby on 27th July but only down the A52 so easily accessible from Nottingham. See Derby Diary for details.

On Wed 14th Jul at 7:00pm - Chicks and Flicks

Our 'chicks & flicks' event starts at 7.00 pm on Wednesday 14th when we'll meet inside the doors to the Cornerhouse before heading round the corner to dine at Nando's then watch a film at Cineworld later. Unfortunately our plans to watch the new Robin Hood film on launch night were thwarted when a major fire at the edge of the city closed all roads so everyone had to detour and arrived late meaning we hadn't eaten in time to catch the film. Hopefully we'll have better luck this month. Contact me if you'd like to know film choices and to cast your vote what to see.

On Fri 16th Jul at 7:00pm - A night at the greyhounds

I'm organising our annual trip to Colwick Greyhound Stadium for Friday 16th meeting at the entrance at 7.00 pm. The group deal costs £10 per person and includes admission, race card, pie and pea supper, one drink and two bets. Under 18s are welcome to join us but can't participate in the group deal. Please book with me on [Phone Number] or [Email] by 2nd July latest. This is a fun and sometimes profitable night out.

Ciao for now!

Maxine Bates

Derby Diary

On Wed 21st Jul at 7:30pm - 3WOTM

Join our ever growing group at the Standing Order on Irongate. We range in age from 20s to 60s, some eat, some drink, some pop in for a short time, some stay all night. So you're sure to fit in! Contact Maxine on [Phone Number] or Alistair on [Phone Number] for directions or encouragement to come along. Or just find us in the low ceiling area at the rear of the pub.

On Tue 27th Jul at 7:30pm - Eating meeting

Italy meets the USA at Frankie & Benny's. Two courses for £9.95 or three courses for £11.90. We're going to the restaurant at Pride Park. Please reserve your place with Maxine on [Phone Number] or [Email] by 23rd latest. See menu at www.frankieandbennys.com

Alistair Blackett/Maxine Bates

Leicestershire Letter

On Sat 31st Jul at 7:30pm - Pub meeting

This month at The Saddle, Main Street, Twyford, LE14 2HU , which has recently been refurbished and was reopened in December. Twyford lies on the Melton to Market Harborough road (B6047), very roughly about halfway between Melton and the A47. [Email], tel. [Phone Number].

Sue Watford

On Thu 22nd Jul at 8:00pm - Pub meeting

Come join Paul Coulson at The Pub, New Walk Leicester for an evening of good company on Thursday 22nd July.

Paul Coulson

Northants NNotes

On Mon 5th Jul at 9:00pm - FMOTM

To paraphrase an old children's TV show: "It's Monday, it's 5th July and it's our 1MOTM meeting". At 9pm we will be as predictable as ever and frequenting the Malt Shovel in Northampton's Bridge Street. Join us for a drink and a chat at one of the tables towards the rear of the pub, or possibly in the beer garden if it's a nice night.

On Thu 15th Jul at 8:00pm - Roadshow

Our Roadshow meeting is on Thursday 15th July and we are going back to the Barley Mow in Paulerspury for the first time in nine months. We'll be there at 8pm so look for us at one of the tables to the right of the front door.

If you've not been there before, the village is west off the A5 a few miles south of Towcester (but don't get it confused with Potterspury).

For all pub meetings a copy of the Mensa mag will mark our position.

Ian Sargent

Herts Happenings

On Thu 1st Jul at 8:15pm - FThOTM

Regular first Thursday of the month meeting. We'll be around for our usual mix of lively conversation and a good atmosphere. As always, we're at the Millstream, Cambridge Road, Hitchin. Good food and good beer both available! Call me on [Phone Number] for more details and encouragement. The pub is about ten minutes walk from the railway station.

On Fri 30th Jul at 8:00pm - LFOTM

Join us at the Cowper Arms, Digswell (near Welwyn village) for Last Friday. Good food and good beer available to suit all tastes! The venue is next to Welwyn North railway station (Kings Cross - Cambridge and Peterborough line with trains every 30 minutes). Contact me on [Phone Number] for further details and encouragement.

Richard Allen

Mid Bucks

On Sun 18th Jul at 10:30am - Country Walk

Join me for a walk in the Chilterns starting from the Garden Centre in Studley Green. Expect about three hours walking on good footpaths and finish with a meal or refreshments at the Garden Centre café. There is a good chance of seeing red kites flying in this area.

Meet outside the Garden Centre on the A40 at half past ten on Sunday 18th July. There is a bus service available from High Wycombe and Stokenchurch and nearby parking.

Please ring me on [Phone Number] or e-mail me at [Email] for directions / encouragement.

Val Hinkins

Mensans In MK and Bedford

On Thu 1st Jul at 8:00pm - FThOTM

First Thursday is at our regular venue of the Jurys Inn Hotel on Midsummer Boulevard, on 1st July from 8 pm. Look out for the Mblem on one of the tables to the right in the foyer. 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 Sun 18th Jul at 12:30pm - Sunday lunch

The Thai Modern in Upper Fourth St (off Silbury Blvd - MK9 1EH for Satnav) does an excellent Sunday lunch buffet for £10.95 so we'll be going there on Sunday 18th July. We'll meet outside just before 12.30 - please be prompt or let me know you're coming so we can get the right sized table. NB - parking charges apply at weekends, and the parking attendants do patrol, so be sure to display a ticket!

From this month we have decided to stop holding 3WOTM meetings at The Old Beams, and stick to just one regular and one variable meeting each month. Attendance at meetings is often quite low, so we wondered if this might help to consolidate numbers at fewer meetings. If we decide at short notice to hold the occasional meeting there in future, it will be advertised on the East Midlands email list.

Hope to see you at one or both of the other two meetings this month,

Jo Sidebottom

Watever...

On Sun 11th Jul at 1:00pm - Sunday walk and picnic

Wendover woods - walk and picnic/bbq

We have moved away from our regular Monday this month, for a sunny Sunday get-together.

Situated on the northern edge of the Chiltern escarpment Wendover Woods affords spectacular views across the Aylesbury Vale.

Within 325 hectares of mixed coniferous and broadleaved woodland there is plenty to see and do.

Bring a picnic or if there's enough support we can also book an on site bbq.

How to get there: From the A41, take the Wendover exit (also signed Dunstable) and take the B4009 towards Aston Clinton. Take the first left towards Wendover. After approx 1/2 mile, take a left signposted Wendover Woods and St Leonards. The main entrance to the woods is found on the right. Parking is £3 for 4 hours.

Please let me know if you plan on coming along. I will arrange a meeting place nearer the time.

Look forward to seeing you all there!

e-mail addresses!

Another reminder about email addresses.

If you're not receiving regular email from me and would like to be included then please let me have a current email address and I will add you to the list.

David Seddon

Berkhamsted

On Wed 28th Jul at 7:45pm - LWOTM

We will meet at the Three Horseshoes at Winkwell, where we can sit beside the canal and enjoy the view, or be inside if it is too cold. All are welcome. Turn down the lane next to the Texaco Petrol station at Bourne End, half way between Berkhamsted and Hemel Hempstead, on the London Road.[The old A41]. I am looking forward to seeing you all.

Jenny Habib

Alistair Blackett (Re-)Introduces Himself

Hello my name is Alistair and I am new to Derbyshire but not new to Mensa. Some of you will know me from my days in High Wycombe or perhaps from even earlier times. Anyway I have just taken over as Derby (DE) Locsec and look forward to meeting many of you over the weeks and months ahead.

I will aim to have a regular programme of events continuing pub meeting in Derby each month and including eating meating and the occasional different event.

I would welcome your ideas or offers of assistance.I can be contacted on [Email]

Please note the new e mail address.

Regards

Alistair Blackett

Lakes Party Weekend

Friday 3rd-Monday 6th December 2010

A weekend event based at the CenterParcs Whinfell Forest village in Cumbria.Package costs £120 and includes three nights accommodation in a twin/double room, three parties, buffet meals, cocktail of the day, help-yourself bar throughout the weekend, unlimited access to the water dome, programme of events including walks, quizzes,cider tasting, tea tasting and much more.

See www.maruba-events.com for details.

Think Tank

This month's think tank is courtesy of Chris Maguire of Oakham.

What law would you introduce if you could?
No work on Fridays.
... and which would you repeal?
Home Information Packs1
Which charity do you most like to support?
World Vision
Name a place local to you that you'd recommend people visit
Rutland Water
Whose picture would you like to see on a bank note?
Prince Harry
What device would you like to see invented?
Something to eliminate pollution
How would you reform parliament?
Listen to the public.
Who would you like to see in the Big Brother house?
Gordon Brown.
How can we save the planet?
Stop being so wasteful and ungrateful.
Name an event at which the British could win an Olympic gold medal.
Rowing
What song would make a good national anthem for England?
Jerusalem.
Who would you like see entered into room 101?
High petrol prices
Suggest a new question for this page.
What would you suggest to prevent knife crime?

1Editor's Note - I think this is the only Think Tank suggestion received that has actually come true, between the time it was submitted and it being published.

Thanks to Chris and everyone who has submitted a Think Tank contribution. Do you have some good (or bad) answers to these questions? If so email me or write a letter, or simplest of all, visit http://www.mensa.org.uk/eastmids, click the "Think Tank" tab and complete the questionnaire on-line.

'20 Questions (No. 106)'

This months quiz tests your knowledge of world landmarks. Send your answers to '20 Questions (No. 106), 80 Milnhay Road, Langley Mill, Nottingham, NG16 4AW, to arrive by 20th July.

1. How long, in metres, is the Golden Gate Bridge?

2. The Empire State Building is situated on which thoroughfare in New York?

3. Which architect designed the Arch De Triomphe?

4. In which year did Sydney Opera House open?

5. What is the name of the huge statues found on Easter Island?

6. Hagia Sophia is situated in which city?

7. Who was the first US president to live in the White House?

8. The Atomium in Brussels was constructed for the World Expo in which year?

9. On which date was Pearl Harbor attacked?

10. 'Mona Lisa' hangs in the Louvre, but what do the French call this painting?

11. The Giant's Causeway in Ireland is made from which type of rock?

12. The Taj Mahal was built in memory of whom?

13. Who sculpted the four faces of US presidents into Mount Rushmore?

14. The largest pyramid at Chichen Itza, El Castillo, has how many steps?

15. What is the Aboriginal name for Ayers Rock?

16. How high, to the nearest metre, is each letter of the Hollywood sign?

17. The CN Tower in Toronto has how many floors?

18. Mount Fuji last erupted in which year?

19. The Hoover Dam is situated on the border of which two US states?

20. Which cocktail was invented in Raffles Hotel?

Answers to the car quiz in the May issue were Volksvagen Beetle, General Lee, DeLorean DMC 12, Cadillac Miller-Meteor, Herbie, Aston Martin Vanquish, Mustang GT 390, Plymouth Fury, Parker, The Bluesmobile, Mini Coopers, 93, Dudley Moore, Grand Theft Auto, Lightning McQueen, Morris Garage, Donald Campbell, GPS, Keswick and Pontiac Firebird Trans Am.

Entries were received from Lynn Cooper of Hertfordshire, Pamela Covey of Woburn, Michael Warren of Derby, Andy Cole of Cleethorpes, Alan Tonks of Mansfield, Maurice Kellner of Corby, Jacqueline Davies of Aylesbury, Roger Plant of Nottingham and Chris Impey of Tring with Michael winning the £10 book token.