A pair of photographs showing the walkers entering the old railway tunnel, and posing inside the tunnel
A walk along the Brampton Valley Way, which follows the trackbed of the old Northampton-Market Harborough Railway.
 

Regional News

Hot on the heels of our regional events in Buxton and Tamworth, this month we have a team event with members from around the East Midlands region and beyond taking part in Relay For Life in Nottingham. This is a 24 hour event in aid of Cancer Research UK and if you are able to get to Harvey Hadden Stadium any time between midday Saturday 2nd and midday Sunday 3rd July we'd be delighted to see you. Look for the "Cocktail Crew" marquee as you enter the stadium. There will be a variety of entertainment throughout the day such as live music, demonstrations, stalls and attractions, fancy dress laps as we walk round the athletics track plus, as night falls, the candle of hope ceremony. All money spent at this event goes to this worthwhile charity and donations are also most gratefully received at www.donatetomyrelay.org/cocktailcrew. Thanks to our generous friends we're already half way to our fundraising target.

This month sees the launch of the Mensa geocaching activity which is the idea of Watford LocSec, David Seddon. Best described as a global hi-tech treasure hunt it offers fun, exercise and chance to win some Mensa goodies. See the article in Mensa Magazine for how to get involved and let us, at Empress, know how you get on.

As always we have a range of local social events to hopefully tempt you out from pub get togethers to restaurant visits to theatre trips to walks to parties. Do contact either myself or your Local Secretary if you have other event suggestions. Milton Keynes LocSec, Jo Sidebottom, is also working on some talks for October as part of the "Mensa Brilliant" series of events celebrating our society's 65th anniversary. Watch this space as details are finalised. Or join our email group by sending a blank email to m-eastmidlands-subscribe@yahoogroups.com and be the first to find out about our events.

I'm always happy to hear from you on [Phone Number] or [Email]

Maxine Bates

Regional Officer

Events and Meetings

photo of Christine Howells

Lively Lincs

On Sat 9th Jul at 12:00pm - Conversations over lunch/drinks

There is the usual 2SaOTM on 9th at The Collection, Lincoln where we meet 12-2 for lunch, or you're welcome just to drop in for a quick cofffee with us. For info., contact Christine, details below.

On Sun 10th Jul at 2:30pm - Afternoon tea in the garden

Weather permitting, Helen & Paul Shovlar are offering the enjoyments of conversation, croquet, home-made jam and, hopefully, strawberries at their house near Spilsby on Sunday, 10th. Please ring [Phone Number], or [Email] for arrangements and directions.

On Sat 16th Jul at 10:30am - Beach Hut Day

No matter the weather, it is a beach hut day on Saturday 16th at Mablethorpe. We will be there from 10.30, everyone is welcome to join us for as much of the day as suits them. The intrepid may swim and the crazy golf is a must this year. For details, [Email], [Phone Number].

Christine Howells

Contact [Email] for details

photo of Maxine Bates

Notts News

Lots happening this month but mostly in the first week of July which is just how things have fallen into place.

On 2nd/3rd Jul at 12:00pm - Relay for Life

If you are free during the afternoon/evening of Saturday 2nd or morning of Sunday 3rd July please do come along to Harvey Hadden Stadium in Bilborough and support the "Cocktail Crew" team who are taking part in Relay For Life in aid of Cancer Research UK. Walk a lap of the track with one of our team, buy a non-alcoholic cocktail and relax in our bar - we've bagged the first pitch as you enter the stadium so should be easy to find! - listen to the live bands on stage, watch demonstrations, take part in a zumba class, visit the stalls and attractions and much more. This is a fun 24 hour event in aid of a very worthwhile charity. Do join us if you can.

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

On Tuesday 5th we'll be recovering from our walking marathon by having a relaxing drink at the Vat & Fiddle pub. Come along any time from 8 until late. We usually sit to the left of the bar where a yellow Mblem will be on display. The pub is on Queensbridge Road next to Castle Rock Brewery and close to Nottingham railway station.

On Wed 6th Jul at 7:30pm - Calendar Girls

The following evening we're going to the Theatre Royal to watch "Calendar Girls" - the true story of ordinary women doing extraordinary things and starring Lesley Joseph (of Birds Of A Feather), Ruth Madoc (of Hi De Hi), Camilla Dallerup (of Strictly Come Dancing) and more. We've already purchased front row seats in the upper circle costing £23 each. You are welcome to buy your own and join us. The performance starts at 7.30 pm on Wednesday 6th.

On Wed 13th Jul at 7:00pm - Chicks and Flicks

Meet us inside the main doors to the Cornerhouse in the city centre at 7.00 pm on Wednesday 13th for our "chicks & flicks" event which is a meal at Nando's followed by optional film at Cineworld. This is a very informal and good value night out and new faces are always welcome.

On Sat 30th Jul at 7:00pm - Party Night

Finally there is a party night with disco and buffet from 7.00 pm to midnight on Saturday 30th in the function room at Eastwood Town Football Club. Tickets cost £6 with proceeds going to Cancer Research UK. Sorry, over 16s only. There is a theme of "silly shirts and dreadful dresses" so feel free to rummage through your local charity shop and join the fun!"

For further information or to book for any of these events please contact me on [Phone Number] or [Email]

Ciao for now!

Maxine Bates

Contact [Email] or [Phone Number] for details

Leicestershire Letter

On Thu 21st Jul at 8:00pm - 3ThOTM

Our third-Thursday of the month get-together will take place at The Craddock on Knighton Lane in Leicester - look out for me in the lower bit. Details of the place can by found at http://www.everards.co.uk/pubs/cradock_arms_42, but please feel free to drop me a line or give me a call on [Phone Number] if you're coming along so I know to look out for you.

On Tue 26th Jul at 8:00pm - Italian meal

On Tuesday 26th we're dining at Livio's Italian restaurant in Shepshed. As well as their a la carte menu the Tuesday special offer is a pasta dish with glass of wine for £7.95. See www.livios.co.uk. Please reserve your place by 22nd with Maxine on [Phone Number] or [Email] so a table can be reserved for 7.30 pm.

Paul Coulson

Derby Diary

Summer should well and truly be upon us now (though I write this in May!). I expect that the diaries of most Mensans are getting full, certainly mine is! Accordingly just the one event in July.

In August I am hoping to arrange some extra events. I've already had a request to repeat the enjoyable golf driving range event and hopefully that will go ahead next month. I would welcome hearing suggestions for events from regular and new Mensans as well as those that haven't been active for some time.

On Wed 20th Jul at 7:30pm - 3WOTM

Join Alistair for the regular well attended Derby pub meet in the Standing Order; a Wetherspoon's pub in Irongate. Call Alistair on [Phone Number] or [Email] for info and encouragement. No need to pre book.

Alistair Blackett

photo of Ian Sargent

Northants NNotes

The notice for our walk on 2nd May warned that a torch was needed - and it's purpose was revealed to the participants when the route led us into an old railway tunnel. A wrong turning beyond the tunnel meant that a 3 mile walk turned into a 4½ one, but as it was a nice day no one minded too much. Look out for another later in the year.

On Thu 7th Jul at 9:00pm - FThOTM

Meanwhile, the 1st Thursday meeting heads to Abington Vale in Northampton on Thursday 7th July. The Road To Morocco in Bridgwater Drive receives its first ever Mensa visit, and we'll be in the lounge if you want to join us from 9pm.

On Thu 21st Jul at 8:00pm - Roadshow

Our second meeting of the month is the Roadshow, which is again venturing to pastures new. The village of Denford is a mile or so west of the A45, just south of its junction with the A14 at Thrapston. Meet us in the bar of the Cock Inn on the High Street from 8pm (SatNav users should head for NN14 4EQ).

Ian Sargent

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

photo of Jo Sidebottom

Mensans In MK and Bedford

On Thu 7th Jul at 8:00pm - FThOTM

Our regular First Thursday meeting is at 8pm on 7th July at Jurys Inn Hotel on Midsummer Boulevard. We are away, so Becky Cave has kindly volunteered to host instead. 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. Contact Becky on 07941 168 131 or Jo as above.

On Sun 17th Jul at 10:15am - Sunday Breakfast

Our second meeting this month is Sunday breakfast on 17th July at Carluccio's in the Centre:MK (aka Destination Dining). We will be there from 10.15 am, probably in one of the red booths outside the restaurant. Feel free to come for a full breakfast, a snack, or just a drink.

On Sun 31st Jul at 11:00am - Walk and Lunch

Finally, please join us at 11am on Sunday 31st to explore the historic market town of Buckingham, in a walk starting from the Cornwalls Meadow car park just off the High Street. We will finish off with lunch at a suitable local pub or restaurant. (see http://eplanning.aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk/CarParks/buckingham.htm for location).

We hope to see as many of you as possible at one or other of our events in June.

Jo Sidebottom

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

photo of Richard Allen

Herts Happenings

On Thu 14th Jul at 8:15pm - 2ThOTM

Regular first Thursday of the month meeting - except it's on the second Thursday to avoid clashing with hols! Come and join us! We'll be around for our usual mix of lively conversation and a good atmosphere. I'll try not to bore you with holiday anecdotes! 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. Note that if you're driving, it is expected that the roadworks in the area will have finished by now, but if not, there is a signed diversion if coming from the west and the town centre. (Access from the east is possible without restriction.)

On Fri 29th Jul at 8:00pm - LFOTM

Join us at the Cowper Arms, Digswell (near Welwyn village). 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). There is also a pleasant outdoor seating area if the weather is fine. Contact me on [Phone Number] for further details and encouragement.

Richard Allen

Contact [Email] or [Phone Number] for details

photo of Jenny Habib

Berkhamsted

On Wed 27th Jul at 7:45pm - LWOTM

The meeting will be at the Old Mill on Berkhamsted High Street at the end nearest to Hemel Hempstead. There is a car park, but this is popular so try to be there early.

We meet at the end beyond the bar, where it is usually quieter. Turn right as you come into the pub, and walk to the end, we will be on your right. If the weather is good enough we may move outside, near the canal, so just look around before you come in.

I do hope you will all come, I am hoping to see everyone.

Jenny Habib

Contact [Email] or [Phone Number] for details

photo of David Seddon

Watever...

On Mon 11th Jul at 8:00pm - An introduction to Geocaching

Venue to be advised nearer the time as we may spend time looking for a Mensa Brilliant Day geocache.

Please do contact me if you would like to attend. If the weather is fine then it will involve a short talk. This will be followed by a walk and a search around followed by a visit to the nearest pub! Let's hope the weather is fine.

On Mon 25th Jul at 8:00pm

Our regular pub meeting is at the Essex Arms, Langley Way, Watford. WD17 3EG. Please look for the Magazine on the table.

If you haven't ever been to one of our pub meetings, please do try and come along.

You will receive a very warm welcome from a friendly group.

David Seddon

Contact [Email] or [Phone Number] for details

photo of Val Hinkins

Mid Bucks

On Sat 30th Jul at 2:30pm - Martyrs' Walk

This year is the 500th anniversary of the death of the first Amersham Martyr. Seven Protestants, six men and one woman, were burned to death at the stake in Amersham during the fifteenth century. They were members of a religious group called the Lollards, who believed that they should be allowed to read the Bible in English rather than in Latin and wanted the freedom to worship in their own way.

The Martyrs' Memorial at Amersham was erected to their memory by the Protestant Alliance in 1931. It is tucked away in the corner of a field behind the houses on Station Road and was unveiled by Mrs L R Raine a direct descendant of Thomas Harding, one of the Martyrs commemorated.

Meet me just before 2:30pm on Saturday 30th July at Amersham Museum, 49 High Street, Old Amersham, where we will join a guided walk led by Museum staff around Amersham and up to the Martyrs' memorial. Cost is £2 for adults, children under 16 are free. It will take about two hours and afterwards we will find somewhere in Amersham for refreshments.

Please let me know if you are planning to join us - the museum will make extra guides available if needed as long as they know we are coming! Ring me on [Phone Number] or e-mail me at [Email] to book.

Val Hinkins

Contact [Email] or [Phone Number] for details

Member Moments

Congratulations to Lincolnshire member Christina on her engagement to Tim.

Congratulations to Elisa and Iain of Derbyshire on the premature arrival of their baby boy, Tobias Robin.

Mini Olympic Tour

A mini Olympic tour, starting off at the Viewing Gallery in a local tower block, for an overview, with a professional guide

Then by coach, go to The View Tube, to take close ups of the Olympic Stadium, The Aquatic Centre and The Mittal Orbit.

Then by coach to Excel ' the jewel in the crown' that helped London in securing the 2012 bid. Then to the top of the Royal Victoria Footbridge and a presentation about Excel (which will also be hosting Martial Arts in the 2012 Games) and the other developments, Cable Car etc. Time permitting, go to Thames Barrier Park, London's First major riverside park in over 50 years. The park is absolutely beautiful.

This needs to be pre-booked. It is only possible to do this with an official guide. Numbers are limited to 20. Cost will be about £30 per person, all inclusive, except for transport to and from Stratford station. Please contact me asap to book your place. Some members came last year, where we just did the view from the tower block. This includes much more.

Anthony C Robin, 0 1206 571910, anthony_robin@hotmail.com

Hearing Impaired Special Interest Group (HISIG)

Portrait photo of Sandra Dowe

Thank you, Maxine for inviting us to tell our East Midland members about HISIG. The group began in 1987. Dawn Macfarlane of County Galway Ireland was the first SIG secretary and editor of the newsletter 'HI-NOTE', followed by Donald Macleod of Cambridge and then David Townsend of London till 1992 when there were 51 members.

Then there was a lapse, possibly because David had computer trouble. There were no newsletters for several years so members were contacted to say the Group was in danger of folding. Helen Chapman of Surrey came to the rescue and began a fresh newsletter with a new issue 1 in 1997 when membership had dwindled to 11. Helen built up membership to 35+ and, having firsthand experience of profound deafness, breathed new life into the group and elicited varied contributions. After 6 years, in 2003 Helen passed the work of secretary and editor of HI-NOTE to Paul Truelove of Birmingham in the West Midlands. Paul has long personal experience of a moderate hearing loss plus tinnitus that made school life difficult. His job as a radiographer gave his newsletters a more medical/scientific slant. Unfortunately Paul's term was cut short by the need for surgery and Neil Matthews, SIGs Officer, sought a replacement. I offered my services and took over from Paul in September 2004. I live in the tiny village of Tingrith in Central Bedfordshire which is in the East Midlands.

In February 2006 I was invited by Neil to a SIGS training day in York. I can thoroughly recommend these training days. The result was that our newsletters had coloured front and back pages and I no longer had to send hard copies to HQ for photocopying, just emailed editions and the staff prints and distributes issues. MENSA members are also able to obtain electronic copies of issues. In addition to our 35 - 40 members we recruited about a dozen members who obtain PDF copies without the cost of receiving hard copies.

I have been lucky to have the help of the past 2 editors, Paul, who is recovering well from surgery and Helen who continues to contribute interesting articles and both recently received MENSA Certificates of Appreciation. We have 3 newsletters per year. HISIG is a small group but we share experiences and our interest in deafness brings us together.

Sandra Dowe

'20 Questions (No. 118)'

Just seven entries to our May competition from Helene Parry of Brentford, Chris Newbold of Quorn, Pamela Covey of Woburn, Chris Benger of Bedfordshire, Pat Naylor of Nottingham, Marianne Croll of Derby and Chris Impey of Tring.

The answers were Dublin, Bratislava, Albania, English Channel, Harland & Wolff, Germany, Ireland, Holyhead, Citroen, Catalan, Porto, Rance, RENFE, Slovenia, Waterloo, Shannon, Tarom, Hornindalsvatnet, Rhine and Sweden. The winner of the £10 book token was Pamela.

This month's quiz is about medical matters. Send your entries to arrive by 20th July to '20 Questions (No. 118)', 80 Milnhay Road, Langley Mill, Nottingham, NG16 4AW.

1. Acapnia is the lack of what in the blood?

2. Which metal is most commonly used in dental fillings?

3. What is the main cause of hypovoleamic shock?

4. The clostridium tetani bacterium causes which medical condition?

5. Carpal tunnel syndrome affects which part of the body?

6. The letters DNA stand for what?

7. What disorder is characterised by sudden lapses into a deep sleep?

8. Haematoma is more commonly known as what?

9. The tsetse fly that causes sleeping sickness lives only in which continent?

10. Beriberi is a disease caused by lack of which vitamin?

11. What is the name for the study of blood?

12. Which plant is the source of codeine, heroin and morphine?

13. The trachea is the medical term for which part of the anatomy?

14. Which vitamin is found in leafy green vegetables?

15. Encephalitis is the inflammation of what?

16. Bell's palsy is the paralysis of which part of the body?

17. What does the P in CPR stand for?

18. Hypoxia is a condition caused by the lack of what in the body?

19. Rickets is caused by a deficiency of which vitamin?

20. Which branch of medical science deals with the diseases and care of children?