The Cocktail Crew will be in action again of the 14th July.
 
A visit to Enid Blyton's cottage is also on the agenda for July.
 

Regional News

Recently I've had contact with several previously unknown members. Thank you for taking the time to get in touch. It's always nice to hear from members, whether new or longstanding, young or young-at-heart. Thank you especially if you've volunteered to help with our social events.

I note that we have a lot of teenage members living in the DE73, MK4, MK17, MK18, NG24 and NN13 postcode areas. Did you join as a result of taking the Mensa entrance test at school? If any of you would like to suggest an event I'll see if one can be arranged especially for your age group. Please do get in touch.

We are still seeking Local Secretaries to cover the Luton and Derby areas plus a Regional Publicity Officer to speak to the media if required. There are job descriptions for these roles but basically I'm happy for volunteers to give as much or as little time as they can spare as I wouldn't want an official job description to put you off! If you would like further information please get in touch for a chat. In fact if you would like to become more involved in Mensa then we can find a suitable role for you. We are all volunteers and many hands make light work! I'd be delighted to hear from you on [Phone Number] or [Email]

Maxine Bates

Regional Officer

Events and Meetings

Derby Diary

Three events this month involving food, drink and exercise.

On Wed 17th Jul at 7:30pm - 3WOTM

Our regular get together at the Standing Order on Irongate in the city centre takes place from 7.30pm on Wednesday 17th. Come along for a meal, snack or just a drink, pop in for half an hour or stay all evening. New faces always welcome. Find us displaying a yellow Mblem in the low ceiling area at the rear of the pub

On Sun 21st Jul at 10:00am - Walk and lunch

The last walk we did around Crich was popular so on Sunday 21st we're trying a different route. Meet at Ambergate railway station car park (£2.00 for 24 hours or free on-street parking may be available nearby) at 10.00am for a circular walk of four miles.

The route passes through Shining Cliff Woods, once a royal hunting forest and now a site of special scientific interest due to the huge variety of plants and animals so birdwatchers very welcome. You will see the Betty Kenny yew tree where Betty, her husband and eight children are said to have lived in the late 1700s. A bough was hollowed out to create a cradle and this is the origin of the "rock a bye baby" nursery rhyme.

After working up an appetite there will be an optional eat-as-much-as-you-like Chinese buffet lunch for £8 per person at the Memory Of China restaurant back near the railway station. Please phone beforehand to check the walk is still going ahead in case of rainy weather.

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

At 7.30pm on Tuesday 30th our "eating meeting" will be at Fresh Ground, King Street, Belper. This eatery comes highly recommended by Mensa members and serves tapas, deli plates and daily specials along with a selection of teas, coffees, soft drinks, wines and speciality beers at very reasonable prices. Please book your place by 26th so a table can be reserved.

Maxine Bates

Notts News

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

As our regular "5th of the month" get together falls on a Friday I'm making this a new members evening. So if you've never been to one of our social events before and would like to see what you've been missing, suggest events for the future and meet other members, why not pop along to the Vat & Fiddle pub on Queensbridge Road (near Nottingham Railway Station) any time from 8.00pm until late. We are usually in the Golding's Room to the left of the bar (that has a large window looking straight into the adjacent Castle Rock Brewery) and the Mensa logo will be on display. Feel free to phone/email in advance if you need some persuasion to come along. We don't bite!

On Thu 11th Jul at 7:30pm - Natter and nosh

From 7.30pm on Thursday 11th we'll be at the Beekeeper pub/restaurant on Meadow Lane in Beeston for our "natter & nosh" event. Come and eat and/or chat. It's a Hungry Horse venue so good value. This month we have vouchers for one free drink with every main meal ordered. So that's a pint of Greene King IPA, Fosters, Strongbow, 175ml glass of wine, a Woo Woo cocktail, Coke, diet Coke or lemonade. This is a popular event and members come and go throughout the evening so stay as long as you like. Look for a yellow Mblem on the long table at the end of the bar near the food order point.

On Sat 13th Jul at 12:00pm - Relay For Life

A team of us will be taking part in Nottingham Relay For Life from 12 noon Saturday 13th to 12 noon Sunday 14th. The venue is Harvey Hadden Stadium in Bilborough and you are welcome to visit us any time. There is free parking and free admission.

Proceeds from the event will go to Cancer Research UK.

Throughout daylight hours there is a whole entertainment programme (put together by yours truly!) including free zumba and burlesque classes, martial arts and re-enactment demonstrations, live bands playing a variety of music, themed fancy dress laps on the hour every hour, water zorbing, bunjay run and bouncy castle. Plus food stalls selling burgers, hot dogs, jacket potatoes, pastas, salads, soups, all day breakfasts and ice cream.

As well as at least one member of each team walking on the track for the entire 24 hours (to signify that cancer never sleeps) they will be organising fundraising activities too. Find us in the "Cocktail Crew" big white marquee, come and say hello, relax in our bar with a fruity cocktail and soak up the lovely fun family atmosphere.

All ages welcome!

If you, or anyone you know, have ever been diagnosed with cancer you are entitled to register for free and take part in the first lap as one of our guests of honour, receive a survivor T-shirt and attend a tea party at the event. Please get in touch if you'd like further information.

My "Cocktail Crew" team have already raised £5,000 this year for Cancer Research UK so a big thank you to everyone who has supported our raffles, sheep racing, greyhound racing, pamper night, quiz night, etc. It's very much appreciated.

Ciao for now!

Maxine Bates

Northants NNotes

There are four events in Northamptonshire this month so you've plenty of opportunity to socialise if you so wish.

On Wed 3rd Jul at 8:00pm - FWOTM

First up is a new monthly meeting on Wednesday 3rd July. This will be hosted by Les Draper Eames at The Compass, Green Street, Milton Malsor, NN7 3AT. At the time of writing I'm not sure of the start time but if you turn up for 8pm you won't go far wrong. Our regular Northampton meeting is 25 hours later:

On Thu 4th Jul at 9:00pm - FThOTM

Thursday 4th July at 9pm sees us at The Abington, Wellingborough Road, Northampton, NN1 4EY. Originally a hotel, this pub has gone through several incarnations over the years - from horribly trendy in the 1970s to having its own brewhouse about 15 years ago. If you enter through the main door on Wellingborough Road we will be in the room on the left.

On Sat 13th Jul at 12:30pm - FThOTM

Then we are heading off to one of the far-flung corners of the county for a lunchtime meal. It's on Saturday 13th July at 12.30pm, meeting at The Butchers Arms, Whittall Street, King's Sutton, OX17 3RD. Pre-booking not required but if you are coming along I'd appreciate being told so that I know who to expect. Once we have all met up we will grab some tables and make our selections from the menu (pay as you go). If it's a nice day we'll walk it off with a stroll round the village.

On Thu 18th Jul at 8:00pm - Roadshow

And now it's the turn of the Roadshow, which goes to a place I have been trying to put on the itinerary for a long time. On Thursday 18th July at 8pm we are going to Rushden Station, Station Approach, Rushden, NN10 0AW. The old railway station now hosts the Rushden Historical Transport Society and the old Ladies Waiting Room is now the bar. If you get there before 8pm meet us at the bottom of the stairs so that we can all go in together to be signed in. If you arrive later head to the bar and find someone to sign you in, then look for us. As it's a club there will be a £1 temporary membership fee to pay (unless you happen to be a member of the RHTS of course).

If you need any further information contact me on [Phone Number] or e-mail [Email].

Finally, I have to announce that I will be standing down as the Northampton LocSec as from the end of October - which means that the meetings on the 1st & 3rd Thursdays of the month will also cease unless someone else is willing to organise them

Ian Sargent

Herts Happenings

On Thu 4th Jul at 8:15pm - FThOTM

As ever, 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 26sth Jul at 8:00pm - LFOTM

As ever, we'll be at the Cowper Arms, Digswell, Herts (by Welwyn North station). Call me on [Phone Number] for more details and encouragement. The pub is next to the railway station, which is served by stopping trains from Kings Cross to Cambridge and Peterborough.

Richard Allen

Lively Lincs

On Sat 13th Jul at 12:05pm - 2SaOTM

Postponed from June, our pub discussion topic will involve challenging our gut reactions with, 'Exactly why are taboos like cannibalism and incest wrong?' To add your pennyworth, do join us at the Adam and Eve on Lindum Hill, Lincoln, Saturday 13th July from 12.05 until we all go home 2 or 3 hours later, stay as long or short a time as you like, just listen or join in, have lunch or not ......

On Tue 23rd Jul at 7:00pm - Eating meeting

For our midweek eating we are venturing out to the Pyewipe Inn on the Saxilby Road, Tuesday 23rd July at 7pm. All welcome but please book with me by Sat 20th, thanks.

On Sun 28th Jul at 2:30pm - Afternoon tea

The highlight of the month is another wonderful tea in Helen and Paul's lovely garden near Spilsby on Sunday 28th July, 2.30-5.30. All very welcome, just let them know you plan to attend to ease catering decisions, [Phone Number] or [Email]

Christine Howells

Mensans in MK & Bedford

On Wed 10th Jul at 8:00pm - Eating meeting

Our first get-together this month is a Mongolian barbecue meal at The Sizzling Wok, in The Broadway, Bedford, on Wednesday 10th. We've been here several times before and it's always popular - it's a very social type of meal where you help yourself to raw ingredients (meat, veg, spices and marinades) and then give them to the chefs to stir fry for you. You can go back as many times as you like, so it's good value. It's also great fun, so do give it a try if you've never been! We'll meet at 8pm, but please let me know by Monday 8th if you plan to come along, so I can book a table if necessary

On Mon 15th Jul at 8:30pm - 3MOTM

On Monday 15th we continue our Third Monday of the Month quiz meetings at The Barge at Woolstone. Please note that we will only be arriving from 8.30pm in time for the quiz at 9pm - we are no longer meeting earlier to eat first. The quiz costs £1 per person - there is no limit on team size, although if we have a large group we can always split into two. See www.vintageinn.co.uk/thebargewoolstone/ for location. If possible, please let me know beforehand if you're coming so we can reserve a big enough table.

On Sun 28th Jul at 10:30am - Sunday breakfast

Sunday breakfast will be at 10.30 am (please note the slightly later time!) on Sunday 28th at Wetherspoons on Midsummer Boulevard West, next to Chiquito's and not far up from the railway station (NOT the other Lloyds/Wetherspoons nearer the shopping centre and next to Jury's Inn). Come for a full breakfast, a snack, or just a drink - look for the Mblem on a table.

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 in July. 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

WATever . . .

On Mon 8th Jul at 8:00pm - A favourite book

"A favourite book", kindly hosted by David Silver.

Please contact me if you wish to attend and I can let you have the address details.

Share one your favourite books with us.

Please bring the usual small amount of nibbles or soft drink.

I will look for a convenient Saturday or Sunday date in July for a National Trust visit to Hughenden and circulate details by email..

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

Pub meeting King's Head, Bridge Road, Hunton Bridge WD4 8RE We usually meet upstairs in the 'gallery' area furthest from the bar. The pub is easy to find from the dual carriageway (A41 Watford Road) From Watford turn right at the traffic lights, over the small bridge and then on the right. Look for the magazine or ask at the bar. New members are warmly welcomed.

David Seddon

Mid Bucks

Red and yellow flowers set into an wave shaped border cut into a lawn
Statue from the gardens

2013 marks the 75th anniversary of Enid Blyton coming to live in Beaconsfield. She remained in this area until shortly before her death in 1968. Both our events this month are related to Enid Blyton. No need to book in advance, but if you let me know you are coming on [Phone Number] or e-mail me at [Email] I will look out for you.

On Thu 4th Jul at 10:30am - Coffee morning

Firstly, please join me at Jung's Continental Bakery and Patisserie on the Broadway in Beaconsfield for relaxed coffee, delicious cakes and pastries and pleasant chat from 10:30am onwards on Thursday, 4th July. After coffee we will walk to Beaconsfield Library to look at their celebratory exhibition on Enid Blyton's life and work.

On Sun 21st Jul at 2:30pm - Enid Blyton cottage gardens

Continuing the Enid Blyton theme, we will visit the gardens of her former cottage at Old Thatch, Coldmoorholme Lane, Bourne End, Bucks. SL8 5PS on the afternoon of Sunday 21st July. Meet at the entrance at 2:30pm. See http://www.oldthatchgardens.co.uk/finding.htm for directions and parking. Refreshments are available at the cottage. If the weather is good we may go for a walk along the Thames afterwards. Please ring me on [Phone Number] or e-mail me at [Email] for directions / encouragement.

Looking further ahead, this year's open air Shakespeare at Hughenden Manor is on Sunday 25th August. Heartbreak Productions are performing Romeo and Juliet in the gardens, starting at 7pm. Please book your own tickets (Adults £16) by calling 0844 249 1895.

For directions or encouragement please contact me on [Email] or [Phone Number]

Val Hinkins

Think Tank

This month's think tank is courtesy of Charles Goldman of Welwyn Garden City

What law would you introduce if you could?
Ban spitting in the street
Congestion charges.
IFAW. (the International Fund for Animal Welfare)
Name a place local to you that you'd recommend people visit
Stanborough Lakes
Whose picture would you like to see on a bank note?
Sir Alf Ramsey
What device would you like to see invented?
Portable lie detector
How can we save the planet?
Ban use of Palm oil
How would you reform parliament?
Re-adjust constituency boundaries so they have equal number of votes per MP.
Who would you like to see in the Big Brother house?
Peter Mandelson
Name an event at which the British could win an Olympic gold medal.
Queuing
What song would make a good national anthem for England?
Yesterday!
And what law would you repeal? Which charity do you most like to support?

'20 Questions (No. 142)'

The geographical answers to the May competition were Dublin, Ljubljana, Budapest, Vienna, Poland, Spain, Vesuvius, Santorini, Austria, Sweden, Malta, York, Cologne, Norway/Sweden/Denmark, France/Germany/Italy, Rhine, Elbe, Iona), Isle of Wight and Finland.

Just five entries this month from Pamela Covey of Woburn, Michael Warren of Derby, Una Adams of Corby, Philip Abbott of Watford and David Lewis of Hitchin. Everyone got 20 out of 20 and the winner drawn at random was Una.

1. Cosmetics calling

2. The river under the wing of a Boeing 777

3. Coleridge's unseen Antarctic river seems incomplete

4. Source of Jeff Bezos' wealth

5. An English butler in New York state

6. Corridor VII visits four capital cities

7. Faustian inventor of the British Empire

8. A 1976 number one for Pussycat

9. Where to fly-fish in international cricket

10. Chancellor of the Exchequer to Gordon Brown's PM

11. Enya claimed this Womble flowed

12. The gorilla almost said "You Ann Darrow ."

13. The Indian river that trained naval cadets

14. Teletubbies could not say lavatory

15. Many took a taxi here

16. Christie's 1970 number one

17. Dominant party in both Uruguay and Paraguay

18. A North American river on a grid iron

19. This freak was chic

20. Fictional professor of rheology by title

This month's quiz is compiled by Les Hurst and all the answers contain the name of a river. Send your entries to arrive by 20th July by post to '20 Questions (No. 142)', [Address], or by email to [Email]. The winner will receive a £10 national book token.