Editorial
This is my first time editing Empress and I've been looking for a theme for this issue - once I started reading through the contributions, it became clear that the theme should be 'get involved'. This month we have people in new roles, new events and events specifically for new members; it's the perfect time to meet fellow Mensans or volunteer for one of the vacant roles. What are you waiting for?
Although I'm currently living in Northampton, I'm not a local. I moved here 6 months ago and I know very little about the local area - something I hope my involvement with Empress will help me to address. It looks like there are a lot of interesting events happening in July so I'm going to make an effort to get involved, I hope those of you still on the side-lines choose this month to do the same.
Lucy Bengry
Guest Editor
Regional News
This month Empress may have a different look as we have Lucy Bengry from Northampton guest editing following our appeal for volunteers to fill various roles in the region. Thank you Lucy for having a go and hopefully we'll be welcoming you aboard the team soon! Robin Healey becomes our Regional Media Contact and introduces himself in this issue. However, we are still seeking members to fill the positions of Derby, Luton and Northampton Local Secretaries. Although there were several expressions of interest nothing has materialised as yet. The role doesn't have to be difficult or time-consuming. Why not give it a go?
I'm delighted to see a number of one-off events taking place over the summer and autumn starting with a posh afternoon tea in Nottingham on Sunday 6th July and a day out in Southwell on Saturday 12th July. Val Hinkins is planning an exclusive visit to Middle Temple on Friday 17th October. Details will appear as finalised but you can contact Val to express interest as numbers are strictly limited. The anticipated cost of this tour plus lunch in the Hall is £25 per person. Thanks also to Rowena and Mark in Welwyn for hosting a selection of fun events throughout the year ranging from pancake parties to crazy croquet to BBQs that have been known to attract members from Ireland and Germany too.
As always, if you have suggestions for future events don't hesitate to contact either myself or your LocSec. I'm on [Phone Number] or [Email]
Maxine Bates
Regional Officer
Events and Meetings
Mid Bucks
On Sun 13th Jul at 2:00pm - Museum - Mediaeval Life
Craft, cookery and combat demonstrations are promised by the Chilterns Open Air Museum's Mediaeval Life weekend in Chalfont St. Giles. Post code is HP8 4AB. Admission to the museum costs £9.50 for an adult. Various concessionary rates and family tickets are available. Full details can be found at http://www.coam.org.uk
The museum is home to many reconstructed historic buildings including a post war prefab from Amersham, mediaeval cottages, an iron age house and a working forge. I suggest we avoid the realistic replica mediaeval latrine! There is also a second hand bookshop in the information centre, a tea room and other refreshment outlets.
Meet inside the Museum at Skippings Barn on the village green at 2pm to plan our afternoon. For further details or encouragement please contact me.
On Thu 17th Jul at 10.30am - Morning coffee
Meet me from 10.30am onwards for a morning of informal conversation and coffee. This month we are returning to The Grocer @ 91, 91 High Street, Old Amersham, HP7 0DT. This is a very small café so I will get there early to reserve a table. It would be helpful to know you are coming in advance so that I can assemble enough chairs, but you will still be welcome if you just turn up on the day.
Street parking is available immediately outside or there are car parks a short walk away. For further information on the venue see http://www.thegrocerat91.co.uk
Looking further ahead to October, I am arranging a visit to the Middle Temple. The visit includes a guided tour followed by a buffet lunch in Hall. The cost would be £25 which would have to be paid in the middle of August when the booking is made.
At this stage I am just trying to assess the level of interest - we need to ensure we can get enough people to cover the minimum cost for the tour. If you are definitely keen to attend, please let me know by the end of July. I will then finalise arrangements if there is enough interest to go ahead.
Val Hinkins
Contact [Email] or [Phone Number] for details
Berkhamsted
On Thu 31st Jul at 7.45pm - LThOTM
Our regular meeting is moving to "The Crown", High Street Berkhamsted, so do come and try it out from 7.45pm. Parking across the road behind Tesco's free after 6.00 pm. Have a drink or eat with us. The pub does pub meals at very reasonable prices. Look for the Mensa Mag. New members, partners etc. always welcome. Free Car Parking
Jenny Habib
Contact [Email] or [Phone Number] for details
Hertfordshire Happenings
On Thu 3rd Jul at 8.15pm - FThOTM
Richard's on holiday this month so I'm hosting; as ever, we're at the Millstream, Cambridge Road, Hitchin from 8.15pm. Good food and good beer both available! Call me on 07910 693695 or at rowenamlove@gmail.com for more details and encouragement. The pub is about ten minutes' walk from the railway station.
Rowena Love
Contact [Email] or [Mobile Number] for details
On Fri 25th Jul at 8.00pm - LFOTM
I'm back from my hols and look forward to seeing you! (Promise I won't bore you with my photos!) As ever, we'll be at the Cowper Arms, Digswell, Herts (by Welwyn North station) from 8.00pm. 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
Contact [Email] or [Phone Number] for details
Lively Lincs
On Sat 5th Jul at 6:00pm - Open air theatre
After last year's fun, we are returning to Gunby Hall, a National Trust property near Spilsby, for a spot of outdoor theatre, Wuthering Heights, and byo picnic. For details see Gunby Hall website, tickets, £14, available from Gunby Hall or"www.seetickets.com. Do let me know to look out for you.
On Sat 12th Jul at 11.00am - Workhouse tour and Lunch
July sees us doing something completely different. Instead of the usual Lincoln discussion meeting we are going on a 'field trip' to Southwell to visit the Workhouse and consider the ethics and efficacy of the system. There are various parts of the day, feel free to join in as many as you like.
We're meeting at the Workhouse just outside Southwell a bit before 11.00am so that we can join in their welcome tour. At 12.00pm the main building opens and we're then going to have a wander around that. There are audio-guides available if you like that sort of thing and various human guides around the place to help with any questions.
Then we are off to The Hearty Goodfellow, short drive into Southwell itself, for a pub lunch and a bit of a chat about the Workhouse system if we haven't already done enough. There will undoubtedly be plenty more general chat over their excellent food. There is a car park available.
Some of us may wander along for an amble round the Minster. There will be a rehearsal for that evening's concert, so restricted access but free music. Others may amble around the town. Stalwarts are likely to repair, after a suitable interval, to the Horological Institute's tearoom at Upton for cakes on the way home. It would help if you could let me know to expect you for any part and especially if you would like to join us for lunch as they are likely to get busy and I need to book a suitable table for lunch.
This year, Helen and Paul will be holding their annual wonderful 'tea in the garden', near Spilsby, at the beginning of August rather than July. So, a date for your diary: Sunday 3rd August, more details next month.
Christine Howells
Contact [Email] for details
Mensans in MK & Bedford
On Thu 3rd Jul at 8.00pm - American meal
Our first get-together this month is an American meal at the new Stateside Grille at 8.00pm. It's in CBX on Midsummer Boulevard - the unit that was Prosecco, where we attempted to go last year only to find it had closed down, so hopefully we will have more luck this time. We have tried it a couple of times and found both the food and service quite good. Please let me know by Tuesday 1st if you plan to come so I can reserve a table.
On Sun 13th Jul at 10.00am - Sunday breakfast
Sunday breakfast will be at 10.00am at Carluccio's in the Centre:MK. We will be away, so Becky will be hosting in our absence. You will probably find her in one of the red booths just in front of the restaurant- look for the Mblem on a table. Come for a full breakfast, a snack, or just a drink. Please note: let Becky know by Saturday 12th at Rebecca.cave@taxwriter.co.uk, 01908 295645 or 07941 168131 if you are coming, otherwise she may cancel if there are no takers.
On Mon 21st Jul at 8.30pm - 3MOTM
We continue our Third Monday of the Month quiz meetings at The Barge at Woolstone, this time hosted by David & Carol. Meet from 8.30pm in time for the quiz at 9.00pm - cost is £1 per person.
See www.vintageinn.co.uk/thebargewoolstone/ for location and, if possible, let David know beforehand if you're coming so he can reserve a big enough table. Look for the Mblem on a table or call David's mobile on [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 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. Finally I would like to thank Becky, David & Carol for kindly volunteering to host meetings this month while we're away on holiday.
Jo Sidebottom
Contact [Email] or [Phone Number] / [Mobile Number] for details
More or Leicester
On Mon 7th Jul at 7.30pm - FMOTM
In the 1850's, William Flint built the Leicester Corn Exchange, and it was subsequently modified just a few years later by F W Ordish.
For some reason, they included a bridge on the outside of the building, even though it's situated miles from any water. Why not come along and speculate why the flippin' 'heck they'd want to do that at some informal dining at the Wetherspoons that the building now hosts at 7.30pm?
On Thu 31st Jul at 8.00pm - 5ThOTM
Our usual "Fourth Thursday" becomes a "Fifth Thursday" this month due to other commitments. Everything else - the location (The Craddock), the time (8.00pm), the excellent company (me) - remains the same!
For more information about any of the above, or just a chat, give me a call on [Phone Number] or email [Email]
I look forward to seeing you soon!
Paul Coulson
Notts News
On Fri 4th Jul at 7.00pm - At home
Lots happening in the first half of this month from Langley Mill in the west to Southwell in the east of the county. Starting with an 'at home' event from 7.00pm. This will be at my home in Langley Mill and, as it's Independence Day, there will be an American theme with an optional quiz and tex mex supper of chilli, rice, potato wedges, nachos with toppings and maybe a dessert or two. Please let me know if you are coming to help my catering.
On Sat 5th Jul at 8.00pm - 5OTM
The following evening it's our regular '5th of the month' at the Vat & Fiddle pub on Queensbridge Road in Nottingham. As it's a Saturday I'm making this a new members night. So if you've never attended one of our social events, why not pop along to meet other members and find out what you're missing? We should be in the Golding's Room to the left of the bar. Do phone in advance if you need some encouragement to come along or if you're nervous about walking in alone and would like me to meet you at the door. We'll be there from 8pm until late.
On Sun 6th Jul at 1.00pm - Afternoon tea
Our third event of that weekend takes place at Strelley Hall (NG8 6PE) between 1.00pm and 5.00pm. This will be afternoon tea served by our own waitresses in their Georgian Panelled Room and Morning Room. Enjoy a selection of teas, sandwiches, homemade cakes, scones with jam and clotted cream accompanied by background classical music. There will be optional croquet on the lawn, weather permitting. Tickets cost £10 per person with all proceeds going to Cancer Research UK. Our last event of a supper and quiz night at Strelley Hall was hugely popular and this looks like being the same. Contact me to purchase tickets as we need numbers in advance to help catering please. Feel free to invite friends and family and you are welcome to 'dress to impress' if you want to pretend you're at the Ritz!
On Thu 10th Jul at 7.30pm - Natter & nosh
We're at the Beekeeper on Meadow Lane in Beeston for our 'natter & nosh' event. Join us any time from 7.30pm until closing for a meal or just a drink. This Hungry Horse venue is reasonably priced and you'll find us on the long table just beyond the food order point at the end of the bar. Just look for the yellow Mblem on the table.
Finally the Lincoln group are heading over to Southwell for a day out touring the Workhouse, enjoying a pub lunch, visiting the Minster, pottering around the town and sampling the cakes at the tea rooms at the Horological Institute. You may join in any or all of the day but an idea of numbers for lunch would be very helpful so a table can be reserved. Please contact Lincoln LocSec Christine for further details.
Ciao for now!
Maxine Bates
Contact [Email] or [Phone Number] for details
Derby Diary
As my home is actually on the Notts/Derbys border you may be interested in my American themed event. Please see the Notts News section for details.
On Wed 16th Jul at 7.30pm - 3WOTM
From 7.30pm on we're at the Standing Order on Irongate in the city centre for any combination of food, drink and chatter. Look for the yellow Mblem on one of the long tables in the rear section of the pub.
On Tue 29th Jul at 7.30pm - Eating meeting
Our 'eating meeting' takes place in Ripley at 7.30pm and will be a Spanish tapas evening at Sweet Temptations on Church Street. The owner is a friend of mine and will be creating a menu and opening especially for our group. The cost is £15.95 per person. Advance booking is essential so please let me know by 10th if you'd like to come along to this special event.
Maxine Bates
Contact [Email] or [Phone Number] for details
New Regional Media Contact
Robin Healey of Royston
"I joined Mensa in 1988, not long after a fellow member of our Scrabble team had hinted that it might be worth doing the home test. I had taken it many years earlier, but can't recall my score. I first heard of Mensa while at Swansea Grammar School, when a younger fellow pupil called Dorien Smith attracted a good deal of attention by joining the society. I recall being impressed by him saying that being a member was merely a reflection of his IQ and not an achievement.
"Like many others who join a new society, I was frantically active in Mensa for a decade or more attending weekends in the UK, and in 1990 even linking up with a local branch in Massachusetts for a very wet weekend playing board games in a member's home. I was active in the fortnightly meetings organised by the Cambridge area group, which involved holding an open house of free food and drink on a rota system. Alas, this arrangement folded about ten years ago, when several key members either died or moved away.
"For over 13 years I have been the chief feature writer for Mensa Magazine, having interviewed over 50 people, most of them in the public eye. In the magazine I publish under the name Robin Healey, but elsewhere I always use R. M. Healey.
"I am a keen quizzer and when I apply for TV quiz shows I am never afraid to mention my membership of Mensa. I have appeared on BBC's Mastermind twice and hope to take part again this year."
If you spot Mensa in the media please contact Robin on [Phone Number] or [Email]
20 Questions (No. 154)
For your chance to win a £10 book token send your answers to arrive by 10th July (note earlier deadline) to '20 Questions (No. 154)', [Address] or [Email] remembering to include your name and address so we know where to send the prize. To commemorate Bastille Day this month we have a French themed quiz.
1. Claret wine comes from which city?
2. What is the official residence of the President of France?
3. What is the main ingredient of a Fondue Savoyarde?
4. Marie Antoinette was married to which king?
5. Which company produces Berlingo, Nemo and Relay vans?
6. If Britannia represents Britain, who represents France?
7. Which French palace is famous for its hall of mirrors?
8. What is the English translation of the French dessert crème brûlée?
9. In which year was Napolean Bonaparte born?
10. The French national day is celebrated on which date?
11. What colour is the French driving licence?
12. Bouillabaisse soup originated in which city?
13. What is the first name of the wife of the current President of France?
14. In which year was the Eiffel Tower built?
15. What is the longest river in France?
16. Sebastien Chabal plays which sport?
17. Which French salad contains green beans, eggs, black olives and anchovies?
18. Bibendum is a character representing which French company?
19. Disneyland Paris opened in which year?
20. Who or what is Monbazillac?
Just four entries to our flowery quiz in the May issue from Pamela Covey of Woburn, Lynn Faulkner of Nottingham, Roger Plant of Nottingham and Roger Lord of Aylesbury. Everyone got full marks and the winner picked at random was Roger P. The answers were Mexico, red, narcissus, sunflower, foxglove, red carnation, orchid, daisy, 17th century, The Foundations, tulip, wolffia, blue, California, Germany, Flora, forget-me-not, crocus, August and Gertrude Stein.