Herts Walk Review

Picture of Cromer windmill
Picture of the group standing outside the windmill

The intrepid walkers of Hertfordshire (plus two visitors from the Netherlands) were up to their tricks again on 1 April.

Seven intrepid walkers entrusted themselves to Richard Allen's map-reading skills, which are generally reasonable but every so often go haywire - a bit like his cars! Unless anyone has evidence to the contrary, we had the youngest ever participant on a Mensa walk, namely Thomas Ormsby aged five weeks and six days, although of course he was being carried!

We met at Cottered, near Baldock, and had a very enjoyable five mile walk which included a bit of former Roman road and a windmill, followed by an excellent pub lunch on a very pleasant spring day.

See you on the next walk?

Regional News

We have a new Regional Web Officer! After creating the East Midlands Mensa web site several years ago and maintaining it ever since Mark Graves has now handed over the reins to Nick Stimpson. Many thanks to Mark for all his efforts and good luck to Nick in his new role. The web site will continue to feature event listings, contact details for officers, reviews and photos of past events, news of our Mensa 'twin' in Australia and much more. Why not take a look at www.mensa.org.uk/eastmids?

Whilst happy to continue in their role of LocSec Jacquie, Jenny and Tara all now have other commitments and feel their area would benefit from a fresh face. Thus the roles of LocSec for Lincoln, Hemel Hempstead and Luton are up for grabs. Though a voluntary position it really is a case of the more you put into Mensa the more you get out of the society and I would highly recommend it. As a minimum you would be a contact for members in your area and host occasional events to suit your own schedule. Please contact me on [Phone Number] or [Email] if you would like more information.

As usual we have a variety of social events to suit all ages and budgets this month. If you have suggestions for other events do contact your LocSec who would be delighted to hear from you. I know summer has just arrived, but thinking ahead to the winter months we have the Diamond celebrations taking place in Nottingham 28th September to 2nd October 2006, the Oasis Weekend taking place in the Lake District 1st-4th December 2006 (OK, it's not in the East Midlands but I'm co-organiser so it gets a plug in Empress!) and our Winter Ball will be held on 17th February 2007. Details of all these events can be found on our web site. Hope to see you soon.

Maxine Bates

Regional Officer

Spotlight On... Competitions

I'm SIG Sec for Competitions SIG, the group for anyone interested in entering competitions. Our newsletter "Compadix" comes out every month and has just celebrated its 50th issue, although I have only been running the SIG for the past year. The newsletter contains listings of lots of postal competitions for members to enter, as well as short features such as members' wins and competition news, but we also have an e-group for those members who are more interested in entering competitions on the internet. At the moment we have around 225 members and my predecessor did try arranging meetings but we're quite geographically dispersed so for the time being we are not meeting up.

Anyone interested in joining can do so by filling in an application form and sending it to myself or Mensa HQ, I can supply forms. I'm also happy to send a sample copy of "Compadix" if anyone sends me a C4 sized SAE (ie the size which holds A4 sheets) stamped for 120g (currently 47p for second class, 64p for first class): Susan Kavanagh, [Address]. Email [Email].

Susan Kavanagh

Events and Meetings

Notts News

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

Join us from 8.00 pm on Monday 5th for our regular get together at the Vat & Fiddle pub. The venue is on Queensbridge Road near the railway station and there's ample free parking on the street outside. Look for the yellow Mblem on the table. We can usually be found to the left of the bar but the pub is currently undergoing a major refurbishment so we may be seated elsewhere this month. We hear they are installing a large window so drinkers can view the brewing process at Castle Rock micro-brewery next door!.

On Wed 14th Jun at 7:00pm - Chicks & Flicks

On Wednesday 14th it's "Chicks & Flicks" which means we meet at 7.00 pm prompt inside the doors to the Cornerhouse complex in the city centre. We then decide which film to see (sometimes splitting into two groups if we can't agree!) and buy tickets before heading round the corner to Nando's chicken restaurant. There are usually enough of us with Orange mobile phones to get their 2-4-1 offer so it's a cheap night out! Your host is Andy Farrell and you can contact him on [Phone Number] or [Email] for directions/encouragement.

On Fri 16th Jun at 7:30pm - Games Evening

Sharon and Tony Hirst are kindly hosting another 'at home' at [Address] from 7.30 pm on Friday 16th. Once again Sharon will provide a lavish meal of curries followed by dessert and later in the evening we'll play one or two fun boardgames. Please phone them on [Phone Number] to confirm attendance and for directions.

On Tue 27th Jun at 7:00pm - Postcode Pubcrawl

This month "Postcode Pubcrawl" takes places at the Barge & Bottle in the centre of Sleaford from 7.00pm on Tuesday 27th. Though it is actually in Lincolnshire the postcode is NG34 so you can still pick up a stamp for your collector card for chance to win a prize at the end of the series! Your host is Jacquie Harrison and you can call her on [Phone Number] for directions. You are welcome to join Jacquie for either a meal or just a drink.

Ciao for now!

Maxine Bates

Peak District

Picture from inside Thor's cave with the mouth of the cave in inverse silhouette.
See the view from inside Thor's cave for yourself on Mark's walk on the 18th

Image from "Snap the Peaks" by Peter Cox.

On Sun 18th Jun at 10:30am - Hill Walk

Some steep paths this month as we head to Thor's Cave in the Manifold Valley, followed by visits to Grindon and Wetton Mill. Starting off from the car park in Wetton (SK109552). Good boots and walking pole strongly recommended. The walk is about 5.5 miles with a pub (Grindon) and a cafe (Wetton Mill) en-route. E-mail [Email] for details.

Mark Sloan

Lincoln

On Tue 27th Jun at 7:00pm - Postcode Pubcrawl

Instead of a Lincoln meeting this month, I'm taking up Maxine's baton (and stamps) for a month as the Notts Postcode Pubcrawl has got to NG34 and, hopefully sunny, Sleaford.

Join us on June 27th, 7pm onwards for a drink, meal if you wish, at the Barge and Bottle, at the corner of Wharfside Mews. It is central, easy to find with parking very close by and, if forewarned, we can offer a couple of lifts home in the Lincoln direction if anyone wishes to come by train. All very welcome. For directions please telephone [Phone Number].

Jacquie Harrison

Derbyshire

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

Our regular third Wednesday meeting at the Standing Order on Irongate. Good food, drink and company; what more could one want on a Wednesday evening? For more details please contact me on [Phone Number] or [Email] or Maxine on [Phone Number] or [Email]

Bernard Briggs

Leicestershire

Graphic of a picnic hamper and blanket
Summer's here so it's a good time for a picnic. Join Rebecca on the 4th and/or Ian on the 25th.

On Sun 4th Jun at 1:00pm - Picnic

Join us for a picnic in the park in Melton Mowbray on Sunday 4th June at 1.00pm to hopefully enjoy the glorious summer sunshine. Bring your own food and drink. This meeting is weather permitting! For meeting point and to confirm your attendance contact me on [Email] or phone [Phone Number].

Rebecca Mawby

Northants NNotes

On Thu 8th Jun at 9:00pm - Pub

Your mission, should you choose to accept it - engage in conversation with fellow Mensans at The Dusty Fox in Harlestone. Tonight's topic is "Should vegetarians feel guilty when eating at a pub originally named after a fox hunt?" Look for the Mensa mag on one of the tables to join in.

On Sun 25th Jun at 11:00am - Walk & Picnic

Walk & Picnic: We're going to explore the aerial walkway at Salcey Forest. Park in the Forest Cafe car park (795513 on Landranger Map 152), then meet us at the signpost by the playground. A gentle walk for an hour or so, followed by a BYO picnic. Hiking boots are not necessary, though there are a couple of places where it can get a bit muddy if there has been a lot of rain.

To get directions and further information for both events contact me on [Phone Number] or [Email].

Ian Sargent

Milton Keynes & Bedford

On Thu 1st Jun at 8:00pm - FTh: Movable Feast

Continuing our First Thursday Eating Meetings, but this time we visit Bedford to sample the delights at the Sizzling Wok in The Broadway. Meet upstairs just before 8. Booking essential by Tuesday 30th - contact Jo at [Email], or [Phone Number] / [Phone Number] for directions/ encouragement. Bedford members especially welcome.

On Wed 21st Jun at 8:00pm - 3WOTM

Join us at Wetherspoon's in Midsummer Boulevard, CMK (next to Chiquito's). Look for Mblem, probably in non-smoking area left of entrance. Contact Jo for directions/encouragement, [Email], or [Phone Number] / [Phone Number].

On Sat 6th Aug at 8:00pm - Jools Holland

We're planning to go and see Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra in Bedford Park - gates open/optional picnic 6 pm, concert starts at 8. See http://www.easternbreeze.co.uk/events.asp?EventId=12 to book yourself a ticket, then let us know if you fancy going in a group. Contact Jo at [Email], or [Phone Number] / [Phone Number]

Jo Sidebottom & Chris Lonsbrough

Luton & Dunstable

On Sun 11th Jun at 1:30pm - S is for Sunday Buffet

Join me on the 11th for "S is for Sunday Buffet" at The Curry Cottage. Eat as much as you like from their Sunday family buffet lunch, which offers a variety of excellent Indian dishes. £6.95 per person or £3.50 for children under 12. Contact me on [Phone Number] or [Email] to book your place by Thursday 8th June. New members warmly welcomed to this friendly, ever growing group.

Tara Morgan

Hertfordshire

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

Regular first Thursday of the month meeting at the Old Bull, High Street, Royston. Good food and good beer both available! Call Dan on [Phone Number] or Richard on [Phone Number] for more details and encouragement. The pub is about ten minutes' walk from the railway station and is also handy for local bus routes.

Dan Ormsby

On Tue 13th Jun at 7:30pm - Pub meal

Pub meal at the Cricketers, Weston, about two miles south of Baldock. This one's not on any bus routes, so you'll have to get your bike out! Good food and plenty of real ales available! Ring Helen on [Phone Number] for further details and encouragement.

On Every Friday at Evening - Cinema

I go to the cinema (Cineworld) in Stevenage Leisure Park (16 screen) on Friday evenings; if you wish to join me please call me on [Phone Number] or [Phone Number]. There is usually plenty of choice! Stevenage Leisure Centre is next to Stevenage station, which is also served by local bus services.

Helen Rees

On Wed 14th Jun at 8:30pm - Pub quiz

We've been competing at the monthly quiz at the Plume of Feathers, Little Wymondley, semi-regularly, so why not come and join the fun? Food also available. The pub is in Little Wymondley village and is served by bus 101 (Luton - Hitchin - Stevenage). Ring me on [Phone Number] or Helen on [Phone Number] for further details and encouragement! .

On Fri 30th Jun at 7:30pm - LFOTM

Join us in the lounge of the White Horse Hotel at Hertingfordbury now that the meeting has been restored to its normal date of the last Friday in the month. The mag will be on the table. Ring Gwen on [Phone Number] for directions/encouragement. The hotel is about 20 minutes' walk from Hertford North station or alternatively bus 724 (Harlow - Hertford - Hatfield) stops outside. Meals are available. We are considering changing the location of our venue to somewhere more easily reached by public transport, so if you have any suggestions, please do come along.

Richard Allen

High Wycombe

Sorry everyone but due to holiday commitments I won't be able to host an event in June.

Normal service will be returned in July when, amongst other things, a meeting will be held in Amersham which will incorporate a visit to the town museum.

More details next month.

Alistair Blackett

St Albans

On Sun 4th Jun at 7:30pm - FSuOTM

Do the teddy bears at [Address] outnumber the Mensans in St Albans? Why not come round and discuss such vital issues for the future of St Albans. Less serious conversations also a speciality. Entry by rattling the letterbox loudly! Encouragement etc. on [Phone Number] /[Email].

Alex Bell

Berkhamsted

On Wed 28th Jun at 7:45pm - The White Horse Pub

We will meet at the White Horse Pub at Bourne End on the old A41, Hemel Hempstead / London Road. The weather is warmer and we can sit out. Do come and chat, drink, or eat and meet. Phone me on [Phone Number] or email on [Email] for info/directions/encouragement.

Jenny Habib

Photo Competition

A reminder that your photographs must be submitted to photo.comp@ntlworld.com by the 31st August to win one of our three leisure voucher prizes.

Full details on www.mensa.org.uk/eastmids.

20 Questions (No. 57)

Did you guess the castles from the April issue? The answers were Belvoir, Edwin Lutyens, Carisbrooke, Tower Of London, Windsor, Caernarfon, Fotheringhay, Blair, Powis, Stirling, Berkeley, Newark, Carlisle, Dover, Bolingbroke, Walmer, Edward IV, Edinburgh, Dunvegan and Tintagel. Thanks to Geoff Ward of Lincoln, Una Adams of Corby, Carol Wheatcroft of Derby, Bob Hellen of Herts, Maurice Kellner of Northants, Matt Francis of Hertford, Chris Impey of Tring, Mark Graves of Nottingham and David Ribbans of Luton for entering. The winner of the Diamond logo mug was Bob.

This month's quiz is compiled by Tara Morgan to test your knowledge of archaeology. Answers to '20 Questions (No. 57)', [Address], to arrive by 20th June for your chance to win a Diamond logo mug printed silver on black.

1. What is the scientific and humanistic study of man's present and past biological, linguistic, social, and cultural variations? (12 letters)

2. Any object manufactured, used or modified by humans. Common examples include tools, utensils, art, food remains, and other products of human activity? (8 letters)

3. Clay used to fill in the holes and gaps between the wood or thatching of a wall? (4 letters)

4. The individual pieces of broken pottery vessels? (7 letters)

5. A process that provides absolute dates by counting the radioactive decay of carbon in the remains of once living plants and animals (i.e., charcoal, wood, bone, shell)? (11 and 6 letters)

6. The layers of sediment or rock revealed after excavation or through natural weathering? (6 letters)

7. A preserved body wrapped in cloth. Ancient Egyptians mummified their dead, believing it was necessary for them to enter the after-life? (5 letters)

8. Digging up and removing artifacts and features from an archaeological site in order to analyze and predict past human behavior? (10 letters)

9. A tall ceramic container used for transportation and storage of goods from Antiquity until the 16th century AD, especially in the Mediterranean? (7 letters)

10. A circular feature, usually seen as a cropmark from the air, that is all that remains of a circular monument such as a round house or round barrow? (4 and 5 letters)

11. On television, who has a cunning plan regarding archaeology? (4 and 8 letters)

12. The method of scientific dating based on the analysis of tree ring growth patterns. (16 letters)

13. A kind of bright red Roman pottery? (6 and 4 letters)

14. Britain's greatest national icon, symbolizing mystery, power and endurance. Its original purpose is unclear to us, but some have speculated that it was a temple made for the worship of ancient earth deities? (10 letters)

15. A long, rectangular Roman building with an internal colonnade? (8 letters)

16. 750BC - AD43 ? (4 and 3 letters)

17. The nearly lost art of making arrow heads and tools from flint. (8 letters)?

18. A sloping gallery with seats for spectators used as a theatre. (11 letters)?

19. An ancient Roman system of central heating? (9 letters)

20. Small pieces of coloured marble, glass or tile used to form an image or pattern in mosaic. (8 letters)

Meet Helen

Picture of Helen Kraser alongside her helicopter.

Helen Krasner moved from North Wales to Ashbourne, Derbyshire in January 2006.

When did you join Mensa?
Way back in 1985.
Why did you join?
Good question! I can't really remember. I think it was mainly out of curiosity.
Do you belong to any SIGs?
Oh yes, I love SIGs! I'm a member of Aviation SIG, Cat SIG, Professional Writers SIG, Singles SIG, Travel SIG, Welsh Language SIG and Adrenaline SIG. There were more - I cut down at some point.
Have you attended any events?
Lots; I'm a kind of intermittently active member. I've had periods of attending weekends, going to meetings regularly, and organising events - I was a LocSec for a while, and even ALGO for North Wales at one point. Then for several years I never went to anything. Since moving to Derbyshire I've been to several meetings, partly because they're fairly easy to get to, and also because I don't know many people in the area and Mensa offers a kind of instant social life.
What's your occupation?
I'm a helicopter instructor, working at a couple of local airfields. Helicopter flying is my passion, and being able to earn my living at it is wonderful. Unfortunately the work is intermittent and weather dependent, so I can't quite live off it, which means I also write, do research, proof read, edit..in fact, almost anything to pay the bills!
Do you have any hobbies/interests?
Flying..how did you guess? I also spend lots of time with my five cats, and I'm a volunteer "cat cuddler" for Ashbourne Animal Rescue. I do yoga, read, write, travel.see my SIGs for other interests.
Anything else?
Yes! If you fancy having a go at flying a helicopter, I can offer anything from half hour trial lessons/air experience flights to the whole course for a Private Pilot's Licence - call me on [Phone Number] or email [Email].

Editorial

It's high summer, and many of us will be travelling to European countries for our holidays. Which means buying a stash of Euro for the trip. We're now into the fifth year of the notes and coins and its worth reflecting on its progress. Before it's introduction, the media was full of scare stories. Would the rest of Europe storm ahead while Britain's economy went rack and ruin if we didn't join in. Would Europe cope with the massive change over? Would it be torn asunder by the strains of sharing a currency? Would the new currency be undermined by massive counterfeiting?

With the benefit now of nearly five years of hindsight, are we any the wiser? Most of us have now bought and used Euro notes and discovered, unsurprisingly, that they work very much like dollars. You (mostly) can't use them at home, but can buy and use them over a wide area abroad. In fact, they seem to have none of the magical powers that they were suggested as having before their introduction, but on the other hand, the Euro has become a safe, sound and fairly uncontroversial multi national currency.

The true economic justification for the Euro's introduction (not, in all honesty, widely touted then or now) is that it would cut the cost of trade by removing the risk of currency fluctuations between supply and payment and in general, simplifying international trade. A lower cost means more trade is viable and therefore more wealth is generated from that additional trade.

Has it succeeded in achieving this? It's hard to see any effect over the noise of normal economic activity, and certainly Britain has done at least as well as the average Euro member over the last few years. Will the next five years tell us more?

Nick Stimpson