What do a chimpanzee and John Hancock have in common?
They both represent regional events in June and July.
A chimpanzee surveys the scene atop a log
Chimpanzee at Twycross Zoo, the world primate centre.
Sketch of John Hancock
Signatory of the US Declaration of Independence on the 4th July.
 

Regional News

A large proportion of Mensa events are pub social evenings. If you've never attended one they may not be what you think. Contrary to the stereotypical image of Mensans our pub socials don't consist of bearded boffins sitting around a pint discussing nuclear physics! Attendees can range in age from 18 to 80 so a wide variety of topics are usually discussed and any jokes probably won't need explaining as you'll be with quick-thinking friends. (Remember, friends are just strangers you haven't met yet.) You won't be asked your IQ nor asked to prove your intelligence in any way and new faces are always given a warm welcome. It's estimated only 10% of members actually go out to social events. Why? The average age range of Mensans is currently 50-59. Would you like to see events aimed at younger or older members? What type of events would entice you out?

We have not one but two regional events coming up. The first takes place at Twycross Zoo on Sunday 28th June where we have a day of Mensa exclusive talks, activity sessions, a guided tour of the zoo with staff and buffet lunch. The cost is £10 per person and there are only a few remaining places at the time of writing. Please contact me to check availability.

On Saturday 4th July we have an afternoon and evening of American themed events for East Midlands Mensans at the Holiday Inn Rugby/Northampton just off M1 J18. The cost is £12.50 per person and includes a 'meet and greet' session, chance to have your say about Mensa, three talks/demonstrations, a three course hot buffet, quiz and time for socialising. Please see details in this issue of Empress and note that bookings close on 26th June.

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

Maxine Bates

Regional Officer

Mensa Music Weekend

13 - 16 August 2009 at the University of Hertfordshire, in Hatfield, Herts.

Join David Dreebin and other music weekenders at this weekend if you'd like an opportunity to participate in and try out any music. All standards of instrumentalists and singers welcome.

Cost £116 including 3 nights accommodation in good-standard single rooms, all music activities and the services of a professional conductor. Reasonably priced and good-quality meals on site. Also, by popular demand, there will be a more informal (optional) jamming session on the Fri evening. A PAYG meal out on the Sat evening too.

Details and a booking form: David on david.dreebin@bt.com or 020 8654 6090. Or you can contact Mensa HQ at diane@mensa.org.uk .

Events and Meetings

photo of Jacquie Harrison

Lively Lincs

On Sat 6th Jun at 12:00pm - Lunch and chat

Join Christine in the Armoury Cafe at the Drill Hall for lunch or just a coffee and chat.

Look for the magazine at the furthest table from the excellent jazz/blues musicians. For more details or encouragement, please contact Christine at [Email] or telephone Jacquie Harrison on [Phone Number].

On Sat 6th Jun at 2:30pm - Tennyson inspired

Tennyson's 200th anniversary is this summer. Join us at The Collection for "Tennyson Transformed" which is an exhibition of his poetry and artwork it has inspired. For more details, join us at the Drill Hall or telephone Jacquie beforehand on [Phone Number].

Jacquie Harrison

photo of Maxine Bates

Notts News

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

If you've never been to a Mensa social event before then I'm making our regular '5th of the month' get together an evening aimed at new or first time members. This will be held at the Vat & Fiddle pub on Queensbridge Road close to both Nottingham railway station and Broad Marsh bus station and with free parking right outside. Join us from 8.00 pm on Friday 5th to make some new friends and find out what you've been missing. There will be a yellow Mblem on display - usually to the left of the bar - or contact me on [Phone Number] or [Email] for directions/encouragement.

On Wed 10th Jun at 7:00pm - Chicks and Flicks

Our 'chicks & flicks' event takes place at 7.00 pm on Wednesday 10th when we meet inside the doors to the Cornerhouse in the city centre before dining at Nando's Portuguese chicken restaurant (an increasing number of veggie options also available). Afterwards there's the option of watching a film at Cineworld. Contact Paul on [Phone Number] or [Email] for further info. If you have a Cornerhouse card or Orange mobile phone bring it along to gain discounts.

On Tue 30th Jun at 7:30pm - Eating Meeting

This month's 'eating meeting' on Tuesday 30th moves just over the border to Ripley so please see Derby Diary for details.

Ciao for now!

Maxine Bates

Derby Diary

On Tue 2nd Jun at 7:30pm - Golf

Early on in June we will be returning to the floodlit golf driving range at Morley Hayes Hotel on the A608 between Derby and Heanor on Tuesday 2nd. Meet us in Roosters Bar for a meal at 7.00 pm or in the lobby of the driving range around 8.15pm to tee off. A basket of balls costs around £3. No previous golfing experience is required and all ages welcome.

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

Our regular 3WOTM meeting at the Standing Order in Derby falls on Wednesday 17th. Join us for a meal or just a drink and some great conversation from 7.30pm. Look out for the yellow Mblem on a long table in the area just beyond the bar. Contact me as above for more details/directions.

On Tue 30th Jun at 7:30pm - Eating Meeting

On Tuesday 30th we're going for a meal at the Butterley Park in Ripley. This belongs to the Table Table pub restaurant chain and is located on Nottingham Road near to Sainsbury's. You can find their menu at www.tabletable.co.uk. Join us from 7.30pm. An idea of numbers in advance will help us get a big enough table, though you are welcome to just turn up on the night. Please contact Maxine on [Phone Number] or [Email] if possible.

As always it would be great to hear from you if you have any suggestions for future meetings or events, or if you would like to advertise one of your own.

Matthew Smith

photo of Sue Watford

Leicestershire Letter

On Sat 27th Jun at 7:30pm - Pub meal

We'll try the Kinoulton pub again on the last Saturday this month. It was refurbished a year or so ago, is very friendly, and has a decent garden - and the food is good and very reasonable. The pub is called the Neville Arms, it is situated in the middle of the village (which is easily accessible from the A46), and it's official address is Owthorpe Road. I'll book a meal for 7.30 pm, and hope to see you there.

Sue Watford

photo of Ian Sargent

Northants NNotes

Only two meetings in Northamptonshire this month.

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

Our First Thursday meeting is on 4th June at the Fox & Hounds in Harlestone. Look for us in the bar area or, if it's a really nice night, outside on one of the picnic tables.

We'll be there from 9pm onwards.

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

The Roadshow meeting is on Thursday 18 June and we return to the Barley Mow at Paulerspury from 8pm. All you people in south Northants should head down the A5 south of Towcester and turn off west when you see the signpost. If it's your first visit you'll probably miss the entrance to the car park - it catches most people out!

For both meetings a copy of the Mensa Mag will show you where we are sitting.

Ian Sargent

Congratulations to Northants members Emma McMillan and Richard Dutton on their engagement.

photo of Jo Sidebottom

Mensans In MK and Bedford

On Thu 4th Jun at 8:00pm - FThOTM

First Thursday is at our regular venue of Jury's Inn on Midsummer Boulevard, on 4th June, from 8 pm. Look out for the Mblem in either the foyer or the bar - most likely the foyer as it's quieter. 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 Wed 17th Jun at 8:00pm - 3WOTM

Our Third Wednesday meeting at the Old Beams in Shenley Lodge is back to normal this month, on 17th June. If you're definitely planning to come, please let me know as it will help us to grab the right sized table, but don't let that put you off deciding on the spur of the moment - you'll still be welcome.

See www.mcmullens.co.uk for location and menu details. You can eat or not, as you wish - their food is quite good and reasonably priced. Look around for the Mblem as we don't always get the same table each time.

On Sun 21st Jun at 12:00pm - T@3

There's another Sunday lunch and cinema outing this month, on Sunday 21st June. Meet at 12.00 noon for lunch outside Dexter's restaurant in Xscape, and then we will attempt to reach agreement about which film to go on and see at Cineworld afterwards. We haven't fallen out over it yet! Call me on my mobile after about 1.15pm if you just want to come along to the film.

Hope to see you there,

Jo Sidebottom

photo of Val Hinkins

On Sat 20th Jun at 11:00am - Walk

The Phoenix Trail is part of the National Cycle Network, a shared use path for walkers, horse riders and cyclists. It runs along a disused railway line between Thame and Princes Risborough. The surface is flat and suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. Total distance is five miles plus another mile or so to reach the centre of Princes Risborough.

A number of specially commissioned art works are located along the trail, many of which provide seats for those needing a rest! Admire the Chiltern countryside and wildlife. Note that there are few facilities along the route, but plenty of places to find refreshment in Princes Risborough once we get there.

We will be starting from Thame and walking towards Princes Risborough. Meet up at 11:00am outside the Town Hall in Thame. Buses run to Thame from Aylesbury, Oxford and High Wycombe. From Princes Risborough you can catch a train back to Haddenham and Thame Parkway, High Wycombe or Aylesbury.

Please ring me on [Phone Number] or e-mail me at [Email] to let me know you are coming.

Val Hinkins

photo of Richard Allen

Herts Happenings

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

Our regular first Thursday of the month meeting is, as always, 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 Sun 7th Jun at 10:00am - Vintage bus day

It's the annual vintage bus running day in Hertford and the surrounding area, when you have the chance to recreate 1950s bus travel and routes. There will be a visit or two to a pub as well! If you want to join me, call me on [Phone Number] and we'll arrange a meeting point. There are feeder routes to Hertford from surrounding towns in the morning with corresponding retrn trips in the evening.

Richard Allen

On Tue 16th Jun at 7:30pm - LFOTM

The latest of our eating meetings. Meet at the White Horse (left-hand bar as you go in) on Castle Street, Hertford between 7.30 and 8 and we'll then go for a meal in the town; we'll choose where to go closer to the date. Contact me on [Phone Number] for further details and encouragement. Hertford town centre is well served by public transport; the pub is about 10 minutes' walk from the bus station and Hertford East and 15 minutes' walk from Hertford North.

On Fri 26th Jun at 8:00pm - LFOTM

Join us at the White Horse, Hertingfordbury village (about one mile west of Hertford town centre, just off the A414). A warm welcome and stimulating conversation guaranteed! Look for the Mag/Mblem. Hertingfordbury is about 20 minutes' walk from Hertford North station. Contact me on [Phone Number] or Gwen on [Phone Number] for further details and encouragement.

Richard Allen/Gwen Jones

photo of Jenny Habib

Berkhamsted

On Wed 24th Jun at 7:45pm - Pub

Now the evenings are light later, we will meet at the White Horse at Bourne End, on the London/Hemel Hempstead Road.

We can sit out if it is fine, and inside if it rains. All members young and adult very welcome. There are car parking areas at the front, side and back of the pub, and the outdoor seating is at the rear too.

Jenny Habib

West Midlands Shrewsbury Weekend

The details for the Shrewsbury Weekend, 11th to 13th September 2009, are now finalised and bookings are being taken.

The weekend will be based at the historic Prince Rupert Hotel in the centre of Shrewsbury. Rooms will be available at 52 pounds per night for a single room, 55 pounds for a small double for single occupancy (not available as a double), 95 pounds for a double or twin room, 110 pounds for a family room (they have these suitable for from one to three children) and 120 pounds for a "special" room. All of these options include a full breakfast and all rooms are en-suite. The special rooms are either 15th century Tudor suites or 12th century Mansion House suites, some of which have a four-poster bed.The hotel has free valet parking to it's own private car park, and the rail station is only half a mile away.

We will be doing the usual icebreaker with quiz and late bar (the quiz being historically themed since this year is the 200th anniversary of Darwin's birth). Also to fit in with this theme we will have an illustrated talk on Darwin's life in Shrewsbury and trips to the Roman ruins of Veroconium, to Haughmond Abbey and to Shrewsbury's battlefield. Other events will include a guided tour of Wroxeter vineyard *including wine tasting* <g> (Wroxeter is the most northerly vineyard to produce red wine), a ghost walk, a archaeological tour down the Severn by paddle power (in canoes or bellboats, no previous paddling experience necessary), a treasure hunt, ten-pin bowling and the usual selection of eating and drinking opportunities. Saturday evening's dinner will have Shrewsbury's Town Crier to entertain us.

The booking form is available to download from the members area of the website by the end of the week and I'm told that on-line booking is be available too. If anyone wants to know more, please email Ann Rootkin on [Email] and I will send you the full event details and booking form.

Cheers,

Ann

Words, Words, Wonderful Words

This month Stuart Duckmanton provides us with his "dirty dozen" phrases:

1. "I was SAT" - increasingly heard on the radio where they should know better.

2. "I was STOOD" - ditto.

3. "I GO" - instead of I say.

4. "GUYS" - even when females are being addressed.

5. "CHAIR" - instead of chairman or chairwoman.

6. "AHEAD OF" - what's wrong with before?

7. "OUT the window" - what happened to of?

8. "It SEMT like December."

9. "He was TRET badly."

10. "I'm GOOD" - I didn't ask if you were well-behaved!

11. "THERE YOU GO."

12. "SEE YOU LATER" - when there's little chance of that happening.

and a final two, usually from till operators:-

20 Questions (No. 93)

This month's quiz is set by Mark Sloan. Can you name the sci fi films from which these quotes are taken? Send your answers to arrive by 20th June to '20 Questions (No. 93)', [Address], for chance to win a £10 voucher.

1. "All those moments will be lost in time... like tears in rain..."

2. "There is a difference between knowing the path and walking the path."

3. "No, no wait. I was counting on this. They are bringing us in."

4. "So raise your hand if you think that was a Russian water-tentacle."

5. "Look, we've got front row tickets to the end of the earth!"

6. "Clara was one in a million. One in a billion. One in a googolplex!"

7. "I'm the ghost with the most, babe."

8. "He's a man from outer space and we're taking him to his spaceship."

9. "I'm the guy in the episode who dies to prove how serious the situation is!"

10. "If someone asks if you are a god, you say 'yes!'"

11. "That's it man. Game over man. Game over!"

12. "But one thing's sure. Inspector Clay is dead, murdered, and somebody's responsible"

13. "Bomb, this is Lt. Doolittle. You are not to detonate in the bomb bay."

14. "Sorry, miss. I was giving myself an oil-job."

15. "Gort! Klaatu barada nikto!"

16. "He who controls the Spice, controls the universe!"

17. "This is your receipt for your husband... and this is my receipt for your receipt."

18. "Wow, he just made the international sign of the doughnut"

19. "We didn't choose this place! We didn't choose these people! They were invited!"

20. "These aren't the droids you're looking for"

The answers to our sporting quiz in the April issue were Melbourne, golf, skiing, a mallet, Blackpool, running & cycling & swimming, Los Angeles, Cresta Run, cricket, Stanley Matthews, March, England & Scotland, 38 miles, 1924, university boat race, trampolining, 6, Joe Louis, Edinburgh and Real Madrid. Thanks to Helene Parry of Brentford, D W Dell of Leighton Buzzard, Don Foster of Notts, Pamela Covey of Woburn, Geraldine Ellis of Nottingham, Roger Lord of Aylesbury, Judith Meller of Derby, Michael Warren of Derby, Chris Impey of Tring, Tony Dodd of Belvoir, Chris Impey of Quorn, Roger Plant of Nottingham and Philip Abbott of Watford for entering. The winner chosen at random from all the correct entries was Don. Well done!