Five members from the south-east part of the region pose for the camera on their walk, with a wooded background.

Five go walking at Old Knebworth.

Left to Right: Richard, Malcolm, Steve, Kath and Rosie.

Photo supplied by Richard Allen.

Regional News

Once again we have a range of events for all tastes and budgets this month. Please note that all these events are hosted by volunteers who give up their time freely for the benefit of other members. Do support them if you can. I'd particularly like to thank those regular hosts who are not Local Secretaries including Paul Coulson, Paul Henchliffe, Christine Howells, Adam Reece and Elaine Yates. If you regularly take part in an activity where other members would be welcome, why not think about advertising it as an event? It's often a case of the more the merrier.

If you are interested in becoming Regional Publicity Officer for the East Midlands region please contact me on [Phone Number] or [Email]. The role is not an onerous one but occasionally we are contacted by the media who would like to speak to a member, i.e. how to join, social events, facts and figures (supplied by the Mensa office) and generally what it's like to be a Mensan. Would you be prepared to represent Mensa in this way?

The general election is over but there will shortly be the British Mensa Board election. We have two members from the East Midlands standing - Jo Sidebottom from Milton Keynes and Merry Metcalf from Derbyshire. I wish to remain neutral when it comes to Mensa politics so declined to support either of these candidates, although feel that both would be an asset to the Board. Do remember to use your vote when the papers arrive as all candidates are willing to give up an awful lot of time to make our society better.

There are several Mensa weekends taking place this summer and autumn. This month sees Wonders In Worcester which is a weekend of talks and demonstrations based at Worcester University 18th-20th June. Although in the West Midlands details can be found on our regional web site at www.mensa.org.uk/eastmids. You can attend for one event, one day or the whole weekend. But be quick as bookings close 7th June!

Maxine Bates

Regional Officer

Events and Meetings

Lively Lincs

Having really enjoyed April's second Saturday lunch outside in the sun, fingers crossed for the June events.

On Sat 12th Jun at 12:00pm - 2SaOTM

Second Saturday is the 12th and do join us in the coffee bar at The Collection, Danes Terrace from noon to about 2pm. Some have lunch/snack, others just partake of drinks. Usually we're at the far end of the room or outside if weather suitable, spot the yellow Mblem. All very welcome, for more details/encouragement please contact Christine Howells on [Phone Number], or [Email]

On Sun 20th Jun at 10:00am - Day at the sea

On Sunday 20th from 10am, Christine has also kindly booked beach hut no. 79, (suitable for wheelchair access), with water and power, for the day. Do join us for however long, to enjoy the delights of the quieter end of Mablethorpe's miles of sandy beach and the amusements of Queen's Park: putting, bowling green, crazy golf, boating lake. Please contact Christine as above for further information.

Jacquie Harrison

Notts News

On Tue 1st Jun at 7:30pm - Calendar Girls

This month there's chance to eat, drink, go to the cinema or theatre. Calendar Girls is returning to the Theatre Royal and we're going to the 7.30 pm performance on Tuesday 1st. Please contact me as soon as possible if interested as there is limited availability. The show stars Gemma Craven, Letitia Dean, Charlie Dimmock and more and tickets cost from £13 to £25.

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

Join us from 8.00 pm on Saturday 5th for our regular get together at the Vat & Fiddle pub near Nottingham railway station. I've designated this a new members event so if you've never met fellow Mensans do come along and find out what you've been missing. We usually sit to the left of the bar and the yellow Mblem will be displayed on the table.

On Wed 9th Jun at 7:00pm - Chicks and Flicks

Our 'chicks & flicks' event takes place on Wednesday 9th. Many thanks to Paul Henchliffe for running this event for the past few years. Paul's circumstances will be changing so I'm taking over as host. We meet at 7.00 pm inside the doors to the Cornerhouse in the city centre. Sometimes we just dine at Nando's and other times we watch a film at Cineworld after the meal depending on start times and preferences. New faces are always welcome for this cheap night out.

On Tue 29th Jun at 7:30pm - Eating meeting

On Tuesday 29th we make a return visit to the Widecombe Fair pub/ restaurant on Southwell Road West on the outskirts of Mansfield for our monthly 'eating meeting'. The venue has a permanent 2-4-1 deal on main courses so feel free to bring a friend! Please reserve your place with me by 25th so I can book a table. Recommendations for restaurants anywhere in Nottinghamshire are very welcome for future events.

Ciao for now!

Maxine Bates

Leicestershire Letter

On Sat 26th Jun at 7:30pm - Eating/skittles

Last year we enjoyed an evening at the Blue Bell at Hoby, playing skittles and eating (chilli con carne, as far as I remember). On Saturday, 26th June, we'll be there again, meeting 7.30 pm. There is a choice of menu (we pick two dishes from a selection of half a dozen or so).

If you're interested, please email ([Email]), or 'phone me on [Phone Number]. The skittle alley here is not outside the pub, but is a very comfortable room with tables/chairs, and the service was extremely good and friendly last year..... and the food plentiful.

Sue Watford

On Tue 8th Jun at 8:00pm - Pub meeting

Join Paul Coulson on Tuesday 8th June for an eating meeting at the Hobby Horse in Syston, Leicester.

On Thu 24th Jun at 8:00pm - Pub meeting

Another get together at The Pub, New Walk, off Kings Street, in Leicester city centre. Nice venue, no loud music, huge selection of ales and ciders for those not driving.

Paul Coulson

Northants NNotes

On Mon 7th Jun at 9:00pm - FMOTM

For our first Monday meeting you will find us back at the Malt Shovel in Bridge Street, Northampton at 9pm on 7th June. If it's a nice night we may well be outside in the beer garden, if not it will be one of tables towards the rear of the pub. The main topic of conversation will no doubt be what the weather forecast is like for Saturday...

On Sat 12th Jun at 11:00am - Country walk

That's because Saturday 12th June is the date of the second in 2010's chances to explore the delights of the Northamptonshire countryside. This time it's to the east of the county and the village of Waddenhoe. Meet outside the King's Head pub for a 3½ mile circular route via the Nene and Aldwincle. Bring a change of footwear as we'll be taking lunch in the King's Head afterwards. If you want to join us for lunch without doing the walk then aim to get to the pub for about 12.30pm.

On Thu 17th Jun at 8:00pm - Roadshow

The last Northants event for the month June is the Roadshow on Thursday 17th June. The meetings starts at 8pm and the venue is the Bull's Head, Harborough Road, Clipston ( LE16 9RT for Sat Nav users). We've not been there before so I can't tell you whereabouts in the pub we will be.

For all pub meetings a copy of the Mensa mag will mark our position.

Ian Sargent

Derby Diary

On Wed 16th Jun at 7:30pm - 3WOTM

Join us for food and/or drink at The Standing Order (Wetherspoon) on Irongate in the city centre. We sit on a long table in low ceiling area beyond bar. Look for Mblem on table or contact Maxine on [Phone Number] for directions/encouragement to come along.

Alistair Blackett/Maxine Bates

Mid Bucks

On Thu 10th Jun at 7:30pm - Eating meeting

Join us for a meal at the Sunshine Chinese Restaurant at 21A High Street, High Wycombe. They have a wide menu, including lots of vegetarian options.

I will need to book a table at the restaurant, so please ring me on [Phone Number] or e-mail me at [Email] by Sunday 6th June to let me know you are coming.

Val Hinkins

Mensans In MK and Bedford

On Thu 3rd Jun at 8:00pm - FThOTM

First Thursday is at our regular venue of the Jurys Inn Hotel on Midsummer Boulevard, on 3rd June from 8 pm. 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.

On Wed 16th Jun at 8:00pm - 3WOTM

Our Third Wednesday meeting at the Old Beams in Shenley Lodge is on 16th June from 8.00 pm. 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 - we don't always get the same table each time but we are often in the small room through on the extreme right.

On Sat 19th Jun at 3:00pm - T@3

Our third meeting in June is T@3 on Saturday 19th at Dobbie's Garden Centre in Fenny Stratford, just south of Milton Keynes. Look for us in the restaurant from 3pm onwards - there are several sections so we may not be immediately obvious, but we'll be there somewhere.

Hope to see you there,

Jo Sidebottom

Herts Happenings

On Thu 3rd Jun at 8:15pm - FThOTM

Regular first Thursday of the month meeting. We'll be around for our usual mix of lively conversation and a good atmosphere. 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.

On Fri 25th Jun at 8:00pm - LFOTM

Join us at the Cowper Arms, Digswell (near Welwyn village) for Last Friday. 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). Contact me on [Phone Number] for further details and encouragement.

Richard Allen

Watever...

On Mon 14th Jun at 8:00pm - Jazz Evening

Come along and be treated to an evening of Jazz music.

Sidney Scott will host the event at his home and will give a talk on Jazz - mainly from 1920 - 1940. We are looking forward to an enjoyable and informative evening interspersed with Sidney's choice of Jazz. Spaces will be limited so please do call me/contact me if you plan on attending. Elaine will advise what to bring in the way of food/drink a little nearer the time.

Look forward to seeing you all there!

e-mail addresses!

I regularly send a round robin email to those who have given me their correct addresses.There are many members in the WD postcode area who are missing out on the updates. Please could you send me an email if yours is out of date or if you wish to be included.

David Seddon

Berkhamsted

On Wed 30th Jun at 7:45pm - LWOTM

We will meet at the Three Horseshoes at Winkwell. Turn down the lane next to the Texaco Petrol station at Bourne End, half way between Berkhamsted and Hemel Hempstead, on the London Road (The old A41).

Jenny Habib

Member Moments

Do you have a "Member Moment" that you'd like to share with a notice in Empress? If so, send it to Maxine or either editor. Contact details are on page 8

Robotics Day

Following the success of the Space Science Day and Forensic Science Days we are pleased to announce the Robotics Day taking place at Staffordshire University on Saturday 12th June 2010.

Robotics is the engineering science and technology of robots and covers their design, manufacture, application and structural disposition. The Robotics Day offers an introduction to these various areas with plenty of hands-on activities with robots. No previous programming experience is required. The event will take place at the university campus in Stafford and be led by the senior lecturer in robotics.

The cost is 34.00 per person. This includes exclusive use of the university building, all activities and use of robots, tea/coffee upon arrival and buffet lunch. Families and guests are most welcome. The number of robots available means that places are limited to 40 participants. Booking deadline is 4th June 2010.

The Robotics Day programme.....

10.00am-10.30am

Arrival and registration. Tea/coffee and biscuits.

10.30am-11.00am

A short history of mobile robots from the ancient to present day. What inspired robot research and where are we now?

11.00am-11.15am

Introduction to graphical programming and how to use it. 'Labview' has a strong foundation in industry and is a new approach to programming using pre-written code appearing as icons that are dragged onto a screen and connected with lines.

11.15am-12.30pm

Hands-on programming of the Lego NXT robot. With 2 or 3 people per robot you will use 'Lego Edu' software to download programmes to the robots. A fun introduction to sensors and motor control. Tasks will include line following and playing golf.

12.30pm-1.00pm

Subsumption architecture and biologically inspired robots. A method of organising the execution of many small programmes in a robot in order for it to learn to explore, survive and recharge itself.

1.00pm-1.05pm

Demonstration of 'Roomba', a successful vacuum cleaning robot, that uses the above method.

1.05pm-2.00pm

Buffet lunch of an assortment of filled baguettes (including vegetarian options), fresh fruit, cakes, juice and water.

2.00pm-2.30pm

Simple path planning, navigation and kinematics. A software demonstration of how a robot can solve the route in a map to arrive at a desired location.

2.30pm-2.45pm

Introduction to C programming and firmware. C is the de-facto programming language in robotics. This shows how to control a robot from the very beginnings.

2.45pm-3.45pm

Hands-on C programming using the Lego robots.

3.45pm-4.00pm

A summary of robot use in industry and chance to meet the other laboratory robots.

4.00pm-5.00pm

Time to play with the research robots and robot arms.

To book please contact Diane Salter at the Mensa office on 01902-772771 or diane@mensa.org.uk

Forthcoming Weekends And Gatherings

18th-20th June West Midlands Weekend (Worcester)

30th July-1st August European Mensa Gathering (Prague)

19th-23rd August Mensa @ Cambridge

27th-30th August Scottish Mensa Annual Gathering (Oban)

17th-19th September British Mensa Annual Gathering (Chester)

3rd-6th December Lakes Party Weekend (Cumbria)

A group of Mensans gather for a photo on the path up to Bradenham Manor.
More go walking to Bradenham

photo supplied by Val Hinkins

'20 Questions (No. 105)'

Can you name the songs that contain the below lyrics and the artiste(s) who sang them? All the songs have sun in their lyrics but not in their title. Send your answers to '20 Questions (No. 105)', 80 Milnhay Road, Langley Mill, Nottingham, NG16 4AW, to arrive by 20th June for chance to win the prize.

1. It's gonna be a bright bright bright bright sun shiny day

2. Shining like the sun, smiling, having fun

3. When the sun shines we'll shine together, told you I'll be here forever

4. I've got sunshine on a cloudy day

5. The morning sun when it's in your face really shows your age

6. Please ask the sun to set her heart aglow

7. And we'll walk in the sun, but till then tramps like us

8. As the trees reach for the sun above, so my arms reach out to you for love

9. I get my kicks above the waistline, sunshine

10. When the sun comes, like a God, into our room

11. Say my name, sun shines through the rain, a whole life so lonely

12. You make the sun shine brighter than Doris Day

13. Got the sun in my eyes and I won't be surprised if it's a dream

14. High up where the stallion meets the sun

15. But the sun is still in the sky and shining above you

16. The moon and sun divided, the magician laughs

17. In the Saturday sun, I had to tell them I ain't second to none

18. Clock strikes upon the hour and the sun begins to fade

19. Never fading with the sunset when the rain set in

20. I want to feel sunlight on my face

The answers to the Shakespeare quiz were 3, Warwickshire, Beatrice and Benedick, 18 years, The Tempest, Titus Andronicus, Hamlet, gloves, Denmark, Anne Hathaway, 3,000, Antonio, 1616, Rosalind in As You Like It, 3, Othello, The Globe, 52, 154 and Bottom.

Thanks to Ian Nelson of Letchworth, Pamela Covey of Woburn, William Davies of Leicester, Chris Impey of Tring, Geraldine Ellis of Nottingham, K A Scott of Watford, Alan Tonks of Mansfield, Andy Cole of Cleethorpes, Mary Thone of Nottingham, Philip Abbott of Watford and David Ribbans of Luton for entering. Congratulations to Pamela who wins the £10 book token.