Regional News

East Midlands is now the second largest region in British Mensa, after London, with 2,312 members. Hopefully this means all our officers are doing something right and you, the members, are gaining something from your membership. Feedback is always welcome whether positive or negative.

At our last committee meeting we discussed the idea of holding a "Best Of British" event between the Jubilee and Olympics and this has now been arranged for Saturday 16th June. The location is the smallest English county of Rutland with the event taking place in St Peter & St Paul church hall off the market place in the pretty town of Uppingham. It will be free to attend for all members and guests. All we ask is that you bring your own drinks (glasses provided) and a buffet contribution as we will be having a street party (albeit indoors!). Please contact me on [Phone Number] or [Email] to put your name on the guest list and let me know what you are able to bring. I'd like to try to co-ordinate food so we don't end up with lots of one item and nothing of others! Come along anytime between 6pm and 11pm. The early start time is to allow families to attend. As well as the buffet there will be a fun quiz, a raffle, a few games (all optional) and the evening will be rounded off with a disco. Needless to say there will be union flag décor and British music! Please wear red, white or blue if possible to give the event a patriotic feel!

Prior to the party we'll be spending the afternoon at nearby Rutland Water meeting for lunch before a choice of boat trip, walking, cycling or high ropes adventure course. And on Sunday 17th Paul and Ian, Leicester and Northampton LocSecs respectively, have organised an easy walk starting at 11.30am from the village of Harringworth. Why not make a weekend of it? There is a good value Travelodge in Uppingham and various hotels and guest houses around that area.

Enjoy the celebrations this month!

Maxine Bates

Regional Officer

Events and Meetings

Lively Lincs

On Sat 9th Jun at 12:05pm - 2SaOTM

This month there are the usual discussion meetings. Firstly, our 2SaOTM pub discussion at the Adam and Eve on Lindum Hill in Lincoln on Saturday 9th June, 12.05-2ish or later. At 12.30 we will start a discussion on 'Professional v personal mores', before rambling onto other subjects. Some have lunch, others just a drink.

On Thu 14th Jun at 7:00pm - Eating meeting

Also, Jacquie is continuing the midweek evening meals in Lincoln. all welcome to join us at the Thai Sabai on Thursday 14th June, 7pm For information/encouragement, do contact her; and, please would everyone confirm by e-mail [Email] or phone - [Phone Number] by Monday 11th, thanks.

On Sun 24th Jun at 3:00pm - Teatime thinking

Finally, Teatime Thinking at my house near Alford on Sunday 24th June, 3-5. General discussion over tea and cakes on ideas of the main philosophers but no previous knowledge required, everyone can join in. This month: Francis of Assisi: does a life of poverty help anyone else? For directions: [Email]

Christine Howells

Notts News

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

We have a variety of events for you this month ranging from the physical to intellectual. We start with our monthly get together at the Vat & Fiddle pub on Queensbridge Road in the city centre. It's near the railway station and has free parking right outside. Find us in the Golding's Room to the left of the bar from 8.00pm on Tuesday 5th to round off the long Jubilee weekend.

On Sun 10th Jun at 8:00pm - Quiz night

At 8.00pm on Sunday 10th you're invited to test your general knowledge with a quiz night at the New White Bull in Giltbrook (near Ikea) where we have the private function room at the back of the pub and our own bar. There will be a £2 per person charge to enter with all money being donated to Cancer Research UK. Play as an individual or part of a team and there will be a good prize for the winner(s). An idea of numbers would be appreciated to help set up the room but you're welcome to just turn up on the night. Some people think my quizzes are too easy and some too difficult. Why not come and judge for yourself!?

On Thu 14th Jun at 7:30pm - Natter and nosh

Our "natter & nosh" event at the Beekeeper pub on Meadow Lane in Beeston is proving popular. I think due to the easy to find location from both Nottingham and Derby, the good value food and drink, and the ample free car parking. Find a dozen or more of us on the first long table near the food order point from 7.30pm on Thursday 14th.

On Thu 21st Jun at 8:00pm - Zumba world record attempt

Purely by chance we're returning to Giltbrook on Thursday 21st because the quiz night was already arranged before I found out about this event. The Ikea retail park will be the location for a world record breaking attempt for the largest zumba class and takes place in the car park from 8-9pm. There is a £5 fee to participate with money going to Ikea's chosen charity (www.ryanleetrust.org.uk). No previous zumba experience is necessary as there will be several instructors to follow. Just wear comfortable clothing and come and party your way into shape whilst raising money for a good cause and maybe helping set a new world record.

Further details on any of these events available from me on [Phone Number] or [Email]

Ciao for now!

Maxine Bates

Derby Diary

On Wed 20th Jun at 7:30pm - 3WOTM

Our "3rd Wednesday" get together falls on 20th so come along any time from 7.30pm until 10.30ish and find us in the low ceiling area at the rear of the Standing Order on Irongate. This is a Wetherspoon pub and there's 20% discount on food for anyone with a Cathedral Quarter card. You are welcome to join us for a meal or just a drink. There are usually 12-16 of us of all ages. Everyone welcome.

On Tue 26th Jun at 7:30pm - Eating meeting

At 7.30pm on Tuesday 26th we're going to Gurkha Paradise which is a Nepalese restaurant on Nottingham Road in Spondon. The venue gets excellent reviews on the internet, is reasonably priced and recommended by a local Mensan. Please let me know by 22nd if you'd like to join us so a large enough table can be reserved.

Maxine Bates

Northants NNotes

On Thu 7rh Jun at 9:00pm - FThOTM

We go to the outskirts of Northampton this month. We will be meeting at The Sun, High Street, Hardingstone to put the world to rights over a drink. Look for the Mensa mag on a table to find us. Call Ian on [Phone Number] for directions/details, or e-mail [Email]

On Thu 21st Jun at 8:00pm - Roadshow

The Roadshow goes back to one of our favourite pubs. Join us at The Barley Mow, High Street, Paulerspury to catch up with all the South Northants gossip. The village is just off the A5, close to the Bucks border.

For the two evening meets a copy of the Mensa magazine, or another Mensa symbol, will show you who we are. If you need any further information contact me on [Phone Number] or e-mail [Email]

Ian Sargent

A Welland Valley Wander

On Sun 17th Jun at 11.30am - Welland Valley wander

On Sunday 17th June the Leicester and Northants groups will be getting together for a circular walk of about 3 miles along the Welland Valley on the border of Northants and Rutland, and an invitation is extended to all East Midlands members and their families or friends to join us. Other than a couple of stiles and plank bridges there are no major obstacles, and anyone who is reasonably fit will be able to manage it.

Starting at 11.30am from the Market Cross in the village of Harringworth, the first part of the walk takes us across the fields and along the banks of the Welland. We will find a suitable place to have a picnic lunch before the heading uphill away from the river for the second part of the walk, returning to Harringworth via a mix of country roads and footpaths. As there are a number of options on this section the route to be taken will depend on how everyone feels at the time.

on the Internet

NN17 3AH

The village itself is worth a look and the nearby railway viaduct is impressive (at three-quarters of a mile it is the longest masonry viaduct in Britain). If you want to have a look at the area go to: http://tinyurl.com/mensa-walk; and for SatNav users will get you there.

For more information please contact Paul Coulson or Ian Sargent, whose contact details can be found in the Leicester and Northants listings.

Leicestershire Letter

On Sat 16th Jun at 12:00pm - Activities at Rutland Water

LE15 8BL

We've a busy month around Leicestershire and Rutland this month, starting off with an afternoon of activities at Rutland Water. Meet at 12 noon on Saturday 16th in Whitwell car park (). There's a £3 charge to park all day. From there we'll head to the Harbour Cafe for a bite of lunch. Choose from a range of hot and cold main meals, snacks and drinks. Then we can split into smaller groups to either board the Rutland Belle boat for a trip around the water, hire cycles to ride around part of the water (it's 26 miles all the way so probably a bit far for most!), tackle the hire ropes adventure course (subject to availability if not pre-booked) or just take a stroll. Something for all ages, fitness levels and budgets. Please phone Maxine Bates on [Phone Number] in case of rainy weather to check the event is still going ahead.

Approx. 15 minutes drive from Rutland Water brings you to the pretty market town of Uppingham and you'll find St Peter & St Paul church hall off the market place. This will be the venue of our "Best Of British" regional event from 6.00pm to 10:30pm. The event is free to all members and guests but please bring your own drinks (glasses provided), a buffet contribution (please advise Maxine what so we don't end up with lots of just one thing!) and try to wear red, white or blue if possible. There will be a street party (but inside!) accompanied by British music as well as a quiz, a raffle, some other fun activities and rounded off with a disco and some live music. Everyone welcome!

On Sun 17th Jun at 11:30pm - Welland Valley wander

The following day, we've a walk around Harringworth (see across), just four miles from Uppingham.

On Fri 22nd Jun at 7:30pm - At home

From 7.30pm on Friday 22nd Pen invites you to her home in Ashby de la Zouch for an evening of socialising. Please bring whatever you wish to drink and a buffet contribution if possible. Contact Pen on [Phone Number] or [Email] for address and directions.

On Thu 26th Jun at 8:00pm - 4ThOTM

Finally, because there's so much going on, we're moving our regular Third Thursday of the Month meeting to the fourth Tuesday, and will meet up at The Craddock (http://tinyurl.com/leicsMensaTTOTM) at 8:00pm on the 26th. Please give Paul Coulson a call on [Phone Number], or email him at [Email] for more info.

Paul Coulson

Watever...

On Mon 11th Jun at 8:00pm - I remember...

I remember...

An evening of memories that you would like to share - hosted by David Silver.

Please let me know if you plan to attend as spaces may be limited.

Also we will be bringing the usual nibbles.

On Mon 25th Jun at 8:00pm - Pub meeting

Pub meeting at the Essex Arms, Langley Way, Watford. WD17 3EG

Please look for the Magazine on the table.

New members always warmly welcomed.

David Seddon

Mid Bucks

On Sat 16th Jun at 9:45pm - Glow-worm walk

Meet me at Whiteleaf Cross car park on Peter's Lane above Princes Risborough at 9:45pm on Saturday 16th June for a glow worm walk in the Chilterns. We will be led by a local expert who will give us a short introductory talk about the glow worm before we set off to look for the real thing on Brush Hill. The cost is £5.00 for adults, £2.50 for children.

The site is on a slope, so please wear walking boots if you have them and bring a torch and magnifying glass. I am assured that the glow worms will still be there, even if the weather is bad. The walk should finish back at the car park by 11pm.

Details of the area are available at http://www.buckscc.gov.uk/bcc/whiteleaf/whiteleaf.page Do not confuse the monument where we are meeting with the pub of the same name in Princes Risborough!

For further directions or encouragement please ring me on [Phone Number] or e-mail me at [Email] It would be helpful to have some idea of numbers in advance, but you will still be welcome if you just turn up on the night.

A brief reminder about the open-air performance of Much Ado About Nothing at Hughenden Manor on Saturday 4th August at 7pm. Tickets (£16 / £12) are available from the National Trust on 0844 2491895.

Val Hinkins

Herts Happenings

On Thu 7th Jun at 8:15pm - FThOTM

Regular first Thursday of the month meeting. Come and join us! 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 29th Jun at 8:00pm - LFOTM

We end the month in the usual way with good food and drink 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. If the weather's fine, we might be outside for a bit!

Both the Cowper Arms and the Millstream are McMullens dining pubs, serving a good range of reasonably-priced meals and the full range of McMullens beers. Neither pub has TV, so you can escape any football matches that may be on!

Richard Allen

Berkhamsted

On Wed 27th Jun at 7:45pm - LWOTM

We will meet as usual at the Old Mill at 7.45-ish., the pub set back from the London road, next door to the Esso petrol station.

I will be abroad on that day so will not be there to greet you, but others will be. Come and chat / drink/ eat and see what happens.

Jenny Habib

Mensans In MK and Bedford

On Thu 7th Jun at 8:00pm - FThOTM

Please join us on the 7th from 8pm for informal First Thursday chat at The Old Beams at Shenley Lodge. We will try to get a table in the small room at the right hand end - look out for the Mblem or mag. See http://www.mcmullens.co.uk/oldbeams for location, menu etc. Feel free to join us for a meal or just a drink

On Sun 17th Jun at 10:15am - Sunday Breakfast

Sunday breakfast will be at 10.15 am on Sunday 17th, at Carluccio's in the Centre:MK. Feel free to come for a full breakfast, a snack, or just a drink, but if possible please let me know by Saturday 26th so we have an idea what size table to grab when we arrive. We will probably be in one of the red booths just outside the restaurant.

On Sat 30th Jun at 3:00pm - T@3

Saturday 30th sees us back at Dobbie's Garden Centre in Fenny Stratford, just south of Milton Keynes, for T@3. This is one of our most popular meetings and an ideal one to come along to if you've never joined us before. Not that you wouldn't be welcome at any meeting, but most of us agree that T@3 has a particularly nice atmosphere.

We hope to see as many of you as possible at one or other of our events in May.

Jo Sidebottom

'20 Questions (No. 129)'

The answers from the English quiz in April were Windermere, St Ives, Lambeth Palace, Princess Beatrice, Avon, Northamptonshire, Morecambe Bay, Exmoor, Nottinghamshire, Chilterns, M5, Regent's Park [note: most entries said Hyde Park but that is only larger when combined with the adjacent Kensington Gardens], 1977, John Nash, Trowbridge, Chester, Isle Of Wight, Scafell Pike, St Mary-Le-Bow and Oxford.

Lots of entries from Helene Parry of Brentford, Roger Plant of Nottingham, Chris Newbold of Quorn, Alex Foster of Derby, Pamela Covey of Woburn, Diana Morris of Kettering, Peter Chamberlain of Rushden, Andy Cole of Cleethorpes, D W Dell of Leighton Buzzard, Mick Smith of Northants, Philip Abbott of Watford, Michael Warren of Derby, Philip Orton of Watford, Una Adams of Corby, Marianne Croll of Derby, Pen Penny of Ashby, Margaret Hawkins of Northampton and Carol Wheatcroft of Derby. The winner of the £10 book token was Michael. Well done!

As we celebrate the golden Jubilee this month's quiz is all about Queen Elizabeth II. Send your answers to '20 Questions (No. 129)', 80 Milnhay Road, Langley Mill, Nottingham, NG16 4AW, to arrive by 20th June.

1. Elizabeth has how many grandchildren?

2. On what date did Elizabeth marry Philip?

3. What relationship is Elizabeth to Queen Victoria?

4. What was the name of Elizabeth's first corgi dog?

5. Who portrayed Elizabeth in the 2006 film The Queen?

6. Elizabeth was in which country when she received news of the death of her father?

7. Who was the first British Prime Minister to serve under Elizabeth's reign?

8. From her marriage until ascension to the throne Elizabeth was Duchess of where?

9. What are the two middle names of Elizabeth?

10. Elizabeth's portrait is on which value Canadian bank note?

11. At which venue did Elizabeth first meet her future husband Philip?

12. Where does Elizabeth traditionally spend Christmas with the royal family?

13. Other than English which language does Elizabeth speak fluently?

14. Who designed Elizabeth's wedding dress?

15. Elizabeth was born at a house on which London street?

16. Where did Elizabeth's coronation take place?

17. What were the names of Elizabeth's paternal grandparents?

18. Where was Elizabeth evacuated during World War 2?

19. In which building did Elizabeth and Philip live from 1947 to 1952?

20. What was Elizabeth's nickname as a child?