Afternoon Tea to celebrate the Queen's 92nd birthday
 

Erewash Museum Folk Day

Helen and Sandy during a crossover movement in a Border Morris dance

 

Regional News

I have been asked how many members live in each postcode of our region. Currently we have 127 in AL, 184 in DE, 207 in HP, 230 in LE, 74 in LN, 117 in LU, 262 in MK, 245 in NG, 204 in NN, 19 in PE and 148 in SG. Making a grand total of 1,817 members living in East Midlands Mensa. This is the third largest region in British Mensa after London and South East.

The number of members volunteering to host social events is growing so many thanks to everyone who has hosted an event. But there is always space for more! If you have any suggestions do get in touch with either myself or your Local Officer.

Don't forget if you live near our border you are more than welcome to attend events in other regions. The borders are purely for admin purposes and all members are welcome at all events around the UK.

At the Regional Officer conference a few weeks ago one of the topics was events - or rather lack of - for younger members. We are therefore looking to recruit a Family Officer who would be willing to be a liaison for junior members (aged under 18) and their families within our region. Ideally both the parent and child would be Mensans. Please contact me if you may be interested in this new role. By the time you read this all members aged 13-17 should have received an invitation to join the HUB which is a newly created Facebook group especially for that age group.

Adult members are welcome to join Brightspace which is a Facebook group for varied discussion between current members. As it is a closed group you need to send a friend request to 'Lucy Amnes' with your membership number.

Also by the time you read this the new Mensa website at www.mensa.org.uk should be up and running. We had a sneak preview at the conference and it looks hugely improved. Why not give it a whirl? You will be able to set up your own profile including events appropriate to yourself, change your Special Interest Group preferences, book events, purchase items from the Mensa shop and much more. Keep an eye on the website for details of all the forthcoming weekend gatherings - Mensa Music Weekend in Rutland 16th-19th August, Mensa At Cambridge 23rd-26th August, Scottish Mensa Annual Gathering in Aberdeen 24th-27th August and British Mensa Annual Gathering in Plymouth 5th-8th October.

As always, you can contact me on [Phone Number] or [Email]

Maxine Bates

Regional Officer

Editorial

Welcome to the June Edition of Empress.

This is my last edition for now. The following three months Mark will be in charge of editing Empress.

There are lots of events happening this month and it would be lovely to see as many as possible enjoying them.

We have a few photos of events from April. Hopefully the reviews will encourage more shy members to attend.

We don't bite, promise!

Maria Falces

Events and Meetings

In Leicestershire

On Mon 18th Jun at 8:00pm - Pub meeting

I hope you will come along and join me for a drink at our 3rd Monday of the month meeting at the Cradock Arms, 201 Knighton Road LE2 3TT We usually sit inn the lower part of the pub and the M-blem will be displayed on our table. You can contact me on [Phone Number] or e-mail me at [Email] to let me know that you are coming.

Lively Lincs

On Tue 5th Jun at 7:15pm - 'An Ideal Husband'

You are welcome to join us at the charming Kinema in the Woods for this live stream, beamed from London's Vaudeville Theatre. Advance booking with the Kinema essential! Meet in the foyer for coffee at 6:45pm, or join us beforehand for pre-show fish supper in Horncastle - let us know you are coming so that we can book a table. Contact Helen on [Email] or [Phone Number].

On Sat 9th Jun at 12:00pm - Pub discussion

Our regular second Saturday meeting. Join us in the alcove of the Adam and Eve, 25 Lindum Road (opposite Pottergate arch) for a discussion around "Does a person's name influence the person they become?" Pub food, hot drinks, car park. All very welcome. Contact Jacquie on [Phone Number] or [Email] for more details.

On Thu 28th Jun at 7:00pm - Eating meeting

The Pyewipe Inn, Lincoln, LN1 2BG - a return to this pleasant pub beside the Fossdyke canal, down a signposted lane off A57 just to west of A46 bypass roundabout. If the weather is fine, there is usually the opportunity to eat outside. All welcome! Please contact Jacquie with queries, for encouragement, and so she can book a table by Saturday 23rd June: [Email] or [Phone Number]

Jacquie Harrison

Contact [Email] or [Phone Number] / [Mobile Number] for details

photo of Maxine Bates

Notts News

On Fri 1st Jun at 7:30pm - Pamper Party

A girls night in at my home in Langley Mill. Come and sample the Tropic range of skincare, body care and make up. Some free mini treatments on offer. Nibbles and hot/soft drinks provided or BYOB. Also optional raffle for Cancer Research UK. Contact Maxine on [Phone Number] or [Email] for directions and to say you'll be there. Friends welcome.

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

Our regular get together at the Vat & Fiddle pub on Queensbridge Road adjacent to Castle Rock Brewery and close to Nottingham railway station. We'll be in the main bar this month. Look for yellow Mblem on table or phone [Phone Number] or email [Email] beforehand for directions/encouragement to come along. New faces always welcome!

On Thu 14th Jun at 7:30pm - Natter & Nosh

Join us for a meal or later for just a drink at The Cadland on High Road in Chilwell. Ample car parking and close to bus routes. We have a large table reserved at the far side of the bar. Yellow Mblem will be on display. Directions available from Maxine on [Phone Number] or [Email] or just turn up on the night

On Tue 19th Jun at 7:00pm - 3TuOTM

Come along to our "3rd Tuesday" event at The Ram on Castle Gate in Newark for food and/or drink and lively conversation. We should be sitting to the right of the entrance with a yellow Mblem on the table. Contact Pete on [Phone Number] or [Email] for directions or just show up on the night. All welcome!

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

We're going for a Turkish meal at Alaturka, Compton Acres, West Bridgford, NG2 7RS. See www.alaturkamezemangal.co.uk for menu. Reserve your place with Maxine on [Phone Number] or [Email] by 22nd please.

Ciao for now!

Maxine Bates

Contact [Email] or [Phone Number] for details

News from Northampton

On Sun 10th Jun at 10:30am - Brunch

Our usual breakfast/brunch get-together is on Sunday 10 June at 10:30 a.m. at the Rendezvous Coffee Shop in Market Walk, Northampton Town Centre. Volunteers will disclose what their greatest crime/misdemeanour was - and we'll discuss a suitable punishment. Contact Marianne on [Phone Number] or email: [Email] for encouragement or parole.

On Sat 30th Jun at 11:00am - Race meeting

Join us for what we hope will be an exciting day at Santa Pod Race Track (NN29 7XA) where they will be having car and motorbike races as well as drag racing all day. Tickets are £20 (£14 advance). Meet in the car park at Podington Garden Centre. For more information, contact Marianne on [Phone Number] or email: [Email]

photo of Richard Allen

Hertfordshire Happenings

On Sun 3rd Jun at 10:00am - Annual vintage bus running day

Yes, it's that time of year - the annual vintage bus running day in Hertford. Come along and ride vintage buses on routes into the country. No need to book in advance - just turn up at Hertford bus station and go! If you're interested in joining me, call me on [Phone Number] for details, encouragement etc.

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

As ever, we are at the Three Magnets, Leys Avenue, Letchworth! Richard's on holiday so I've volunteered to help out! Thursday nights are curry nights but other food (standard Wetherspoons' fare) is available as well. Leys Avenue is the main shopping street in Letchworth and is a few minutes' walk from the station (Kings Cross to Cambridge line). Call me on [Phone Number] for more details and encouragement.

On Fri 29th Jun at 8:00pm - LFOTM

As ever, we are at the Cowper Arms, Digswell. The pub is next to Welwyn North station and is served by stopping trains from Kings Cross to Peterborough and Cambridge. Good food, beer and conversation guaranteed! Please call me on [Phone Number] for more details and encouragement.

Richard Allen

Contact [Email] or [Phone Number] for details

photo of Jo Sidebottom

Mensans in MK & Bedford

On Sun 10th Jun at 10:00am - Breakfast

Join us at Carluccio's in the Centre:MK from 10am for a full breakfast, a snack, or just a drink. Look out for the Mblem, probably in one of the red booths outside. Contact Jo at [Email], or [Phone Number] / [Phone Number] for directions/encouragement.

On Mon 18th Jun at 8:15pm - 3MOTM Quiz

Our monthly quiz outing to The Barge at Woolstone. Meet from 8.15 for a 8.30pm start - cost is £1 per person. Please let me know if you are coming so I know if we will be one team or two. Contact Jo at [Email], or [Phone Number] / [Phone Number] for directions/encouragement.

On Sat 23rd Jun at 3:00pm - T@3

Join us at Dobbie's Garden Centre in Fenny Stratford for tea, coffee and cakes in the restaurant. We will probably be in the conservatory area at the back. Contact Jo at [Email], or [Phone Number] / [Phone Number] for directions/encouragement.

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 this month. 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.

Jo Sidebottom

Contact [Email] or [Phone Number] / [Mobile Number] for details

photo of Val Hinkins

Mid Bucks

On Mon 11th Jun at 8:00pm - Indoor board games

Join Dave and Alison at their home in Flackwell Heath, near High Wycombe, for a relaxed evening of indoor board games. All members and friends welcome. Space is limited, so please contact Dave for directions and to discuss what games you would like to play on [Phone Number] or by e-mail at [Email]

On Fri 15th Jun at 10:30am - Coffee & Chat

This month we are returning to Rumsey's Chocolaterie in Wendover High Street, HP22 6EA. Lovely coffee, cake and delicious chocolates made as you watch. See http://www.rumseys.co.uk/our-shops/wendover for more information. No need to book, but if you want me to look out for you, let me know you are coming on [Phone Number] or e-mail me at [Email]

On Sat 23rd Jun at 6:45pm - Murder & Mystery

Murder, mystery & suspense on the Chinnor & Princes Risborough Express. Join members of the Sherlock Holmes Sig and enjoy a three course supper on the train while you follow the clues to solve the case. Full details and tickets available at www.chinnorrailway.co.uk/product.php/119/murder-mystery-steamsupper Email your booking reference to sigsofficer@btopenworld.com to optimise seating arrangements. This promises to be a memorable evening.

For further details or encouragement contact me on [Phone Number] or e-mail me at [Email]

Val Hinkins

Contact [Email] or [Phone Number] for details

photo of Susan Graves

Derby Diary

On Sun 3rd Jun at 12:00pm - Peak Rail

Join us for a day out on the Peak Rail preserved railway (DE4 2LF), ticket price £9-50/£8 concession. We will travel on the 12.14 from Rowsley to Matlock, explore and have lunch, then return on the 15.14. Meet us at 12.00 by the shop on the Rowsley platform. Let me know to look out for you by emailing [Email] or ringing [Phone Number]

On Sat 16th Jun at 7:30pm - Outdoor Theatre

Oddsocks production of "The Tempest" at Markeaton Park Craft Village Culture or slapstick, something for everyone! Buy your own tickets from derbylive.co.uk. Tickets cost £16.75 (under 16s; £13.75), £3 off if bought before 1st June. Bring your own chair and refreshments or book them with your tickets. Bring warm clothes/blankets for when the sun goes down. Contact me for meet-up details. Kim Plaskett [Phone Number] or [Email]

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

We'll be on a long table in the rear section of the Standing Order (Wetherspoon) pub on Iron Gate. Look for yellow Mblem. Wednesday is chicken club but full menu also available. Pop in briefly or stay all evening for food and/or drink any time 7.30pm until late. Directions/encouragement from Maxine on [Phone Number] or [Email] if needed.

Susan Graves

Contact [Email] or [Phone Number] / [Mobile Number] for details

Afternoon Tea Review by Maxine Bates

A good selection of cakes and buns at afternoon tea

A dozen of us enjoyed afternoon tea in our private parlour at tea rooms in Belper, Derbyshire, on Saturday 21st April to celebrate the Queen's 92nd birthday.

The venue had kindly added union flags to the lovely decorated room. We dined on a nice selection of sandwiches, mini quiches, homemade cakes including chocolate cupcakes, brownies, eclairs, fruit cake, lemon sponge and macaroons, scones with prosecco and peach jam and cream plus unlimited drinks from their tea menu.

Some of us took along bottles of fizz to add to the celebrations. A very nice way to spend the afternoon.

Thanks to all those who came along and were lucky enough to get one of the limited places.

Maxine

Folk Day by Susan Graves

The group stand outside the Erewash museum in the sunshine.

Nine Mensans met at Erewash Museum in Ilkeston on Saturday 14th April to enjoy the sunshine and a collection of performances, as well as a look round this excellent local museum.

There were two choirs, one only having been together for 5 weeks, who sang an array of songs including sea shantys and traditional folk songs in the museum courtyard.

There was also the Black Pig Border Morris, who were very energetic and colourful with their brightly coloured tailcoats and decorated top hats, and kept us amused with lively dances.

Janine and Sandy, as our resident experts, weren't allowed to stand by when it came to audience participation, and Helen enjoyed joining in too.

In amongst it Les led one group and Mark the other to lunch at "The Project" in the old Woolworths building in Ilkeston, where we enjoyed good value cobs and baguettes, and hot drinks.

Susan

20 Questions (No. 200)

Answers to the canine quiz in April were 42, paws, Dodie Smith, sit, Jules & Matisse, 9 weeks, corgi, Toto, chihuahua, labrador, pug and beagle, Pluto, basenji, white, Birmingham, Nipper, Mexico, 4, chow chow and 62 West Wallaby Street. Congratulations to Pamela Covey of Woburn who wins the prize of a £10 national book token.

Many thanks to Jo Sidebottom for compiling this month's quiz on mythology. Send your answers to arrive by 20th June by post to '20 Questions (No. 200)', [Address], or by email to [Email] remembering to include your name and address.

1. According to Greek mythology, who was the first woman on earth?

2. Who was the father of Romulus and Remus?

3. Who was the muse of love poetry?

4. How many head did the Hydra have?

5. Where was the most important Greek oracle situated?

6. The winged horse Pegasus sprang from the body of whom after her death?

7. The Iliad and the Odyssey are made up of how many books each?

8. Who was the Greek goddess of the moon?

9. Of what was Juventas the Roman goddess?

10. Who was the daughter of Zeus and Leda?

11. Morpheus was the Greek god of what?

12. Who was the Roman god of gates and doors?

13. Who was the Greek goddess of the dawn?

14. In Greek mythology which characters have women's faces and bodies but the claws and wings of birds?

15. Who was the prophetess who was never believed?

16. Who was the Roman god of time?

17. Who was the sorceress daughter of the king of Colchis?

18. Who was Cupid's earthly love?

19. How many Gorgons were there?

20. Who was the Roman god of woods and fields?