Regional News
Hopefully as you read this we will be nearing the end of COVID restrictions and most of us will have been offered vaccination. Finally light at the end of this very long and very dark tunnel! With that in mind we will be attempting to meet at pubs, restaurants and other venues again whilst hosting some outdoor and online events too. Don't forget to join in our series of treasure trails this year around the region. These are professionally written with clever clues and interesting facts. Those that have already been checked out by the hosts have been highly enjoyable and a great way to spend a couple of hours in the fresh air whilst getting a little exercise. Not to mention free to join in and suitable for all ages!
I will be hosting another online quiz for everyone subscribed to the East Midlands Mensa Facebook group at 8.00pm on Thursday 17th where you can test your trivia knowledge from the comfort of your own home. I'd be interested to hear whether you're happy for this to be a final lockdown quiz or would like them to continue, say three monthly, post pandemic. Please let me know your thoughts.
The British Mensa Annual Gathering is due to take place in Manchester the weekend of 1st-4th October 2021 and this year will be celebrating our society's 75th anniversary. Please keep an eye on the Mensa website for detailshow to book. You arewelcome to get in touch with me on [Phone Number] or [Email] at any time and I am very much looking forward to seeing old friends and making lots of new ones in the coming months now we are allowed out again!
Maxine Bates
Regional Officer
Editorial
Welcome to the June edition of Empress. As can be seen on the front cover, we are taking our first steps towards meeting 'in person' again. At time of writing, there are pubs with outside areas starting to open again. People can meet up in parks (remembering the rule of 6). The virus hasn't gone away but as long aswe are careful, there is fun to be had! If you have not already done so then please let the office (membership@mensa.org.uk) know your email address. The regional newsletters can be available electronically in the future, so it is vital that the officecan contact you via email.
Mark Sloan
Events and Meetings
Derby Diary
On Wed 16th Jun at 7:30pm - 3WOTM
If you are keen to get back to in person meetings, we will be trying the Markeaton , Kedleston Road, Derby, DE22 2TF for our 3rd Wednesday of the Month meeting. Eating not compulsory. We do need to know you are coming as we assume we will need to book unless it's warm enough to be outside. Contact Helen on [Email] or [Phone Number] by the weekend before the meeting.
On Wed 23rd Jun at 7:30pm - Not the 3WOTM Online
See earlier for an in person meeting on the 3rd Wednesday. This month our chat on Zoom will be on the 4th Wednesday. We aim for it to last around an hour and twenty minutes but no pressure to stay the whole time. New faces welcome. Please contact me for the Zoom link and with any questions. Contact Susan on [Phone Number] or [Email]
Susan Graves
Contact [Email] or [Phone Number] / [Mobile Number] for details
Hertfordshire Happenings
On Thu 3rd Jun at 8:00pm - FThOTM
We will be joining the East Anglia Wide Zoom meeting. The meeting number is [Requires Login], Passcode: [Requires Login] Previous Zoom meetings have provided lively and interesting conversation, and new faces are always welcome. Please call [Phone Number] or email [Email] for details. Or please visit the East Midlands Mensa or Brightspace Facebook group for updates.
Steve Thomas
Contact [Email] or [Mobile Number] for details
In Leicestershire
On Sat 12th Jun at 10:00am - Walk and picnic
If the weather is suitable, please meet me by the police box in the Newtown Linford car park of Bradgate Country Park (parking charges apply). From there we can take an invigorating morning walk (or climb) in the park. Bring a packed lunch so that we can enjoy a picnic together and enjoy a good natter. For directions or encouragement please contact me on [Phone Number] or email [Email].
On Mon 21st Jun at 8:00pm - Pub Social
Join me for our usual convivial third Monday of the month gathering at the Cradock Arms, 201 Knighton Road, Leicester, LE2 3TT. You are welcome to bring a friend or partner. Look out for the Mblem or Magazine. If you need any directions or encouragement, please contact me on [Phone Number] or at [Email].
On Sat 26th Jun at 7:00pm - Pub meal
We plan to meet at the Stilton Cheese Inn, High Street in the village of Somerby LE14 2PZ. Booking in advance is essential and all pubs will probably be very busy this month, so please let me know by 14th June if you want to join us. Contact me on [Phone Number] or e-mail [Email]
Haydn Starkie
Contact [Email] or [Mobile Number] for details
Lively Lincs
On Sat 12th Jun at 12:00pm - SSOTM pub/online discussion
Join us for a friendly discussion over lunch. We might meet in our regular pub or alternatively on Zoom. Topic this month: "How can we help all genders of young people to respect each other?" It's essential to contact Jacquie by Friday, 11th, to confirm whether pub or online meeting and let her know you'll be attending. Jacquie is on [Email] or [Phone Number].
On Mon 21st Jun at 1:30pm - Beach walk
Join us at Anderby Creek, near Alford, for a stroll on the beach and maybe some kite flying. Large car park and conveniences nearby. To confirm this outing can take place under current rules, or if the weather looks unsuitable, please email Helen beforehand at [Email] or ring [Phone Number]. You are welcome to bring family/guests but please let us know, in case numbers still have to be restricted.
Jacquie Harrison
Contact [Email] or [Phone Number] / [Mobile Number] for details
News from Northampton
On Sun 13th Jun at 10:30am - Treasure Trail
A walking treasure hunt in Northampton of about 2 miles around the town centre. Meet outside Zapato's on the Market Square. Contact me on [Phone Number]. or [Email] so that I have some idea of the numbers attending, and the number of question sheets required.
Mid Bucks
On Sun 6th Jun at 2:00pm - Games Afternoon
Please join Dave and Alison online for a relaxed and informal Sunday afternoon of board games and chat. All members and friends are welcome. We play most Sundays using www.boardgamearena.com and Jitsi for chat. Further details are on the main Mensa web site. For more information please contact Dave a few days beforehand. Either telephone him on [Phone Number] or e-mail to [Email]
On Tue 15th Jun at 8:00pm - Meet & Greet Chat
Join me online for some relaxed conversation. Our default videochat location is jitsi - it works very like Zoom, but is more egalitarian and free to use. Jitsi requires an app for mobile devices, otherwise web-based. Please contact me a few days beforehand on [Phone Number] or e-mail me at [Email] for the meeting room name.
On Fri 25th Jun at 10:30am - Coffee & Chat
By this date we should be able to meet in person and enjoy some relaxed conversation, cake and coffee together in Amersham. If you would like to come, please let me know on [Phone Number] or e-mail me at [Email] a few days beforehand to confirm the venue and that the meeting is going ahead.
On Sat 26th Jun at 11:30am - Walk & Pub Meal
There are several lovely walks near Cholesbury. We will choose a scenic walk of around 5 miles and then enjoy a pub meal afterwards. If you would like to join us for the walk or just the meal, please let me know by Friday 18th June on [Phone Number] or e-mail me at [Email] I will then confirm the meeting point and lunch arrangements.
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
Mensans in MK & Bedford
On Thu 3rd Jun at 5:30pm - Woodland walk
Weather and Covid permitting, we are going for a walk around Howe Park Wood. Meet in the Visitor Centre car park off Chaffron Way, opposite Westcroft District Centre. Contact [Email], or [Phone Number] / [Phone Number] beforehand to confirm it's going ahead.
On Thu 3rd Jun at 7:30pm - Dinner
Weather and Covid permitting, we're going to round off our Howe Park walk with dinner at the Prince George of Cambridge, though limited to six in total. Booking essential by Fri 28th May. Contact [Email], or [Phone Number] / [Phone Number].
On Mon 21st Jun at 7:30pm - 3MOTM Quiz
Fun general knowledge quiz via Zoom. Link will be publicised nearer the time via social media, or contact Jo at [Email], or [Phone Number] / [Phone Number].
On Sun 27th Jun at 10:30am - Sunday Breakfast
Join us online via Zoom as we chat over breakfast. Zoom link will be publicised nearer the time via social media, or contact Jo at [Email], or [Phone Number] / [Phone Number].
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
Notts News
On Sat 5th Jun at 8:00pm - 5OTM
As there will still be some restrictions please contact Maxine on [Phone Number] or [Email] to check this event is going ahead and if we need to book a table at the Vat & Fiddle pub, Queensbridge Road, NG2 1NB.
On Thu 10th Jun at 7:30pm - Natter & Nosh
Hopefully we'll be able to dine at The Cadland, High Road, Chilwell. Please phone Maxine on [Phone Number] or email [Email] to express interest so a table can be reserved if necessary. This is an Ember Inn and menu is at www.emberinns.co.uk
On Thu 17th Jun at 8:00pm - Quiz
Another chance to test your trivia knowledge from the comfort of your own home. Log onto the East Midlands Mensa Facebook group and watch the questions appear. Please note you will need to be subscribed to our group beforehand. No prizes but you may learn something! Family are welcome to play along with you.
On Sun 20th Jun at 1:00pm - Picnic
An al fresco get together at Bramcote Hills Park (NG9 3JT). Large free car park. Bring a picnic and a teddy bear too if you like! Option to explore the nearby Hemlock, the walled garden, holocaust memorial or trim trail in this 27 hectare park. Obviously this is a weather dependent event. Please check with Maxine on [Phone Number] or [Email] that it can go ahead. All ages welcome.
On Tue 29th Jun at 7:30pm - Eating Meeting
Please contact Maxine on [Phone Number] or [Email] to find out if our restaurant visit is able to take place this month and if so where.
Ciao for now!
Maxine Bates
Contact [Email] or [Phone Number] for details
Career Coaching
Last year, I became a Career Coach. 'What is a Coach'? I hear you cry. A coach helps you get from where you are now to where you want to be, faster than if you worked on your own. Coaching can happen in many areas of your life - career, wellbeing, relationships or retirement to name but a few. A coach doesn't give advice or tell you what to do but by a process of questioning and exercises, helps you firm up what you want and then achieve it. A coach will open up new ways of thinking, support you, challenge you and help you drive your action plan.
Throughout my successful career as a Project and Programme Manager I always focused on my team and how I could help them develop and grow. This became the most enjoyable part of my role. In time, I decided that life was too short to stay where I was, but I didn't know what I would do with myself when I wasn't working hard on the corporate treadmill.
I sought out a coach to help me. She helped me reflect on what was important to me, and I used this knowledge to design a new life for myself. After six months I was ready to look to the longer term. As I knew that I loved helping people get where they wanted to be, I decided to formalise my coaching experience by getting a qualification. This took me about 15 months and involved lots of practical experience.
It has been fascinating to learn how my strengths from my previous career are still valuable in coaching. For example, as a project manager I was already adept at getting people to define an action plan but I have refined this to increase the likelihood that they will stick to it. I was also always good at listening and questioning when people brought problems to me, and this stands me in good stead again.
I have now set up my own business 'Coaching by Susan Graves'. I help professionals improve their confidence and grow their career to the next stage. That might be becoming more confident in their existing role, getting promotion, moving to a new organisation or changing direction. It's really rewarding helping people. It's also been a bit of an adventure as I learn how to run a business.
A simple tip to help improve your confidence is to keep an empowerment journal. Every week, note down things where you have been successful or received some positive feedback or a thank-you. It can remind you to focus on what you have achieved rather than on what you have not yet achieved. It doesn't matter if the achievements are quite small things, the empowerment comes from the boost it gives you to go and achieve more. It is also great to have evidence of past achievements when facing a new situation.
If you would like to find out more, I'd be happy to chat, please contact me on coaching@ susangraves.co.uk or find me on LinkedIn.
Susan Graves
Obituary
Milton Keynes members were saddened to learn of the passing of David Kirkbright in early March. After successfully overcoming cancer a few years ago, he had recently been diagnosed with leukaemia and succumbed to an infection prior to starting chemotherapy.
David was born in north London in 1944 but had lived in Milton Keynes for many years. He first joined Mensa in 1973 and was active in organising local events at that time, but had recently become active again about ten years ago. He was a regular at several of our get-togethers, including the pub quizzes, walks, and T@3 at Dobbie's Garden Centre. Amongst other things David was immensely knowledgeable about plants and gardening, in particular cacti. He was a former Treasurer of the British Cactusand Succulent Society, made regular plant-hunting trips abroad, and discovered a new plant which was subsequently named after him, Pinguiculamoranensis 'Kirkbright'.Hewas a ready source of advance and guidance for anyone with plant or garden related questions.
Although we hadn't seen him for about a year due to the pandemic, he will be much missed when we are all able to get together in person again. It's a tribute to his popularity that I learned of his death from three separate local Mensans, all of whom also knew him through other local clubs and societies.
We send our condolences to his partner Carol, whom he met through Mensa, and his two sons, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Jo Sidebottom
20 Questions (No. 236)
The answers to the Georges in the April issue were Boy George, George Harrison, King George VI, George Raft, George Best, George Lucas, George Lazenby, George Peppard, George Eliot, George Orwell, George Takei, George W Bush, George Wagner, George Michael, George Formby, George Foreman, George Frideric Handel, George Burns, George Gordon Byron and George Washington. Congratulations to the winner Andy Cole of Cleethorpes chosen at random from all correct entries.
How much do you remember since the pandemic began? For your chance to win a £10 One4All gift card, send your answers to arrive by 20th June by post to '20 Questions (No. 236)', [Address], or by email to [Email]. Any member from any region can enter but please remember to include your name and address so we can send the prize if you win.
1. Jonathan Van-Tam holds what office?
2. Which celebrity won Strictly Come Dancing 2020?
3. On which date did Captain Tom Moore celebrate his 100th birthday?
4. In 2020 who had, for the third time, the Christmas number one song?
5. In Bristol protestors threw a statue of whom into the harbour?
6. What did Boris Johnson and fiancée Carrie Symonds name their child born in April 2020?
7. Who became the 6thperson to win £1 million on Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?
8. Sparking protests, George Floyd was killed by police in which US city?
9. Dominic Cummings brought which tourist attraction in County Durham into the limelight?
10. Which horse won the 2021 Grand National?
11. Who became the First Lady in the USA in January 2021?
12. In which month were we encouraged to 'eat out to help out'?
13. What was the name of the ship that got stuck in the Suez Canal in March 2021?
14. Which Welsh castle played host to I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here 2020?
15. Who was the first person to receive the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine in the UK outside clinical trials?
16. Whose guitar was auctioned for a world record $6 million?
17. Which James Bond film was delayed and now due for release autumn 2021?
18. Boris Johnson was admitted to which London hospital with COVID-19?
19. Since February 2021 the £20 note has featured which artist on the reverse?
20. Who won Sports Personality Of The Year 2020?