Meetings and events for everyone in June
Southwell Workhouse and gardens
Regional News
I'm delighted that the East Midlands region has the largest number of social events on offer so do join in if you can. Please remember that all these events are hosted by volunteers and any member is welcome to host an event. Just get in touch with me or your Local Officer if you have any suggestions for future activities. Everything and anything considered!
Don't forget now events are not listed in the magazine you can find them on the main Mensa website, our regional website at www.eastmidsmensa.org.uk and they are posted on the East Midlands Mensa Facebook group. It's good to see a few more of you joining us on the latter.
As the regional newsletters will soon be ceasing, this issue contains your last chance to win a £10 gift card. A big thank you to every member who has compiled questions or sent in answers for one of our 20 questions quizzes over the last 21 years. Yes, they have been going that long! I hope you have enjoyed them and learned some trivia along the way.
I'm on [Phone Number] or [Email] and always happy to hear from you.
Maxine Bates
Regional Officer
Editorial
Welcome to the last two editions of Empress. July will be the last one. After that... Empress is over. It would be great if you could send some well wishes or any anecdote of the "good old days" of Empress. I started editing back in 2015 so I will be reviewing some of my early editions. We haven't published any member 's profile for a while so this is your last chance to be "famous-for-a-month". Young mensans and their families are more than welcome to write a few lines about their experiences as a "smarty pants" or dealing with a "smarty pants" child. Funny stories are always the best!
This edition comes with lots of events to please everyone but also important notices related to British Mensa elections and information about the Scottish Mensa Annual Gathering. Now the weather is nicer-ish, try to join some of our outside events.
Maria Falces
Events and Meetings
Derby Diary
On Wed 14th Jun at 1:00pm - Lunch
Come to our regular 2WOTM meeting in Belper, at Cocoa Cafe, 2 Strutt St, Belper DE56 1UN. Free parking nearby, just off the market square, or on a number of nearby side streets. Panini, sandwiches, salads, daily specials, hot/soft drinks etc. I need to know numbers as it's a small place, so please contact Helen on [Phone Number] or [Email] by the previous weekend, earlier if possible. All welcome!
On Wed 21st Jun at 7:30pm - Third Wednesday
If the weather's good we will sit outside at Mr Grundy's, Ashbourne Road, Derby, DE22 3AD (part of the Georgian House Hotel, entrance round the back). Otherwise we have a separate room booked, ask for "Susan's Group". Join us for a drink or something to eat. The hotel has its own car park. Wheelchair accessible, please contact ahead. Contact Susan on [Email] or [Phone Number].
Susan Graves
Contact [Email] or [Phone Number] / [Mobile Number] for details
Hertfordshire Happenings
On Thu 1st Jun at 7:45pm - FThOTM
This is our monthly meeting at the Three Magnets, in Leys Avenue. This is one of the main shopping streets of Letchworth, and is a short walk from the railway station, which is served by regular trains between London and Cambridge. The "Curry Club" is back on Thursdays with an expanded range of curries, though other meals are available (standard Wetherspoons fare). Attendance has been growing steadily, but there is still plenty of room. Please call or text Steve on [Phone Number], or email [Email] for more details and encouragement.
On Fri 30th Jun at 8:00pm - LFOTM
As ever, we are at the Cowper Arms, Digswell (next to Welwyn North station) from 8 pm. This is served by frequent trains between London and Cambridge. Good food and lively conversation guaranteed. If you intend to come, please contact me by the 23rd June so that I know to book enough tables, as it does get busy on Friday evenings. Of course, you will still be welcome if you don't call in advance, but it will help with seating arrangements if you do. I can be contacted on [Phone Number].
Steve Thomas
Contact [Email] or [Mobile Number] for details
In Leicestershire
On Sat 17th Jun at 2:00pm - Treasure Trail
Come along to the village of Wymeswold for a free afternoon of fun trying to work out who the duck-napper is and what evidence they left behind. The trail is 1.35 miles long and should take about 1.25 hours. It is wheelchair/pushchair accessible but there are no public toilets, just a few pubs. Please let me know by Wed 14th if you would like to come so that I can print out your clues. Park near the green on the Stockwell LE12 6UF, where I will be to start you off. Contact Pen at [Email] or phone [Phone Number]
On Sat 24th Jun at 7:00pm - Pub Meal
We are dining at the Sugar Loaf, 2 Nottingham Road LE14 3JB this month. Their food is fresh and home-cooked to order. If you want to join us, let me know by Sat June 17th so I know how many to book a table for. Remember, you are welcome to bring a friend along. Contact Pen by phone [Phone Number] or e-mail [Email].
On Mon 19th Jun at 8:00pm - Pub Social
Our third Monday of the month pub meeting will be at the Cradock Arms, 201 Knighton Road, Leicester, LE2 3TT, where we can enjoy a good natter over a drink or two. We are a friendly bunch and new faces are always welcome. You are welcome to bring a friend or partner. There is a warm welcome at this pub which serves real ales, hot drinks and food. Look out for the magazine or Mblem on the table in the lower part, towards the rear of the bar. For information or encouragement, please contact Haydn on [Phone Number] or at [Email].
Haydn Starkie
Contact [Email] or [Mobile Number] for details
Lively Lincs
On Sat 10th Jun at 12:00pm - Pub lunch & discussion
Our regular Second Saturday friendly discussion over lunch at the Adam & Eve Tavern, Lindum Hill. This month's topic is: 'How is the King doing?' - bearing in mind, of course, the Coronation last month. All welcome, and you can bring a guest, but this meeting is not suitable for children. Decent food and good ales, and the pub has its own car park. Please confirm with Nicola Watson by Friday 9th so she can book a table. Email [Email], or phone [Phone Number].
On Wed 21st Jun at 2:00pm - Walk in the woods
Do join us for a wander in Woodhall Spa. We'll have a stroll in the woods or a look around the shops in this interesting little town and find somewhere for tea & cake. All welcome, and you can bring a guest. Please contact Helen Shovlar beforehand, preferably by email on [Email], or telephone .
Jacquie Harrison
Contact [Email] or [Phone Number] / [Mobile Number] for details
Mid Bucks
On Sun 4th Jun at 2:00pm - Games Afternoon
Join Dave and Alison for a relaxed and informal Sunday afternoon of board games and chat. All members and friends are welcome. We play most Sunday afternoons using Jitsi for chat. Further details are on the main Mensa web site. For more information please contact Dave a few days beforehand. Contact: [Phone Number]
On Sat 10th Jun at 11:00am - Treasure Hunt
Beaconsfield Old Town is the location for June's Treasure Hunt. Start time is flexible, but advance booking is essential. If you would like to join us for all or just part of the day, please let me know by Monday 5th June. I will then forward you the detailed arrangements. Under 18's welcome if accompanied by a responsible adult. Contact: [Phone Number] or [Email]
On Fri 23rd Jun at 10:30am - Coffee & Chat
Join me for coffee & chat at Mulberry & Thyme restaurant in Hillier's Garden Centre, Pump Lane South, Marlow, Bucks., SL7 3RB This is very close to the Marlow exit from the A404. No need to book, but if you want me to look out for you, please contact me to let me know you are coming. Contact: [Phone Number] or [Email]
On Wed 28th Jun at 7:00pm - Korean Meal
Come and join us to try out the new Korean Restaurant which has recently opened in the Eden Centre, High Wycombe. Please let me know you are coming by Tuesday 27th June so that I can look out for you. Contact: [Phone Number] or [Email]
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 Sat 10th Jun at 2:00pm - Treasure Trail
Join us for a fun treasure trail around the market town of Winslow (between Buckingham and MK). Contact me beforehand for meeting point so I can bring enough copies - [Email], or [Phone Number] / [Phone Number].
On Sun 25th Jun at 11:00am - Sunday Brunch
Join us in the Frog & Nightgown, the pub within The Swan Revived in Newport Pagnell, for a leisurely brunch - or just a coffee if you prefer. **Please note the later time** as the pub doesn't open until 11am - although if you arrive early you can access it from the hotel bar. Let me know you're coming if possible, so I can bag a large enough table - [Phone Number] or [Email].
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
News from Northampton
Notts News
On Thu 8th Jun at 7:30pm - 2ThOTM
Our popular 2nd Thursday get together at The Cadland pub/restaurant, High Road, Chilwell, NG9 5EG. Find us on a large table in the front window at far side of bar from car park entrance. Most of us eat (discount on food with Meerkat Meals or Blue Light Card) but you are welcome to just come along for a drink and chat. Contact Maxine on [Phone Number] or [Email] if needing further info or just turn up on the night.
On Tue 13th Jun at 7:30pm - Theatre
The award winning musical Annie, starring Craig Revel Horwood as Miss Hannigan, comes to the Royal Concert Hall. Discounted tickets in tier 1 are £40 (saving £6). Contact Maxine on [Phone Number] or [Email] to check availability and reserve your seat.
On Tue 20th Jun at 7:30pm - Theatre
Strictly Ballroom The Musical, based on the film and starring Kevin Clifton as Scott Hastings, is coming to Nottingham Theatre Royal. I've purchased a block booking of seats in the upper circle at a discounted group price of £38.50 (saving £7.50 per person). Check availability on [Phone Number] or [Email]
On Tue 27th Jun at 7:30pm - Eating Meeting
Ooh la la! We're tasting French cuisine this month at Marc & Daina's restaurant, Mansfield Road, Sherwood, NG5 2FW. See online for menu including vegetarian and vegan options. 25% discount with Meerkat Meals. Free parking nearby. Please book your place with Maxine on [Phone Number] or [Email] by 20th June.
On Wed 28th Jun at 8:00pm - Pub Quiz
A general knowledge quiz at The Great Northern pub, Derby Road, Langley Mill, NG16 4AA. £1 per person to enter. Chance to win cash prizes and drink vouchers! Free buffet of sandwiches and chips during interval. Meet from 8.00pm to get a seat and drink and have a chat before quiz starts 8.30pm. Ends around 10.00pm. An idea of numbers would help bagging of tables. Contact Maxine on [Phone Number] or [Email] to express interest please.
Ciao for now!
Maxine Bates
Contact [Email] or [Phone Number] for details
Moonsha - by Susan Graves
On Tuesday 29th March, we went to a Japanese restaurant in Derby. One person had sushi, most of the rest had ramen or bento boxes.
We were slightly bemused by the appetisers arriving with, or even after, our main courses!
The robot server that brought the dishes from the kitchen was accompanied by a human to actually put the dishes on the table. We all had a great time and shared ideas about which eateries in Derby we might try next.
Susan
Southwell Day Out - by Maxine Bates
Bramley apples (that originated in
Southwell) in stained glass in the Minster
Southwell Workhouse dormitory
Thank you to the 20 or so members who travelled from Notts/Derbys/Leics and also North West who joined in one or more events. There was history on the Minster guided tour, gentle exercising of the body and mind on the treasure trail, education at Southwell Workhouse, enjoyment at the dinner, and culture at the choral concert.
All accompanied by beautiful weather.
Maxine
Eurovision party at Maxine's
In the afternoon, there was a visit to The Blue Monkey Brewery, an award-winning microbrewery which produces more than a dozen different types of beer as well as a range of rums and fruit gins.
In the evening, as we failed to get tickets for the actual show, the annual Eurovision party was held, once more, at Maxine's.
20 Questions (No. 260)
The answers to the April quiz were Moana, Middlesborough, Micron, Metaxa, Maxi, Me262, Mukluks, Marine Le Pen, Mexico, Mali, Mudd, Modest, Mauretania, Moufflon, Milton, Mumbles, Moe Greene, Malcolm Muggeridge, Meet me and Middle of the road. Once again congratulations go to Nigel Bryant of Bedford!
For your chance to win a final £10 One4All gift card, send your answers to arrive by 20th June by post to '20 Questions (No. 260)', [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. As this will sadly be the last quiz the subject is lasts!
1. Which US state comes last alphabetically?
2. Who was the last viceroy of India?
3. Which act representing the UK came last in the Eurovision Song Contest 2003?
4. Tav is the last letter of which alphabet?
5. Who was the last person to be executed at the Tower Of London?
6. What was the last, and unfinished when he died, novel by Charles Dickens?
7. Alphabetically what is the last chemical element in the periodic table?
8. What was the last Harry Potter novel to be released?
9. Queen Liliuokalani was the last ruler of where?
10. What was the name of the last passenger pigeon to die and make the species extinct?
11. Who was the last person to walk on the moon?
12. 'I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship' is the last line of which film?
13. Who was the last Tudor monarch of England?
14. The last port of call for RMS Titanic was renamed what in 1920?
15. Which group had the last number one hit of the 20th century in the UK?
16. For which Olympic year were medals last made of solid gold rather than gold coated?
17. The Beatles' last concert took place at which venue?
18. What was the last Carry On film made?
19. What is the last book of the Old Testament in the Bible?
20. Which country comes last alphabetically?