On Sunday 8th March at 1.00pm, there is a family oriented visit to Belton House (National Trust) in Grantham. Set in stunning parkland with deer roaming freely, it has an exceptional adventure playground, indoor play area, craft activities and lots of activities available. Plenty to do even if weather not great. See details below.
At the time of writing applications have closed for the role of East Midlands Regional Officer, but the Mensa Board are still to appoint. So this may or may not be my final column as Regional Officer. Whatever the outcome I would like to thank everyone who has supported me and the region over the last 20 years. It has been wonderful to meet so many lovely people and I hope to continue to do so.
I had two Mensa friends who spent Christmas and New Year in hospital and were discharged in January. For both it was their Mensa friends who rallied round to help. Several people commented that they were seriously impressed at the level of emotional and physical support given by Mensans. So if you're wondering what you get out of your membership, in times of ill health or personal difficulties it's the fact you can have a small band of friends offering invaluable help. That's on top of the monthly Mensa Magazine, countless social events, dozens of Special Interest Groups and much more, of course! All for around £1 per week! Bargain!
If you have suggestions for future social events myself or your Local Officer would love to hear from you. Especially if you are a Junior (under 18) or Young (18-35) Mensan. We want to offer more activities aimed at your age groups. But what would you like to see and do?
I'm on [Phone Number] or [Email]
Maxine Bates
Regional Officer
Welcome to the March Edition of Empress. Spring is coming Plenty to do this month and activities for everybody. We have a Family Mensa Event in Grantham, an engagement, bookings for the Irish Gathering and a visit to The Museum Of Timekeeping. tic toc.
Enjoy the reading!
Maria Falces
Congratulations to former Northampton Local Officer Ian Sargent on his engagement to Sally Lewis!
This event has been Cancelled
Join us for something to eat or just a drink and a chat at this regular 'Third Wednesday' meeting. We will be at the Standing Order pub on Iron Gate (Wetherspoons) from 7.30pm. Look for the yellow Mblem on a long table in the rear section beyond the bar. Contact Mark on [Phone Number] on the day or [Email] in advance for directions and/or encouragement. New faces especially welcome.
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We return to Gandhi Indian restaurant, Borough Street, Castle Donington, DE74 2LA, for excellent food and service. Menu at gandhicastle.co.uk. Please book your place with Maxine on [Phone Number] or [Email] by 26th.
Susan Graves
Contact [Email] or [Phone Number] / [Mobile Number] for details
Once again, we are at the Three Magnets, Leys Avenue, Letchworth. Thursday is traditionally curry night, but other food is also available (standard Wetherspoons fare). Leys Avenue is the main shopping street in Letchworth and is just a few minutes' walk from the rail station (Kings Cross to Cambridge line). Call me on [Phone Number], or email [Email] for further details and encouragement.
Holy Trinity Church, Weston, near Hitchin. Guitar recital with Sean Shibe, described as 'the foremost guitarist of his generation'. £16. For more info contact [Email] or phone [Phone Number]/[Phone Number].
This event has been Cancelled
Waiting in the Wings by Noel Coward at the Barn Theatre. Described as 'cruel but awfully funny'. £13. For more info contact [Email] or phone [Phone Number]/[Phone Number].
This event has been Cancelled
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 Cambridge. Good food, beer and conversation guaranteed! Please call me on [Phone Number] for more details and a spot of encouragement to come and join us.
Steve Thomas
Contact [Email] or [Mobile Number] for details
Come and meet fellow Mensan Jay Cooledge at the Griffin Inn, Swithland, Leicestershire, LE12 8TJ. Jay is the proprietor of the Griffin Inn and has ideas for establishing a learning club at the pub. He proposes to invite speakers on a variety of subjects to come to the pub. He would like to discuss his ideas with other members of Mensa. You can contact me on [Phone Number] or by email at [Email]
Join me for a drink and natter at The Cradock Arms, 201 Knighton Road, Leicester, LE2 3TT. We usually gather in the lower part towards the rear of the bar. New faces are always welcome. You are also welcome to bring a friend/partner. Look out for the magazine or Mblem. For directions or encouragement, please contact me on [Phone Number] or by email at [Email]
This event has been Cancelled
We are dining at the Three Crowns, 2-6 Cotes Road, Barrow-upon-Soar, LE12 8JS this month. Car parking and disabled facilities. Members may bring a guest. Booking essential. Please let me know by 23rd March by phoning [Phone Number] or emailing [Email]
Haydn Starkie
Contact [Email] or [Mobile Number] for details
Family oriented visit to Belton House (National Trust) in Grantham. Set in stunning parkland with deer roaming freely, it has an exceptional adventure playground, indoor play area, craft activities and lots of activities available. Plenty to do even if weather not great. Cost of entry £9.25 for adults, £6.90 for children or free with National Trust membership. Please let Christina know if you are coming on [Email] or [Phone Number].
This event has been Cancelled
Join us at Anderby Creek, near Alford, for a breezy spring stroll on the beach and maybe some kite flying. Large car park available in Sandy Lane, PE24 5XT. Meet outside Anderby Beach Cafe - where we might return for some tea afterwards. You are welcome to bring family/guests. Please let Helen know you're coming, by email [Email] or [Phone Number]. Check with Helen beforehand, if weather looks unsuitable.
Jacquie Harrison
Contact [Email] or [Phone Number] / [Mobile Number] for details
Join Dave and Alison at home in Flackwell Heath for a relaxed and informal afternoon of indoor board games and chat. Tea, coffee, etc, provided. All members and friends welcome. For further information and directions please contact Dave a few days beforehand. Either telephone him on [Phone Number] or email to [Email]
This event has been Cancelled
Coffee at The Cedar Coffee Shop, 28 West Street, Marlow, Bucks, SL7 2NB. Lovely food and good coffee. No need to book, but if you want me to look out for you, let me know you are coming on [Phone Number] or email me at [Email]
This event has been Cancelled
Christine Scott Following November's successful meal Christine is arranging an Indian banquet at Zeera in Bovingdon, between Hemel Hempstead and Chesham, HP3 0HP. Starter, main, side dish and choice of rice or nan for £12.95. Full details at https://www.zeeraindianrestaurant.com/ Please contact Christine by email at [Email] or phone her on [Phone Number] by Monday 16th March to let her know you are coming.
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
Join us for a visit to the Higgins Museum & Art Gallery. Meet at the entrance. We may go for an early dinner afterwards. Contact Jo at [Email] or [Phone Number] / [Phone Number] for directions/encouragement.
Our monthly quiz outing to The Plough at Simpson. Meet from 7.45pm for a 8.00pm 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.
This event has been Cancelled
Join us at Brown's on Midsummer Boulevard from 10am for a full breakfast, a snack, or just a drink. 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
Breakfast/brunch is as usual at the Zapato Lounge in Welsh House, 2 Newlands Walk, NN1 2EB where we shall try and get window seats near the entrance. Look for the Mensa emblem on the table. After the quizzing we'll consider what thing/event/quality we're most proud of for both ourselves and the country. Contact Marianne on [Phone Number] or email [Email] for inspiration or encouragement.
Find us at the Vat & Fiddle pub, Queensbridge Road, NG2 1NB. Near Nottingham railway station, tram and bus with free parking right outside. Look for Castle Rock Brewery illuminated next door and yellow Mblem on table inside. Further info from Maxine on [Phone Number] or [Email] or just turn up for an evening of drinks and chatter. New faces welcome!
Our '2nd Thursday' get together at The Cadland, High Road, Chilwell, NG9 5EG. Join us for a meal from 7.30pm or later for just a drink. Menu at www.emberinns.co.uk. We are usually at the far side of the bar on a large table near the window. Look for yellow Mblem or contact Maxine on [Phone Number] or [Email] if needing encouragement to come along.
We're at the Fox & Crown, 4-6 Appleton Gate, Newark, NG24 1JY, for food and/or drink and varied conversation. Directions/encouragement from Pete on [Phone Number] or [Email] or just turn up on the night and look for Mblem on the table. New faces always welcome!
This event has been Cancelled
An exclusive visit to the Museum Of Timekeeping in Upton, Notts, NG23 5TE, as the museum will be open just for us. £10 per person. Includes introduction to the British Horological Institute, guided tour of ground floor galleries, time for questions and to explore remaining galleries. This historic building houses over 8,000 clocks and watches including the watch worn by Captain Scott on his 1912 polar expedition and the original speaking clock. Book with Maxine on [Phone Number] or [Email] by 11th March please. Option of lunch in adjacent cafe first.
Ciao for now!
Maxine Bates
Contact [Email] or [Phone Number] for details
IMAG 2020 is in Waterford City.
Put the dates of 1st to the 4th of May 2020 in your diaries!
You will very soon realise that Waterford Crystal is synonymous with Waterford City. Imagine the times. In1783, when Beethoven was publishing his first works and the world's first hot air balloon launched in Paris, in Waterford City George and William Penrose petitioned Parliament for aid to establish the manufacture of flint glass in their Waterford Glass House. They were successful and established an extensive glass manufactory in Waterford City. The current Waterford Crystal manufacturing facility melts down over 750 tonnes of crystal and produces more than 45,000 pieces each year using traditional methods.
A guided tour of the House of Waterford Crystal has been arranged for the Saturday.
This is one of the many tours arranged for Sunday. Andrew Doherty, renowned expert and an authority on the Suir Valley Estuary will be leading a walk along this picturesque trail. He has vast knowledge about the history of the estuary area and is the author of several books on the subject. Historically, trade flourished, and the area exported vast quantities of meat and fish. It was a thriving departure point for the Newfoundland Cod Fishery. Down the years the ports of Waterford and New Ross have seen trade, war, piracy and press gangs, which Andrew will expand upon.
Lunch will be in 'Jack Meades under the Bridge', an old pub, now with modern food areas, situated in a picturesque valley which boasts standing stones and other areas of interest. The old icehouse and the lime kiln have been restored and a walk has been created along the tidal stream back to the old agricultural museum.
The magic of rail's golden age has been brought to life in Kilmeadan, Co Waterford. A heritage narrow gauge railway follows 8.5 kilometres of the abandoned Waterford - Dungarvan route. Experience the beauty of the Suir Valley from a period carriage as you take in the panoramic views of the river, rolling farmland and mountains. The track runs mostly along the picturesque banks of the River Suir, beside Waterford Greenway offering a glimpse into the world famous Mount Congreve Gardens.
Home to one of the largest collections of plants in Ireland, Mount Congreve is a delight at this time of year with its Rhododendron in full bloom. It also boasts other magnificent blooms in the beautiful gardens. Some of the other attractions within the gardens include: The Chinese Pagoda, the Classical Temple, The Rock Waterfall and the Georgian Glasshouse. We will have lunch in the Dairy Café.
The guided tour of the Suir Estuary and Mount Congreve Gardens is another of the three main coach events on Sunday.
These tours are expected to fill quickly. For more information and to book places, please visit www.imag2020.com and make your booking in good time. If you have any further queries, please contact Admin@imag2020.com
Roger Greengrass. Co-organiser IMAG 2020.
Nottingham Mensa have been meeting on the 5th of each month at the Vat & Fiddle pub for over 25 years. Built in 1937 the pub is an art deco style building beneath the blue tower of the ever-expanding Castle Rock Brewery.
It was originally named >The Grove Tavern under ownership of Nottingham Brewery. In the mid-1980s it was renamed The Miami Bar and then Ziggy's Bar. Needless to say, these silly names didn't stick and in 1992 it became Tom Hoskins. In 1997 it was acquired by the then Tynemill Company and changed name once again to The Vat & Fiddle. A nod to the newly built tax office nearby! It is now owned by Castle Rock Brewery who brew beers using some of the same recipes as the original Nottingham Brewery. Full circle! In 2010 their Harvest Pale Ale became CAMRA champion beer of Britain giving it national profile and in the following year sales of that ale went up 122%!
There are usually 13 real ale hand pulls showcasing Castle Rock ales plus 2 changing guest ales. Not a beer lover? No problem! The pub also serves good value soft drinks, coffee, fine wines, ciders, a range of gins and over 60 whiskies. Food is also served until 8pm Monday to Saturday with homemade cobs (or rolls or barms depending on your location!), burgers, classic pub dishes plus a specials board. Tuesday is curry night for £8.25 and Wednesday is pie night for £8.75, both options including a drink. On Sunday food is only available until 5pm but includes a roast. The kitchen is tiny so the staff do a good job getting food out!
The Goldings Room is light and airy in between the main bar and the Old Cold Store that is now a function room and occasionally hosts live music events. This is where the Mensa group usually sit, unless the Goldings Room is hired out for a private event. It is also adjacent to the Visitor Centre which is where brewery tours end. We've done those from time to time and they have been hugely enjoyed - apart from the bad heads the next day after being given free run of the small bar in there!
The pub is located on Queensbridge Road, NG2 1NB. Very near Nottingham railway station - we've had guests join us by train from Leics and Lincs - with bus and tram stops close by and with free parking in bays right outside from 7.30pm. With no large TV screens or juke boxes or quiz machines, this is a traditional pub and ticks a lot of boxes when it comes to Mensans wanting to meet for a drink and chat in a central and easily accessible location. Why not join us one month? If you're visiting at any other time see if you can spot the "Mensa meet here" plaque behind the bar! One of only two in the country!
Maxine Bates
The biscuit anagrams from the January quiz were Shortcake, Pink wafer, Garibaldi, Ginger nuts, Nice, Hardtack, Viennese whirl, Maryland cookies, Penguins, Jammy dodgers, Bourbon, Chocolate chip cookies, Army biscuits, Malted milk, Rich tea, Shrewsbury, Custard creams, Digestives, Chocolate finger and Wagon wheels. A record number of entries this month so congratulations go to Geraldine Reeks of Derbyshire who was drawn at random and wins the £10 book token.
As St Patrick's Day falls on 17th March, this month we have an Irish themed quiz for you. Send your entries to arrive by 20th March to '20 Questions (No. 221)', [Address] or [Email]. Don't forget to include your name and address so we know where to send the prize if you win.
1. What is the largest lake in Ireland?
2. In which year was the Easter Rising in Dublin?
3. Armagh is known for growing which fruit?
4. Who was Ireland's first female President?
5. Who is the musical brother of Andrea, Caroline and Sharon Corr?
6. Which brand of whiskey is made at the Middleton distillery?
7. Which Irish cyclist won the Tour De France in 1987?
8. Giant's Causeway is made from which type of rock?
9. Prior to the euro what was the currency of Ireland?
10. Irishwoman Rosemary Brown is better known as who?
11. In which building is the Book Of Kells displayed?
12. In what year was Riverdance the Eurovision Song Contest interval act?
13. Which TV series was filmed in the Irish village of Avoca?
14. Which Irish dramatist won the Nobel prize for literature in 1925?
15. What is the name of Ireland's only theme park?
16. Donegal is famous for which fabric?
17. Which battle took place in Ireland on 1st July 1690?
18. The Irish Grand National is run at which racecourse?
19. In which Belfast shipyard was the Titanic built?
20. What is the only Irish county town with a palindromic name?
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Tel: 01902 772771. Email: enquiries@mensa.org.uk
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