Congratulations to Nottingham members Lesley Gorlov and Geoff Walker on their marriage Saturday 5th May 2007

Picture of Sibsey Trader Mill across a field of sunflowers.
Sibsey Trader Mill photographed by June Fitz Gibbon
 

Congratulations to Milton Keynes LocSec, Jo Sidebottom, who celebrates a big birthday on 18th May!

Regional News

Supposedly there is a demand for stimulating and intellectual events within Mensa, although those simply involving food and drink are usually most popular! However, this month Mensa member Christine Day is offering you the chance to learn about Reiki healing and gain either 1st and/or 2nd degree diplomas in this fascinating subject. Anyone who attended the Nottingham Annual Gatherings in either 1999 or 2006 may recall Christine, who ran well-attended workshops in Reiki. The course will take place at the Forest Rise Hotel in Loughborough, which is easily accessible from the M1 motorway and a short walk to the town centre. The 1st degree diploma will be covered on Saturday 19th May and the 2nd degree diploma on Sunday 20th May. You may take one or both qualifications and each day includes tuition, manuals, lunch and refreshments. Prices are £107 for Saturday, £152 for Sunday or £214 for both days. Discounted accommodation is also available. For further details please contact me on [Phone Number] or [Email]. Places are strictly limited.

If this is a success we may organise other learning opportunities in the future. If you are qualified to teach a certain subject and interested in helping out please do get in touch.

If you cannot attend our social events due to location, finances, disability, work or family commitments, then why not pop along to the 24/7 virtual pub meeting that is known as the "Unoff"? This is an email group with around 300 members who discuss everything from current affairs to hobbies to legal advice to jokes. Several members have even met through this email group and since married! See the ad in this issue of Empress on how to join.

Enjoy the bank holidays!

Maxine Bates

Regional Officer

Picture of a bird perching atop a sign which says "no swimming".
Photographed in Bradgate Park, Leicestershire by Helen Whittaker
 

Events and Meetings

Notts News

On Sat 5th May at 8:00pm - 5OTM

Our regular get together at the Vat & Fiddle falls on Saturday 5th this month. Paul Henchliffe will kindly be hosting this event as I'll be attending a Mensan wedding. Do join him to the left of the bar from 8.00 pm. Old, young, male, female all welcome! The venue is on Queensbridge Road, near the railway station and Broad Marsh bus station and with free parking right outside.

On Wed 9th May at 7:00pm - Chicks & Flicks

Paul will also be hosting our "chicks & flicks" event on Wednesday 9th. Meet our growing group inside the doors to the Cornerhouse complex in the city centre at 7.00 pm prompt. We'll then buy tickets for a later film at Cineworld before dining at Nando's chicken restaurant (veggie options available). There's 10% off the meal and 2-4-1 cinema tickets so a cheap night out! Contact Paul on [Phone Number] or [Email] so he can reserve a table and avoid any waiting.

On Sat 12th May at 7:00pm - Eurovision Party - Langley Mill

Andy and I are hosting our third Eurovision party from 7.00 pm on Saturday 12th at our home in Langley Mill. Come and watch the contest live on TV, cringe at Scooch representing the UK, laugh at Terry Wogan's comments, take part in the sweepstake or just socialise. Please try to wear something and/or bring an edible offering related to a European country. Phone [Phone Number] or email [Email] for directions, to reserve floorspace or to just let us know you're joining the fun.

On Sun 13th May at 12:00pm - Chinese Buffet Lunch - Nottingham

As we will have quite a few overnight guests, the following lunch we'll be heading to the new Big Wok restaurant on Parliament Street in Nottingham for their eat-as-much-as-you-like Chinese buffet. This includes soups, salads, starters, mains, tepanyaki grill, sushi bar, curry counter, desserts and a chocolate fountain for a bargain £4.99 per person. Meet at the restaurant at 12 noon on Sunday 13th but book your place with me on [Phone Number] by 10th so I can make a reservation. It's a popular place!

On Tue 29th May at 7:30pm - Postcode Pubcrawl - Edwinstowe

Finally round off the bank holiday weekend with our "Postcode Pubcrawl" event on Tuesday 29th. We're going to Ma Hubbard's, High Street, Edwinstowe where they serve a varied good value menu. If you live in the NG21 postcode come and say hello! Please book with me by 27th so a table can be reserved. If it's a fine evening maybe we can enjoy a stroll to the nearby Major Oak after dinner?

Ciao for now!

Maxine Bates

Derby Doings

On Wed 16th May at 7:30pm - 3WOTM

Everyone, including non-members if you wish to bring them along, are welcome to our monthly meeting in the area at the back of the Standing Order on Irongate. More info on [Phone Number] or [Email]

On Thu 24th May at TBD - Pub Meet - Bakewell

I fancy a night out in Bakewell but don't know anything about the pubs in the town so if anyone else would like a night out there please contact me by Sun 20 May and we can arrange somewhere to meet and, possibly, eat. More info on [Phone Number] or [Email]

Bernard Briggs

Lincoln

On Sun 13th May at 3:00pm - Tea, Cakes and Chat - Claxby St Andrews

Christine Howells who lives in Claxby St Andrews in the east of the area has kindly arranged a tea, cakes and chat meeting at her home on Sunday 13th May from 3pm. We thought it could stimulate some interesting conversation if we brought books we particularly enjoy to this meet but this is optional. For encouragement/directions, please contact Christine at [Email] or on [Phone Number]. I may be able to offer a car share from Lincoln with some warning ([Phone Number]).

We also wondered if there are other members out there in or near the area who would appreciate meeting informally to discuss philosophy every few months in a relaxed atmosphere. If so, please let Christine or myself know.

Jacquie Harrison

On Mon 7th May at 1:00pm - Lunch - Leicester

Join us for lunch on Monday 7th May at The Red Cow in Leicester Forest East at 1.00pm. The pub serves a wide selection of traditional foods. We aim to sit in the eating area around the left of the bar or outside if the weather is good! Look for the magazine on the table. Ample car parking is available. For directions or to let me know you are coming along email [Email] or phone [Phone Number].

Rebecca Mawby

Northants NNotes

On Thu 10th May at 9:00pm - Pub - Northampton

At the time of writing the Dusty Fox is closed for another makeover and, as we don't know exactly how it's going to turn out, our 2nd Thursday meeting has been temporarily re-located to The Rover in Weedon Road, Northampton. As you go through the front door you'll see a seating area to the far left of the bar - that's where we'll be.

On Thu 30th May at 8:00pm - Roadshow - Kettering

Kettering; home of the Poppies, and tonight home of the Roadshow. The Talbot in Meadow Road gets the pleasure of our company tonight to come along to Meadow Road and join us in the lounge. All welcome.

To find us at both venues look for the Mensa mag on one of the tables. Details from [Phone Number] or [Email].

Ian Sargent

MK & Bedford

On Thu 3rd May at 8:00pm - Eating Meeting

We're at IMAG but Hannah has kindly agreed to host our eating meeting at ASK restaurant in Xscape. Booking essential with Hannah by Tuesday 1st - [Email], or [Phone Number]

See http://www.askcentral.co.uk/askmainani.html for address and menu details.

On Wed 16th May at 8:00pm - 3WOTM

A complete change of venue for Third Wednesday: Starbucks coffee shop in Borders bookshop by the Hockey Stadium (Portway/Grafton St roundabout). Not sure yet exactly where we'll be but the coffee shop isn't too big and we'll have the Mblem on display, so we shouldn't be hard to find. Contact Jo at [Email], or [Phone Number] / [Phone Number] for directions/encouragement.

Jo Sidebottom & Chris Lonsbrough

Berkhamsted

On Wed 30th May at 7:45pm - LWOTM - Bourne End

The White Horse Pub, Bourne End, on the Hemel Hempstead Road (the old A41) half way between Hemel and Berkhamsted. Do come and drink, eat or just join us for a quiet chat. All members welcome. Any ideas for other meetings also welcome. Just come and explain, we would love to hear from you.

Jenny Habib

Come to our Virtual Pub!

Interested in joining an informal chat list for members (and ex-members)? The UNOFF is maintained and supported as a not-for-gain effort by a group of private individual volunteers and is not controlled or moderated by British Mensa, in fact it's really just an unofficial 24 hour pub meeting. If you want to know more about this list please contact [Email] or, to apply to join this online community, just email:

UNOFF-MENSA-UK-L-request@HOME.EASE.LSOFT.COM

Hertfordshire

On Thu 3rd May at 8:30pm - FThOTM - Hitchin

FThOTM now established at the Millstream, Cambridge Road, Hitchin, about five minutes' walk from Hitchin station. Food and good beer available! Ring me on [Phone Number] for further details and encouragement.

On Tue 8th May at 7:30pm - Pub Meal and Board Games - Weston (near Baldock)

This month, Helen hosts our Pub Meal and Board Games meeting at the Cricketers, Weston (near Baldock). Bring some board games along as well! The pub is not, sadly, on any evening bus routes, so time to get on your bikes! Ring me on [Phone Number] / [Phone Number] for details and encouragement.

On Wed 16th May at 8:30pm - Pub Quiz - Hitchin

We're now doing the quiz at the Millstream, Cambridge Road, Hitchin (about five minutes' walk from the station); please call Helen on [Phone Number] / [Phone Number] or Richard on [Phone Number] for details and encouragement. Food and good beer are available!

On Fri 25th May at 8:00pm - LFOTM - Hertingfordbury

Join us in the lounge of the White Horse, Hertingfordbury to chill out at the end of the month - look for the mag and Mblem. Ring Gwen on [Phone Number] or Richard on [Phone Number] for details and encouragement. The hotel is about 20 minutes' walk from Hertford North station. Meals are available.

Richard Allen/Gwen Jones

On Every Friday at Evening - Cinema - Stevenage

I go to the cinema (Cineworld) in Leisure Park (16 screen) on Friday evenings; if you wish to join me please call me on [Phone Number] or [Phone Number]. There is usually plenty of choice! Stevenage Leisure Centre is next to Stevenage station, which is also served by local bus services.

Helen Rees

High Wycombe & Amersham

On Thu 17th May at 7:15pm - Alan Ayckbourn's Bedroom Farce

Join us for Alan Ayckbourn's hillarious Bedroom Farce at the Swan Theatre in High Wycombe. Circle tickets cost £21 cheaper options available details from the box office 01494 512000. Encouragement from Alistair on [Phone Number].

We like to do something different in South Bucks Mensa and this month we are going to the theatre where we will see Alan Ayckbourn's "Bedroom Farce". It should be great fun. Do join us if you can.

Alistair Blackett

Derbyshire

On Fri 28th Sep - Mon 1st

A self-discovery weekend at a country cottage including reiki, reflexology, dowsing, crystal healing, Tibetan prayer flags and much more. Cost £195 per person. Includes three nights accommodation, all meals and 11 workshops. For full details contact Maxine on [Phone Number] or see www.maruba-events.com. Numbers strictly limited.

Cumbria

On Fri 7th Dec - Mon 10th

Lakes Party Weekend : A weekend of partying, walking, sightseeing and activities based at the CenterParcs village near Penrith. Package includes accommodation in a modern lodge in the forest, five buffet meals, party each evening and full programme of events. See www.maruba-events.com or phone Maxine on [Phone Number] for full details. New faces welcome!

20 Questions (No. 68)

Nice to see so many new names entering the sequences quiz from Andy Cole of Cleethorpes, Jill Miller of Bucks, Roger Plant of Nottingham, Steve Munslow of High Wycombe, Mike Hadley of Leics, Sue Pearson of Bucks, Geraldine Ellis of Nottingham, Michael Warren of Derby, D W Dell of Leighton Buzzard, Lynda Brotherhood of Mansfield, Tony Dodd of Belvoir, Alan Tonks of Mansfield, P W Gunning of Welwyn Garden City, Esther Bushell of Daventry, Llewylln Fry of Towcester, Helene Parry of Brentford, Peter Lewis of Milton Keynes, David Ribbans of Luton and J E Green of St Albans. Helene was first out of the hat and wins the Mensa ambigram T-shirt. In case you're wondering the answers were 45, 343, 21, 94, 64, 101001, 5040, 33550336, XIX, J, V, M, N, A, I, F, DD, TB, DAF and S. Space does not permit us to print all the explanations but if you were stuck on the last sequence.. try drawing the answer and it spells out Mensa!

As the Eurovision Song Contest takes places this month we have a quiz for all Abba fans! Name the songs from which these lyrics are taken and send your answers to '20 Questions (No. 68)', [Address] to arrive by 20th May for chance to win an Ambigram mug.

1. It's a dark and dreary night, seems like nothing's going right

2. Feel the beat from the tambourine

3. I'm sure I had my dinner watching something on TV

4. There's a fire within my soul

5. How I hate to spend the evening on my own

6. Scattered driftwood on the beach

7. Every minute seemed to last eternity

8. Like taking candy from a baby

9. The walls came tumbling down

10. I am the girl with golden hair

11. At the end of eighty nine

12. So maybe I'm not the one

13. Morning croissants

14. Trying to explain the laws of geometry

15. Someone tries the door-knob

16. You'll think you're in paradise

17. No taste for humble pie

18. Over mountains and forests and seas

19. All I do is eat and sleep and sing

20. The judges will decide

Think Tank

We start our Think Tank series with the thoughts and ideas of our Photographic Competition winner and Hertford area LocSec Richard Allen.

What law would you introduce if you could?
A law forbidding anyone without the appropriate degree and professional accrediation from calling themselves an engineer.
... and which would you repeal?
European Communities Act
Which charity do you most like to support?
Plan International (sponsoring children in developing countries)
Name a place local to you that you'd recommend people visit
None of these is very local to me, but I'd list King's College Chapel, Cambridge, St Albans Cathedral, Peterborough Cathedral and the Leighton Buzzard narrow gauge railway.
Whose picture would you like to see on a bank note?
Douglas Bader
What device would you like to see invented?
Self-ironing clothing! (I hate ironing shirts!)
How would you reform parliament?
Abolish the whip system so that all votes were free votes, with no compulsion to vote on party lines.
Who would you like to see in the Big Brother house?
Never watch it, but wouldn't it be nice to put all the members of the Cabinet in there and see how long they can last without killing each other?
How can we save the planet?
Sensible use of resources, including combined heat and power schemes (also known as district heating), burning rubbish to generate electricity (as already happens at a number of sites in the UK), effective re-use of rainwater and waste water in houses (eg to flush toilets), turning lights off in offices at night and reducing the amount of lighting on trunk roads and motorways (in particular) between midnight and 4 am, when there are very few cars on the road.
Name an event at which the British could win an Olympic gold medal.
Rowing and equestrianism, as we have done many times in the past.
What song would make a good national anthem for England?
Jerusalem or I Vow to Thee My Country
What would you like see entered into room 101?
Political and religious fanatics and journalists.
Suggest a new question for this page.
Which is more important to you, family or friends?

Do you have some good answers to these questions? If so, I'd be delighted to receive them. Your answers can be serious or humorous, flippant or surreal, or any mixture as takes your fancy.

Please send your submission by email to [Email], or you can respond online by visiting the East Midlands regional web site at http://www.nfstimpson.co.uk/empress/ThinkTank.ashx

Editorial

For the next four months, Rosie is taking a well earned break and I'll be looking after the Empress. Thanks to Rosie for her efforts since I was last in the chair.

This month, I am introducing a new feature called Think Tank (see page 7) giving you a chance to present your ideas on a range of subjects from the important to the trivial. I hope that you find reading these stimulating and enjoyable. I would like this feature to run for a good while, but for that to happen, I am dependent on you, good readers, to add your thoughts into the tank.

A lot has happened since my last stint as editor. The hugely successful Diamond Annual Gathering has come and gone, and you can read the feedback received from the attendees on the "Reviews" page of the regional web site at http://www.mensa.org.uk/eastmids.

We've also had the launch of the new British Mensa web site, to a somewhat mixed reception, though everyone seems to agree that it's a substantial improvement on the old one.

In Empress, there was the result of our photo competition. We received some excellent photos that didn't win, so I've taken the opportunity this month to feature a couple of my favorites from among those. They're on pages 1 and 2.

One thing I learnt from the competition was that our region is home to a remarkable number of beautifully preserved windmills like the one on the front page. Perhaps if today's wind turbines were as aesthetically pleasing, they'd be more welcome on our landscapes.

Nick Stimpson