The Q6 steam locomotive 63395 is almost lost in its own steam.

The age of steam was revisited by Leicester members in February with a trip on the Great Central Railway.

For things to do this month, see pages 3 to 5.

 

Regional News

Northampton LocSec, Ian Sargent, had his moment of fame on Sunday 15th March when he was invited into the studio at Radio Northampton to do an interview with presenter Joe Pignatiello. Having spent half an hour looking through the Sunday papers and selecting some interesting stories, in between the music and news/traffic bulletins there were four or five slots - each lasting a couple of minutes - between 10 am and 11 am discussing Mensa and reviewing three of the stories that Ian had picked out. In the last slot there was mention of the Mensa test session taking place in Northampton the following week and this was also announced as part of the round-up of forthcoming events. Many thanks to Ian for representing Mensa in this way. If you would like a similar opportunity then please contact me on [Phone Number] or [Email] as we currently have a vacancy for a Regional Publicity Officer. The role could be split if there were several members wishing to represent their own local area rather than the whole region. Ian enjoyed the experience. You might too!

We have not one but two forthcoming regional events. The first is on Sunday 28th June and is a joint event with West Midlands Mensa at Twycross Zoo on our border. The day will involve a private talk about the history of Twycross Zoo and the role of modern zoos, activity sessions making toys and feeding devices for the animals, buffet lunch, a guided tour of the tour including delivery of the items made in the morning, and time to explore on your own. The whole event costs only £10 - a bargain as normal admission is £11! Places are limited due to the activity sessions and are selling fast. Please check availability with me before booking.

We also have a Regional Day taking place on Saturday 4th July at the Holiday Inn Rugby/Northampton which is off M1 J18 and central to our region. Due to the date we are giving the event an American theme. Starting at 2.00 pm there will be opportunity to meet other members, be introduced to some of the East Midlands Mensa officers, and have your say on future social events and what you would like to gain from your membership. This will be followed by three talks on Native American history and culture by Elaine Yates, American cartooning by Peter Bellingham, and a three month journey across the USA in a motorhome by Matthew Collins. Some of these speakers have appeared at our previous events and are back by popular demand with a slightly different session to suit our theme. In the evening there will be a three course hot buffet with meat and vegetarian dishes representing both North and Central America. This will be followed by a quiz to test your knowledge of all things American that can be played as individuals or part of a team. You are then welcome to stay as long as you wish to socialise. The hotel are offering discounted accommodation for anyone wanting to make a weekend of it and use their leisure club. Tickets for the event cost £12.50 including all talks, materials and food. Another bargain! Full details on both of these events can be found on our web site at www.mensa.org.uk/eastmids

Maxine Bates

Regional Officer

Events and Meetings

photo of Maxine Bates

Notts News

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

Join us at the Vat & Fiddle pub from 8.00 pm on Tuesday 5th and tell us how you spent the bank holiday weekend. The venue is on Queensbridge Road near Nottingham railway station and has free parking right outside. Look for the yellow Mblem usually to the left of the bar. New faces always welcome, especially females.

On Wed 13th May at 7:00pm - Chicks and Flicks

On Wednesday 13th join Paul and co for our regular 'chicks & flicks' event. We meet at 7.00 pm inside the doors to the Cornerhouse in the city centre then head round the corner to dine at Nando's peri-peri chicken restaurant (veggie options too) before watching a film at Cineworld. With offers at both venues it's possible to enjoy this fun night out for under a tenner. For further info contact Paul on [Phone Number] or [Email]

On Sat 16th May at 7:00pm - Eurovision party

The Eurovision Song Contest takes place on Saturday 16th and I'm having a party at my home in Langley Mill on the Notts/Derbys border from 7.00 pm. Come along to cheer or heckle the contenders in the lounge, socialise in the kitchen, or chill out in the garden if fine weather. Please try to bring a buffet contribution and/or wear an item of clothing relating to a European country to add to the fun. It would help if I knew the approximate number of guests or anyone wishing to bring a sleeping bag and stay overnight.

On Mon 18th May at 7:30pm - Theatre

The musical 'Evita' is being staged at Nottingham Theatre Royal and I'm planning a group trip to see the 7.30 pm performance on Monday 18th. The show tells the story of Eva Peron and features well-known songs composed by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd-Webber. Tickets range in price from £15 to £33 depending on seating preference and there's a discount of 10% if there are 10+ of us. Contact me as soon as possible if interested.

On Tue 26th May at 7:30pm - Italian meal

Finally at 7.30 pm on Tuesday 26th we're going for an Italian meal at Antibo's restaurant on Lower Parliament Street. The menu is '2 for 1' on all starters and main courses so feel free to bring a friend! As the restaurant is always popular I'll need to reserve a table so please book with me by 22nd. See www.antibo.co.uk for menu.

Ciao for now!

Maxine Bates

Derby Diary

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

There's not a lot happening this month, just our regular 3WOTM meeting at the Standing Order in Derby which falls on Wednesday 20th. Join us for a meal or just a drink and some great conversation from 7.30pm. Look out for the yellow Mblem on a long table in the area just beyond the bar.

Please feel free to contact me, for more details/directions or even if you just want some encouragement.

As always it would be great to hear from you if you have any suggestions for future meetings or events, or if you would like to advertise one of your own.

Matthew Smith

photo of Jacquie Harrison

Lively Lincs

On Sat 9th May at 12:00pm - 2SaOTM

Just to confuse everyone, we are holding the regular first Saturday meeting on the second Saturday for this month only but this may be better as it avoids the Bank Holiday weekend. So please join Christine in the Drill Hall" cafe. There you can enjoy lunch or just a coffee/drink and lively conversation with live blues/jazz background music.

For encouragement/directions/ please contact Christine at [Email] or telephone me on [Phone Number]. Nearby Broadgate and Rosemary Lane car parks have cheap weekend day deals. Look out for the magazine near the bar. Everyone very welcome

Jacquie Harrison

photo of Ian Sargent

Northants NNotes

On Mon 4th May at 11:00am - Walk To The Top Of The World

We missed out on Active April in Northants so don't pass up the opportunity to Walk To The Top Of The World this month. Monday 4th May is the date and the starting point is the Red Lion in the village of Hellidon, which is a few miles south of Daventry) at 11am. The 4½ mile route takes in a view of Arbury Hill (the highest point in the county). A pub lunch in the Red Lion should round the morning off nicely.

On Thu 7th May at 9:00pm - 2ThOTM

Three days later and it's our usual First Thursday meeting on the 7th May. We'll be in the bar of the Fox & Hounds at Harlestone from 9pm onwards.

On Thu 21st May at 8:00pm - Roadshow

The final meeting of the month is the Roadshow. It's on Thursday 21st May and the village of Guilsborough is where you need to head to. We'll be in the bar of the Ward Arms from 8pm.

For both of the evening meetings a copy of the Mensa Mag will show you who we are.

Ian Sargent

photo of Sue Watford

Leicestershire Letter

On Sat 30th May at 7:30pm - Pub meal

"Back to the pub for a meal again, last Saturday of the month again ... and the Quorndon Fox again. This pub on the Main Street at Quorn was surprisingly good last time we went: it looks very expensive from the outside, and two of us had decided we would stick to sandwiches until we saw the menu, which was very reasonable. So: 7.30 pm for a meal at the Quorndon Fox on Saturday, 30th May (NOT the bank holiday weekend - that's the previous week).

Sue Watford

photo of Jo Sidebottom

Mensans In MK and Bedford

On Sat 2nd May at 3:00pm - T@3

A return to Dobbie's Garden Centre in Fenny Stratford for tea, cakes and chat. Look for us somewhere in the restaurant.

Contact Jo as above for directions and encouragement.

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

Please join us for chat and conversation in the foyer of Jurys Inn on Midsummer Boulevard (west). Limited food available for those who wish to eat. Look for the Mblem in foyer or bar.

We're on hols so no Third Wednesday at The Old Beams this month. We should be back to normal next month.

Jo Sidebottom

photo of Val Hinkins

Mid Bucks

On Sun 17th May at 7:00pm - Chinese meal and Film evening

This month we will try out the Sunshine Chinese restaurant at 21A High Street, High Wycombe. Their premises were formerly used by the "Beijing Gourmet". They have a wide menu, including lots of vegetarian options.

We are eating early so that we finish in time to get to Wycombe Swan by 7pm for Paul Merton's film evening "Silent Clowns" - an evening of hilarious extracts from Charlie Chaplin, Laurel and Hardy, Harold Lloyd, etc. followed by a full showing of Buster Keaton's Steamboat Bill Junior with live piano accompaniment.

I will need to book a table at the restaurant, so please ring me on [Phone Number] or e-mail me at [Email] to let me know you are coming for the meal.

Details and bookings for the Swan are available on www.wycombeswan.co.uk. Please book your own tickets for the theatre, but let me know you are coming so we can look out for you. (Please feel free to come to just the meal or the theatre if you don't wish to do both.)

Val Hinkins

photo of Richard Allen

Herts Happenings

On Thu 7th May at 8:15pm - FThOTM

Regular first Thursday of the month meeting. As always, we're at the Millstream, Cambridge Road, Hitchin. Good food and good beer both available! Call me on [Phone Number] for more details and encouragement. The pub is about ten minutes' walk from the railway station.

On Sun 17th May at 10:00am - Country walk and pub lunch

I'm doing a short (3 miles or so) walk in the Letchworth area followed by a pub lunch. This will be my first walk since my accident last autumn so despite the short length, it will be a special occasion. It will be fairly gentle terrain, so perfect if you want to bring the family along. Pick-ups can be arranged from local railway stations.

Contact me on [Phone Number] for further details closer to the time.

Richard Allen

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

Join us at the White Horse, Hertingfordbury village (about one mile west of Hertford town centre, just off the A414). A warm welcome and stimulating conversation guaranteed! Look for the Mag/Mblem. Hertingfordbury is about 20 minutes' walk from Hertford North station. Contact me on [Phone Number] or Gwen on [Phone Number] for further details and encouragement.

Richard Allen/Gwen Jones

photo of Jenny Habib

Berkhamsted

On Wed 27th May at 7:45pm - Pub

We will meet at the Three Horseshoes at Winkwell, Bourne End, on the canal, down the small lane next to the Texaco Petrol station by the Bourne End A 41 roundabout.

We can sit out beside the canal if it is fine, and inside if it rains. All members young and adult very welcome. There are two car parking areas along the Lane on the opposite side to the pub.

Jenny Habib

Banff Regional Gathering

Picturesque view from Banff

Please join us at the Banff Regional Gathering (September 11 through 13, 2009) hosted by Mensa Calgary in one of the most beautiful parts of the world. Combine world-class scenery, a great program, the low Canadian dollar and top minds: the result is a memorable experience. Check out our RG web site at www.mensabanffrg.com for more info.

Words, Words, Wonderful Words

Some feedback on recent "Wonderful Words" starts with this list of annoying words and phases from Trudie Lazarus:

  • 1. "BASICALLY"
  • 2. "I'M NOT TOO SURE", when they mean 'I don't know'
  • 3. "ONLY" before a price.
  • 4. "SAVE £5" - I can save a lot more by not buying.
  • 5. And lastly on a shelf in a Milan supermarket (translated) "FRESH EGGS" and on the next shelf "EGGS." - Presumably the latter were stale!

Judy Barker provides us with a BUZZ PHRASE Generator:

One of the most useful tools in management writing is the Buzz Phrase Generator, for it enables users to invest anything they write, not with any particular meaning, but with a proper tone of decisive, progressive and authoritative knowledge.

Column 1Column 2Column 3
0 Integrated0 Management0 Options
1 Overall1 Organisational1 Flexibility
2 Systemised2 Monitored2 Capability
3 Parallel3 Reciprocal3 Mobility
4 Functional4 Digital4 Programming
5 Responsive5 Logistical5 Concept
6 Optimal6 Transitional6 Time Phase
7 Synchronised7 Incremental7 Projection
8 Compatible8 Third-generation8 Hardware
9 Balanced9 Policy9 Contingency

To use the Buzz Phrase Generator effectively, select any three-digit number at random using the columns in sequence.

eg. 327 - Parallel monitored projection

084 - Integrated third-generation programming

956 - Balanced logistical time phase

Think Tank

This month's think tank is courtesy of Anthony Davis from Stony Stratford.

What law would you introduce if you could?
Death for people that stand on station platforms blocking the doors for the people trying to get off, and, in a similar vein, Death also for those that stop dead in my path and extend the handle on their wheelie bags,relulting in me doing the arm-waving trying to keep my balance thing and/or walking into the wheelie-bag and hurting my legs and, well, most wheelie-bag related activities should carry some sort of penalty, don't you think?
... and which would you repeal?
The one that says you should only have apple sauce with pork, I like apple sauce with roast chicken, and beef as well, so why shouldn't I have it? I do have it anyway, but why should I be an outcast because of it?
Which charity do you most like to support?
R.S.P.C.A. - They have a great second-hand shop in Stony Stratford.
Whose picture would you like to see on a bank note?
Colonel Sanders
Name a place local to you that you'd recommend people visit
Stony Stratford, the town is lovely, functional and attractive. The riverside walk is wonderful.The service in the shops is polite and attentive. The Christmas lights are pretty and the litter levels are low.The all you can eat Buffet in the Indian restaurant oppostie Budgens is good, too.
Who would you like to see in the Big Brother house?
Winston Smith
How would you reform parliament?
No politicians allowed!
How can we save the planet?
Stop printing
Name an event at which the British could win an Olympic gold medal.
Poor customer service
Who would you like see entered into room 101?
Reality Television shows.

20 Questions (No. 92)

Answers and winners to "20 Questions No 90 are on page 7.

As the Eurovision Song Contest takes place this month we have a European flavour quiz set by Patrick Cavanagh.

Please send your entries to '20 Questions (No. 92)', [Address], to arrive by 20th May for chance to win a £10 voucher.

1. Which country uses the forint as its currency?

2. Which country's name is Suomi in its own language?

3. Which capital city's motto (translated into English) says "Obedient Citizens Will Be Happy"?

4. What is the French name for the Straits of Dover and English Channel?

5. What was the currency of Slovenia before they changed to the euro?

6. What are the three large islands that form the western and southern borders of the Tyrrhenian Sea?

7. What do the Greeks call Corfu?

8. Jylland, Fyn and Sjælland are provinces of which country?

9. Séyðisfjordhur, Þingvellir, and Akureyri are cities in which country?

10. Where is Lake Vanern?

11. What is the southernmost city in Spain?

12. What is Ireland's largest lake?

13. On which island is Mount Etna?

14. What is the name of the narrow stretch of sea between the north of Scotland and the south of the Orkney Islands?

15. Napoleon Bonaparte was born on which French island?

16. Which river flows through Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest?

17. What is the stretch of water that separates European and Asian Istanbul?

18. Which two countries share a border with Kaliningrad?

19. In which country is the gas field of Groningen?

20. Which country has provinces of Brabant, Limburg and Vlanderen?

Answers to 20 Questions No. 90.

The unscrambled anagrams from the March competition were rhinoceros, golden eagle, Persian cat, praying mantis, mountain gorilla, great white shark, seahorse, chimpanzee, flamingo, grasshopper, boa constrictor, wildebeest, marmoset, elephant, deathwatch beetle, groundhog, rattlesnake, stick insect, spider monkey and bandicoot. Lots of entries this month from Helene Parry of Brentford, Mike Hadley of Lutterworth, Pat Naylor of Nottingham, Tony Armitage of Nottingham, J E Green of St Albans, Jenny Ellway of Milton Keynes, Alan Fursdon of Milton Keynes, Pamela Covey of Woburn, Christine Barradell of Leicester, Geraldine Ellis of Nottingham, Dawn Cox of Derby, Carol Wheatcroft of Derby, Andy Cole of Cleethorpes, Geoff Ward of Lincoln, D W Dell of Leighton Buzzard, Michael Warren of Derby, Don Foster of Notts, Peter Chamberlain of Rushden, Steve Percy of Leicester, Rita Beeson of Kempston, Helen Whitehead of Northants and David Ribbans of Luton. With most entrants getting 20 out of 20 the winner picked 'out of the hat' was Don. A £10 book token is on the way!