Barn dancers in action
Barn Dance
 

Regional News

Many thanks to all the guests who turned up for our barn dance in March, especially those who helped with setting up/clearing the room, catering or fundraising. My father was seriously ill at the time of this event and passed away shortly afterwards. So a big thank you to my fabulous friends for getting me through not only this night but also the difficult months beforehand and the tough times that followed. I have been overwhelmed by the messages of condolences and support and thank you sincerely.

On a brighter note we held our annual regional committee meeting prior to the barn dance and discussed ways to hopefully give you more benefit from your membership. Watch this space over the coming months!

As ever you are welcome to contact me on [Phone Number] or [Email] with any feedback on your membership or suggestions for future social events or contributions of quizzes for Empress.

Maxine Bates

Regional Officer

Events and Meetings

Mensans In MK and Bedford

On Tue 12th May at 7:00pm - Cinema

Our first outing for May is something we haven't done for a while, and never to this new venue: a cinema visit on Tuesday 12th to the new Odeon at the MK Dons' Stadium. Meet in the foyer at 7pm to agree which film to see - check http://www.odeon.co.uk/cinemas/milton_keynes_stadium/218/ in advance and come along with your suggestions! Look for the Mblem, or let us know if you want us to look out for you.

On Mon 18th May at 8:30pm - Quiz

Our monthly visit to the Barge in Woolstone for the quiz is on Monday 18th. Meet from 8.30 - the quiz starts at 9pm and costs £1 per person. Look out for the Mblem on a table. Please let me know if you plan to come so I can bag a large enough table.

On Sun 31st May at 10:00am - Sunday breakfast

Sunday breakfast will be on 31st May at 10am at Carluccio's in the Centre:MK. You will probably find us in one of the red booths just in front of the restaurant- look for the Mblem on a table. Come for a full breakfast, a snack, or just a drink.

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 in May. 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

Notts News

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

Lots happening this month whether you enjoy food, drink, parties, gambling or just socialising! We start with our "5th of the month" get together at the Vat & Fiddle pub on Queensbridge Road on Tuesday 5th. As this is usually their quiz night please try to arrive at our start time of 8.00pm if you'd like to join our team. Or come along later for just a drink. Last time we took part we got free chips at half time and won chocolates. Hopefully we can repeat the fun but not-so-healthy night out!

On Thu 14th May at 7:30pm - Natter and nosh

We'll be at the Beekeeper on Meadow Lane in Beeston from 7.30pm on Thursday 14th for our "natter and nosh" event. Not only should we still have some 25% vouchers off food but Hungry Horse also have a new menu. If you don't want to dine you're just as welcome to come along for a drink and chat. Look for a yellow Mblem on the long table beyond the food order point at the end of the bar.

On Fri 22nd May at 6:30pm - Greyhound racing

We start the late May bank holiday weekend with a return trip to Nottingham Greyhound Stadium at Colwick on Friday 22nd. Once again this is to participate in their charity race tournament where we have an allocated trap number to compete. 100 tickets have kindly been donated by the stadium that I'm selling for £3 each (normal price is £6) and all that money will go to Cancer Research UK. Accompanied under 18s are admitted free of charge. There is food and drink available at the venue as well as ample free parking. Gates open 6.00pm with the first race at 6.30pm and the last race finished by 10.30pm. You can arrive/leave any time to suit yourself. Last time there were around 70 of us and it was a fun, and in some cases profitable, night out. Feel free to invite friends, family and work colleagues. You'll need to purchase tickets from me in advance as I can't be seen to be handing them out at the gate on the night.

On Sat 23rd May at 7:00pm - Eurovision party

The following evening, Saturday 23rd, it's time for my annual Eurovision party! Come along to my home in Langley Mill from 7.00pm to watch the show, heckle the acts and generally socialise. If you're not really a Eurovision fan you can hang out in the kitchen or garden instead. You are invited to bring a buffet contribution and/or wear something related to a European country to add to the fun. Some hot and soft drinks provided otherwise bring whatever you wish to drink. Yes, we know the voting is now political and the UK are unlikely to win but it's all good fun! There will be other events around Notts over the bank holiday weekend to be arranged nearer the time once I know how many guests will be coming from further afield and what sightseeing they would like to do. Please keep an eye on the East Midlands Mensa Facebook page and Yahoo email group or contact me for an update.

Ciao for now!

Maxine Bates

Lively Lincs

On Sat 9th May at 12:00pm - Pub discussion

For our pub discussion this month we are venturing to discuss 'Election - what next?' We don't normally do politics directly but we reckon we all know each other well enough and are reasonable enough to have a decent talk about the country's political future. So, if you would like to add your thoughts, or just listen, do join us at the Adam and Eve on Lindum Hill, Lincoln, Sat 9th May, for as long as you like, 12 onwards until we finally leave some hours later. Free car park, pub lunches available, look for Mblem, usually in alcove, maybe in garden if weather is ok.

On Thu 21st May at 7:00pm - Midweek eating meeting

I've decided to be adventurous and go to a different restaurant for the midweek eating meeting, out of Lincoln to boot! It has been recommended to try Nasim in Spilsby. All welcome, Thursday, 21 May, 7pm. Please book with me by 18th, if possible, thanks.

Christine Howells

Derby Diary

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

We've seen several new faces over the last few months so hopefully this will continue on Wednesday 20th when we are once again at the Standing Order on Irongate in the city centre. Look for a yellow Mblem on one of the long tables in the rear section of the pub from 7.30pm. You are welcome to join us for food and/or a drink.

I'm hosting my annual Eurovision Song Contest party from 7.00pm on Saturday 23rd at my home in Langley Mill on the Notts/Derbys border. See Notts News for details.

On Tue 26th May at 7:30pm - Eating meeting

At 7.30pm on Tuesday 26th our "eating meeting" takes place at the School House Restaurant in South Normanton. We don't often return to the same venue but this one is always popular. Two courses cost £11.50 or three courses £13.50. Their menu changes weekly but examples can be found at www.theschoolhouserestaurant.co.uk. Please reserve your place with me by 22nd latest.

Maxine Bates

Luton

On Tue 5th May at 7:30pm - FTuOTM

At the 'Brache' Beefeater, Osborne Road, opposite the Vauxhall Design Building from 7.00pm. There is parking on site. Come along for a drink and a chat, or just the chat. Food is available at the bar or in the restaurant from the same menu. New faces will be welcome to join our group. Contact me for directions or more details.

Bob Ford

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

As ever, we're at the Millstream, Cambridge Road, Hitchin from 8.15pm. Good food and good beer both available! Call me for more details and encouragement. The pub is about ten minutes' walk from the railway station.

On Fri 29th May at 8:00pm - LFOTM

As always, we're at the Cowper Arms, Digswell from 8.00pm. It's by Welwyn North railway station, which is served by stopping trains from Kings Cross to Cambridge and Peterborough. Good food and good beer both available! Call me for more details and encouragement.

Richard Allen

More or Leicester

On Sat 16th May at 10:30am - Tea and Cakes

"Ne'er cast a clout 'til May is out" goes the old saying, which basically means that you should keep your jumper on and make sure your intake of tea and cakes is up to scratch. I can't do much about the former, but for the latter you can join me in Brucianni's on Churchgate in Leicester on Saturday 16th at 10:30am. How kind am I?? Look out for the magazine or give me a call to find me.

On Thu 28th May at 8:00pm - 4ThOTM

Later on in the month, we'll be having our "Fourth Thursday" do at The Cradock on the 28th at 8:00pm. This is the 64th anniversary of The Goon Show's first airing on the wireless, so I think whimsy is the order of the night..!

Paul Coulson

Mid Bucks

On Fri 15th May at 10:30am - Coffee & Chat

Meet me from 10:30am onwards on Friday 15th May for a morning of informal conversation and coffee. This month we are trying a new venue, Rumsey's Chocolaterie at 26 High Street, Wendover, HP22 6EA. For further information on the venue see http://www.rumseys.co.uk/our-shops/wendover This cafe is located in the Old Bank Building and offers a breakfast menu as well as croissants, pastries and cakes. Their luxury chocolates are also available to buy.

On Sat 23rd May at 12:15pm - Greek Meal

On Saturday 23rd May join me at 12:15 for lunch at the Greek Taverna, 23A, Walton Street, Aylesbury, HP20 1TZ. Menus are available at http://www.the-greek-taverna.co.uk/ I will need to book a table, so please let me know by Saturday 16th May if you are planning to come.

After lunch we will walk to the County Museum on Church Street, HP20 2QP to see the free exhibition of "Lutes, Lyres and Ukeleles" made by Zachary Taylor. These reconstructions of historical instruments have been researched and then recreated to give an idea of how they might have looked and sounded. Further information about the instruments is available on http://zacharytaylor.co.uk/joomla/ If you are not coming to lunch first, please meet up at the museum entrance at 2:15pm.

Val Hinkins

For further details or encouragement contact me on [Phone Number] or e-mail me at [Email]

Introduce Yourself

Studio photo of Maria

Hi, my name is Maria Falces, the third Editor of Empress and I would like to present a new section where any member can introduce themselves.

I will lead by example

1- When did you join Mensa?
I joined Spanish Mensa in February 2002 while at Uni. I came to England the following year and I joined British Mensa as a Guest Member in Manchester. Peter Baimbridge and Merlyn Reid became my "adopted parents". Thanks guys, I miss you. A few years later I transferred my membership to British Mensa.
2- Why did you join?

I saw the advert on one of the info walls and I remembered that at school, in Y8, I managed to get the highest score in my form, even higher that the girl who always got A* in everything (my best friend, by the way).

I had always considered myself quite smart (different from intelligent, yes I know, that could be the beginning of a very long article/pub discussion) and I have quite a good photographic memory. It runs in the family since my dad is a walking encyclopaedia. but I was not doing very well at Uni, mainly because I wasn't putting enough effort to it. You know, just enough to pass, not enough to be the best (lazzzy!).

I suppose I just wanted to know whether I was "still clever".

3- How did you feel when you got the test results? And your family/friends?

I think I felt re-assured, you know, my self-esteem lifted. Yep, I am that clever and I can prove it!

My friends, well, the expected reactions: From the "Well, you may be very intelligent but my grades are better" to the usual "What is that for? Is it going to give you a job?" up to the "I always knew you were very clever, congratulations!" (not many of those though).

I haven't told to all my family members.

4- What does Mensa mean to you?

A very interesting question. For me, it means that every time I move due to work commitments I don't need to start from "scratch". I am only one email/facebook text away to ask my previous LocSec/mensans to put me in contact with the new local ones. So I can start meeting some new people straight away.

However, the difference between meeting in a pub with Mensans or with "normal" friends (yep, we are NOT normal and proud of it) well. I am still looking for it. Maybe I have very clever friends???

5- What are you Gifted&Talented at?

All these years I have been asking myself that question. I found the answer last weekend. A friend had just moved home and I was staying over. We wanted to light some candles at night but gods know where the matches were.

She came across with a brilliant idea: she has a gas hob, we could light them there.

Inconvenient (1): wax and a burning fire. the candle was melting.

Second brilliant idea: use a tea light to light the candle.

Inconvenient (2): burning fingers.

Solution: I did not even have to think about it: Have a look around, pick the kitchen scissors, grasp the tea light, light it from the hob and light the candle. Simple!

What am I G&T at? I have a "quick thinking" brain. I am awesome at solving everyday problems. It just comes naturally to me and it surprises me when other people cannot see/think of the solution when it is apparently so obvious. (Oh, yes, I am opening up to my fellow G&T without feeling bad about it, that is what Mensa means to me, no more hiding, I am coming out of the. well, no the wardrobe so. well, I am coming out)

I don't definitely know everything about one single thing. I just want to know a bit about everything.

6- Do you belong to any SIGs? If so, which one(s)?
I do belong to some SIGS but to be honest some months I just skip them. I know, it's bad.
7- Have you attended any events? If so, what did you think of them?

I have attended the Centre Parks event three times, years ago, and it is one of them best. Great people, great activities and I would recommend it to the whole family. Thank you Maxine.

I also attend some meetings, now in MK, but to be honest not very regularly. Sorry Jo.

8- Where do you live?

"At the Moment" in Aylesbury. I started in Moston (Manchester 2003), Ashton-Under-Lyne (Manchester 2004), West Didsbury (Manchester 2005), Great Barr (Birmingham 2006), Denstone (Derbyshire 2008), Mayfield (East Sussex Jan 2011), MK (Aug 2011) and "finally" Aylesbury (Bucks 2012)

I am sure now you understand why belonging to Mensa means for me to have Mensan friends from around the country.

9- What's your occupation?
I do teach languages. Don't ask me why because my degree is in Music and my Master in History and Literature. But life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you will get but you can decide whether to eat it or not. If you do, rest assure it will stay with you (normally around the hips or belly area) for the rest of your life.
10- Any hobbies or interests?

Travelling, of course, and I am an EXPERT in house hunting. I could work in a State Agency since the last few places I have been living in I knew more about them than the agents.

If you need to move house, I am the person you need to talk about. Tell me what you need and I will let you know if you have found it.

11- Plus anything else you'd like to share with readers.
I think it is quite obvious for everybody who is still reading that not only I love the sound of my voice (I talk too much, you just ask) but also I love the sound of my fingers typing on the keyboard, reason why half of you deserted this article mid-way.

Barn Dance

There was a fantastic turnout to the Barn Dance on 7th March and I'm not sure we could have fitted many more people in the hall - certainly not with all the dancing! Everyone had a great time dancing, catching up with old friends and making new ones. The band - Lonely Mister Punch - did a brilliant job of keeping the fun going for the whole evening and their demonstrators got even complete novices dancing like pros in no time at all. Their outfits were pretty amazing and I was tempted to try and take one of the waistcoats home with me - sadly no luck with that.

Everyone enjoyed their food which was yummy baked potatoes and apple pie - perfect dancing fuel in anyone's book. The pause to eat gave everyone a chance to chat and relax before we started dancing again.

During the evening, Maxine sold lucky dip prizes and raffle tickets in aid of Cancer Research. The raffle prizes were a particular hit, possibly because everyone was hoping to win the whiskey and biscuits, I know I was. Sadly I didn't win but it's the taking part that counts - right? During the evening we raised over £250 for Cancer Research - a very impressive total and the perfect ending to a marvellous evening. Big thanks to Maxine for organising.

Lucy Bengry

'20 Questions (No. 164)'

Did you guess the movie tag lines in March? They were A Bug's Life, Fargo, Godzilla, Jaws, Jurassic Park, The Matrix, Ninotchka, Ocean's Twelve, Wall Street, The Shining, Scarface, My Cousin Vinny, The Main Event, High Noon, Cannibal Women In The Avocado Jungle Of Death, Gattaca, Fight Club, Dead Men Don't Wear Plaid, Cool Runnings and The Birds. Thanks to Helene Parry of Brentford, Peter Edwards of Herts, Roger Lord of Aylesbury, Alex Foster of Derby, David Crozier of St Albans, Pamela Covey of Woburn and Michael Warren of Derby for entering.The winner of the £10 book token was David.

This month's quiz is once again set by Mark Sloan. It's time to sort out your IT from your RAM! Send your answers to arrive by 20th May to '20 Questions (No. 164)', 80 Milnhay Road, Langley Mill, Nottingham, NG16 4AW or via email to [Email]

1. Who is considered the father of computers?

2. Which company invented the floppy disk in 1971?

3. What nationality is Julian Assange, the founder of Wikileaks?

4. What does WWW stand for?

5. Presto is or was the layout engine for which browser?

6. What did Niklas Zennstrom and Janus Friis found?

7. How many bits are there in a byte?

8. Why is the domain Symbolics.com famous?

9. Shuffle, Nano, Touch and Classic are variations of what?

10. Which country is represented by the internet domain abbreviation 'ch'?

11. Which university was Mark Zuckerberg attending when he launched Facebook?

12. What does the acronym LCD stand for?

13. Who, in 2001, overtook Compaq as the largest supplier of home-use PCs?

14. Which of the following is not a type of web image: PNG, GIF, LPG or JPG?

15. In 1943 Thomas Watson chairman of IBM said there was a world market for how many computers?

16. What does the 'F' stand for in the acronym FORTRAN?

17. What piece of computer equipment was invented by Douglas Engelbart of Stanford Research Institute in 1963?

18. What is the highest digit that can appear in an Octal number system?

19. Firefox and Safari are types of what?

20. What does DVD stand for?