Two shots of members sitting at tables at the meet and greet
Many thanks to those who made it along to an 'Eat and Greet' meeting. Here are a couple of pictures from such a meeting, which was held in Hemel Hempstead.
 

Regional News

At the time of writing the Irish are celebrating a very subdued St Patrick's Day, the supermarket shelves are empty, everyone appears to have a surfeit of toilet rolls (what's that all about!?), the powers that be are saying to close pubs/ restaurants/cinemas/theatres, the aviation industry has almost come to a complete halt (that will at least please Greta Thunberg!), the self-employed are slowly going out of business, and it feels like we are living in some sort of zombie apocalypse!! You should have received an email from the Mensa office recommending that all our social events are cancelled. That is a great shame, but totally understandable under these unprecedented circumstances. As we don't know how long the coronavirus situation will last and events are already advertised, please do check with the host whether that event is still taking place. Even if the venue is open and accepting visitors, the host may be ill or selfisolating. Hopefully normal service will be resumed soon and the world will not be such a crazy place to live.

In the meantime I'd urge you to keep an eye on the main Mensa website and our East Midlands Mensa website for updates. If you don't already belong to our regional Facebook group - search for "East Midlands Mensa" - please do consider joining as this is a great way to keep up to date with what's happening, event cancellations or impromptu events as circumstances allow, as well as to virtually meet other members and offer or receive support as needed. Don't forget there are over 100 Special Interest Groups to join so you can still connect with members from the comfort of your own home. They are all listed on the main Mensa website so take your pick! If you are self-isolating, why not take the time to write a quiz or member profile for Empress? Or an article about your home town? Or take up a new home-based hobby and tell us about it!

Stay safe everyone and if we're at the peak of the pandemic by the time you read this then hopefully see you on the other side! As ever, contact is welcome on [Phone Number] or [Email]

Maxine Bates

Regional Officer

Editorial

Welcome to the May edition of Empress, my first back as a new stint in the hot seat starts. Thanks to Maria once again for holding the fort for the last three months while I have been recovering from an unexpected illness (not COVID-19, before you ask!). Maxine's piece is quite long and so my piece is quite short!

Mark Sloan

Member Profile

Portait photo of Mick
Name
Mick Sulley
Age
71 (so far)
Location
Born Birmingham, moved 1976 to Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire Mensa When: Joined 13th July 1981 Mensa
Why
I love quizzes & puzzles, I did one in a newspaper one day, you scored points based on the answers, and at the end there was an assessment, something like 0-4 dumbo, 5-9 fairly dim, 10-15 OK, 16-20 quite bright, 21-25 Mensa level. I was surprised and proud to see that I was in the Mensa level bracket, and as there was an offer of a free 'indication' test. I sent for it, completed it, returned it and waited for the result. When the result came back it gave me and indicated IQ (can't remember what) and said that based on that I should apply. I applied and sat a supervised test. Whilst waiting for the result I started to think what I would do. If I had passed then I would most probably join, but if I had failed would I try again? I had pretty much decided that if I had failed then I wouldn't bother trying again. Then the result came back, I had failed, but, I was so close that I could have another test free of charge. As 'free' is my favourite price I couldn't resist and sat a second test. The second test was very different to the first, much more which shape is next in the sequence, which is the odd one out in these pictures, etc. Much more in my comfort zone. The result arrived and I had scored 164. So here I am!
Meetings & Events
When I first joined I used to go to the monthly meetings in Melton, often a quiz night at a pub in one of the villages where the combined might of a group of Mensa brains were regularly beaten by some country yokels, but it was all in good fun! Circumstance changed and I was not able to attend for a few years, then just didn't get back into it until I got chatting to another member in the local computer club, discovered that they were both Mensans and he suggested that I come along to the monthly pub meal. That was 3 years ago and I still enjoy the good company each month.
Family
I am married with 4 children and 5 ½ grandchildren (½ is a 23 year old step granddaughter), the youngest are almost 4 year old twin girls, enchanting and exhausting in equal proportions!
Qualifications
I don't know why but at school I didn't even think about university, just never crossed my mind. I left with 6 'O' levels and started an apprenticeship, completed that and got an HNC in electrical engineering. Sometime later I started to regret not getting a degree, so studied with the Open University and after lots of hard work got an honours in Maths & Computer Science.
Employment
Several jobs as electrical engineer, which developed into control systems and as technology moved on that involved more and more use of computers. Redundancy caused a job move in 1999, traumatic at the time but with hindsight the best thing that happened in my career. I became a software consultant on manufacturing and warehousing systems, a job which took me all over Europe and sometimes further. Thoroughly enjoyed the job, but travelling quickly loses its novelty appeal. The job title is a little misleading, most of the job entails understanding the business processes used by the client. I retired in 2012 - another good move! Still not enough time to fit in everything I would like to do. Seem to work just as hard, just don't get paid for it any more.
Hobbies
I spend an enormous amount of time sat at my computer, but for a number of reasons. Family Tree - I have traced back to the 1700's on some lines. Enjoyable but it is a black hole for using time! Home Automation - My interest in control systems led me to create a system to control the operation of my hot water solar panels and several other projects mainly using Raspberry Pi computers, wonderful devices, check them out. Photography - I am a keen (rather than good) photographer, with many hours spent tweaking pictures on the computer post event.

Events and Meetings

photo of Susan Graves

Derby Diary

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

We are going to hold our 3rd Wednesday Of The Month meeting on Zoom. This is the meeting that would previously been at the Standing Order in the centre of Derby. Hoping for a good chat and a bit of fun. Please contact Susan for details on [Phone Number] or [Email]

Susan Graves

Contact [Email] or [Phone Number] / [Mobile Number] for details

photo of Steve Thomas

Hertfordshire Happenings

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

This event has been Cancelled

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 just a few minutes' walk from the rail station (Kings Cross to Cambridge line). Please call me on [Phone Number], or email [Email] to confirm whether this meeting is still taking place, given the situation with COVID-19.

On Sun 24th May at 11:00am - Circular Walk

Scenic walk from the National Trust Ashridge Visitor Centre, HP4 1LT. There are many walks available and we will choose which one to do on the day. Return to the visitor centre (if open) for a late lunch. Please let me know a few days ahead if you are planning to join us. For further details or encouragement contact me on [Phone Number] or e-mail me at [Email]

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

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] to confirm whether this meeting is still taking place, dependent upon the COVID-19 situation.

Steve Thomas

Contact [Email] or [Mobile Number] for details

photo of Haydn Starkie

In Leicestershire

On Mon 18th May at 8:00pm - Cancelled - Pub Social

This event has been Cancelled

Join me for a drink and a 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].

On Sat 30th May at 7:00pm - Cancelled - Pub Meal

This event has been Cancelled

This month we are dining at the Black Horse, 3 Main Street, Grimston (near Melton Mowbray) and we hope you will join us, maybe with a guest too. Booking in advance is essential so please let me know if you want to join us by 25th May. Contact me by phone [Phone Number] or e-mail [Email]

Haydn Starkie

Contact [Email] or [Mobile Number] for details

photo of Jacquie Harrison

Lively Lincs

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

This event has been Cancelled

Please check beforehand that this event will be taking place, in view of Covid-19 restrictions. Meeting at the Adam & Eve Tavern, 25 Lindum Road, LN2 1NT (opposite Pottergate Arch). This month's topic: "What Currently Trending will look silliest in ten years?". All welcome. Look for the Magazine on the table, usually in the alcove. Contact Jacquie Harrison, on [Phone Number] or [Email]

Jacquie Harrison

Contact [Email] or [Phone Number] / [Mobile Number] for details

photo of Val Hinkins

Mid Bucks

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

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 please contact me a few days beforehand to confirm the meeting is still on and let me know you are coming. Either telephone [Phone Number] or e-mail me at [Email]

On Sun 17th May at 2:00pm - Indoor Games

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, directions and confirmation that the event is still on please contact Dave a few days beforehand. Either telephone him on [Phone Number] or e-mail to [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

photo of Jo Sidebottom

Mensans in MK & Bedford

On Mon 18th May at 7:45pm - Cancelled - 3MOTM Quiz

This event has been Cancelled

Our monthly quiz outing to The Plough at Simpson. Meet from 7.45 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.

On Sun 24th May at 10:00am - Cancelled - Breakfast

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

News from Northampton

On Sun 10th May at 10:30am - Cancelled - Brunch

This event has been Cancelled

All survivors (either by luck or judgment) will be very welcome to join us at our usual monthly brunch/breakfast at the Zapato Lounge, in Welsh House, 2 Newlands Walk, NN1 2EB where we'll be discussing whether pandemics are now the biggest threat to human life. Contact Marianne on [Phone Number] or email: [Email] for host details and/or reassurance.

On Sat 30th May at 11:00am - Visit

Join us if you can for a visit to the Canal Museum, Stoke Bruerne Bridge Road, Towcester, NN12 7SE. Lots to see and do - Adults £4.75 admission, less for chidren and concessions. Contact Marianne on [Phone Number] or email: [Email] for host details, directions or encouragement.

photo of Maxine Bates

Notts News

On Sat 2nd May at 10:30am - Cancelled - Coffee & Cake

This event has been Cancelled

Join us at the 1920 cafe in the Palace Theatre, Appleton Gate, Newark for free coffee and cake! Activities planned in the town today include people in Civil War costumes, musket drills in market place, free concert by local young musicians in St Mary Magdalene, farmers market and 'eco swap' of clothes, shoes, bags and books. Contact Pete on [Phone Number] or [Email] for further details.

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

This event has been Cancelled

Our regular get together for drinks and chat at the Vat & Fiddle pub, Queensbridge Road, NG2 1NB. 1930s brewery tap serving Castle Rock beers plus all other alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Look for yellow Mblem on table. Contact Maxine on [Phone Number] or [Email] if needing directions or encouragement to come along. Pop in briefly or stay all evening. Guests welcome too.

On Thu 14th May at 7:30pm - Cancelled - Natter & Nosh

This event has been Cancelled

Find us on a large reserved table at the far side of the bar at The Cadland, High Road, Chilwell, NG9 5EG. We dine from 7.30pm or come along later for just a drink. Large car park and near to bus stops. Further info from Maxine on [Phone Number] or [Email] or just turn up on the night.

On Sat 16th May at 7:00pm - Virtual Party

Our annual celebration of all things Eurovision at my home in Langley Mill! Watch the show, heckle the acts, bring a buffet contribution and/or wear something related to a European country. Buck's Fizz welcome drink and Bailey's at the 9th act provided! Or just socialise in the kitchen/garden. Please RSVP and get directions from Maxine on [Phone Number] or [Email]

On Tue 19th May at 7:00pm - Cancelled - 3TuOTM

This event has been Cancelled

Our '3rd Tuesday' night out at the Fox & Crown, Appleton Gate, Newark, NG24 1JY. Join us for food and/or drink and varied conversation. Contact Pete on [Phone Number] or [Email] if needing directions or encouragement or just come along on the night to say hello. New faces always welcome to join this friendly group.

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

This event has been Cancelled

Peri-peri chicken, natas and all things Portuguese at Nando's, Giltbrook Retail Park (near IKEA), NG16 2RP. Vegetarian dishes available too. See menu at www.nandos.co.uk and let Maxine know you'd like to dine with us by 22nd on [Phone Number] or [Email]

Ciao for now!

Maxine Bates

Contact [Email] or [Phone Number] for details

Regular Haunts

Front elevation of the Zapato Lounge shows a brick building on 3 floors
Plaque above the bay window

Having turned up one Sunday morning in 2019 to find that our usual breakfast venue had closed down without any prior warning, the Northampton group needed to find an alternative. That turned out to be just a couple of hundred yards away and we have been at the Zapato Lounge ever since. Situated on the northeast corner of the Market Square, this café bar inhabits what is known as Welsh House. For us it serves good food and drink in a comfortable, convenient location, but the building also has a back story.

Dating from 1595, the name derives from a Welsh motto on a plaque inset above the right-hand window: 'heb dyw heb dym dyw a digon'; translated as: "Without God, without everything. With God enough". It was placed there by one of the building's early owners, a Dr Prytherch, who hailed from Wales. Though if you believe some accounts, the connection is that the town was on one of the Drove roads from Wales, with Northampton being a major market for lamb and wool at the time. What cements Welsh House's place in local history is the Great Fire of Northampton in 1675, which destroyed three-quarters of the town in just 6 hours. Being the only stone-built building on the Market Square it was the only one to resist the spread of the fire, so for the many trapped in the square it provided an escape route. Without it, the loss of life would have been far greater.

Welsh House changed from residential to commercial use and was greatly modified over the centuries, especially the ground floor. In the 1970s the construction of the Grosvenor Shopping Centre adjacent required that it be demolished and rebuilt, though just how much of the original building (other than the plaques at first floor level) remains is debatable. That rebuild included the reinstatement of the three front gables that had disappeared at some time in the past. It has to be said that it does look a lot better now than it did 50 years ago.

Given the time of day that we meet, our usual food choice is along the lines of a bacon sandwich or the "Lounge Breakfast". You can however get a wide variety of eats from a sandwich, via tapas and salad through to burgers and main meals (oh, and cakes!). A Vegan and Gluten Free menu is also available. Whilst we normally stick to tea and coffee, Zapato's does have a range of draught/bottled beers, lagers and ciders; wines and cocktails. Fruit smoothies, milkshakes and other soft drinks are also available. All served up by some friendly staff.

Ian Sargent

20 Questions (No. 223)

The answers to the Irish quiz in March were Lough Neagh, 1916, apple, Mary Robinson, Jim, Jameson's, Stephen Roche, basalt, Irish pound/punt, Dana, Trinity College Dublin, 1994, Ballykissangel, George Bernard Shaw, Tayto Park, tweed, Battle Of The Boyne, Fairyhouse, Harland & Wolff and Navan. Well done to Andy Cole of Cleethorpes who wins the £10 book token.

Thanks to Kevin Fisher for compiling this month's quiz on numbers. Send your entry to '20 Questions (No. 223)', [Address] or [Email] by 20th May for chance to win. Don't forget your name and address!

1. Which number in English is the only one which when written out is in alphabetical order?

2. What unit of time does a "jiffy" signify?

3. To what does the "four second rule" apply?

4. Which is the only number spelt with the same number of letters as it signifies?

5. What is the maximum number of times a piece of paper can be folded?

6. Is zero an odd or even number?

7. A "hundred" comes from the Norse word "hundrath" but in Norse times how many did this mean?

8. How many colours are sufficient to colour any map?

9. What number reflects the meaning of everything as stated in "Hitchhikers Guide To The Galaxy"?

10. "Google" is actually based on the number Googol but what is a googol?

11. What does the number 57 on Heinz ketchup mean?

12. If you add up all the numbers on the roulette wheel what do you get?

13. What do the dots on opposite sides of a dice total?

14. What is the symbol for division "÷" called?

15. What is the only number that is twice the sum of its digits?

16. What is the most popular number chosen by people?

17. How many are in a "baker's dozen"?

18. Which number is considered unlucky in South East Asia?

19. How many stars are on the EU flag?

20. Why is 555 funny in Thailand?