A 1902 Arrol-Johnston at the Great British Car Journey
Regional News
A pandemic, weird weather, war in Ukraine and more - the world is certainly being tested to the limit in current times! As COVID seems to be rife again, please do check with the host that it is still happening before setting off for in person events.
For those who are still wary of venturing out in person Jo and Susan are hosting a get together via Zoom for East Midlands members to meet online the evening of Thursday 19th May. This is aimed at new members or those who haven't attended events previously, but of course older members and regular attendees are welcome too. As we would like to continue some online events even when the pandemic has finally disappeared we are still seeking a volunteer to take on the new role of Online Officer for our region to oversee those events. Please do get in touch if you may be interested. It will not be too time consuming.
The regular weekend events are back on the calendar for this year with the main one being the British Mensa Annual Gathering taking place in Southampton 21st to 24th October 2022. Bookings are now open and full details can be found at www.mensa.org.uk. Don't forget we have our East Midlands Mensa Facebook group and you are welcome to use that to arrange car shares or to meet up with others at such events.
I'm always happy to hear from you on [Phone Number] or [Email]
Maxine Bates
Regional Officer
Editorial
I can't help wondering what else life has in store for us after the events of the last few months. Who hasn't been moved by the scenes from Ukraine and the suffering of innocent people caught up in the conflict. Add the mass sacking of P&O Ferries staff which has resulted in long queues of lorries at Dover. Finally there's the soaring cost of living, fuelled (excuse the pun) by rising energy and fuel costs and the inveitable knock-on effect that is pushing up the cost of food. I can't help but ask myself when will it all end? I remember the rampant inflation we suffered in the 70's and sincerely hope that we don't return to 20% inflation again. I can't help thinking back to The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy and one line, uttered by Arthur Dent, early on in the first book of the 5 book trilogy: "I thought", he said, "that if the world was going to end we were meant to lie down or put a paper bag over our head or something."
Roy Latham
Events and Meetings
Derby Diary
On Wed 11st May at 1:30pm - Lunch
If you're free daytime, or live locally and can escape work for an hour or so, join us at Cocoa Cafe, 2 Strutt St, Belper DE56 1UN, https://www.ishouldcocoacafe.co.uk/ . Free parking nearby. Panini, salads, daily specials, homemade cakes, hot/soft drinks etc. I need to know numbers so tables can be reserved, as can get very crowded sometimes. Please contact Helen on [Phone Number] or [Email] by Sunday 8th if possible.
On Wed 18th May at 7:30pm - 3WOTM
This month we are at The Paddock, 391 Mansfield Road, Breadsall, Derby DE21 4AW (near the Meteor Retail Park). Come along to eat or just for a drink. Please let me know if you are thinking of coming if you can or look for the yellow Mblem on a table in the front of the pub. Contact Susan on [Email] or [Phone Number]
On Tue 31st May at 7:30pm - Eating Meeting
Olive Moroccan restaurant, The Courtyard, off Market Place, Belper, are opening especially for us! Three course set meal of selection of mezze, lamb, chicken or vegetable tagine, flatbread, and Moroccan style trifle. £25 per person. Bring your own drinks. Reserve your place with Maxine on [Phone Number] or [Email] by 21st please.
Susan Graves
Contact [Email] or [Phone Number] / [Mobile Number] for details
Hertfordshire Happenings
On Thu 5th May at 8:00pm - FThOTM
This is our monthly meeting at the Three Magnets, in Leys Avenue. This is one of the main shopping streets of Letchworth, and is a short walk from the railway station, which is served by frequent trains between London and Cambridge. Please call or text Steve on [Phone Number], or email [Email] for further information and encouragement.
On Fri 27th May at 8:00pm - LFOTM
As ever, we are at the Cowper Arms, Digswell (next to Welwyn North station) from 8 pm. The restriction on numbers has been relaxed, but if you want to come, please can you call me on [Phone Number] by Friday 20th May to give me an indication of who is coming.
Steve Thomas
Contact [Email] or [Mobile Number] for details
In Leicestershire
On Mon 16th May at 8:00pm - Pub Social
This month I'll be hosting our meeting at the Cradock Arms, 201 Knighton Road, Leicester LE2 3TT. You'll find me at a table with the yellow Mblem in the lower section of the pub. Feel free to bring a friend along and enjoy a real ale, hot drink or whatever your tipple is. Large car park. Contact [Email] or [Phone Number].
On Sat 28th May at 7:00pm - Pub meal
May's meal is at the Cheney Arms, 2 Rearsby Lane, Gaddesby LE7 4XE. All meals are freshly cooked at this village pub. There is a car park there. As always, you can bring a friend along. Booking is essential so please let me know by Sun 22 if you are joining us. Contact [Email] or [Phone Number]
Haydn Starkie
Contact [Email] or [Mobile Number] for details
Lively Lincs
On Sat 14th May at 12:00pm - 2SOTM pub discussion
Our regular lunchtime meeting at the Adam & Eve Tavern, Lindum Hill. For our topic this month we are asking: "If you could wake up one morning as an expert on something, anything, just for one day, what would you choose?" All very welcome. Car park, pub food, decent ales, tea/coffee. Please confirm with Nicola by Friday 13th so she can book a table. Email [Email], or phone [Phone Number].
On Sun 29th May at 3:00pm - Country Park walk
Join us for a stroll around Snipe Dales Country Park and nature reserve, and bring a picnic lunch. Mostly good paths, but there are some steep and very muddy stretches. Car park, toilets, picnic tables available. Cancelled if wet. All welcome, including guests. Please contact Helen in advance on [Email], and again on the day if the weather looks doubtful.
Jacquie Harrison
Contact [Email] or [Phone Number] / [Mobile Number] for details
Mid Bucks
On Sun 1st May at 2:00pm - Games Afternoon
Please join Dave and Alison online for a relaxed and informal Sunday afternoon of board games and chat. All members and friends are welcome. We play most Sundays using www.boardgamearena.com and Jitsi for chat. Further details are on the main Mensa web site. For more information please contact Dave a few days beforehand. Either telephone him on [Phone Number] or e-mail to [Email]
On Mon 2nd May at 2:00pm - Word Games
We are planning an informal and relaxed afternoon at our home in High Wycombe on the Bank Holiday to play word games, eg Scrabble, Word Rummikub, Lexicon or Bananagrams. If you have other favourites, bring them along for us to try. Tea, coffee, soft drinks, etc. provided. Contact me on [Phone Number] or e-mail me at [Email] to book a place and get directions.
On Fri 6th May at 10:30am - Coffee & Chat
Costa have recently opened a new branch at 37-39, Park Parade, Hazlemere, High Wycombe HP15 7AA. Look for me in the upstairs area. Free parking available. No need to book, but if you want me to look out for you, let me know you are coming on [Phone Number] or e-mail me at [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
Mensans in MK & Bedford
On Mon 16th May at 7:00pm - Book Group
Join us in the foyer of Jury's Inn Hotel on Midsummer Boulevard as we discuss the next book in our series. Contact [Email], or [Phone Number] / [Phone Number] for more details.
On Sun 22nd May at 10:00am - Sunday Breakfast
Join us at The Swan Revived Hotel in Newport Pagnell for a breakfast, a snack, or just a coffee. Confirm your attendance in advance if possible (though not essential) at [Email], or [Phone Number] / [Phone Number].
On Sat 28th May at 1:30pm - Treasure Trail
Join us for a fun treasure trail around the market town of Ampthill Contact me beforehand for meeting point so I can bring enough copies - [Email], or [Phone Number] / [Phone Number].
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 15th May at 10:30am - Breakfast Meeting
Or usual monthly meeting at: Zapato Lounge, Welsh House, Market Square, NN1 2EB. Join us for a light snack of the full Lounge Breakfast! Look for the Mblem on one of the tables at the front of the café. Contact me on [Phone Number] or [Email]
Notts News
On Wed 4th May at 6:00pm - Meal
An early evening meal on the banks of the river Trent at The Riverside pub/restaurant, Farndon, Newark, NG24 3SX. See menu at distinctiveinns.co.uk. Choose from a la carte or fixed price menu of 2 courses £12.95 or 3 courses £15.95 (until 6.30pm). Please contact Pete on [Phone Number] or [Email] by 1st latest so a table can be reserved. New faces and non-member guests very welcome!
On Thu 5th May at 7:30pm - 5OTM/Quiz
Note slightly earlier start time as the Vat & Fiddle pub (NG2 1NB) now host a weekly quiz night on Thursdays starting at 8pm. Arrive on time to grab a seat and drink or even some food before we test our brain cells! We should be in the Goldings Room but look for yellow Mblem on table. Further info from Maxine on [Phone Number] or [Email] if required.
On Thu 12th May at 7:30pm - Natter & Nosh
Our "2nd Thursday" get together at The Cadland, High Road, Chilwell. We have a large table reserved at 7.30pm for a meal, usually to right as you enter from the car park. Or join us later for just a drink. Ample free parking and on bus route. Look for yellow Mblem on the night or contact Maxine on [Phone Number] or [Email] beforehand for encouragement to come along.
On Sat 14th May at 7:00pm - Party
My annual Eurovision party at my home in Langley Mill (NG16 4AW). Watch the show, heckle the acts, wear something or bring a buffet contribution related to a European country, take part in the optional sweepstake or just socialise in kitchen/garden if not a Eurovision fan. Please RSVP and get directions from Maxine on [Phone Number] or [Email]
Ciao for now!
Maxine Bates
Contact [Email] or [Phone Number] for details
East Midlands
On Thu 19th May at 7:00pm - New Members' Zoom Meet-up
Whether you are new to the society, or haven't attended many events before, you are welcome to join us on a Zoom meet-up to chat with other East Midlands members and Local Officers. Contact [Email], or [Email] for Zoom link.
Great British Car Journey
Nine of us attended the Great British Car Journey at Derwent Works, Ambergate in Derbyshire on Saturday 2nd April. There were British cars there from a one hundred year period, divided into nine different eras. Each of us was loaned a tablet with headphones that gave an overview of each era and allowed you to go into more detail if you wanted to. Many people were overheard saying "I had a car like that" or "My Dad drove one of those".
I particularly liked the oldest one there which was an Arrol-Johnston from 1902 and looked quite like a horse drawn carriage. There was also a Ford Cortina Estate converted into an ambulance for a local factory (See Cover Photo). The trip wouldn't have been complete without the drinking of tea and eating of cake.
Susan Graves
BMAG Southampton
Use the following address for more informat ion or to register - http://www.mensa.org.uk/events/british-mensa-annual-gathering
Costa, High Wycombe
Balloons NOT guaranteed on the day!
See 8th May, Mid Bucks Notices
Advance Notice:
Haddenham Day, Saturday, 18th June 10:00. Haddenham is an interesting village near Thame with a local museum and Tiggywinkle's Wildlife Hospital. It is the location for June's Treasure Hunt. Arrangements are still being finalised, but if you would like to join us for all or part of the day, please let me know on [Phone Number] or e-mail me at [Email] as soon as possible. I will then forward you the detailed arrangements nearer the time.
Loughborough Treasure Trail
On Saturday 9th April six teams of Mensans took part in one of our monthly treasure trails. This time it involved a stroll around Loughborough whilst solving 20 clues to find out whodunnit.
Along the way we discovered little known facts about the town and tested our brain cells. We also tested our eye sight finding one of the answers on the carillon! Although it was a nice day for walking round Queen's Park and everyone did find the answer in the end.
Some of us enjoyed refreshments in Costa at the end whilst others took breaks in their trail to do a little shopping at the market or paid a quick visit to the museum.
Many thanks to Pen for her time and effort in double checking the clues on this professionally written trail, printing enough packs for the teams, and for hanging around at the start/finish point to meet and greet and ensure everyone returned safely from their quest. These trails really are an ideal Mensa event for all ages combining gentle exercise with solving sometimes cryptic clues and finding out about the local area. We will be continuing them throughout the region for the remainder of the year. Do join in if you can.
Maxine Bates
20 Questions (No. 247)
The answers to the flower themed quiz in the March issue were Build Me Up Buttercup, Hyacinth Bucket, Daisy, Forget-Me-Not, Poppy, Daffodil, Holly Golightly, Sunflower, Jasmine Revolution, Crocus, Heather Locklear, Foxglove, Gladioli, Iris, Wolffia, Violet, Hydrangea, Rose Ayling-Ellis, Primula and Tulip. Congratulations to Suzanne Wilkinson of Boston who wins another £10 One4All gift card. There is no limit to how many times you can win so why not have a go at this month's quiz?
Compiled by LesHurst each answer beginswith the letter Sand a vowel. Send your entries to arrive by 20th May to '20 Questions (No. 247)', [Address] or [Email]
1. A badger's den is called a what?
2. Dr Who called which troll-like creatures 'the finest soldiers in the galaxy'?
3. First felled in Alaska, what is the largest variety of spruce tree?
4. In 1994 which single by Whigfield ended Wet Wet Wet's 15 weeks at number one?
5. In 2016 who set a US record for most gold medals in women's gymnastics at one Olympic Games?
6. In which comedy series did Ronnie Corbett play librarian Timothy Lumsden?
7. Which American thick soup mixes maize with beans and other vegetables?
8. Which breed of wire-haired terrier takes its name from a Welsh village?
9. John Montagu (1718-1792) was the fourth Earl of where?
10. Which 2007 musical featured the songs of The Proclaimers?
11. VCHZ Synthesia in Czechoslovakia invented which high explosive?
12. What's the common name for Nerf's range of water guns?
13. Which detective lodged at Mrs Bardell's house in Baker Street for many years?
14. Which was the only manned spacecraft operational between 2011 and 2020?
15. Which hurdler is the only female British athlete to have won Olympic, World, European and Commonwealth titles?
16. Meryl Streep starred in which 1983 film about a woman whistler-blower in a nuclear power plant?
17. Who was anointed king by Zadok The Priest and Nathan The Prophet?
18. Which word means 'lion' in Swahili?
19. Which unfinished Jane Austen novel was completed on ITV in 2019?
20. Written in blank verse, what was the title of Sir John Betjeman's autobiography?