Regional News
I'm delighted to see lots of social events taking place this month, I'll keep my column short so space can be devoted to those. Thank you, as always, to everyone who hosts an event and to those members who support these volunteers.
It appears there are problems with some members getting information on events now they are no longer published in the new format magazine. Members not receiving the weekly emails from the office, members receiving the email for a different region, members having difficulty logging onto the new website, etc. Hopefully all these issues will be fixed but do contact the Mensa office on 01902 772772 or membership@mensa.org.uk
if you are having any issues in case they are not aware. The easiest way to find out what is happening is to join our Facebook group where events are listed as soon as available (search East Midlands Mensa) or go to www.eastmidsmensa.org.uk and click on the "what's on" tab (no passwords required). Simples!
I'm on [Phone Number] or [Email] and always happy to hear from you.
Maxine Bates
Regional Officer
Editorial
After this edition, there will only be two more editions of Empress. After July the regional Newsletters are being dropped by the Office. As a result, the next edition will be the last one to have the monthly quiz. I had suggested that we could continue publishing Empress and distributing it through the East Midlands Facebook group. However, there are only just over 250 members on the group out of over 1,000 in the region. I set up a questionnaire to see if there was any interest and only 10% responded. There appears to be a lot of issues with the weekly emails (See Regional News, below). Both the Facebook group and the East Midlands Website give details of meetings and should help to avoid the issues with the new system that has been implemented. If enough members join the Facebook group then we could still probably produce Empress again.
o make the final edition something special, can I please ask all East Midlands members to consider submitting something that made a past edition of Empress special. I'd also like the past editors to share a memory of editing the newsletter.
Roy Latham
Events and Meetings
Derby Diary
On Thu 4th May at 11:00am - Art Gallery
Join us as we visit Ilkon, the home of Ilkeston Contemporary Arts It's a new gallery in the former Methodist Church at 114 Heanor Road, Ilkeston DE7 8TB. There will be a permanent exhibition which explores our relationship with religion, with celebrity and with each other. There is also a temporary exhibition space. Admission is free but they need to know numbers so please book with me if you can by Friday 28th April on [Email] or [Phone Number] (but always worth contacting me after that as there may be space still available)
On Thu 4th May at 12:15pm - Lunch
Join us for lunch at the Rutland Cottage, Heanor Road, Ilkeston DE7 5TE whether or not you have been with us at the previous meeting to the Ilkon Art Gallery which is less than 5 minutes walk away. The pub are happy for people to park there while they go to the gallery if they are eating with our group. Main meals, hot and cold baguettes and jacket potatoes available. Please let me know you are coming by Friday 28th April so I can book a big enough table. Email [Email] or call [Phone Number]
On Wed 10th May at 1:00pm - Lunch
Come to our regular 2WOTM meeting in Belper, at Cocoa Cafe, 2 Strutt St, Belper DE56 1UN. Free parking nearby, just off the market square, or on a number of nearby side streets. Panini, sandwiches, salads, daily specials, hot/soft drinks etc. I need to know numbers as it's a small place, so please contact Helen on [Phone Number] or [Email] by the previous weekend. All welcome!
On Wed 17th May at 7:30pm - Third Wednesday
Join us to eat or just for a drink at The Paddock, 391 Mansfield Road, Breadsall, Derby DE21 4AW (Near the Meteor Retail Park). Use the address rather than the name when looking up on Google maps as the name "The Paddock" is attached to an incorrect location. There is a large car park and it's on the H1 bus route. It is wheelchair accessible. Look for the yellow Mblem on a table in the front of the pub (the conservatory part). If you would like us to look out for you, please contact Susan on [Email] or [Phone Number]
Susan Graves
Contact [Email] or [Phone Number] / [Mobile Number] for details
Hertfordshire Happenings
On Thu 4th May at 7:45pm - 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 regular trains between London and Cambridge. The "Curry Club" is back on Thursdays with an expanded range of curries, though other meals are available (standard Wetherspoons fare). Attendance has been growing steadily, but there is still plenty of room. Please call or text Steve on [Phone Number], or email [Email] for more details and encouragement.
Steve Thomas
Contact [Email] or [Mobile Number] for details
In Leicestershire
On Mon 15th May at 8:00pm - Pub social
Our monthly pub meeting is at the Cradock Arms, 201 Knighton Road, LE2 3TT where we meet at the lower end of the bar. Come and enjoy a real ale, a hot drink or a choice of many other beverages and have a good natter about anything and everything. You'll find me with the Mblem or you can contact me beforehand to greet you at the entrance if you have not been before. You can also bring a friend with you. Large car park. Contact Pen on [Phone Number] or [Email]
On Sat 27th May at 7:00pm - Pub meal
This month we are dining at the Cheney Arms, 2 Rearsby Lane. Gaddesby LE7 4XE. This country pub serves locally sourced ingredients where possible and everything is cooked to order. The car park entrance is at the front of the pub and you can bring a friend. Booking is essential so please contact me by 20th May to let me know if you want to join us. Contact Pen [Phone Number] or [Email]
Haydn Starkie
Contact [Email] or [Mobile Number] for details
Lively Lincs
On Sat 13th May at 12:00pm - Pub lunch & discussion
Our regular Second Saturday friendly discussion over lunch at the Adam & Eve Tavern, Lindum Hill. This month's topic is: 'Do we sometimes lose sight of what's important if we focus too much on numbers? Or the converse? Can you think of examples?' All welcome, and you can bring a guest, but not suitable for children. Decent food and good ales, and the pub has its own car park. I need to book our table, so please let me know by Friday 12th if you're coming along. Please contact me, Jacquie Harrison, on [Email] or [Phone Number].
On Tue 23rd May at 2:00pm - Cafe and exhibition
Join us at Doddington Hall, Main Street, LN6 4RU. Meet in the coffee shop near the cycle shop at 2pm, but contact Jacquie for confirmation as it may temporarily be in a 'pop-up' nearby due to building work. We can't reserve a table, but we'll look out for you if you have confirmed. Around 3pm we will visit the Lincolnshire Artists' Society's spring exhibition in the Barn gallery, and afterwards we can go for a stroll in the grounds if we wish. All very welcome, and you can bring a guest. Please contact Jacquie Harrison in advance, on [Email] or [Phone Number].
Jacquie Harrison
Contact [Email] or [Phone Number] / [Mobile Number] for details
In Luton
Mid Bucks
On Fri 5th May at 10:30am - Coffee & Chat
Celebrate Peter's birthday at Melody Mint, 77-79 Wycombe End, Beaconsfield Old Town, HP9 1LX. See Melody Mint | Beaconsfield | Facebook for further details. Good cakes and pastries. No need to book, but if you want me to look out for you, please contact me to let me know you are coming. Contact: [Phone Number] or [Email]
On Sun 7th May at 2:00pm - Games Afternoon
Join Dave and Alison for a relaxed and informal Sunday afternoon of board games and chat. All members and friends are welcome. We play most Sunday afternoons and use Jitsi for chat. Further details are on the main Mensa web site. For more information please contact Dave a few days beforehand. Contact: [Phone Number]
On Mon 29th May at 11:20am - Chinnor & Princes Risborough Railway
Join us at Princes Risborough Station to catch the 11:20am steam train departure to Chinnor. Tickets can be bought on-line and include unlimited travel on the Chinnor trains all day. Last train leaves Chinnor for Princes Risborough at 3:45pm. There are car parks at both stations. Princes Risborough is on the Chiltern line route between Marylebone and Birmingham. Contact: [Phone Number] or [Email]
On Mon 29th May at 2:30pm - Chilterns walk
After enjoying the ride and some refreshments at Chinnor you can return to Princes Risborough by a later train or enjoy a leisurely 4 mile walk back via the Lyde Gardens at Bledlow. Meet up outside Chinnor Station to start the walk. Contact: [Phone Number] or [Email]
Val Hinkins
Contact [Email] or [Phone Number] for details
Mensans in MK & Bedford
On Thu 11st May at 7:00pm - Chinese meal
Join us at Kam Tong Garden in Great Holm, a very ornately decorated establishment in a picturesque setting by Loughton Lake. Please let me know by Monday 8th if you are coming, so I can book a table - [Phone Number] or [Email].
On Thu 18th May at 7:30pm - Book Group
Join us in the foyer of Leonardo Hotel on Midsummer Boulevard as we discuss the next book in our series. Contact me for details of our latest book - [Phone Number] or [Email].
On Sun 28th May at 11:00am - Sunday Brunch
Join us in the Frog & Nightgown, the pub within The Swan Revived in Newport Pagnell, for a leisurely brunch - or just a coffee if you prefer. **Please note the later time** as the pub doesn't open until 11am - although if you arrive early you can access it from the hotel bar. Let me know you're coming if possible, so I can bag a large enough table - [Phone Number] or [Email].
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
Notts News
On Thu 11st May at 7:30pm - 2ThOTM
Our 2nd Thursday get together at The Cadland pub/restaurant, High Road, Chilwell, NG9 5EG. Find us on a large table in the front window at far side of bar from car park entrance. Contact Maxine on [Phone Number] or [Email] if encouragement needed to come along. There are usually 10-12 of us for a meal or later for just a drink. Discount on food available with Meerkat Meals or Blue Light Card.
On Sat 13th May at 1:45pm - Brewery Tour
A visit to the award-winning Blue Monkey Brewery in Giltbrook, Notts, NG16 2UZ. This microbrewery produces more than a dozen different types of beer including pale ales, stouts, dark ruby ales and black IPAs as well as a range of rums and fruit gins. The visit will run 2-4pm and you'll need to arrive 15 minutes beforehand. Tickets cost £20 per person and include a 90 minute tour by one of the brewers and three pints of beer. It's on the Trent Barton Rainbow One bus route from Nottingham to Ripley. Numbers are strictly limited to 20 people. Contact Maxine on [Phone Number] or [Email] to check availability and book. Over 18s only.
On Sat 13th May at 7:00pm - Party
My annual Eurovision party at my home in Langley Mill (NG16 4AW). Watch the show, heckle the acts, dress in something related to a European country, enjoy a buffet of European foods (contributions most welcome), take part in the optional sweepstake or just socialise in the kitchen/garden. Please confirm attendance and get directions from Maxine on [Phone Number] or [Email]
On Tue 16th May at 7:30pm - Theatre
Titanic The Musical comes to the Theatre Royal. Based on real people this is a stunning and stirring production focusing on the hopes and dreams of passengers of the ill-fated ship. If there are 10+ of us tickets in the upper circle cost £36.50. Contact Maxine on [Phone Number] or [Email] to express interest, check availability and reserve your seat.
On Sat 20th May at 10:30am - Minster Tour
A 75 minute guided tour of Southwell Minster (NG25 0HD) including recently restored Chapter House and discovering the architecture, stained glass, Roman Plaster, Saxon beginnings and more. £8 per person. Numbers strictly limited. Please check availability and reserve your place with Maxine on [Phone Number] or [Email]
On Sat 20th May at 12:15pm - Workhouse Visit
A visit to Southwell Workhouse (NG25 0PT) including the workhouse built in 1824, the infirmary and kitchen garden. £14 adult, £7 child, £35 family or free for National Trust members. Option to do this visit and take part in the treasure trail in either order. Contact Maxine on [Phone Number] or [Email] for further details.
On Sat 20th May at 12:15pm - Treasure Trail
One of our popular treasure trails exploring the pretty town of Southwell whilst solving clues to reveal whodunnit. Covers 2 miles and should take approx. 1.5 hours to complete. Free to take part and suitable for all ages. Please let Maxine know you are coming by 19th so enough trail packs are available and so teams can be formed if necessary. [Phone Number] or [Email]. Option to do this and Southwell Workhouse visit in either order.
On Sat 20th May at 5:00pm - Meal
Early evening meal at The Admiral Rodney, 9 King Street, Southwell, NG25 0EH. Search online for menu. Book your place with Maxine on [Phone Number] or [Email] by 13th please so a table can be reserved.
On Sat 20th May at 7:30pm - Choral Concert
Nottingham Harmonic, featuring Derby Local Officer Susan, along with choristers from Southwell Minster will be performing a concert in the nave. Listen to favourites by Benjamin Britten, Edward Elgar, Vaughan Williams, Max Richter and Arvo Part. Tickets £17 and can be purchased online in advance or on the door on the day. Ends 9.00pm. Search online for full details of this performance.
On Tue 30th May at 7:30pm - Eating Meeting
To celebrate Cinco de Mayo this month we're going for a taste of Mexico to Chiquito's on Redfield Way, Lenton, NG7 2UW. Please reserve your place with Maxine on [Phone Number] or [Email] by 26th.
Ciao for now!
Maxine Bates
Contact [Email] or [Phone Number] for details
British Mensa Annual Gathering 2023
Novotel Hotel, 70 Broad St, Birmingham B1 2HT
Thursday 19 to Monday 23 October 2023
Save the date! Join us in the heart of the UK for this year?s British Mensa Annual Gathering celebrations. Birmingham is a hotbed of culture, rich and diverse, full of heritage and an ever-evolving skyline. The city has had a multibillionpound makeover in recent years boasting every amenity you would expect from a second city. See you there!
Look out for the programme ? coming soon! It will be jam packed with a mixture of events, catering for all budgets, from free, pay as you go and paying starting from Thursday afternoon all the way through to Monday afternoon. We are planning a thread of family friendly events as well as AG favourites. There will be lots to do for all ages and all interests!
Hotel bedroom bookings are now open
The AG will be based at the Novotel on the city?s colourful Broad Street strip. The venue is literally a few minutes away from hundreds of city centre shops, bars, restaurants, museums and the famous Broad St canal basin. You will not be spoilt for choice and adventures to pack in during the four-day gathering.
Standard bedroom prices including breakfast:
£115 single occupancy per room per night
£125 double occupancy per room per night
All standard bedrooms are equipped with a queen size double bed, convertible sofa, ensuite bathroom with shower, desk, flat screen TV, hair dryer and tea/coffee facilities. Each bedroom can accommodate up to 2 adults and 2 children. Up to 2 children aged 16 and under accompanied by a paying adult can stay for free including breakfast.
here
Book online
Or log in to the member area at www.mensa.org.uk , My Mensa and then click on the yellow 'Mensa Events' button.
For general AG queries and also register to receive the programme, email events@mensa.org.uk
IMAG 2023
Friday 28 April to Monday 1 May 2023
Ten Square Hotel, 10 Donegall Square South, Belfast BT1 5JD
The Irish Mensa Annual Gathering (IMAG) takes place over the May bank holiday weekend. The gathering rotates to a different host town/city each year, and this year we are looking forward to visiting Belfast.
For full information and the booking form, visit - Https://www.mensa.ie/imag
Scottish Mensa Annual Gathering 2023
Glasgow by night
RENFREW
Hotel booking now open
Friday 25 August to Monday 28 August
For those of you who thought you were coming to Glasgow fear not!
Renfrew is situated only 5 miles West of Glasgow city centre and is easy to access.
Our hotel for the Gathering is the family owned Glynhill just minutes from Glasgow Airport.
We have negotiated excellent room rates:
- £98 BB single per night
- £113 BB Double/twin per night.
Booking is now open all you need to do is to phone 0141 886 5555 and quote 'Mensa Gathering' to secure these rates.
Please note that no payment will be taken at the time of booking.
Travel:
Train: Unfortunately, Renfrew doesn't have an operational Train Station. However, Paisley Gilmour St Station is only a short taxi ride away.
Car : The town has excellent links to the M8 and buses run regularly through Renfrew to Paisley, Glasgow and beyond.
Air : It is also just a few minutes from Glasgow Airport by taxi.
Programme: If you have never been to a Gathering before here's what you might expect to see and do:
An icebreaker event on the Friday evening to allow people to meet one another and catch up with old friends. This can take the form of a quiz, a Ceilidh, a game or something completely different.
A talk or two.
A bus tour taking you to places of interest and giving you a taste of what the area has to offer.
A Gala Dinner (with an opportunity to 'dress up' )
A photography walk or perhaps a guided walk of the area.
You don't have to stay at the hotel or come for the whole weekend. You can book to join any or all events. Also, you are very welcome to come along and meet fellow Mensans without attending any events.
I can promise you a fun weekend in the company of lovely, friendly people with good food and drink thrown in for good measure.
Why not join us?
Please note: I have still to finalise events but the itinerary for the weekend should be available very soon.
Marjorie Sellar
Scottish Officer
National Holocaust Centre
On Tuesday 4th April a small group of us visited the National Holocaust Centre in Laxton, Notts. I appreciate the subject matter was not everyone's cup of tea and being a week day some were not able to join in. However, the date was chosen as I was advised a visit out of term time would be better when no school groups were also there. Apparently 20,000 primary school children visit the centre each year to learn about this terrible time in history. After lunch and a chat in their café we set off around the centre at our own pace.
There was a 15 minute introductory film show, a well set out exhibition featuring the people and places of the holocaust and another exhibition entitled 'The Journey' following one child's life. We discovered why the centre was founded in this Nottinghamshire village, the family who made it happen, and how they inspired a sister centre for the genocide in Rwanda. Survivors sometimes do talks at the centre, but obviously the number of these still alive must be decreasing as time goes by. Afterwards we had time to reflect wandering around the memorial gardens and luckily we had lovely sunshine in which to do that. Thank you to those members who came along and who added good company to an interesting and thought-provoking afternoon.
Maxine
Holocaust Fact s:
- About a third of all Jewish people alive at that time were murdered in the Holocaust.
- At least 1.1 million Jewish children were murdered during the Holocaust.
- In 1945, Eisenhower predicted that people would try to deny the holocaust, so he urged the press to come.
- Anne Frank's concentration camp was liberated by British troops just weeks after her death.
- 99% of Denmark's Jews survived the Holocaust because the Danish organized a massive evacuation to neutral Sweden.
20 Questions (No. 259)
The answers to the Irish themed quiz in the March issue were Whiskey, Harland & Wolff, Dublin, Lough Neagh, Brian McFadden, apple, Stephen Roche, 1994, Mary Robinson, Fairyhouse, Sham Rock, Trinity College Dublin, battle of the Boyne, Dana, 1840s, tweed, basalt, Ballykissangel, B*witched and Emerald Park. Congratulations to Nigel Bryant of Bedford who, very surprisingly, was the only entrant and wins the £10 gift card!
Why not have a go at this month?s quiz as it will be your penultimate chance to win? Each answer contains something you can eat. Send your entries to arrive by 20th May to '20 Questions (No. 259)', [Address] or [Email]
1. What is the 11th letter of the Greek alphabet?
2. Which town is the administrative centre for Staffordshire Moorlands District Council?
3. Annette Mills presented which children?s TV show?
4. Who was World Motor Racing Champion in 1971 and 1973?
5. Which Christina Aguilera song features in the film Moulin Rouge?
6. Which writer created the lost world of Pellucidar and lost city of Opar?
7. Who was the 4th President of the United States?
8. What is the name of the professor in the game of Cluedo?
9. Which classic novel features the Joad family?
10. Who is recognised as being the first man to reach the North Pole?
11. Which Israeli group won the Eurovision Song Contest in 1979?
12. In which thoroughfare did the Great Fire of London start?
13. What is the name of the pass between Wensleydale and Swaledale in Yorkshire?
14. Which man produced the film Chitty Chitty Bang Bang?
15. The book Grace Abounding chronicles the spiritual journey of which author?
16. What is the stage name of entertainer Robert Davis?
17. Which area lies in Belgium but has Dutch as the official language?
18. Which TV show is set on Cuddles Avenue?
19. Who was the second daughter of Bob Geldof and Paula Yates?
20. Alison Blake is Commissioner for which British overseas territory?