Winning team from Mensa golf day.

And the winner is . . .

 

Regional News

Once again this issue of Empress contains details of all our social events in the East Midlands region, our '20 questions' quiz, contact details for all regional officers, a little humour and hopefully provides you with a good read. Perhaps the person who complained that the celebrity anagrams were "too modern" in the September quiz would care to compile a quiz themselves? Please remember that Mensa is, on the whole, a voluntary society and that events are hosted and newsletters compiled out of the goodness of hearts and those members do not get paid for their time and effort. Apart from the rare occasions that someone sends me a quiz contribution - and those members I thank very much - I am left to compile a 20 question themed quiz each month which can be time-consuming. Competitions, reviews or photographs of events, interesting articles about your occupation, hobbies, interests, travel adventures, etc, are all welcome. Please contact either Rosie or Nick whose details can be found on the back page of Empress.

And for those members who do not like meeting in pubs and restaurants, this month sees the second national "intellectual event" which is a Forensic Science Day to the north of our region at Huddersfield University. Please see the ad in this issue. At the time of writing the majority of participants will be attending from the East Midlands region and places - limited to 50 due to the nature of the activities - are selling fast.

We are already planning events for 2009 so if you have suggestions for either intellectual, unusual or fun events or simply wish to recommend a pub or restaurant to visit, either myself or your Local Secretary would very much like to hear from you. Our next regional event takes place in Nottinghamshire on Saturday 7th February and bookings are open. Details can be found on our web site at www.mensa.org.uk/eastmids

Maxine Bates

Regional Officer

Events and Meetings

photo of Jo Sidebottom

Mensans in MK & Bedford

On Thu 6th Nov at 8.00pm - FThOTM

First Thursday is at our regular venue of Jury's Inn on Midsummer Boulevard, on 6th November, from 8.00pm. Look out for the Mblem in either the foyer or the bar - most likely the foyer as it's quieter. Parking is a bit busy around Jury's and The Hub, so we usually try and get in across the road and then walk through the underpass.

On Wed 19th Nov at 8.00pm - 3WOTM

Our Third Wednesday meeting at the Old Beams in Shenley Lodge is on 19th November. If you're definitely planning to come, please let me know as it will help us to grab the right sized table, but don't let that put you off deciding on the spur of the moment - you'll still be welcome. See www.mcmullens.co.uk for location and menu details. You can eat or not, as you wish - their food is quite good and reasonably priced. Look around for the Mblem as we don't always get the same table each time.

On Sun 23rd Nov at 12.30pm - Sunday Lunch & Cinema

As the weather turns colder, indoor activities are a safer bet. On Sunday 23rd November we'll meet at 12.30pm for lunch at La Tasca in Xscape, and then will attempt to reach agreement about which film to go on and see at Cineworld afterwards. Call me on my mobile after about 1.15pm if you just want to come along to the film.

Hope to see you there,

Jo Sidebottom

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

photo of Richard Allen

Hertfordshire Happenings

On Thu 6th Nov at 8.15pm. - FThOTM

Our regular FThOTM meeting at the Millstream, Cambridge Road, Hitchin, will be on Thursday 6th November at 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 28th Nov at 8.00pm - LFOTM

We're back at our former haunt, the White Horse, on Friday 28th November from 8.00pm. A warm welcome and stimulating conversation guaranteed! Look for the Mag/Mblem. Hertingfordbury is about 20 minutes' walk from Hertford North station. Contact me for further details and encouragement. I shall be hosting "solo" this month as my co-host, Gwen Jones, is away.

Richard Allen

Contact [Email] or [Phone Number] for details

Derby Diary

Ah, the months of mists and mellow fruitfulness and my birthday, I love November! Anyway, it's also time to join us at the meetings we have planned for this month in your area, so why not brave the dark evenings and come out to play?

On Mon 17th Nov at 7.00pm - At Home

On Monday the 17th I'll be having my usual 'at home' down here in Golden Valley so please join us for food, drink and a bit of birthday cake along with excellent company with the usual chat and the option of board games.

On Wed 19 Nov at 7.30pm - 3WOTM

The '3rd Wednesday' meeting at the Standing Order in Derby falls on the 19th so why not come along any time from 7.30pm for a meal or just a drink if you prefer; just look for the yellow Mblem on one of the tables at the back or for all the tables pushed together, that'll probably be us. As always, if you want some encouragement to attend one of these meetings, advertise one of your own or just want to say hello, then please call me at home as above.

Merry Metcalf

photo of Jenny Habib

Berkhamsted

On Wed 26th Nov at 7.45pm - LWOTM

Please note change of venue. We will meet back at the Eat Fish Restaurant on Berkhamsted High Street, in the upper room, on Wednesday 26th November at 7.45pm-ish. As before, the room is free provided some of us order food, then the others can just have a drink if they wish. The food is good, and our young members can come. This is our last meeting before Christmas, so please do come. The venue is easy to access, and warm enough. Car parking is in the public car park behind Tesco off the High Street opposite to Eat Fish, or in the Waitrose car park off Lower King's Road, which usually has plenty of spaces. Do come and drink, eat or just join us for a chat. All members welcome, young members can join us in the restaurant, so come if you can.

Jenny Habib

Contact [Email] or [Phone Number] for details

photo of Maxine Bates

Notts News

On Wed 5th Nov at 8.00pm - 5OTM

This month all our local events fall midweek so apologies if Tuesdays or Wednesdays are not convenient for you to socialise with us. Forget the bonfires and fireworks and join us from 8.00pm on Wednesday 5th November for our usual evening putting the world to rights at the Vat & Fiddle pub on Queensbridge Road. Look for the yellow Mblem on the table, usually to the left of the bar, or phone me on [Phone Number] beforehand for directions. We tend to range in age from 20s to 60s so everyone is welcome.

On Wed 12th Nov at 7.00pm - Chicks & Flicks

The following week on Wednesday 12th November we have our regular 'chicks & flicks' event. Meet us at 7.00pm prompt inside the doors to the Cornerhouse complex. From there we go to dine at Nando's chicken restaurant before watching a film at Cineworld. You are welcome to join us for one or both parts of the evening. Contact Paul on [Phone Number] or [Email] to help table reservation and for film options. There are usually 6-12 of us so sometimes we split into two groups to see different films.

On Tue 25th Nov at 7.30pm - Eating meeting

Our last Tuesday 'eating meeting' is combined with an early festive feast at 7.30pm on Tuesday 25th November and takes place at the Horse & Groom pub in Moorgreen ( NG16 2FE ) where we have a private function room. The three course meal costs just £12.99 and there are a couple of drinks offers for those not driving too. Pre-booking is essential so please contact me to check availability and for menu choices.

Ciao for now!

Maxine Bates

Contact [Email] or [Phone Number] for details

photo of Val Hinkins

Mid Bucks

On Sat 1st Nov at 3.00pm - Snozzcumbers Exhibition & Meal

On Saturday 1st November we visit Snozzcumbers & Frobscottle! A free exhibition of original artwork drawn by Quentin Blake for 16 of Roald Dahl's books. Examples start in 1978 with their earliest collaboration, The Enormous Crocodile. Over 80 drawings include material from The Witches, The BFG and Matilda. This is the last day of the exhibition, which is at Aylesbury Museum. See www.buckscc.gov.uk for further details. Meet at the Museum entrance at 3.00pm.

Afterwards we will eat at Carlos's Portuguese Restaurant, near the Museum in Temple Street. The menu includes a wide range of sea food and a good selection of vegetarian options as well as more conventional meat and fish dishes. I will need to make a booking for the meal, so please let me know by Sunday 26th October if you are coming.

On Wed 19 Nov at 7.20pm - Memories of the 20th Century

The Friends of High Wycombe Library organise a series of lectures each year. Non-members are welcome to attend for a fee of £2.00. Usually this includes a soft drink and a few light snacks. This season is the first to be held in the new library at the Eden Centre. Wednesday 19th November's "lighthearted and interactive talk" on "Memories of the 20th Century" will cover life at the beginning of the 20th century, Edwardian times, WWII and the 1950s. For further details see http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/fohwl/events.htm. Meet at the Library entrance at 7.20pm. I will probably go straight from work, so we could meet up earlier before the talk if you let me know you are coming.

Val Hinkins

Contact [Email] or [Phone Number] for details

photo of Sue Watford

Leicestershire Letter

On Sat 29 Nov at 7.30pm - Thrussington Meal

This month we've chosen The Star at Thrussington for a meal and a chat on the last Saturday, 29th November, at 7.30pm. Thrussington because it's reasonably close to Leicester (just off the A46), and hopefully also a reasonably attractive venue for those who live in and around the city. We'd love to see you there. Please let me know if you intend coming, so I can be fairly accurate with numbers when booking.

Sue Watford

Contact [Email] or [Phone Number] for details

photo of Jacquie Harrison

Lincoln

On Sun 9 Nov at 4.00pm - Late lunch

As the days are so short at this time of year, I thought it may be better to meet for a late Sunday lunch and conversation. So please join us at ASK on the Brayford Pool at 4.00pm on Sunday 9th November for Italian-style food. Please contact me for more details/encouragement and by the 6th so I can book a table. All welcome.

From next month a member has kindly offered to run regular Saturday meetings so please look in the December magazine for details.

Jacquie Harrison

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

photo of Ian Sargent

Northants NNotes

My thanks to everyone who came along to our Strangers in the Night meal on 22nd September. With 8 members and 5 guests the response exceeded my expectations by quite a margin. You all seemed to enjoy yourselves so I hope that we will get to see some of you again.

On Thu 6th Nov at 9.00pm - FThOTM

Our First Thursday meeting changes venue this month, so don't go to Harlestone. Instead we will be in the centre of Northampton, at the Malt Shovel in Bridge Street. Make a note of Thursday 6th November in your diary and join us from 9.00pm. I can't tell you where we will be sitting so you will need to look out for a copy of the Mensa mag on one of the tables.

On Thu 20 Nov at 8.00pm - Roadshow: Pub

The Roadshow meeting is on Thursday 20th November at 8.00pm. We are going to the Bricklayers Arms in Creaton, which is on the A5199 between Northampton and Welford. This is our third attempt to meet at this pub. The first two were called off for different reasons so fingers crossed this time around. Once again, look for the Mensa mag to find us.

Ian Sargent

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

Luton & Dunstable

On Sat 15th Nov at 7.30pm - Indian Eating Meeting

On Saturday 15th November, meet at The New Greyhound Pub, 191-199 High Street South, Dunstable, Beds LU6 3SS at 7.30pm for a drink & chat before we move on to The Curry Cottage Restaurant at 45 Lowther Road to eat about 8.30pm. All welcome, but please book by Saturday 8th November. Email or call me as above, or Andy ONLY if you get lost on the night, on [Phone Number]. We look forward to seeing you.

Les Draper Eames

East Midlands Winners

Brain of Brains

Derbyshire member Les Hurst is the 2008 Brain of Mensa. (He was runner-up last year.) Les battled through 2 hours of gruelling questions before beating the 3 other finalists and taking the crown at the quiz final held during the Liverpool AG in September. Well done, Les!

Shown, from left to right, are Terry, Gary and Eddie.

Fewer hits means more prizes

Another Derbyshire member, Eddie Bennett, from Ripley, took part in the Mensa Golf Day on 29th August 2008 at Henley Golf & Country Club; his son Gary joined him as a guest. They were part of the team that won Best Team Score with Terence Wall from the South East. Eddie also won Nearest the Pin on the 17th Hole, 3rd Place overall and joint winner of Best Score on Par 3s. Gary won Best Guest Score. What a successful day!

Linda and Lesley show off their prizes.

At the pub again . . . and again . . . and again

The final Notts "Postcode Pubcrawl" took place on 29th July. Linda, far right, won £30 worth of Leisure Vouchers for being the person to attend the most "Postcode Pubcrawl" events. Each attendance at a "Postcode Pubcrawl" event gained one entry into a draw. Lesley won a bottle of champagne for being the name drawn out of the hat.

Congratulations to all our winners!

20 Questions (No. 86)

The celebrity anagrams from the September quiz were Mike Tyson, Glenn Miller, Nicole Kidman, Pamela Anderson, Denzel Washington, Meryl Streep, Walt Disney, Kylie Minogue, Tom Hanks, Germaine Greer, Celine Dion, Tony Blair, Michael Douglas, Neil Armstrong, Oprah Winfrey, Delia Smith, Mariah Carey, Mel Gibson, Bette Midler and William Shakespeare. Entries were received from Helene Parry of Brentford, Tony Armitage of Nottingham, Judith Meller of Derby, Mike Hadley of Lutterworth, Thomas Hamilton of Sleaford, Michael Warren of Derby, Ian Nelson of Letchworth, J E Green of St Albans, Pamela Covey of Woburn and Paul Henchliffe of Nottingham with Helene Parry winning the £10 voucher.

This month's quiz was compiled by Nick Stimpson and the theme is chivalry. Send your answers to '20 Questions (No. 86)', [Address], to arrive by 20th November stating if you would prefer to spend your £10 winnings on books or food/drink/days out.

1. Of which order is "Honi soit qui mal y pense" the motto?

2. What does the award OBE stand for? 

3. What does the award DCMG stand for?

4. In what year was the Order of the British Empire established?

5. In what year was the last award to the Order of the Star of India bestowed?

6. Who was the last Knight of the Order of St Patrick?

7. Who is the first person in line to the British throne who is not a descendant of Queen Elizabeth II?

8. Which award did David Bowie decline in 2000?

9. Of which order is "Nemo me impune lacessit" (No one provokes me with impunity) the motto?

10. Which order ranks immediately above Order of the British Empire?

11. Which country passed the "Nickle Resolution" in 1919?

12. Against whom was the "Nickle Resolution" used in 1999 to block him from gaining a peerage?

13. Which order admitted women as "Knights" rather than "Ladies" or "Dames"?

14. Which order is styled "The Most Honourable"?

15. The award of what title allows someone to style themselves "Sir" but is not a knighthood?

16. Who is the only person to have been awarded a new Baronetcy since 1965?

17. What does the award LVO stand for?

18. What makes Mary Bolles unique in British honours history?

19. How is the Usher of the Order of the Garter better Known?

20. Princess Alice, Countess of Athlone, was the last holder of which now dormant order?