Regional News
This is advance notification that our next regional event will be a Blues Party Night on Saturday 16th February 2013. Once again it will be held at Diseworth Village Hall near East Midlands Airport as this proved a convenient location last year, the hall hire is good value with excellent facilities, and there's plenty of cheap accommodation nearby for anyone wishing to stay overnight. The evening will include a buffet, help-yourself bar with beers, wines and soft drinks, live music by The Beeliacs blues band (with whom Leicester LocSec Paul performs!), disco and other entertainment. The event will be free to members and only £5 for non-member guests. Where else can you go for such a bargain night out!? To book your place, contact me on [Phone Number] or [Email]. Full details of this and other events can be found on our web site at www.eastmidsmensa.org.uk
If you're unable to attend our social events but would like to contribute to East Midlands Mensa, we are always seeking articles for Empress on your unusual hobbies, work, charity fundraising or a simple profile about yourself. Or why not compile one of our competitions? We only need 20 questions on your favourite subject! Either of the Editors would love to hear from you.
Maxine Bates
Regional Officer
Events and Meetings
Mensans in MK & Bedford
On Thu 1st Nov at 8.00pm - FThOTM
Please join us on the 1st from 8.00pm for informal First Thursday chat at The Old Beams at Shenley Lodge. Feel free to join us for a meal or just a drink - look out for the Mblem or mag. See http://www.mcmullens.co.uk/oldbeams for location, menu etc.
On Sat 17th Nov at 11.00am - Country walk
Time for another country walk this month, and it's Stony Stratford's turn again. However, whereas in the past we have explored the picturesque town centre, this time it will be more rural, following the river around the edge of the town. We'll meet at 11.00am on Saturday 17th in the public car park at the bottom of Watermill Lane, which is off Stratford Road, just east of the A5 flyover. We'll then walk up to the river, and follow the river around the outside of the town, diverting into the town at some point for a pub lunch We will then cut across south of the town to complete the circle back to the car park.
On Sun 25th Nov at 10.15am - Sunday breakfast
Sunday breakfast will be at 10.15am on Sunday 25th, but please remember we have moved to Wetherspoon's on Midsummer Boulevard West, next to Chiquito's and not far up from the railway station (NOT the other Lloyds/Wetherspoons nearer the shopping centre and next to Jurys Inn). Come for a full breakfast, a snack, or just a drink - look for the Mblem on a table.
We hope to see as many of you as possible at one or other of our events in November. 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
Notts News
On Mon 5th Nov at 8.00pm - 6OTM
Unusually our two regular events fall in the same week. Join us from 8.00pm on Monday 5th for a drink at the Vat & Fiddle pub on Queensbridge Road in the city centre.
On Thu 8th Nov at 7.30pm - Eating meeting
Or from 7.30pm on Thursday 8th for a meal and/or drink at the Beekeeper in Beeston. Please note that our "natter & nosh" event on Thursday 13th December will be the Nottingham Mensa Christmas meal and booking is essential. 2 courses £9.99 or 3 courses £12.99 plus a voucher booklet for each diner valid at any Hungry Horse pub throughout 2013. We've saved £££s, had free starters and desserts, and some free rounds of drinks this year on top of already bargain prices. Not bad!
On Fri 16th Nov at 7.00pm - Greyhound racing
On Friday 16th we're going to Nottingham Greyhound Stadium in Colwick once again. We've been taking part in a charity tournament and this is the final. Come and cheer on our allocated dog and see if we can win a cash prize and trophy. Tickets cost £5 each (normal admission and race card is £6) and all money goes to Cancer Research UK. Under 18s admitted free of charge if accompanied by an adult. I've been donated 100 tickets by the stadium so feel free to invite your friends, family and work colleagues! Gates open at 6.00pm with the first race at 6.28pm and the last race finished by 10.30pm. You can arrive/leave when you like but there will be a rendez-vous point at 7.00pm for anyone wishing to meet up. There's ample free parking and food/drink available at the venue. Contact me if you'd like to come to this fun night out.
Ciao for now!
Maxine Bates
Contact [Email] or [Phone Number] for details
More or Leicester
On Thu 15th Nov at 8:00pm - 3ThOTM
Remember, remember the Fifth of November . . . because you'll be ten days too early for our usual gathering at The Craddock Pub! We'll be at the usual table . . . or another one if somebody nabs it first. Look out for the yellow mBlem or magazine on the table on Thursday 15th at 8:00pm.
On Tue 27th Nov at 7.30pm - Eating meeting
Come and join Pen Penny for a "Taste of Thai" on Tuesday 27th at 7.30pm. The restaurant is at 84-86 Market Street, Ashby de la Zouch, LE65 1AP, and has been given a 5 star rating for its hygiene standards! Please telephone her on [Phone Number] or e-mail at [Email] by Friday 23rd to let her know if you are coming so that she can book a table for the appropriate number of people.
Finally, an early heads up - make space in your diary for December 20th as we're heading to the Taj Mahal restaurant in Highfields for an alternative Christmas dinner! Please could you let me know as soon as possible if you're planning on coming so I can book a table (It's going to be busy!)
Paul Coulson
Berkhamsted
On Wed 28th Nov at 7.45pm - LWOTM
On Wednesday 28th we will meet as usual at the Old Mill at 7.45-ish., the pub set back from the London Road, next door to the Esso petrol station. Look for the Mensa Mag on the table.
Come and chat / drink/ eat and see what happens.
Jenny Habib
Contact [Email] or [Phone Number] for details
Northants NNotes
Back in the Spring!
Ian Sargent
Contact [Email] or [Phone Number] / [Mobile Number] for details
Derby Diary
On Wed 21st Nov at 7.30pm - 3WOTM
Just our one regular event this month. We'll be at the Standing Order on Irongate in the city centre from 7.30pm on Wednesday 21st. We usually have the largest and most international table but were usurped in September by the foreign students from Derby University on freshers' week! Look for a yellow Mblem on one of the long tables in the low ceiling area at the rear of the pub. Come along for a meal or just a drink and stay as long as you like. Our next get together will be Wednesday 19th December and also the Derby Mensa Christmas meal. The cost is £8.25 for a main course including drink and £2.00 each for any starter or dessert. Booking is essential so please contact me as soon as possible.
Event suggestions are sought for the New Year. Can you recommend a restaurant or museum to visit? Do you know a pleasant walk around Derbyshire? Would you like to share your hobby with other members? If so I'd be delighted to hear from you.
Maxine Bates
Contact [Email] or [Phone Number] for details
Hertfordshire Happenings
On Thu 2nd Nov at 8.15pm - FThOTM
On Thursday 2nd from 8.15pm we're at the Millstream, Cambridge Road, Hitchin. 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 Nov at 8.00pm - LFOTM
On Friday 29th from 8.00pm we'll be at the Cowper Arms, Digswell, Herts (by Welwyn North station). Call me on [Phone Number] for more details and encouragement. The pub is next to the railway station, which is served by stopping trains from Kings Cross to Cambridge and Peterborough.
Richard Allen
Contact [Email] or [Phone Number] for details
Mid Bucks
On Thu 8th Nov at 10.30am - daytime meeting
For November I am going to try a mid-week daytime meeting. Join me in the Costa near the church in the centre of High Wycombe from 10.30am on Thursday 8th for a relaxed coffee and conversation. I will try to get one of the comfortable sofas downstairs. Just come in and look for me inside.
If you let me know you are coming I will save you a space! For directions or encouragement please contact me.
Val Hinkins
Contact [Email] or [Phone Number] for details
Lively Lincs
On Sat 10th Nov at 12.05pm - Pub meeting
We are having a rather quiet month in November but do join us on Saturday 10th, 12.05-2.00pm for our usual 2SaOTM pub discussion at the Adam & Eve on Lindum Hill, Lincoln. When we are assembled we will start a discussion on, 'Is too much safety dangerous?', before rambling onto other subjects and more general chat. Contact me for encouragement.
Christine Howells
Contact [Email] for details
WATever . . .
On Mon 12th Nov at 8.00pm - If I ruled the world...
Monday 12th at 8.00pm: If I ruled the world . . . What should be a lively and eye-opening get-together. Express your views about what life would be like in 'your world'. Venue is TBA and will be emailed nearer the time. If you wish to be included in our local emails then please contact me.
On Mon 26th Nov at 8.00pm - Pub meeting
Monday 26th at 8.00pm: Pub meeting at King's Head, Bridge Road, Hunton Bridge, WD4 8RE. Autumnal weather makes for indoor meetings - so please look for the magazine on the table. We get a good turn out to the pub meets and have a wide age range - come and say hi! New members always warmly welcomed.
David Seddon
Contact [Email] or [Phone Number] for details
Editor's Bit at the Bottom
Many congratulations to Alan Wilkinson for winning this year's Huggett Award.
The judges' comments were,
"The Huggett Award goes each year to a SIG volunteer (SIGSec or editor) who has given outstanding service to members in that role. This year's winner is Alan Wilkinson of Genealogy SIG, whose stint as SIGSec is now into a third decade. Alan has overseen the production of over 100 issues of the SIG newsletter, in an era when general interest in family history has risen - as shown by the popularity of TV programmes such as Who Do You Think You Are? Alan is a worthy winner of the Huggett Award."
And what did Alan think?
"It was a very pleasant surprise on reading the Mag to find I had been given this award although why is still a little beyond me unless it is for being in one spot for a good number of years. I suppose one of the things about getting older is you can rack up the length of time you have done things. I have been interested in genealogy for some 50 years, have helped and been a trustee and committee member on the local village hall also for 50 years, and have been a Parish Councillor for 26 years. I also went to F1 meetings for 19 years but that has got a bit past me now. Doesn't time fly when we're having fun? And that's what it's all about - having fun!"
A great sentiment, Alan. Continue having fun!
Alan wasn't the only East Midlands winner this year; although his was a major award, I'm pleased to tell you that Empress also won an award - the Regional Newsletter Award for Service. (See picture right.)
Rosie Jefferson
Driving Force
This summer Richard Allen took 3 weeks off work to do volunteer work for the Paralympics.
Why did you volunteer?
What was the selection process?
What training were you given?
What were your duties?
Would you describe a typical shift?
Where were the ranks and did you have a favourite?
How was driving in London?
What about the atmosphere?
Did you meet any especially interesting people?
You mentioned pin badges - would you elaborate?
How do you feel now that it's all over?
Would you do it all again?
20 Questions (No. 134)
Did you guess the phobias in the September quiz? They were sharp or pointed objects, cats, hair, chemicals, bats, clowns, making decisions, work, the cold, crossing bridges, public speaking, long words, germs, being out of mobile phone contact, belly buttons, phobias, ghosts, Hell, the sea, and childbirth/pregnancy. Entries received from Patrick Cavanagh of Mullingar, Pamela Covey of Woburn, Michael Warren of Derby, Sue Pearson of Bucks, Alex Foster of Derby, Chris Impey of Tring, Roger Plant of Nottingham, D W Dell of Leighton Buzzard, Lynn Faulkner of Nottingham and Philip Abbott of Watford with Alex winning the £10 book token.
This month's quiz is based on Maxine's specialist subject of one hit wonders of the 1980s! Send your entries to arrive by 20th November to '20 Questions (No. 134)', [Address].
1. Who performed the safety dance?
2. What did Bow Wow Wow want?
3. Paul Hardcastle had a hit with a song about which war?
4. Which Robin Beck hit was used as a jingle by Coca Cola?
5. Whose music video was first to be shown on MTV?
6. The band Baltimora came from which country?
7. Who wanted to move closer?
8. What colour were Nena's balloons?
9. Which duo released Pac-Man fever?
10. Harold Faltermeyer wrote which theme song for Beverly Hills Cop?
11. Which reggae artist released a song referring to a street in the Brixton riots?
12. Who famously wore a Las Vegas High School cheerleader costume in her video?
13. How many members originally formed Jimmy The Hoover?
14. Who thought there was no-one quite like grandma?
15. The daughter of Bob Holness performed with which group?
16. Who did the boxerbeat?
17. Which Alannah Miles hit shared a name with a cocktail?
18. Who wanted to pump up the volume?
19. Which band had an obsession?
20. Musical Youth were formed at a school in which UK city?