Seven Mensans plus one dog stand at the top of Coombe Hill

On top of Coombe Hill

Ian, Val, Neil, Peter, Chris, Karen, Mark and Wellington at the viewpoint on top of Coombe Hill. Ian led the excellent walk that also took the group through Wendover Woods and around the edge of the Chequers estate.

Photo by Helen Matthews.

 

Regional News

Once again our "T@3" events in August proved popular. There were around 20 attendees at my own event ranging in age from 2 to 60+ years and we enjoyed a fun afternoon tasting teas from around the world, eating a variety of delicious shop-bought and homemade cakes, chatting in the sunshine and even having a game of croquet. Although pub socials remain popular, several people commented that they enjoy this type of afternoon event. If you can suggest other events that are family friendly and don't involve pubs please contact either myself or your Local Secretary. We'd love to hear from you!

We are also seeking suggestions for a venue, date and type of event for our usual East Midlands Mensa get together one Saturday in January or February 2010. Would you prefer a dinner dance, buffet and disco, themed event or something else? In the north or south of our region? Your opinions do count so please get in touch with me! I'm on [Phone Number] or [Email]

If you are unable to attend our social events perhaps you would like to contribute to East Midlands Mensa by compiling a quiz for our regular '20 Questions' feature? Unless otherwise stated all quizzes are compiled by me but I sometimes run out of time and inspiration! As I'm also a member of the Roller Coaster Club of Great Britain I've tested this month's quiz on their Chairman. Why not enter and see if you can match his score? As national book tokens seem a popular choice of prize we'll be sticking with that for a while.

Don't forget that extra hour of sleep as British summer time - did we actually have a summer!? - ends on 25th October. I look forward to meeting you at one of our events this winter.

Maxine Bates

Regional Officer

Events and Meetings

photo of Jo Sidebottom

Mensans in MK & Bedford

On Thu 1st Oct at 8.00pm - FThOTM

First Thursday is at our regular venue of Jurys Inn on Midsummer Boulevard, on 1st October, from 8.00pm. Look out for the Mblem on one of the tables to the right in the foyer. Parking is a bit busy around Jurys and The Hub, so we usually try to get in across the road then walk through the underpass.

On Sun 11th Oct at 2.00pm - Walk

Time for another walk, this time back in Milton Keynes. We will do the Campbell Park Art Walk on Sunday 11th, leaving from outside the theatre at 2.00pm. The walk is basically a circuit of Campbell Park, taking in the various sculptures and artworks en route, with a self-guided leaflet. We may go on for dinner in the theatre district afterwards.

On Wed 21st Oct at 8.00pm - 3WOTM

Our Third Wednesday meeting at the Old Beams in Shenley Lodge is on 21st October. 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, though we are often through in the end room on the right.

Hope to see you there,

Jo Sidebottom

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

photo of Richard Allen

Hertfordshire Happenings

On Thu 1st Oct at 8.15pm - FThOTM

Meet at 8.15pm on Thursday 1st for our regular FThOTM meeting. As always, 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.

Richard Allen

Contact [Email] or [Phone Number] for details

On Fri 30th Oct at 8.00pm - LFOTM

Join Gwen and me for LFotM on Friday 30th from 8.00pm at the White Horse, Hertingfordbury village (about one mile west of Hertford town centre, just off the A414). A warm welcome and stimulating conversation guaranteed! Look for the Mag/Mblem. Hertingfordbury is about 20 minutes' walk from Hertford North station. Contact me, or Gwen on [Phone Number] for more details.

Richard Allen/Gwen Jones

Contact [Email] or [Phone Number] for details

Derby Diary

On Wed 21st Oct at 7.30pm - 3WOTM

This month our regular 3WotM meeting at the Standing Order in Derby falls on Wednesday 21st. Join us for a meal or just a drink and some great conversation from 7.30pm. Look out for the yellow Mblem on a long table in the area just beyond the bar. Contact me as above for more details/directions.

On Fri 23rd Oct at 8.30pm - Ilkeston Charter Fair

Ilkeston Charter Fair has been going since 1252 and now takes place throughout the Market Square, Bath Street, South Street and Pimlico in the town. The rides and attractions are usually the same as the more famous Goose Fair which takes place earlier in the month. A group of us will be visiting the fair at 8.30pm on Friday 23rd so whether you want to brave the white knuckle rides, eat mushy peas and candy floss, or just soak up the atmosphere why not join us? Please phone Maxine on [Phone Number] for meeting point and in case of inclement weather.

Matthew Smith

photo of Jenny Habib

Berkhamsted

On Wed 28th Oct at 7.45pm - LWOTM

Around 7.45pm on Wednesday 28th we will meet for LWotM at the Three Horseshoes on the canal side, over the swing bridge down the little lane beside the Texaco petrol station at Bourne End, on the London/Hemel Hempstead Road, just after the A41 roundabout. All members, young and adult, very welcome. It may be too cold to sit outside but inside in the canal side there is plenty of room and it is cosy. There are two car parking areas across the road from the pub. Hoping to see you all there,

Jenny Habib

Contact [Email] or [Phone Number] for details

photo of Maxine Bates

Notts News

On Mon 5th Oct at 8.00pm - 5OTM

Join us at the Vat & Fiddle pub from 8.00pm on Monday 5th as some of us recover from the Annual Gathering in Bristol. If you weren't able to attend then come and hear what you missed and tell us how you spent the weekend. Look for the yellow Mblem on the table, usually to the left of the bar. The pub is on Queensbridge Road near Nottingham railway station, a stroll from Broad Marsh bus station and has free parking right outside. New faces are always welcome.

On Sat 10th Oct at 7.30pm - 80s Mania

If, like me, you love 80s music then join me for "80s Mania" at the Royal Concert Hall at 7.30pm on Saturday 10th. The high energy show includes singing and dancing and features tributes to Duran Duran, Human League, Frankie Goes To Hollywood, Culture Club, Wham, Madonna and many more. Tickets cost £19.50, although we'll get a 10% discount if there are 10 or more of us. Please contact me as soon as possible if interested.

On Wed 14th Oct at 7.00pm - Chicks & Flicks

Our "chicks & flicks" event falls on Wednesday 14th. Meet us at 7.00pm inside the doors to the Cornerhouse in the city centre from where we'll go to eat at Nando's restaurant and over dinner argue which film to see at Cineworld later. The whole night out can cost under a tenner as there are offers at both venues. To help table reservation, for cinema listings or further information, contact Paul [Phone Number] or [Email]

On Tue 27th Oct at 7.30pm - Chinese Meal

We will be visiting Big Wok on Upper Parliament Street at 7.30pm on Tuesday 27th. This Chinese buffet restaurant is hugely popular with both British and Chinese and at £9.99 for eat-as-much-as-youlike is excellent value. This includes a large selection of soup, starters, curry, Chinese dishes, rice, noodles, salad, vegetables, Japanese sushi and teppanyaki, desserts and chocolate fountain. The full menu is at www.bigwok.co.uk. Please contact me by 23rd if you would like to join us at this "eating meeting" as I'll need to reserve a table.

On Sat 31st at 7.30pm - Social Dance

A group of us go ballroom/latin American dancing every Thursday. This month there is a social dance taking place at Bilborough Sports Hall from 7.30pm to 11.00pm on Saturday 31st. Tickets cost £10 and include live music and a light buffet. BYOB. You are welcome to come along to either practice your steps or just socialise and listen to the music. Please contact me for further information.

Ciao for now!

Maxine Bates

Contact [Email] or [Phone Number] for details

photo of Val Hinkins

Mid Bucks

On Sun 11th Oct at 2.30pm - Wycombe Museum

On Sunday 11th we are going to visit two exhibitions at Wycombe Museum. One is of High Wycombe prints created from etchings done by Lorna Cassidy over the last fifty years. The second exhibition is of printed work by Robert Gibbings and Eric Gill, including book illustrations. Meet at 2.30pm. Free admission to both exhibitions. Afterwards we'll walk into Eden for afternoon tea, patisserie and chat at Café Richoux.

Please contact me by Saturday 10th October to let me know you are coming to Wycombe Museum.

On Sun 18th Oct at 7.30pm - Concert

At 7.30pm on Sunday 18th join Mark Sandford for a concert by the City of London Sinfonia and London Symphony Chorus at Wycombe Swan theatre. The programme includes Britten's Sea Interludes from Peter Grimes, Mendelssohn's fifth symphony and The Music Makers by Elgar. For full details see www.wycombeswan.co.uk Tickets are available on line or direct from the Box Office at the theatre.

Val Hinkins

Contact [Email] or [Phone Number] for details

photo of Sue Watford

Leicestershire Letter

On Sat 31st Oct at 7.30pm - Skittles

Back to the skittle alley - it's years since we've been. This time we're using the alley at The Blue Bell, 36 Main Street, Hoby, and we're meeting there at 7.30pm on the very last day of October, Saturday 31st, for skittles followed by a meal. Hoby is very approximately halfway between Melton and Leicester, 2-3 miles off the A607. I think since we last went to Hoby it has suffered a bad fire and changed hands several times, but now enjoys a decent reputation. They are sending a copy of the menu, so if you'd like to know what's on offer I will be able to let you know. Numbers would be useful sometime early in that week, please.

On Sat 10th Oct at TBA - National Space Centre

An invitation from our East Anglian neighbours to their East Midlands neighbours: Steve and Ann Ashby are planning a visit to the National Space Centre at Leicester on Saturday 10th. Ring them on [Phone Number] for time and meeting arrangements. All are welcome.

Sue Watford

Contact [Email] or [Phone Number] for details

photo of Jacquie Harrison

Lively Lincs

On Sat 3rd Oct at 12.00pm - FSaOTM

Again Christine is hosting the regular meeting this month on Saturday 3rd, 12 noon (details below). (If you have received your October magazine early, may I also remind you of the opportunity to join Christine for tea and free pick-your-own apples on the last Sunday in September 3.00pm.

Christine writes: Usual FSaOTM jaunt to the Armoury Cafe at the Drill Hall, do come and join us for lunch/snack, or just partake of drinks and conversation. I try for the table furthest away from the jazz guitar duo, so we can talk as well as listen, spot the magazine. All very welcome; for more info, ring me on [Phone Number], or e-mail [Email]

Jacquie Harrison

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

photo of Ian Sargent

Northants NNotes

On Thu 1st Oct at 9.00pm - FThOTM

We kick off the Northants events on Thursday 1st with a return to The Fox & Hounds at Harlestone. 9.00pm onwards will find the Northampton regulars ensconced in the bar, so pop in and join us.

On Thu 15th Oct at 8.00pm - Roadshow

Two weeks later and it's the turn of the Roadshow. This month it's on Thursday 15th and you will find us in the bar of the Barley Mow, High Street, Paulerspury. We should be at one of the tables to the right of the main bar from 8.00pm. Will they be serving Hobgoblin? Come along and find out.

On Sat 17th Oct at 11.00am - Autumn Amble

Finally, it's our Autumn Amble on Saturday 17th. Meet outside the Saracen's Head in Little Brington at 11.00am for a 3½ mile circular walk through the Northamptonshire countryside, followed by a pub lunch. Bring a change of footwear.

Ian Sargent

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

Independence Day 2009

Event organisers, Jo and Maxine, with Matthew Collins
Peter Bellingham demonstrates how to draw Bart Simpson.

Around 40 Mensans gathered at the Holiday Inn M1 J18 on Saturday 4th July to celebrate all things American. The afternoon began with an icebreaker game to get everyone mingling with questions relating to both America and the East Midlands. There was also opportunity to complete a feedback questionnaire to help us see how we can improve your Mensa membership and which type of social events appeal.

Our first guest speaker was Elaine Yates, a member of Americana SIG attending her very first Mensa event. We were treated to an informative, well-presented slide show on Native American history and culture and Elaine brought along some items such as medicine bags, musical instruments, dream catchers and dolls for us to see.

After a short break Mensan illustrator Peter Bellingham taught us the art of cartooning and within an hour we managed to draw - albeit with varying degrees of competence - Kenny from South Park, Charlie Brown, Bart and Homer Simpson, Mickey Mouse, Fred Flintstone and Stewie Griffin. We also learned some of the rules devised to enable several cartoonists to draw the same character.

Travel author and former TV Travel Show presenter Matthew Collins then gave us an entertaining talk about his 6,500 mile, three month trip across America in a motorhome with his two young sons which was the basis for his book "Across America With The Boys". Afterwards Matthew answered questions about his thoughts on America and did a book signing session.

There was time to make more friends whilst our evening buffet was set up. Then we enjoyed dishes from Central and North America such as nachos, fajitas, quesadillas, hot dogs, burgers, banoffee pie and chocolate brownies. There was plenty of food to allow for more than one trip to the buffet table. Whilst dinner digested an American themed quiz was distributed, teams were formed and brains put into gear.

Congratulations to the winners Nancy, Clarissa, Freda, Lynn, Robert and Barbara who all went home with a small prize. The socialising continued to background music until after 10 pm although I hear those staying overnight at the hotel chatted until gone midnight.

Thanks to my co-organiser Jo Sidebottom, our three guest speakers, everyone who came along, and especially the first-timers and the three members who flew over from Ireland and the USA to join the fun.

Maxine Bates

Golf Champions - Again!

2008 winners: Terry, Gary, Eddie
Eddie Bennett, Gary Bennett, Terry Wall, Michael Jinks
Patrick Cross, David Trewick, Bob Merrilees, Chris Palmer

Last year I was pleased to report that Derbyshire member Eddie Bennett and his son Gary were part of the team that won Best Team Score in Mensa's Golf Championship on 29th August at Henley Golf and Country Club.

Well, this year a change of month and a change of venue didn't make any difference to these two. They won again!

At the 2nd Mensa Annual Golf Championship, held this year on 31st July at the Abbey Hotel Golf and Country Club, Redditch, Eddie and Gary were again in the team that won Best Team Score. Another East Midlands member, Patrick Cross, won Best Score on the Par 3s; a further East Midlands member, Chris Palmer, also took part. Well done to you all!

And Eddie, Gary - I'll hold the front page for you next year just in case you decide to make it a hat trick!

20 Questions (No. 97)

The flags from the August competition belonged to Nigeria, Morocco, Chad or Romania (they have the same flag!), Egypt, Brazil, Isle Of Man, Algeria, Somalia, Sweden, Japan, Lebanon, Jamaica, Liechtenstein, Bangladesh, Uruguay, Cameroon, Vietnam, Cyprus, Belgium and New Zealand. Apologies that the Lebanese flag was described as having vertical instead of horizontal stripes. But that didn't stop a bumper crop of entries, including several first-timers, from Chris Impey of Tring, David Botterill-Scott of Rushden, Pamela Covey of Woburn, Alan Tonks of Mansfield, Geraldine Ellis of Nottingham, Andy Cole of Cleethorpes, Don Jones of Welwyn Garden City, Simon Poulton of Loughborough, Rita Beeson of Kempston, Carol Wheatcroft of Derby, Mrs J Davies of Aylesbury, Alex Foster of Derby, Helen Parry of Brentford, Sue Pearson of Winslow, Don Foster of Notts, Helen Whitehead of Northants, James Rainbird of Nottingham, Alistair Blackett of High Wycombe, David Ribbans of Luton, Roger Lord of Aylesbury, Philip Abbott of Watford, Ron Britton of Notts, Michael Taylor of Spalding, Chris Jury of Nottingham and Steve Percy of Leicester. The winner, chosen at random from all the correct entries, was Chris Impey.

This month's quiz tests your knowledge of theme parks. Send your answers to '20 Questions (No. 97)', [Address], to arrive by 20th October. The winner will receive a £10 book token.

1. How many theme parks do Six Flags operate in the USA?

2. Who is the 'queen of speed' at Alton Towers?

3. The ride Top Thrill Dragster is located in which US state?

4. Which Danish theme park claims to be the oldest in the world?

5. Who rode the Big Dipper at Blackpool Pleasure Beach for three months in 2000?

6. In what year did Tokyo Disneyland open?

7. Who opened the Missile ride at the former American Adventure theme park?

8. In which US park would you find the Dueling Dragons ride?

9. Which company built the Nemesis ride at Alton Towers?

10. The name of the largest theme park in the southern hemisphere?

11. The Megafobia wooden rollercoaster is located at which UK theme park?

12. Which Las Vegas hotel has three extreme rides on its rooftop?

13. One car on the Oblivion ride at Alton Towers can seat how many riders?

14. Parc Asterix is located on the outskirts of which capital city?

15. What colour is the track painted on the Big One ride at Blackpool Pleasure Beach?

16. How old was the Corkscrew ride at Alton Towers when removed in 2008?

17. Rollercoasters called Balder and Kanonen are located at which Swedish theme park?

18. What is the name of the tallest (456ft) rollercoaster in the world?

19. Which UK theme park has mascots called Valligators?

20. Playstation ride at Blackpool Pleasure Beach was renamed what?