Neil Goulder with Russell Brand inside the London 2012 Olympics main stadium.

Where are Neil and Russell Brand?

 

Regional News

Last month Val Hinkins (Mid Bucks LocSec) and Mark Sloan (Regional Meetings Co-ordinator) celebrated significant birthdays with Mensa friends and hopefully this month Christine Howells (Lincoln LocSec) will be doing likewise. This all goes to show what great friendships can be formed through our society and I would urge you to attend one of our social events if you are able to do so. You are sure to meet an interesting and varied group of people of all ages and will be made most welcome. This summer I holidayed with a group of 13 Mensa friends ranging in age from early-20s to mid-80s and a good time was had by all!

Don't forget you can find details of all our social events in the pages of Mensa Magazine, our regional newsletter Empress and on our regional web site at www.eastmidsmensa.org.uk. In addition we have an email group for advance notification and details of impromptu events. To join simply send a blank email to [Email]. It's a low traffic email group so your inbox won't be flooded and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Hope to meet you at an event in the near future!

Maxine Bates

Regional Officer

Events and Meetings

photo of Maxine Bates

Notts News

Our two regular food and drink events this month plus a party.

On Fri 5th Oct at 8.00pm - 5OTM

Find us at the Vat & Fiddle pub on Queensbridge Road from 8.00pm on Friday 5th for a drink and chat. We usually grab the first big table inside the Golding's Room to the left of the bar. New faces always welcome. Phone in advance if you need directions or just turn up on the night.

On Thu 11th Oct at 7.30pm - natter & nosh

From 7.30pm on Thursday 11th we'll be at the Beekeeper pub on Meadow Lane in Beeston for a meal or just a drink. This is a very informal event so pop in briefly or stay all evening. Our October offer is £10 off when spending £25 on food so we can club together to order and each save a couple of pounds off the already low prices. We have a regular reservation of the long table near the food order point at the end of the bar. Look for the yellow Mblem. Forward planning, our "natter & nosh" event at the Beekeeper on 13th December will be the Nottingham Mensa Christmas meal with pre-booking required. I've already booked 15 places but more can be added subject to availability. 2 courses for £9.99 or 3 courses for £12.99. Please contact me to see the menu or to book.

On Sat 27th Oct at 8.00pm - Halloween party

On Saturday 27th some of my fundraising team will be doing a bucket collection for Cancer Research UK at Top Valley Tesco between 10.00am and 4.00pm. If you're in the area please come and say hello. As a treat for our efforts during the day we'll be having a Halloween party in the evening. You are welcome to join us at my home in Langley Mill from 8.00pm. I'll provide a buffet (there may be snake jelly and severed fingers again!) but please bring whatever you wish to drink. Fancy dress costumes are encouraged - if only to scare away the annoying trick or treaters! - but not compulsory. Some bed/floorspace available for overnight guests. Please contact me for directions and to let me know you'll be there to help catering. There can be an extra hour of partying as we change the clocks!

Ciao for now!

Maxine Bates

Contact [Email] or [Phone Number] for details

photo of Ian Sargent

Northants NNotes

Autumn beckons and it's time for the Northants group to wind down for a few months. Here are your last two chances to socialise with us until the Spring. We have travelled to some new venues in far flung parts of the NN postcode area this year but we are always on the lookout for new suggestions. If you have a favourite pub let me know and I will try to include it in the events list for 2013; ideally a quiet place where a small group of people can meet up to have a chat over a couple of drinks.

On Thu 11th Oct at 8.00pm - Pub

The Northampton area meeting is a week later than normal (and also an hour earlier), for reasons that will be explained on the night. If you want to find out then 8.00pm on Thursday 11th should be marked on your calendar and The Three Horseshoes, High Street, Ecton, NN6 0QA, should be marked on your road atlas. Our second meeting is a week later; on Thursday 18th at 8.00pm.

On Thu 18th Oct at 8.00pm - Roadshow

The Roadshow heads off to one of the county's most famous pubs: The Boat at Stoke Bruerne, NN12 7SB. We will be in the lounge - which is the first room on the left when you enter via the car park entrance (or the last door on the right if you've moored your boat on the canal!). The Mensa magazine, or another Mensa symbol, will show you who we are. If you need any further information contact me (contact details below).

Ian Sargent

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

photo of Jo Sidebottom

Mensans in MK & Bedford

On Thu 4th Oct at 8.00pm - FThOTM

Please join us on the 4th 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 Sun 14th Oct at 10.15am - Sunday breakfast

Sunday breakfast will be at 10.15am on Sunday 14th, but PLEASE NOTE, we are going to give Wetherspoon's a try for a change. It'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.

On Thu 25th Oct at 7.30pm - Pan-Asian meal

Our final event in October, at 7.30pm on Thursday 25th, is a Pan-Asian meal at The Silk Road on Grafton Gate, near the railway station. See www.thesilkroadrestaurants.co.uk for details. Please let me know by Tuesday 23rd if you are coming, so that I can book a table.

We hope to see as many of you as possible at one or other of our events in October. 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

photo of Jenny Habib

Berkhamsted

On Wed 26th Oct at 7.45pm - LWOTM

On Wednesday 26th 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. If it is fine we will sit in the garden. Come and chat / drink/ eat and see what happens.

Jenny Habib

Contact [Email] or [Phone Number] for details

photo of Maxine Bates

Derby Diary

On Fri 12th Oct at 4.30pm - At Home

Janine and Sandy are once again opening their home on Mackworth Estate to Mensa friends on Friday 12th. Pop along from 4.30pm for tea and cakes and a chat after work or come later for a buffet (please BYOB and a buffet contribution) and an evening of socialising with maybe an optional game or two. Please phone [Phone Number] for the address and directions. Their last event attracted a good number of people - but being an "open house" just not all there at the same time!

On Wed 17th Oct at 7.30pm - 3WOTM

Find us at the Standing Order on Irongate in the city centre from 7.30pm on Wednesday 17th for our "3rd Wednesday" get together. We'll be on one of the long tables in the low ceiling area at the rear of the pub with a yellow Mblem on display. All welcome for food and/or a drink!

On Tue 30th Oct at 7.30pm - Mexican meal

At 7.30pm on Tuesday 30th we're going for a Mexican meal at Chiquito at Pride Park. I've checked the football fixtures and there is no match scheduled for that evening so parking should not be a problem. Menu at www.chiquito.co.uk and their current offers are 2 courses for £9.99, or a free starter or dessert with any main course, or 20% off your food bill. I always aim to find restaurants that are good value for money and suggestions are always very welcome. If you'd like to join us for this "eating meeting" please let me know by 26th so I can reserve a table.

Maxine Bates

Contact [Email] or [Phone Number] for details

photo of Richard Allen

Hertfordshire Happenings

On Thu 4th Oct at 8.15pm - FThOTM

Hitchin Thurs 4th from 8.15pm. FThOTM. Normal service resumes! As ever, 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 26th Oct at 8.00pm - LFOTM

Digswell (by Welwyn North Station) Fri 26th from 8.00pm. LFOTM. As ever we'll be at the Cowper Arms, Digswell, Herts (by Welwyn North station). Call me 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

photo of Val Hinkins

Mid Bucks

On Sat 6th Oct at 2.30pm - Theatre

Join Mark Sandford for the matinee performance of Dry Rot by John Chapman at the Swan theatre in High Wycombe at 2.30pm on Saturday 6th. Ticket prices range from £18.50. Described as a flawless physical comedy with secret doors, split-second timing and an all-star cast, Dry Rot tells the story of a "get rich quick" plan involving a "kidnapped" horse, a French jockey, a crooked bookie, an eccentric Colonel and his wife. Guaranteed to have the audience roaring with laughter! The cast includes Liza Goddard, Gareth Hale, Neil Stacy and Derren Nesbitt. For directions or encouragement please ring Mark on [Phone Number]

Advance notice: For November I am going to try a mid-week daytime meeting, either coffee or lunch. Please contact me (see below) if you would like to suggest a venue.

Val Hinkins

Contact [Email] or [Phone Number] for details

photo of Christine Howells

Lively Lincs

On Sat 13th Oct at - 2SaOTM

October sees the usual 2SaOTM on 13th, with a lunchtime pub discussion and general chat at the Adam & Eve on Lindum Hill, from 12ish, discussion starts at 12.30. This month: 'What is the criminal justice system for?' All are welcome to join us to give their view or just listen.

On Wed 17th Oct at 7.00pm - Eating meeting

On Wednesday 17th we continue our eating ventures with a trip to La Trattoria in West Street, at 7.00pm. Booking is essential by 14th please.

On Sun 28th Oct at 3.00pm - Teatime Thinking

Then some of our regular philosophical discussion boosted by tea and cake: Teatime Thinking at my house near Alford on Sunday 28th, 3.00-5.00pm. We'll be considering Kant's suggestion that one should only do what would be ok if everyone did it. I'm very happy to give info., encouragement, directions, just ask, [Email]

Christine Howells

Contact [Email] for details

More or Leicester

On Wed 3rd Oct at 8.00pm - Groby Grub

A new venue to try on Wed 3rd at 8.00pm as we head to The Fayre & Square pub/restaurant at The Gynsills in Groby for an eating meeting get-together. Even if you can't make the main course, I strongly recommend the Tuck Shop Ice Cream Cake!! Wow! Please let me know you're coming! (http://tinyurl.com/gynsills)

On Thu 18th Oct at 8.00pm - 3THOTM

On Thurs 18th at 8.00pm there's a chance to delve into the hidden mysteries of life, the universe and a drink as we meet up for our regular Third Thursday of the Month gathering at The Craddock Inn in Leicester (http://tinyurl.com/leicsMensaTTOTM). Usual place, usual time . . . new suspects? Please feel free to give me a call for encouragement, directions, pre-orders.

Paul Coulson

photo of David Seddon

WATever . . .

On Mon 8th Oct at 8.00pm - Treasure Hunt

Watford, Monday 8th at 8.00pm, Treasure Hunt! I'm not sure what format this will take yet. It depends on the weather so it could be an indoor pursuit if it rains. Details will be emailed to the group - so if you're interested and not on my email list then let me know. It should be fun, challenging and up to my usual brain teasing standard! Look out for my email nearer the time please.

On Mon 22nd Oct at 8.00pm - 4MOTM

Watford, Monday 22nd at 8.00pm, pub meeting We're back to the Essex Arms, Langley Way, Watford, WD17 3EG. Please look for the Magazine on the table. New members always warmly welcomed.

David Seddon

Contact [Email] or [Phone Number] for details

Editor's Bit at the Bottom

Hi - An apology from me this month to Timothy Preston of Aylsbury, Mark Sloan of Derbyshire, and Martyn Smith of Wellingborough, for omitting them from the Special Birthdays list for September. I hope you all had fun and memorable celebrations!

Rosie Jefferson

Alive and Kicking!

Practising with the drum before the Olympics.
Neil stands in the celebratory pose of Usain Bolt.
Neil with the Olympic cauldron alight behind him.
The human cannonball preparing at the closing ceremony.

This Summer Neil Goulder from Bucks, and the first editor of Empress (back in the 1990s), enjoyed the opportunity of a lifetime.

I was astonished to have been picked to perform at the Olympic Ceremonies. At our first audition, we had to learn and perform two short modern dances: and I don't do dance. Most of the auditionees were younger . . . fitter . . . and a great deal better looking than I was, and I never expected to get a recall. At the second audition, we were put through a two-hour drumming audition, and I gave it my all. I have a good musical ear - I sing in Rock Choir and recently performed in an improvised musical in a small London theatre - but had done next to no drumming before. I gave myself a 25% chance of getting through. When I received my offer letter, I was blown away. And I discovered I would be in a select group - unique among the Olympic performers - in that we were to perform in both the Opening and Closing Ceremonies.

In the Opening Ceremony, we were the Pandemonium Drummers during the 17 minute Industrial Revolution section. When I met Danny Boyle at the first audition, he showed us the scale model of the set; described his vision for our section; and showed us a film that collected together all the imagery against that amazing soundtrack. I was transfixed . . . quite emotional, even . . . and I still well up when I hear that music. And for the first time I realised I was to be part of something that wasn't just special by way of being part of the Olympics . . . it was very special artistically as well. In the weeks since the opening, many people have wanted to talk about the drumming, and we seem to have found a special place in people's affections. A few days after the ceremony, Standon Calling festival contacted us and asked if we would like to go up and play a few sets. The audience were incredibly chatty and friendly, and wanted pictures with us and our drums (we had been allowed to keep our costumes and drums after the ceremony). The festival had terrific acts, but I felt very proud when several people there mentioned they had only made the decision to come when they heard we would be attending. In both ceremonies our further role was as Athlete Marshals. Our job was to form a protective ring around the athletes and keep them safe from whatever vehicles were whizzing around the stadium. We were also taught a number of movements ("cannons") to depict the Union Jack . . . Buckingham Palace . . . Usain Bolt . . . Freddie Mercury, and we were also encouraged to dance around generally and enhance the party atmosphere for the athletes.

During the Closing Ceremony I was in a real party mood: I was singing along to several of the songs, including Mr Blue Sky (which is part of the Rock Choir repertoire). When Eric Idle came on, I was filling in the harmonies and started doing a big step kick. My colleagues joined in, and then the marshals opposite. Then the director came through on the in-ears, "You guys doing the Step-Kick in Section F . . . I love it! I would like all the marshals to join in". And my neighbour turned to me with a look of mock horror on his face and said, "Look what you did".

The Olympic experience was immense fun, but exhausting. In total, I spent around 250 hours in travel, training and rehearsals. My garden is horribly neglected and my wife Theresa has been incredibly supportive even though she has been lonely at times during evenings and weekends. I am a director of youth volunteering charity vInspired, and the Trustees, directors and staff have all given me plenty of encouragement, and I was given four days' volunteering leave.

All in all, the Olympics have been an incredible experience, and one I will cherish forever.

20 Questions (No. 133)

The film quotes in the August competition were from Jerry Maguire, Animal Crackers, A League of Their Own, Annie Hall, Psycho, Wall Street, The Godfather Part II, Gone With The Wind, 2001: A Space Odyssey, Sons Of The Desert, Scarface, Beyond The Forest, The Graduate, Dr Strangelove or: How I Learned To Stop Worrying And Love the Bomb, The Return/Adventures Of Sherlock Holmes (both correct), Planet Of The Apes, Casablanca, The Shining, Poltergeist and Marathon Man. Thanks to Pamela Covey of Woburn, Chris Impey of Tring, Alex Foster of Derby, Michael Warren of Derby and Philip Abbott of Watford for entering with Philip winning the £10 book token.

This month's quiz is once again set by Les Hurst and all the answers contain the word 'lane'. Send your entries to arrive by 20th October to '20 Questions (No. 133)', [Address], for your chance to win the book token.

1. Triskaidekaphobically triskaidekaphobic address for The Munsters

2. Founder of Penguin Books

3. Aberdeen University founder's family

4. The home of the Muffin Man and first Sainsbury's

5. UK nuclear naval base

6. One who walks through the city

7. The mirror of Beer Street

8. Just William's enemies, collectively

9. To travel on water on a road

10. Bruce Willis's harder alter ego

11. Including Fiji, Torres Straits and New Guinea

12. A north Italian sauce

13. Odds and ends

14. Status Quo's transport in 1972

15. Beatles' unwitting tribute to a slave ship captain

16. Slip showing on Wentworth Street

17. A Greek wanderer

18. Killer of an Irish concert venue

19. Shopping streets of Brighton

20. Nineteen lines with two rhymes