Helen and Paul held a summer garden afternoon event in August.
 

Regional News

As ever, we have a range of activities for you this month from restaurant meals to pub quizzes to trips to the funfair. If you have suggestions for future activities or venues do get in touch with your Local Secretary who would be delighted to hear from you. If you live in the Derby or Northampton area you may wish to consider becoming LocSec? The role can take up as much or as little time as you like. As I approach my 20th annniversary as Nottingham LocSec I can highly recommend it! Please contact myself if you'd like further information or for a no obligation chat.

If you are more of an 'armchair' Mensan there's no reason you can't be involved too. Member profiles or competitions or articles on any unusual occupations/hobbies are always gratefully received by the Empress Editors. See the back page for contact details.

As autumn approaches I hope you all had a lovely summer. Why not tell us what you did?

I'm on [Phone Number] or [Email]

Maxine Bates

Regional Officer

Events and Meetings

Mensans In MK and Bedford

On Mon 19th Oct at 8:30pm - 3MOTM

Our monthly visit to the Barge in Woolstone for the quiz is on Monday 19th. Meet from 8.30 - the quiz starts at 9pm and costs £1 per person. Look out for the Mblem on a table. Please let me know if you plan to come so I can bag a large enough table.

On Sat 24th Oct at 3:00pm - T@3

Just one other meeting in October, T@3 on Saturday 24th, but this month at Buckingham Garden Centre for a change. It's on the western side of Buckingham, opposite the golf club - look out for a yellow Mblem in the restaurant. Contact me at [Email], or [Phone Number] / [Phone Number] for directions and/or encouragement.

No Sunday breakfast this month, as we're away on holiday for a couple of weeks..

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 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

Notts News

On Mon 5th Oct at 8:00pm - 5OTM

We'll be at the Vat & Fiddle pub on Queensbridge Road (near Nottingham railway station) from 8.00pm on Monday 5th. Do join us! Just look for a yellow Mblem on the table most likely in the Goldings Room to left of bar. This is also advance notice that 5th November will be my 20th anniversary of becoming Nottingham LocSec. To celebrate we'll be starting next month's get together at 7.00pm, we will have the Goldings Room to ourselves and there will be a free meal for anyone who confirms attendance by 29th October. Otherwise you're welcome to join us later for just a drink.

On Thu 8th Oct at 7:30pm - Natter and nosh

On Thursday 8th we're at the Beekeeper pub/restaurant in Beeston from 7.30pm for food and/or drinks. Find us on the first table beyond the end of the bar. The Nottingham Mensa Christmas meal will take place at the Beekeeper on Thursday 10th December. A booking has been made and additional diners can be added subject to availability of space. The cost is £9.99 for 2 courses or £12.99 for 3 courses. Please contact me for menu choices or to book.

On Tue 27th Oct at 7:30pm - Eating meeting

Our 'eating meeting' takes place at 7.30pm on Tuesday 27th and we're going to Thai Legend on Station Road in Sandiacre. The evening shouldn't be too expensive with starters from £3.00, main courses from £5.95 and desserts from £2.50. See menu at www.thailegend.co.uk and reserve your place with me by 23rd latest.

Ciao for now!

Maxine Bates

Lively Lincs

On Sat 10th Oct at 12:05pm - Pub discussion

Our pub discussion topic this month is 'Do you boycott any companies etc, if so, why?'. if you fancy joining in, or just listening, for however long, do join us on Sat 10 Oct 12.05 at our usual venue, 'Adam and Eve' on Lindum Hill, look for the Mblem, or if you let me know you are coming, I can look out for you, meet you in the car park ...Pub food available, free car park.

On Thu 29th Oct at 7:00pm - Eating meeting

For our midweek eating meeting, we're returning to our most popular venue, Carluccio's on Thurs 29th at 7pm All welcome but it really helps if you could please book with me by 24th if possible, thanks. [Email]

Christine Howells

Derby Diary

On Wed 21st Oct at 7:30pm - 3WOTM

If you fancy a night out on Wednesday 21st then you're welcome to join us at the Standing Order on Irongate in the city centre any time from 7.30pm until late. Recently there were four or five conversations going at the same time so you're sure to find a subject that interests you. New faces always welcome. Just look for a yellow Mblem on a long table in the rear section of the pub.

On Fri 23rd Oct at 7:00pm - Ilkeston charter fair

Susan and Mark are once again hosting a visit to Ilkeston's charter fair on Friday 23rd. The town will be filled with white knuckle rides, traditional attractions, food stalls and more. This is the 763rd fair and one of the largest and oldest street fairs in Europe. Please phone [Phone Number] for meeting point at 7.00pm and so we know who to look for on the night. Also in case of inclement weather in case the event needs to be cancelled or postponed.

On Sat 31st Oct at 8:00pm - Halloween party

I'm organising a Halloween party on - surprise surprise - Saturday 31st October. The venue is Heanor Conservative Club where we have their private function room. Doors open 8.00pm and the party ends at midnight. Tickets cost £7.50 and include a disco and two course buffet. There will also be an optional raffle and witches' cauldron lucky dips with proceeds going to Cancer Research UK. Spooky fancy dress is encouraged but not compulsory. Please contact me to purchase tickets. Friends and family welcome.

Maxine Bates

Luton

On Tue 6th Oct at 7:30pm - FTuOTM

At the 'Brache' Beefeater, Osborne Road, opposite the Vauxhall Design Building from 7.00pm. There is parking on site. Come along for a drink and a chat, or just the chat. Food is available at the bar or in the restaurant from the same menu. New faces will be welcome to join our group. Contact me for directions or more details.

Bob Ford

On Thu 1st Oct at 8:00pm - FThOTM

We have decided to change the First Thursday venue to the Cowper Arms, Digswell, which is by Welwyn North railway station, which is served by stopping trains from Kings Cross to Cambridge and Peterborough. Good food and good beer both available! Call me on [Phone Number] for more details and encouragement.

On Fri 30th Oct at 8:00pm - LFOTM

As always, we're at the Cowper Arms, Digswell, which is by Welwyn North railway station, which is served by stopping trains from Kings Cross to Cambridge and Peterborough. Good food and good beer both available! Call me on [Phone Number] for more details and encouragement.

Richard Allen

More or Leicester

On Thu 22nd Oct at 8:00pm - 4ThOTM

Just the one meeting this month due to late summer holidays as our usual fourth Thursday will be taking place at The Cradock on 22nd Oct, kindly hosted by Pen Penny. Normal service (whatever that is) will resume in November...!

Paul Coulson

Mid Bucks

On Fri 9th Oct at 10:30am - Conversation and coffee

Meet me from 10:30am onwards on Friday 9th October for a morning of informal conversation and coffee. This month we are returning to The Cape in Station Road, Beaconsfield, HP9 1NN. This South African themed restaurant is a short walk from the railway station. It offers a full cooked breakfast, as well as many varieties of tea, coffee and cake. If you can, please let me know in advance that you are coming so I can choose a suitable table. You will still be welcome if you just turn up on the day. For further details or encouragement contact me on [Phone Number] or e-mail me at [Email]

On Sat 17th Oct at 2:30pm - Theatre - The Importance of Being Earnest

On Sat 17 October at 2:30pm Wycombe Swan Theatre is presenting Oscar Wilde's much loved and brilliantly witty masterpiece "The Importance of Being Earnest". Join Mark Sandford to watch the antics of dependable John Worthing, J.P. and playboy Algernon Moncrieff as they pursue two eligible ladies and tangle with the redoubtable Lady Bracknell. Prices range from £31.00 to £19.50, a separate booking fee of £1.50 is added. Please buy your own tickets for the theatre, but let Mark know you are coming on [Phone Number] or by e-mail at [Email]

Val Hinkins

Helen and Paul's Summer Garden Afternoon

The group enjoying a meal, along a garden bench and table
Thanks to Paul for the photographs and to Chistine Howells for the words.

As usual Helen and Paul had ordered fine weather and we all enjoyed an extremely pleasant afternoon in their garden. It's always interesting to have a tour and hear Paul's methods of caring for it, not to mention discouraging pesky feathered fruit pilferers. This together with a veritable feast of wonderful cakes and puddings being in good supply, together with gallons of tea, good company and conversation made for an excellent time.

Philosophical Discussion SIG

Outdoor photo of Phil Jones
Phil Jones

I joined Mensa in 1987, but was initially a passive member - I lived and worked in London, and family commitments left little time for personal leisure activities. I wrote occasionally to the Magazine and a SIG newsletter, but that was about it. By 2008, I'd had enough of the world of work and, when my employer sought applications for a corporate redundancy scheme, I leapt at the chance - and left at the end of that year. My initial thoughts were to return to the world of academic study, and I had discussions with Birkbeck College about pursuing a Ph.D., even getting so far as to draft a research proposal. But, on reflection, I decided that my dominant left-brain thinking could usefully do with a rest, and so I put thoughts of further study on hold.

Not long afterwards, the then SigSEC of the Philosophical Discussion SIG advertised for a Guest Editor to issue THINK, the group's newsletter, and I offered to help. Whether or not it had been pre-planned I can't say but - within a few weeks of my edition being published - the SIGSec resigned, and I felt morally obliged to take up the reins. And so my watch began ..

Although I have no formal qualification in Philosophy, I do have a wide range of interests. And the SIG's title of "Philosophical Discussion" is broad enough to be widely interpreted, so we cover a range of topics. Over the last few years, we've discussed: religion, politics, ethical behaviour, discrimination, artificial intelligence, classical philosophy and philosophers, oriental systems of thinking, inequality, freedom of speech, freedom of choice, cognitive processes, knowledge and beliefs, crime and punishment . and more. Most members, like me, have no Philosophy qualification, though we do have members with relevant degrees, including university lecturers. What we all have in common is Philosophia - a love of wisdom, which is the word from which the term "philosophy" is derived. (Whether we are wise or not is, of course, a different matter.)

We have about 500 members, most of whom receive the newsletter in PDF form, and that number is steadily increasing. Each spring, we host a gathering at an Oxford college that's open to everyone in Mensa, and typically get about 60 or so attendees. Luckily, this event is entirely managed by a fellow SIG member, so it's usually an occasion when I get to relax and let others do the work (although I have given two lectures).

In 2013, my wife and I moved to Matlock, an area close to some family connections, which is how I've ended up in the East Midlands group. Although I had thoughts of becoming more involved in the group, I find that much of my time is scheduled - my diary through to the end of October, for example, is pretty full. But you never know, you may find me turning up at one of the meetings In Derby sometime - I certainly hope so. Meanwhile, if you'd like to glance through a copy of the latest SIG newsletter, please email me at mensaphil@tiscali.co.uk.

Photo of Paul Coulson behind a microphone and playing a guitar
Paul Coulson
1. What is your name?
Paul Coulson
2. What's your location?
Born & bred in Leicester midduck
3. When did you join Mensa?
Some time in the early 1980's, I think
4. Why did you join?
It was pretty much an ego trip, just to see if I could. I've been a member ever since!
5. Do you belong to any SIGs? If so, which one(s)?
The advent of free PDF subscriptions is great! I'm a member of the Computing, Film, Home Recording Studio, Humour, Photography, Rock, Sailing, Science Fiction and What-if SIGS. If you're not a member of any SIGs yourself, you're missing out on a big part of your Mensa membership - sign up to some today!
6. Have you attended any social events? If so, what were they like?
Being a LocSec, I've been to quite a few! :-) All the meetings I've been to a friendly and welcoming, and the ones in Leicester have a remarkably charming host!.
7. What is/was your occupation?
I'm a Service Manager for a scientific instrumentation company by day, and a musician by night.
8. Do you have any hobbies/interests?
Tons! I'm a musician (both recording and live) and photographer. I'm a keen yachtsman and love studying (I did an OU Honours degree just for fun. I'm thinking of doing a Masters for the same reason..!). I like reading, films, and pets (two dogs, a hamster, a collection of fish all called Steve and an African Grey called Elmo). Oh.... and I like football...... a lot.....!
9. Is there anything else we should know about you?
I do a lot of work for a charity called REMAP who will help out if somebody has a specific practical need that can't be met "off the shelf" by adapting or inventing equipment just for them. So far, I've adapted a Playstation controller for a lad with Muscular Dystrophy, converted a walking frame for a chap with only one arm, as well as other jobs. Apart from that, I'm also brilliant at jokes as anybody on my Facebook wall will testify!

'20 QUESTIONS (No. 169)'

This month's competition is compiled by Les Hurst and all the answers contain a colour, though perhaps in disguise. Send your entries to arrive by 20th October by post to '20 Questions (No. 169)', 80 Milnhay Road, Langley Mill, Nottingham, NG16 4AW, or by email to [Email] but either way remember to include your name and address.

1. Derbyshire Fluor spa

2. Thomas Hughes' public school boy

3. Foretelling and prophesy

4. The church's beliefs?

5. The Argentine president lives in what colour house?

6. Fracture of young bones

7. Robespierre's shade of incorruptibility?

8. Literally, the colour of battle

9. Poison smelling of bitter almonds

10. Princes from Burgundian Provence moved north

11. The Lone Ranger's horse

12. Snail juice worth a king's ransom

13. Grain spirit and angostura bitters

14. A dye traditionally marking sheep

15. Alice followed who into Wonderland?

16. The shipworm

17. The shade of the Owl and Pussycat's vessel?

18. Supervillain Goldfinger's first name?

19. Cuthbert Bede's Victorian undergraduate

20. Bishop's Rock to Ambrose Lightboat chocolate bar