Happy 75th anniversary Mensa!
Founded 1st October 1946.
Regional News
Welcome to this anniversary issue of Empress celebrating 75 years of Mensa! When did you join and what made you join and what do you enjoy most about being a Mensan? We would love to hear your comments. If you are attending the long-awaited Annual Gathering in Manchester 1st-4th October I hope you have a great weekend and maybe we will get chance to say hello? I'm hoping to arrange a get together for East Midlands Mensans so please keep an eye on our Facebook group because at the time of writing the events programme hasn't been announced so I don't know when will be an opportune time to try to arrange a 'meet and greet'.
As life gradually returns to normal - I think we have to learn to live with COVID in the same way we live with influenza - our Local Officers and other event hosts would welcome your suggestions on what types of activities you would like to see and do. It's very strange starting to plan things again, but we have a lot of catching up on the fun to do!
If you would like to get involved we still have a vacancy for the role of Northampton Local Officer. Thanks to Ian for doing a wonderful job keeping things going, but as you will see from the announcement in this issue, COVID is finally allowing him to get married so he has other priorities and help would be appreciated in the NN postcode area. We would also like to recruit a Young Mensa (18-30) Officer and an Online Officer as whilst we are returning to face to face events there may still be a demand for online events too.
Feel free to contact me on [Phone Number] or [Email]
Maxine Bates
Regional Officer
Editorial
Welcome to the October edition of Empress. Thank you to Carole for all the hard work. Welcome to Roy, who will be hopefully picking up the editor mantle soon. Mensa is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year! Mensa was founded in Oxford in October 1946. The Isle of Man Post Office is issuing special Mensa-themed stamps on 1st October. Commemorative packs of stamps, presentation packs and first day covers can be ordered now at iompost.com/mensa. If you have not already done so then please let the office (membership@mensa.org.uk) know your email address. The regional newsletters are now sent electronically, so it is vital that the office can contact you via email.
Mark Sloan
Events and Meetings
Derby Diary
On Sat 16th Oct at 10:30am - Museum of Making
Join us as we visit this newly reopened museum telling Derby's 300-year history of making. It's at the Silk Mill building, Silk Mill Lane, Derby DE1 3AF. Meet outside the large glass atrium entrance. The museum is free. The "Scale" exhibition is optional and extra - prebook on their website from 5th Oct. Please let me know if you are thinking of coming. Contact Susan on [Email] or [Phone Number].
On Wed 20th Oct at 7:30pm - 3WOTM
This month we are trying Mr Grundy's, Ashbourne Road, Derby, DE22 3AD (bar area of the Georgian House Hotel). We've booked a separate room opposite the hotel reception. Ask for "Susan's Group". Come along to eat or just for a drink. Please let me know if you are thinking of coming so we look out for you. Contact Susan on [Email] or [Phone Number].
On Wed 27th Oct at 7:30pm - Online Chat
Join us for a chat on Zoom on the 4th Wednesday of October. It will last for an hour and twenty minutes but stay as little or as long as you like. Have your choice of refreshment to hand. New faces very welcome. Please contact me for the Zoom link and with any questions. Contact Susan on [Phone Number] or [Email]
Susan Graves
Contact [Email] or [Phone Number] / [Mobile Number] for details
Hertfordshire Happenings
On Thu 7th Oct at 8:00pm - FThOTM
This is our monthly meeting at the Three Magnets, in Leys Avenue. Thursday is traditionally a curry night, but other food is available (standard Wetherspoons fare). It is strongly recommended to contact me before travelling to confirm that the meeting is going ahead. Please call [Phone Number] or email [Email] for details. Or please visit the East Midlands Mensa Facebook group for updates.
On Fri 29th Oct at 8:00pm - LFOTM
As ever, we are at the Cowper Arms, Digswell (next to Welwyn North station) from 8 pm. Currently, numbers are restricted to six people at a table, so if you want to come, please can you call me on [Phone Number] no later than Friday 22 October. Regrettably, it may not be possible to accommodate you if you don't let me know in advance.
Steve Thomas
Contact [Email] or [Mobile Number] for details
In Leicestershire
On Mon 18th Oct at 8:00pm - Pub Social
At the start of UK coffee week, come and have a coffee or another beverage with us at the Cradock Arms, 201 Knighton Road, LE2 3TT. This is just 2 miles from the city centre and there is a large car park. You can bring a guest and to let me know that you are coming, contact me on [Phone Number] or at [Email]
On Sat 30th Oct at 7:00pm - Pub Meal
This month we are dining at the Britannia Inn, 47 Main Street, Queniborough LE7 3DB If you would like to join us, with maybe a guest, booking in advance is essential so please let me know by 23rd October if you want to come along. Contact me on [Phone Number] or at [Email]
Haydn Starkie
Contact [Email] or [Mobile Number] for details
Lively Lincs
On Sat 9th Oct at 12:00pm - SSOTM pub/online discussion
Join us for a friendly discussion over lunch. We might meet at a local pub or alternatively on Zoom, depending on circumstances. This month's discussion topic is: "What do we do about refugees and migration?" All welcome. It's essential to contact me by Friday 8th to confirm whether pub or online meeting and let me know you'll be attending. Contact Jacquie on [Email] or [Phone Number].
On Sun 17th Oct at 12:00pm - Lunch & stroll
In August this had to be postponed. Fingers crossed this time! Join us for a light lunch at the CafeBar at the Hub in Sleaford. Then a look at the exhibitions, and maybe a walk along the river. Let me know by Thursday 14th if you are coming, so I can book a table. All welcome, and you can bring a guest. Contact Helen on [Email] or [Phone Number].
Jacquie Harrison
Contact [Email] or [Phone Number] / [Mobile Number] for details
Mid Bucks
On Sun 3rd Oct at 2:00pm - Games Afternoon
Please join Dave and Alison online for a relaxed and informal Sunday afternoon of board games and chat. All members and friends are welcome. We play most Sundays using www.boardgamearena.com and Jitsi for chat. Further details are on the main Mensa web site. For more information please contact Dave a few days beforehand. Either telephone him on [Phone Number] or e-mail to [Email]
On Sat 9th Oct at 2:00pm - NT Visit & Tea
We haven't visited Hughenden Manor recently. Depending on the weather and Covid we may visit the house, or just walk in the estate. Both options will be followed by refreshments in the café. If you would like to come, please let me know on [Phone Number] or e-mail me at [Email] a few days beforehand so I can confirm the meeting is going ahead.
On Fri 22nd Oct at 10:30am - Coffee & Chat
Join me at Jung's on the Broadway in Beaconsfield, HP9 2PD for relaxed conversation, cake and coffee. See http://www.hpjung.com/ for location and menu. No need to book, but if you want to confirm the meeting is going ahead contact me on [Phone Number] or e-mail me at [Email] a few days ahead.
For further details or encouragement contact me on [Phone Number] or e-mail me at [Email]
Val Hinkins
Contact [Email] or [Phone Number] for details
Mensans in MK & Bedford
On Sat 9th Oct at 3:00pm - T@3
Join us as we make another visit to Dobbie's for tea, coffee, cakes & chat, getting back on our regular quarterly schedule. Contact [Email], or [Phone Number] / [Phone Number].
On Sun 24th Oct at 10:00am - Sunday breakfast
Join us for a leisurely breakfast - check Empress or the East Midlands Facebook group for the venue, or contact [Email], or [Phone Number] / [Phone Number].
On Thu 28th Oct at 7:30pm - Arts lecture
We're hoping to attend a local Arts Society lecture on the painter Joseph Wright of Derby - cost £7.50pp. See Empress/East Mids FB group, or contact [Email], or [Phone Number] / [Phone Number] for further details.
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 this month. 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
News from Northampton
On Sun 3rd Oct at 10:30am - Breakfast Meeting
Join us at: Zapato Lounge, Welsh House, Market Square, NN1 2EB. Have a coffee or treat yourself to a full breakfast, whilst catching up with what the rest of the Northampton members have been doing. Contact me on [Phone Number] or [Email]
Notts News
On Tue 5th Oct at 8:00pm - 5OTM
Please check that this get together is happening at the Vat & Fiddle pub on Queensbridge Road (NG2 1NB) as opening hours are currently subject to change. Contact Maxine on [Phone Number] or [Email]
On Sun 10th Oct at 2:00pm - Treasure Trail
Follow this professionally written treasure hunt solving clues around the village of Edwinstowe and Sherwood Forest Approx. 2 miles and 2 hours. Ideal for families. Set off from outside Edwinstowe library. (NG21 9QS) and finish at The Dukeries Lodge (NG21 9HS) for food and/or drink. Full details in Empress. Please confirm attendance with Maxine on [Phone Number] or [Email] so enough trails available and to arrange staggered start times.
On Thu 14th Oct at 7:30pm - Natter & Nosh
We are booked at The Cadland, High Road, Chilwell, NG9 5EG for a meal at 7.30pm. Please let Maxine know if you intend coming along so table size can be amended if necessary. [Phone Number] or [Email]. You are also welcome later for just a drink as the venue quietens down. Large car park and on bus route. All welcome to come along for food, drink and scintillating conversation!
On Tue 26th Oct at 7:30pm - Eating Meeting
We're going for a taste of Mexico at Chiquito's, Redfield Way, Lenton, NG7 2UW. Menu at www.chiquito.co.uk. Please book with Maxine on [Phone Number] or [Email] by 22nd latest so a table can be reserved.
Ciao for now!
Maxine Bates
Contact [Email] or [Phone Number] for details
About Mensa
Map showing the countries, in dark
blue, which have national Mensa
organisations, created by Tex. Bold
- Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0,
A door-sized cake was created for the Diamond 60th Annual Gathering in Nottingham in 2006.
Mensa was founded in England in 1946 by a barrister named Roland Berrill, and Dr. Lance Ware, a scientist and lawyer. Mensa's original aims were, as they are today, to create a society that is non-political and free from all racial or religious distinctions. 'Mensa' means 'table'in Latin, and the organisation was so named because Mensa is a round-table society where ethnicity, colour, creed, national origin, age, politics, educational and social background are all completely irrelevant. In fact, the only relevant qualification for membership is scoring within the upper 2% of the general population on an approved intelligence test. Mensa takes no stand on politics, religion or social issues, and it has members from so many different countries and cultures, each with differing points of view; so, for Mensa to espouse a particular point of view would go against its role as a forum for ALL points of view.
Today, there are around 145,000 Mensans in roughly 100 countries throughout the world. There are active Mensa organisations on every continent except Antarctica, and the three stated purposes of Mensa are always the same, no matter where in the world your national Mensa organisation happens to be:
- to identify and foster human intelligence for the benefit of humanity;
- to encourage research into the nature, characteristics, and uses of intelligence;
- to provide a stimulating intellectual and social environment for its members.
Amersham Treasure Hunt
Here are a couple of pictures from the Amersham Treasure Hunt which took place on the 21st of August. Members checking their answers at the Chequers pub.
It was a good turnout with members travelling from Croydon and Didcot to join us.
The weather forecast did put a few people who had booked off, but in the event it didn't rain much at all and as you can see we had use of the pub's function room so not all stuck out on the patio.
19 members, friends, etc. there.
Val Hinkins
For their 3rd Wednesday of the Month gathering, Derby members tried out a new venue at The Paddock, Mansfield Road on Wednesday, 15th September. A good time was had by all.
20 Questions (No. 240)
The answers to the August competition were Acker Bilk, Accra, Acacia, Accrington Stanley, Actium, Access, Ace, Aconcagua, Acme, Acorn, Acropolis, Acid reflux, Actuary, Ack-Ack, Acetone, Académie Française, Acrobat, Achilles, Act(s) of Union and ACPO. The £10One4All gift card goes to Nigel Bryant of Bedford.Congratulations - again!
As Mensa celebrates it's 75th anniversary, this month our questions all relate to the founding year of 1946. Send your answers to arrive by 20th October by post to '20 Questions (No. 240)' [Address] or by email to maxine@maruba-events.com for your chance to win a gift card. Don't forget to include your name and address. All members from all regions are welcome to enter.
1. In which British city was Mensa founded on 1st October 1946?
2. Who popularised the term ?iron curtain?in a speech on 5th March 1946?
3. Which Scottish television pioneer died on 14th June 1946?
4. Who designed the bikini introduced on 5th July 1946?
5. Juan Peron became president of which country on 4th June 1946?
6. Who was the first American saint to be canonized on 7th July 1946?
7. Which radio programme aimed at female listeners was first broadcast on 7th October 1946 and is still going today?
8. Born on 19th August 1946 who was the second US President to be impeached?
9. What was the name of the first programmable electronic digital computer introduced on 15th February 1946?
10. Which European nation abolished the monarchy and became a republic on 2nd June 1946?
11. Which Mexican actress became the second wife of actor John Wayne on 17th January 1946?
12. Which team won the FA Cup final on 27th April 1946?
13. Which actress who played ?Beatie? in a TV ad was born on 10th May 1946?
14. The Philippines gained independence from which nation on 4th July 1946?
15. Which driver won the first FormulaOne race in Italy on 1st September 1946?
16. The first meeting of the United Nations General Assembly took place in which city on 10th January 1946?
17. Which film festival, delayed due to the war, was first held on 20th September 1946?
18. Which place was designated the first ?new town?in Britain on 11th November 1946?
19. German chemist Felix Hoffmann died on 8th February 1946 but what now common item did he invent?
20. Who published their ?Common Sense Book Of Baby And Child Care? on 14th July 1946?