Her Majesty The Queen did sadly pass away on Thursday 8th September.
This picture was taken by Maxine Bates in Nottingham in June 2012 on the
occasion of The Queen's Diamond Jubilee.
Regional News
As I'm sure you are, I'm deeply saddened by the death of Her Majesty The Queen. Whatever your thoughts on the monarchy, I'm sure we would all agree she has devoted her life to serving our country and the Commonwealth impeccably. Will you ever see a marmalade sandwich again without thinking fondly of our Queen? Now we begin a new era with a new King and a new Prime Minister. We live in interesting times.
I was also saddened to read in September Mensa Magazine of the death of Andy Cole of Cleethorpes. Although we had never met he was a frequent entrant of our Empress competitions and his emails always arrived with a little chatter and he especially liked to tell me how he had spent any previous winnings. To me one of the best bits of Mensa membership, and my role as Regional Officer, is being able to correspond with other members. So I'm very glad the GDPR issue is being resolved and you can now contact events hosts and officers directly again. I'm writing this exactly 30 years since sitting the Mensa test and am very glad I did and was invited to join as membership has allowed me to meet people - many of whom are now amongst my closest friends - and take part in activities I would not have done otherwise. Floreat Mensa!
Are you going to the Annual Gathering in Southampton 20th-24th October? If so please feel free to use the East Midlands Mensa Facebook group to arrange car shares, to meet up for events, to sit with others at the gala dinner, etc. And drop Empress a line afterwards to let us know your thoughts on the biggest weekend in the British Mensa calendar!
Feel free to contact me on [Phone Number] or [Email] with suggestions on things to do and places to go in the East Midlands over the coming months. Everything considered (as long as legal and safe obviously!).
Maxine Bates
Regional Officer
Editorial
Welcome to the October edition of Empress. 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 Wed 12th Oct at 1:00pm - Lunch
Our regular 2WOTM meeting is back in its original location for the winter. Join us at Cocoa Cafe, 2 Strutt St, Belper DE56 1UN, https://www.ishouldcocoacafe.co.uk/ . Free parking nearby. Panini, salads, daily specials, homemade cakes, hot/soft drinks etc. I need to know numbers so tables can be reserved, so please contact Helen by the weekend before if possible.on [Phone Number] or [Email]
On Wed 19th Oct at 7:30pm - 3WOTM
This month we will be at Mr Grundy's, Ashbourne Road, Derby, DE22 3AD (part of the Georgian House Hotel, entrance round the back). We have a separate room booked - ask for "Susan's Group". Come along to eat or just for a drink. Real Ales available. The hotel has its own car park. Wheelchair accessible. Contact Susan on [Email] or [Phone Number].
On Thu 20th Oct at 7:00pm - Ilkeston Charter Fair
Visit Ilkeston Town Centre as it is transformed into a vast fairground. A wide range of attractions from white-knuckle rides (I'll only be watching!) to a carousel and other more traditional side shows plus food stalls. Weather dependent. Call/email to arrange a meeting point or to arrange to park at our house and walk in (20 min walk). Contact Susan on [Phone Number] or [Email]
Susan Graves
Contact [Email] or [Phone Number] / [Mobile Number] for details
Hertfordshire Happenings
On Thu 6th Oct at 8:00pm - FThOTM
This is our monthly meeting at the Three Magnets, in Leys Avenue. This is one of the main shopping streets of Letchworth, and is a short walk from the railway station, which is served by frequent trains between London and Cambridge. Thursday is traditionally curry night, but other meals are available (standard Wetherspoons fare). If interested, please contact me on [Phone Number], or email [Email]
On Fri 28th Oct at 8:00pm - LFOTM
As ever, we are at the Cowper Arms, Digswell (next to Welwyn North station) from 8 pm. Good food and good conversation guaranteed. Please call [Phone Number] to let me know by the 21 September if you intend to come so that I know to book enough tables, as it does get busy there on Friday nights.
Steve Thomas
Contact [Email] or [Mobile Number] for details
In Leicestershire
On Mon 17th Oct at 8:00pm - Pub social
I'll be hosting this meeting again at the Cradock Arms, 201 Knighton Road, Leicester LE2 3TT. You'll find me at a table with the yellow Mblem at the lower section of the pub. You're welcome to bring a guest along. There are real ales, hot drinks and a good selection of other drinks. Large car park too. Contact [Email] or [Phone Number]
On Sat 29th Oct at 7:00pm - Pub meal
We'll be dining again at the Three Crowns, 2-6 Cotes Road, Barrow-upon-Soar LE12 8JS There is a car park at this 17th century building. You're welcome to bring a friend along but booking is essential. Please let me know by 21st Oct if you intend to join us. Contact [Email] or [Phone Number]
Haydn Starkie
Contact [Email] or [Mobile Number] for details
Lively Lincs
On Wed 12th Oct at 7:00pm - Indian meal
Do join us for friendly conversation and a delicious meal at the Castlegate Indian restaurant in Union Road, Lincoln, near the castle (parking at The Lawn just opposite). All welcome, especially newcomers, and you can bring a guest. Please contact me by Sunday 9th, so I can book a table. Contact: Jacquie Harrison, email [Email] or telephone [Phone Number].
On Sat 22nd Oct at 12:00pm - Pub discussion
Note: this month we are meeting on the fourth Saturday. This meeting takes place at the Adam & Eve Tavern, Lindum Hill. Car park, pub food, decent ales, tea/coffee. This month we consider the question: "Is education the solution to the world's problems?" All welcome, but not suitable for children. Please book by Friday 21st, so I can reserve a table. Contact: Jacquie Harrison, email [Email] or telephone [Phone Number].
Jacquie Harrison
Contact [Email] or [Phone Number] / [Mobile Number] for details
Mid Bucks
On Sun 2nd 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. Contact: [Phone Number] or [Email]
On Fri 14th Oct at 10:30am - Coffee & Chat
Join me for coffee and chat at Café Rococo, 6 The Exchange, Exchange Street, Aylesbury, HP20 1UR No need to book, but if you want me to look out for you please let me know you are coming. Contact: [Phone Number] or [Email]
On Sat 29th Oct at 2:00pm - Treasure Hunt
Join me for the latest Treasure Hunt - "Swanning Around in High Wycombe". If you would like to join us for all or part of the day, please let me know by Monday 24th October. I will then forward you the detailed arrangements for the day. Contact: [Phone Number] or [Email]
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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 Thu 6th Oct at 7:00pm - New members' meet-up
Attention all new members - or those who just haven't been to many get-togethers in the past! Local Officers Jo and Susan will be hosting a new member meet-up via Zoom at 7pm on Thursday 6th October. Wherever you live in the region, come along and chat to other regional members, find out more about Mensa, and ask any questions you might have. Contact [Email] for Zoom link.
On Sat 8th Oct at 3:00pm - T@3
Join us in the restaurant of Dobbie's Garden Centre in Fenny Stratford for tea, cakes and chat. We will probably be in the conservatory area at the back. Contact: [Phone Number] or [Email]
On Mon 17th Oct at 7:00pm - Book Group
Join us in the foyer of Jury's Inn Hotel on Midsummer Boulevard as we discuss the next book in our series. Contact me for details of our current book. Contact: [Phone Number] or [Email]
On Sun 30th Oct at 10:00am - Sunday Breakfast
Join us in the lounge of The Swan Revived in Newport Pagnell for a leisurely breakfast, or just a coffee if you prefer. Let me know you're coming if possible, for the table reservation. Contact: [Phone Number] or [Email]
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 Sat 8th Oct at 10:30am - Pub Walk
Mixed Walk, Oxford Canal (muddy when wet) Newbold Tunnel (optional), heronry, Little Lawford, Long Lawford and River Avon. Meet at The Barley Mow, Newbold on Avon, Rugby. CV21 1HW (487 773) OS 222 8km (2 hrs 30 mins). Drink afterwards at 1.00. At 'The Barley Mow'. For help or encouragement [Phone Number] or [Email]
On Sun 16th Oct at 10:30am - Breakfast Meeting
The Northampton monthly breakfast meeting at: Zapato Lounge, Welsh House, Market Square, NN1 2EB. Join us for a light snack or the full Lounge Breakfast! Look for the Mblem on one of the tables at the front of the café. Contact [Phone Number] or [Email]
Notts News
On Thu 13th Oct at 7:30pm - 2ThOTM
Our regular get together at The Cadland, High Road, Chilwell. We have a large table reserved from 7.30pm until close for food and/or drink. See menu at www.emberinns.co.uk. You bring the interesting conversation! Further info from Maxine on [Phone Number] or [Email] or just turn up on the night.
On Sat 15th Oct at 1:30pm - Treasure Trail
Another of our professionally compiled treasure trails this time around beautiful Wollaton Hall and deer park (NG8 2AE). Solve the clues around the outside of the hall, lake and formal gardens. 2.5 miles of walking and takes approx. 3 hours. Ideal for all ages. Free to take part but contact Maxine on [Phone Number] or [Email] so enough packs available. Followed by optional food/drink at the family friendly Wheelhouse pub.
On Tue 25th Oct at 7:30pm - Eating Meeting
We're going for a taste of Spain with tapas at Esquina, Tamworth Road, Sawley, NG10 3AU. See menu at www.esquinasawley.co.uk and reserve your place with Maxine on [Phone Number] or [Email] by 20th.
On Fri 28th Oct at 7:00pm - Boardgames
An evening at my home in Langley Mill playing new and retro boardgames. Soft/hot drinks and nibbles provided. Contact Maxine on [Phone Number] or [Email] for directions and to say you're coming along.
Ciao for now!
Maxine Bates
Contact [Email] or [Phone Number] for details
Hunting Treasure
On Saturday 10th September, Susan Graves had organised a Treasure Hunt around the Derbyshire town of Wirksworth. Unfortunately this happened to coincide with the Wirksworth Festival, so the town was packed and parking was difficult! Still, it was great fun. There were four teams in all looking for clues. Mary Cater was a great help to me before she had to go because her parking was time-limited. Two of the teams managed to finish and get the right answer. I didn't manage to finish as I too ran out of time. Still the completist in me nagged me to come back to Wirksworth the following morning to finish the trail and I too managed to get the answer correct. I always enjoy these treasure hunts although I can't count the number of times where I've missed a clue and done loads of extra walking. If you fancy a go yourself then there's another Treasure Hunt at Wollaton Hall on Saturday 15th October. See Notts News for more details.
Mark Sloan
Queen Elizabeth II
On Thursday 8th September Her Royal Majesty Queen Elizabeth II passed away. I was in Birmingham the following day and I noticed that all the electronic billboards were not showing their usual adverts but instead were showing images of The Queen. It's feeling a little strange that we have a King now but I'm sure we'll love His Majesty King Charles III and long may He reign over us (although probably not as long as his mother). Anyway, in happier times, below is another picture taken by Maxine Bates in Nottingham in June 2012 on the occasion of The Queen's Diamond Jubilee.
20 Questions (No. 252)
The answers to the August competition were Marshall Mathers, Matthew Macfadyen, Magnus Magnusson, Marcel Marceau, Miriam Margolyes, Mary Mastrantonio, Mason Mount,MikeMyers,Michael McIntyre,Malcolm McLaren,Mo Mowlam,Marilyn Monroe, Meghan Markle, Margaret Mitchell, Michael Moore, Mikhail Mishustin, Melle Mel, Martine McCutcheon, MadsMikkelsen and Marilyn Manson. The £10 One4All gift card goesto JuneFitzGibbon of Lincs. Congratulations!
We ask you to compile a quiz on your specialist subject so this month it?s one by Maxine on the subject of rollercoasters! Send your answers to arrive by 20th October by post to ?20 Questions (No. 252) [Address] or by email to [Email] for your chance to win a gift card. Don't forget to include your name and address or we won't know where to send the prize if you win. All members from all regions are welcome to enter.
1. What is the name of thewooden rollercoaster at Oakwood theme park in Wales?
2. Which company manufactured Oblivion and Nemesis rollercoasters at Alton Towers?
3. The Rock 'n' Roller coaster in Florida features music by which rock group?
4. Which family have owned Blackpool Pleasure Beach since 1896?
5. What is the name of the duelling rollercoaster at Port Aventura in Spain?
6. At 149mph what is the name of the fastest rollercoaster in the world?
7. National Rollercoaster Day is celebrated on which day of the year?
8. How many Disneyland theme parks are located in Asia?
9. What is the name of the new rollercoaster opened at Flamingo Land in June 2022?
10. How high, in feet, is the Big One rollercoaster at Blackpool Pleasure Beach?
11. What is the name of the largest theme park in Australia?
12. What nationality is Werner Stengel, designer of almost 500 rollercoasters worldwide?
13. The longest rollercoaster in the world is Steel Dragon 2000 located in which country?
14. How many inversions are there on the Smiler rollercoaster at Alton Towers?
15. Which UStheme park hasthemost rollercoasters?
16. How high, in feet, would a rollercoaster need to be to qualify as a 'giga coaster'?
17. What is the name of the stand-up rollercoaster at Drayton Manor Park?
18. At 456 feet what is the name of the highest rollercoaster in the world?
19. Which entertainer ownsa theme park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee?
20. Infusion at Blackpool used to be called what when located at Southport Pleasureland?