Milton Keynes and Bedford Mensa presents

IT Without Tears

2.00pm Saturday 1st October

Herald Snooker Club, McConnell Drive

Stacey Bushes, Milton Keynes MK12 5EL

Regional News

The British Mensa Annual Gathering takes place 16th - 19th September and as it's in our neighbouring region perhaps you'll be tempted to go along? The base is the Britannia Hotel in Coventry and there is a range of events within the hotel and around the city. See www.mensa.org.uk for full programme and booking form or contact Diane Salter at the Mensa office for further info.

We'll soon be celebrating the 65th anniversary of our society so next month there will be "Mensa Brilliant" events around the country. In the East Midlands Jo Sidebottom has organised an interesting afternoon of talks covering areas of computer knowledge (see front page) and David Seddon has organised a geocaching event that can be done at any time with prizes to be won (see page 6).

Thanks, as always, to our team of volunteers within East Midlands Mensa without whom we would have no social events, no regional newsletter and no regional web site. Getting involved is a great way to meet new friends.

We currently have positions vacant for the roles of Regional Publicity Officer to speak to the media if required, Luton LocSec to look after members with LU postcodes, and Empress Editor to assist Rosie. Please contact me on [Phone Number] for a no obligation chat if you may be interested in any role. If you don't want an ongoing role, why not compile a quiz for Empress? They are always gratefully received. Pick your specialist subject and test other members with 20 questions on that topic. You will, of course, get a thank you in print.

Maxine Bates

Regional Officer

Events and Meetings

Derby Diary

On Wed 21st Sep at 7.30pm - 3WOTM

Join Alistair and Maxine for the regular Derby pub meet in the Standing Order on Wednesday 21st at 7.30pm for reasonably priced food and drink and convivial conversation. The Standing Order is part of the Wetherspoon chain and is beautifully decorated inside. New members are always particularly welcome as are those that have been inactive for some time. We can usually be found towards the rear of the pub beyond the bar. It is unusual for there to be less than a dozen of us and 20 or more attendees are not unknown. Call Alistair or Maxine for info/encouragement. No need to prebook. (Go to www.derbycathedralquarter.co.uk to buy a discount card for £5 that, amongst many other places in that part of Derby, will get 20% off food at the Standing Order where Mensa regularly meets.)

On Tue 27th Sep at 7.30pm - Eating meeting

Our regular last Tuesday 'eating meeting' heads to Bridge Street in Belper this month and we're going to the highly acclaimed River Gardens Chinese restaurant at 7.30pm on 27th. There's a set price of £12.99 for as much as you want to eat served to the table. Choose from a selection of 85 dishes including 17 vegetarian options. See www.river-garden-rest.co.uk for full menu. Please book with Maxine by 23rd so a large enough table can be reserved.

Alistair Blackett

More or Leicester

On Thu 15th Sep at 8.00pm - 3ThOTM

As the long, balmy days of summer drift away (or alternatively, as the water level of the summer flooding drops . . . (I'm writing this in July!)), I thought we could gather and reflect on what a splendid summer it has/hasn't been at our usual third Thursday of the month venue, 'The Craddock' on Knighton Road, Leicester. We'll be meeting up at 8.00pm on the 15th. Look out for the Magazine and yellow mBlem on the table. You can get more details of the pub at http://tinyurl.com/leicsMensaTTOTM.

On Sat 24th Sep at 8.00pm - Eating meeting

We're also going off on our travels again, and I thought it would be a nice idea to have an eating-meeting on the last Saturday of the month. We're heading up to 'The Beeches' in Ashby where, according to one review, "Prices are very reasonable, portions are large.". The full address is 114 Burton Road, Ashby-de-la-zouch, LE65 2LP for the SatNav thingy.

For both of the above, please could you let me know if you're planning to come so we can sort out a big enough table?

I look forward to seeing you soon,

Paul Coulson

photo of Jo Sidebottom

Mensans in MK & Bedford

On Thu 1st Sep at 8.00pm - FThOTM

We start off September with our regular First Thursday meeting at 8.00pm on the 1st at Jurys Inn Hotel on Midsummer Boulevard. Look out for the Mblem on one of the tables to the right in the foyer.

On Sun 11th Sep at 10.15am - Sunday breakfast

Sunday breakfast will be at 10.15am on Sunday 11th at Carluccio's in the Centre:MK (Destination Dining). Feel free to come for a full breakfast, a snack, or just a drink, but if possible please let me know by Saturday 10th so we have an idea what size table to grab when we arrive.

On Sat 24th Sep at 3.00pm - T@3

Finally, on Saturday 24th we return to Dobbie's Garden Centre in Fenny Stratford, just south of Milton Keynes, for T@3. Look for us in the restaurant from 3.00pm onwards - there are several sections so we may not be immediately obvious, but we'll be there somewhere.

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

Jo Sidebottom

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

photo of Jenny Habib

Berkhamsted

On Wed 28th Sep at 7.45pm - LWOTM

The meeting on Wednesday 28th at 7.45ish will be at the Old Mill on Berkhamsted High Street (at the end nearest to Hemel Hempstead). There is a car park, but this is popular, so do try to be there early. We meet at the end beyond the bar, where it is usually quieter. Turn right as you come into the pub, and walk to the end, we will be on your right. I do hope you have had an enjoyable summer and are ready to meet and greet us all tonight. Please bring a topic for us to discuss.

Jenny Habib

Contact [Email] or [Phone Number] for details

photo of David Seddon

WATever . . .

On Mon 12th Sep at 8.00pm - Games evening

On Monday 12th at 8.00pm a relaxed evening of fun and games plus the usual sparkling conversation! This event will be hosted by Julia Torode. Our games evenings are very friendly and social, so if you haven't attended before, then please do think about coming along. Tea/coffee and our usual drinks and nibbles.

Please contact me in advance if you wish to attend and I will advise Julia's address.

On Mon 26th Sep at 8.00pm - Pub meeting

And on Monday 26th from 8.00pm a pub meeting at 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

photo of Richard Allen

Hertfordshire Happenings

On Thu 1st Sep at 8.15pm - FThOTM

On Thursday 1st from 8.15pm our regular FThOTM. Come and join us! We'll be around for our usual mix of lively conversation and a good atmosphere. As always, we're at the Millstream, Cambridge Road, Hitchin. Good food and good beer both available! The pub is about ten minutes' walk from the railway station.

On Thu 22nd Sep at 7.00pm - Letchworth beer festival

Yes, it's that time of the year again! As always, Letchworth beer festival is from Thursday to Saturday (this year it's 22nd - 24th) at Plinston Hall, less than five minutes' walk from the station, and I will be there Thu and Fri evenings from about 7.00pm, Saturday afternoon and possibly the evening as well. The emphasis is on local beers but there are usually one or two unusual brews from elsewhere in the country as well. Food is also available. Contact me if you're interested in coming along.

On Fri 30th Sep at 8.00pm - LFOTM

Join us at the Cowper Arms, Digswell (near Welwyn village) on Friday 30th from 8.00pm for LFOTM. Good food and good beer available to suit all tastes! The venue is next to Welwyn North railway station (Kings Cross - Cambridge and Peterborough line with trains every 30 minutes). There is also an outdoor seating area if the weather is fine.

Richard Allen

Contact [Email] or [Phone Number] for details

photo of Val Hinkins

Mid Bucks

On Thu 8th Sep at 7.30pm - Eating meeting

September is busy for Mensa with the AG in Coventry, so I will be arranging a local meal earlier in the month. Join me at La Tasca in the Eden Centre, High Wycombe, at 7.30pm on the evening of Thursday 8th. We will enjoy their selection of Spanish tapas and sangria. I will need to book a table, so please contact me by Sunday 4th if you are coming.

Looking ahead, I am planning a trip to the Wycombe Swan on the afternoon of Saturday 5th November to see Alan Ayckbourn's comedy 'Season's Greetings'. We will follow this with an informal meal in town. Reserve the date now!

Val Hinkins

Contact [Email] or [Phone Number] for details

photo of Ian Sargent

Northants NNotes

On Sat 3rd Sep at 1.00pm - Museum

The first event of NNotes this month is on Saturday 3rd, being an opportunity to visit the Abington Park Museum to view various collections of local interest (including the history of the Northamptonshire Regiment). The building itself is worth a visit, being Grade 1 listed. Meet outside the front door at 1.00pm, followed by refreshments in the park's café. I used to go to this place regularly when I was growing up but this will be my first visit in about 30 years; I wonder just how much it has changed . . .

On Thu 8th Sep at 9.00pm - 2ThOTM

Our next event is on Thursday 8th at 9.00pm and it's our usual Northampton social. This month's venue is the King William IV in Kingsthorpe Village, which is accessed from Mill Lane. Another new venue for us so I can't tell you where we will be sat in the pub (and if you go to the King William IV in Bridge Street by mistake you definitely won't find us!).

On Thu 22nd Sep at 9.00pm - Roadshow

Our final meeting for the month is on Thursday 22nd at 9.00pm. According to my diary that is the day before the Equinox, so that must make it the last day of Summer. It's our Roadshow and our travels around the county see us land at Bugbrooke. Local legend has it that there is a treacle mine in the village, but we're not going to look for that. Instead you will find us in the High Street - discussing life, the universe and everything at The Baker's Arms .

Wandering into a strange pub looking for people you don't actually know can be a bit daunting, so if either of the evening events marks your first visit just look for a copy of the Mensa magazine on a table.

Ian Sargent

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

photo of Maxine Bates

Notts News

On Mon 5th Sep at 8.00pm - 5OTM

The first event of the month is our regular get together at the Vat & Fiddle pub in Nottingham from 8.00pm on Monday 5th. Find us to the left of the bar displaying a yellow Mblem. New faces of all ages very welcome! See if you can spot the "Mensa meet here" golden plaque behind the bar as the wall where it was supposed to have been placed is finally being knocked down to make a viewing gallery into the adjacent Castle Rock Brewery.

On Fri 9th Sep at 7.30pm - Meal and quiz night

Following the success of our meal and quiz night back in April we're repeating it on Friday 9th. The venue is the upstairs function room of the Horse & Groom pub in Moorgreen. Join us for a meal at 7.30pm (menu at www.horseandgroominn-nottingham.co.uk) or just later for a general knowledge quiz at 9.00pm. £2 per person to enter with all money going to Cancer Research UK and prizes for the winners. Last time I was told the quiz was too easy by some and too difficult by others. Why not come and decide for yourself!?

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

Many thanks to Michael Rich for standing in at short notice to host our "chicks & flicks" event in July. It's back to normal this month and we'll be meeting at 7.00pm on Wednesday 14th inside the doors to the Cornerhouse in the city centre from where we'll dine at Nando's before watching a film at Cineworld. If there are no films starting at a suitable time we sit and chat over unlimited soft drink refills in the restaurant. Ideal for young and old alike.

On Thu 22nd Sep at 7.30pm - At home

Thanks also to Michael for volunteering to host another "at home" event in Stapleford from 7.30pm on Thursday 22nd. This will have a French theme so there will be French food and drink and opportunity to speak the language. Come and have a go whether you're fluent or haven't progressed since "J'ai douze ans" of your school days! Please contact Michael on [Phone Number] or [Email] for directions and to say you'll be there. Merci!

Ciao for now!

Maxine Bates

Contact [Email] or [Phone Number] for details

photo of Christine Howells

Lively Lincs

On Sat 3rd Sep at 10.30am - Beach day

Many thanks to Helen and Paul for a wonderful afternoon in their garden in July; and to Chris for bringing boules to the beach the following week. Hopefully, he will bring them again to our next beach hut day on Saturday 3rd. Do join us for some chat and beachside idling from 10.30am, for as much of the day as suits you. There will be cake on hand while we enjoy the quiet end of Mablethorpe's sandy beach and maybe we really will try out the crazy golf this time. Full info: [Email].

On Sat 10th Sep at 12.00pm - 2SaOTM

There is the usual 2SaOTM on Saturday 10th in the cafe at The Collection, Danes Terrace, Lincoln, 12.00-2.00pm. As always, you are welcome to join us for as long as you like for some chat and also more cerebral discussion.

Christine Howells

Contact [Email] for details

Editor's Bit at the Bottom

Hi!

I hope you've had a great summer. I'm back in the editor's chair after my summer break and looking forward to hearing from you with your news, views and event reviews.

Rosie Jefferson

Mensa Brilliant

By David Seddon

Time for some fresh air, fun and foraging for treasure!

As you read this, one of the Mensa Brilliant Day celebrations will already be well under way.

Last month several Mensan geocachers 'planted' special Mensa Brilliant Day geocaches. There should be about 30 of these hidden around the UK. What is a geocache? Put simply it's treasure hunting using a GPS device or a mobile phone with GPS. You can also use your TomTom or Garmin car GPS to hunt down those caches!

The caches will usually be hidden somewhere along a public footpath or woodland, so this is your opportunity to go for a lovely sunny stroll and take in a spot of treasure hunting at the same time. The caches shouldn't be too hard to find and they will contain a password to a special competition that can be entered from the Mensa website.

You will first need to register on www.geocaching.com and create a free user account. Then it's a simple task to search for your nearby caches. On the main search page you can also use the search option to find a cache hidden by 'Mensa Brilliant Day' which will show if one is hidden nearby.

You can also download the app for your smart phone. The first 3 searches are free using the iPhone app. After that you will need to pay a small one off fee to continue using it.

There are several prizes of Mensa goodies to be won and also a superb and expensive Grand Prize! But you will have to find one of the special caches to obtain the password. The competition is open to all and will involve solving a multi-puzzle devised by Watford LocSec David Seddon.

The puzzle should be challenging but not too difficult - even for non-Mensans! So login and then hit the great outdoors to find something special to celebrate the 65th anniversary of Mensa this summer!

Relay For Life

By Maxine Bates

The 13 strong Cocktail Crew pose for a group photograph.

The weekend of 2nd/3rd July saw a group of 14 Mensans from the East Midlands, North West, London and Ireland once again form the "Cocktail Crew" team to take part in Nottingham Relay For Life.

This was a 24 hour charity event from midday on the Saturday until midday on the Sunday though started much earlier for myself and some of the team as we shopped for juices, mixed cocktails, chopped fruit and assembled enough marquees, tents, tables, chairs and coolboxes for our needs. The day started warm and sunny and just got hotter. We soon changed out of jeans and into shorts, along with our Relay T-shirts, and started working on our tans whilst keeping the constant queue of cocktail drinkers happy. The weather could not have been better for our sales figures! We also sold nachos and dips, fruit kebabs (which went down well as a healthy breakfast alternative to the bacon butties), organised a Top Gear Challenge and a Grand Balloon Race. Three of our team also knitted like crazy selling teddies, scarves and finger puppets throughout the year with remaining stock being sold at the event itself.

In addition to all these fundraising activities at least one member of our team walked on the track at Harvey Hadden Stadium throughout the whole event. The event is in aid of Cancer Research UK and the constant walking signifies that cancer never sleeps. This may sound boring but far from it. There was a themed lap on each hour throughout the daytime so we disappeared into our tents and emerged in various fancy dress outfits. I won the healthy living lap dressed as a practice nurse and received a box of chocolates. far from healthy! There was also entertainment to keep the 328 team members and visiting general public amused including live bands, dance displays, zumba classes and more.

As evening fell the walking stopped briefly whilst we remembered loved ones who have died of cancer with an emotional candle of hope ceremony. A giant teddy bear called "Hope" got passed between the teams and stayed on the track the whole 24 hours which just added to the fun and was a great way to get talking to new people.

Once again the time whizzed by and before we knew it we were all walking the last lap together led by the wonderful organising committee (all volunteers unlike the better known Race For Life) and cheered on by the GEM FM promotional team handing out goodies.

I'm very proud that the "Cocktail Crew" raised over £4,700 for Cancer Research UK, far exceeding our target. Huge thanks to all our Mensan friends for donating so generously via our fundraising web site or visiting us on the day. I can't wait to do it all again next year! Please contact me if you would like to be part of our team and join the fun for such a worthwhile cause. The dates for your diary are 14th/15th July 2012.

20 Questions (No. 120)

The medical answers from the June issue were carbon dioxide, mercury, loss of blood, tetanus, wrist, deoxyribonucleic acid, narcolepsy, bruising, Africa, vitamin B1, haematology, poppy, windpipe, vitamin K, the brain, face, pulmonary, oxygen, vitamin D and paediatrics. There were lots of entries from Pamela Covey of Woburn, Kevin Lang of Stevenage, Pat Naylor of Nottingham, David Crozier of St Albans, Alex Foster of Derby, Luke Gibbon of Bedfordshire, Andy Cole of Cleethorpes, Audrie Norris of Matlock, Linda Frost of High Wycombe, Lynn Faulkner of Nottingham, Chris Impey of Tring, Michael Warren of Derby, Diana Morris of Kettering, Philip Abbott of Watford, D W Dell of Leighton Buzzard, Chris Benger of Bedfordshire, Tony Dodd of Belvoir and Rita Beeson of Kempston but Philip was first out of the hat to win the £10 book token.

This month's quiz may be especially suited to train spotters! Send your answers to arrive by 20th to '20 Questions (No. 120)', [Address], for your chance to win.

1. French high speed trains are TGVs. What does the V stand for?

2. Who was the leading actor in the film 'Von Ryan's Express'?

3. Which railway line crosses eight time zones?

4. Kylie Minogue had a hit 'Locomotion'; who sang the original?

5. Which two cities were the original endpoints for the Orient Express route?

6. What is the worldwide standard gauge of track?

7. In terms of number of passengers, the two busiest railway stations in the world are both found in which city?

8. Who sang 'Long Train Running'?

9. Who was the first person to die in a rail accident in Sept 1830?

10. In which city would you find Atocha railway station?

11. The Blue Train in South Africa has how many carriages?

12. 'Take the train from Casablanca going south' are words from which song?

13. Which railway station has a record number of 67 platforms?

14. Which train holds the all-time speed record for a steam locomotive?

15. Which musician had a hit with 'Chattanooga Choo Choo'?

16. In which country did over 2,000 people die in a rail disaster on 26th December 2004?

17. Who wrote the poem 'The Tay Bridge Disaster'?

18. Which train first reached a speed of 100 mph in 1934?

19. The Ghan train travels between which two Australian cities?

20. The Monkees were catching the last train to where?