1940s Evening

Saturday 1st October 2016

Radisson Blu Hotel, Herald Way, East Midlands Airport, DE74 2TZ

The bar will be open from 7.00pm with dinner served in the Wheatcroft Suite at 7.30pm

Regional News

I'd like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has hosted an event this year whether they are a Local Secretary or not. Marianne is now holding a regular coffee shop get together in Northampton. Rowena and Mark hold themed afternoons throughout the year at their home in Welwyn. Sally hosted a couple of events in Newark and more are planned. If you live near any of these areas please do support these events if you can. Don't forget any member can host an event so please do contact your LocSec or myself if you have suggestions for future events or would like help organising them. The more volunteers we have the bigger range of social events we can offer.

Our biggest event of the year takes place on Saturday 1st October at the excellent Radisson Blu Hotel near East Midlands Airport. This is a 1940s themed dinner dance to link in with the 70th anniversary of British Mensa. If you can only attend one event this year make it this one! It's cheaper and probably closer than the London Annual Gathering and on the actual anniversary too! See the front cover of Empress for full details. We've even made it into a mini-weekend of fun with daytime events on the Saturday and Sunday. There will be lunch (PAYG) at the Tudor Inn in Castle Donington followed by a free guided walk of this airport town including a stop at The Chequered Flag micropub. Sunday offers a relaxing start to the day in the hotel leisure club with pool, sauna and steam room. This is free to hotel residents or a small charge of £5 to others. If you're interested in aviation the nearby Aeropark gives opportunity to see displays of vintage aircraft whilst watching modern ones land at the airport. Entrance is only £4 adult or £2 child. Finally we finish this celebratory weekend with a vintage afternoon tea at Tylers Tea Rooms in Castle Donington. A selection of sandwiches, quiche, homemade cakes, scones with jam and clotted cream plus unlimited tea or coffee for only £12.95 per person. The tea rooms are opening especially for us and numbers are limited due to the size of the premises. So please book your place with me sooner rather than later.

I'm on [Phone Number] or [Email] if you have any questions or comments. Hope to see you on 1st October!

Maxine Bates

Regional Officer

Editorial

It is September again. Holidays are about to finish, school about to start and Mensa 70th Anniversary is taking place next month. Whether you go to the London AGM or rather stay local and choose the 1940s Evening, next month will be full of stories, memories and events. We will have a special edition to commemorate the 70th anniversary of British Mensa. In the meantime, join us in one of the monthly events and share your summer memories.

Maria Falces

Events and Meetings

photo of Christine Howells

Lively Lincs

On Sun 4th Sep at 11:00am - Treasure Hunt

Join us for fun gathering answers on your way around one of two routes (one less strenuous). Prizes for both. Suitable for accompanied children. Start: Tennyson's statue in the Cathedral grounds. Contact Jacquie on [Phone Number] or [Email] by 3rd for more details or just turn-up with a pen.

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

Meet in the alcove of the 'Adam and Eve' on Lindum Hill. Look for magazine. Discussion around "Are some places more spiritual than others?" starts around 12.30pm. Free parking and food available. Contact Jacquie on [Phone Number] or [Email] if queries.

On Thu 29th Sep at 7:00pm - Eating Meeting

Usually a popular choice, join us at The Pyewipe near A57/A46 junction for good food and lively conversation. Please contact Jacquie so that she can book a table by Monday 26th.

Christine Howells

Contact [Email] for details

photo of Maxine Bates

Notts News

Unusually two of our regular events both fall in the first week of September.

On Mon 5th Sep at 8.00pm - 5OTM

We're at the Vat & Fiddle in the city centre from 8.00pm on Monday 5th.

On Thu 8th Sep at 7.30pm - Eating meeting

Then at the Cadland in Chilwell from 7.30pm on Thursday 8th.

Drinks available at the former and food/drinks available at the latter with good conversation at both! Look for a yellow Mblem on the table if you just wish to turn up on the night.

On Fri 16th Sep at 7.30pm - Supper and quiz night

On Friday 16th I'm organising a supper and quiz night. Venue is Greasley Parish Hall in Newthorpe (NG16 3QN). Doors open at 7.30pm and a supper of baked potatoes with various toppings and salad plus gateaux and cream will be served. The hall does not have a bar and is not licensed so bring your own drinks please. Glasses will be provided. This will be followed by a general knowledge quiz. Play in teams of up to four people. Prize for the winners. Tickets for this fun night out are only £7 with proceeds going to Cancer Research UK. The event will end at 10.00pm. Please contact me to purchase and feel free to invite family and friends.

On Sat 17th Sep at 11.30am - Brunch and D H Lawrence Museum

As there will be some members from further afield attending the quiz night I've organised a couple of events for Saturday 17th too. Join us for brunch at The Lady Chatterley (Wetherspoons) in Eastwood from 11.30am. Contact me if you need directions. There will then be the opportunity to visit the D H Lawrence Birthplace Museum. This includes a guided tour, an exhibition and a film show where you can learn about the people and places that were the inspiration for his novels. The cost is £6.90 adults, £5.10 concessions or £3.50 children. Note that tours operate on a pre-booked basis only and I'm aiming to book the one at 1.15pm. Please let me know if you would like one of the limited places. Ciao for now!

Ciao for now!

Maxine Bates

Contact [Email] or [Phone Number] for details

New for Northampton

On Sun 18th Sep at 10:30am - Brunch

Do come and join us at the Rendezvous Coffee Shop in Market Walk, Northampton Town Centre at 10:30am on Sunday 18 September for a drink, breakfast or full brunch. Remember you can always bring a partner, friend, granny or pet hamster with you. Contact Marianne on [Phone Number] or email: [Email] if you need yet more encouragement!

Paul Coulson

photo of Richard Allen

Hertfordshire Happenings

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

As ever, we are at the Three Magnets, Leys Avenue, Letchworth. Thursday nights are curry nights but other food (standard Wetherspoons' fare) is available as well. Leys Avenue is the main shopping street in Letchworth and is a few minutes' walk from the station (Kings Cross to Cambridge line). Call me for more details and encouragement.

On Sat 17th Sep at 11:00am - Alphabet Themed Events: I is for IN STEAM

IN STEAM at the annual Bedfordshire Steam and Country Fayre. An event for everyone but especially if you like old mechanical things doing! I will be there from 11 am for the day and hope to see you there! The location is Old Warden Park, Beds SG18 9DX or I can pick people up from Biggleswade or Letchworth stations. Contact me on [Phone Number] for details and encouragement.

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

Last Friday is at our usual venue of the Cowper Arms, Digswell. The pub is next to Welwyn North station and is served by stopping trains from Kings Cross to Peterborough and Cambridge. Good food, beer and conversation guaranteed! Please call me on [Phone Number] for more details and encouragement.

Richard Allen

Contact [Email] or [Phone Number] for details

photo of Jo Sidebottom

Mensans in MK & Bedford

On Sat 3rd Sep at 3:00pm - T@3

Our first event in September is T@3 on Saturday 3rd in the restaurant at Dobbie's Garden Centre in Fenny Stratford. We'll be there from 3pm, probably in the conservatory area at the back.

On Sun 11th Sep at 10:00am - Sunday breakfast

Sunday breakfast will be on 11th at 10am at Carluccio's in the Centre:MK. You will probably find us in one of the red booths just in front of the restaurant. Come for a full breakfast, a snack, or just a drink.

On Mon 19th Sep at 8:30pm - Quiz

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. Please let me know beforehand if you're coming so I can bag a large enough table.

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 September. 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 Val Hinkins

Mid Bucks

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

Meet me from 10:30am onwards on Friday 9th September for a morning of informal conversation and coffee. This month we are returning to The Cape on Station Road in Beaconsfield, HP9 1NN. Further details at http://thecapeonline.com. 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.

On Mon 19th Sep at 8:00pm - Indoor games

Enthusiastic games players Dave and Alison invite you to their home in Flackwell Heath for an evening of indoor games - possibilities available include Boggle, Enigma, Sherlock Holmes, Mid-Life Crisis and many others. Arrive for an 8pm start on Monday 19th September. Space is limited, so please contact Dave on [Email] or [Phone Number] for directions and to let him know which games you would like to play.

On Sun 25th Sep at 11:00am - Waddesdon Manor

On Sunday 25th September, join me for a visit to Waddesdon Manor, a magnificent country house built in the style of a 16th-century French château. Explore the house, gardens, fine art collection, aviary and woodland play area. House entry is by timed ticket. I have booked for 12:30. Free to NT members, other prices from £9. Either meet up on the free bus which leaves Aylesbury Vale Parkway station just after 11am or at the Welcome Pavilion at 11:30. Please book your tickets on-line at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/waddesdon-manor or by phone on 01296 653226.

Val Hinkins

Contact [Email] or [Phone Number] for details

Derby Diary

Lots happening this month thanks to a couple of Mensans from outside the East Midlands.

On Sat 3rd Sep at 3.30pm - Wingfield Manor

On Saturday 3rd Gregory Monks invites you to visit Wingfield Manor near Alfreton (DE55 7NH) built in the 1440s. Gregory lives in the North East region but is a guide at the manor. Access is by pre-booked guided tours that only happen three times a month during the summer. If you'd like to take part please phone English Heritage on 0370 333 1181 and ask for the 3.30pm tour. Tours are free for English Heritage members otherwise £6.90 adults, £6.20 students and over 60s, £4.10 children or £17.90 for a family ticket. The tour lasts 90 minutes but please note that owing to the very uneven nature of the site and the distances covered the tours are not suitable for people with limited mobility. Further details are available from Gregory on [Phone Number]. Book soon as places limited!

On Sat 10th Sep at 7:00pm - Eating meeting

On Saturday 10th Gerard Heaney will be visiting from Ireland and would like to invite local members to join him for dinner and drinks at Ye Olde Dolphin on the corner of Queens Street and Full Street in the city centre at 7:00pm. He will hopefully be celebrating a Derby County win that afternoon. If you want to know why an Irishman is supporting a football team in the East Midlands, why not go along and find out! If you'd like to join Ger for dinner please let him know on [Phone Number] or [Email] so that a table can be reserved upstairs. You are welcome to come along later for just a drink in the bar too.

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

As usual our "3rd Wednesday" will be a get together at the Standing Order on Irongate and this month falls on 21st. Find us on a long table in the rear section of this Wetherspoon pub any time from 7:30pm until late for good value food and/or drink. There will be a yellow Mblem on the table.

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

Finally our eating meeting at 7:30pm on Tuesday 27th will be at The Bubble Inn in Stenson (DE73 7HL) where their menu has a Greek flavour. See www.thebubbleinnhotel.com. Please reserve your place with me by 23rd latest. New faces always welcome!

Maxine Bates

Contact [Email] or [Phone Number] for details

The Castle Donington Weekend: 1940s Evening

Our 1940s evening on 1st October to celebrate Mensa's 70th anniversary is now surrounded by daytime events to make it the Castle Donington Weekend! Non-members are most welcome and can book via the office or myself.

Saturday 1 October Contact Maxine on [Phone Number] or [Email]

12:00pm - Lunch Lunch on a pay-as-you-go basis at the Tudor Inn, 101 Bondgate, Castle Donington, Derbys, DE74 2NR. Example menu at www.thetudorhotel.co.uk but there are also light bites such as jacket potatoes, burgers, panini, etc. The venue has a car park. An idea of numbers would be appreciated so enough tables can be reserved.

2:00pm - Guided Walk A free guided walk of Castle Donington starting at the Tudor Inn and taking in the history and architecture of the town as well as the Chequered Flag micropub serving a range of real ales, ciders and wines. There may be chance to sample their "Ay Up" ale! 7:00pm - 1940s Evening A 1940s evening with themed dinner followed by dancing to the Ockbrook Big Band with their wartime singer and rounded off with a disco playing songs from the 1940s to present day. Venue is the excellent Radisson Blu Hotel, Herald Way, East Midlands Airport, Derbys, DE74 2TZ. Cost is GBP 40.00 per person. Dress code smart, wartime or 1940s! For menu, full details and to book go to the events section at www.mensa.org.uk

Sunday 2 October

10:00am - Spa Session A relaxing start to the day in the leisure club of the Radisson Blu Hotel with pool, sauna and steam room. Beauty treatments also available if pre-booked. Free to hotel guests or small charge of GBP 5.00 for others.

12:00pm - Aeropark A visit to see displays of vintage aircraft and to view modern ones landing at East Midlands Airport. Details at www.eastmidlandsaeropark.org. Entry £4 adult or £2 child. This is a self-guided tour so you can arrive earlier or leave later if you wish. Contact Maxine with any questions.

2:00pm - Afternoon Tea A vintage afternoon tea served at Tylers Tea Rooms, Market Street, Castle Donington, who are opening especially for us. A selection of sandwiches, quiche, selection of homemade cakes, scones with jam and clotted cream, unlimited tea and coffee. £12.95 per person. Numbers limited due to size of restaurant and pre-booking essential. Contact Maxine to check availability. Accommodation

For anyone requiring overnight accommodation the best deals are to be found by searching online (www.booking.com, www.hotels.com, www.opodo.co.uk) depending on whether you need a flexible rate, breakfast included, etc, at the Radisson Blu Hotel. There is a Holiday Inn Express and Premier Inn walkable to the main hotel too.>

Advance Notices

Notts Fri 28 Oct 6:00pm Greyhound Racing We're participating in the finals of a charity tournament at Nottingham Greyhound Stadium in Colwick. Doors open 6.00pm, first race 6.28pm, last race finished by 10.30pm. Arrive/leave when you like. Food and drink available at the venue as well as ample free parking. Tickets £3 (half normal admission) with all money going to Cancer Research UK. Contact Maxine on [Phone Number] or [Email] to purchase please

Cumbria Fri 4-Mon 7 Nov Lakes Party A weekend based at Whinfell Forest CenterParcs. Parties, eating, drinking, swimming, walking, quizzes, tastings and much more or just relaxation in the beautiful Lake District if you prefer. Come and make lots of new friends of all ages. Price from £150 per person. See www.maruba-events.com for full details.

Member Profile

Photo of Steve and Ruth
What's your name?
Steve Goodings (and fiancée Ruth).
Where do you live?
I live in Sandiacre, Nottingham
When did you join Mensa?
I joined in June 2015
Why did you join?
Because I passed the test! Haha, I would like to meet like-minded people and maybe discuss the fundamentals of quantum physics.
What's your occupation?
I am a Physics and Maths teacher.
Any hobbies/interests?
Statistical analysis of horse racing, quantum physics, mathematics, video games.
Anything else you'd like to share with readers?
I'm 26. My email is: [Email]. Email me if you want to chat.

20 Questions (No. 179)

Did you guess the fears from the July issue? They were porphyrophobia, iatrophobia, peladophobia, climacophobia, thalassophobia, coimetrophobia, geliophobia, gephyrophobia, taurophobia, cryophobia, teratophobia, ecclesiophobia, anuptaphobia, batrachophobia, hodophobia, ballistophobia, rhytiphobia, anthophobia, venustaphobia and dystychiphobia. Just five entries this month with Roger Plant of Nottingham winning the £10 book token.

As it's the ninth month this month's competition contains 9 or nine in either the question or answer. Many thanks to Les Hurst for compiling it. Send your answers to arrive by 20th to '20 Questions (No. 179)', [Address] or by email to [Email] remembering to include your name and address in case you're the lucky winner.

1. The "backbone of Italy" form which mountain range?

2. "Stop. Look around. Here it comes. Here it comes." What?

3. A floor between floors?

4. Cuspids are calcified dental structures more often called what?

5. Feeling depressed about lead poisoning brings old age?

6. Holbrook Jackson wrote about which decade?

7. How many years separated the first use of 999 from its national availability?

8. If dogs are canine, what are frogs?

9. Janet Evanovich followed "Seven Up" and "Hard Eight" with which Stephanie Plum novel?

10. Jesuit's Bark is more often called what today?

11. John Buchan placed which means of descent beside the Thames?

12. "Ninety Nine Red Balloons" was a hit for which group?

13. Residents of the former Dahomey now have which nationality?

14. Sheena Easton's hit song "9 To 5" was retitled what in the USA?

15. The Nine Days Queen Of England was born where in the East Midlands?

16. The ruins of which Assyrian city lie across the Tigris from Mosul?

17. Transistor radios were commonly powered by which cuboid?

18. In which London postal district were the 2012 Olympics held?

19. Which rhymes rise then fall in emphasis?

20. William Kempe's dance from London to Norwich in less than a fortnight in 1600 was the original what?