A is for Aircraft
Susan Graves and a group of
Mensans take shelter from
the rain under the large
wings of a Vulcan Bomber at
East Midlands Aeropark.
B is for Banner
The Cocktail Crew on their final lap
of Relay For Life 2019 at Harvey
Hadden Stadium, Bilborough, Notts
C is for Croquet
Northampton Mensans
went to St Andrew's
Hospital to learn and
play croquet
Regional News
Not long now until the British Mensa
Annual Gathering taking place in Reading
13th-16th September. See www.mensa.
org.uk for the full programme of events
and to check availability and book. You
don't have to stay the whole weekend and
can do as much or as little of the activities
as you like. Feel free to use our closed
"East Midlands Mensa" Facebook group if
you're looking to car share or for company
at a specific event. I look forward to seeing
some of you there!
Our range of eating and drinking events
continue along with our monthly 'eat &
greet' taking place in Milton Keynes this
month plus a unique opportunity to
explore the caves underneath Nottingham
city centre thanks to one of our new
members. See Empress, Mensa Magazine
or www.eastmidsmensa.org.uk for details
what is happening around our region.
As always, comments - positive or
negative - regarding your Mensa
membership are welcome and you can
contact me on 01773 715330 or
maxine@maruba-events.com
Maxine Bates
Regional Officer
Editorial
Welcome to the September edition of Empress, my last for now. Next
month you'll be in the capable hands of Maria once again. Lots going
on this month but, thanks to a new member, there is a special
opportunity for people who are interested in the caves under
Nottingham. See Maxine's Notts News for more details. It is also a
bumper month for theatre
and concert goers in
Hertford-shire, a whole host
of events organised by Lyn Packman. See Steve's
Hertford-shire Happenings for more details. I'd also
like to congratulate the Cocktail Crew for exceeding
their fundraising target of £5000 for Cancer
Research UK this year after completing the
Nottingham Relay For Life on the 6th and 7th July
and taking part in numerous other fundraising
activities throughout the last year.
Mark Sloan
Events and Meetings
In Leicestershire
On Mon 16th Sep at 8:00pm - Pub Social
Join me for a drink and a natter at the Cradock Arms, 201 Knighton Road, Leicester, LE2 3TT. We usually gather in the lower part towards the rear of the bar. New faces are always welcome. You are also welcome to bring a friend. Look out for the magazine or Mblem. For directions or encouragement, please contact me on [Phone Number] or by email at [Email].
On Sat 28th Sep at 7:00pm - Skittles & Supper Evening
We are dining at the Blue Bell Inn, 36 Main Street, Hoby LE14 3DT this month. This thatched pub, is a real ale one with 6 real ales and a traditional scrumpy on tap. There is a car park in front of the building. Booking in advance is essential so please let me know by the 16th of September. Either call me on [Phone Number] or e-mail me at [Email]
Lively Lincs
On Sat 14th Sep at 12:00pm - Pub discussion
Our regular Second Saturday meeting at the Adam & Eve Tavern, 25 Lindum Road, LN2 1RT (opposite Pottergate arch). Join us for a discussion around "Does democracy inevitably develop into populism?" Cosy atmosphere, traditional pub food, decent ales, hot drinks, car park. All welcome. Find us in the alcove, Magazine on the table, or contact Jacquie beforehand on [Phone Number] or [Email] .
On Sat 28th Sep at 12:00pm - Lunch and town walk
A light lunch at the Little Rose tea room in Louth. Afterwards, weather permitting, we plan to explore this charming town (and shops) on foot. All welcome to join us for lunch and walk, just lunch, or just the walk. Note: the walk might be tiring for some. Please let Helen know you're coming, so she can book a table. Email [Email] or phone [Phone Number].
Jacquie Harrison
Contact [Email] or [Phone Number] / [Mobile Number] for details
Notts News
On Thu 5th Sep at 8:00pm - 5OTM
Fancy a chat over a pint of real ale, glass of wine or cup of coffee? Then come along to the Vat & Fiddle pub, Queensbridge Road, NG2 1NB, from 8 until late. Look for yellow Mblem on a table, most likely in the Goldings Room to left of bar. New faces always welcome! Further info from Maxine on [Phone Number] or [Email] or just turn up on the night.
On Sat 7th Sep at 1:00pm - Cave Tour
A unique opportunity to explore the Peel Street caves with the City Archaeologist. Participants must be mobile due to steps and wear sensible shoes plus hard hat provided. Numbers strictly limited. £10 per person. Age 12+ only. Tour lasts approx. 2 hours. For full info and to book your place please contact Scott on [Email]
On Sat 7th Sep at 7:00pm - Show
Honey Cabaret presents a show by nine burlesque troupes from around Nottinghamshire. Venue is Pryzm nightclub, Lower Parliament Street in the city centre. Doors open 7pm, show starts 8pm and ends 10.30pm. Tickets £12. To book please contact Maxine on [Phone Number] or [Email]
On Thu 12th Sep at 7:30pm - Natter & Nosh
We have our reserved tables to the far side of the bar at The Cadland, High Road, Chilwell, NG9 5EG. Join us from 7.30pm for food or later for just a drink. Plus a variety of conversation. Menu at www.emberinn.co.uk. One of our most popular events! Directions/encouragement from Maxine on [Phone Number] or [Email] if needed.
On Tue 17th Sep at 7:00pm - 3TuOTM
Food and/or drink plus friendly chat available at the Prince Rupert on Stodman Street in Newark. We're usually in the small room to the right as you enter this historic pub. Please contact Pete on [Phone Number] or [Email] if needing any encouragement to come along. New faces always welcome!
On Tue 24th Sep at 7:30pm - Eating Meeting
Join us for a Greek meal at Emilio's, 8 High Street, Arnold, NG5 7DZ. See menu at www.emiliosgreekrestaurant.co.uk. Please reserve your place with Maxine by 20th on [Phone Number] or [Email]
Ciao for now!
Maxine Bates
Contact [Email] or [Phone Number] for details
News from Northampton
On Sun 15th Sep at 10:30am - Brunch
Our usual breakfast/brunch meeting will be a little later this month but still at the Rendezvous Coffee Shop in Market Walk, Northampton town centre. After the chat (and a quiz from Pete) we'll be disclosing whether we have ever had our fortunes told - and if it came true! Contact Marianne on [Phone Number] or email: [Email] for encouragement.
On Sat 28th Sep at 11:00am - Archery
We've got a return visit to the Duston Bowmen at the Sandy Lane golf centre - but do not follow the signs to the adjacent Northampton County Golf Club in Church Brampton Village! See the entrance at https://goo.gl/maps/KgAyL1Dbqp42 You can ring [Phone Number] when arrived for collection to the archery area. Contact Marianne as above for more information.
Hertfordshire Happenings
On Thu 5th Sep at 1:00pm - Theatre Group - Sculpture
A guided sculpture walk, at the University of Hertfordshire's College Lane Campus. This can be either 1km or 5km and includes work by Barbara Hepworth and Henry Moore. Starts at 1pm from the Main Reception and there is no charge. If interested, please contact me on [Phone Number] or [Phone Number], or email [Email]
On Thu 5th Sep at 8:00pm - FThOTM
Once again, we are at the Three Magnets, Leys Avenue, Letchworth. Thursday is traditionally curry night, but other food is also available (standard Wetherspoons fare). Leys Avenue is the main shopping street in Letchworth and is just a few minutes' walk from the rail station (Kings Cross to Cambridge line). Call me on [Phone Number], or email [Email] for further details and encouragement.
On Sat 21st Sep at 7:30pm - Theatre Group - Recital
Recital at Weston Church by Paul Galbraith. Paul is a professional musician who plays his 8-stringed 'Brahms' guitar cello style. Weston Church has wonderful acoustics and the concerts are always first class. £16 includes a glass of wine at the interval. Contact me on [Phone Number] or [Email] for directions/car sharing.
On Sun 22nd Sep at 3:00pm - Theatre Group - I, Clara
I, Clara. Clara Schumann - A Life in Music. A live performance from Hertford Theatre. It's 200 years since Clara Schumann was born and this is a celebration of her life. Juliet Stevenson is the narrator with Lucy Parham on piano. The excerpt I watched looked tremendous. 3pm, 80 minutes with no interval. £23. If interested, please contact me on [Phone Number] or [Phone Number], or email [Email]
On Thu 26th Sep at 6:45pm - Theatre Group - One Man, Two Guvnors
One Man, Two Guvnors screened live from the National Theatre at The Broadway, Letchworth. £18. This is a popular event with many tickets already sold, so the advice is to book early. If interested, please contact me on [Phone Number] or [Phone Number], or email [Email]
On Fri 27th Sep at 8:00pm - LFOTM
As ever, we are at 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 a spot of encouragement to come and join us.
Steve Thomas
Contact [Email] or [Mobile Number] for details
Mensans in MK & Bedford
On Mon 16th Sep at 7:45pm - 3MOTM Quiz
Our monthly quiz outing to The Plough at Simpson. Meet from 7:45 for a 8:00pm start - cost is £1 per person. Please let me know if you are coming so I know if we will be one team or two. Contact Jo at [Email], or [Phone Number] / [Phone Number] for directions/encouragement.
On Sun 22nd Sep at 10:00am - Breakfast
Join Christine and others at Carluccio's in the Centre:MK from 10:00am for a full breakfast, a snack, or just a drink. Contact [Email] for directions/encouragement.
On Sun 29th Sep at 4:00pm - Eat & Greet
If you've never been to a Mensa event, come and say hello to members old and new at The Burnt Oak in Shenley Brook End. We have our own private space, and a few nibbles to welcome you. Please confirm with Jo at [Email], or [Phone Number] / [Phone Number] by Wednesday 18th so we have numbers; after that you're welcome to attend but we can't guarantee to feed you!
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
Mid Bucks
On Mon 9 Sep at 8:00pm - Indoor Games
Join Dave and Alison at their home in Flackwell Heath, near High Wycombe, for a relaxed evening of indoor board games. All members and friends welcome. Space is limited, so please contact Dave for directions and to discuss what games you would like to play on [Phone Number] or by e-mail at [Email]
On Sat 21st Sep at 2:30pm - The Girl on the Train
Join Mark at the Swan Theatre to see this play adapted from Paula Hawkins' novel. Tickets priced from £15 to £37 are available from www.wycombeswan.co.uk For further details or encouragement contact Mark on [Phone Number] or mobile [Phone Number].
On Fri 27th Sep at 10:30am - Coffee & Chat
Coffee at The Cedar Coffee Shop, 28 West Street, Marlow, Bucks, SL7 2NB. Lovely food and good coffee. No need to book, but if you want me to look out for you, let me know you are coming on [Phone Number] or e-mail me at [Email]
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
Derby Diary
On Tue 10th Sep at 7:30pm - Meal
If you like Indian food, I think you'll like Nadee contemporary Indian restaurant in Findern (DE65 6AR). It's a rural location by the canal so hoping for pleasant late summer weather to arrive by. Please contact me on [Email] or [Phone Number] by Monday 2nd September so I can confirm numbers.
On Wed 18th Sep at 7:30pm - 3WOTM
Join us for our monthly get-together in the centre of Derby. We will be at the Standing Order pub on Iron Gate (Wetherspoons) to eat or just for a drink and a chat from 7.30pm. Look for the yellow Mblem on a long table in the rear section. Contact Susan on [Phone Number] or [Email] for directions and/or encouragement. New faces especially welcome.
Susan Graves
Contact [Email] or [Phone Number] / [Mobile Number] for details
SIGs need their members!
SIGs depend entirely on their members for
material, so a certain amount of nerve (or
recklessness) is needed to put thoughts or
memories on paper (nowadays mostly by
email): a SIGSec can't produce a magazine
out of thin air, and unless you're a creative
writer or journalist by profession or
vocation, it can be a bit of a mental effort,
so SIGS are only as active as the members. I
have had to transcribe a few articles from
paper to electronic format, and scan some
photos and drawings, sent by members who
don't have a computer or can't scan
photographs: luckily I have the equipment
and the basic ability to do that, so
handwritten articles and photos can readily
be put into electronic format and sent to
the Mensa office for distribution. I don't
send the magazine out directly, as far as I
know all SIGs send their magazine content
to the Mensa office for distribution, either
in electronic format or on paper through
the post.
Although I compose the magazines
electronically, I do like to read a printed
copy on paper, largely to give my eyes a rest
from the computer screen: it also lets me
check that what is going out to the nonemail
members matches what I sent in! It's
just as well I'm retired, I can take my time
composing each magazine, often tweaking
font sizes and shuffling photographs to fit
the required number of pages, always a
multiple of 4 because the magazines in print
form go out double sided as A4 booklets,
with colour pictures on the outside sheet
only. It can be fiddly at times, but I find it a
satisfying exercise, and it is rewarding to
see the finished product going out to SIG
members.
The Mensa website contains a full list of
SIGs (https://www.mensa.org.uk/sigs), so I
would encourage Mensa members to look
for a SIG that matches any of their interests.
UK Mensa members can join two postal
SIGs free of charge, due to the cost of
postage, but can join more at £5 extra per
year, or join as many as you like free of
charge for email only, most SIGs operate by
email anyway, with the paper magazine as
an option, and some are online only, so the
choices are there. If there isn't a SIG for
your own special interest, and you think
others might share that interest, you can
always start a SIG for that interest, just
contact Neil Matthews, the SIGs Officer, on
01494 890494 or at sigsofficer@btopenworld.com .
Pat Mason, SIGSec, Dog SIG and Transport SIG
Event Pictures
Jade
and Maxine
doing the
Healthy Living
lap at Relay for
Life
Giving
the ball a good
thump at the
Croquet
Exploring a
rather damp
East Midlands
Aeropark
20 Questions (No. 215)
The answers to the James Bond quiz in the July issue were
The Spy Who Loved Me, 1, Auric, chair, 1983, Q, inside a
volcano, Licence To Kill, Paul McCartney & Wings, Vulcan,
Ursula Andress, Scaramanga, the union flag, On Her
Majesty's Secret Service, cello, Willard Whyte, Tracy, John
Cleese, Felix Leiter and Grace Jones. Congratulations to
Roger Plant of Nottingham who wins the £10 book token.
Thanks to Jo Sidebottom for compiling this month's quiz on
animals. Send your answers to arrive by 20th September by
post to '20 Questions (No. 215)', [Address] or by email to
maxine@maruba-events.com for your chance to win.
1. Of which country is the beaver the national animal?
2. What is the name of T S Eliot's railway cat?
3. Hairy nosed and Queensland are varieties of which animal?
4. In Jungle Book, who was the leader of the wolves?
5. Which cartoon character is "the fastest mouse in all Mexico"?
6. Of which animals is alektorophobia the fear?
7. A basilisk is what type of creature?
8. In cartoons, who led the gang whose members included Benny and Choo Choo?
9. How many tentacles does a squid have?
10. A bee normally has how many wings?
11. Crested, smooth and palmate are all types of what?
12. In George Orwell's Animal Farm, what type of animal was Napoleon?
13. What is a cow that has not had a calf known as?
14. Anser anser is the scientific name of which bird?
15. Nutria is the fur of which animal?
16. What is the national bird of India?
17. Goatsucker is the North American name for which bird?
18. Crabs, lobsters and shrimps are all members of which class of creature?
19. A skulk is the collective name for which animal?
20. What name is given to the study of reptiles?