Join us from 8.00pm on Tuesday 5th for a drink and chat at the Vat & Fiddle pub on Queensbridge Road. New faces, old faces, male and female all welcome. Look for the yellow Mblem to left of the bar. If you're driving there's free parking right outside and good value soft drinks. If you're on public transport the railway station and Broad Marsh bus station are nearby and the pub offers real ale brewed next door.
Starbucks have asked us not to display a logo too prominently as they don't want to be seen to be endorsing any particular clubs or organisations, although they are happy for us to continue meeting there. So you may have to look a little harder for the Mblem or mag lying down on the table rather than standing up trying to be as visible as possible!
As usual, the first Northants meeting of the month takes place at our regular watering hole, The Fox & Hounds at Harlestone on Thursday 7th January at 9.00pm. It's the Chinese New year tonight if you want an excuse for a celebration. Look for the MENSA mag on one of the tables in the bar area.
Our regular FThOTM meeting at the Millstream, Cambridge Road, Hitchin, will be on Thursday 7th February at 8.15pm. Good food and good beer both available! Call me for more details and encouragement. The pub is about ten minutes' walk from the railway station.
On Wednesday 13th we're going for a meal at Nando's peri-peri chicken restaurant followed by a film at Cineworld. You are welcome to join us for just the meal if no films appeal. Meet at 7.00pm inside the doors to the Cornerhouse or contact Paul in advance for film options. He's on [Phone Number] or [Email]
We tried to eat at Slipcotes restaurant, Whissendine, some months ago but they were already booked up, so we're going to try again on Saturday 16th February at 7.30pm. This restaurant has been open for about 18 months, and is enjoying a great reputation at the moment: it's cheap and cheerful (not in the accepted sense!), and the menu is varied. I will need to confirm fairly accurate numbers at least a week before, so please get in touch with me if you'd like to come.
On Saturday 16th February the Luton group is visiting St Albans for a curry. Nearly half of the group actually lives there anyway! Meet at The Jolly Sailor Pub, Stonecross, (which runs into Sandridge Rd from St Peter's St) St Albans AL1 4AA at 7.30pm, then move on to eat at Devdas Indian restaurant, St Peter's Street AL1 3DQ for 8.30pm. Please call me by Monday 11th February at the latest to book your place, or email me. [Phone Number] if you get lost on the night. All are welcome, but please book early.
Vincent Carroll lives in Burbage, and has offered to host a 'come-and-let-us-know-what-sort-of-things-you'd-like-to-do' type meeting in that part of the world. It would be lovely to offer a greater choice of activities and venues for members, both old and new, so please come along and meet Vincent on Monday 18th February at 7.30pm in The Anchor in the centre of Burbage village. Maybe we could sort out a few options. If you're unable to attend this meeting, but would be interested in other meetings in this part of Leicestershire, contact Vincent on [Phone Number].
Plus I'll be having my own 'at home' two days before on Monday 18th in Butterley Park, Ripley with the option of chat, food and board games but please call to let me know you're coming so I can organise parking. If you want some encouragement to attend your first meeting, organise one of your own or just want to say hello, then please contact me. It would be very nice to hear from you.
As I write (mid December), we haven't yet had our first meeting at the Old Beams, so I don't yet know whether we'll be able to bag a regular place - you may have to look round for us. If you're definitely planning to come, please let me know as it will help us to grab the right sized table, but don't let that put you off deciding on the spur of the moment - you'll still be welcome. See www.mcmullens.co.uk for location and menu details.
Ah, February! The traditional time for getting together with your loved ones. So, why not be a bit of a devil and extend that feeling of bonhomie to your fellow DE members (or even beyond!) this month and join us at one of our get-togethers? Weather permitting, and for those that can get into Derby, we have our usual "3rd Wednesday" event on the 20th at the Standing Order where you can join us for a meal or later for just a drink. Please contact Kev on [Phone Number] for directions and encouragement.
Two events this month. At High Wycombe Library on Wednesday 20th February at 7:30pm, local Mensan Peter Sadd will be giving a lecture on cartoons, 'From Daumier to Dilbert', and how they have evolved over time from the satirical prints of Daumier and Gillray through to modern strips like Dilbert. He will discuss the sources of ideas in modern cartoons from historical paintings to verbal and visual clichés, and will also touch on drawing techniques and selling cartoons. There will be a notional £2 charge supporting Friends of High Wycombe Libraries.
We failed to get there in November so Thursday 21st February at 8.00pm we are having another attempt to take the Roadshow to Creaton. The village lies on the A5199 between Northampton and Welford and you will find us in the Bricklayers Arms. MENSA mag will give away our position.
Our "Postcode Pubcrawl" reaches NG7 on Tuesday 26th and will take place at the Horse & Groom, Radford Road, Basford where we have the function room for the evening. Join us at 7.30pm for pub grub costing £6.50 or 8.30pm for some hilarious sheep racing. The racing will be in aid of Cancer Research UK so come and have a laugh and help a good cause. Food needs to be pre-ordered so please book with me by 22nd.
Finally (and it will be finally!) my swansong meeting in High Wycombe on Thursday 28th February for an Italian meal at the Pizza Express at 40 Oxford (just off Frogmore). This will be my last meeting as LocSec and I look forward to seeing friends old and new in this popular venue. As many local members will probably know I am stepping down as LocSec after something like 9 years in the role. It has been a challenge with many ups and downs. I have met a lot of interesting people many of whom have become good friends. I would like to thank them all for their support.
For the LFOTM join Gwen and me again at our new venue, the Prince of Wales, Hertingfordbury, on Friday 29th February at 8.00pm, to unwind at the end of the month and to work out in which year 29th February next falls on a Friday! (Free pint if you can work it out!) Food and an interesting range of beers available and interesting and stimulating conversation guaranteed! Look for the Mag/Mblem. Hertingfordbury is about 20 minutes' walk from Hertford North station.