First Thursday is at our regular venue of Jurys Inn on Midsummer Boulevard, on 4th September, from 8.00pm. Look out for the Mblem in either the foyer or the bar - most likely the foyer as it's quieter. Parking is a bit busy around Jurys and The Hub, so we usually try and get in across the road and then walk through the underpass.
On 4th September from 8.15pm we have our regular first FThOTM meeting at the Millstream, Cambridge Road, Hitchin. 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. Sadly, there are very few evening buses in the area.
On Thursday 4th September head north from Northampton on the A428 to Harlestone and meet us from 9.00pm in the Fox & Hounds. Look for the Mensa mag on one of the tables to find us.
Join us from 8.00pm on Friday 5th September at the Vat & Fiddle pub on Queensbridge Road where there is a fine selection of real ales, good value soft drinks and (hopefully!) interesting conversation. Look for the yellow Mblem to left of the bar or phone me in advance for directions.
Join us at the Drill Hall for lunch/just coffee and a chat. If the weather is still warm, we will sit outside - look for the magazine. All very welcome, venue suitable for all ages. For directions/encouragement please ring Jacquie on [Phone Number].
Our "chicks & flicks" event is on Wednesday 10th September. As usual we'll be meeting at 7.00pm prompt inside the doors to the Cornerhouse before heading onto Forman Street to dine at Nando's periperi chicken restaurant. There's a free refillable soft drink if you have a Cornerhouse card. (See www.cornerhouse.tv to get one.) Then we'll choose which film to see at Cineworld later, maybe splitting into two groups if we can't agree! There are usually enough of us with Orange mobile phones to get their 2-4-1 deal meaning the film only costs £3.50 each. Contact Paul on [Phone Number] or [Email] for further info.
On Saturday 13th September from 11.00am it's time for that annual extravaganza of steam - the Bedfordshire Steam and Country Fayre at Old Warden. Traction engines, fairground organs and all sorts of wonderful things on static display and at work for you to enjoy! See you there! Contact me for further details and encouragement. Old Warden is about three miles west of Biggleswade (nearest station). I can arrange pick-ups if need be. Admission is £12 and this also includes the Shuttleworth vintage aeroplane collection, Bird of Prey centre and Swiss Garden.
Meet at The Brache Inn, off Gypsy Lane, Luton LU1 3HJ and moving on to eat probably at the Meah Indian restaurant, 102 Park St, Luton Beds LU1 3EY (Tel: 01582 451333) about 8.30pm. Booking by Saturday 6th, please. Email [Email] or call me on [Phone Number] or Andy on the night ONLY if you get lost on [Phone Number]
On Monday the 15th September, weather permitting, please join us in our garden enjoying the views over Golden Valley, with food, drink and excellent company, plus the added possibility of board games, gossip and generally putting the world to rights. If you're into art and crafts I'll even give you a guided tour of my new studio (OK, it's a converted summerhouse but it's new and it's all mine!).
Our Third Wednesday meeting at the Old Beams in Shenley Lodge is on 17th September. 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. You can eat or not, as you wish - their food is quite good and reasonably priced. If it's fine, we may be outside, otherwise look around for the Mblem as we don't always get the same table each time.
The "3rd Wednesday" meeting at the Standing Order in Derby falls just two days later on the 17th September so why not join us there any time from 7.30pm for a meal or just a drink, just look for the yellow Mblem on one of the tables at the back.
On Thursday 18th September we again take the Roadshow to a new part of the county. Tonight from 8.00pm we will be at the Overstone Arms, Stringers Hill, Pytchley - which is a couple of miles south of Kettering. Turn right once you are in through the front door, then left into the bar area rather than the restaurant part. A copy of the Mensa mag will give away our presence.
It's my birthday on the 19th. Not a milestone one, but still a good excuse for a meal out the night before - Thursday 18th September at 7.30pm. The Elaichi Restaurant at 188 Cressex Road (on the roundabout where Cressex Road and New Road meet) has a relaxing atmosphere and prides itself on preparing exquisite Bangladeshi dishes specially suited to the European palate. Despite the liberal sprinkling of chilli symbols on their menu, the food is milder than some local restaurants. However, all dishes can be made hot for those who prefer a more fiery experience!
There is parking immediately outside or in nearby roads.
I will need to make a booking, so please contact me by Tuesday 16th September to let me know you are coming.
Specially for those Northants members who have not yet been able to get to one of our events, or who have not been along for a while we present "Strangers in the Night". Join us on Monday 22nd September at 7:30pm at the Red Hot restaurant, Sixfields, Northampton for a meal and a chat. For members with an NN postcode the cost of the meal is just £5 and £11.95 for guests (drinks extra). Advance booking, by 15th September please, to me at [Address]. Cheques payable to "Mensa Northampton".
On Friday 26th September at 8.00pm, Gwen Jones and I have to return to our former haunt, the White Horse, as the Prince of Wales is presently closed. A warm welcome and stimulating conversation guaranteed! Look for the Mag/Mblem. Hertingfordbury is about 20 minutes' walk from Hertford North station. Contact Gwen on [Phone Number] or me for further details and encouragement.
A meal in the Lime Kiln, Cropwell Bishop, straying over the border into Nottinghamshire, meeting there at 7.30 pm.
The final meeting this month, on Sunday 28th September, is a visit to Wrest Park Gardens, near Silsoe - MK45 4HR for Streetmap/Satnav. We're not sure how much of the house is open at present, but the gardens are reputed to be well worth a visit, having been inspired by Versailles. We'll meet by the main entrance at 2.00pm (if there isn't an obvious meeting place, then call my mobile and we'll find each other). Hopefully the tea shop should be open, so we can have a good wander round the gardens and round off the visit with a cup of tea. Wrest Park is an English Heritage property, so free to members, otherwise entry is £4.90 for adults, £3.90 for concessions. See www.english-heritage.org.uk for further details.
On the 30th September we've got something new for you, the Nottingham Mensa "Postcode Pubcrawl" series of events has now finished and is being replaced by an "Eating Meeting" on the last Tuesday of each month roving around Derbys. as well as Notts. Our first event will be an Italian meal at La Caverna on North Parade in Matlock Bath and after dinner we can take a stroll to admire the illuminations which were first held in 1897 to celebrate Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee. Queen Victoria had childhood memories of visiting Matlock Bath and seeing candlelight reflected in the River Derwent and this inspired the first illuminations which comprised of fairy lamps and Chinese lanterns lighting up the whole village. Although the Venetian Nights boat parade only takes place at weekends it may still be busy so it's essential to book your place by the 23rd by contacting Maxine on [Phone Number] or [Email].