Programme of Events

Tuesday 20th August

Morning

Florence Nightingale Museum

Momentoes of the "Lady with the lamp" and a re-creation of the conditions in a hospital ward during the Crimean War (1853-6).

Royal Observatory & National Maritime Museum

The Observatory is the site of the Meridian Line, and where much of the pioneering work in astronomy and nautical navigation was done. It is now part of the Maritime Museum which houses a fine collection of maritime paintings, costumes, and weapons.

Afternoon

Bank of England Museum

The history of the "Old Lady of Threadneedle Street" recreated using interactive displays, includes banknotes and real gold bars.

Alien War

Escorted by an armed marine, you embark upon a journey through an Alien infested complex deep underground. Isolated from the outside world, the Aliens are hunting you! Not for the faint hearted.

Evening

Planet Hollywood

The "biggest restaurant in Europe," packed with movie memorabilia especially of its celebrity owners Schwarzenegger, Stallone, and Willis.

Wednesday 21st August

Morning

Day Trip to Paris

Since the mid 18th Century men have been planning a tunnel between England and France under the English Channel. In 1994, the Channel Tunnel was finally opened and this seems like an ideal opportunity to visit another of the world's great capital cities -- Paris. This will be a full day visit leaving on the first train from Waterloo and returning on the last.

Thames Barrier

"The eighth wonder of the world" -- the world's largest movable flood barrier is the greatest part of the London flood defence scheme. 520 meteres across it is a unique attraction.

Afternoon

Wembley Stadium Tour

See behind the scenes of this unique sporting venue and walk on the hallowed turf.

London Toy & Model Museum

Toys for children of all ages, includes an interactive tour usually reserved for children.

Evening

Quasar

Death and Mayhem are the order of the day, well a few laser blasts to eliminate your friends anyway, in this live action game set in a space fantasy arena.

Thursday 22nd August

Morning

Day Trip to Oxford

Oxford is where Mensa began fifty years ago amidst the gleaming spires of Britain's oldest university, and this full day trip accompanied by the Fons et Origo Dr. L. L. Ware will tell you all about it.

Museum of the Moving Image

Charting the history of the moving image from Chinese shadow plays to holograms, this museum gives plenty of opportunity to interact with the exhibits.

Afternoon

London Dungeon

A gruesome and realistic exhibition of the darker side of British history.

Tower Bridge

The famous masterpiece of Victorian engineering, with panoramic views of London from the top.

National Gallery

Housing the national collection of Western European paintings, da Vinci, Rembrandt, Constable, and Van Gogh feature among many others. Plus just outside Trafalgar Square and Nelson's Column.

Evening

Kart Racing

After a quiet day touring, what better than something a little more noisy. Potential Ayrton Sennas get to prove their worth (or not) in these low slung petrol driven karts. For insurance purposes all participants must be over 16 years old.

The Golden Goose Chase

The traditional Irish Mensa pastime comes to London. A few games and brain teasers with perhaps a little exercise thrown in for good measure.

Friday 23rd August

Morning

Hampton Court Palace

Home to King Henry the Eighth and many of his wives, this Sixteenth century palace and its famous Maze is steeped in Royal History.

Tea & Coffee Museum

These two great trades from the orient brought new life to Europe and new prosperity to the port of London. This museum is next door to the..

Design Museum

As a contrast this is an introduction to 20th century design and technology, examining the role fo design in everyday life.

British Museum

One of the largest and greatest museums in the world. The Egyptian galleries alone, containing the Rosetta Stone and the Book of the Dead, put most other museums to shame. Add to this Greek, Roman, bAbylonian... the list like the museum is almost endless.

St. Paul's Cathedral

London's most popular tourist attraction. Wren's domed masterpiece was completed in 1710, after the Great Fire of 1666 destroyed the original. The view from the top of the dome is unique.

Afternoon

Madame Tussaud's & Planetarium

Meet the famous and notorious in the waxworks museum plus the Chamber of Horrors (not for the squeamish nor the children) and then on into the realm of real stars in the Planetarium.

Buckingham Palace

For two months each year Her Majesty The Queen opens her home to the public allowing visitors to see the state apartments and part of her private art collection. We are fortunate that this takes place in August.

Westminster Abbey

This architectural masterpiece has been the setting of every coronation since 1066, and among the many tombs and memorials is the resting place of Queen Elizabeth I.

Evening

Icebreaker

For those who have had to work the weekend starts here and what better way than with a big party.

Saturday 24th August

Morning

Natural History Museum

Walk among the skeletons of the dinosaurs, and don't miss the life size model of the Blue Whale. Advanced and innovative exhibits bring the creatures of the Earth into full view.

Hampton Court Palace

Another chance to visit this historic palace, see Friday morning.

Imperial War Museum

The story of 20th Century war, multimedia exhibits and flight simulators add to the experience.

Buckingham Palace

Another chance to visit the home of Queen Elizabeth II, see Friday afternoon.

Wellcome Exhibition

Imaginative displays and the latest interactive techniques allows you to explore the wonders of biomedicine.

Shakespeare's Globe

Shakespeare's original theatre has been rebuilt and now plays are being performed in this Tudor setting. This visit will last all day and include a tour of the building in the morning followed by a play in the afternoon. A Shakespearian theatre has two classes of spectator, seated and standing. Seated are in the covered balconies around and above the stage similar to a conventional theatre. Standing allows spectators (or groundlings) to walk right up to the stage, but they are below the eyeline of the actors, and are exposed to the weather. Whilst it will be an experience, do not buy a standing ticket unless you are certain of your ability to stand for two hours in the sunshine -- or the rain!

Afternoon

Tower of London

Over 900 years of British history come together on this site. The Bloody Tower, Traitors Gate, and the priceless collection of Crown Jewels in the New Jewel House make this "an experience without equal."

Kew Gardens & Palace

300 acres of botanic gardens stocked with thousands of flowers and trees surrounds the 17th century retreat of King George III.

London Toy Museum

Another chance for children of all ages to play, see Wednesday afternoon.

London Wall Walk Treasure Hunt

If you've still got energy after the Tower, a couple of miles around the Roman city walls should slow you down.

Museum of London

A 3-dimensional history of the city and surrounding area, including the Lord Mayor's coach of 1756.

Evening

Formal Dinner

Formal Wear is the order of the day at the grand 50th Anniversary Dinner. Special guest speaker yet to be announced. If you need details of suit hire please indicate on the booking form.

Quasar

More laser powered destruction, see Wednesday evening.

Disco

Dance the rest of the night away to 60's, 70's, 80's, and possibly even 90's music.

Sunday 25th August

Morning

Royal Academy of Arts

This one's for the early risers. A private viewing of the famous Summer Exhibition before the academy opens for the day. It is a contemporary exhibition of living artists and most of the work is for sale.

Windsor Castle

An imposing 800 year old fortress with magnificent state apartments, damaged by fire a couple of years ago but now being restored.

Science Museum

The history of science and industry, space exploration, medicine, and many other topics are backed by an interactive gallery demonstrating scientific principles.

Tower of London

Another chance to see the Crown Jewels, see Saturday afternoon.

London Wall Walk Treasure Hunt

Another chance to walk the Roman walls, see Saturday afternoon.

Afternoon

Kew Gardens & Palace

Another chance to visit the tranquil refuge of King George III, see Saturday afternoon.

Buckingham Palace

Another chance to visit the home of Queen Elizabeth II, see Friday afternoon.

Victoria & Albert Museum

Britain's National Museum of Art and Design has some of the world's finest collections of furniture, glass, jewelry, and textiles, as well as photographs and sculpture.

London Dungeon

A gruesome and realistic exhibition of the darker side of British History.

Tower Bridge

The famous masterpiece of Victorian engineering, with panoramic views of London from the top.

Evening

Mensa Variety Show

Some of Mensa's best artistes perform for you at a top London Theatre.

Monday 26th August

Morning

Royal Observatory & National Maritime Museum

Another chance to see the place that made world travel possible, see Tuesday morning.

Windsor Castle

Another chance to see this magnificent medieval fortress, see Sunday morning.

St. Paul's Cathedral

Another chance to visit Wren's cathedral, see Friday morning.

Thames Barrier

Another chance to see this wonder of modern engineering, see Wednesday morning.

Museum of the Moving Image

Another chance to visit this museum of film and images, see Thursday morning.

Afternoon

Westminster Abbey

Another chance to visit this historic 13th century abbey, see Friday afternoon.

London Zoo

Founded in 1827 this famous zoo is rapidly turning into a centre for animal conservation and captive breeding, most of the buildings have since been redesigned by famous architects.

Tower of London

Another chance to see the Crown Jewels, see Saturday afternoon.

Design Museum

Another chance to see this museum of 20th century design, see Friday morning.

Tea & Coffee Museum

Another chance to see this museum of oriental trade, see Friday morning.

London Wall Walk Treasure Hunt

Another chance to walk the Roman walls, see Saturday afternoon.

Evening

Greyhound Racing

This week has finally gone to the dogs (sorry I couldn't resist that). The entry fee includes dinner and brief explanation of the workings of the track. Gambling is not compulsory, but a little flutter does add to the excitement. [The organisers will not accept any responsibility for debts or losses accrued by gambling at this meeting.]

Farewell Party

By this time the organisers are probably worn into the ground but we'll be ready one more time to give you a good send off.

Created by Mark S. Hutchenreuther, hutch@rain.org, 11/1/95 using Word for Windows and the ANT HTML template.