The Scottish Mensa Annual Gathering 2012

24th – 27th August

GLYNHILL HOTEL

JUNCTION 27 OFF THE M8 PAISLEY ROAD RENFREW PA4 8XB TEL

       www.glynhill.com

 

The Programme

 

All events are correct at this time but the organiser’s reserve the right to alter timings, costs if necessary.

It is likely that there will be additions to the programme.

 

 

All events are correct at this time but the organisers reserve the right to alter timings, costs if necessary. It is likely that there will be additions to the programme.

Throughout the weekend, when not in use for organised events our mini bus will be available to transport Mensans to the Braehead shopping mall and the Xscape entertainment venue. The Hotel is on a main road with frequent public transport to Paisley, Renfrew, Braehead and Glasgow. Full details will be included in your visitor pack as will maps, essential ‘phone numbers and a recommended taxi company.

 

Friday 24th. August.

Registration and welcome desk will be open from 12.30in the Mackintosh suite of the hotel where guest packs can be collected.

 

14.00 – 17.30. For the early birds we have organised a minibus trip to the University of Glasgow campus where guests will be conducted on a tour of one of the Hunterian museums and  the Museum of Human Anatomy. (please note that the content of this museum may not be to everyone’s taste). There will also be the chance to see one of the finest views of the city.  This event is capped at 12 people. If demand is high taxis may be added at cost - £4.00

Treasure Hunt. Pick up a copy of the walking treasure hunt from the Gathering Reception. (£2). The walk will generally be from the Hotel to Renfrew Centre, with a few detours, and is no longer than 1 – 1.5 miles. A frequent bus service will return you to the Hotel at minimal cost. Details will be included on the hunt form. Prizes!!!

19.00 – Late.  Icebreaker. This is a free event and we have exclusive use of Lounge 1. There will be a PAYG bar and the chance to have something to eat. (The bar menu, everything from snacks to full meals) There is a nearby, cheaper eating place, details on request. For this event the Hotel has reduced the price of house wine to £12.50 per bottle.

20.00 – 21.00.  Whisky Tasting. This always popular event will be hosted in the Mackintosh Room. £7.00

 

Saturday 25th. August.

 

07.45/08.00 – 18.30 pm. Coach Trip. An early start for some. Following a suggestion from a member, we have arranged a bus trip and sail to the Island of Arran, one of Scotland’s most iconic islands. The ancestral home of the Clan Stewart of Menteith , and considered a Scotland in miniature with its own Highland and Lowland areas, Arran is a must see for any visitor to the West of Scotland. Enjoy a bus trip through the Scottish countryside to the seaside town of Ardrossan, a boat trip across the Firth of Clyde (or doon the watter – as we say up here) and a tour of the island which includes the town of Brodick, Lochranza and Robert the Bruce’s cave of arachnid lore. The cost of this trip is £25 for adults and half price for Mensans under 15. This includes all travel costs including the ferry. The early start is driven by ferry departure times.

10.00 – 15.00pm  Trip to the new Museum of Transport on the banks of the Clyde. Spend an hour investigating this new, controversial museum. Then it’s on to the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. Recently renovated, this is a must see for visitors to this part of the world.  £5.00.

Talk. Mackintosh Suite. At a time to be announced there will be a talk by a visiting Academic from Nottingham University on the work of the Russian writer Nabokov. Writing predominantly in English, Nabokov was responsible for the sensational ‘Lolita’ This event will be timed to maximise attendance (as will all subsequent talks) and is bookable from the Gathering Reception at £3.00. Not bookable via the website.

Open Forum. The organisers invite you to participate in a round table discussion in the Mackintosh Suite about Mensa in general, its future, in fact anything that anyone wants to suggest. Free. Time will be announced at the Gathering.

10.30 – 14.30.  A nice little trip to the small Renfrew Town Museum and to the Abbey in Paisley. The museum is new and very small but lovely. The Abbey, founded by the Stewarts is a majestic building. I am advised that the timing of this event may have to be altered should there be a ceremonial booking for the Abbey. Cost £4.00.

19.30 – Join us for a pre-dinner Champagne Reception (well fizzy stuff) in Lounge 1. (Free)

20.00 – Late The Stewart themed Gala Dinner in the Barony Suite. £26.00.

The dinner will be four courses plus coffee, mints and home made tablet. Vegetarian and Gluten free diets will be catered for.

Following dinner there will be music, Scottish of course.

Drinks PAYG.

 

Menu

Starter	Trio of Melon with Parma Ham	Poached Dame of Salmon	Vegetarian option
Soup	Scotch Broth
Main	Roast Scottish Rib-Eye	Grilled Fillet of Salmon	Vegetarian Option
Dessert	Chocolate Cheesecake	Raspberry Cranachan

 

 

Sunday 26th. August

 

A more leisurely start to the day this time.

12.00 – 17.00. Another chance to visit the Transport Museum and Kelvingrove Gallery. £5.00

Time to be arranged – Indoor skiing. Have a go on Renfrew’s indoor skiing slope. The price of this event is likely to be around £30 per head depending on numbers. The more the cheaper. The price includes the hire of all equipment and access to the slopes. (Unless proof can be given of skiing skill this event will take the form of an hours group lesson.). Even if you do not want to participate, take the opportunity to have lunch in the Xscape overlooking the slopes.

10.30 Mini bus transport to the Clyde Clipper terminal in Braehead. Sail down the Clyde to Glasgow. Leaving from the Braehead boardwalk, enjoy a multi-stop trip up the Clyde to the City of Glasgow. Priced at £6.50 for the round trip this is a ‘hop-on/hop-off’ trip. Passengers can get off at the Riverside Museum/Tall Ship, the BBC, Science Centre and the City Centre. Sailings will begin at 11.00 am (depart Hotel at 10.30) but there will be departures every 45 minutes for those who wish to go independently. The last departure from Glasgow Centre is 4.15. Transport unless arranged via the Gathering desk at the hotel will be via public transport which is frequent from Braehead. Details will be included in your visitor pack. This event is not bookable via the website but interest should be registered. The boat fares are cash only, no cards accepted.

There will be two talks today timed, again, to maximise attendance. One will be delivered by The Renfrew Historical Society on the recent archaeological finds at Paisley Abbey. The other will be delivered by Dr Donalda McComb, Headmistress of the Gaelic School in Glasgow. This is a unique chance to learn why Gaelic has undergone a resurgence in the 21st. Century. These events will be advised to attenders at the Gathering and will be bookable via our Mensa desk at £3.00.

18.30 – Dinner in the terrace restaurant of the hotel. £15 per head, drinks and coffee PAYG. This is a three course carvery dinner, i.e. all you can eat. They also offer copious vegetarian options. This is extreme value for money. Dinner for the price of Lunch.

 

Monday 27^th August

 

10.00 – 13.00 a repeat of the visit to the University of Glasgow Hunterian collection including the Museum of Anatomy. We will endeavour to take as many people to the site as wish to go. Even if you attended on the Friday you may wish to spend a couple of hours exploring Glasgow’s ‘West End’, easily the most stylish section of the City. £4.00

13.00 Farewell lunch in the Abbottsinch. A cheap and cheerful gastropub adjacent to the hotel. PAYG. Meals range from £4.00 - £20.00

 

Throughout the weekend photographs will be taken. Bring along a pen drive or external hard drive and collect free copies from the Mensa desk.

 

 

Book Your Events Online

Download a paper copy of the full programme and booking form

Book Your Hotel Accommodation

Go back to the main SMAG 2012 page