Mastermind Club
Annual Functions 2010 to 2014
2010
The 2010 Annual reunion was held on the 9th to 11th of April,
at The Mercure Southgate Hotel, Exeter
72 members and guests met in Exeter, the location of the club Secretary's Alma Mata,
Great weather all weekend was pleasing for exploring the city and around the Cathedral, which was just a stones throw from the hotel.
The Magnum threw up another new winner, with stalwart Stewart Cross finally lifting the trophy.
The Mugnum trophy was won for a sixth time by Kevin Ashman
Club members in Catherdral Close, Exeter
Leo Stevenson, Tony Dart & Philida Grantham
on St.Barts Green, Exeter
Club members on Postbridge Clapper Bridge, Dartmooor
2011
The 2011 Annual reunion was held on the
9th to 11th of April,
at The Holiday Inn Royal Victoria Hotel. Sheffield.
Magnum Winner Ann Hegarty
Mugnum Winner Mel Kinsey
For the second year running 68 members and guests gathered, this time in Sheffield for a weekend which was one blessed with wall-to-wall sunshine, and weather more like summer than spring. Whilst
most members explored the attractions Sheffield had to offer, and a number went on an interesting walking tour on the Saturday afternoon led by a guide called Big Ron, others took advantage of the
weather and went off of tours of the nearby Peak District. The Magnum saw its fifth different winner in five years, with Anne Hegerty winning for the first time with a hugely impressive performance
in the final against 2008 winner David Cowan. Local boy Mel Kinsey might have had something of an advantage when it came to the Mugnum which he won comfortably.
Club members outside The Royal Victoria Hotel
Ann Hegerty, Magnum Champion, Sheffield 2011
Magnum finalists : L to R, Stewart Cross, Ann Hegerty,
Paul Emerson, Geoff Thomas, Mel Kinsey & David Cowen
Mel Kinsey has final check on his Mugnum answers,
Stewart Cross looks on
2012
The 2012 reunion was held at
The Dolphin Hotel. Southampton
from 13th to 15th April
Magnum Winner: David Cowan
Mugnum Winner: Kevin Ashman
As Southampton was celebrating the centenary of the sinking of RMS Titanic over a weekend which coincided with a Club weekend, it seemed a good choice as a venue, and so it proved. The Dolphin
Hotel's historical connections were of interest to many members, and Club functions were indeed held in the same room as Jane Austen's 18th birthday party; its not often you can get quite that sense
of history! The hotel did the Club proud, with the staff's friendliness and and quality of food being particularly noticeable. A Titanic-themed tour was laid on on the Saturday morning, with one for
the Janeites on the afternoon; both proved enjoyable and helpfully covered different areas of the city. The Magnum turned into a thrilling and enjoyable competition, with David Cowan much to his
delight notching a second victory pipping Kathryn Johnson in the final. Kevin Ashman's astonishing 31 out of 40 in a Mugnum which many thought was far too hard was another noticeable performance. The
weather may have not been quite as good as recent events, but the weekend was a hugely enjoyable event for all who attended.
Dinner in the Jane Austen Suite, Saturday night
Mel Kinsey presents the Mugum Trophy to Kevin Ashman
2013
The 2013 Annual function was held in Llandudno on
5-7 April 2013 at
St George's Hotel
Mugnum Winner: David Edwards
72 members and guests enjoyed a bracing weekend by the seaside in mostly sunny Llandudno, with the St George's Hotel proving one of the more impressive venues the Club has had for a reunion weekend. There proved to be plenty for people to see and do, with a group visit of the Great Orme Mine being afforded the privilege of the mine's manager providing a guided tour. Saturday night witnessed an overly testing Magnum competition but a thrilling final where 1990 Mastermind David Edwards pipped Anne Hegerty to the title on the very last question. David also acheived the rare distinction of scooping the Mugnum as well, on yet another far too hard set.
Annual Functions 2010 t0 2014
2014
The 2014 Annual function was held in Shrewsbury on 11-13 April 2014 at
The Prince Rupert Hotel
?? Members and guests assembled in the historic town of Shrewsbury for the 2014 annual reunion week-end.
The venue was the equally historic Prince Rupert Hotel. Formally the home of Prince Rupert, grandson of James I, parts of this Grade II listed building date back to the 12th century. It is also
reputed to be haunted.
Gavin Fuller took a year out of organising the event and this task fell into the hands of the very capable Ken Emond.
Ken arranged a very well attended evening river cruise on the Severn for guests arriving on the Friday.
Saturday morning members took part in a guided tour of the town. The guide was Martin Wood the Town Crier of Shrewsbury, an imposing figure in his full regalia, large white beard and a staggering 7'
4" tall.
A further tour on Saturday afternoon took members on "The Cadfael" walk. This centered around places mentioned in the books by Edith Pargeter, finishing at Shrewsbury Abbey,
A fine meal was enjoyed on the Saturday evening, the dining room adorned with suits of armour.
Ann Hegerty won her second Magnum competition, with new comer John Wheeler claiming the Mugnum.
A great week-end, enjoyed by all.
Magnum Winner Ann Hegarty
Mugnum Winner John Wheeler
Mugnum winner John Wheeler receives the trophy from
Ken Emond
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