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The Northern Magic Circle President's Dinner and Events
Saturday 19th October 2024
Reported by DFG
The evening of 19th October 2024, saw 66 members and guests take their seats for
The Northern Magic Circle President's Dinner and Events held at the Mickleover
Derby Hotel. President and First Lady, Doug & Yvette Gregg, commenced the
proceedings by welcoming the dinners and expressing his gratitude for such a
large gathering to celebrate his Presidency. He then asked President Elect, Alan
Clarke to say grace before the meal commenced. Everyone commented on the quality
of the meal and service which was exceptional.
Following this wonderful meal, Bill Simpson, the MC for the evening, explained
that the proceeds from the raffle and ribbon bottle would be donated to the
Rainbow Hospice for end-of-life children. He followed this announcement by
calling upon Aiden Heritage, President of the IBM British Ring No 25 to propose
a toast to the guests.
Aiden majored his presentation on the anomalies of the different names of items
between the North and South of England. One example being the different names of
Barm Cakes, Cobs or just Bread Cakes. He then toasted the NMC Members. The
President then took the floor to thank the various parties that had and will
contribute to the success of the Event. He then toasted the attending, Guests.
Bill then introduced our international celebrity to draw the raffle. No other
than the country's best known magician, Sooty, with his helper Richard Cadell.
Sooty did not miss the opportunity to have some fun with his water pistol
directed at Bill, who took it all in fun.
A short break gave the opportunity for Carol Tynan to take some wonderful
photographs of the guests, a valuable task she undertook throughout the two-day
event, which I am eternally grateful.
After the break the MC introduced our cabaret for the evening. He gave the
President the opportunity to demonstrate his very first trick he had obtained
some eighty years previously. He demonstrated, "Stop- Go Block on Cord".
Ray Roberts then performed his slick silent act. This included a blendo silks
and tube, coloured rings and an impressive floating guitar. The audience enjoyed
Ray show, who was the topic of conversation for the rest of the evening.
Our next artist was the international magician Sean Carpenter, who skillfully
took the audience through his light hearted routines of predictive coloured
blocks, Bank Note in Orange and a unique routine of Multiplying Bottles. Sean
was an ideal end to a really wonderful evening, that was concluded by the
President wishing every one a safe good night.
Sunday morning, 20th October, saw the continuation of the Event, with a full
room of delegates having stayed overnight to attend the mornings programme.
After a full helping of coffee, Clive Moore took the stage as MC for the
morning's events. Clive, in his recognised light hearted manor introduced our
first presentation by Vinny Sagoo who demonstrated the pro's and con's of Tenyo
Magic. Vinny explained in depth the principles of Tenyo with a full interactive
talk that was very well received by an appreciative audience. This topic of
Tenyo was very pertinent as NMC had been involved with several Tenyo items
offered by passed Members for their auction.
Clive continued the proceedings with a film show
of past famous magicians, presented and compiled by Sheriton Swan. I cannot over
praise this presentation too much, that had the audience spellbound. Many of the
filmed magicians had not been previously seen and the skills on view mesmerised
many watching. The President addressed the audience, explaining his choice of
film. For as a boy of fourteen he had met Geoffrey Buckingham at his first
Convention at Scarborough. Geoff took the time to watch him go through his
thirteen billiard ball production that Doug had taught himself from Geoff's book.
The President then closed the Event, thanking all who had stayed for the Sunday
presentations and wishing them a safe journey home after such a wonderful
weekend event.
© DFG, November 2024