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British Magical Society Annual Dinner and Cabaret 2013
Tally Ho Conference & Banqueting Centre, Birmingham
23rd March 2013
Reported by Donald Bevan
Just less than 100 members and friends enjoyed a convivial evening on Saturday
March 23rd, our second visit to the Tally Ho Conference and Banqueting Centre,
Edgbaston, Birmingham. Following reception photographs by Avant Photography,
Grace and The Queen by President Paul Cadley, the evening was underway.
Principal guests were Duncan Trillo and Keiko. Sadly missed were David and Ruth
Berglas and Steve and Septima Evans. Missing too were Honorary Vice President
Roy Johnson and Janet, beaten by bad weather in the wilds of Leicestershire.
Without exception, at least to my ears, everyone praised the excellent four
course meal, the serving staff efficient and friendly. Toasts and speeches were
few and brief. As President-Elect, Master of Ceremonies John Jeremy proposed Our
Guests with information and light-hearted quips, even telling us what a bargain
his new suit was! Duncan Trillo responded, with kind words for the BMS, its
members and history. On behalf of the Society President Paul Cadley thanked
Duncan and highlighted the multi-tasks of some BMS members, thanking friends for
their support during the year.
Presentations followed, the highlight being The David Berglas Award. This
magnificent trophy (it really is a big one!) is awarded from nominations by BMS
members to a British magician for outstanding service to British magic. The
final decision is made by the immediate five BMS Past Presidents. Over almost
two decades the trophy, bearing many famous names, has been presented by
Honorary Vice President David Berglas himself; the recipient this year, from the
hands of the BMS President was Duncan Trillo, whose work with the popular
website MagicWeek details so much of what is happening in the world of magic.
Well deserved.
Domestic awards as follows: President's Wand to Paul Cadley, by Past President
Neil Roberts. The Ray Bradbury Close-up Trophy and Roy Eddington Pocket Tricks
Drive Trophy to Steve Evans in absentia. Maurice Trophy for Parlour Magic won by
Craig Petty. Blue Ribbon for performance, George Symes. BMS Jewel to Jay Adkins,
Stephen Buxton, Thom Peterson (not present), and Craig Petty. For long service
Derek Robbins received a 50-year engraved tankard. Finally, the Fred Walker
Trophy in memory of founder member and Secretary for more than 50 years, awarded
at the sole discretion of the President for service 'beyond the call of duty',
was handed to Neil Roberts.
According to the programme it was cabaret time, except two magic acts appeared
on the well equipped stage and only Alec Powell the compère worked 'on the
floor'. He 'meandered' between acts, but managed to successfully vanish a beaker
after exposing the 'how' – all of course in the name of entertainment. Brian
Sefton, immaculate in dress, style and magic as ever, pulled applause with card,
coloured balls and thimble manips. plus the ultimate Zombie presentation. A
class act in classic style.
To close, Van Buren and Co. (the Co. two stylish, gorgeous girls) bounded on
stage with a whirlwind of magic, escapology and circus skills. A vintage radio,
finely tuned, vanished and a lady was suspended via Super Super-X a la Robert
Harbin and more. Andrew Van Buren had fun with the Kellar rope tie, speedy
strait-jacket escape and juggling on unicycle. This session ended with Andrew
battling a dozen spinning china plates, some within split-seconds of toppling
but always recovered. A real applause puller. Finally from two freely displayed
folding wooden screens formed into squares and clearly empty, appeared a
plethora of large botanias and bouquets, numerous sunshades and silks, the
display filling the stage. A fast, exciting finish to a great evening.
Close-up magic around the tables by George Symes, Derek Robbins, Jay Adkins and
Stephen Buxton, plus Tombola by Martin and Stuart and raffle by Pam Buckley,
with Anne Bennett and Jo Bevan, all added up to another highly successful
evening for the British Magical Society. Which, just to remind you, is the
oldest continuous magic club in Europe, if not the world!
www.britishmagicalsociety.co.uk
© Donald Bevan, March 2013