John 'Sly' Smith
President β Official Opening, Introductions & Toasts
Previous Convention
I.B.M. British Ring 77th Annual Convention
The 77th Annual Convention of I.B.M. British Ring No.25, held in Buxton β five days of world-class magic, Star Lectures, the Close-Up and Stage Competitions, Special Venue Shows and A Night Of Magic And Variety.
From the Convention Archive
Convention Overview
The 77th Annual Convention of I.B.M. British Ring No.25, held 4thβ8th September 2013 across Buxton Opera House, The Octagon and Pavilion Arts Centre, with the Convention Gala Dinner and further Star Lectures at the Palace Hotel. Featuring international performers, Star Lectures, the Close-Up Competition for the Zina Bennett Trophy, the Stage Competition for the British Ring Shield, Special Venue Shows visiting local care homes, Sooty's Magic Show, the International Close-Up Gala, A Night Of Magic And Variety, and the History Of Mystery presentation.
President John 'Sly' Smith and his wife June welcomed I.B.M. International President William (Bill) Evans to Buxton β a town the British Ring had last visited 54 years earlier, in 1959. The programme opened with the Official Opening Ceremony and Opening Show at Buxton Opera House, followed by the Gala Of Youth and the Ali Bongo Micro Magic Marathon. Star Lectures ran throughout the week in The Octagon and Pavilion Arts Centre, alongside the Close-Up Competition for the Zina Bennett Trophy and the Stage Competition for the British Ring Shield. Special Venue Shows took magic out to The Argyle and to local care and nursing homes across Buxton. Highlights included a Tribute To Alan Shaxon, the Convention Gala Dinner at the Palace Hotel, Sooty's Magic Show, the International Close-Up Gala, the Grand Charity Auction, More History Of Mystery, and the Saturday night Gala Show, A Night Of Magic And Variety. The convention closed at the Palace Hotel with Star Lectures, Stars Of The Future, and the Installation of incoming President Neil Roberts. Convention organisers: Brian Miller & David Ball.
Convention Line-up
Meet the Artists
Meet the performers, lecturers, hosts and special guests appearing at this convention.
William (Bill) Evans
International President I.B.M. β Special Guest & Stage Competition Judge
Mike O'Brien
Opening Show β Host
Ali Cardabra
Opening Show
Laura London
Opening Show
Bertie Pearce
Opening Show
Don Greenberg
Star Lecture Host β introduces Tim Wright & Diamond Jim Tyler
Tim Wright
Star Lecture: Favourite Impromptu & More; International Close-Up Gala
Paul Dabek
Gala Of Youth β Introducer; Stage Competition Judge
Megan
Gala Of Youth
Sonny Pennington
Gala Of Youth
Mandy Fletcher
Gala Of Youth
Edward Hilsum
Gala Of Youth; Stage Competition (Kent)
Ian Marriott
Ali Bongo Micro Magic Marathon β Arranged By; Star Lecture Host β introduces Richard Pinner
Steve Evans
Close-Up Competition β Arranged By; Stage Competition β Compere; International Close-Up Gala β Introducer
Ricky McLeod
Star Lecture: Tricks Of My Trade
Michael Carr
Star Lecture Host β introduces Paul Gordon; Dealers' Magical Trade Fair β Arranged By
Paul Gordon
Star Lecture: Powerful Impromptu Card Magic; International Close-Up Gala
Pam Cooper
Face Painting Workshop
Peter Greenwood
Special Venue Shows β Arranged By
Doug Gregg
Special Venue Show β The Argyle
Tony King
Special Venue Show β The Argyle; Children's Magic Showtime
Iain McWhirter Morrison
Special Venue Show β The Argyle
Geoff Atkinson
Special Venue Show β The Branksome Care Home
Aiden Heritage
Special Venue Show β The Branksome Care Home
The Glasbeys
Special Venue Show β The Branksome Care Home
Keith Cooper
Special Venue Show β Derby House Nursing Home
Alan Maskell
Special Venue Show β Derby House Nursing Home
Steve Short
Special Venue Show β Derby House Nursing Home; Presents 'An Audience With' Ian Adair
Ned Potts
Special Venue Show β Portland Nursing Home
Ray Roberts
Special Venue Show β Portland Nursing Home
Michael Symes
Special Venue Show β Portland Nursing Home
Graham Lee
Balloon Workshop
Ian Adair
'An Audience With' Ian Adair
Oliver Tabor
Stage Competition (Rochford, Essex); Star Lecture: Stage Magic β Perceptions On Principles And Psychology
Brian Miller
Convention Organiser; Star Lecture Host β introduces Oliver Tabor & Peter Wardell
Fergus Roy
Jeffery Atkins Memorial Lecture: The Davenport Story
Michael Bailey
A Tribute To Alan Shaxon β Presented By
Alan Shaxon
A Tribute To Alan Shaxon β Honouree
Richard Pinner
Star Lecture: Burning Desires; A Night Of Magic And Variety
Bob Hamilton
'Nostalgia'
Sue Hamilton
'Nostalgia'
Joe Swing
The Late Gala
Mark Shortland
The Late Gala
Men In Coats
The Late Gala
Paul Ray
The Late Gala β Introducer
Peter Wardell
Star Lecture; International Close-Up Gala; A Night Of Magic And Variety
Richard Cadell and Sooty
Sooty's Magic Show; Star Lecture: The Bear Truth
Clivo & Jeani
Children's Magic Showtime
Brian Sefton
Children's Magic Showtime
Izzy Wizzy
Children's Magic Showtime
Jimmy Carlo
Children's Magic Showtime
Dave Andrews
Children's Magic Showtime
Diamond Jim Tyler
International Close-Up Gala; Star Lecture: Bamboozlers
Trevor Dawson
Grand Charity Auction β Auctioneer
Eddie Dawes
More History Of Mystery β Presents
Peter Brunning
More History Of Mystery
Ann Beedham
More History Of Mystery
Barry Murray
More History Of Mystery
Rick Tynan
Junior Workshop
Vincent Hayes
A Night Of Magic And Variety β Compere
Skilldini
A Night Of Magic And Variety
Scott Penrose
A Night Of Magic And Variety
Kyla Lingley
A Night Of Magic And Variety
Eduardo Galeano
A Night Of Magic And Variety
Keelan Leyser
A Night Of Magic And Variety (with Charlotte Marie)
Charlotte Marie
A Night Of Magic And Variety (with Keelan Leyser)
Rev. Alan Clarke
Convention Service
Clive Moore
Star Lecture Host β introduces Richard Cadell
Leah Mae
Stars Of The Future β Introducer
Sara Jade
Stars Of The Future β Introducer
Deanna Gore
Stars Of The Future
Charley Hawthorne-Bales
Stars Of The Future
Daniel Dore
Stars Of The Future
Neil Roberts
Installation Of The New President
Your Convention Programme
What's On
Browse shows, lectures, competitions, workshops and social events day by day.
Wednesday 4 September 2013
12:00
Dealer Exhibition and Registration Opens
14:30
Official Opening Ceremony
By the President John 'Sly' Smith, in the presence of His Worship the Mayor of High Peak Borough Council, Cllr Tony Kemp, and the International President of the I.B.M., William (Bill) Evans.
15:00
The Opening Show
Mike O'Brien will introduce Ali Cardabra, Laura London and Bertie Pearce. Music by Dave Cass.
16:00
Dealers' Showcase
An opportunity to visit the Dealers' Showcase and for them to demonstrate their latest wonders.
16:30
Star Lecture: Tim Wright β Favourite Impromptu & More
19:30
The Ali Bongo Micro Magic Marathon
Arranged by Ian Marriott.
21:00
Gala Of Youth
Introduced by Paul Dabek, with Megan, Sonny Pennington, Mandy Fletcher and Edward Hilsum. Music by Dave Cass.
Thursday 5 September 2013
10:00
Close-Up Competition
For the Zina Bennett Trophy.
10:15
Ladies' Day: A Visit To Chatsworth House
Ticket required.
12:30
Star Lecture: Ricky McLeod β Tricks Of My Trade
13:30
Special Venue Shows
Arranged by Peter Greenwood. The Argyle: Doug Gregg, Tony King, Iain McWhirter Morrison. The Branksome Care Home: Geoff Atkinson, Aiden Heritage, The Glasbeys. Derby House Nursing Home: Keith Cooper, Alan Maskell, Steve Short. Portland Nursing Home: Ned Potts, Ray Roberts, Michael Symes. The President, accompanied by the International President, will visit all venues; Presidential car by courtesy of Brian Miller.
14:00
Star Lecture: Paul Gordon β Powerful Impromptu Card Magic
14:30
Face Painting Workshop with Pam Cooper
15:30
Balloon Workshop with Graham Lee
16:30
Steve Short presents 'An Audience With' Ian Adair
20:00
Stage Competition for the British Ring Shield Awards
Compere Steve Evans.
Friday 6 September 2013
09:15
Annual General Meeting and Election of Officers for 2013/14
Members only admitted. Printed Agenda and copies of accounts will be available.
10:30
The Jeffery Atkins Memorial Lecture: Fergus Roy β The Davenport Story
John 'Sly' Smith will introduce Fergus Roy.
12:00
Star Lecture: Oliver Tabor β Stage Magic: Perceptions On Principles And Psychology
Brian Miller will introduce Oliver Tabor.
14:30
A Tribute To Alan Shaxon
Presented by Michael Bailey.
16:00
Today's Dealers' Showcase
16:30
Star Lecture: Richard Pinner β Burning Desires
Ian Marriott will introduce Richard Pinner.
18:30
Convention Gala Dinner
Menu: Gala Melon with Mango and Orange Salsa; Chicken Supreme, Chorizo and red wine sauce, Seasonal vegetables; Fruit and Berry Pavlova with Vanilla Ice Cream; Fresh Filtered Coffee/Tea with After Dinner Mints. Toasts: The Queen, proposed by the President John 'Sly' Smith; The British Ring, proposed by William (Bill) Evans; response by the President, who will also propose the toast to High Peak Borough Council and Guests; response by His Worship the Mayor, Cllr Tony Kemp. Toastmaster: John Pye. Dress: Dinner Jacket or Lounge Suit.
20:00
'Nostalgia' with Bob and Sue Hamilton
22:00
The Presentation Of Awards
By the President John 'Sly' Smith.
22:15
The Late Gala
Paul Ray will introduce Joe Swing, Mark Shortland and Men In Coats. Music by Dave Cass.
Saturday 7 September 2013
10:00
Star Lecture: Peter Wardell
Brian Miller will introduce Peter Wardell.
10:30
Children's Magic Showtime: Sooty's Magic Show
Starring Richard Cadell with Sooty, Sweep and Soo, and featuring Clivo & Jeani, Brian Sefton, Izzy Wizzy, Jimmy Carlo, Dave Andrews and Tony King. Meet Sooty & Richard after the show! Box office: Buxton Opera House. Adults Β£8.50, Children Β£6.50.
12:00
International Close-Up Gala
Steve Evans will introduce Paul Gordon (UK), Peter Wardell (UK), Diamond Jim Tyler (USA) and Tim Wright (USA).
13:00
Grand Charity Auction
Auctioneer: Trevor Dawson. All proceeds will go to the Welfare and Benevolent Fund.
14:15
Eddie Dawes presents: More History Of Mystery
Another exploration of some aspects of magic's rich past. Peter Brunning: 'When East met West: the Japanese Magicians came to Edwardian London'. Ann Beedham: 'Randini: The Man who helped Houdini'. Barry Murray: 'The Patrick Page Sound Archive'.
16:00
Junior Workshop with Rick Tynan
19:30
A Night Of Magic And Variety
Stars of magic from the USA, Europe and the UK. Compere Vincent Hayes will introduce Peter Wardell, Skilldini, Richard Pinner and Scott Penrose. Interval. Vincent Hayes returns to introduce Kyla Lingley, Eduardo Galeano, and Keelan Leyser & Charlotte Marie. Show arranged by Brian Miller, Stage Management by Neil Roberts and Graham Colvan, Music by Dave Cass.
Sunday 8 September 2013
10:15
Convention Service
Conducted by Rev. Alan Clarke. The service will be undenominational. Collection for the Benevolent and Welfare Fund.
11:15
Star Lecture: Richard Cadell β The Bear Truth
Clive Moore will introduce Richard Cadell.
12:30
Stars Of The Future
Leah Mae & Sara Jade will introduce Deanna Gore, Charley Hawthorne-Bales and Daniel Dore.
13:30
Star Lecture: Diamond Jim Tyler β Bamboozlers
Don Greenberg will introduce Diamond Jim Tyler (USA).
13:30
Installation Of The New President & Close Of Convention
Neil Roberts installed as incoming President.
Learn From the Artists
Convention Lectures
Explore the lectures and specialist sessions in the programme.
Tricks Of My Trade
Powerful Impromptu Card Magic
The Davenport Story
Jeffery Atkins Memorial Lecture
Stage Magic β Perceptions On Principles And Psychology
Burning Desires
Star Lecture
The Bear Truth
Bamboozlers
British Ring Competitions
Competition Programme
Competition information, entry details, rules, timings and locations.
Close-Up Competition
Organised by Steve Evans. Order of appearance: David Forrest, Alan Duncan, Matthew T Le MotteΜe, Craig Petty, Steve Faulkner, Terry Herbert. Chair of Judges: Dave Taylor.
Competition details & rules
Awarded for the Zina Bennett Trophy. 1st Prize β the Zina Bennett Cup plus Β£500. 2nd Prize β Β£250. 3rd Prize β Β£100. The Rovi Trophy may also be presented to the competitor exhibiting a high level of skill with playing cards in an entertaining manner.
Stage Competition
Compere Steve Evans. Running order of competitors: 1. D.I.Y. (Macau), 2. Nick Barnes (Congleton, Cheshire), 3. Philippe Poirot (Redditch), 4. Grandpa Whiskas (Radcliffe, Greater Manchester), 5. Edward Hilsum (Kent), 6. Atmosfear (Grimsby), 7. The Great Aziz (Glasgow), 8. Malcolm Bromwich (Hessle, East Yorkshire), 9. Oliver Tabor (Rochford, Essex), 10. L'Homme Magique (London), 11. Slightly Unusual (Cheslyn Hay, South Staffs). Judges: Bill Evans (I.B.M. International President), Fergus Roy, Ian Adair, Paul Dabek, James Hobart, John Palfreyman, Jill Pratt (Lay Judge), Brian Lead (Chairman of the Judges). Shirley Ray, Competition Organiser; Dave Cass, Assistant Organiser; Neil Roberts, Stage Director; Dave Cass, Music; Tony Brooks, Timekeeper; Chris Poole, 2nd Timekeeper.
Competition details & rules
The British Ring Shield, awarded only to an act achieving outstanding magical excellence. 1st Place β British Ring Trophy plus Β£500 for the most entertaining magic act. Theo Speaker Cup plus Β£250 for runner-up. Alastair Wand plus Β£100 for third prize. Conventioneers Trophy for the greatest originality shown in effect, method or presentation. Dittia Shield awarded for manipulation. Tom Harris Cup awarded for comedy.
Ali Bongo Micro Marathon
A fun micro-magic competition, with competitors visiting as many tables as possible in around an hour and the winner decided by audience vote.
Competition details & rules
Awarded for the Ali Bongo Micro Marathon Trophy.
Dealers Trophy
Awarded to the dealer presenting the most attractive stand at the Dealers' Magical Trade Fair. Historically also known as the Craig Trophy / Craig Cup.
Competition details & rules
Judged during Convention week; awarded for the best-presented dealer stand at the Trade Fair.
Dealer Exhibition
Meet the Dealers
Discover the dealers, creators and magical suppliers attending the convention.
Alan Astra Playing Card Co.
Alan Astra Playing Card Co.
Entrance by badge only. Trading Wednesday 12.00β17.45 hours, Thursday 09.30β17.45 hours, Friday 09.30β17.45 hours, Saturday 09.30β16.30 hours, in The Octagon. Arranged by Michael Carr. The Craig Trophy will be awarded to the Dealer presenting the most attractive display, judged on the afternoon of Wednesday 4 September.
George Kovari
George Kovari
Magic Tricks Ltd
Magic Tricks Ltd
Palfreyman's Parlour
Palfreyman's Parlour
Practical Magic
Practical Magic
Saturn Magic
Saturn Magic
Alan Duncan
Alan Duncan
Ian Adair
Ian Adair
Stephen P Tucker
Stephen P Tucker
Card Collection Enterprises
Card Collection Enterprises
Prop Dog Ltd
Prop Dog Ltd
Adrian Sullivan
Adrian Sullivan
Diamond Jim Tyler
Diamond Jim Tyler
JC Magic
JC Magic
Tim Wright
Tim Wright
Peter Diamond
Peter Diamond
Qualatex Balloons
Qualatex Balloons
Merlins of Wakefield
Merlins of Wakefield
Face Painting Plus
Face Painting Plus
Jem Pop Up Museum
Jem Pop Up Museum
Zane's Magic Shop
Zane's Magic Shop
Peter Wardell
Peter Wardell
Made to Measure Magic
Made to Measure Magic
Noel Massey
Noel Massey
Ricky McLeod
Ricky McLeod
Getting Around
Convention Venues
Find the buildings, halls, theatres and rooms used throughout the convention.
Main Venue
Pavilion Arts Centre
St John's Road, Buxton
SK17 6BE
Studio
Gala
Buxton Opera House
Water Street, Buxton
SK17 6XN
Other
The Octagon
Pavilion Gardens, St John's Road, Buxton
Hotel
Palace Hotel
Palace Hotel, Buxton
Derby Room
High Peak Ballroom
Social
Promenade Restaurant
Pavilion Gardens, Buxton
Competition Results
Convention Winners
Celebrating the performers recognised through the British Ring competition programme.
Dave Forrest
Rovi Trophy β Best Card Act
Close-Up Competition
Not awarded
Tom Harris Cup β Comedy
Stage Competition
Oliver Tabor
Dittia Shield β Manipulation
Stage Competition
Oliver Tabor
Conventioneers Trophy β Originality
Stage Competition
Bharat Patel
Ali Bongo Micro Marathon Winner
Ali Bongo Micro Marathon
Oliver Tabor
1st Place β British Ring Trophy
Stage Competition
Practical Magic
Dealers Trophy β Best Stand
Dealers Trophy
Steve Faulkner
1st Place β Zina Bennett Trophy
Close-Up Competition
Ed Hilsum
2nd Place β Theo Speaker Cup
Stage Competition
Matthew Le Mottee
2nd Place
Close-Up Competition
Atmosfear
3rd Place β Alastair Wand
Stage Competition
Craig Petty
3rd Place
Close-Up Competition
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