I.B.M. British Ring 48th Annual Convention
Previous Convention

I.B.M. British Ring 48th Annual Convention

Join magicians from across the world for the 48th Annual Convention of I.B.M. British Ring No.25 in Eastbourne — six days of Star Lectures, the Competition for the New Silver British Ring Shield, the Close-Up Competition for the Zina Bennett Trophy, the Dealers' Magical Trade Fair and the Gala Show, World of Magic.

Eastbourne, East Sussex
View Programme PDF
From the Convention Archive

Welcome to I.B.M. British Ring 48th Annual Convention

The annual convention of I.B.M. British Ring No.25, one of Europe's longest-running magic conventions, comes to Eastbourne from Tuesday 2nd to Sunday 7th October 1984, with events at the Winter Gardens, the Congress Theatre, the Cavendish Hotel and the Devonshire Park Theatre. Featuring international performers, Star Lectures, the Dealers' Magical Trade Fair, the Competition for the New Silver British Ring Shield, the Close-Up Competition for the Zina Bennett Trophy, Hospital and Special Venue Shows, the Ladies' Afternoon, the Convention Banquet, More History of Mystery — the Magic Collectors' Seminar, Children's Showtime and the Gala Show, World of Magic.

Convention Line-up

Meet the Artists

Meet the performers, lecturers, hosts and special guests appearing at this convention.

Turrini

Magic From Overseas
Magic From Overseas

Overseas performer appearing in Wednesday's Magic From Overseas.

Peter Presti

Magic From Overseas
Magic From Overseas

Overseas performer appearing in Wednesday's Magic From Overseas.

Menno Andro

Magic From Overseas
Magic From Overseas

Overseas performer appearing in Wednesday's Magic From Overseas.

Volker & Gert

Magic From Overseas
Magic From Overseas

Overseas performers appearing in Wednesday's Magic From Overseas.

Bob Little

Magic From Overseas & Dealer
Magic From Overseas & Dealer

Overseas performer appearing in Wednesday's Magic From Overseas, also exhibiting as Guaranteed Magic — Bob Little (USA) in the Dealers' Magical Trade Fair.

Nick Janson

Outside Stunt — Sensational Space Rocket Escape
Outside Stunt — Sensational Space Rocket Escape

The Intrepid Escapologist, direct from successful Australian and New Zealand tours, presenting his Sensational Space Rocket Escape — A Space Odyssey including a Rocket Launch and Space Walk — on the Wish Tower Car Park, Grand Parade.

Will Ayling

Night Before Party (Organiser)
Night Before Party (Organiser)

Presents The Night Before Party incorporating Dealers' Close-Up on Tuesday evening.

Marc & Jayne

World of Magic — The Magic of Youth
World of Magic — The Magic of Youth

Wales's own magic stars, presenting The Magic of Youth in Saturday's Gala Show, World of Magic.

Mike Caveney

Star Lecture, World of Magic & International Close-Up
Star Lecture, World of Magic & International Close-Up

American 'Ideas' Man giving Friday's Star Lecture, an approach to comedy as fresh as tomorrow's headlines, presenting 'An Odd Sort' in Saturday's Gala Show, and appearing in Saturday's International Close-Up Magic, together with the History of Mystery seminar on 'Sawing Through: A Classic Illusion'.

Ricardo Fantasio

Star Lecture & World of Magic — King of Kanes and Kandles
Star Lecture & World of Magic — King of Kanes and Kandles

Famous South American Magician, introduced by Peter Scarlett for Saturday's Star Lecture 'Canes, Candles and More III', and presenting 'King of Kanes and Kandles' in Saturday's Gala Show.

Mark Raffles

World of Magic — with The Wychwoods
World of Magic — with The Wychwoods

Appears with The Wychwoods in Saturday's Gala Show, World of Magic.

The Harmonaires

World of Magic — Harmonicas in Concert
World of Magic — Harmonicas in Concert

Present Harmonicas in Concert in Saturday's Gala Show, World of Magic.

Gaston Dumont

World of Magic — Chaplinade Burlesque
World of Magic — Chaplinade Burlesque

The popular French Magic Paradist, presenting 'Chaplinade Burlesque' in Saturday's Gala Show, World of Magic.

Domenico Dante

World of Magic — First Time in England
World of Magic — First Time in England

From Italy, appearing for the first time in England in Saturday's Gala Show, World of Magic.

Jeffery Atkins

World of Magic — England's Premier Illusionist
World of Magic — England's Premier Illusionist

England's Premier Illusionist, presenting Illusions of the Masters with Company in Saturday's Gala Show, World of Magic.

Peter Heinz Kersten

World of Magic — Master of Ceremonies
World of Magic — Master of Ceremonies

Master of Ceremonies from Vienna for Saturday's Gala Show, World of Magic.

Paul Daniels

The Last Tango
The Last Tango

Appears, with Peter Warlock's friends, in Friday's afternoon of nostalgia, The Last Tango.

Ali Bongo

The Last Tango & Souvenir Programme Cover Design
The Last Tango & Souvenir Programme Cover Design

Appears in Friday's The Last Tango; designed the cover of this year's Souvenir Programme.

Alan Shaxon

The Last Tango & Musical and Magical Soiree
The Last Tango & Musical and Magical Soiree

Appears, with his wife, in Friday's The Last Tango and in Friday night's Musical and Magical Soiree.

Terry Seabrooke

The Last Tango
The Last Tango

Appears in Friday's afternoon of nostalgia, The Last Tango.

John Salisse

The Last Tango & Musical and Magical Soiree
The Last Tango & Musical and Magical Soiree

Appears in Friday's The Last Tango and in Friday night's Musical and Magical Soiree.

Bob Read

The Last Tango & History of Mystery
The Last Tango & History of Mystery

Appears in Friday's The Last Tango, and gives 'The Cups and Balls in 19th Century Graphic Art' at Saturday's Magic Collectors' Seminar.

David Hemingway

The Last Tango
The Last Tango

Appears in Friday's afternoon of nostalgia, The Last Tango.

Claude Perry

The Last Tango
The Last Tango

Appears in Friday's afternoon of nostalgia, The Last Tango.

Bobby Bernard

The Last Tango
The Last Tango

Appears in Friday's afternoon of nostalgia, The Last Tango.

Ron Betteridge

The Last Tango
The Last Tango

Appears in Friday's afternoon of nostalgia, The Last Tango.

Neil Roberts

The Last Tango & Stage Competition
The Last Tango & Stage Competition

Appears in Friday's The Last Tango; competes (Birmingham) in Thursday's Stage Competition for the New Silver British Ring Shield.

Michael Symes

The Last Tango
The Last Tango

Appears in Friday's afternoon of nostalgia, The Last Tango.

Richard Courtice

Musical and Magical Soiree
Musical and Magical Soiree

Appears in Friday night's Musical and Magical Soiree, following the Banquet.

Derek Lever

Night Before Party (Organiser) & Musical and Magical Soiree
Night Before Party (Organiser) & Musical and Magical Soiree

Organises Tuesday's Dealers' Close-Up for the Night Before Party, and appears in Friday night's Musical and Magical Soiree.

Alfred Gabriel

Musical and Magical Soiree & Musical Director
Musical and Magical Soiree & Musical Director

Appears, with his wife, in Friday night's Musical and Magical Soiree; Musical Director for Thursday's Stage Competition.

Don Robertson

Musical and Magical Soiree & Children's Showtime
Musical and Magical Soiree & Children's Showtime

Appears in Friday night's Musical and Magical Soiree, and presents his European Yo-Yo Championship skills at Saturday's Children's Showtime.

Michele Summers

Musical and Magical Soiree
Musical and Magical Soiree

Appears in Friday night's Musical and Magical Soiree, following the Banquet.

Tony Brooks

Children's Showtime — Wonderful Magic
Children's Showtime — Wonderful Magic

Presents Wonderful Magic at Saturday's Children's Showtime, and serves as Timekeeper for the Stage Competition.

Dennis Patten

Children's Showtime — Punch & Judy
Children's Showtime — Punch & Judy

Presents Punch & Judy at Saturday's Children's Showtime.

Jack Mayes

Star Lecture & Children's Showtime (Organiser)
Star Lecture & Children's Showtime (Organiser)

The Almost Famous Jack Mayes gives Thursday's Star Lecture on Entertaining Children, and arranges and presents Saturday's Children's Showtime, appearing with Hairy Harry, the Children's Favourite Larger Than Life Puppet.

Walt Lees

International Close-Up Magic
International Close-Up Magic

Amongst those performing in Saturday night's International Close-Up Magic, subject to commitments.

Stephen Tucker

International Close-Up Magic
International Close-Up Magic

Amongst those performing in Saturday night's International Close-Up Magic, subject to commitments.

Larry Becker

International Close-Up Magic
International Close-Up Magic

Amongst those performing in Saturday night's International Close-Up Magic, subject to commitments.

Your Convention Programme

What's On

Browse shows, lectures, competitions, workshops and social events day by day.

Tuesday 2 October 1984
20:00

Night Before Party

Social Will Ayling Winter Gardens Winter Garden Theatre
Will Ayling presents the Night Before Party, incorporating Dealers' Close-Up, organised by Derek Lever.
Wednesday 3 October 1984
09:30

Dealers' Magical Trade Fair Opens

Dealer Winter Gardens
Organised by Johnny Neptune, assisted by Bill Scott and Merson Grant. Open Wed–Sat 9.30–18.00 and Sunday 9.30–12.00. Entry by Convention Badge only.
11:00

Outside Stunt: Sensational Space Rocket Escape

Other Nick Janson Wish Tower Car Park
Nick Janson, The Intrepid Escapologist, direct from successful Australian and New Zealand tours, presents a Space Odyssey including a Rocket Launch and Space Walk.
14:30

Official Opening of the Convention

General Winter Gardens Winter Garden Theatre
The Convention is officially opened by the President, Brian Miller, in the presence of The Right Worshipful The Mayor & Mayoress of Eastbourne, Councillor & Mrs Leslie Mason.
14:50

Magic From Overseas

Show Winter Gardens Winter Garden Theatre
Introduced by Barry Miller: Turrini, Peter Presti, Menno Andro, Volker & Gert, Bob Little. At the organ Keith Hurford, at the drums Bernard McGovern.
20:00

Welcome to Overseas Visitors

Social Winter Gardens
Overseas Visitors requested to meet Mr Barry Laymond in the entrance to the Winter Gardens, prior to the Civic Reception.
20:30

Civic Reception, Ball & Cabaret

Social Winter Gardens Winter Garden Theatre
By kind invitation of the Mayor and Mayoress of Eastbourne, with the Introduction of Overseas Visitors, dancing to The Ricky Norman Band, cabaret with Tina Lennert ('The Sights of Silence') and The Great Fiasco, compere Harold Taylor, and Flag Bearers from the Blue Star Drum & Bugle Corps. Dress: Dinner Jacket or Dark Lounge Suit.
Thursday 4 October 1984
09:30

Dealers' Demonstration

Dealer Winter Gardens Winter Garden Theatre
A mammoth demonstration of the latest in magic from our dealer members, arranged by Johnny Neptune. Timekeeper: Doug Jones. Dealer Liaison and Stage Staff: Bill Scott, Arthur Setterington, David Haggarty, Eric McDonald, Paul Johnson, Merson Grant.
14:15

Star Lecture: Jack Mayes — Entertaining Children

Lecture Jack Mayes Winter Gardens Winter Garden Theatre
Peter Scarlett introduces The Almost Famous Jack Mayes, lecturing on Entertaining Children.
14:15
to 17:30

Hospital and Special Venue Shows

Other
Magic taken out to local schools, hospitals and residential homes across Eastbourne, organised by Les Nottle, including Lindfield Road School, Hazel Court School, Chaseley Home for Disabled Ex-Service Men, Age Concern pop-in club, the Social Centre for the Blind and All Saints Hospital. Smokey and his Clown Band visit some of the venues.
14:30

Ladies' Afternoon: Christmas Fantasy of Silk & Fresh Flowers

Social The Cavendish Hotel
Presented by Scotts of Eastbourne, 5 Gildredge Road, Eastbourne.
19:30

Competition for the New Silver British Ring Shield

Competition Winter Gardens Winter Garden Theatre
Organised and introduced by Alastair. Judges: Tommy Rowe (Chairman), Janet Clare, Geoffrey Buckingham, Les Nottle, Henk Vermeyden, Martin Batt (Eastbourne Conference Manager). Musical Director: Alfred Gabriel. Timekeeper: Tony Brooks. Stage Manager: John Palfreyman.
Friday 5 October 1984
09:30

Annual General Meeting & Election of Officers for 1984/5

Meeting Winter Gardens Winter Garden Theatre
Members Only Admitted. Printed Agenda and Copies of Accounts will be available.
11:30

Star Lecture: Mike Caveney — American 'Ideas' Man

Lecture Mike Caveney Winter Gardens Winter Garden Theatre
Peter Scarlett introduces Mike Caveney, an approach to comedy as fresh as tomorrow's headlines.
14:15

Presentation of the British Ring Shield and Other Trophies

General Congress Theatre
Presentation by the President.
14:30

The Last Tango

Show Congress Theatre
Peter Warlock makes his final bow with an afternoon of nostalgia, thanking his friends: Paul Daniels, Ali Bongo, Alan Shaxon, Terry Seabrooke, John Salisse, Bob Read, David Hemingway, Claude Perry, Bobby Bernard, Ron Betteridge, Neil Roberts and Michael Symes. Music: Keith Hurford (organ) and Bernard McGovern (drums). Party Idea and Set: Elizabeth Warlock and Alan Kennaugh. Stage Management: Barry Miller, Ron Langhorn, Peter Laing and Mark Sanders.
19:00
to 19:30

Convention Banquet

Social Winter Gardens Winter Garden Theatre
Menu: Cream of Asparagus Soup, Roast Turkey with all the trimmings, Black Forest Gateau and Cream, Coffee. Toast List: The Queen (proposed by President Brian Miller); The Borough of Eastbourne (proposed by Cliff Townsend, response by the Mayor); The British Ring (proposed by Don Wiberg, International President I.B.M., response by the President, who also proposes the toast to The Ladies and Visitors, response by Elizabeth Warlock). Toastmaster: Paul Ducaine.
22:30

Musical and Magical Soiree

Show Congress Theatre
Mr Geoffrey Robinson presents a Musical and Magical Soiree following upon the Banquet, with Richard Courtice, Derek Lever, John Salisse, Mr and Mrs Alfred Gabriel, Don Robertson and Mr and Mrs Alan Shaxon, together with Miss Michele Summers. Musical selections by Keith Hurford (pianoforte) and Bernard McGovern (percussion). Performance to conclude at approximately 11.45pm.
Saturday 6 October 1984
09:30

The Eddie Dexter Welfare Stand

Social The Cavendish Hotel
Cynthia Neptune and her helpers look forward to meeting all Conventioneers, with novelties, gifts, raffles, competitions and prizes. The Grand Auction of unsold gifts and pre-used magical apparatus, books, magazines and memorabilia takes place at Saturday mid-day (approximately).
10:30

Children's Showtime

Show Jack Mayes Devonshire Park Theatre
Arranged and presented by Jack Mayes, Compere Richard Stupple: Tony Brooks (Wonderful Magic), Punch & Judy presented by Dennis Patten, Magic of the Marjo's, Don Robertson (The European Yo-Yo Champion), Hairy Harry the Children's Favourite Larger Than Life Puppet with the Almost Famous Jack Mayes, and The I.B.M. Clowns. Stage Manager: John Palfreyman.
11:00

Star Lecture: Fantasio — Canes, Candles and More III

Lecture Ricardo Fantasio Winter Gardens Winter Garden Theatre
An entirely new lecture by the famous South American magician, introduced by Peter Scarlett.
11:00

Cocktail Party for Overseas Visitors

Social The Town Hall
Given by the Mayor of Eastbourne, Mr Councillor Leslie Mason.
14:00

Close-Up Competition for the Zina Bennett Trophy

Competition Winter Gardens Gold Room
Arranged by Mike Gancia, for the Zina Bennett Trophy. Judges: Rex Reader (Chairman), Peter Scarlett, Alf Smith, David Wright (Australia), A.N. Other. Timekeeper: Doug Jones.
14:00

More History of Mystery — The Magic Collectors' Seminar

Other The Cavendish Hotel
Organised and chaired by Eddie Dawes. Speakers: Arthur Setterington on The Great Lafayette, Bob Read on The Cups and Balls in 19th Century Graphic Art, and Mike Caveney on Sawing Through: A Classic Illusion.
17:30
to 20:30

World of Magic

Gala Congress Theatre
The International Brotherhood of Magicians British Ring No.25 presents World of Magic, arranged and presented by the late Wm. G. Stickland, M.B.E. Stage Director: Barry Miller. Stage Manager: Ron Langhorn. Assistant Stage Managers: Mark Sanders and Peter Laing. Programme: Overture, with Keith Hurford at the organ and Bernard McGovern at the drums; Master of Ceremonies Peter Heinz Kersten (Vienna); Marc & Jayne, Wales's Own Magic Stars (The Magic of Youth); Mike Caveney from America (An Odd Sort); Ricardo Fantasio, International South American (King of Kanes and Kandles); Mark Raffles with The Wychwoods; Intermission; The Harmonaires (Harmonicas in Concert); Gaston Dumont, the Popular French Magic Paradist (Chaplinade Burlesque); Domenico Dante from Italy (First Time in England); Jeffery Atkins and Company, England's Premier Illusionist (Illusions of the Masters). The taking of photographs during the performance is strictly forbidden; the programme is subject to alteration.
23:30

International Close-Up Magic

Other Winter Gardens Gold Room
Presented by Mike Gancia. Amongst those performing, subject to commitments: Walt Lees, Stephen Tucker, Mike Caveney, Larry Becker.
Sunday 7 October 1984
10:45

Convention Service

Other Winter Gardens Gold Room
Conducted by Ringer The Reverend Michael Seacome M.A., A.R.C.M., Official Chaplain to the British Ring. The Service will be undenominational, with a silver collection for the Welfare Fund.
11:45

Cocktail Party, Installation & Close of Convention

Social Winter Gardens
Ted and Rene Whebell welcome you to a Cocktail Party and the Installation of the New President, who will close the Convention.
British Ring Competitions

Competition Programme

Competition information, entry details, rules, timings and locations.

Dealers Trophy

Other 3 October 1984 Winter Gardens

Organised by Johnny Neptune, assisted by Bill Scott and Merson Grant. Awarded to the Dealer presenting the most attractive display at the Dealers' Magical Trade Fair. Present holders: International Magic Studio.

Competition details & rules

Judged by Gil Leaney of Eastbourne, with the adjudication taking place at approximately 17.00 on Wednesday.

Close-Up Competition for the Zina Bennett Trophy

Close Up 6 October 1984 14:00 Winter Gardens Gold Room

Arranged by Mike Gancia. Judges: Rex Reader (Chairman), Peter Scarlett, Alf Smith, David Wright (Australia), A.N. Other. Timekeeper: Doug Jones.

Competition details & rules

1st Place — the Zina Bennett Trophy plus Cash Prize. 2nd Place — Cash Prize. 3rd Place — Cash Prize.

Competition for the New Silver British Ring Shield

Stage 4 October 1984 19:30 Winter Gardens Winter Garden Theatre

Organised and introduced by Alastair. Competitors (alphabetical order): David Baxter and Alison (Leicester), Robin Carr and Caroline (Bletchingley), George and Jean (Canterbury), Bob Hayden (Southampton), Hoponn and Popoff (London), Max Jacobson (Manchester), Richard Kyall and Joanna (Harwich), Randini V (Isle of Wight), Joy Rissen (King's Lynn), Neil Roberts (Birmingham), Tony Ryder (Leicester), Jeremy Stuart (Margate), John Stuart (Hove), David Tomkins and Friends (Luton). The actual running order was posted on all Notice Boards. Judges: Tommy Rowe (Chairman), Janet Clare, Geoffrey Buckingham, Les Nottle, Henk Vermeyden, Martin Batt (Eastbourne Conference Manager). Musical Director: Alfred Gabriel. Timekeeper: Tony Brooks. Stage Manager: John Palfreyman.

Competition details & rules

1. THE NEW SILVER BRITISH RING SHIELD and Cash Prize — awarded for the most entertaining magic act, held for one year. 2. THE CONVENTIONEERS TROPHY — the greatest originality shown in effect, method or presentation, held for one year. 3. THE CRAIG TROPHY — for the performance by a lady magician who, in the opinion of the judges, is worthy of this prize, held for one year. THEO SPEAKER CUP and Cash Prize for the runner-up. THIRD PRIZE — Cash Prize and Silver Wand presented by Alastair. TOM HARRIS CUP (Comedy), donated by Tom Harris, together with Cash Prize. DITTIA SHIELD (Manipulation). No competitor's act may exceed ten minutes; a yellow warning light comes on at nine minutes and a red light at ten, with automatic disqualification for exceeding ten and a half minutes. A previous Shield winner may not enter with the same act.

Dealer Exhibition

Meet the Dealers

Discover the dealers, creators and magical suppliers attending the convention.

Ace Place Magic

Banshee Magic (Eire)

Martin Breese Ltd

Camtryx (Magic) Ltd

Mike Caveney (USA)

Dante (Italy)

Electron Magic

Fantasio (USA)

Goodliffe Publications

Guaranteed Magic — Bob Little (USA)

David Hemingway

Hocus Pocus Magic Co

International Magic Studio

Hamilton Kaye & Co

Kovari Magic Productions Ltd

K.R. (Krazy Rabbit) Professional Magic

Walt Lees (Magico) Publishing

Mark Leveridge Magic

Cliff Lount's Bradford Magic Studio

Luna Magic Co

M & M Enterprises

McGee Magic

Elizabeth McMillan — Bookseller

The Magic Hands (Germany)

Magic Books By Post

Magictrix House of Magic

Tom Owen (Universal Magic)

Petrick & Mia

Playtime Balloons

Practical Magic

Presto Magic

Mark Raffles

R.A.R. Magic

Repro Magic

Joe Riding

Eric Sharp's Entertainments Ltd

Patrick Page (T-A-T)

Taurus Magic Supply Co

Miss Terry Magic Studio

Terry & Norma

Timmerman Magic Productions (Holland)

Alan Warner (Mini-Magic)

The British Ring Sales

Getting Around

Convention Venues

Find the buildings, halls, theatres and rooms used throughout the convention.

Main Venue

Winter Gardens

Compton Street, Eastbourne

Winter Garden Theatre
Gold Room
Gala

Congress Theatre

Compton Street, Eastbourne

Hotel

The Cavendish Hotel

Grand Parade, Eastbourne

Other

Devonshire Park Theatre

Eastbourne

Other

Wish Tower Car Park

Grand Parade, Eastbourne

Social

The Town Hall

Eastbourne

Competition Results

Convention Winners

Celebrating the performers recognised through the British Ring competition programme.

David Tomkins

Conventioneers Trophy — Originality

Competition for the New Silver British Ring Shield

Neil Roberts

Dittia Shield — Manipulation

Competition for the New Silver British Ring Shield

Not awarded

Tom Harris Cup — Comedy

Competition for the New Silver British Ring Shield

Not awarded

Mystic Craig Ladies Trophy

Competition for the New Silver British Ring Shield

Eddy Smit

1st Place — Zina Bennett Trophy

Close-Up Competition for the Zina Bennett Trophy

Magic Hands

Dealers Trophy — Best Stand

Dealers Trophy

Richard Kyall & Joanna

1st Place — British Ring Trophy

Competition for the New Silver British Ring Shield

Hopoon & Popoff (Johnny & Clare Maire)

2nd Place — Theo Speaker Cup

Competition for the New Silver British Ring Shield

Janet Clare

2nd Place

Close-Up Competition for the Zina Bennett Trophy

Kevin Kay

3rd Place

Close-Up Competition for the Zina Bennett Trophy

Neil Roberts

3rd Place — Alastair Wand

Competition for the New Silver British Ring Shield

Explore More British Ring Conventions

This page remains part of the permanent British Ring convention archive. Explore upcoming conventions and discover more from the history of British magic.

View All Conventions