I.B.M. British Ring 56th Annual Convention
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I.B.M. British Ring 56th Annual Convention

The 56th Annual Convention of I.B.M. British Ring No.25, held in Eastbourne — six days of Star Lectures, the Competition for the New Silver British Ring Shield Awards, the Close-Up Competition for the Zina Bennett Trophy, and International Magic.

Eastbourne, East Sussex
From the Convention Archive

Welcome to I.B.M. British Ring 56th Annual Convention

The 56th Annual Convention of I.B.M. British Ring No.25 takes place 29th September – 4th October 1992 at the Congress Theatre, Eastbourne, with further events in the Floral Hall, the Gold Room, the Cavendish Hotel, the Congress Restaurant, the Devonshire Park Theatre and the Exhibition Hall adjacent to the Winter Garden. The week brings together international performers for Star Lectures, the Dealers’ Magical Trade Fair, the Close-Up Competition for the Zina Bennett Trophy, the Competition for the New Silver British Ring Shield Awards, Children’s Showtime, the Convention Banquet, International Close-Up, More History of Mystery, The Late Late Gala and International Magic — the Gala Show.

Convention Line-up

Meet the Artists

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

Finn Jon

First Star Lecture & International Close-Up
First Star Lecture & International Close-Up

Presents the First Star Lecture (introduced by Peter Scarlett) and appears in International Close-Up, introduced by Mike Gancia. Billed in the programme as both ‘Finn John’ and ‘Finn Jon’.

Howard Peters

Outside Stunt — Cheating The Harpoon Guns
Outside Stunt — Cheating The Harpoon Guns

Presents his ‘Daring & Sensational Escape’, ‘Cheating The Harpoon Guns’, on the Wish Tower Slopes.

Hank Moorehouse

Official Opening — Introducer
Official Opening — Introducer

Introduces ‘Let The Magic Commence’ at the Official Opening of the 1992 Convention.

Andrew Huges

Let The Magic Commence
Let The Magic Commence

Appears in ‘Let The Magic Commence’ at the Official Opening of the Convention.

Marcom

Let The Magic Commence
Let The Magic Commence

Appears in ‘Let The Magic Commence’ at the Official Opening of the Convention.

Peter Scarlett & Ilona

Let The Magic Commence & Star Lecture Introducer
Let The Magic Commence & Star Lecture Introducer

Appear in ‘Let The Magic Commence’ at the Official Opening; Peter Scarlett also introduces several of the week's Star Lectures, including Fantasio and David Hemingway.

Terry Seabrooke

Let The Magic Commence & Magic of the Palladium
Let The Magic Commence & Magic of the Palladium

Appears in ‘Let The Magic Commence’ at the Official Opening and in Eddie Dawes’ ‘Magic of the Palladium’.

Bob Wooding

Let The Magic Commence & Star Lecture
Let The Magic Commence & Star Lecture

Appears in ‘Let The Magic Commence’ at the Official Opening, and returns on Saturday for his Star Lecture, ‘Expanding on Balloons’.

Dave Cass

Musical Director — At the Keyboard
Musical Director — At the Keyboard

Provides music throughout Convention week, including the Official Opening, the Civic Reception Ball & Cabaret, the Stage Competition, the Convention Banquet, The Late Late Gala and International Magic.

Fantasio

Star Lecture & International Magic
Star Lecture & International Magic

Presents a Star Lecture, introduced by Peter Scarlett, and appears in International Magic on Saturday night with ‘Faultless Manipulation’.

Mike Gancia

Cabaret & International Close-Up — Introducer
Cabaret & International Close-Up — Introducer

Introduces the cabaret at the Civic Reception Ball on Wednesday and the International Close-Up show on Friday, and co-arranges the Close-Up Competition for the Zina Bennett Trophy with Janet Clare.

“Satori”

Civic Reception Cabaret
Civic Reception Cabaret

Introduced by Mike Gancia for the Civic Reception Ball & Cabaret — ‘Unbelievable but true!’

Tensai

Civic Reception Cabaret — Magic from the Far East
Civic Reception Cabaret — Magic from the Far East

Appears in the Civic Reception Ball & Cabaret, introduced by Mike Gancia.

Marvyn Roy (“Mr Electric”) & Carol

Star Lecture & International Magic
Star Lecture & International Magic

Presents the Star Lecture ‘Forty Years of Professional Knowledge in Sixty Minutes’, introduced by Jeffery Atkins, and appears with Carol in International Magic on Saturday — ‘In all the world the only one’. Also a Judge for the Stage Competition.

Jeffery Atkins

Star Lecture Introducer & Programme Co-ordinator
Star Lecture Introducer & Programme Co-ordinator

Introduces the Star Lecture from Marvyn Roy, and arranges and presents International Magic together with Ali Bongo.

Ali Bongo

International Magic — Co-Presenter
International Magic — Co-Presenter

Arranges and presents International Magic together with Jeffery Atkins, and designed the Souvenir Programme cover.

Howard Franklin

Ladies’ Afternoon — The Magic of Flowers
Ladies’ Afternoon — The Magic of Flowers

S.F. Dip., N.J. Dip., FRHS. Flower Demonstrator to Royalty, as seen every week for three years on B.B.C. Pebble Mill, presents ‘The Magic of Flowers’ for the Ladies’ Afternoon.

John Palfreyman

Stage Competition Organiser & Chief Steward
Stage Competition Organiser & Chief Steward

Organises the Competition for the New Silver British Ring Shield Awards, and serves as the (‘very retiring’) Chief Steward for the Convention.

Eddie Dawes

Magic of the Palladium, More History of Mystery & Chairman of the Judges
Magic of the Palladium, More History of Mystery & Chairman of the Judges

Presents ‘Magic of the Palladium’ on Friday, organises and chairs ‘More History of Mystery’ — the Magic Collectors’ Seminar — on Saturday, and is Chairman of the Judges for the Stage Competition.

Stan Allen

Inside Magic — Live!, Compere & The Late Late Gala
Inside Magic — Live!, Compere & The Late Late Gala

Presents the panel discussion ‘Inside Magic – Live!’, compered International Magic on Saturday night, and appears in The Late Late Gala, introduced by John Styles. Also a Judge for the Stage Competition.

Richard Stupple

Star Lecture Introducer & Judge
Star Lecture Introducer & Judge

Introduces the Star Lectures from Henk Dreissen and Bob Wooding, and is a Judge for the Stage Competition.

Henk Dreissen

Star Lecture — My Magic for Children
Star Lecture — My Magic for Children

Presents his Star Lecture ‘My Magic for Children’, introduced by Richard Stupple.

Rovi

Meet Your Friends & Close-Up Sessions
Meet Your Friends & Close-Up Sessions

Presents close-up magic assisted by Terry Jones & Friends at ‘Meet Your Friends’ on Tuesday evening, and arranges the nightly Close-Up Sessions at the Lansdowne Hotel.

Terry Jones

Meet Your Friends
Meet Your Friends

Assists Rovi and Friends with close-up magic at tables during ‘Meet Your Friends’ on Tuesday evening.

Alexander De Cova

International Close-Up & International Magic
International Close-Up & International Magic

Appears in International Close-Up on Friday and in International Magic on Saturday night — ‘Magical Prize Winner’.

Francis Tabary

International Close-Up, International Magic & Special Star Lecture
International Close-Up, International Magic & Special Star Lecture

Appears in International Close-Up on Friday and in International Magic on Saturday — ‘and his incredible rope’ — and closes the Convention on Sunday with a Special Star Lecture on ‘Ropes’, introduced by Bob Hayden.

Mike Shelley

International Close-Up & Star Lecture
International Close-Up & Star Lecture

Appears in International Close-Up on Friday and presents a Star Lecture, ‘Magical Mysteries’, on Saturday, introduced by Duncan Fletcher.

Timothy Wenk

International Close-Up
International Close-Up

Appears in International Close-Up on Friday, introduced by Mike Gancia.

Neil Roberts

Magic of the Palladium
Magic of the Palladium

Appears in Eddie Dawes’ ‘Magic of the Palladium’, assisted by Moira Colvan & Simon Lee.

Patrick Page

Magic of the Palladium & More History of Mystery
Magic of the Palladium & More History of Mystery

Appears in ‘Magic of the Palladium’ on Friday, and presents ‘The Martin I Knew’ for ‘More History of Mystery’ on Saturday.

Harold Taylor

Magic of the Palladium
Magic of the Palladium

Appears in Eddie Dawes’ ‘Magic of the Palladium’.

Christopher Woodward

Magic of the Palladium & More History of Mystery
Magic of the Palladium & More History of Mystery

Appears in ‘Magic of the Palladium’ on Friday (billed as Christopher Woodward), and presents ‘The Amazing Fogel’ for ‘More History of Mystery’ on Saturday (billed as Christopher Woodard).

Geoffrey Durham

Magic of the Palladium
Magic of the Palladium

Appears in Eddie Dawes’ ‘Magic of the Palladium’.

Geoff Ray and Pat

President — Magic of the Palladium
President — Magic of the Palladium

President of British Ring No. 25, Geoff Ray, appears with Pat in ‘Magic of the Palladium’, and officially opens the 1992 Convention.

Ron Langhorn

Stage Direction
Stage Direction

Stage Director for ‘Magic of the Palladium’ and for International Magic.

John Styles

The Late Late Gala — Introducer
The Late Late Gala — Introducer

Introduces The Late Late Gala, following the Presentation of Awards on Friday night.

Pol Pollux

The Late Late Gala
The Late Late Gala

Appears in The Late Late Gala, introduced by John Styles.

Rolf Rolsn & Fredini

The Late Late Gala
The Late Late Gala

Appear in The Late Late Gala, introduced by John Styles.

Shaun Yee

The Late Late Gala & Dealer
The Late Late Gala & Dealer

Appears in The Late Late Gala, introduced by John Styles, and also holds a stand at the Dealers’ Magical Trade Fair.

Duncan Fletcher

Star Lecture Introducer
Star Lecture Introducer

Introduces the Saturday Star Lecture from Mike Shelley, ‘Magical Mysteries’.

Roy Gilbert (Royston)

Children’s Showtime — Presenter
Children’s Showtime — Presenter

Presents Children’s Showtime at the Devonshire Park Theatre.

Len Blease

Children’s Showtime — Compere
Children’s Showtime — Compere

Compere for Children’s Showtime, introducing the acts.

Julie Llusion

Children’s Showtime
Children’s Showtime

Appears in Children’s Showtime, introduced by Len Blease.

Brian Lee

Children’s Showtime
Children’s Showtime

Appears in Children’s Showtime, introduced by Len Blease.

The I.B.M. Clowns

Children’s Showtime
Children’s Showtime

Streaky, Clivo, Jeanie, Sparky, Taffy & Zeeco appear in Children’s Showtime.

‘Professor John Alexander’

Children’s Showtime
Children’s Showtime

Appears in Children’s Showtime, introduced by Len Blease.

Aquarius

Children’s Showtime
Children’s Showtime

Appears in Children’s Showtime, introduced by Len Blease.

David Hemingway

Star Lecture — Designedillusions
Star Lecture — Designedillusions

Presents his Star Lecture ‘Designedillusions & Designdelusions...’, introduced by Peter Scarlett.

Frank Koval

More History of Mystery
More History of Mystery

Presents ‘Houdini — His Meteoric Career in Scotland’ for ‘More History of Mystery’.

Bob Hayden

Special Star Lecture — Introducer
Special Star Lecture — Introducer

Introduces the closing Special Star Lecture from Francis Tabary, ‘Ropes’.

The Revd. Michael Austin

Convention Service
Convention Service

Official Chaplain to the British Ring, conducts the undenominational Convention Service on Sunday.

Terry Herbert

Incoming President & Overseas Visitors Escort
Incoming President & Overseas Visitors Escort

Installed as the new President of the British Ring on Sunday, arranged by Ted and Rene Whebell; also escorts Overseas Visitors by bus to the Mayor’s Reception on Saturday.

Keith Fields

Oh no! Not another load of Cabbages?
Oh no! Not another load of Cabbages?

Appears in the late-night event ‘Oh no! Not another load of Cabbages?’ with Steve Mills, Jack Delvin and Friends.

Steve Mills

Oh no! Not another load of Cabbages?
Oh no! Not another load of Cabbages?

Appears in the late-night event ‘Oh no! Not another load of Cabbages?’ with Keith Fields, Jack Delvin and Friends.

Jack Delvin

Oh no! Not another load of Cabbages?
Oh no! Not another load of Cabbages?

Appears in the late-night event ‘Oh no! Not another load of Cabbages?’ with Keith Fields, Steve Mills and Friends.

VIKJ & Company

International Magic — The Magic of Italy
International Magic — The Magic of Italy

Appears in International Magic on Saturday night.

Marc et Chantel

International Magic — Fascination Magic
International Magic — Fascination Magic

Appears in International Magic on Saturday night.

Carl Dean & Claudine

International Magic — Sophisticated Magic
International Magic — Sophisticated Magic

Appears in International Magic on Saturday night.

Richard Cadel & Company

International Magic — Sensational Young British Illusionist
International Magic — Sensational Young British Illusionist

Closes International Magic on Saturday night.

Georgina

International Magic — Elegance in Magic
International Magic — Elegance in Magic

Appears in International Magic on Saturday night.

‘Top Hat’ The Clown

International Magic — Welcome
International Magic — Welcome

Welcomes the audience to the theatre for International Magic on Saturday night.

Janet Clare

Close-Up Competition Co-Organiser
Close-Up Competition Co-Organiser

Co-arranges the Close-Up Competition for the Zina Bennett Trophy together with Mike Gancia.

Cynthia Neptune

Eddie Dexter Welfare Stand
Eddie Dexter Welfare Stand

Runs the Eddie Dexter Welfare Stand with her helpers, with gifts, novelties, raffles and competitions in aid of the Benevolent Fund, including the auction of unsold goods and pre-used magical apparatus, books and memorabilia on Saturday.

Helene Strachan

Tombola Stand
Tombola Stand

Runs the Tombola Stand with her helpers, in aid of the Benevolent Fund.

Les Nottle

Hospital & Special Venue Shows — Organiser
Hospital & Special Venue Shows — Organiser

Organises the Hospital & Special Venue Shows, taking magic out to hospitals, schools and care organisations across Eastbourne.

Your Convention Programme

What's On

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

Tuesday 29 September 1992
20:00

Meet Your Friends — Close-Up Magic

Social Rovi The Floral Hall
Watch close-up magic from Rovi, assisted by Terry Jones & Friends, who will be happy to amaze conventioneers at their tables on request. Those who have registered by post may collect their registrations during the evening.
Wednesday 30 September 1992
09:30

Dealers’ Magical Trade Fair Opens

Dealer Exhibition Hall
Arranged by Tony Shelley, held in the Exhibition Hall adjacent to the Winter Garden. Wednesday 9.30–17.30; Thursday 9.30–17.30; Friday 10.30–17.00; Saturday 9.30–17.30; Sunday 9.30–12.00. The Craig Trophy will be awarded to the Dealer presenting the most attractive display. Entrance by Convention badge only.
09:45

Dealers’ Demonstration

General The Floral Hall
Arranged by Tony Shelley: a chance to see a sample of the items on sale in the Dealers’ Hall.
11:00

First Star Lecture: Finn John (Norway)

Lecture Finn Jon The Floral Hall
Introduced by Peter Scarlett.
12:15

Outside Stunt: Howard Peters — Cheating The Harpoon Guns

Other Howard Peters Wish Tower Slopes
Howard Peters presents his Daring & Sensational Escape.
14:30

Official Opening of the 1992 Convention & “Let The Magic Commence”

Show Hank Moorehouse Congress Theatre
Official Opening of the 1992 Convention by the President, Geoff Ray Esq, in the presence of His Worshipful the Mayor of Eastbourne, Councillor Maurice Skilton, followed by “Let The Magic Commence”, introduced by Hank Moorehouse, with Andrew Huges, Marcom, Peter Scarlett & Ilona, Terry Seabrooke and Bob Wooding. At the keyboard: Dave Cass.
16:30

Star Lecture: Fantasio (Argentina)

Lecture Fantasio Congress Theatre
Introduced by Peter Scarlett.
20:00

Welcome to Overseas Visitors

Social The Floral Hall
Overseas Visitors are requested to meet Mr Barry Laymond in the entrance to the Floral Hall, prior to the Civic Reception.
20:30

Civic Reception Ball & Cabaret

Social Mike Gancia The Floral Hall
By kind invitation of the Mayor and Mayoress of Eastbourne, Councillor Maurice Skilton and Mrs Lindy Coppock, who together with the President of the British Ring will receive the Overseas Visitors. Dancing to Sounds Easy; cabaret introduced by Mike Gancia with “Satori” and Tensai (“Magic from the Far East”). Flagbearers: pupils of The Sussex School of Dance. Dress: Dinner Jacket or Dark Lounge Suit. The Tombola Stand, run by Helene Strachan and helpers, is open in aid of the Benevolent Fund.
Thursday 1 October 1992
09:30

Dealers’ Demonstrations

General The Floral Hall
Arranged by Tony Shelley.
11:00

Close-Up Competition for the Zina Bennett Trophy

Competition The Floral Hall
Arranged by Janet Clare & Mike Gancia. Chairman of the Judges: Tony Shelley.
13:45

Hospital & Special Venue Shows

Other Les Nottle
Organised by Les Nottle, taking magic out to hospitals, schools and care organisations across Eastbourne on Wednesday evening and Thursday afternoon, including The Downs School, Hazel Court School, Chasley Home for the Disabled, Age Concern, All Saints Hospital, the Social Centre (Longstone Road), Eastbourne General Hospital and the Palm Court Hotel. I.B.M. Clowns — Reg Allen, The Rann Family, Sheila, Des Collora, Lightning, Streaky etc. — visit some of the venues.
14:15

Star Lecture: Marvyn Roy — “Mr Electric”

Lecture Marvyn Roy (“Mr Electric”) & Carol The Floral Hall
Introduced by Jeffery Atkins. “Forty Years of Professional Knowledge in Sixty Minutes.”
14:30

Ladies’ Afternoon: The Magic of Flowers

Social Howard Franklin The Gold Room
The British Ring Ladies’ Committee present a demonstration by Howard Franklin S.F. Dip., N.J. Dip., FRHS, Flower Demonstrator to Royalty, as seen every week for three years on B.B.C. Pebble Mill — “The Magic of Flowers”. Arrangements for sale afterwards, including Christmas items. Followed by Afternoon Tea and Raffle.
19:30

Competition for the New Silver British Ring Shield Awards

Competition Congress Theatre
Organised by John Palfreyman. Chairman of the Judges: Eddie Dawes. Followed by the announcement of results.
Friday 2 October 1992
09:15

Annual General Meeting & Election of Officers for 1992/93

Meeting The Floral Hall
Members only admitted. Printed Agenda and Copies of Accounts available. The ballot box was at the Reception Desk until 15.00 hours on Thursday 1st October.
10:45

Star Lecture: Henk Dreissen (Holland)

Lecture Henk Dreissen The Floral Hall
Introduced by Richard Stupple. “My Magic for Children.”
12:00

International Close-Up

Other Mike Gancia The Floral Hall
Mike Gancia introduces Alexander De Cova (Germany), Francis Tabary (France), Mike Shelley (U.S.A.), Timothy Wenk (U.S.A.) and Finn Jon (Norway).
14:15

Eddie Dawes presents “Magic of the Palladium”

Show Eddie Dawes Congress Theatre
Recollections of Magic and the Magicians who have appeared at the Greatest Variety Theatre in the World, featuring Neil Roberts (assisted by Moira Colvan & Simon Lee), Patrick Page, Harold Taylor, Christopher Woodward, Terry Seabrooke, Geoffrey Durham, and Geoff Ray and Pat. Supported by the music of Dave Cass. Stage Direction by Ron Langhorn.
16:30

“Inside Magic – Live!” — A Panel Discussion

Other Stan Allen The Floral Hall
Presented by Stan Allen.
18:00
to 18:30

Convention Banquet

Social The Gold Room
Menu: Prawn Cocktail; Cream of Asparagus Soup; Roast Leg of Lamb with Redcurrant Jelly, Roast Potatoes, Garden Peas and Carrots; Sherry Trifle; Coffee & Mints. Toast List: The Queen, proposed by The President, Mr Geoff Ray. The Borough of Eastbourne, proposed by Mr John Palfreyman, response by His Worship The Mayor of Eastbourne, Councillor Maurice Skilton. The British Ring, proposed by Mr Jim Nagel, International President I.B.M., response by The President, Mr Geoff Ray, who will also propose the toast to The Ladies and Visitors, response by Miss Janet Clare. Toast Master: Mr John Pye. Dress: Dinner Jacket or Dark Lounge Suit.
21:45

Presentation of Awards & The Late Late Gala

Gala John Styles Congress Theatre
The Presentation of Awards by the President, Geoff Ray Esq, followed by The Late Late Gala, in which John Styles introduces Stan Allen, Alexander De Cova, Pol Pollux, Rolf Rolsn & Fredini, and Shaun Yee. Dave Cass at the keyboard. Doors open 21.00 hours.
22:30

Close-Up Sessions

Other Rovi The Lansdowne Hotel
Arranged by Rovi, held nightly at the Lansdowne Hotel after programmed events.
Saturday 3 October 1992
09:15

Star Lecture: Mike Shelley (U.S.A.)

Lecture Mike Shelley Congress Theatre
Introduced by Duncan Fletcher. “Magical Mysteries.”
10:30

Children’s Showtime

Show Roy Gilbert (Royston) Devonshire Park Theatre
Presented by Roy Gilbert (Royston). Compere Len Blease introduces Julie Llusion, Brian Lee, The I.B.M. Clowns (Streaky, Clivo, Jeanie, Sparky, Taffy & Zeeco), ‘Professor John Alexander’ and Aquarius. Stage Management: Alison Riley & George Colvan. All seats £1.50.
11:00

Star Lecture: David Hemingway

Lecture David Hemingway The Cavendish Hotel
Introduced by Peter Scarlett. “Designedillusions & Designdelusions...”
11:00

Reception by His Worship The Mayor of Eastbourne

Social Terry Herbert Old Town Hall
For Overseas Visitors. Tickets are required for this event. Conventioneers assemble in the Congress Theatre Foyer at 10.35 hours, when Terry Herbert will escort delegates by bus.
14:15

More History of Mystery — The Magic Collectors’ Seminar

Other Eddie Dawes The Cavendish Hotel
Organised and chaired by Eddie Dawes, with contributions from Christopher Woodard (“The Amazing Fogel”), Frank Koval (“Houdini — His Meteoric Career in Scotland”) and Patrick Page (“The Martin I Knew”).
14:30

Star Lecture: Richard Stupple introduces Bob Wooding

Lecture Bob Wooding The Congress Restaurant
“Expanding on Balloons.” The Magical Trade Fair remains open until 17.30 hours for last-minute purchases.
18:00

International Magic

Gala ‘Top Hat’ The Clown Congress Theatre
Presented by British Ring No. 25, in two houses at 18.00 and 21.00 hours. The programme arranged and presented by Jeffery Atkins and Ali Bongo, Stage Director Ron Langhorn, Assistant Stage Managers Peter Laing, Neil Roberts & Jon Tucker. Welcomed to the theatre by ‘Top Hat’ the Clown (Germany). Overture by Dave Cass. Compere: Stan Allen (U.S.A.). First half: George and Jorgos — ‘Cinema to Life’ (Greece); Fantasio — ‘Faultless Manipulation’ (Argentina); Alexander De Cova — ‘Magical Prize Winner’ (Germany); Georgina — ‘Elegance in Magic’ (England); Mr Electric & Carol — ‘In all the world the only one’ (U.S.A.). Second half: VIKJ & Company — ‘The Magic of Italy’; Finn Jon — ‘Unusual Norwegian Magician’; Marc et Chantel — ‘Fascination Magic’ (Germany); Carl Dean & Claudine — ‘Sophisticated Magic’ (England); Francis Tabary — ‘and his incredible rope’ (France); Richard Cadel & Company — ‘Sensational young British illusionist’. The taking of photographs and videos during the performance is strictly forbidden. The Programme is subject to alteration.
23:30

“Oh no! Not another load of Cabbages?”

Other Keith Fields The Gold Room
Keith Fields, Steve Mills, Jack Delvin and Friends.
Sunday 4 October 1992
09:30

Special Star Lecture: Francis Tabary

Lecture Francis Tabary The Gold Room
Bob Hayden introduces Francis Tabary, who will discourse on ‘Ropes’. Don’t miss this one!
11:00

Convention Service

Social The Revd. Michael Austin The Gold Room
Conducted by the Revd. Michael Austin, Official Chaplain to the British Ring. The Service will be undenominational. Silver collection for the Welfare Fund.
11:45

Installation of our New President: Terry Herbert

Social Terry Herbert The Floral Hall
Followed by a Cocktail Party, after which the President will close the Convention. Arranged by Ted and Rene Whebell.
Learn From the Artists

Convention Lectures

Explore the lectures and specialist sessions in the programme.

First Star Lecture

Introduced by Peter Scarlett.

Star Lecture

Introduced by Peter Scarlett.

Star Lecture

“Mr Electric” — Forty Years of Professional Knowledge in Sixty Minutes

Introduced by Jeffery Atkins.

Star Lecture

My Magic for Children

Introduced by Richard Stupple.

Star Lecture

Magical Mysteries

Introduced by Duncan Fletcher.

Star Lecture

Designedillusions & Designdelusions...

Introduced by Peter Scarlett.

Star Lecture

Expanding on Balloons

Introduced by Richard Stupple.

Special Star Lecture

Ropes

Introduced by Bob Hayden. “Don’t miss this one!”

British Ring Competitions

Competition Programme

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

Competition for the New Silver British Ring Shield Awards

Competition Organiser: John Palfreyman. Stage Manager: Ron Lang. Running order: 1. Max (Stockport), 2. David Prouse (Gloucester), 3. Tricky Business (Yeovil), 4. Robert Blake (Holland), 5. Lynn Thomas (Brighton), 6. Philippe (Pickering), 7. Alan Taylor (Basildon), 8. The Amnesia Magic Co (Birmingham), 9. Paul Kybert (Banbury). There will be a 30 minute interval between Acts 8 and 9. 10. David Tomkins Tribute to Robert Harbin (Luton), 11. Harry and Henry Frump (London), 12. Roy Davenport (London), 13. Pazazz (Wolverhampton), 14. Fantastica (Stroud), 15. Rousseau (London), 16. Pat & Alice (Birmingham). Musical Accompaniment: Dave Cass D.P.L.M., G.C.L.C.M. Timekeeper: Tony Brooks. Assistant Timekeeper: Les Brooks. Chairman of the Judges: Eddie Dawes. Judges: Sue de Courcy, Valerie Roberts, Stan Allen, Roy Johnson, Marvyn Roy, Richard Stupple.

Competition details & rules

1. THE NEW BRITISH RING SHIELD and a cash prize of £200.00 for the most entertaining act. 2. THE THEO SPEAKER CUP and a cash prize of £100.00 for the runner-up. 3. THE ALASTAIR WAND and a cash prize of £50.00 for third place. 4. THE CONVENTIONEERS TROPHY for the greatest originality shown in effect, method or presentation. 5. THE CRAIG TROPHY for the performance by a Lady Magician who, in the opinion of the judges, is worthy of the award. 6. THE DITTIA SHIELD for Manipulation. 7. THE TOM HARRIS CUP for Comedy.

Close-Up Competition for the Zina Bennett Trophy

Arranged by Janet Clare & Mike Gancia. Competitors at time of going to press: Neal Austin (Paignton), George Bleeks (Belfast), Dominic Mansi (Bristol), Philip Partridge (Liverpool), Robart (Wray), Steve Bedwell (Southampton), Paul Ingram (Clwyd), Steve Naylor (Shipley), Bharat Patel (London), Reg Walbridge (Burgess Hill), Dex Warren (Glasgow). Chairman of the Judges: Tony Shelley.

Competition details & rules

The Zina Bennett Trophy is awarded to the winner of the Close-Up Competition, with runner-up and third-place prizes.

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.

Magic Hands

Darius

British Ring Sales

Cliff Lount

Magictrix

Tom Owen

Heinz Minten

De Cova

Edwin's Magic Arts

Kovari

Castle Magic

Keith Bennett

Vienna Magic

Ron Gilbert

Mel Harvey

Goodliffe Publications

Miss Terry

K. R. Magic

Terry & Norma

Magic by Design

R. A. R. Magic

M. J. R. Balloons

Progetto Magia

Hocus Pocus

Camtryx

Practical Magic

Shaun Yee

Sound Ideas

Quality Props

International Magic

Hamilton Kaye

Playtime Balloons

Taurus Magic Supply

Repro Magic

Fantasio

Mike Shelley

Dan Dearing Deceptions

Patrick Page

Tony Curtis Magic

Mark Leveridge Magic

Designer Magic

Stephen Tucker

Magic Books by Post

Who's Who in Magic

Supreme Magic

Guaranteed Magic

Hank Moorehouse

Arthur Emerson

Roy Johnson Magic

Al Cohen

Presto Magic

M & M Enterprises

Banshee Magic

Opus Magazine

The Magic Review

Getting Around

Convention Venues

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

Main Venue

Congress Theatre

Compton Street, Eastbourne

Main venue of the 56th Convention — home of the Official Opening, Star Lectures, the Competition for the New Silver British Ring Shield Awards, the Presentation of Awards, The Late Late Gala and International Magic.

Other

The Floral Hall

Congress Theatre, Eastbourne

Home of Star Lectures, the Dealers' Demonstrations, Registration, the Close-Up Competition for the Zina Bennett Trophy, the Welcome to Overseas Visitors, the Civic Reception Ball & Cabaret, the Annual General Meeting, International Close-Up, "Inside Magic — Live!" and the Installation of the New President.

Other

The Gold Room

Winter Gardens, Eastbourne

Home of the Ladies' Afternoon, the Convention Banquet, the late-night event "Oh no! Not another load of Cabbages?", the Special Star Lecture and the Convention Service.

Hotel

The Cavendish Hotel

Eastbourne

Venue for Star Lectures in the Ballroom and for Eddie Dawes' "More History of Mystery" — the Magic Collectors' Seminar.

Other

The Congress Restaurant

Congress Theatre, Eastbourne

Venue for a Star Lecture from Richard Stupple introducing Bob Wooding.

Gala

Devonshire Park Theatre

Eastbourne

Home of Children's Showtime, presented by Roy Gilbert (Royston).

Other

Wish Tower Slopes

Eastbourne

Venue for Howard Peters' outdoor escape stunt, "Cheating The Harpoon Guns".

Social

Old Town Hall

Eastbourne

Venue for the Reception by His Worship The Mayor of Eastbourne for Overseas Visitors.

Hotel

The Lansdowne Hotel

Eastbourne

Venue for nightly Close-Up Sessions, arranged by Rovi.

Other

Exhibition Hall

adjacent to the Winter Garden, Eastbourne

Home of the Dealers' Magical Trade Fair, arranged by Tony Shelley. Entrance by Convention badge only.

Competition Results

Convention Winners

Celebrating the performers recognised through the British Ring competition programme.

Harry & Henry Frump (Richard McDougall & Nina Nawalowalo

Tom Harris Cup — Comedy

Not awarded

Mystic Craig Ladies Trophy

Phillippe

Dittia Shield — Manipulation

Tricky Business (Mike Mirren & Partner)

Conventioneers Trophy — Originality

Magic Hands

Dealers Trophy — Best Stand

Dealers Trophy

Philippe

1st Place — British Ring Trophy

Steve Bedwell

1st Place — Zina Bennett Trophy

Steve Naylor

2nd Place

Tricky Business (Mike Mirren & Partner)

2nd Place — Theo Speaker Cup

Paul Ingram

3rd Place

Roy Davenport

3rd Place — Alastair Wand

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