I.B.M. British Ring 79th Annual Convention
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I.B.M. British Ring 79th Annual Convention

The 79th Annual Convention of I.B.M. British Ring No.25, held in Eastbourne — four days of world-class performance, Star Lectures, the Zina Bennett Trophy close-up competition and the International Stars of Magic and Variety Gala Show.

Eastbourne, East Sussex
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From the Convention Archive

Welcome to I.B.M. British Ring 79th Annual Convention

The 79th Annual Convention of I.B.M. British Ring No.25, held 24th–27th September 2015 at the Winter Gardens, Eastbourne, with additional events at the Congress Theatre and the Convention Hotel. Featuring international performers, Star Lectures, the Close Up Competition for the Zina Bennett Trophy, The Sooty & Friends Magic Show, the International Stars of Magic and Variety Gala Show, and the History of Mystery presentation.

Convention Line-up

Meet the Artists

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

High Jinx

Opening Show, professional variety entertainers (Thu 1:25pm)
Opening Show (Thu 1:25pm)

Paul Gordon

'Gold Dust' Workshop/mini lecture (Thu, Fri & Sat, Gold Room; ticketed)
'Gold Dust' Workshop/mini lecture — Card Magic You Can, and Will, Do and Use (Thu, Fri & Sat, Gold Room; £5 ticket from his stand, max 15 persons)

Eddie Dawes

History of Mystery (Thu 4:15pm)
History of Mystery (Thu 4:15pm), with Brian Lead, Donald Bevan, David Budd and Peter Lane

Brian Lead

History of Mystery (Thu 4:15pm)
History of Mystery (Thu 4:15pm), presented by Eddie Dawes

Donald Bevan

History of Mystery (Thu 4:15pm)
History of Mystery (Thu 4:15pm), presented by Eddie Dawes

David Budd

History of Mystery (Thu 4:15pm)
History of Mystery (Thu 4:15pm), presented by Eddie Dawes

Peter Lane

History of Mystery (Thu 4:15pm)
History of Mystery (Thu 4:15pm), presented by Eddie Dawes

Kevin Morton

Sussex Magic Circle (Thu 8:30pm)
Sussex Magic Circle (Thu 8:30pm)

David Croucher

Sussex Magic Circle (Thu 8:30pm)
Sussex Magic Circle (Thu 8:30pm)

The Great Desmondo

Sussex Magic Circle (Thu 8:30pm)
Sussex Magic Circle (Thu 8:30pm)

Stuart Harley

Sussex Magic Circle (Thu 8:30pm)
Sussex Magic Circle (Thu 8:30pm)

Will Houstoun

Jeffrey Atkins Memorial Lecture (Fri 10:15am) & International Close-Up (Sat, UK)
Jeffrey Atkins Memorial Lecture: 'Modern Magic' (Fri 10:15am), introduced by Alan AstraInternational Close-Up (Sat 4pm) — UK

Boris Wild

Star Lecture (Fri 11:30am & Sun 10:30am) & International Close-Up (Sat, France)
Star Lecture: 'Classics Gone Wild' (Fri 11:30am), introduced by Rick TynanStar Lecture: 'Classics Gone Wild' (Sun 10:30am), introduced by Rick TynanInternational Close-Up (Sat 4pm) — France

Matthew Garrett

Close Up Competition, Zina Bennett Trophy (Fri 1:30pm) — 2nd Place; magical dealer
Close Up Competition for the Zina Bennett Trophy (Fri 1:30pm) — 2nd PlaceMagical dealer, Dealers' Trade Fair (Thu–Sat)

Mel Harvey

Close Up Competition (Fri 1:30pm) & Grand Auction, auctioneer (Sat 2pm)
Close Up Competition for the Zina Bennett Trophy (Fri 1:30pm)Grand Auction (Sat 2pm) — auctioneer, with Keith Cooper

Rob James

Close Up Competition, Zina Bennett Trophy (Fri 1:30pm) — 1st Place
Close Up Competition for the Zina Bennett Trophy (Fri 1:30pm) — 1st Place, Zina Bennett Trophy

Gary Jones

Close Up Competition, Zina Bennett Trophy (Fri 1:30pm)
Close Up Competition for the Zina Bennett Trophy (Fri 1:30pm)

Matthew Le Mottee

Close Up Competition, Zina Bennett Trophy (Fri 1:30pm) — 3rd Place
Close Up Competition for the Zina Bennett Trophy (Fri 1:30pm) — 3rd Place

Lynn Thomas

Close Up Competition, Zina Bennett Trophy (Fri 1:30pm)
Close Up Competition for the Zina Bennett Trophy (Fri 1:30pm)

Andy Stone

Close Up Competition, arranged by (Fri) & International Close-Up, arranged & hosted (Sat 4pm)
Close Up Competition for the Zina Bennett Trophy (Fri 1:30pm) — arranged byInternational Close-Up (Sat 4pm) — arranged and hosted by

John Palfreyman

Star Lecture: 'The many faces of Just Chance' (Fri 2:45pm)
Star Lecture: 'The many faces of Just Chance' (Fri 2:45pm), introduced by Brian Miller

Bob and Sue Hamilton

Nostalgia (Fri 8pm)
Nostalgia (Fri 8pm)

Christian Lee

'Friday Night Burlesque' (Fri night)
'Friday Night Burlesque' (Fri night), with The Folly Mixtures

The Folly Mixtures

'Friday Night Burlesque' (Fri night)
'Friday Night Burlesque' (Fri night), with Christian Lee

Eric Roumestan

Star Lecture: 'Perceptions' (Sat 10am) & International Close-Up (Sat, France)
Star Lecture: 'Perceptions' (Sat 10am), introduced by Michael CarrInternational Close-Up (Sat 4pm) — France

Richard Griffin

Star Lecture: 'Cruise Ship Magic' (Sat 11:15am) & Gala Show, 1st Half (Sat)
Star Lecture: 'Cruise Ship Magic' (Sat 11:15am), introduced by Brian MillerInternational Stars of Magic and Variety (Sat), 1st Half

Peter Scarlett

Star Lecture: 'Sleightly Entertaining' (Sat 12:30pm) & International Close-Up (Sat, UK)
Star Lecture: 'Sleightly Entertaining' (Sat 12:30pm), introduced by Clive CullumInternational Close-Up (Sat 4pm) — UK

Snaggers

Outside Entertainment (Sat)
Outside entertainment (Sat), with Pam Cooper and Crazee Hazee

Pam Cooper

Outside Entertainment (Sat)
Outside entertainment (Sat), with Snaggers and Crazee Hazee

Crazee Hazee

Outside Entertainment (Sat)
Outside entertainment (Sat), with Snaggers and Pam Cooper

Keith Cooper

Grand Auction, auctioneer (Sat 2pm)
Grand Auction (Sat 2pm) — auctioneer, with Mel Harvey

Joe M. Turner

International President IBM; International Close-Up (Sat, USA)
International President IBMInternational Close-Up (Sat 4pm) — USA

Mel Mellers

Gala Show compere (Sat) & Star Lecture: 'Making Magic Entertaining' (Sun 1pm)
International Stars of Magic and Variety (Sat) — compereStar Lecture: 'Making Magic Entertaining' (Sun 1pm), introduced by Paul Ray

Zoe Pennington Dancers

International Stars of Magic and Variety, 1st & 2nd Half (Sat)
International Stars of Magic and Variety (Sat), 1st & 2nd Half

Niels Duinker

International Stars of Magic and Variety, 1st Half (Sat)
International Stars of Magic and Variety (Sat), 1st Half

Romany

International Stars of Magic and Variety, 1st Half (Sat)
International Stars of Magic and Variety (Sat), 1st Half

Andrew Green and Co.

International Stars of Magic and Variety, 1st Half (Sat)
International Stars of Magic and Variety (Sat), 1st Half

Steve Hewlett and Friends

International Stars of Magic and Variety, 2nd Half (Sat)
International Stars of Magic and Variety (Sat), 2nd Half

Charlie Mag

International Stars of Magic and Variety, 2nd Half (Sat)
International Stars of Magic and Variety (Sat), 2nd Half

Natalie & Eli

International Stars of Magic and Variety, 2nd Half (Sat) & Star Lecture: 'Quick change secrets' (Sun 11:45am)
International Stars of Magic and Variety (Sat), 2nd HalfStar Lecture: Retonio presents Natalie & Eli's 'Quick change secrets' (Sun 11:45am)

Retonio

Star Lecture, presents Natalie & Eli's 'Quick change secrets' (Sun 11:45am)
Star Lecture, presents Natalie & Eli's 'Quick change secrets' (Sun 11:45am), introduced by Brian Miller
Your Convention Programme

What's On

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

Wednesday 23 September 2015
19:30

Collect Your Registrations & Meet and Greet Old Friends

Social Convention Hotel The View
'The View' — make new friends, have a drink or two.
Thursday 24 September 2015
09:00
to 17:30

Registration Opens

General Winter Gardens Floral Hall
11:00
to 17:30

Dealers Open

Dealer Winter Gardens Congress Suite
12:00

Dealers Showcase and Balloon Workshop

Workshop Winter Gardens Congress Suite
Introduced by Rick Tynan.
13:00
to 13:20

Official Opening Ceremony

General Winter Gardens Floral Hall
By the President Alan Astra, in the presence of the IBM International President Joe M. Turner.
13:25
to 14:30

The Opening Show

Show High Jinx Winter Gardens Floral Hall
Presented by 'High Jinx' — professional variety entertainers performing a thrilling mix of magic, illusion, escapology and circus skills.
14:30
to 16:00

Paul Gordon — 'Gold Dust' Workshop/mini lecture

Workshop Paul Gordon Winter Gardens Gold Room
Card Magic You Can, and Will, Do and Use. £5 ticket required from his stand, max 15 persons.
16:15
to 17:45

History of Mystery

Other Eddie Dawes Winter Gardens Gold Room
Presented by Eddie Dawes, with Brian Lead, Donald Bevan, David Budd and Peter Lane.
19:15
to 20:15

The Ali Bongo Micro Marathon

Social Winter Gardens Floral Bistro
Arranged by Ian Marriott.
20:30
to 22:00

Sussex Magic Circle

Gala Kevin Morton Winter Gardens Floral Hall
Performers taking part: Kevin Morton, David Croucher, The Great Desmondo and Stuart Harley.
Friday 25 September 2015
TBC

'Friday Night Burlesque'

Show Christian Lee Winter Gardens Floral Hall
With Christian Lee and 'The Folly Mixtures'.
09:00
to 17:30

Registration Opens

General Winter Gardens Floral Hall
09:15
to 10:00

Annual General Meeting and Election of Officers 2015/16

Meeting Winter Gardens Gold Room
10:15
to 11:15

Jeffrey Atkins Memorial Lecture: Will Houstoun — Modern Magic

Lecture Will Houstoun Winter Gardens Floral Hall
11:30
to 12:30

Star Lecture: Boris Wild — Classics Gone Wild

Lecture Boris Wild Winter Gardens Floral Hall
Introduced by Rick Tynan.
13:30
to 14:30

Close Up Competition for the 'Zina Bennett Trophy'

Competition Winter Gardens Floral Hall
Arranged by Andy Stone. Competitors: Matthew Garrett, Mel Harvey, Rob James, Gary Jones, Matthew Le Mottee and Lynn Thomas.
14:30
to 16:00

Paul Gordon — 'Gold Dust' Workshop/mini lecture

Workshop Paul Gordon Winter Gardens Gold Room
14:45
to 15:45

Star Lecture: John Palfreyman — The many faces of Just Chance

Lecture John Palfreyman Winter Gardens Floral Hall
Introduced by Brian Miller.
16:00

Dealers/Balloon/Juggling Workshop

Workshop Winter Gardens Congress Suite
Introduced by Rick Tynan.
18:00
to 21:00

Convention Gala Dinner

Gala Winter Gardens Gold Room
Menu: Fan of melon with fruits of the forest and fruit coulis; Pan fried chicken fillet with wild mushroom in white wine sauce, chef's choice of vegetables; Fruits of the forest brulee with homemade shortbread fingers; Coffee or tea. Toast list: The Queen proposed by the President Alan Astra. The British Ring proposed by Joe M. Turner, International President IBM. Response by the President Alan Astra, who will also propose the toast to the guests. Response by Rolando Santos, Past International President IBM. Toastmaster: John Pye, Past International President IBM.
20:00

Nostalgia

Show Bob and Sue Hamilton Winter Gardens Floral Hall
With Bob and Sue Hamilton.
21:30

The Presentation of Awards

General Winter Gardens Floral Hall
By the President Alan Astra.
Saturday 26 September 2015
09:00
to 17:30

Registration Opens

General Winter Gardens Floral Hall
10:00
to 11:00

Star Lecture: Eric Roumestan — Perceptions

Lecture Eric Roumestan Winter Gardens Floral Hall
Introduced by Michael Carr.
10:30
to 12:00

Sooty and Friends Magic Show

Show Snaggers Congress Theatre
Ticket required from Box Office. Outside entertainment by Snaggers, Pam Cooper and Crazee Hazee.
11:15
to 12:15

Star Lecture: Richard Griffin — Cruise Ship Magic

Lecture Richard Griffin Winter Gardens Floral Hall
Introduced by Brian Miller.
12:30
to 13:30

Star Lecture: Peter Scarlett — Sleightly Entertaining

Lecture Peter Scarlett Winter Gardens Floral Hall
Introduced by Clive Cullum.
14:00
to 15:00

Grand Auction

Other Mel Harvey Winter Gardens Floral Hall
Auctioneers Mel Harvey and Keith Cooper.
14:30
to 16:00

Paul Gordon — 'Gold Dust' Workshop/mini lecture

Workshop Paul Gordon Winter Gardens Gold Room
16:00
to 17:30

International Close-Up

Show Andy Stone Winter Gardens Gold Room
Arranged and hosted by Andy Stone, with Peter Scarlett (UK), Eric Roumestan (France), Joe M. Turner (USA), Will Houstoun (UK) and Boris Wild (France).
19:30

International Stars of Magic and Variety

Gala Mel Mellers Congress Theatre
Compere Mel Mellers. 1st Half: The Zoe Pennington Dancers, Richard Griffin, Niels Duinker, Romany, Andrew Green and Co. Interval. 2nd Half: The Zoe Pennington Dancers, Mel Mellers, Steve Hewlett and Friends, Charlie Mag, Natalie & Eli.
Sunday 27 September 2015
09:45
to 10:15

Convention Service

Other Winter Gardens Gold Room
Conducted by Alan Clarke. The service will be undenominational, with a collection for the Welfare Fund.
10:30
to 11:30

Star Lecture: Boris Wild — Classics Gone Wild

Lecture Boris Wild Winter Gardens Gold Room
Introduced by Rick Tynan.
11:45
to 12:45

Star Lecture: Retonio presents Natalie & Eli's Quick change secrets

Lecture Retonio Winter Gardens Gold Room
Introduced by Brian Miller.
13:00
to 14:00

Star Lecture: Mel Mellers — Making Magic Entertaining

Lecture Mel Mellers Winter Gardens Gold Room
Introduced by Paul Ray.
14:15
to 15:15

Stars of the Future

Show Winter Gardens Gold Room
Presented by The Magic Circle Young Magicians Club, introduced by Kevin Doig (Chairman).
15:30

Grand Draw

General Winter Gardens Gold Room
Followed by the Installation of your new President, Paul Ray, and the Close of Convention.
Learn From the Artists

Convention Lectures

Explore the lectures and specialist sessions in the programme.

Modern Magic

Will Houstoun 25 September 2015 10:15 Winter Gardens Floral Hall

Jeffrey Atkins Memorial Lecture

Presented annually as a fitting tribute to a long serving and dedicated member of the British Ring. Alan Astra introduces Will Houstoun.

Classics Gone Wild

Boris Wild 25 September 2015 11:30 Winter Gardens Floral Hall

Star Lecture

Introduced by Rick Tynan.

The many faces of Just Chance

John Palfreyman 25 September 2015 14:45 Winter Gardens Floral Hall

Star Lecture

Introduced by Brian Miller.

Perceptions

Eric Roumestan 26 September 2015 10:00 Winter Gardens Floral Hall

Star Lecture

Introduced by Michael Carr.

Cruise Ship Magic

Richard Griffin 26 September 2015 11:15 Winter Gardens Floral Hall

Star Lecture

Introduced by Brian Miller.

Sleightly Entertaining

Peter Scarlett 26 September 2015 12:30 Winter Gardens Floral Hall

Star Lecture

Introduced by Clive Cullum.

Classics Gone Wild

Boris Wild 27 September 2015 10:30 Winter Gardens Gold Room

Star Lecture

Introduced by Rick Tynan.

Quick change secrets

Retonio 27 September 2015 11:45 Winter Gardens Gold Room

Star Lecture

Retonio presents Natalie & Eli's quick change secrets. Introduced by Brian Miller.

Making Magic Entertaining

Mel Mellers 27 September 2015 13:00 Winter Gardens Gold Room

Star Lecture

Introduced by Paul Ray.

British Ring Competitions

Competition Programme

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

Close Up Competition for the 'Zina Bennett Trophy'

Close Up 25 September 2015 13:30 Winter Gardens Floral Hall

Arranged by Andy Stone. Competitors: Matthew Garrett, Mel Harvey, Rob James, Gary Jones, Matthew Le Mottee and Lynn Thomas.

Ali Bongo Micro Marathon

Micro Magic

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

Other

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.

Richard Griffin

Entrance by badge only. Trading Thursday 11am–5.30pm, Friday & Saturday 9.30am–5.30pm (please check the programme for exact times). The Craig Trophy is awarded to the dealer presenting the most attractive display, judged on the afternoon of Friday 25 September. Dealers have the opportunity to demonstrate their latest items at the Dealers' Showcase, held in the afternoon on Thursday and Friday.

Mel's Magic Co

Matthew Garrett

Adrian Sullivan

Peter Diamond

Welfare Stand

Palfryman's Parlour

Steve Scott

Graham Lee Balloons

Will Houstoun

Kaymar Magic

Paul Gordon

Kovari Magic

Getting Around

Convention Venues

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

Main Venue

Winter Gardens

Winter Gardens, Eastbourne

Floral Hall
Congress Suite
Gold Room
Floral Bistro
Gala

Congress Theatre

Congress Theatre, Eastbourne

Hotel

Convention Hotel

Convention Hotel, Eastbourne

The View
Competition Results

Convention Winners

Celebrating the performers recognised through the British Ring competition programme.

Bernard Jones

Ali Bongo Micro Marathon Winner

Ali Bongo Micro Marathon

Peter Diamond

Dealers Trophy — Best Stand

Dealers Trophy

Rob James

1st Place — Zina Bennett Trophy

Close Up Competition for the 'Zina Bennett Trophy'

Matthew Garrett

2nd Place

Close Up Competition for the 'Zina Bennett Trophy'

Matthew Le Mottee

3rd Place

Close Up Competition for the 'Zina Bennett Trophy'

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