Brian Miller
President; Star Lecture Host — introduces Chris Woodward, Fri 10:30am & Paul Daniels, Sun 1:30pm; Presentation of Awards — Fri 10pm
Previous Convention
I.B.M. British Ring 76th Convention 2012
The 76th Annual Convention of I.B.M. British Ring No.25, held in Great Yarmouth -- five days of world-class performance, Star Lectures, the Stage and Close-Up Competitions and the Grand Gala of Magic & Variety.
From the Convention Archive
Convention Overview
The 76th Annual Convention of I.B.M. British Ring No.25, held 26th-30th September 2012 at the Marina Centre and Britannia Theatre, Great Yarmouth, with further events at the Hollywood Cinema, the Masonic Centre, Long John's Showbar and the Nelson 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 schools and care homes, the Ali Bongo Micro Magic Marathon, the Convention Gala Dinner, Sooty's Magic Show, the All British Close-Up Gala, the Grand Charity Auction, More History of Mystery, and the Grand Gala of Magic & Variety.
President Brian Miller and his wife Audrey welcomed I.B.M. International President John Pye to Great Yarmouth -- a town the British Ring had last visited 21 years earlier, in 1991. The programme opened with the Official Opening Ceremony at the Britannia Theatre, in the presence of the Mayor of the Borough of Great Yarmouth, Cllr Colleen Walker, followed by the Opening Show introduced by Mel Harvey, and the Ali Bongo Micro Magic Marathon at Long John's Showbar, arranged by Ian Marriott. Star Lectures and the Dealers' Magical Trade Fair ran throughout the week at the Hollywood Cinema and Marina Centre, alongside the Close-Up Competition for the Zina Bennett Trophy and the Stage Competition for the British Ring Shield. Special Venue Shows, arranged by Peter Greenwood, took magic out to local infant and primary schools and to care and nursing homes across Great Yarmouth. Highlights included the Jeffery Atkins Memorial Lecture with Chris Woodward on the history of the London Palladium, a Tribute to Van Buren & Co presented by Max Blake, the Convention Gala Dinner at the Masonic Centre, an evening of Nostalgia films from previous conventions with Bob and Sue Hamilton, and The Late Gala. Saturday brought Sooty's Magic Show and Children's Magic Showtime, the All British Close-Up Gala, the Grand Charity Auction in aid of the Welfare and Benevolent Fund, Eddie Dawes' More History of Mystery seminar, and the Saturday night Grand Gala of Magic & Variety, compered by John Styles and headlined by Paul Daniels and Debbie McGee. The convention closed at the Hollywood Cinema with the Convention Service, Star Lectures, Su Jayne's Stars of the Future, a Star Lecture appearance from Paul Daniels, and the Installation of incoming President John (Sly) Smith. Convention organisers: David Ball & Peter Scarlett.
Convention Line-up
Meet the Artists
Meet the performers, lecturers, hosts and special guests appearing at this convention.
Chris Woodward
Jeffery Atkins Memorial Lecture — Fri 10:30am
Mel Harvey
Opening Show — introduces Mandy Muden, James Wilson & Young & Strange (Wed 2:30pm); Children's Magic Showtime (Sat 10:30am)
Michael Vincent
Convention Workshops (Thu, Fri, Sat); Star Lecture: The Craft Of Magic — Sat 10:15am; All British Close-Up Gala — Sat 12pm
Nicholas Einhorn
Star Lecture: Rings, Strings & Other Things — Fri 12pm; The Late Gala (as Nick Einhorn) — Fri 10pm
Paul Daniels
Grand Gala Of Magic & Variety (with Debbie McGee) — Sat 8pm; Star Lecture — Sun 1:30pm
Richard Cadell
Sooty's Magic Show — Sat 10:30am, with Sooty, Sweep and Soo
Andrew Van Buren
A Tribute To Van Buren & Co — Fri 2:30pm; The Late Gala (Andrew Van Buren and Company) — Fri 10pm
Andy Greaves
Star Lecture — Thu 12:45pm; Children's Magic Showtime (with Lewis) — Sat 10:30am
Bob Hamilton
Nostalgia: Films Of Previous Conventions — Fri 8pm
Brian Sefton
Star Lecture: Tips On Manips — Thu 2pm
Chris Wood
All British Close-Up Gala — Sat 12pm
Clivo & Jean
Children's Magic Showtime — Sat 10:30am
Craig Christian
Grand Gala Of Magic & Variety — Sat 8pm
Debbie McGee
Grand Gala Of Magic & Variety — Sat 8pm
Eddie Dawes
More History Of Mystery — Presents, Sat 2:15pm
Geoffrey Newton
Star Lecture Host — introduces Andy Greaves, Thu 12:45pm
Graham Lee
Balloon Workshops — Wed, Thu & Sat
Ian Marriott
Ali Bongo Micro Magic Marathon — Arranged By, Wed; Star Lecture Host — introduces Nicholas Einhorn, Fri 12pm
Izzy Wizzy
Children's Magic Showtime — Sat 10:30am
James Wilson
Opening Show — Wed 2:30pm
Jason Steele & Joanne
Children's Magic Showtime — Sat 10:30am
John 'Sly' Smith
Installation of the New President — Sun
John Styles
Grand Gala Of Magic & Variety — Compere, Sat 8pm
Jonathan Shotton
Grand Gala Of Magic & Variety — Sat 8pm
Mandy Muden
Opening Show — Wed 2:30pm
Matthew Garrett
All British Close-Up Gala — Sat 12pm
Max Blake
A Tribute To Van Buren & Co — Presented By, Fri 2:30pm
Mr Eerius
Cabaret Night — Wed 9pm
Oliver Tabor
The Late Gala — Fri 10pm
Peter Scarlett
Star Lecture Host — introduces Michael Vincent, Sat 10:15am; Convention Organiser
Rev. Alan Clarke
Convention Service — Conducted By, Sun 10:15am
Richard Griffin
Grand Gala Of Magic & Variety — Sat 8pm
Richard Pinner
The Late Gala — introduces Nick Einhorn, Oliver Tabor & Van Buren and Company, Fri 10pm
Roy Davenport
Grand Gala Of Magic & Variety — Sat 8pm
Scott Penrose
Grand Gala Of Magic & Variety — Sat 8pm
Shirley Ray
Star Lecture Host — introduces Steve Gore, Sun 11:15am; Stage Competition — Organiser
Steve Gore
All British Close-Up Gala — Sat 12pm; Star Lecture: Ramblings From A Suspender… Of Disbelief — Sun 11:15am
Steve Hewlett
Grand Gala Of Magic & Variety — Sat 8pm
Su Jayne
Stars Of The Future — Presents, Sun 12:30pm
Sue Hamilton
Nostalgia: Films Of Previous Conventions — Fri 8pm
Tim Shoesmith
Cabaret Night — Compere, Wed 9pm
Trevor Dawson
Grand Charity Auction — Auctioneer, Sat 12:45pm
Trevor Lewis
Star Lecture Host — introduces Brian Sefton, Thu 2pm
Two Minds Combined
Cabaret Night — Wed 9pm
Will Houstoun
All British Close-Up Gala — Sat 12pm; More History Of Mystery: King Koko And The Magic Playlet — Sat 2:15pm
Young & Strange
Opening Show — Wed 2:30pm
Your Convention Programme
What's On
Browse shows, lectures, competitions, workshops and social events day by day.
Wednesday 26 September 2012
12:00
Dealer Exhibition and Registration Opens
14:30
Official Opening Ceremony
By the President Brian Miller, in the presence of Her Worship the Mayor of the Borough of Great Yarmouth Cllr Colleen Walker & the International President of the I.B.M. John Pye.
14:30
The Opening Show
Mel Harvey will introduce Mandy Muden, James Wilson and Young & Strange. 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
Balloon Workshop with Graham Lee
19:30
Welcome to Great Yarmouth
By Her Worship the Mayor of the Borough of Great Yarmouth Cllr Colleen Walker. Relax and meet old friends and make new ones in Long John's Showbar, plus the Ali Bongo Micro Magic Marathon, arranged by Ian Marriott. Tombola stand run by Ron and Chris Lockett, in aid of the Benevolent and Welfare Fund.
21:00
Cabaret Night
Introduced by Tim Shoesmith, with Two Minds Combined and Mr Eerius. Music by Dave Cass.
Thursday 27 September 2012
09:30
to 17:45
to 17:45
Dealers' Magical Trade Fair (Thursday)
Open 09.30-17.45 hours.
10:15
Close-Up Competition for the Zina Bennett Trophy
Arranged by Steve Evans. Competitors: Bharat Patel (London), Craig Petty (Walsall), Steve Faulkner (Sheffield), Alex Hansford (Plymouth), Alfred (Glasgow), Fay Presto (London), Will Gray (Leicester), Chris Stevenson (Tamworth), Vadim (Moscow), Lynn Thomas (Hove). Chair of Judges: Dave Taylor. Judges: Vanni Pulé, Donald Bevan, Jon Marshall, Geoff Ray.
12:45
Star Lecture: Andy Greaves
Introduced by Geoffrey Newton.
14:00
Star Lecture: Brian Sefton — Tips On Manips
Introduced by Trevor Lewis.
14:00
to 15:00
to 15:00
Special Venue Shows
Arranged by Peter Greenwood, all shows 14.00-15.00 hours. St Georges Infant and Nursery School: Tony King, Shirley Ray. Greenacre Primary School: Geoff Atkinson, Aiden Heritage, Tony Hoare, Steve Majersky. Salisbury Residential Care Home: Keith Cooper, Doug Gregg, Alan Maskell, Steve Short. Eversley Nursing Home: George Glasbey, 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
Ladies' Afternoon — A Visit to Yarmouth Pottery and Cream Tea
Arranged by Julie Llusion and the Ladies Committee. Ticket required.
15:00
Today's Dealers' Showcase
15:30
Balloon Workshop with Graham Lee
16:30
The First Workshop with Michael Vincent
Michael Vincent presents an interactive workshop on expert card handling.
20:00
Stage Competition for the British Ring Shield Awards
Compere Steve Evans. Running order: Slightly Unusual (South Staffordshire), Amazing Norvil (London), Scorpio (London), Lorenzo (Norfolk), interval, Dave Andrews (London), Gary Jones (Kent), Old Nick (Cambourne, Cambs), Sean Alexander (Norwich). Judges: John Palfreyman (Chairman), John Pye, Michael Carr, Don Greenberg, James Hobart, Rick Tynan, Danny Hunt, Annette Claire. Competition Organiser: Shirley Ray. Assistant Competition Organiser: Dave Cass. Stage Director: Neil Roberts. Music by Dave Cass. Timekeepers: Tony Brooks.
Friday 28 September 2012
09:15
Annual General Meeting and Election of Officers for 2012/13
Members only admitted. Printed agenda and copies of accounts available. The ballot box will be at the Registration Desk until 15.00 hours on Thursday 27 September.
09:30
to 17:45
to 17:45
Dealers' Magical Trade Fair (Friday)
Open 09.30-17.45 hours.
10:30
The Jeffery Atkins Memorial Lecture: Chris Woodward
Introduced by Brian Miller. Presented annually as a fitting tribute to a long serving and dedicated member of the British Ring.
12:00
Star Lecture: Nicholas Einhorn — Rings, Strings & Other Things
Introduced by Ian Marriott.
14:30
A Tribute to Van Buren & Co
Presented by Max Blake.
16:00
Today's Dealers' Showcase
16:30
The Second Workshop with Michael Vincent
Michael Vincent presents an interactive workshop on expert card handling.
18:30
Convention Gala Dinner
Menu: Smoked Trout Fillet; Breast of Chicken Stuffed with Asparagus and Cream Cheese; Black Forest Gateau. Toast List: The Queen (proposed by President Brian Miller); The British Ring (proposed by John Pye, International President IBM), response by President Brian Miller, who will also propose the toast to the Borough of Great Yarmouth and the Guests; response by Her Worship the Mayor Cllr Colleen Walker. Toast Master: Bob Lloyd. Dress: Dinner Jacket or Lounge Suit.
20:00
Nostalgia: Films of Previous Conventions
With Bob and Sue Hamilton.
22:00
The Presentation of Awards followed by The Late Gala
Awards presented by the President Brian Miller. Richard Pinner will introduce Nick Einhorn, Oliver Tabor and Andrew Van Buren and Company. Music by Dave Cass.
Saturday 29 September 2012
09:30
to 16:30
to 16:30
Dealers' Magical Trade Fair (Saturday)
Open 09.30-16.30 hours.
10:15
Star Lecture: Michael Vincent — The Craft of Magic
Introduced by Peter Scarlett.
10:30
Children's Magic Showtime: Sooty's Magic Show
Starring Richard Cadell with Sooty, Sweep and Soo (from ITV1), plus Clivo & Jean, Izzy Wizzy, Andy Greaves & Lewis, Jason Steele & Joanne, and Mel Harvey. Tickets from Britannia Theatre Box Office.
12:00
All British Close-Up Gala
Steve Evans will introduce Matthew Garrett, Will Houstoun, Michael Vincent, Chris Wood and Steve Gore.
12:45
Grand Charity Auction
Auctioneer: Trevor Dawson. All proceeds go to the Welfare and Benevolent Fund.
14:15
More History of Mystery
Presented by Eddie Dawes. The Collectors' and Others' Seminar, with Bryan Baggs (Positive Aspects of Goldin), Will Houstoun (King Koko and the Magic Playlet) and Walt Lees (Selling Svengalis).
15:00
Balloon Workshop with Graham Lee
16:00
The Final Workshop with Michael Vincent
Michael Vincent presents an interactive workshop on expert card handling.
20:00
Grand Gala of Magic & Variety
Compere John Styles will introduce Richard Griffin, Roy Davenport, Steve Hewlett, Craig Christian and Scott Penrose; after the interval John Styles returns to introduce Jonathan Shotton, and Paul Daniels and Debbie McGee. Show arranged by David Ball & Peter Scarlett. Stage Direction by Neil Roberts. Music by Dave Cass.
Sunday 30 September 2012
TBC
Installation of the New President: John (Sly) Smith, followed by the Close of Convention
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: Steve Gore — Ramblings From A Suspender… Of Disbelief
Introduced by Shirley Ray.
12:30
Stars of the Future
Presented by Su Jayne.
13:30
Star Lecture: Paul Daniels
Introduced by Brian Miller.
Learn From the Artists
Convention Lectures
Explore the lectures and specialist sessions in the programme.
Star Lecture: Tips On Manips
Jeffery Atkins Memorial Lecture
The London Palladium — The Story of the Theatre and its Stars
Presented annually as a fitting tribute to a long serving and dedicated member of the British Ring. Chris Woodward, prize winning author of 'The London Palladium — The Story of the Theatre and its Stars', talks about the history of this world famous theatre and highlights some of the 100 magicians who have appeared there.
Star Lecture: Rings, Strings & Other Things
Star Lecture: The Craft Of Magic
More History Of Mystery
The Collectors' and Others' Seminar
Presentations by Bryan Baggs (Positive Aspects of Goldin), Will Houstoun (King Koko and the Magic Playlet) and Walt Lees (Selling Svengalis).
Star Lecture: Ramblings From A Suspender… Of Disbelief
Star Lecture
British Ring Competitions
Competition Programme
Competition information, entry details, rules, timings and locations.
Close-Up Competition
Arranged by Steve Evans. Competitors: Bharat Patel (London), Craig Petty (Walsall), Steve Faulkner (Sheffield), Alex Hansford (Plymouth), Alfred (Glasgow), Fay Presto (London), Will Gray (Leicester), Chris Stevenson (Tamworth), Vadim (Moscow), Lynn Thomas (Hove). Chair of Judges: Dave Taylor. Judges: Vanni Pulé, Donald Bevan, Jon Marshall, Geoff Ray.
Competition details & rules
1st Prize — the Zina Bennett Cup plus £1000 cash. 2nd Prize — £500 cash. 3rd Prize — £250 cash. 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: Slightly Unusual (South Staffordshire), Amazing Norvil (London), Scorpio (London), Lorenzo (Norfolk), interval, Dave Andrews (London), Gary Jones (Kent), Old Nick (Cambourne, Cambs), Sean Alexander (Norwich). Judges: John Palfreyman (Chairman), John Pye, Michael Carr, Don Greenberg, James Hobart, Rick Tynan, Danny Hunt, Annette Claire. Competition Organiser: Shirley Ray. Assistant Competition Organiser: Dave Cass. Stage Director: Neil Roberts. Music by Dave Cass. Timekeepers: Tony Brooks.
Competition details & rules
The British Ring Shield — 1st Place plus £1,000 for the most entertaining Magic Act. The Theo Speaker Cup — 2nd Place plus £500. The Alastair Wand — 3rd Place plus £250. The Conventioneers Trophy for originality in effect, method or presentation. The Dittia Shield for Manipulation. The Tom Harris Cup 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 convention badge only. Trading Wednesday 12.00-17.45, Thursday 09.30-17.45, Friday 09.30-17.45, Saturday 09.30-16.30, in the Marina Centre. Arranged by Michael Carr. The Craig Trophy is awarded to the dealer presenting the most attractive display, judged on the afternoon of Wednesday 26 September.
Camtryx
Camtryx
Card Collection
Card Collection
Darius
Darius
Davenports
Davenports
Emerald Magic
Emerald Magic
Equity
Equity
George Kovari
George Kovari
Illusion Craft
Illusion Craft
Magic Tricks Ltd
Magic Tricks Ltd
Masters of Mystery: Adrian Sullivan
Masters of Mystery: Adrian Sullivan
Matthew Garrett
Matthew Garrett
Mel's Magic Company
Mel's Magic Company
Peter Diamond
Peter Diamond
Peter Scarlett
Peter Scarlett
Practical Magic
Practical Magic
Qualatex Balloons
Qualatex Balloons
Richard Pinner
Richard Pinner
Getting Around
Convention Venues
Find the buildings, halls, theatres and rooms used throughout the convention.
Main Venue
Marina Centre
Marine Parade, Great Yarmouth
Dealers' Magical Trade Fair, Dealers' Showcase and Balloon and Michael Vincent workshops throughout the convention.
Gala
Britannia Theatre
Marine Parade, Great Yarmouth
Official Opening Ceremony, AGM, Jeffery Atkins Memorial Lecture, Stage Competition, Gala Dinner films, Presentation of Awards, The Late Gala and the Grand Gala of Magic & Variety.
Competition
Hollywood Cinema
Marine Parade, Great Yarmouth
Close-Up Competition, Star Lectures, All British Close-Up Gala, More History of Mystery, Convention Service and closing events.
Hotel
Masonic Centre
Great Yarmouth
Venue for the Convention Gala Dinner.
Social
Long John's Showbar
Great Yarmouth
Welcome to Great Yarmouth reception and the Ali Bongo Micro Magic Marathon.
Hotel
Nelson Hotel
Great Yarmouth
Venue for the Ladies' Afternoon visit to Yarmouth Pottery and cream tea.
Competition Results
Convention Winners
Celebrating the performers recognised through the British Ring competition programme.
Alex Hansford
Rovi Trophy — Best Card Act
Close-Up Competition
Dave Andrews
Dittia Shield — Manipulation
Stage Competition
Not awarded
Conventioneers Trophy — Originality
Stage Competition
Not awarded
Tom Harris Cup — Comedy
Stage Competition
Alan & Barbara Astra
Dealers Trophy — Best Stand
Dealers Trophy
Fay Presto
Ali Bongo Micro Marathon Winner
Ali Bongo Micro Marathon
Not awarded
1st Place — British Ring Trophy
Stage Competition
Vadim
1st Place — Zina Bennett Trophy
Close-Up Competition
Fay Presto
2nd Place
Close-Up Competition
Sean Alexander
2nd Place — Theo Speaker Cup
Stage Competition
Dave Andrews
3rd Place — Alastair Wand
Stage Competition
Will Gray
3rd Place
Close-Up Competition
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