I.B.M. British Ring 49th Annual Convention
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I.B.M. British Ring 49th Annual Convention

The 49th Annual Convention of I.B.M. British Ring No.25, held in Southport β€” a week of Star Lectures, the British Ring Shield stage competition, the Close-Up Competition for the Zina Bennett Trophy, the Dealers' Magical Trade Fair and the Gala Show, World of Magic.

Southport, Merseyside
From the Convention Archive

Welcome to I.B.M. British Ring 49th Annual Convention

The 49th Annual Convention of I.B.M. British Ring No.25 takes place 24th–29th September 1985 at the Southport Theatre, with further events at the Prince of Wales Hotel, the Floral Hall and the Arts Theatre, Lord Street. The week brings together international performers for 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, "Pleasures of Yesteryear", the Children's Forum and Children's Showtime, "More History of Mystery" β€” the Magic Collectors' Seminar, International Close-Up Magic 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.

Derek Lever

Night Before Party β€” Host
Night Before Party β€” Presents

Shahid Malik

The Daring Young Escapologist β€” Outside Stunt
Outside Stunt β€” A Breath Taking Escape

Paul Stone

Compere, A Magical Hors-d'Oeuvre & International Close-Up Magic
Compere β€” A Magical Hors-d'OeuvreInternational Close-Up Magic

Ilona

A Magical Hors-d'Oeuvre
A Magical Hors-d'Oeuvre

Christopher Pratt

A Magical Hors-d'Oeuvre & "Pleasures of Yesteryear"
A Magical Hors-d'Oeuvre"Pleasures of Yesteryear"

The Sinclairs

A Magical Hors-d'Oeuvre
A Magical Hors-d'Oeuvre

Yogano

A Magical Hors-d'Oeuvre
A Magical Hors-d'Oeuvre

Pernell Zorch

A Magical Hors-d'Oeuvre
A Magical Hors-d'Oeuvre

Peter Greenwood

Civic Reception Cabaret β€” P.G. Quips
Civic Reception Cabaret β€” P.G. Quips

Peter Scarlett

Star Lectures Organiser & Civic Reception Compere
Compere β€” Civic Reception Ball & CabaretStar Lectures β€” Organiser

Conny Ray

Sweden's favourite Children's Entertainer β€” Star Lecture, Children's Forum & Children's Showtime
Star LectureChildren's ForumChildren's Showtime

Jack Mayes

Children's Forum Chairman & Children's Showtime Organiser
Children's Forum β€” ChairmanChildren's Showtime β€” Arranged & Presented

Roy Gilbert (Royston)

Full time children's entertainer from Northampton β€” Children's Forum
Children's Forum

Martin Scott Price

Children's entertainer from the North of England β€” Children's Forum & Children's Showtime
Children's ForumChildren's Showtime

Terry Burgess

A maker of Children's Magic β€” Children's Forum
Children's Forum

Richard Ross

The Incomparable β€” from Holland, Winner of the Grand Prix of Magic
Star LectureWorld of Magic

Eddie Dawes

Presents "Pleasures of Yesteryear" & organises the Magic Collectors' Seminar
"Pleasures of Yesteryear" β€” PresentsMagic Collectors' Seminar β€” Organiser & Chairman

Ali Bongo

"Pleasures of Yesteryear" & Master of Ceremonies, World of Magic
"Pleasures of Yesteryear"World of Magic β€” Master of Ceremonies

Josephine

"Pleasures of Yesteryear"
"Pleasures of Yesteryear"

Asa Cook and Marie

"Pleasures of Yesteryear"
"Pleasures of Yesteryear"

Jon Gresham

"Pleasures of Yesteryear" & Magic Collectors' Seminar β€” Coin-Operated Conjuring
"Pleasures of Yesteryear"Magic Collectors' Seminar β€” Coin-Operated Conjuring

Jeffery Atkins

"Pleasures of Yesteryear" & Joint Organiser and Convention Secretary
"Pleasures of Yesteryear"World of Magic β€” Joint Organiser and Convention Secretary

David Budd and Rita

"Pleasures of Yesteryear"
"Pleasures of Yesteryear"

Jon Marshall with Adrian Hedges

"Pleasures of Yesteryear"
"Pleasures of Yesteryear"

Roger John and Cynthia

"Pleasures of Yesteryear"
"Pleasures of Yesteryear"

Tia Wei Sou and Tien

"Pleasures of Yesteryear"
"Pleasures of Yesteryear"

Paul Daniels

"Pleasures of Yesteryear"
"Pleasures of Yesteryear"

Al Cohen

Magic Dealer, Comedian and Magician β€” Star Lecture, "Magic of the Americas", & International Close-Up
Star Lecture β€” Magic of the AmericasInternational Close-Up Magic

Geoff Ray

International Close-Up Magic (G.B.)
International Close-Up Magic

Art Emerson

International Close-Up Magic (U.S.A.)
International Close-Up Magic

Phillip Fialho

International Close-Up Magic (France) β€” retiring at 60 from his unique style of close-up magic
International Close-Up Magic β€” Las Vegas Close-Up & Rocks Through Table

Mike Gancia

Close-Up Competition Organiser & International Close-Up Magic Presenter
Close-Up Competition β€” OrganiserInternational Close-Up Magic β€” Presented By

Tony Shelley

Dealers' Magical Trade Fair Organiser & Close-Up Competition Chairman of Judges
Close-Up Competition β€” Chairman of the JudgesDealers' Magical Trade Fair β€” Organiser

Doug Jones

Close-Up Competition Timekeeper
Close-Up Competition β€” Timekeeper

Frank Koval

Magic Collectors' Seminar β€” Robert Heller: Music and Mystery
Magic Collectors' Seminar β€” Robert Heller: Music and Mystery

Robert Parrish

Magic Collectors' Seminar β€” Some Characters in Magic
Magic Collectors' Seminar β€” Some Characters in Magic

Richard Kyall & Joanna

International Illusionists β€” World of Magic (Winners of the British Ring Shield)
World of Magic β€” International Illusionists (Winners of the British Ring Shield)

Barbara

Parisian Charm β€” from France, World of Magic
World of Magic β€” Parisian Charm

The Great Soprendo

T.V. Entertainer β€” World of Magic
World of Magic β€” T.V. Entertainer

The Two Lerys

From Sweden, with an Outstanding Novelty Act β€” World of Magic & After Banquet Show
World of Magic β€” Outstanding Novelty ActThe After Banquet Show

Bruno Rodrigues

Spanish Sorcery β€” World of Magic
World of Magic β€” Spanish Sorcery

JoΓ«l et Jill

The Popular French Entertainers, Original Magic Comedy β€” World of Magic
World of Magic β€” Original Magic Comedy

Wayne Dobson

England's New Young Magic Star β€” World of Magic
World of Magic β€” England's New Young Magic Star

Dennis Patten

Children's Showtime β€” Compere
Children's Showtime β€” Compere

Robin Carr & Caroline

Children's Showtime
Children's Showtime

Al Glennan

Children's Showtime
Children's Showtime

Hoponn & Popoff

Children's Showtime
Children's Showtime

Roger Crossthwaite

The After Banquet Show
The After Banquet Show

Jeremy Dane

The After Banquet Show
The After Banquet Show

Jill Maxwell

The After Banquet Show
The After Banquet Show

Vercoe & Company

The After Banquet Show
The After Banquet Show

Geoffrey Robinson

The After Banquet Show β€” Compere
The After Banquet Show β€” Compere

Tony Brooks

British Ring Shield Competition β€” Timekeeper
British Ring Shield Competition β€” Timekeeper
Your Convention Programme

What's On

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

Tuesday 24 September 1985
14:00

Hospital and Special Venue Shows

Other
Organised by Les Nottle, taking magic to Sandfield Special School and Peterhouse Special School, Southport.
20:00

Night Before Party

Social Derek Lever Prince of Wales Hotel
Derek Lever presents the Night Before Party, incorporating the Dealers' Close-Up Magic Show and The Crocodile Circus. You are advised to wear your old clothes and be prepared to be insulted, assaulted or bitten.
Wednesday 25 September 1985
09:30

Dealers' Magical Trade Fair Opens

Dealer Floral Hall
Organised by Tony Shelley, assisted by Bill Scott and Merson Grant. Open Wednesday to Saturday 9.30–18.00, Sunday 9.30–12.00. Entry to the Dealers' Trade Fair by Convention Badge only.
11:00

Outside Stunt: A Breath Taking Escape

Show Shahid Malik Floral Hall Car Park
Performed by Shahid Malik, The Daring Young Escapologist.
14:30

Official Opening of the 1985 Convention

General Southport Theatre
By the President, Rovi, in the presence of Their Worships the Mayor and Mayoress of the Metropolitan Borough of Sefton, Councillor and Mrs Brian M. Rimmer.
14:50

A Magical Hors-d'Oeuvre

Show Paul Stone Southport Theatre
Introduced by Paul Stone, featuring Ilona, Christopher Pratt, The Sinclairs, Yogano and Pernell Zorch. At the organ, Keith Hurford; at the drums, Bernard McGovern.
19:30

Welcome to Overseas Visitors

Social Prince of Wales Hotel
Overseas Visitors are requested to meet Mr Barry Laymond in the entrance to the Prince of Wales Hotel, prior to the Civic Reception.
20:00

Civic Reception, Ball & Cabaret

Social Peter Greenwood Prince of Wales Hotel
By kind invitation of His Worship the Mayor of the Metropolitan Borough of Sefton, Councillor Brian M. Rimmer. Introduction of Overseas Visitors. Dancing to the Clarkson Woods Quintet. Cabaret: Peter Greenwood β€” P.G. Quips. Compere: Peter Scarlett. Flagbearers: pupils of the Loreto Bersi Academy of Dancing. Dress: Dinner Jacket or Dark Lounge Suit.
Thursday 26 September 1985
09:45

Star Lecture: Conny Ray

Lecture Conny Ray Southport Theatre
11:00

Children's Forum

Other Jack Mayes Southport Theatre
Panel of experts: Conny Ray (Sweden), Roy Gilbert β€” Royston (Northampton), Martin Scott Price (North of England) and Terry Burgess, a maker of Children's Magic. Chairman: Jack Mayes.
14:00

Hospital and Special Venue Shows

Other
Organised by Les Nottle, taking magic to the Southport General Infirmary Children's Ward, the School for Partially Hearing, St James' Church Hall, Promenade Hospital, Alexandra House Motor Trades Home and New Hall Hospital.
14:30

Ladies' Afternoon: A Cookery Demonstration

Other Prince of Wales Hotel
By North West Gas.
19:30

British Ring Shield Competition

Competition Tony Brooks Southport Theatre
For the New Silver British Ring Shield, organised by Alastair. Judges: Tommy Rowe (Chairman), Ilona Scarlett, David Berglas, Jean P. Fialho, Brian Sefton and Philip N. King. Musical Director: Alfred Gabriel. Timekeeper: Tony Brooks. Stage Manager: John Palfreyman.
Friday 27 September 1985
09:30

Annual General Meeting and Election of Officers for 1985/6

Meeting Southport Theatre
11:30

Star Lecture: Richard Ross

Lecture Richard Ross Prince of Wales Hotel
14:15

Presentation of the British Ring Shield and Other Trophies

General Southport Theatre
By the President.
14:30

"Pleasures of Yesteryear"

Show Eddie Dawes Southport Theatre
Eddie Dawes presents Ali Bongo, Josephine, Chris Pratt, Asa Cook and Marie, Jon Gresham, Jeffery Atkins, David Budd and Rita, Jon Marshall with Adrian Hedges, Roger John and Cynthia, Tia Wei Sou and Tien, and Paul Daniels. Music by Keith Hurford and Bernard McGovern. Stage managed by Barry Miller, Ron Langhorn, Peter Laing and Neil Roberts.
19:00

Convention Banquet

Social Prince of Wales Hotel
Toasts: The Queen (proposed by the President, Rovi); The Metropolitan Borough of Sefton (proposed by Mr C.R. Bailey, response by Her Worship the Deputy Mayor, Councillor Mrs J. Jessop); The British Ring (proposed by Mr William E. Spooner, International President I.B.M., response by the President); The Ladies and Visitors (response by Liz Shelley). Toastmaster: Paul Ducaine.
20:00

Cinema Performance

Other Southport Theatre
For those Conventioneers not attending the Banquet.
22:30

The After Banquet Show

Show Geoffrey Robinson Southport Theatre
With Roger Crossthwaite, Jeremy Dane, Mike Gancia, The Two Lerys, Jill Maxwell and Vercoe & Company. Compere: Geoffrey Robinson. At the organ, Keith Hurford; on the drums, Bernard McGovern.
Saturday 28 September 1985
10:00

Cocktail Party for Overseas Visitors

Social The Town Hall
Kindly given by His Worship the Mayor of Sefton, Councillor Brian M. Rimmer, at the Town Hall.
10:30

Children's Showtime

Show Jack Mayes The Arts Theatre
Arranged and presented by Jack Mayes. Compere: Dennis Patten. Featuring Conny Ray, Martin Scott Price, Robin Carr & Caroline, Al Glennan, Hoponn & Popoff and The I.B.M. Clowns. Stage Manager: John Palfreyman. All seats Β£1.00 from the Box Office or Jack Mayes on the British Ring Stand.
11:00

Star Lecture: Al Cohen

Lecture Al Cohen Prince of Wales Hotel
12:00

Grand Auction

Other Floral Hall
Of unsold goods and pre-used magical apparatus, books and memorabilia, at the Welfare Stand.
14:00

Close-Up Competition

Competition Mike Gancia Prince of Wales Hotel
For the Zina Bennett Trophy, arranged by Mike Gancia. Chairman of the Judges: Tony Shelley. Timekeeper: Doug Jones.
14:00

"More History of Mystery" β€” The Magic Collectors' Seminar

Other Eddie Dawes Floral Hall
Organised and chaired by Eddie Dawes, with Frank Koval on Robert Heller: Music and Mystery, Robert Parrish on Some Characters in Magic, and Jon Gresham on Coin-Operated Conjuring.
17:30

"World of Magic"

Gala Ali Bongo Southport Theatre
Presented by the International Brotherhood of Magicians, British Ring No.25. Master of Ceremonies: Ali Bongo. Featuring Richard Kyall & Joanna (Winners of the British Ring Shield), Barbara (France), The Great Soprendo, The Two Lerys (Sweden), Bruno Rodrigues, JoΓ«l et Jill, Richard Ross (Holland, Winner of the Grand Prix of Magic) and Wayne Dobson. At the organ, Keith Hurford; on the drums, Bernard McGovern. Stage Director: Barry Miller. Stage Manager: Ron Langhorn. Assistant Stage Managers: Peter Laing, Neil Roberts. Joint Organiser and Convention Secretary: Jeffery Atkins. Two houses: 17.30 & 20.30.
23:30

International Close-Up Magic

Show Mike Gancia Prince of Wales Hotel
Presented by Mike Gancia, with Al Cohen (U.S.A.), Geoff Ray (G.B.), Paul Stone (G.B.) and Art Emerson (U.S.A.), and featuring Phillip Fialho (France), who at the age of 60 is retiring from performing his unique style of close-up magic β€” including his "Las Vegas Close-Up" and "Rocks Through Table".
Sunday 29 September 1985
10:45

Convention Service

Other Prince of Wales Hotel
Conducted by Ringer The Reverend Michael Seacome M.A., A.R.C.M., Official Chaplain to the British Ring, in the Windsor Room. Undenominational. Silver collection for the Welfare Fund.
12:00

Cocktail Party and Installation of the New President

Social Prince of Wales Hotel
Ted and Rene Whebell welcome you to a Cocktail Party in the Ball Room, and the Installation of the New President, who will close the Convention.
Learn From the Artists

Convention Lectures

Explore the lectures and specialist sessions in the programme.

Star Lecture: Conny Ray

Peter Scarlett introduces Sweden's favourite Children's Entertainer, Conny Ray.

Star Lecture: Richard Ross

Peter Scarlett introduces the Incomparable Richard Ross, direct from Holland.

Magic of the Americas

Peter Scarlett introduces Al Cohen β€” Magic Dealer, Comedian and Magician β€” bringing Magic of the Americas.

British Ring Competitions

Competition Programme

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

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.

British Ring Shield Competition

Organised by Alastair. Judges: Tommy Rowe (Chairman), Ilona Scarlett, David Berglas, Jean P. Fialho, Brian Sefton and Philip N. King (Director of Tourism and Attractions, Southport). Musical Director: Alfred Gabriel. Timekeeper: Tony Brooks. Stage Manager: John Palfreyman.

Competition details & rules

Rules relating to the Competition: 1. THE NEW SILVER BRITISH RING SHIELD and Cash Prize, awarded for the most entertaining magic act and held for one year. 2. THE CONVENTIONEERS TROPHY for 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 runner-up, to be held for one year. THIRD PRIZE β€” Cash Prize and Silver Wand presented by Alastair. TOM HARRIS CUP (Comedy), donated by Tom Harris, together with Cash Prize. DITTIA SHIELD (Manipulation).

Close-Up Competition

Organised and introduced by Mike Gancia. Chairman of the Judges: Tony Shelley. Timekeeper: Doug Jones.

Competition details & rules

1st Place β€” the Zina Bennett Trophy plus Cash Prize. 2nd Place β€” Cash Prize. 3rd Place β€” Cash Prize.

Dealer Exhibition

Meet the Dealers

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

Ace Place Magic

Banshee Magic (Eire)

Martin Breese Ltd

British Ring Sales

Camtryx (Magic) Ltd

Al Cohen

Tony Curtis

Peter Diamond & Co

Electron Magic

Goodliffe Publications Ltd

Barry Gordon

Guaranteed Magic

Adrian Harris

David Hemingway

Hocus Pocus Magic Co

International Magic Studio

Hamilton Kaye & Co

Kovari Magic Productions Ltd

K.R. (Krazy Rabbit) Professional Magic

Mark Leveridge Magic

Cliff Lount's Bradford Magic Studio

M & M Enterprises

The Magic Hands

McGee Magic

Elizabeth McMillan β€” Bookseller

Magic Books By Post

Magictrix House of Magic

Tom Owen (Universal Magic)

Murray's Magic Mart

Patrick Page

Playtime Balloons

Practical Magic

Presto Magic

Repro Magic

Joe Riding

Eric Sharp's Entertainments Ltd

Supreme Magic Co Ltd

Taurus Magic Supply Co

Miss Terry Magic Studio

Terry & Norma

Stephen Tucker

Alan Warner (Mini-Magic)

Getting Around

Convention Venues

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

Main Venue

Southport Theatre

The Promenade, Southport

Home to the Official Opening, A Magical Hors-d'Oeuvre, the British Ring Shield Competition, the Annual General Meeting, the Presentation of Trophies, "Pleasures of Yesteryear", the Cinema Performance, the After Banquet Show and the World of Magic Gala.

Hotel

Prince of Wales Hotel

Prince of Wales Hotel, Southport

Convention Headquarters Hotel β€” home to the Night Before Party, Star Lectures, the Civic Reception Ball & Cabaret, the Convention Banquet, the Close-Up Competition for the Zina Bennett Trophy, International Close-Up Magic, the Convention Service (Windsor Room) and the closing Cocktail Party & Installation (Ball Room).

Other

Floral Hall

Floral Hall, Southport

Home to the Dealers' Magical Trade Fair, the Tombola Stand, the Eddie Dexter Welfare Stand, the Grand Auction and β€” in the Lounge Bar β€” "More History of Mystery", the Magic Collectors' Seminar.

Other

The Arts Theatre

Lord Street, Southport

Home to Children's Showtime.

Social

The Town Hall

Southport

Venue for the Cocktail Party given by the Mayor of Sefton for Overseas Visitors.

Other

Floral Hall Car Park

Southport

Site of Shahid Malik's outside stunt escape.

Competition Results

Convention Winners

Celebrating the performers recognised through the British Ring competition programme.

Al Glennan

Dittia Shield β€” Manipulation

British Ring Shield Competition

Kay Krystal

Conventioneers Trophy β€” Originality

British Ring Shield Competition

Mystina (Tina Powell)

Mystic Craig Ladies Trophy

British Ring Shield Competition

Not awarded

Tom Harris Cup β€” Comedy

British Ring Shield Competition

Kevin Reay

1st Place β€” Zina Bennett Trophy

Close-Up Competition

Magic Hands

Dealers Trophy β€” Best Stand

Dealers Trophy

Shahid Malik

1st Place β€” British Ring Trophy

British Ring Shield Competition

Mystina (Tina Powell)

2nd Place β€” Theo Speaker Cup

British Ring Shield Competition

Tony Brooks

2nd Place

Close-Up Competition

Al Glennan

3rd Place β€” Alastair Wand

British Ring Shield Competition

Frank Allen

3rd Place

Close-Up Competition

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