I.B.M. British Ring 67th Annual Convention
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I.B.M. British Ring 67th Annual Convention

Join magicians from across the world for the 67th Annual Convention β€” five days of Star Lectures, the Competition for the British Ring Shield, the Close-Up Competition for the Zina Bennett Trophy, Special Venue Shows and International Magic.

Southport, Merseyside
From the Convention Archive

Welcome to I.B.M. British Ring 67th Annual Convention

The 67th Annual Convention of I.B.M. British Ring No.25 takes place 24th–28th September 2003 at the Southport Theatre, with further events at the Floral Hall, the Arts Centre, the Prince of Wales Hotel and the Promenade Suites. The week brings together international performers for Star Lectures, the Competition for the British Ring Shield Awards, the Close-Up Competition for the Zina Bennett Trophy, Hospital and Special Venue Shows, the Ladies’ Afternoon, the Convention Banquet, the International Close-Up Gala and International Magic β€” the Gala Show.

Convention Line-up

Meet the Artists

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

Franck Faver

Southport Sorcery Β· Thursday 10:50am
Southport Sorcery

Visiting magician from France, appearing in the Southport Sorcery opening show.

Julie Llusion

Southport Sorcery Β· Thursday 10:50am
Southport Sorcery

UK magician appearing in the Southport Sorcery opening show.

Ward Allen & Roger the Dog

Southport Sorcery & Children's Showtime
Southport Sorcery / Children's Showtime

UK double act bringing 'Canine Capers' to the Southport Sorcery opening show and Children's Showtime.

Jeremy Pei

Southport Sorcery Β· Thursday 10:50am
Southport Sorcery

Visiting magician from Singapore, appearing in the Southport Sorcery opening show.

Michael Bailey

Jeffery Atkins Memorial Lecture Β· Thu 4:00pm
Jeffery Atkins Memorial Lecture

Presents 'Confessions of a Corporate Magician' for the Jeffery Atkins Memorial Lecture, introduced by Mike Gancia.

Michael Ammar

Star Lecture & International Close-Up Gala
Star Lecture / International Close-Up Gala

American close-up specialist presenting the Star Lecture 'Michael's Favorites' and appearing in the International Close-Up Gala.

Craig Dickson

Star Lecture & International Close-Up Gala
Star Lecture / International Close-Up Gala

American performer presenting the Star Lecture 'For the Entertainer' and appearing in the International Close-Up Gala.

Danny Archer

Late, Late Gala host, Close-Up Gala & Sunday Lecture
Late Gala / Close-Up Gala / Star Lecture

American magician introducing The Late, Late Gala, appearing in the International Close-Up Gala, and presenting the Sunday Star Lecture 'On Target'.

Claus Wave

The Late, Late Gala
The Late, Late Gala

German performer appearing in The Late, Late Gala.

Loki

The Late, Late Gala
The Late, Late Gala

English performer appearing in The Late, Late Gala.

The Great Nardini

The Late, Late Gala
The Late, Late Gala

Scottish performer appearing in The Late, Late Gala.

Chris De Rosa

The Late, Late Gala
The Late, Late Gala

Scottish performer appearing in The Late, Late Gala.

Paul Freeman

More History of Mystery
More History of Mystery

Speaks on 'The Die Box and Adalbert Frikell' for Eddie Dawes' More History of Mystery seminar.

Peter Lane

More History of Mystery
More History of Mystery

Speaks on 'Conjurors in Court' for Eddie Dawes' More History of Mystery seminar.

Dr Vanessa Toulmin

More History of Mystery
More History of Mystery

Speaks on 'Magic of the Fairground' for Eddie Dawes' More History of Mystery seminar.

John 'Sly' Smith

Children's Showtime Β· Producer
Children's Showtime

Devises and produces Children's Showtime, introducing the line-up of performers.

Rachel Wild & Tom Jones

Children's Showtime
Children's Showtime

American double act bringing 'Magic from America' to Children's Showtime.

Mr Trix (John Dixon)

Children's Showtime & Star Lecture
Children's Showtime / Star Lecture

UK Children's Entertainer of the Year 2003, appearing in Children's Showtime and presenting the Star Lecture 'Mr Trix', introduced by Richard Stupple.

Jon Marshall & Company

Children's Showtime
Children's Showtime

Touring show 'The Wizard of Castle Magic' appearing in Children's Showtime.

Apollo

International Close-Up Gala & Star Lecture
Close-Up Gala / Star Lecture

American close-up performer appearing in the International Close-Up Gala and, with Shoot, presenting the 'Cultural Xchange' Star Lecture.

Stephen Bargatze

Close-Up Gala, Gala Show MC & Star Lecture
Close-Up Gala / Gala Show / Star Lecture

American performer appearing in the International Close-Up Gala, serving as Master of Ceremonies for International Magic, and presenting the Star Lecture 'Stephen's Magic'.

Shoot Ogawa

International Close-Up Gala & Star Lecture
Close-Up Gala / Star Lecture

Japanese performer appearing in the International Close-Up Gala and, with Apollo, presenting the 'Cultural Xchange' Star Lecture.

Theo Dari

International Magic β€” Gala Show
International Magic Gala Show

French performer appearing in International Magic, the Saturday Gala Show.

Nicholas Lepage

International Magic β€” Gala Show
International Magic Gala Show

French performer appearing in International Magic, the Saturday Gala Show.

Tr'espace

International Magic β€” Gala Show
International Magic Gala Show

Swiss act appearing in International Magic, the Saturday Gala Show.

Laurent Beretta

International Magic β€” Gala Show
International Magic Gala Show

French performer appearing in International Magic, the Saturday Gala Show.

Simon Pierro

International Magic β€” Gala Show
International Magic Gala Show

German performer appearing in International Magic, the Saturday Gala Show.

Paolo Giua

International Magic β€” Gala Show
International Magic Gala Show

Italian performer appearing in International Magic, the Saturday Gala Show.

Mirko

International Magic β€” Gala Show
International Magic Gala Show

Performer from Argentina appearing in International Magic, the Saturday Gala Show.

Jason Latimer

International Magic β€” Gala Show
International Magic Gala Show

American performer appearing in International Magic, the Saturday Gala Show.

Duo Luis

International Magic β€” Gala Show
International Magic Gala Show

Italian act appearing in International Magic, the Saturday Gala Show.

Moira Fletcher

Magical Memories
Magical Memories

Appears in Eddie Dawes' Magical Memories, accompanied at the keyboard by Dave Cass.

Ali Bongo

Technical Advisor & Magical Memories
Technical Advisor / Magical Memories

Technical Advisor for International Magic and a performer in Eddie Dawes' Magical Memories.

Brian Sefton

Magical Memories
Magical Memories

Appears in Eddie Dawes' Magical Memories, accompanied at the keyboard by Dave Cass.

Mark Raffles

Magical Memories
Magical Memories

Appears in Eddie Dawes' Magical Memories, accompanied at the keyboard by Dave Cass.

Martyn James

Magical Memories
Magical Memories

Appears in Eddie Dawes' Magical Memories, accompanied at the keyboard by Dave Cass.

Your Convention Programme

What's On

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

Wednesday 24 September 2003
19:30

Registration Desk Opens

General The Floral Hall
Collect your registration, meet and greet old friends, make new friends, have a drink or two, and then proceed to the Dealers' Exhibition.
19:30
to 20:30

Winged Fellowship Trust β€” Special Venue Show

Other
Duncan MacLean, Margaret MacLean and David Haggerty. Reporter: Duncan MacLean.
20:00
to 22:30

Dealers' Magical Trade Fair Opens

Dealer The Floral Hall
Arranged by Richard Stupple. Wednesday 20:00–22:30; Thursday & Saturday 09:30–17:30; Friday 10:30–17:30 & 19:00–21:30; Sunday 09:30–15:00.
20:00

Meeting of Hospital and Special Venue Performers

Meeting The Promenade Suites
Thursday 25 September 2003
09:30
to 17:30

Dealers' Magical Trade Fair

Dealer The Floral Hall
Arranged by Richard Stupple, in the Floral Hall.
10:30

Official Opening of the 67th Annual Convention

General Southport Theatre
By The President, Mike Gancia Esq, in the presence of the Deputy Mayor of the Metropolitan Borough of Sefton, Councillor Kevin Cluskey.
10:50

Southport Sorcery

Show Southport Theatre
Peter Scarlett will introduce Franck Faver (France), Julie Llusion (UK), Ward Allen & Roger the Dog (UK) and Jeremy Pei (Singapore). At the keyboard: Dave Cass.
13:45

Hospital and Special Venue Shows

Other
Arranged by Derek McFaull, visiting the Southport & Formby District Hospital Spinal Unit (team leader Aidan Heritage), Queens Court Hospice, B.E.N. Nursing Home, Mornington Road Resource/Day Centre, the Age Concern Show, Merefield School, Peterhouse School and Presfield School, with visits from the I.B.M. Clowns under Reg (Streaky) Allen. Presidential car provided by Brian Miller.
14:00

Magic of the Dealers

Show Southport Theatre
Richard Stupple will introduce the Magic Dealers, who will demonstrate their latest items, after which conventioneers may enter the Dealers' Hall to view the Gigantic Display of Magic.
14:00

The Ladies' Afternoon

Social Prince of Wales Hotel
Tea served at 14:15, followed by Mr Howard Franklin, 'International Florist of Royalty'. Raffle tickets sold during the afternoon.
16:00

Jeffery Atkins Memorial Lecture: Michael Bailey β€” Confessions of a Corporate Magician

Lecture Southport Theatre
Mike Gancia will introduce Michael Bailey.
19:15

Welcome to Our Overseas Visitors

Meeting Southport Theatre
Overseas visitors are requested to meet Mr John Palfreyman in the Southport Theatre Foyer, prior to the Flag Ceremony.
19:45

Overseas Visitors Reception & Evening Show

Gala Southport Theatre
Lord Fearn of Southport, together with President Mike Gancia and International President David Sandy, will receive the Overseas Visitors. Flag Bearers: pupils of the Budden School of Dance. Followed by John Styles and The Richard Leigh Illusions Show.
Friday 26 September 2003
09:00

Annual General Meeting & Election of Officers for 2003/4

Meeting The Arts Centre
Members only admitted. Printed agenda and copies of accounts will be available. The ballot box will be at the Registration Desk until 15:00 hours on Thursday 25th September.
10:00

Star Lecture: Michael Ammar β€” Michael's Favorites

Lecture The Arts Centre
Tony Shelley will introduce Michael Ammar (USA).
11:15

Star Lecture: Craig Dickson β€” For the Entertainer

Lecture The Arts Centre
Peter Scarlett will introduce Craig Dickson (USA).
11:15

The Eddie Dexter Welfare Stand

Other The Arts Centre
Gifts, novelties, raffles and competitions. Cynthia Neptune and her helpers look forward to meeting all Conventioneers at the stand.
14:00

Competition for the British Ring Shield Awards

Competition Southport Theatre
18:30

Convention Banquet

Social Prince of Wales Hotel
Toasts: The Queen (proposed by President Mike Gancia); The Metropolitan Borough of Sefton (proposed by Clive Moore, response by Deputy Mayor Councillor Kevin E. Cluskey); The British Ring (proposed by International President David Sandy, response by President Mike Gancia, who will also propose The Ladies and Visitors, response by Alan Shaxon, President of The Magic Circle). Toastmaster: John Pye.
22:00

The Late, Late Gala

Gala Southport Theatre
Danny Archer (USA) will introduce Claus Wave (Germany), Loki (England), The Great Nardini (Scotland) and Chris De Rosa (Scotland). At the keyboard: Dave Cass.
Saturday 27 September 2003
09:30

Close-Up Competition for the Zina Bennett Trophy

Competition The Promenade Suites
10:00

Eddie Dawes presents: More History of Mystery (The Collectors' and Others' Seminar)

Other The Arts Centre
Paul Freeman on 'The Die Box and Adalbert Frikell', Peter Lane on 'Conjurors in Court', and Dr Vanessa Toulmin on 'Magic of the Fairground'.
10:30

Children's Showtime

Show The Arts Centre
Devised and produced by John 'Sly' Smith, who will introduce Rachel Wild & Tom Jones (Magic from America), Ward Allen & Roger the Dog, Mr Trix (UK Children's Entertainer of the Year 2003), Jon Marshall & Company ('The Wizard of Castle Magic' Touring Show) and the I.B.M. Clowns. All seats Β£4.00. Stage Management: Rena Findlay & Moira Fletcher.
14:30

International Close-Up Gala

Gala The Promenade Suites
Bryan Atherton will introduce Michael Ammar (USA), Apollo (USA), Danny Archer (USA), Stephen Bargatze (USA), Craig Dickson (USA) and Shoot Ogawa (Japan).
16:30

Star Lecture: John Dixon β€” Mr Trix

Lecture The Arts Centre
Richard Stupple will introduce John Dixon ('Mr Trix').
20:00

International Magic β€” Gala Show

Gala Southport Theatre
Presented by the International Brotherhood of Magicians, British Ring No 25. Programme arranged and presented by Tony Shelley. Technical Advisor: Ali Bongo. Stage Director: Neil Roberts. Overture: Dave Cass at the keyboard. Master of Ceremonies Stephen Bargatze (USA) introduces Theo Dari, Nicholas Lepage, Tr'espace, Laurent Beretta and Simon Pierro, followed after the interval by Paolo Giua, Mirko, Jason Latimer and Duo Luis. The taking of photographs and videos during the performance is strictly forbidden.
Sunday 28 September 2003
09:30

Convention Service

Social The Promenade Suites
Conducted by Padre Derek McFaull, Hon. Chaplain to British Ring No 25. The service will be undenominational. Silver collection for the Welfare Fund.
10:00

Star Lecture: Danny Archer β€” On Target

Lecture Southport Theatre
Trevor Lewis will introduce Danny Archer (USA).
11:00

Junior Workshop

Workshop The Garden Suite
Mandy Davis and the Young Magicians' Club invite members and non-members aged 10–18 to a workshop featuring stars of the Convention.
11:30

Star Lecture: Shoot & Apollo β€” Cultural Xchange Lecture Tour

Lecture Southport Theatre
Ali Bongo will introduce Shoot & Apollo (Japan/USA).
15:00

Star Lecture: Stephen Bargatze β€” Stephen's Magic

Lecture Southport Theatre
Mandy Davis will introduce Stephen Bargatze (USA).
16:30

Presentation of Awards

Other Southport Theatre
By The President, Mike Gancia, followed by the Installation of our new President, Cynthia Neptune.
17:30

Magical Memories

Show Southport Theatre
Eddie Dawes presents Magical Memories, featuring Moira Fletcher, Ali Bongo, Brian Sefton, Mark Raffles and Martyn James. Accompanied at the keyboard by Dave Cass.
Learn From the Artists

Convention Lectures

Explore the lectures and specialist sessions in the programme.

Confessions of a Corporate Magician

Jeffery Atkins Memorial Lecture

Mike Gancia will introduce Michael Bailey.

Michael's Favorites

Star Lecture

Tony Shelley will introduce Michael Ammar (USA).

For the Entertainer

Star Lecture

Peter Scarlett will introduce Craig Dickson (USA).

More History Of Mystery

(The Collectors' and Others' Seminar)

Eddie Dawes presents Paul Freeman on 'The Die Box and Adalbert Frikell', Peter Lane on 'Conjurors in Court', and Dr Vanessa Toulmin on 'Magic of the Fairground'.

Mr Trix

Star Lecture

Richard Stupple will introduce John Dixon ('Mr Trix'), UK Children's Entertainer of the Year 2003.

On Target

Star Lecture

Trevor Lewis will introduce Danny Archer (USA).

Cultural Xchange Lecture Tour

Star Lecture

Ali Bongo will introduce Shoot & Apollo (Japan/USA).

Stephen's Magic

Star Lecture

Mandy Davis will introduce Stephen Bargatze (USA).

British Ring Competitions

Competition Programme

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

Competition for the British Ring Shield Awards

Organised and compered by John Pye. Running order of competitors: 1. Tom Lawrence (Luton), 2. Michele (Reading), 3. Richard Pinner (North Harrow), 4. Daniel Goodwin (Evesham), 5. Brian Maxwell (Poulton le Fylde), 6. Cosmik (Bishop Stortford), 7. Graham Hey (Seaton Ross), 8. Shane (Nottingham), 9. Viva (Nuneaton). Stage Director: Neil Roberts. On the Keyboard: Dave Cass DPLM, GCLCM. Timekeeper: Tony Brooks. Chairman of the Judges: Ali Bongo. Judges: Maxine McCarthy, Pat Fallon, Tanya, Richard Stupple, Alan Shaxon, Brian Miller.

Competition details & rules

The British Ring Shield plus Β£600 for the most entertaining Magic Act. The Theo Speaker Cup plus Β£300 for the runner up. The Alastair Wand plus Β£150 for third place. The Conventioneers Trophy for originality shown in effect, method or presentation. The Craig Trophy for the best Lady performer. The Dittia Shield for Manipulation. The Tom Harris Cup for Comedy.

Close-Up Competition for the Zina Bennett Trophy

Arranged by Bryan Atherton. Competitors (alphabetical order): Steve Barney (Ashvale), Malcolm Bromwich (Hessle), Harold Cataquet (Stockport), Danny Davis (Sheffield), Andy Field (Gloucester), Steve Gore (Bradford), Mel Harvey (Barford), Sean Heydon (Naseby), Melanie Partner (Hertford), Richard Pinner (North Harrow), Frederic Shark (Cheadle), Chris Stevenson (Buxton), Dex Warren (Glasgow). Chairman of the Judges: Mike Gancia. Judges: David Sandy, Michael Ammar, Vanni PulΓ©, Kevin Fox.

Competition details & rules

The Zina Bennett Trophy, awarded to the winner of the Close-Up Competition, plus 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.

Practical Magic

Winner of the Craig Trophy for the most attractive dealer display, judged on the morning of Friday 26th September.

Albion Magic Company (Inc. Terry & Norma Magic)

All Decked Out

Banshee Magic

Barbara & Alan Astra

Bradbury Hughes

British Ring Sales

Camtryx

Castle Magic Services

Cliff Lount's Bradford Magic Studio

Cozmic Entertainments

Craig Dickson

Danny Archer

Darius

El Duco

Five of Hearts Magic Productions

George Norrington

Goodliffe Publications

Hank Moorehouse

Hocus Pocus Magic Co.

International Magic

Keith Bennett

Magic Books by Post

Magic Box

Magic from Around The World

Magictrix

Mark Leveridge Magic

Michael Ammar

Mel's Magic

Merlins

Miss Terry

Patrick Page

PH Marketing

Paul Howard Pro Magic

Pennywise Magic

Peter Lamont

Peter Scarlett Magic

Playtime Balloons

RAR Magic

Reg Allen "The Magical Antiques"

Repro

Russell Hall - Magick

Shaun Yee

Shirley Ray - Balloon Parade

Stephen Bargatze

Stephen Tucker

Swadling Magic

The Card Collection

The Kaymar Magic Co.

The Magic Zone

Tom Owen

Tonny Van Rhee

Wayne Dobson

Wild Magic

Getting Around

Convention Venues

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

Main Venue

Southport Theatre

The Promenade, Southport

Other

The Floral Hall

Southport Theatre, The Promenade, Southport

Home of the Dealers' Magical Trade Fair, Registration and the Tombola.

Other

The Arts Centre

Lord Street, Southport

Star Lectures, the Annual General Meeting, More History of Mystery and Children's Showtime.

Hotel

Prince of Wales Hotel

Lord Street, Southport

The Ladies' Afternoon and the Convention Banquet.

Competition

The Promenade Suites

Southport Theatre, The Promenade, Southport

The Close-Up Competition for the Zina Bennett Trophy, the International Close-Up Gala and the Convention Service.

Other

The Garden Suite

Southport

The Junior Workshop with Mandy Davis and the Young Magicians' Club.

Competition Results

Convention Winners

Celebrating the performers recognised through the British Ring competition programme.

Not awarded

Tom Harris Cup β€” Comedy

Competition for the British Ring Shield Awards

Not awarded

Mystic Craig Ladies Trophy

Competition for the British Ring Shield Awards

Shane (Shane Morrison)

Dittia Shield β€” Manipulation

Competition for the British Ring Shield Awards

Viva

Conventioneers Trophy β€” Originality

Competition for the British Ring Shield Awards

Practical Magic

Dealers Trophy β€” Best Stand

Dealers Trophy

Richard Pinner

1st Place β€” Zina Bennett Trophy

Close-Up Competition for the Zina Bennett Trophy

Richard Pinner

1st Place β€” British Ring Trophy

Competition for the British Ring Shield Awards

Mel Harvey

2nd Place

Close-Up Competition for the Zina Bennett Trophy

Shane (Shane Morrison)

2nd Place β€” Theo Speaker Cup

Competition for the British Ring Shield Awards

Harold Cataquet

3rd Place

Close-Up Competition for the Zina Bennett Trophy

Viva

3rd Place β€” Alastair Wand

Competition for the British Ring Shield Awards

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