On Wednesday 9th March Hull Magician’s Circle provided the entertainment for the York Magicians’ Club at Shepherds’ Social Club. The return match to their visit to HMC in 2004.President Derek Forbes welcomed all to the meeting which, as York are celebrating their 60th Anniversary this year, was a party night.

Domanic, Richard, Tom, Rex and Ray, kept three tables of York members and guests enthralled with close-up magic. Highlights were Ray Burrell’s Cups and Balls, Tom’s version of Tagged, Rex’s Homing Card, Domanic’s presentation of David Regal’s Cheating and Richard’s performance of Steve Bedwell’s Rope Routine – At a Loose End. After a break for an excellent buffet the stage show commenced.

Compered by Jon Marshall, who warmed up and woke up the audience with Fred the Flea, the show opened with Gordon Stow. Gordon predicted Derek Forbes’ phone number with the help of a sticky Attaboy. Roxanne showed Ring on Rope and the Emergency Card Trick. Brian Waltham became Uncle Enrico with a Magigram Spaghetti theme for Unequal Ropes. Malcolm imprisoned Roxanne in the Wall illusion and successfully revived her from her ordeal. Guest artiste, and friend of HMC, Peter Scarlett stepped in at the last minute to replace Danny Hargreaves and Arthur Setterington when illness prevented them from performing. Peter skilfully cut to the four aces from a shuffled deck and performed his handling of Three Ropes and a Baby. Finally Eddie Dawes discovered musical talents in, apparently, the only lay member of the audience as he musically divined (with a Swannee Whistle) his chosen card. Eddie closed on a Hexaflexagon routine in rhyme and thanked the York members for inviting us to entertain them and for their buffet. Derek Forbes responded and hoped that the exchange visits would continue between York and HMC.

John’s lecture was entitled K.I.S.S. which stands for Keep It Simple Stupid. John started by talking about how when he got back into magic, after a long break to run his own advertising business, he realised that he needed to keep the methods to his magic simple so he could concentrate on the presentation. He also talked about how he tried to make his magic visual, as he found this worked best in noisy venues. He started by showing some examples of this, Don Alan’s Coat Hanger in Purse, Self-Folding Bill and a Fire Wallet, as good visual routines and ideal openers.

John went on to perform his Stagger-Ring which is a stunning Ring on Lace routine that finishes with the ring literally jumping onto the cord. John’s Pen through Mirror was a lesson in how to take a well-known effect, and amplify the presentation to make it into a miracle. The Fastest Card Trick in the World was a handling for a Stephen Tucker/Lubor Fielder card change, where four kings turned into four spot cards. As a tribute to Jack Avis, John’s brother-in-law, he showed Jack’s Okito Box move, which has to be simply one of the best turnover handlings, so simple and cheeky, yet so brilliant, a clear hallmark of Jack’s thinking. Nate Leipzig’s Magnetic Cards was shown as an example of a powerful and striking card effect, and John then went on to demonstrate a similar effect, his version of the Anti-Gravity glasses, done with simple props, two glasses, a wallet and some bank notes.

John’s Coins Across routine took a variation of David Roth’s handling and added a large Wine Glass to make this into a theatrical piece. John closed his lecture with two card effects. His handling of Nick Trost’s Eight Card Brainwave, was suitable for stage work, done with very large jumbo cards. Finally John showed a very direct card prediction, utilising Bob Swadling’s Changing Cards to good effect.Eddie thanked John for a wonderful evening, and for showing us that we can keep our magic simple yet still gain maximum effect.

There were eight competitors for the It’s a Gamble round of the Simpson Shield. Walt Lees assisted by five volunteers showed how to deal a winning poker hand courtesy of the Vernon Poker Deal. Jonathon Gaines assisted by Adam demonstrated a card trick where the odds were in favour of the dealer. Brian Wilson assisted by David bet his watch on a gamble involving a telephone directory. Eddie Dawes again assisted by David performed a Do-as-I-Do trick using old pound notes.Domanic Li performed David Regal’s Bottoms Up Aces, a card trick, assisted by four volunteers. Chris Pawson also performed a card trick with a gambling theme. Gordon Stow performed a trick using dice and was assisted by Brian. Brian Waltham performed a trick using matchboxes in which his was found to contain a ten pound note.The Competition resulted in a win for Walt Lees with Eddie Dawes in second place.

Ron Thompson has been gambling for over forty years! In a brilliantly entertaining and fascinating talk he regaled members with stories of his life in casino management. From his start as a croupier in the unlicensed ‘sawdust’ joints of the fifties to the upmarket, plush casinos of today, Ron entertained with tales of his brushes with the law, ladies, bosses and punters. My favourite was the one about Ron dealing for a poker game in which all spot cards below seven or eight (depending on number of players) are removed. One of the gamblers fell in a fit, and Ron paused, wondering whether to assist or deal, “take the sevens out” was the hissed instruction from the other players! He gave insights into tricks of the trade and how to spot card counters and top hatters. He ended his talk with a roulette trick assisted by Karen. Ron should polish this talk, put in a couple more gambling themed tricks and take it out on the speaker circuit - it will be a hit. Eddie thanked Ron on behalf of all members for a very entertaining evening.

There are one or two magical lecturers, of the standard of Bob Read, who are truly hilarious – with his first magic lecture John Archer joins that group. His impressive record as a compere and comedy magician is well known and now his new Handy Lecture demonstrated, if you needed to be told, that he also thinks deeply about his art. His lecture showed parts of routines, and how and why they have evolved from the original routine to a more effective one. All the ideas and routines that John showed had a transferable skill and amongst the brilliantly funny gags and ad libs they were explained clearly and in a way that did not invite mere copying but application of the ideas to the performance of each magician present.

He used Hoy’s Tossed out Deck to demonstrate the way to avoid problems, with a clever switch. Next was a Ring Vanish with his own version of a handkerchief which solved a number of problems. Then came a well thought out attack on the Magic Square, with several ideas to make it simple. To end the first half he showed his version of Spoon Bending.

The second half started with Komedy Killer, based on Kenton Knepper’s Kolossal Killer. John explained his thinking and how he presents this effect. The next of John’s ideas was a book test without a book. With a thought of word being ‘read’ by John, and finally revealed inside a wallet. The clever routining evolved from John’s creation of an ‘out’. Chinese Choice involved three members choosing cards from a shuffled deck to represent a sum of money, and an item on a Chinese menu. The resulting money matched the cost of the menu item. Again a clever switch was used. Next came Dodeckadeal, which found three freely stopped at cards next to their mates. Finally Collard was John’s variation of Don Wayne’s Room Service making effective use of a stuffed dog.

John believed you must justify what you are doing in your head. Only by this approach could your belief be communicated to the audience. We were privileged to be the ‘pilot’ evening for John’s lecture tour (promoted by HMC’s Alan Hudson) taking in societies from Edinburgh to Watford including a visit to The Magic Circle. In thanking John Archer, Eddie Dawes said that the audience’s reaction had shown that we had enjoyed a wonderful lecture with great fun and strong magic from such a busy professional, and a member of HMC. The audience’s appreciation was also shown when John sold his last set of lecture notes, published and illustrated by himself.

There were thirteen competitors for the Quick Trick round of the Simpson Shield. Brian Wilson performed a trick using D'lites and a tambourine (35 seconds), Roland Tuplin pushed a coin into a Lucazade bottle (19s). David Hand performed a quick card trick (42s). Jim Hyman showed a Dissolving Knot (9s). Rex Stott had a version of a Coin Matrix (40s). Gordon Stow showed a Ring and Lace Penetration (17s).Domanic Li had a signed card appear in his pocket (39s) and Vik showed Triple Impact by Matt Ellison (1m 6s). Walt Lees transferred dots onto a scarf (40s). Eddie Dawes pulled a green silk from a Dollar Bill (19s). Malcolm Bromwich penetrated a silk through a ring (1m 3s). Danny Hargreaves changed his Prediction Card (31s) and Brian Waltham also showed a changing card trick (36s).Eddie timed all the competitors and declared that it was the fastest competition ever; Jim had the quickest time at just 9 seconds and Vik the longest at 1 minute 6 seconds. The competition resulted in a win for Brian Wilson with Vik in second place.

Jonathan Gaines and James Ashford perform close-up for corporate and private audiences, and gave us their view of what works, and more importantly what makes it special. This was clearly demonstrated with some of their regular items and they shared with us their thoughts about the use of magic in entertainment. James only performed simple tricks, so that he could concentrate on the presentation. James asked the question 'What is magic?' and gave his view that we perform tricks, the MAGIC is what the spectator remembers - the feeling of amazement. Both James and Jonathan tried to tailor each show to their audience, getting names, photos and telephone numbers from the host to personalise each show. They demonstrated how effective these ideas are. Jonathan also made up a personalised prediction effect especially for the lecture involving members of HMC. James showed his Yorkshire Opener, a variation of the classic Red Hot Mama. James believed that tricks could be too unbelievable, and cited Out of this World as an example. In his view this effect could be improved by including a mistake. Jonathan finished with his favourite book test - a variation of Marc Paul's Any Time, Any Place, Any Book, which Brian Wilson thought was based on an item of Chan Canasta’s. This lecture gave members plenty of ideas to think about, as well as a number of tricks, simple to execute but stunning to the audience. Eddie Dawes thanked Jonathan and James for their instructive evening, from two experienced performers, which had many ideas for us to contemplate.

Martyn James our host for the evening opened the entertainment using Bob Cassidy’s Chronologue.The first guest to be introduced was Alan Richards. Alan gave us his advice on the Invisible Deck and his top tips were ‘don’t waste money on magic’ and ‘keep it simple’.The second guest was Norman Hornsby who talked about his children’s magic show routines and his top tip was to ‘be bold and visual’.The next guest was Alan Hudson who performed a short close-up set that had the trademarks of its professional use. Alan’s top tip was to ‘think about what tricks impress lay people’.Martyn then introduced Mark Huntley who performed Sean Bogunia’s Ultimate Dancing Hank which he had clearly spent many hours practicing. Mark’s top tips were to ‘think about your setting’ lighting, backdrops, microphones etc.Following a short break all of this evening’s guests gathered at the front for a question and answer session where members put forward a variety of questions relating to many different aspects of magic and performance.On behalf of all the members present Eddie thanked tonight’s guests for an informative and entertaining evening.

Dealer Dem nights are a popular event in so many magic society calendars. Some are part lecture - part demonstration and some are all demonstration. Merlins visit to Hull was one of the latter type.Phil and Mark had brought a vast and colourful array of equipment, packet tricks, apparatus and DVDs. They were entertaining in their demonstrations of Merlins stock including: Merlins Coin Safe, Duel Match, No Camera Trick, Magic Spell, Key Card Mystery, Predicto Transpo, ESP – Wayne Dobson, Melt, Lethal Tender, Dynaswitch, Wonder Lock, Knotty Knot, Rope With Four Ends, Three Silk Case, Blendo Plus, Time Machine, Sword through Neck and Head Fire and many more. Everyone received a list and there was plenty of time to browse over the items, ask questions and buy. Eddie Dawes gave a message of appreciation and gratitude on behalf of all members of HMC for an entertaining evening.

Edward Victor (1887-1964)

Edward Victor had a long and highly successful career. From his beginnings as an entertainer at private parties he turned to stage work and regular appearances at St George’s Hall after his first, trial week, appearance in October 1914. He excelled in Manipulative Magic and Shadowgraphy. Known to his friends as Teddy, his real name was Edward Victor Neuschwander. His parents were Swiss. He often played the role of Abanazar in the traditional Aladdin pantomime. His version of the Cut and Restored Rope has become a standard magic effect and he wrote three excellent books on sleight of hand magic. This picture inscribed ‘To Bert, Best Wishes, Ted & Sybil Victor’ is part of a composite publicity photograph showing two sections of a ring on rope routine and entitled ‘Victor et Mlle. Sybil’.

Last year my active involvement in the management of HMC’s activities came to an end so when, at 6.30 p.m. on Friday, January 14 2005, Jan said, “Do you have anything to do tonight?”, I cheerfully replied “No, apart from putting a couple of tricks in my pocket”. I had not always been that laid back in previous years!! The supper always created some work for the Hon. Sec. but, I hasten to add, nothing like the Herculean demands placed on the Hon. Treasurer. He really does deserve a medal for that evening alone.But tonight for me was a new experience. All I had to do was to play the role of a paying customer. Our party was sitting near the door and therefore I was in a good position to observe proceedings at a distance, both physically and emotionally. It was a very different experience and, let me say, from the outset it was one I found thoroughly enjoyable. I was able to witness at first hand what a fantastic evening the Annual Supper provides and it is little wonder that the tickets sell like hot cakes – or should that be hot steak and kidney pies.

From the moment we entered the Conservatory area, you could feel the buzz of expectancy – people were happy. Old friends were cordially greeting one another and I even saw someone with a pack of cards. Why not! After all we are a magic society and not a dining club. Once Arthur had said grace, the meal got underway and it was then that you could sense the atmosphere – the atmosphere that makes the supper such a winner. You could hear animated conversation punctuated by laughter and the clinking of glasses. You knew everyone was enjoying themselves. You could feel it. Eventually Michael Harrop gave me the word and I started doing close-up at the tables. I didn’t see much of what other magicians were doing but it seemed to be going down well. I’m convinced that one of the reasons that the close-up is so successful is the large percentage of non-magicians at the event. I know that my family enjoyed all the performers who came to our table. Food for thought?

The twenty members of HMC that took part in the close-up session were, in no particular order, Kevin Ward, Rob Walls, James Ashford, Jonathan Gaines, Roni, Ray Burrell, Karen McIntosh, Daniel Smith, Richard Morrell, Gordon Stow, Tom Wilkinson, Malcolm Bromwich, Roland Tuplin, Bernard Reuben, Debbie Griffiths, Ron Thompson, Rex Stott, Domanic Li, Margaret Henriksen and Roxanne Broadbent.

Soon it was time to recharge glasses and await the cabaret. I was really looking forward to seeing Ian Keable. I remembered him doing a lecture for us some time ago and just wondered how his very successful close-up style could transfer to the platform format. The answer was soon obvious. He was a hit and fully justified John Archer’s enthusiastic build-up. Ian soon had the audience hanging on to his every word, totally mystified by his good magic and amused by his sharp-witted patter. His involvement of members of the audience was a sheer delight and an object lesson in how to get laughs while keeping the volunteer in on the joke. His laid-back laconic style was very much in the Mike O’Brien mode and you can’t give much higher praise then that. To give a list of what Ian performed would not do it justice, but some of the highlights included his Smashed and Restored Watch routine, Named Card to Wallet, Bill in Lemon, Cards Across and an hilarious audience participation routine. All of Ian’s props came out of his jacket and pockets, which was a minor miracle, he was a human Multum in Parvo! The evening came to a very successful close with our President thanking all concerned, reminding them about the Annual Dinner and bidding them goodnight. Hardly anybody moved. People just continued chatting away. Whatever the ingredients for success are, the Annual Supper has them in spades – and hearts, clubs and diamonds, too. Has anyone ever tried bottling them?

Brought to you at Enormous Expense….. it was Old Time Music hall night at The Sailmakers for the HMC December 2004 Christmas celebration. Organised by Debbie and Karen, who had scoured the several corners of Hull and Scunthorpe to engage the artistes, it was a splendid night that also incorporated the 2004 Bob Moore Comedy Trophy Competition. Six took part in the competition, each using their allotted five minutes to present their comedy presentations. The rules are simple – entrants have five minutes to perform a trick, or tricks, within five minutes. Go over and you are gonged out! Well, disqualified anyway. To make it easy a warning bell is given at four minutes and timekeeper Michael Harrop’s hand can clearly be seen reaching for the large bell. What excitement!

First up was Malcolm Bromwich with yet another variation on the presentation of his The Wall illusion, aided by Roxanne and Kevin the Dog. There seems to be no limit to the number of ways Malcolm can penetrate Roxanne in this device. Rex could probably have gone on for another hour with Bob Read’s combination of soldier’s prayer book and newspaper hat folding which eventually revealed a chosen card. Rex has entered the competition from the start and it’s really his tribute to the great friendship and respect that grew between the two in Bob Moore’s last few years. Ask Rex about the hilarity in Bob’s hospital ward. Clearly three of the performers decided to finish their comedy performances at all costs and sacrifice their chance of winning when it became apparent that at four minutes there was no way they could complete their acts in time.

First of these was Walt Lees who was very funny with repeated card selections that all turned out to be the same card, he finished with his egg-whisk mind reading and Card in Balloon.

Arthur Setterington inspired by a David Kaye idea in Magic performed an Indian Rope Trick with a puppet monkey.

Paul Kitchen failed to complete a hat trick of wins with a revelation of a chosen card sat on by Adam which Paul revealed by looking down into his mouth with a flash light. Paul finished with a death-defying feat of firing a loaded party popper into his mouth with no thought for his personal safety, another act that ran over time.

Gordon Stow frequently changed hats, and used local village patter to romp through Blendo, Stretching Streamer and other silk tricks.

After the vote Arthur Setterington was declared the winner – in his sixtieth year in magic – Arthur has now won every competition that Hull Magicians’ Circle hold (Except the Spooner and the Young Magicians’ Close-Up competition – but he did present that!)

The buffet followed and then it was time for the Old Time show, a great mix of our members revealing their musical and allied arts talents. Richard blew his own trumpet – well actually it was a cornet - with a rendition of Walking in the Air from The Snowman, accompanied by Ray on keyboard. Eddie was funny with, by permission of Amy, a Hexaflexagon and then Supreme’s Spotted with optician patter. The maestro of the key boards, Ray Burrell, accompanied acts and performed his arrangement of Silent Night. Roxanne and Danielle displayed their dancing talents. Arthur showed how, as you get older, long-term memory improves with a Datas inspired feat of memory. David Hand sang the Gilbert and Sullivan Major General number, performing the solo and all the parts of the chorus simultaneously! The top of the bill was Roland “I’m Leaning on the Lamp Post” Tuplin with banjo-ukulele in his hand and George Formby songs. All this introduced by Chairman, Jon Marshall suitably attired in top-hat and handlebar moustache.

Good news to start with. I found some time at the start of this year to do the long overdue update to the HMC site, changed a few things, updated the software, added a new header courtesy of Domanic, and added lots of content from past issues of The Oracle so if you haven’t yet seen it, head on over to http://www.magician.org.uk/hmc and let me have your comments on the new look. I have more exciting things planned for the future – the site will be updated with this issue of The Oracle, and then a major change to the way the photos are displayed. Cutting edge web technology will give us the benefit of better colour, better quality and a gallery of pictures we don’t have room to print in The Oracle.

If you still havent joined the Hull Magicians Circle Yahoo! Group then follow the link on the HMC website, enter your e-mail address to sign up, you can then send and receive e-mails that will be read by all the members of HMC that are part of the group, you can discuss HMC events, or just magic in general.

So what else is going on with magic on the web? Those of you that keep up with the magical forums, have probably noticed lots of buzz about Steve Youells new Card Magic site Cogitations http://www.cogitations.net Its a bi-yearly subscription site that promises one new trick or article a week. So far it has received lots of positive feedback, with, as expected, a few negative comments. I subscribed before the launch on January 1st and so far I feel Ive had my moneys worth and I am still half-way through my subscription. Recent articles have seen writings from Andrew Wimhurst, Darwin Ortiz, Andru Luvisi and Steve himself. With downloads, video clips and articles it really is worth checking out if you are serious about your card magic.

It was recently announced at one of our meetings that Eddie has booked Michael Ammar for Presidents Night. Michael is only presenting a few UK lectures and, if his visit last time was anything to go by, this will be a night not to be missed. If you would like to get a flavour of life on the road as a magical lecturer visit Lee Ashers site to view a short Michael Ammar documentary http://www.leeasher.com/ammar.htm. This is quite a large file and probably only suitable for broadband download unless youre prepared for a long wait on a dial-up connection. It is the first part of his On Tour with Mike Ammar film, which sees Lee travelling with Michael on his X-elent Series Lecture Tour. Michael undertook eight lectures in nine days, and Lee took along his digital camera to capture the highlights. You wont see any magic, but what you do get is a sense of what it is like to be on tour, and what it takes to do a magic lecture - watch it before Michael comes to visit, and you may just appreciate his visit all the more!

A new site has opened very recently, Magic Showcase http://www.magic-showcase.co.uk/, which claims to be an interactive, community website and online performance arena for Magicians. You can view performance videos, take part in the forums, view details of upcoming magic events, and spend your money in the online shop. Derren Brown comes to visit Hull New Theatre on Sunday April 3 with a brand new show. Derren was featured on the front cover and in an in-depth interview in the February issue of Genii magazine http://www.geniimagazine.com; you can still order a back-issue. Jamy Ian Swiss interviewed Derren over a number of years to compile this issue, and Genii has given him permission to publish a longer version of the interview on his website http://www.jamyianswiss.com/fm/works/derren-brown.html. It’s well worth the read, not only for insights into Derren and his character, but also his hard-hitting thoughts on magic in general. That should keep you busy till the next time we log-on.

Gordon Stow has been a member of HMC for around ten years. He is an active and regular member participating in nearly every competition that HMC holds. His interest in magic as a youngster had lain dormant until it was resurrected after his ill health retirement as a college lecturer in 1995. Discovering Supreme Magic and the British Ring IBM from a childrens book on magic was the catalyst to this re-interest.
Gordon was born and bred in Hull. He raised three children, was married for twenty-one years and divorced in 1987. Gordon married again, started another family and moved out to Kilham in 1992.
Always a Bridesmaid could have been Gordons magical theme tune as he has become known for coming second in nearly every magical competition he has entered! Until this month when he was declared the winner of the Connolly Shield for stage magic 2005. Gordon says he is very proud to be a member of the fraternity of magic.

What type of magic do you enjoy?
I enjoy watching close up and street magic, and I enjoy performing stage, comedy and childrens magic.

Who is your favourite magician, and why?
My favourite magicians have to be my friends in magic: Chris Pawson, Ron Thompson, Rob Walls and Malcolm Bromwich. We share ideas, encouragement, and inspiration.

Do you, have you followed another profession?
Yes, I was a college lecturer in building, then later in special education. I am now a social worker with learning-disabled adults.

Have you used your magical skills with that other profession?
Currently, I find it very useful as a medium into all sorts of therapeutic interventions, from challenging behaviour to inspiring people with profound handicaps.

What has been the highlight of your magical life so far?
Winning the Connolly Shield for stage magic, but I have also been so proud to be runner up in some of our other recent competitions.

Do you have any other hobbies?
Reading, family, listening to classical music, and I enjoy a good cryptic crossword!

What dont you like in magic?
I dont like large illusions with smoke and loud music.

Do you have a favourite magic book?
I get a lot of good ideas and inspiration from magic books for children (not necessarily for childrens magic).

Is there anything you would change at HMC?
I dont like the voting format for the Simpson Shield and Bob Moore Trophy. It doesnt reflect a true result, on a close call, when you only have one vote. People could be tempted to vote for a friend. It should be judged by representatives of our elected committee or vote for first and second place should be allowed.

Have any amusing incidents occurred in connection with performing?
Every time I want to be a comedy magician, but people keep laughing at me.

What non-magical music, films, and books do you enjoy?
Classical music, mostly Mozart. Historical books and films.

Close-up or Stage?
Stage.

Best night at HMC and Why?
Any lectures, talks by our own members, because they are exclusive to those present on the night.

Red or Blue backed cards?
Blue.

David Copperfield or David Blaine?
David Blaine.

Sawing in Half or Levitation?
Levitation.

What is your favourite trick that you perform?
Its A Hold Up, from Alan Shaxons Lecture (originally by Oswald Rae), combined with a Pearl Necklace production from a Jack Delvin Lecture.

The sponsors, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution Hessle branch, had produced excellent publicity, colourful tickets and a good house for the Connolly Shield Competition 2005. At 7.30 p.m. on Friday March 11 in Hessle Town Hall the competition got underway with Paul Kitchen as compre introducing the first competitors Kevin Ward and Beau. Kevin took us through his professionally polished childrens show, compromising of Balls to Box, a Sawing in Halves of a child volunteer, followed by a levitation and decapitation of other helpers from the audience. Each assistant received a balloon flower for their trouble. Kevin and Beau finished with a Cube-Zag illusion.

Malcolm Bromwich and Roxanne Broadbent were next to perform. They started with a nice interlude of Cut-and-Restored Rope and Unequal Ropes, with Roxanne getting one-up on Malcolm. Malcolm got his own back by twisting Roxannes head round in his Head Twister illusion. A fun aside with the Hunter Puzzle Knot and a couple of audience members, led into what is now Malcolm and Roxannes signature piece, The Wall illusion. Unfortunately Malcolm ran slightly over time.

Third on was Daniel Hargreaves making his move from the Spooner Trophy to the Connolly Shield. Daniel opened with an impressive Vanishing Cane, produced an Umbrella from a copy of The Hull Daily Mail, vanished and re-appeared a silk a-la 20th Century. He then confidently showed his version of the Blocks-Off routine, Candle through Arm, the Phone Number card trick and finished with the Goodnight Wand. Unfortunately for Daniel he under-ran his declared time.

The final act of the competition and the eventual winner was Gordon Stow in his character of Professor Bumblebore. Gordon started off by trying to square a circle, and kept this up as a running gag. He produced a rabbit from his wizards hat. Gordon then showed his Sympathetic Ropes routine, followed by David Ginns Stretching Streamer, peppered with jokes which revealed Gordons dry sense of humour. A routine which blended the disappearance of a necklace, a watch, ring and money followed, and concluded with the re-appearance of the articles to a strong round of gasps and applause. Gordon concluded his act with the David Ginn Blendo, which gave a nice colourful end to his act and the competition.

Throughout the night Paul did an excellent job as compere. With strong magic and sight gags he filled the stage waits with ease and professionalism, using his Sponge Ball routine, Torn and Restored Newspaper, Gaetan Blooms McDonalds Bag with Pauls original script and Appearing Straw kicker, Party Popper Roulette, Card Called Phil, and Misers Dream.

In the second half whilst the judges were still deliberating, Alan Hudson treated the audience to a spot of his comedy magic, including Norm Nielsens Vanishing Ketchup Bottle, the, amazingly impossible, Ring in Gumball Machine and Ali Bongos Balloon trick which has become a strong closer for Alan, and was much appreciated by the audience.

The judges consisted of Ann Robinson from the RNLI, and two magical judges, our friends from the York Society, Maurice Deighton and Roger Martin. They decided that the winner for this evening should be Gordon Stow, with Kevin and Beau a close second.

The whole show ran smoothly thanks to the hard work backstage by Brian Wilson and Richard Morrell. HMC President, Eddie Dawes, thanked all concerned, with the evening raising over four-hundred pounds, benefiting HMC and the RNLI the evening was certainly deemed a success.

In Oracle (Vol 9. No1) Milton Woodward is featured on the back page, From Berts Scrapbook. It reminded me of seeing Milton Woodwards act when he appeared at the Tivoli Theatre in November 1944 with his colourful magical act.
Milton was known as Jack to his friends, his real name was John. He was dressed in top hat and tails and the act commenced by producing a number of silks from his, previously shown empty, hat. His evening cane transformed into more silks. After rolling a piece of paper into a tube he produced, from it, a doll. The doll was placed into a cabinet and changed into a real woman.
A box representing a Chinese Temple was shown empty and an idol removed from it, then a large production of flowers was made from the box and finally a Chinese Lady. Milton then displayed a metal blancmange mould and a dish. Placing the empty mould and bowl together a blancmange was produced.
After borrowing two finger rings from members of the audience, Milton rammed then into the barrel of a pistol which was aimed at a box and fired. This box was a Nest of Boxes and the rings were found safely in the innermost box. The act concluded with a large floral production.
Milton did not become a professional magician until the age of thirty seven. His early years were spent in his fathers Drapery business.
He created a fourteen-minute act of tricks and illusions in which he was joined by Millicent Cooper who assisted him in the act and managed to change her costume no less than nineteen times.
Milton Woodwards daughter Betty had assisted in the act but when she married it was Millicent who suggested that they should present a different kind of act. It was to be an any drink called for act. Unlike other similar acts, which used essences and chemical imitations of drinks, Miltons act used only real and genuine drinks. This act was called The Wunderbar and also played The Tivoli where I saw it. I much preferred his illusion show.