This time round you get to know all you ever wanted to know (and probably things you didn't) about the one and only Rex Stott, now we already know a little about Rex such as he is Hon. Secretary, lives in Walkington and supports Leeds United, but did you know he will be celebrating forty years of marriage to the lovely Jan this year? Rex and Jan have three children and five grandchildren aged from four months to nineteen years. They also own three cats, Merlin, Copperfield and Sugar.


When / how did you become interested in Magic?
When I was seven years old I bought with my pocket money a matchbox where the matches appeared and disappeared. On the way home I broke it - tore the paper but I was so pleased when I worked out how it was done and that I could repair it. I now know it was one of Davenport's tricks.

Who is your favourite Magician?
Bob Read. I've been fortunate enough to see him perform/lecture three times - what a genius. What I didn't realise at first was the fact that he performs in character. It was quite a shock to talk to him “offstage” and find him a very quietly spoken gentleman.

What book are you reading at the moment?
I'm working my way through my Christmas present from Jan - eight volumes of
Tarbell.

When not doing Magic what do you do?
I support Leeds United and Yorkshire Cricket. I play the piano and keep fit
by swimming, cycling and doing Pilates. Jan and I also enjoy travelling.

How did you join HMC and how long have you been a member?
I knew about HMC through Ian Brown (Richard Fawkes) and I joined after I
retired ten years ago.

Close-up or Stage?
Close-up both for watching and performing.

Best Night at HMC and Why?
The Bob Read lecture. The man is a genius and a very nice chap as well.

Anything you would change at HMC?
The Hon. Secretary!

Red or Blue backed cards?
Blue.

Choose any car and put your own number plate on it.
A Rolls Royce with LUFC on the number plate.

David Copperfield or David Blaine?
David Blaine.

Do you have a favourite film?
The Glen Miller Story though we thoroughly enjoyed Chicago recently.

What is your all time favourite trick that you perform?
The Three-Card Monte. I came across a routine in one of Roy Walton's books, which has a story to it, which takes it away from the gambling “you can't win” scenario.

Rope tricks or card tricks?
Depends who's being tied up!!! but usually card tricks.

What is your favourite colour?
The colour of my wife's eyes - blue.

Best Magical experience..
Seeing Penn and Teller on stage live in Las Vegas, they may not be everybody's cup of tea but to see them live was an experience. They did their famous Bullet Catch and the chap sitting in front of us went on stage to fire one of the guns. He left the theatre shaken by what had happened - he was a firearms expert, which added to his astonishment.

Do you have a favourite card in the pack?
Ace of Spades

Sawing in Half or Levitation?
Levitation