Popular member, Roni, makes one of the longest treks to HMC events – Scarborough and back! And he rarely misses a meeting. Roni was born in Tel-Aviv, Israel. He has always been creative. He enjoyed playing music and drawing, but magic became his consuming passion. In 1980 he founded the Israeli Magic Club and served as their President for three years. Before his move to England the Israeli Society awarded him the honorary lifetime title of ‘Grand President’ in recognition of hi promotion of the art of magic. Most of his adult life he has spent as a professional entertainer, first as a musician then as a magician. Although he owned and ran other businesses magic was his first love. In his own words:-“I consider myself a very lucky person as I have always done what I loved best. The honest truth for me is that with the art of magic being such a wide and deep art, even now, I still feel as if I am but a humble beginner. To me Magic means exactly that”.

When did you become interested in magic?
In my youth I used to be a bass guitarist for a rock band, I composed music and wrote lyrics. In 1969 we became very popular and decided to put on a short cabaret. I bought a few magic tricks, Feather Flowers and such like. It went well and I left the rock band to perform magic.

Who is your favourite magician?
It would have to be the late Fred Kaps. I learnt a lot from watching him and my second manipulation act was built with Fred Kaps in mind. My first Manipulation act was my Dove act. I was inspired to do this act by a magician who was my mentor, his name was Jimmy Rogers.

What book are you reading at the moment?
At the moment I am very interested in Mediums. The book I am reading now is Behind the Scenes with the Mediums.

When not doing magic what do you do?
When I am not doing magic? Strange question to ask me. Sleep, I suppose.

How did you join the HMC and how long have you been a member?
I used to come as a visitor quite often to the HMC. On one of those visits Eddie asked me if I would like to join. I have never looked back. To my mind the HMC is one of the best magic clubs (if not the best) and I am grateful to Eddie for his very valuable suggestion. Members of the HMC should know, that it is a superbly run club and should seriously value their membership..How long have I been a member? Sorry Alzheimer’s is revisiting.

Close-up or stage?
It used to be stage; as I mentioned before, I performed manipulation acts when variety used to be the in-thing. These days I rather like the intimate type of close-up magic. Psychic work, mentalism, and readings are the subjects I like best.

Best night at the HMC and why?
It has to be the nights that the members take the stage. I like the camaraderie that we all enjoy at the HMC and there is no doubt in my mind that the knowledge possessed by our members is at least as good as any lecturer can offer.

Anything you would change at the HMC?
I can’t think of anything (which is unusual for me) but there you go.

Red or Blue backed cards?
Is this a psychological question?

Choose any car and put your own number plate on it.
It would have to be a Robin Reliant with the number plate UPM 10 IUP, which stands for ‘You Pay Me £10 If You Pass!’

David Copperfield or David Blaine?
It would have to be David Hand. After all he has all of our money.

Do you have a favourite film?
No.

What is your all time favourite trick that you perform?
There are a good few but the two that I like best are The Good Luck Charm and Ghostly Touches.Both are my own versions of mental effects.

Rope tricks or card tricks?
Definitely not Card tricks (Does this answer your question?)

What is your favourite colour?
It would have to be green and smell like a Dollar.

Best magical experience?
Finding my Queen of Hearts some thirty-two years ago.

Do you have a favourite card in the pack?
Yes. The one that wins.

Sawing in half or levitation?
Levitation I suppose. Reason? Why spoil a good-looking lady if you can levitate her?