9.2 In the Spotlight - Ron Thompson
Member of HMC for two years and long time member of the BMS (British Magical Society - Birmingham) Ron Thompson has retired and moved to Nafferton in the East Riding. Their loss is our gain, members will have seen Ron participate in club nights and he is now the Simpson Shield host. He is presenting It's a Gamble, an evening with, of course, gambling as its theme on February 17. Something Ron knows a little about as he spent over forty years in the casino business progressing from croupier to Gaming Director. The Spotlight asked if Ron ever used his magic skills in the casino - his reply, “What! And get lynched!”
When and how did you become interested in magic?
There was an advert in the Wizard comic, in about 1947, for the Boy's Magic Service, Prestatyn. I sent for a catalogue and was hooked.
Who is your favourite magician?
Ken Brooke rates pretty high with me.
What book are you reading at the moment?
One of my hobbies is reading, I enjoyed Poisonwood Bible and I like Bruce Elliot's magic books. My first magic book was Magic as a Hobby.
How did you join HMC and how long have you been a member?
Well I'm a fairly new boy to HMC. Having been a member of the Staffs Magical Society and then the BMS for many years I just had to join a local society to keep up my interest when I retired to Yorkshire. My son and family live around here and we followed in 2002.
Close-up or Stage?
I enjoy close-up and stand up and I also admire some of the fine illusion acts around.
Best Night at HMC and why?
I love them all! Gazzo performed very well but talked crap!
Anything you would change at HMC?
I like the fact that we're not lectured at every week. You have to get off your ass and do tricks.
Red or Blue Backed Cards?
Strippers every time!
David Copperfield or David Blaine?
How about an Englishman? - Gordon Stow gets my vote.
Do you have a favourite film?
Brassed Off - a good Yorkshire film.
What is your all time favourite trick that you perform?
Charlie Edward's Flick Book.
Rope Tricks or Card Tricks?
Cards. And I'm not a coin magician - I can never tell copper from silver.
Your best magical experience?
Being asked to open the BMS Diamond Jubilee close-up show in 1964. I was on the bill with Francis Haxton and Tom Harris. Funny they never asked me back!
Sawing in Half or Levitation?
I'd rather have a rise anytime.
When and how did you become interested in magic?
There was an advert in the Wizard comic, in about 1947, for the Boy's Magic Service, Prestatyn. I sent for a catalogue and was hooked.
Who is your favourite magician?
Ken Brooke rates pretty high with me.
What book are you reading at the moment?
One of my hobbies is reading, I enjoyed Poisonwood Bible and I like Bruce Elliot's magic books. My first magic book was Magic as a Hobby.
How did you join HMC and how long have you been a member?
Well I'm a fairly new boy to HMC. Having been a member of the Staffs Magical Society and then the BMS for many years I just had to join a local society to keep up my interest when I retired to Yorkshire. My son and family live around here and we followed in 2002.
Close-up or Stage?
I enjoy close-up and stand up and I also admire some of the fine illusion acts around.
Best Night at HMC and why?
I love them all! Gazzo performed very well but talked crap!
Anything you would change at HMC?
I like the fact that we're not lectured at every week. You have to get off your ass and do tricks.
Red or Blue Backed Cards?
Strippers every time!
David Copperfield or David Blaine?
How about an Englishman? - Gordon Stow gets my vote.
Do you have a favourite film?
Brassed Off - a good Yorkshire film.
What is your all time favourite trick that you perform?
Charlie Edward's Flick Book.
Rope Tricks or Card Tricks?
Cards. And I'm not a coin magician - I can never tell copper from silver.
Your best magical experience?
Being asked to open the BMS Diamond Jubilee close-up show in 1964. I was on the bill with Francis Haxton and Tom Harris. Funny they never asked me back!
Sawing in Half or Levitation?
I'd rather have a rise anytime.
Comments
Ron:
on 02/11/07 05:02I actually came across an old flick book, I wondered if ypou still need one.
bob farrell