The 34th Annual Convention of I.B.M. British Ring No.25, held in Hastings ā five days of International Magic, Lecture Sessions, the Competition for the New Silver British Ring Shield, the Close-Up Contest for the Zina Bennett Cup and the International Gala of Magic.
The 34th Annual Convention of I.B.M. British Ring No.25 takes place 16thā20th September 1970 at the White Rock Pavilion, Hastings, with further events at the Queens Hotel and on Hastings Pier, preceded by the Night Before Party at the Queens Hotel on Tuesday 15th September. Under the presidency of Harold Taylor, and honoured by the presence of International President Wm. G. Stickland ā the first Englishman to hold that office ā together with First International Vice President Ace Gorham, past International President Charles Rosskam and the Mayor of Hastings, Councillor E. P. Nye, the week brings together visitors from Australia, Barbados, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Holland, Ireland, Pakistan, South Africa, Sweden and the United States for Howard Petersā Underwater Challenge Escape, the Official Opening and International Magic compĆØred by Ace Gorham, the Civic Reception Ball & Cabaret, the Dealersā Magical Trade Fair and Dealersā Demonstration, the Lecture Sessions, the Competition for the New Silver British Ring Shield, the Close-Up Contest for the Zina Bennett Cup, the Ladiesā Afternoon, the Hospitals/Homes Shows, āOn the Lighter Sideā, Peter Warlockās āThe Loneliness of the Long Distance Looker Backā, the Convention Banquet and After Banquet Show, Bobby Bernardās Clinic, Childrenās Playtime, the International Gala of Magic and a midnight Music Hall Show, closing on Sunday with the Convention Service and the Installation of Ron Bishop as the new President.
Meet the performers, lecturers, hosts and special guests appearing at this convention.
President of the British Ring, who officially opens the 34th Annual Convention, chairs the Annual General Meeting and introduces and compĆØres the International Gala of Magic. Described in the programme as the āpopular globe trotting personalityā.
International President of the I.B.M. ā the first Englishman to hold that office ā and Hon. Secretary and Organising Secretary of the British Ring. Proposes the toast to the County Borough of Hastings at the Convention Banquet and arranges the programme of the International Gala of Magic.
President Elect of the British Ring, to be installed as the new President on Sunday. Serves on the judging panel for the Shield Competition and appears in Peter Warlockās āThe Loneliness of the Long Distance Looker Backā.
First International Vice President of the I.B.M. and a member of the British Ring. CompĆØres International Magic on Wednesday, judges the Shield Competition, responds to the toast to Ladies & Guests at the Convention Banquet and presents the Sunday lecture.
Past International President of the I.B.M. and a member of the British Ring, who proposes the toast to the British Ring at the Convention Banquet.
The Right Worshipful the Mayor of Hastings, who hosts the Civic Reception Ball & Cabaret with the Mayoress and responds to the toast to the County Borough of Hastings at the Convention Banquet.
Chairman of the Lecture Sessions. Presents āThe Loneliness of the Long Distance Looker Backā on Friday afternoon, takes part in the After Banquet Show (with Ann Warlock), presents silk knots and knotting at Bobby Bernardās Clinic, and is organiser of the lectures and the Souvenir Programme.
Host of the Night Before Party, who attempts the Underwater Challenge Escape from Hastings Pier ā handcuffed, manacled and sealed in a packing case dropped into the sea ā and performs in the After Banquet Show. Also listed among the Conventionās stage management team.
Stage Manager of the Convention: gives the commentary for Howard Petersā Underwater Challenge Escape, co-presents and stage manages the After Banquet Show, stage manages the International Gala of Magic and is stage manager for the Hospitals/Homes Show at the National Childrenās Home. Organiser of the outside attraction and Territorial Vice-President (Britain) of the I.B.M.
Co-presents and appears in the After Banquet Show on Friday and is Chairman of the midnight Music Hall Show on Saturday.
Organises and introduces the Competition for the New Silver British Ring Shield on Thursday evening, and performs in the Hospitals/Homes Show at Elphinstone Mount Childrenās Convalescent Home.
Co-organiser (with Don Lees) of the Dealersā Magical Trade Fair, Welfare Officer of the British Ring, and, with Mollie Dexter, director of the closing Cocktail Party.
Co-organiser (with Eddie Dexter) of the Dealersā Magical Trade Fair and a member of the Convention Committee.
Arranges the Dealersā Demonstration, acts as Returning Officer for the Annual General Meeting elections and appears in āThe Loneliness of the Long Distance Looker Backā.
Timekeeper for the Dealersā Demonstration and the Shield Competition.
Organiser of the Close-Up Showcase and the Close-Up Contest for the Zina Bennett Cup; also appears as one of the non-entrant performers.
Devises and presents Childrenās Playtime on Saturday morning and organises the Hospitals/Homes Shows on Thursday afternoon.
Presents āOn the Lighter Sideā at midnight on Thursday, organises the Banquet and close-up arrangements, and appears as one of the non-entrant performers in the Close-Up Contest.
Britainās Foremost Illusionist, who presents āIllusions of the Mastersā with his Company in the Gala. International Vice-President for Britain of the I.B.M., Hon. Treasurer and Past President of the British Ring, organiser of Registration, proposer of the toast to Ladies & Guests at the Banquet, and a performer in āThe Loneliness of the Long Distance Looker Backā.
Musician for the Convention: at the Hammond Organ for the International Gala of Magic, with music for āThe Loneliness of the Long Distance Looker Backā and the After Banquet Show, and responsible for the musical arrangements.
Dance band for the Civic Reception Ball & Cabaret on Wednesday evening; the Gordon Rider Trio also provides the overture and intermission music for Childrenās Playtime.
Chairman of the judges for the Shield Competition, a performer in āThe Loneliness of the Long Distance Looker Backā, and a presenter at Bobby Bernardās Clinic with Douglas Dexterās Card Stab and his own cards to pocket routine.
Judge for the Shield Competition, one of the non-entrant performers in the Close-Up Contest, and a performer in the Hospitals/Homes Show at the London Transport Friendly Society Convalescent Home.
Presents the Saturday afternoon lecture at the Pier Pavilion and appears as one of the non-entrant performers in the Close-Up Contest.
Presents the first lecture of the Lecture Sessions on Thursday afternoon, is a Sensational Comedy Magician in the International Gala of Magic, and is one of the dealers in the Trade Fair, demonstrating at the Dealersā Demonstration.
Visiting magician from Australia, appearing in International Magic on Wednesday afternoon.
Visiting magician from Barbados, appearing in International Magic on Wednesday afternoon.
Visiting magician from Ireland, appearing in International Magic on Wednesday afternoon.
Visiting magician from Germany, appearing in International Magic on Wednesday afternoon.
Visiting magician from France, appearing in International Magic on Wednesday afternoon (billed as Edernac).
CompĆØre of the Cabaret, āThe Swinging Timeā, at the Civic Reception Ball on Wednesday evening.
Presents the Cabaret, āThe Swinging Timeā ā Girls, Laughter, Music and Song ā at the Civic Reception Ball on Wednesday evening.
International juggler from Sweden, appearing in the Cabaret at the Civic Reception Ball and in the International Gala of Magic as āThe Worldās 4th Worst Magicianā (billed in the Gala programme as Topper Martin).
Appear in a Dancing Cocktail at the International Gala of Magic, with a second spot after the interval.
Winners of the 1969 British Ring Shield, presenting āMagic Ć la Carteā in the International Gala of Magic.
The Unusual Manipulator from France, appearing in the International Gala of Magic.
Presents his death-defying āRussian Rouletteā to close the first half of the International Gala of Magic.
The renowned international manipulator from Denmark, appearing in the International Gala of Magic.
āThe Comedy Prince of Magicā from Pakistan, appearing in the International Gala of Magic.
Hollandās Inventive Magician, presenting āDuplo-Magicā in the International Gala of Magic.
Appears with other Ringers from the Zodiac in a satirical magical offering, āOn the Lighter Sideā, at midnight on Thursday.
Competitor from Newport in the Competition for the New Silver British Ring Shield at the White Rock Pavilion on Thursday evening; the running order is drawn at the Opening Ceremony on Wednesday.
Competitor from Morecambe in the Competition for the New Silver British Ring Shield at the White Rock Pavilion on Thursday evening; the running order is drawn at the Opening Ceremony on Wednesday.
Competitor from Lindfield in the Competition for the New Silver British Ring Shield at the White Rock Pavilion on Thursday evening; the running order is drawn at the Opening Ceremony on Wednesday.
Competitor from Harbury in the Competition for the New Silver British Ring Shield at the White Rock Pavilion on Thursday evening; the running order is drawn at the Opening Ceremony on Wednesday.
Competitor from Blackpool in the Competition for the New Silver British Ring Shield at the White Rock Pavilion on Thursday evening; the running order is drawn at the Opening Ceremony on Wednesday.
Competitor from Newton Abbot in the Competition for the New Silver British Ring Shield at the White Rock Pavilion on Thursday evening; the running order is drawn at the Opening Ceremony on Wednesday.
Competitor from Nottingham in the Competition for the New Silver British Ring Shield at the White Rock Pavilion on Thursday evening; the running order is drawn at the Opening Ceremony on Wednesday.
Competitor from Claines in the Competition for the New Silver British Ring Shield at the White Rock Pavilion on Thursday evening; the running order is drawn at the Opening Ceremony on Wednesday.
Competitor from London in the Competition for the New Silver British Ring Shield at the White Rock Pavilion on Thursday evening; the running order is drawn at the Opening Ceremony on Wednesday.
Competitor from Shrewsbury in the Competition for the New Silver British Ring Shield at the White Rock Pavilion on Thursday evening; the running order is drawn at the Opening Ceremony on Wednesday.
Competitor from Pontefract in the Competition for the New Silver British Ring Shield at the White Rock Pavilion on Thursday evening; the running order is drawn at the Opening Ceremony on Wednesday.
Competitor from Portslade in the Competition for the New Silver British Ring Shield at the White Rock Pavilion on Thursday evening; the running order is drawn at the Opening Ceremony on Wednesday.
Competitor from Woking in the Competition for the New Silver British Ring Shield at the White Rock Pavilion on Thursday evening; the running order is drawn at the Opening Ceremony on Wednesday. Also a member of the I.B.M. Clown Troupe at Childrenās Playtime.
Entertainments Manager (Director of Entertainments) of Hastings, who serves on the judging panel for the Shield Competition.
Serves on the judging panel for the Shield Competition.
Serves on the judging panel for the Shield Competition, appears as one of the non-entrant performers in the Close-Up Contest, and performs in the Close Up Show at the London Transport Friendly Society Convalescent Home.
Serves on the judging panel for the Shield Competition.
Stage Manager for the Shield Competition, and thanked for assisting in stage direction across the Convention.
Musical Director for the Shield Competition, a performer in āThe Loneliness of the Long Distance Looker Backā, the After Banquet Show (with Cecilia), and the Hospitals/Homes Show at āNew Moretonā.
Display Manager of Plummer Roddis Ltd., Hastings, and judge of the Dealersā Trophy for the most attractive stand at the Dealersā Magical Trade Fair.
Entrant in the Close-Up Contest for the Zina Bennett Cup at the Queens Hotel Ballroom on Saturday morning.
Entrant in the Close-Up Contest for the Zina Bennett Cup at the Queens Hotel Ballroom on Saturday morning.
Entrant (listed in the programme as K. J. Hawes) in the Close-Up Contest for the Zina Bennett Cup at the Queens Hotel Ballroom on Saturday morning.
Entrant in the Close-Up Contest for the Zina Bennett Cup at the Queens Hotel Ballroom on Saturday morning.
Entrant in the Close-Up Contest for the Zina Bennett Cup at the Queens Hotel Ballroom on Saturday morning.
Entrant in the Close-Up Contest for the Zina Bennett Cup at the Queens Hotel Ballroom on Saturday morning.
One of the well-known performers appearing (as a non-entrant) to ensure the smooth running of the Close-Up Contest.
Performer in Peter Warlockās nostalgic āThe Loneliness of the Long Distance Looker Backā on Friday afternoon.
Performer in Peter Warlockās nostalgic āThe Loneliness of the Long Distance Looker Backā on Friday afternoon.
Performer in āThe Loneliness of the Long Distance Looker Backā on Friday afternoon, and presenter of all phases of sponge ball magic at Bobby Bernardās Clinic on Friday at 8pm.
Performer in Peter Warlockās nostalgic āThe Loneliness of the Long Distance Looker Backā on Friday afternoon, with music by Keith Hurford.
Performer in āThe Loneliness of the Long Distance Looker Backā on Friday afternoon, and Dealer Liaison for the Dealersā Demonstration.
Performer in the After Banquet Show at the White Rock Pavilion on Friday night.
Performers in the After Banquet Show at the White Rock Pavilion on Friday night.
Performer in the After Banquet Show on Friday night and in the midnight Music Hall Show on Saturday.
Performers in the After Banquet Show at the White Rock Pavilion on Friday night.
Performer in the After Banquet Show on Friday night and in the midnight Music Hall Show on Saturday.
Presents a wide range of novel and entertaining close-up magic, including a new and very clever card force, at Bobby Bernardās Clinic on Saturday at 5.15pm.
Appears in the midnight Music Hall Show at the Queens Hotel on Saturday ā āa galaxy of artistes who, weather and vehicular transport permitting, will appear at enormous expenseā.
Appears in the midnight Music Hall Show at the Queens Hotel on Saturday ā āa galaxy of artistes who, weather and vehicular transport permitting, will appear at enormous expenseā.
Appears in the midnight Music Hall Show at the Queens Hotel on Saturday ā āa galaxy of artistes who, weather and vehicular transport permitting, will appear at enormous expenseā.
Appears in the midnight Music Hall Show at the Queens Hotel on Saturday ā āa galaxy of artistes who, weather and vehicular transport permitting, will appear at enormous expenseā.
Appears in the midnight Music Hall Show at the Queens Hotel on Saturday ā āa galaxy of artistes who, weather and vehicular transport permitting, will appear at enormous expenseā.
Appears in the midnight Music Hall Show at the Queens Hotel on Saturday ā āa galaxy of artistes who, weather and vehicular transport permitting, will appear at enormous expenseā.
Smokey, the Musical Clown, who leads the I.B.M. Clowns in the auditorium at Childrenās Playtime and visits each of the Homes during the Hospitals/Homes Shows on Thursday afternoon.
Scottish funster whom children everywhere love, host of Childrenās Playtime, and a performer in the Hospitals/Homes Show at the National Childrenās Home.
From Sidcup in Kent, takes children on a trip of āMagical Make Believeā at Childrenās Playtime.
From Devonshire, appears as āThe Mod Magicianā at Childrenās Playtime and performs in the Hospitals/Homes Show at the National Childrenās Home.
Has kept thousands of children happy at Butlins Camps, and repeats many of those successes of magic at Childrenās Playtime; also performs in the Hospitals/Homes Show at the Printers Medical Aid Convalescent Home.
Childrenās entertainer with juggling from Manchester, appearing at Childrenās Playtime and in the Hospitals/Homes Show at the National Childrenās Home.
The Scottish Mystic āMastersā from Glasgow, whose act won the premier award at the I.B.M. 1967 Convention at Southport; closing Childrenās Playtime and performing in the Hospitals/Homes Show at the Printers Medical Aid Convalescent Home.
Helps Johnny Geddes give away prizes to lucky people throughout Childrenās Playtime.
House and Business Manager for the British Ring at Childrenās Playtime
Stage Manager for Childrenās Playtime and a member of the Conventionās stage management team.
Member of the I.B.M. Clown Troupe, led by Smokey, at Childrenās Playtime.
Member of the I.B.M. Clown Troupe, led by Smokey, at Childrenās Playtime. Also performs in the Hospitals/Homes Show at Elphinstone Mount Childrenās Convalescent Home.
Member of the I.B.M. Clown Troupe, led by Smokey, at Childrenās Playtime.
Member of the I.B.M. Clown Troupe, led by Smokey, at Childrenās Playtime. Also performs in the Hospitals/Homes Show at Pine Hill Home for Old People.
Member of the I.B.M. Clown Troupe, led by Smokey, at Childrenās Playtime.
Member of the I.B.M. Clown Troupe, led by Smokey, at Childrenās Playtime.
Member of the I.B.M. Clown Troupe, led by Smokey, at Childrenās Playtime.
Member of the I.B.M. Clown Troupe, led by Smokey, at Childrenās Playtime.
Performs in the Hospitals/Homes Show at the National Childrenās Home, St. Leonards on Thursday at 4.30pm.
Performs in the Hospitals/Homes Show at the National Childrenās Home, St. Leonards on Thursday at 4.30pm.
Performs in the Hospitals/Homes Show at the National Childrenās Home, St. Leonards on Thursday at 4.30pm.
CompĆØre of the Hospitals/Homes Show at the National Childrenās Home on Thursday at 4.30pm.
Pianist for the Hospitals/Homes Show at the National Childrenās Home on Thursday at 4.30pm.
Performs in the Hospitals/Homes Show at the Dr. Barnardoās Homes for Boys, St. Leonards on Thursday at 4.30pm.
Performs in the Hospitals/Homes Show at the Dr. Barnardoās Homes for Boys, St. Leonards on Thursday at 4.30pm.
Performs in the Hospitals/Homes Show at the Dr. Barnardoās Homes for Boys, St. Leonards on Thursday at 4.30pm.
Performs in the Hospitals/Homes Show at the Dr. Barnardoās Homes for Boys, St. Leonards on Thursday at 4.30pm.
Performs in the Hospitals/Homes Show at the Dr. Barnardoās Homes for Boys, St. Leonards on Thursday at 4.30pm.
CompĆØre and performer at the Hospitals/Homes Show at Dr. Barnardoās Homes for Boys on Thursday at 4.30pm.
Stage Manager for the Hospitals/Homes Show at Dr. Barnardoās Homes for Boys on Thursday at 4.30pm.
Pianist for the Hospitals/Homes Show at Dr. Barnardoās Homes for Boys on Thursday at 4.30pm.
Performs in the Hospitals/Homes Show at the Printers Medical Aid Convalescent Home, Hastings on Thursday at 4.30pm.
Performs in the Hospitals/Homes Show at the Printers Medical Aid Convalescent Home, Hastings on Thursday at 4.30pm.
Performs in the Hospitals/Homes Show at the Printers Medical Aid Convalescent Home, Hastings on Thursday at 4.30pm.
Performs in the Hospitals/Homes Show at the Printers Medical Aid Convalescent Home, Hastings on Thursday at 4.30pm.
Stage Manager for the Hospitals/Homes Show at the Printers Medical Aid Convalescent Home on Thursday at 4.30pm.
Pianist for the Hospitals/Homes Show at the Printers Medical Aid Convalescent Home on Thursday at 4.30pm.
Performs in the Hospitals/Homes Show at the Elphinstone Mount Childrenās Convalescent Home, St. Leonards on Thursday at 4.30pm.
Performs in the Hospitals/Homes Show at the Elphinstone Mount Childrenās Convalescent Home, St. Leonards on Thursday at 4.30pm.
Performs in the Hospitals/Homes Show at the Elphinstone Mount Childrenās Convalescent Home, St. Leonards on Thursday at 4.30pm.
Performs in the Hospitals/Homes Show at the Elphinstone Mount Childrenās Convalescent Home, St. Leonards on Thursday at 4.30pm.
CompĆØre of the Hospitals/Homes Show at Elphinstone Mount Childrenās Convalescent Home on Thursday at 4.30pm.
Pianist for the Hospitals/Homes Show at Elphinstone Mount Childrenās Convalescent Home on Thursday at 4.30pm.
Official Chaplain to the British Ring and Vicar of Barnwood, Gloucester, who conducts the Convention Service on Sunday morning and performs in the Close Up Show at the London Transport Friendly Society Convalescent Home.
Performs in the Close Up Show at the London Transport Friendly Society Convalescent Home on Thursday at 4.30pm.
Performs in the Close Up Show at the London Transport Friendly Society Convalescent Home on Thursday at 4.30pm.
Host and Stage Manager for the Close Up Show at the London Transport Friendly Society Convalescent Home on Thursday at 4.30pm.
Perform in the Hospitals/Homes Show at āNew Moretonā Old Peopleās Home on Thursday at 4.30pm.
Performer and Pianist at the Hospitals/Homes Show at āNew Moretonā Old Peopleās Home on Thursday at 4.30pm.
Perform in the Hospitals/Homes Show at āNew Moretonā Old Peopleās Home on Thursday at 4.30pm.
Performs in the Hospitals/Homes Show at the āNew Moretonā Old Peopleās Home, St. Leonards on Thursday at 4.30pm.
Stage Manager for the Hospitals/Homes Show at āNew Moretonā Old Peopleās Home on Thursday at 4.30pm.
Performs in the Hospitals/Homes Show at the Pine Hill Home for Old People, Hastings on Thursday at 4.30pm.
Performs in the Hospitals/Homes Show at the Pine Hill Home for Old People, Hastings on Thursday at 4.30pm.
Performs in the Hospitals/Homes Show at the Pine Hill Home for Old People, Hastings on Thursday at 4.30pm.
Performs in the Hospitals/Homes Show at the Pine Hill Home for Old People, Hastings on Thursday at 4.30pm.
Performs in the Hospitals/Homes Show at the Pine Hill Home for Old People, Hastings on Thursday at 4.30pm.
Pianist and CompĆØre for the Hospitals/Homes Show at Pine Hill Home for Old People on Thursday at 4.30pm.
Stage Manager for the Hospitals/Homes Show at Pine Hill Home for Old People on Thursday at 4.30pm.
Toastmaster at the Convention Banquet at the Queens Hotel on Friday evening.
Runs the Tombola Stand at the Civic Reception, with all proceeds for the Benevolent Fund.
Official Interpreter to the British Ring, whose services are at the disposal of any member or visitor requiring them.
Stage Staff for the Dealersā Demonstration at the White Rock Pavilion on Thursday morning.
Stage Staff for the Dealersā Demonstration at the White Rock Pavilion on Thursday morning.
Stage Staff for the Dealersā Demonstration at the White Rock Pavilion on Thursday morning.
Dealer Liaison for the Dealersā Demonstration at the White Rock Pavilion on Thursday morning.
Dealer Liaison for the Dealersā Demonstration at the White Rock Pavilion on Thursday morning.
Chief Steward of the Convention.
Browse shows, lectures, competitions, workshops and social events day by day.
Explore the lectures and specialist sessions in the programme.
Lecture Sessions Ā· Thu 2.30pm
Roy Baker presents the first of the Lecture Sessions at the White Rock Pavilion. Chairman: Peter Warlock.
Lecture Sessions Ā· Sat 2.30pm
Mike Rogers presents the second of the Lecture Sessions at the Pier Pavilion. Chairman: Peter Warlock.
Lecture Sessions Ā· Sun 11am
Ace Gorham (U.S.A.), First International Vice President of the I.B.M., presents the final Lecture Session at the White Rock Pavilion. Chairman: Peter Warlock.
Competition information, entry details, rules, timings and locations.
Organised and introduced by Alastair. Competitors (the running order is drawn at the Opening Ceremony on Wednesday): Granville & June Anstee (Newport), F. W. Balme (Morecambe), David Clarke (Lindfield), Damar (Harbury), Ray Douglas & Carol (Blackpool), Fu Ling & Shan (Newton Abbot), Denis Gardner (Nottingham), Guy & Dorothy (Claines), John Maire (London), Geoff. Ray & Pat (Shrewsbury), Roberts Brothers (Pontefract), Peter Scarlett (Portslade) and Tommy Talbot (Woking). Judges: Geoffrey Buckingham (Chairman), Ron Bishop, John Burton (Entertainments Manager, Hastings), Arthur Culpin, Ace Gorham, Gus Southall, Henk Vermeyden and Elizabeth Warlock. Stage Manager: Anthony List. Musical Director: Alfred Gabriel. Timekeeper: Jack Potter.
Prizes: The New Silver British Ring Shield and Cash Prize of Ā£10, awarded for the presentation of the most entertaining magical act and held for one year. The Conventioneersā Trophy, for greatest originality shown either in effect, method or presentation, held for one year. The Craig Trophy, for the best performance by a lady magician, held for one year. In addition: the Theo Speaker Cup and Cash Prize of Ā£5 for the runner-up, held for one year; Third Prize Ā£3; the Tom Harris Cup (Comedy) and cash prize of Ā£5.5.0, kindly donated by Tom Harris; and the Dittia Shield (Manipulation).
Rules: The competitions are open to all paid-up members of Ring 25, the British Ring. No bar is placed upon the number of awards that can be obtained by a successful competitor: a male winner of the British Ring Shield who presented the most entertaining and at the same time most original act could qualify for two awards, and a lady competitor equally successful would be entitled to all three awards. The length of act should not exceed ten minutesā playing time; a warning light is flashed at the end of nine minutes, and any competitor exceeding ten and a half minutes is automatically disqualified, the disqualification being announced from the stage immediately before the appearance of the next competitor. The judges consist of five members of the Ring, the local Entertainments Manager and the editor of the local paper (this composition may vary according to location). An Umpire, a senior official of the Ring, has complete powers to accept or reject the judgesā decisions; if he rejects them he must place his decision and reasons before the Committee.
Instructions to the Judges: Three awards require judgment. The Shield goes to the most entertaining magical act, considered first from the point of view of general entertainment, as if seen in a concert, dinner or other show; then the entrance and exit, stage setting, dress, deportment and elocution, the nature of the tricks and the reaction of the audience. Judges are not looking for new tricks and must not be biased by advanced technical ability that would only be apparent to a magician. The second award is for originality (newness of effect, a novel presentation employing twists on standard effects, entertainment value and an adequacy of mystery), the concern mainly of the magicians on the panel. The third award is for the best lady performer. Each judge writes down the best four acts, adding the performers entitled to the second and third awards if they do not qualify in the first four places, seals the paper in the envelope provided and hands it to the Umpire, without discussing the decision with other judges.
Important to competitors: allowing ten minutes for each turn, competitors should work out their approximate time of appearance and report to the Stage Manager half an hour before time due. When each competitor enters a green light is illuminated and timing starts; at the end of the ninth minute a buzzer sounds and the green light is changed for an amber one; at the end of the tenth minute the amber light is replaced by a red one.
Organised by Fred Lowe and held in the Queens Hotel Ballroom as part of the Close-Up Showcase. Entrants: Walter Blau, Bry. Douglas, K. J. Hawes, Ray King, Geoff. Ray and Herbert Wilkinson. To ensure the smooth running of the event, some of the following well-known performers will appear (but not as entrants): Elizabeth Warlock, Mike Rogers, Walt Rollins, Gus Southall, Francis Haxton and Fred Lowe.
Open to all paid-up members of Ring 25 (The British Ring), International Brotherhood of Magicians. Awards: (a) the Zina Bennett Trophy and a silver replica, awarded to the performer with the highest marks; (b) a cash award of Ā£3 to the runner-up.
There are no restrictions on the effects or properties to be used, except that they be primarily intended for close-up performance; the magical judges are the sole arbitrators on this point and are empowered to deduct marks as they consider appropriate. The performance shall be not less than 5 minutes and not more than 9 minutes. There are four magical judges and one lay judge. The magical judges mark each contestant under three headings: (a) technique and skill; (b) strength of magical effect on an audience; (c) originality in method and/or presentation. The lay judge marks on entertainment only, i.e. how much he or she was entertained by the contestant. A minimum of 5 contestants is required for the contest to take place. The event organiser has the authority to invite other performers (non-entrants) to perform on the event, when necessary, to ensure its smooth running. A warning is given when 8 minutes have elapsed, and should a performer exceed the maximum of 9 minutes he is disqualified when 9Ā½ minutes have elapsed, the disqualification being announced by the judges.
Awarded to the dealer presenting the most attractive stand at the Dealersā Magical Trade Fair. Presented by Mystic Craig and held for one year. Historically also known as the Craig Trophy / Craig Cup. Present holder: Diamond Enterprises ā who will win it this year? Judging takes place on Wednesday at 5.00pm; judge: Mr. Bull, Display Manager, Plummer Roddis Ltd., Hastings. (Not to be confused with the Craig Trophy awarded for the best performance by a lady magician in the Shield Competition.)
Judged during Convention week; awarded for the best-presented dealer stand at the Trade Fair.
Discover the dealers, creators and magical suppliers attending the convention.
Demonstrating at the Dealersā Demonstration on Thursday at 11.35am.
Demonstrating at the Dealersā Demonstration on Thursday at 10.35am.
Demonstrating at the Dealersā Demonstration on Thursday at 11.05am.
Demonstrating at the Dealersā Demonstration on Thursday at 11.55am.
Ken Brookeās Magic Place, 145 Wardour Street, London W.1 ā everything sold on a money-back guarantee.
Demonstrating at the Dealersā Demonstration on Thursday at 10.05am.
Demonstrating at the Dealersā Demonstration on Thursday at 12.15pm.
Demonstrating at the Dealersā Demonstration on Thursday at 10.25am.
Demonstrating at the Dealersā Demonstration on Thursday at 12.05pm.
Demonstrating at the Dealersā Demonstration on Thursday at 11.45am.
Demonstrating at the Dealersā Demonstration on Thursday at 11.15am.
Demonstrating at the Dealersā Demonstration on Thursday at 10.45am.
Demonstrating at the Dealersā Demonstration on Thursday at 10.55am.
Demonstrating at the Dealersā Demonstration on Thursday at 10.15am.
Demonstrating at the Dealersā Demonstration on Thursday at 11.25am.
Demonstrating at the Dealersā Demonstration on Thursday at 12.35pm.
Demonstrating at the Dealersā Demonstration on Thursday at 12.25pm.
Demonstrating at the Dealersā Demonstration on Thursday at 9.55am.
Demonstrating at the Dealersā Demonstration on Thursday at 9.45am.
Find the buildings, halls, theatres and rooms used throughout the convention.
White Rock, Hastings
The Conventionās main venue and headquarters, host to the Official Opening, International Magic, the Civic Reception Ball & Cabaret, the Dealersā Magical Trade Fair and Dealersā Demonstration, the Lecture Sessions, the Competition for the New Silver British Ring Shield, the Annual General Meeting, āThe Loneliness of the Long Distance Looker Backā, the After Banquet Show, the International Gala of Magic and the Convention Service. The registration desks are in the Foyer, and the Welfare Stand is near the Dealersā Trade Fair.
Hastings
Venue for the Night Before Party, the Ladiesā Afternoon, the Convention Banquet, the Close-Up Showcase and Contest for the Zina Bennett Cup in the Ballroom, the midnight Music Hall Show and, on Sunday, the Installation of the New President and the closing Cocktail Party.
Hastings
Site of Howard Petersā Underwater Challenge Escape on Wednesday morning, the Pier Pavilion for Saturdayās lecture and the Pier Ballroom for Childrenās Playtime.
Celebrating the performers recognised through the British Ring competition programme.
Competition for the New Silver British Ring Shield
Competition for the New Silver British Ring Shield
Competition for the New Silver British Ring Shield
Competition for the New Silver British Ring Shield
Close-Up Contest for the Zina Bennett Cup
Competition for the New Silver British Ring Shield
Dealers Trophy
Close-Up Contest for the Zina Bennett Cup
Competition for the New Silver British Ring Shield
Competition for the New Silver British Ring Shield
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