I.B.M. British Ring 38th Annual Convention 1974

The 38th Annual Convention of I.B.M. British Ring No.25 takes place 25th–29th September 1974 in Hastings, with events at the White Rock Pavilion, the Queens Hotel and the Pier. Under the presidency of Alfred Gabriel, and with International President Charles Lantz and the Mayor of Hastings, Councillor Horace Funnell, sending their welcome, the programme features Magic International, the Civic Reception Ball and Cabaret, Lectures by Ali Bongo and Pavel, the Second Magic Collectors' Seminar, Tales of Hoffmann, the Convention Banquet and After Banquet Show, Children's Playtime, and the Grand International Gala of Magic.

President Alfred Gabriel welcomes Conventioneers, their wives and guests — with an extra special welcome for Overseas Visitors — to Hastings for the 38th Annual Convention, the culminating event of his year of office. The Right Worshipful the Mayor of Hastings, Councillor Horace Funnell, welcomes the Convention back to the town, and the International President of the I.B.M., Charles Lantz, sends greetings on behalf of the officers and Executive Committee of the Brotherhood. A special greeting goes to Len Vintus of Canada, Founder Member No. 1 and first President of the I.B.M. Overseas visitors are expected from Australia, Belgium, Canada, Czechoslovakia, Denmark, France, Germany, Holland, Ireland, Malta, South Africa, Switzerland, Sweden, the U.S.A., Nigeria and Singapore.

The week opens on Wednesday 25th September with the Dealers' Magical Trade Fair, organised by Eddie Dexter and assisted by Johnny Neptune, on the lower ground floor of the White Rock Pavilion and in the Refreshment Room on the Pier. The Fair runs on Wednesday 09.30–19.30, Thursday 12.00–18.30, Friday 11.30–18.30, Saturday 09.30–18.30 and Sunday 09.00–12.00, with twenty-three dealers exhibiting, including Anverdi, Davenports, David Hemingway, Ken Brooke, Luna Magic, Practical Magic, Repro 71, Roy Baker, the Supreme Magic Co. and Terry and Norma. The Craig Trophy for the most attractive display, currently held by Luna Magic Co., is adjudicated by Mr. Bull, Display Manager of Debenhams Ltd., Hastings, at 17.00. At about 11.30 on the Beach, Eric Ward attempts to escape from The Human Bonfire — handcuffed, chained and locked in a padlocked and nailed packing case that a representative of the world press sets alight. The President officially opens the Convention at 14.30 in the White Rock Pavilion, and at 14.45 Magic International presents Dereski (Ireland), Roy Kissell (U.S.A.), Jackie Lorenzo (Belgium), Ad Klein (Holland), Armandi (Holland), The Card Expert, and Peter Presti (Holland), The Magic Organ Grinder, compered by Ali Bongo, with Keith Hurford at the organ and Bernard McGovern on the drums. At 16.30 the Second Magic Collectors' Seminar in the Queens Hotel Ballroom, chaired by Dr. Eddie Dawes, features John Palfreyman, Alexander Adrion, Stanley Thomas and John Young. At 20.00 the Mayor and Mayoress give the Civic Reception, Ball and Cabaret in the White Rock, with dancing to Gordon Rider and His Orchestra and a cabaret compered by John Wade featuring Roy Van Dyke, Gordon and Eve (Germany), 'Magic Jewels' and 'The Gaytimers'. Evening dress. The Tombola Stand, run by Helene Strachan and Lilian Lees, is in aid of the Benevolent Fund.

Thursday opens at 09.30 with the Dealers' Demonstration at the White Rock Pavilion, arranged by Johnny Neptune, in which twenty-two dealers each take a nine-minute slot, with Jack Potter as Time-Keeper. At 14.30 Ali Bongo presents the lecture demonstration 'Bongo Strikes Again' in the White Rock Pavilion, with Peter Warlock in the chair, while the Ladies' Afternoon, 'Showtime with the Magigals', takes place in the Queens Hotel Ballroom with afternoon tea, a raffle for the Welfare Fund and bingo. At 16.30 Hospital/Homes Shows are given at seven homes across St. Leonards and Hastings, the I.B.M. Clowns departing from Headquarters at 16.00 under the direction of Smokey. At 19.30 Alastair introduces the Competition for the New Silver British Ring Shield in the White Rock Pavilion, judged by Geoffrey Buckingham (Chairman), Fred Castle, Robert Swadling, Tony Shelley, Bruce Posgate and Reg Swinton, with Sid Diculous entertaining while the judges deliberate. At midnight the members from the Zodiac present their Mini Convention in the Queens Hotel Ballroom, introduced by Francis Haxton.

Friday 27th September begins at 10.00 with the Annual General Meeting and Election of Officers (members only) under Chairman Alfred Gabriel. At 14.45 Peter Warlock presents 'Tales of Hoffmann', a tribute to Angelo Lewis (Professor Hoffmann), author of 'Modern Magic', with John Young in the guise of Professor Hoffmann. The Convention Banquet is at the Queens Hotel at 18.30 for 19.00, with Sid Smith as Toast Master, and the After Banquet Show, produced by Geoffrey Robinson in association with John Palfreyman, follows in the White Rock Pavilion at 22.30. For those not attending the banquet the film 'Houdini' is shown in the White Rock Pavilion at 20.00.

Saturday 28th September starts with the Close-Up Showcase and the Contest for the Zina Bennett Cup, organised by Don Lees, at 10.00 in the Queens Hotel Ballroom, while at 10.30 Wilfred Tyler presents Children's Playtime in the Pier Ballroom, with Paul Ducaine as Host and Bruce Posgate, who has come from Canada specially for the show. At 11.00 the Mayor and Mayoress invite Overseas Visitors to a Cocktail Party in the Council Chambers at the Town Hall, and unsold gifts on the Welfare Stand are auctioned at mid-day. At 14.30 Pavel presents his lecture 'Pavel's Top Magic' in the Pier Ballroom. The Grand International Gala of Magic, arranged by Bill Stickland and stage managed by Paul Graham, is presented twice in the White Rock Pavilion, at 17.00 and 20.30, with Karrell Fox (U.S.A.) as compere and an international bill including Vicki Lane and the Young Set, Waldo and Partner (winners of the British Ring Shield 1973), Pavel, Tony Fletcher's Puppets, Jan Torell, Jeffery Atkins and Company, Magic Hands, Robert Sinclair and Gretta, Les Wilson, Andre Arvix and John Calvert.

The Convention closes on Sunday 29th September with the undenominational Convention Service at 10.30 in the White Rock Pavilion, conducted by Ringer the Reverend Michael Seacome, followed at 12.15 by the Installation of the new President, Ted Whebell, at the Queens Hotel, and a Cocktail Party under the direction of Mr. and Mrs. Eddie Dexter at 12.30. The Convention Committee comprises Bill Stickland, Jeffery Atkins, Gordon Collin, Eddie Dexter, Paul Graham, Francis Haxton, Don Lees, John Burton, Geoffrey Robinson, Wilfred Tyler and Peter Warlock, with Jack Griggs as Chief Steward.