The 36th Annual Convention of I.B.M. British Ring No.25, held in Margate — 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 Grand International Gala of Magic.
The 36th Annual Convention of I.B.M. British Ring No.25 takes place 27th September–1st October 1972 at the Winter Gardens, Margate — the first British Ring convention to be held in the town. Under the presidency of Alastair Oliphant, and with International President Robert B. Hurt and the Mayor of Margate, Councillor H. Anish, among those sending their welcome, the week brings together visitors from America, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Holland, Ireland, Malta, Spain and Sweden for the Official Opening and Caledonian Magic Show ‘A Wee Drop of Scotch’, an Australian Close-Up Magic Session, the Dealers’ Magical Trade Fair and Dealers’ Demonstration, the Lecture Sessions, the Competition for the New Silver British Ring Shield, the Close-Up Contest for the Zina Bennett Cup, the Ladies’ Afternoon, Hospital/Homes Shows, Peter Warlock’s ‘1700 and all that!’, the Convention Banquet and After Banquet Show, Children’s Playtime at the Lido Theatre and the Grand International Gala of Magic, with a midnight entertainment at the Grand Hotel. The convention closes on Sunday with the Convention Service and the Installation of Dr. Edwin A. Dawes as the new President.
Meet the performers, lecturers, hosts and special guests appearing at this convention.
President of the British Ring and proprietor of the Isle of Coll Hotel, Arinagour. Opens the convention on Wednesday afternoon, arranges the Caledonian Magic Show ‘A Wee Drop of Scotch’, organises and introduces the Shield Competition on Thursday evening, and chairs the Annual General Meeting on Friday.
President Elect of the British Ring, to be installed as the new President in the Queens Hall on Sunday. Also acts as chairman/host of the Royal British Legion Convalescent Home close-up show on Thursday afternoon.
Hon. Secretary of the British Ring and past president. Arranges the programme for the Grand International Gala of Magic and is the organiser of the Gala Show.
Past president and committee member. Producer and compere of the After Banquet Show on Friday night, and, with Alf Moore, presents the Saturday midnight entertainment ‘A Turn for the Nurse’ in the Ball Room of the Grand Hotel.
Co-presents ‘A Turn for the Nurse’, a magical entertainment devised for those who don’t like magic, with Geoffrey Robinson at midnight on Saturday, and is a judge for the Shield Competition.
Past president, IBM Territorial Vice President (Britain) and Stage Manager for the British Ring throughout the convention, including the Grand International Gala of Magic. Organiser of the Outside Attraction.
Past president and committee member. Introduces the Australian Close-Up Magic Session in the Queens Hall on Wednesday, organises the Banquet and the Close-Up event, and is a judge for the Close-Up Contest.
Past president and the Ring’s Welfare Officer. Organises the Dealers’ Magical Trade Fair, assisted by Johnny Neptune and Barry Miller, and directs the Cocktail Party on Sunday with Mrs. Mollie Dexter.
Vice President of the British Ring. Arranges the Dealers’ Demonstration on Thursday morning, presenting 17 dealers in the Winter Gardens.
Past president and committee member. Devises and presents Children’s Playtime at the Lido Theatre and organises the Hospital/Homes Shows.
Organiser of the Close-Up Showcase and Close-Up Contest for the Zina Bennett Cup in the Queens Hall on Saturday morning, and a member of the Convention Committee. Also takes part in Peter Warlock’s ‘1700 and all that!’.
Past president and editor of The Pentagram. Chairman of the Lecture Sessions and presenter of ‘1700 and all that!’ on Friday afternoon, showing the evolution of some magical effects from their original state in the 8th edition of ‘Hocus Pocus, junior’. Also performs in the Royal British Legion Convalescent Home close-up show.
Introduces the Competition for the New Silver British Ring Shield on Thursday evening.
Toast Master for the Convention Banquet on Friday evening in the Queens Hall.
Past president and committee member. Chairman of the judges for the Competition for the New Silver British Ring Shield.
Committee member. Musical Director for the Shield Competition.
Committee member. Timekeeper for the Dealers’ Demonstration and the Shield Competition.
Stage Manager for the Shield Competition and Children’s Playtime, and assists in stage direction during the convention.
Visitor from Holland and President of F.I.S.M. Proposes the toast to the British Ring at the Convention Banquet and is a judge for the Shield Competition.
Proposes the toast to The Ladies & Visitors at the Convention Banquet and is among the well-known performers appearing (not as an entrant) in the Close-Up Contest.
Visitor from Australia and President of the Sydney Ring, I.B.M. 102. Appears in the Australian Close-Up Magic Session on Wednesday and responds to the Toast to The Ladies & Visitors at the Convention Banquet.
Ringer the Revd. Michael Seacome M.A., A.R.C.M., Vicar of Barnwood, Gloucester, and Official Chaplain to the British Ring. Conducts the undenominational Convention Service on Sunday morning and performs in the Royal British Legion Convalescent Home show.
At the organ for 1700 and all that!, the After Banquet Show and the Grand International Gala of Magic, with Bernard McGovern on drums.
At the drums for 1700 and all that!, the After Banquet Show and the Grand International Gala of Magic, with Keith Hurford at the organ.
Plays the overture and interlude music at the Hammond Organ, with his supporting drummer, for Children’s Playtime.
The Worshipful Mayor of Margate, who with the Mayoress (Mrs. Anish) hosts the Reception, Dance and Cabaret on Wednesday evening and responds to the Toast to the Borough of Margate at the Convention Banquet.
Cabaret at the Mayor of Margate’s Reception, Dance and Cabaret in the Winter Gardens.
Provides the dancing at the Mayor of Margate’s Reception, Dance and Cabaret.
Billed as England’s most sensational escapologist, Howard Peters will attempt an ‘Amazing Suicide Escape’ on the Winter Gardens Lawn on Wednesday morning.
The Magigals entertain at the Ladies’ Afternoon in the Queens Hall, with tea, raffles and bingo.
Scottish members appearing in the Caledonian Magic Show ‘A Wee Drop of Scotch’ on Wednesday, and in the Hockeridge Hotel (Leadbeater Homes) show on Thursday.
Scottish member appearing in the Caledonian Magic Show ‘A Wee Drop of Scotch’.
Scottish members appearing in ‘A Wee Drop of Scotch’ on Wednesday, and in the Princess Mary’s Hospital show on Thursday.
Scottish member appearing in the Caledonian Magic Show ‘A Wee Drop of Scotch’.
Appears in ‘A Wee Drop of Scotch’ and runs the Tombola Stand with Lilian Lees, with all proceeds going to the Benevolent Fund.
Visitor from Australia appearing in the Australian Close-Up Magic Session in the Queens Hall.
Visitor from Australia appearing in the Australian Close-Up Magic Session in the Queens Hall.
Visitor from Australia appearing in the Australian Close-Up Magic Session in the Queens Hall.
Appears in the Australian Close-Up Magic Session in the Queens Hall.
Special guest artiste in the Australian Close-Up Magic Session, listed in the programme with a query against his name.
Talented magician from Holland. Lectures on Thursday afternoon with a demonstration and explanation of manipulative, close-up and general magic with an original twist, appears in the After Banquet Show, and with Bob Niberco in the Gala as ‘Double Dutch Magic’.
Visitor from Holland who appears with Nic Niberco in ‘Double Dutch Magic’ in the Grand International Gala of Magic.
Dealer, writer, inventor and publisher from Canada. Presents ‘Out of My Mind’ in the Lecture Sessions on Saturday afternoon, appears in the After Banquet Show, is a Shield judge, and has a stand in the Annex of the Dealers’ Trade Fair.
The popular multi-instrumentalist, appearing twice in the Grand International Gala of Magic.
Compere of the Grand International Gala of Magic.
Presents ‘Dove Deception’, assisted by Carol, in the Grand International Gala of Magic.
Appears in the Grand International Gala of Magic and takes part in Peter Warlock’s ‘1700 and all that!’.
Visitors from Spain presenting ‘International Colour Magic’ in the Grand International Gala of Magic.
International stars presenting the Magic Carpet in the Grand International Gala of Magic.
Holder of the British Ring Challenge Shield, appearing in the Grand International Gala of Magic.
Visitors from Denmark presenting their original Magic Casino Show in the Grand International Gala of Magic.
Past president and IBM International Vice President for Britain. Jeffery Atkins & Company present ‘Illusions of the Masters’ — ‘Tutankhamen’s Treasure Trove’ — to close the Grand International Gala of Magic. Also the Registration organiser.
Appears in the After Banquet Show in the Winter Gardens.
Appear in the After Banquet Show in the Winter Gardens.
Appear in the After Banquet Show and in the Millmead Convalescent Home show on Thursday. David Budd is also a judge for the Shield Competition.
Visitor from Holland appearing in the After Banquet Show in the Winter Gardens.
Takes part in Peter Warlock’s ‘1700 and all that!’ in the Winter Gardens.
Takes part in Peter Warlock’s ‘1700 and all that!’ in the Winter Gardens.
Takes part in Peter Warlock’s ‘1700 and all that!’ in the Winter Gardens.
Takes part in Peter Warlock’s ‘1700 and all that!’ in the Winter Gardens.
Takes part in Peter Warlock’s ‘1700 and all that!’ in the Winter Gardens.
Past president and a favourite at the Lido for a number of years. Host for the morning at Children’s Playtime and a participant in ‘1700 and all that!’.
Their act ‘Magic a la Carte’ won the premier award at the British Ring convention in Scarborough in 1969. They close Children’s Playtime, take part in ‘1700 and all that!’ and perform in the Railway Convalescent Homes show.
A great children’s entertainer from Stevenage, Hertfordshire, who starts the ball rolling at Children’s Playtime, and compere of the Railway Convalescent Homes show.
The Incredible Christopher of the Isle of Wight, with magic and balloonology at Children’s Playtime, a Shield competitor and a performer at the Millmead Convalescent Home.
From Hythe, presenting a show seldom seen these days, their ‘Living Marionette Theatre’, at Children’s Playtime and performing at the Millmead Convalescent Home.
From Windsor, presenting his Yo Ho Ho Show, a colourful pirate fantasy for children, and performing at Princess Mary’s Hospital.
The famous circus clown Smokey leads the British Ring troupe of clowns at Children’s Playtime and on the Hospital/Homes Shows tour.
Member of the British Ring troupe of clowns, led by Smokey, seen before, during the interval and after Children’s Playtime.
Member of the British Ring troupe of clowns, led by Smokey, seen before, during the interval and after Children’s Playtime.
Member of the British Ring troupe of clowns, led by Smokey, seen before, during the interval and after Children’s Playtime.
Member of the British Ring troupe of clowns, led by Smokey, seen before, during the interval and after Children’s Playtime.
Member of the British Ring troupe of clowns, led by Smokey, seen before, during the interval and after Children’s Playtime.
Member of the British Ring troupe of clowns, led by Smokey, seen before, during the interval and after Children’s Playtime.
Helps Harold Taylor with the novelties and the giving of prizes at Children’s Playtime.
Competitor from Shrewsbury in the Competition for the New Silver British Ring Shield.
Competitor from Luton in the Competition for the New Silver British Ring Shield. Also an entrant in the Close-Up Contest.
Competitor from Bradford in the Competition for the New Silver British Ring Shield.
Competitor from Canterbury in the Competition for the New Silver British Ring Shield.
Competitor from Newport in the Competition for the New Silver British Ring Shield. Also appears (as Granville & June) in the Railway Convalescent Homes show.
Competitor from Claines in the Competition for the New Silver British Ring Shield.
Competitor from Newport in the Competition for the New Silver British Ring Shield.
Competitor from London in the Competition for the New Silver British Ring Shield.
Competitor from Eaton Bray in the Competition for the New Silver British Ring Shield.
Competitor from Cardiff in the Competition for the New Silver British Ring Shield.
Competitor from Isle of Wight in the Competition for the New Silver British Ring Shield.
Competitor from Woking in the Competition for the New Silver British Ring Shield.
Visitor from Sweden, competing in the Shield Competition on Thursday and entered in the Close-Up Contest on Saturday.
Visitor from Austria competing in the Competition for the New Silver British Ring Shield.
Entrant in the Close-Up Contest for the Zina Bennett Cup in the Queens Hall.
Entrant in the Close-Up Contest for the Zina Bennett Cup in the Queens Hall.
Entrant in the Close-Up Contest for the Zina Bennett Cup in the Queens Hall.
Committee member and organiser of souvenir programme printing, also entered in the Close-Up Contest for the Zina Bennett Cup.
One of the well-known performers appearing (but not as an entrant) in the Close-Up Contest to ensure the smooth running of the event.
One of the well-known performers appearing (but not as an entrant) in the Close-Up Contest to ensure the smooth running of the event.
One of the well-known performers appearing (but not as an entrant) in the Close-Up Contest to ensure the smooth running of the event.
Appears as a guest performer (not an entrant) in the Close-Up Contest and in the Royal British Legion Convalescent Home show.
Judge for the Close-Up Contest and performer in the Royal British Legion Convalescent Home show.
Lou Flynn is a judge for the Close-Up Contest; Lou and Dorothy perform in the Millmead Convalescent Home show.
Judge for the Close-Up Contest for the Zina Bennett Cup.
Judge for the Competition for the New Silver British Ring Shield.
Judge for the Competition for the New Silver British Ring Shield.
Judge for the Competition for the New Silver British Ring Shield.
Performs in the Thursday afternoon Hospital/Homes Shows: Millmead Convalescent Home.
Performs in the Thursday afternoon Hospital/Homes Shows: Millmead Convalescent Home.
Performs in the Thursday afternoon Hospital/Homes Shows: Spurgeons Children’s Home.
Performs in the Thursday afternoon Hospital/Homes Shows: Spurgeons Children’s Home.
Performs in the Thursday afternoon Hospital/Homes Shows: Spurgeons Children’s Home.
Performs in the Thursday afternoon Hospital/Homes Shows: Spurgeons Children’s Home.
Performs in the Thursday afternoon Hospital/Homes Shows: Railway Convalescent Homes.
Performs in the Thursday afternoon Hospital/Homes Shows: Railway Convalescent Homes.
Performs in the Thursday afternoon Hospital/Homes Shows: Railway Convalescent Homes.
Performs in the Thursday afternoon Hospital/Homes Shows: Railway Convalescent Homes.
Performs in the Thursday afternoon Hospital/Homes Shows: Hockeridge Hotel (Leadbeater Homes).
Performs in the Thursday afternoon Hospital/Homes Shows: Hockeridge Hotel (Leadbeater Homes).
Performs in the Thursday afternoon Hospital/Homes Shows: Hockeridge Hotel (Leadbeater Homes).
Performs in the Thursday afternoon Hospital/Homes Shows: Hockeridge Hotel (Leadbeater Homes).
Performs in the Thursday afternoon Hospital/Homes Shows: Hockeridge Hotel (Leadbeater Homes).
Performs in the Thursday afternoon Hospital/Homes Shows: Royal Sea Bathing Hospital.
Performs in the Thursday afternoon Hospital/Homes Shows: Royal Sea Bathing Hospital.
Performs in the Thursday afternoon Hospital/Homes Shows: Royal Sea Bathing Hospital.
Performs in the Thursday afternoon Hospital/Homes Shows: Royal Sea Bathing Hospital.
Performs in the Thursday afternoon Hospital/Homes Shows: Royal Sea Bathing Hospital.
Performs in the Thursday afternoon Hospital/Homes Shows: Royal Sea Bathing Hospital.
Performs in the Thursday afternoon Hospital/Homes Shows: Royal British Legion Convalescent Home.
Performs in the Thursday afternoon Hospital/Homes Shows: Royal British Legion Convalescent Home.
Performs in the Thursday afternoon Hospital/Homes Shows: Princess Mary’s Hospital.
Performs in the Thursday afternoon Hospital/Homes Shows: Princess Mary’s Hospital.
Performs in the Thursday afternoon Hospital/Homes Shows: Princess Mary’s Hospital.
Performs in the Thursday afternoon Hospital/Homes Shows: Princess Mary’s Hospital.
Pianist for the Thursday afternoon show at Millmead Convalescent Home.
Compere for the Thursday afternoon show at Millmead Convalescent Home.
Compere for the Thursday afternoon show at Spurgeons Children’s Home.
Pianist for the Thursday afternoon show at Hockeridge Hotel (Leadbeater Homes).
Compere for the Thursday afternoon show at Hockeridge Hotel (Leadbeater Homes).
Pianist for the Thursday afternoon show at Royal Sea Bathing Hospital.
Compere for the Thursday afternoon show at Royal Sea Bathing Hospital.
Compere for the Thursday afternoon show at Princess Mary’s Hospital.
Browse shows, lectures, competitions, workshops and social events day by day.
Explore the lectures and specialist sessions in the programme.
Lecture — Nic Niberco (Holland)
From Holland, a welcome visit of that talented magician Nic Niberco: a demonstration and explanation of manipulative, close-up and general magic with an original twist. Lecture Sessions, Chairman: Peter Warlock.
Presented by Peter Warlock
Peter Warlock presents ‘1700 and all that!’, showing a little of the evolution of some magical effects from their original state in the 8th edition of ‘Hocus Pocus, junior… The Anatomie of Legerdemain, or the Art of Jugling’. Taking part: Bobby Bernard, Terry Herbert, Roy Johnson, Don Lees, Billy McComb, Percy Press, Robert Swadling, Harold Taylor, and Tony Shelley & Elizabeth. Stage Management: Paul Graham. At the organ: Keith Hurford. At the drums: Bernard McGovern.
Lecture — Micky Hades (Canada)
From Canada, dealer, writer, inventor and publisher Micky Hades presents ‘Out of My Mind’ in the Queens Hall. Lecture Sessions, Chairman: Peter Warlock.
Competition information, entry details, rules, timings and locations.
Organised by Alastair Oliphant; introduced by Sly Smith. Stage Manager: Anthony List. Musical Director: Alfred Gabriel. Timekeeper: Jack Potter. Judges: Geoffrey Buckingham (Chairman), Henk Vermeyden, Micky Hades, Jon Gresham, David John, Maurice Pierre, Alf Moore, David Budd and Mr. Logan (Conference Officer for Margate). Competitors in alphabetical order: Bryan and May (Shrewsbury), Rex Cooper (Luton), Christopher Cox (Isle of Wight), Bob Eaton (Bradford), George and Jean (Canterbury), Granville (Newport), Guy and Dorothy (Claines), Roger John (Newport), John Maire (London), Bengt Nilsson (Sweden), Keith Norman (Eaton Bray), June Thomas (Cardiff), Otto Wesseley (Austria), Will’um and Twitt (Isle of Wight) and Yu-Ling-Fu (Woking). The draw for the running order is made immediately after the Opening Ceremony on Wednesday afternoon, and the results are announced after the close of the competition.
Open to all paid up members of Ring 25, the British Ring. Prizes: The New Silver British Ring Shield and Cash Prize of £10, awarded for the presentation of the most entertaining magical act and held for one year. The Conventioneers Trophy for the greatest originality shown in either effect, or method of 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 £5 for the runner-up, held for one year; Third Prize £3; the Tom Harris Cup (Comedy) and Cash Prize of £5-5-0, kindly donated by Tom Harris; and the Dittia Shield (Manipulation).
No bar is placed on the number of awards that can be obtained by a successful competitor.
The length of act submitted by each competitor should not exceed ten minutes playing time; a warning light is flashed at the end of nine minutes. Any competitor exceeding ten and a half minutes is automatically disqualified, and the disqualification is announced from the stage immediately before the next competitor. Allowing ten minutes for each turn, competitors should work out 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 9th minute a buzzer sounds and the green light is changed for an amber one; at the end of the 10th minute the amber light is replaced by a red one.
The judges consist of five members of the Ring, the local entertainments manager and the Editor of the local paper, with an umpire, a senior official of the Ring, who has complete powers to accept or reject the judges’ decisions.
Organised by Don Lees. Entrants: Rex Cooper, Trevor Dawson, Kevin Fox, John Milner, Bengt Nilsson and Tommy Rowe. To ensure smooth running of the event, some well-known performers will also appear (but not as entrants): Ali Bongo, Mike Gancia, Geoff Ray, John Marshall and Fred Robinson. Judges: Rovi, Francis Haxton, Lou Flynn, Ted Whebell and a holiday visitor. Time Keeper: Doug Jones.
Open to all paid up members of Ring 25 (The British Ring), International Brotherhood of Magicians. Awards: (a) The Zina Bennett Trophy (to be held for 12 months), a replica, awarded to the performer with the highest marks, and a £4 cash award; (b) a cash award of £3 to the runner-up.
There are no restrictions on the effects or properties used, except that they be primarily intended for close-up performance; the magical judges are the sole arbitrators on this point and may deduct marks as they consider appropriate. The performance shall not be 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 number 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 when necessary to ensure the smooth running of the contest. A warning is given when 8 minutes have elapsed and should a performer exceed the maximum time of 9 minutes he will be disqualified when 9½ minutes have elapsed, such disqualification being announced by the judges.
Awarded to the dealer presenting the most attractive display at the Dealers’ Magical Trade Fair. Historically also known as the Craig Trophy / Craig Cup. Present holders: the Supreme Magic Co. Adjudication takes place on Wednesday at 5.00pm; adjudicator: the General Manager or Display Manager of Bobby’s of Margate. (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.
Find the buildings, halls, theatres and rooms used throughout the convention.
Margate, Kent
Convention Headquarters. Home of the Registration Desks, the Official Opening, the Dealers' Demonstration, the Lecture Sessions, the Shield Competition, the Annual General Meeting, the Convention Banquet, the After Banquet Show, the Grand International Gala of Magic, the Convention Service, the Installation of the New President and the Dealers' Magical Trade Fair, with the Main Hall, Queens Hall and Seaside Cafe among the rooms in use.
Margate, Kent
Home of Children's Playtime on Saturday morning, devised and presented by Wilfred Tyler.
Margate, Kent
Home of the Saturday midnight entertainment, ‘A Turn for the Nurse’, in the Ball Room.
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
Close-Up Contest for the Zina Bennett Cup
Competition for the New Silver British Ring Shield
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