The 39th Annual Convention of I.B.M. British Ring No.25, held in Southport — 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 39th Annual Convention of I.B.M. British Ring No.25 takes place 24th–28th September 1975 at the Southport Theatre, with further events at the Floral Hall and the Prince of Wales Hotel. Under the presidency of Ted Whebell, and with International President William Preston and the Mayor of the Metropolitan Borough of Sefton, Councillor E. Rowland Ball, among the guests, the week brings together international performers for International Magic, 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, Hospital/Homes Shows, the Ladies’ Afternoon, Themes and Variations, the Convention Banquet and After Banquet Show, the Third Collectors’ Seminar, Children’s Playtime and the Grand International Gala of Magic, closing on Sunday with the Convention Service and the Installation of Dr. Duncan Fletcher as the new President.
Meet the performers, lecturers, hosts and special guests appearing at this convention.
Past President of the British Ring. Compères International Magic at the Southport Theatre on Wednesday afternoon, and organises and introduces the competitors in the Competition for the New Silver British Ring Shield on Thursday evening.
Visiting magician from Rhodesia, appearing in International Magic at the Southport Theatre.
Magician from Wales, appearing in International Magic at the Southport Theatre.
Magical duo from Ireland, appearing in International Magic at the Southport Theatre.
Visiting magician from Russia, appearing in International Magic at the Southport Theatre.
The international juggler from Sweden, appearing in International Magic, the After Banquet Show and the Grand International Gala of Magic, presenting his lecture/demonstration ‘Topper’s Tricks’, and speaking on ‘Collecting Adventures’ at the Third Collectors’ Seminar.
Visiting magician from Holland, presenting ‘Giant Card Mysteries’ in International Magic at the Southport Theatre.
Visiting magician from Sweden, appearing in International Magic and presenting ‘Magic Novelty’ in the Grand International Gala of Magic.
Xylophone act appearing twice in the Grand International Gala of Magic — opening the show and returning with ‘Xylophonically yours’.
Compere of the Grand International Gala of Magic — ‘Yorkshire’s Own’.
The Young Magicians of the Year, presenting ‘Deceptions with Dice’ in the Grand International Gala of Magic.
The Continent’s most original magician, appearing in the Grand International Gala of Magic, the Dealers’ Demonstration and presenting his lecture/demonstration on Saturday afternoon.
The delightful Dutch magicienne, appearing in the Grand International Gala of Magic.
The World Oscar Magician and Italy’s premier magician, appearing in the Grand International Gala of Magic.
Holder of the British Ring Shield and recent winner of the European Trophy, appearing in the Grand International Gala of Magic.
The sophisticated Dutch magicians, presenting ‘Magic Cocktail’ in the Grand International Gala of Magic.
Past President of the British Ring and 2nd International Vice-President of the I.B.M. Presents ‘Illusions of the Masters’ with his company to close the Grand International Gala of Magic, organises Registration and proposes the toast to the Metropolitan Borough of Sefton at the Convention Banquet.
Organist for International Magic, Themes and Variations, the After Banquet Show and the Grand International Gala of Magic.
Drummer for International Magic, Themes and Variations, the After Banquet Show and the Grand International Gala of Magic.
Hon. Secretary of the British Ring. Arranges and presents the Grand International Gala of Magic and, with Geoffrey Robinson, presents the After Banquet Show.
International Vice President for Britain. Stage Manager for the British Ring at the Grand International Gala of Magic, provides stage direction for Themes and Variations and organises the Outside Attraction.
Chairman of the Lecture Sessions and organiser of the lecture programme, the souvenir programme and ‘Themes and Variations’; also speaks on ‘A Man born Janes’ at the Third Collectors’ Seminar.
Escapologist attempting ‘The Dive of the Devil’ by the shore on Wednesday morning — hung suspended, chained and manacled, lowered twice into the water and raised, then dropped on the third time to effect his escape under the water.
Cabaret at the Civic Reception, Ball and Cabaret with ‘Magic a la carte’.
Speaks at the Ladies’ Afternoon on ‘A woman’s role in magic today’, and assists in Themes and Variations.
Introduces Midnight Magic at the Prince of Wales Hotel and organises the Banquet and Close-Up.
Past President of the British Ring. Chairs the Third Collectors’ Seminar and hosts the Close Up Show at the British Legion Convalescent Home.
Speaks on ‘A Brief Dip into American Magical History’ at the Third Collectors’ Seminar.
Speaks on ‘Trade Cards and Conjuring’ at the Third Collectors’ Seminar.
Organiser of the Close-Up Contest for the Zina Bennett Cup.
Devises and presents Children’s Playtime, and organises the Children’s Playtime and Hospital/Homes Shows.
Appear in Children’s Playtime at the Floral Hall and assist Peter Warlock in Themes and Variations.
Host of Children’s Playtime, introducing the acts with Auntie Cynthia; also compere of the combined show at the School for Partially Hearing and Dr. Barnardo’s Home.
Appears as Auntie Cynthia, helping Jack Mayes to distribute prizes and novelties throughout Children’s Playtime.
The globe-trotting magician, appearing in Children’s Playtime and exhibiting at the Dealers’ Magical Trade Fair.
Magician from Wales, appearing in Children’s Playtime.
Presents ‘Magic Ragtime’ — a change from magic — in Children’s Playtime.
Close the first half of Children’s Playtime.
Appear in the second half of Children’s Playtime.
The internationally known Auguste who leads the I.B.M. Clowns at Children’s Playtime and on their visits to the Hospital/Homes Shows.
Appears in the After Banquet Show at the Southport Theatre.
Appear in the After Banquet Show at the Southport Theatre.
Past President of the British Ring. Appears in and, with William G. Stickland, presents the After Banquet Show.
Soprano appearing in the After Banquet Show.
Presents ‘Dicing with Magic’ in the After Banquet Show.
The musical clown in trouble on wheels, appearing in the After Banquet Show.
President of the British Ring. Officially opens the 39th Annual Convention, chairs the Annual General Meeting and responds to the toast to the British Ring at the Convention Banquet.
International President of the International Brotherhood of Magicians, attending the Convention with Mildred and proposing the toast to the British Ring at the Convention Banquet.
Mayor of the Metropolitan Borough of Sefton; with the Mayoress hosts the Civic Reception, Ball and Cabaret and the Cocktail Party for Overseas Visitors.
Vicar of Barnwood, Gloucester and Official Chaplain to the British Ring; conducts the undenominational Convention Service.
Installed as the new President of the British Ring on Sunday, followed by a Cocktail Party.
Territorial Vice President (Britain) and Welfare Officer of the Ring. Organises the Dealers’ Exhibition, and with Mollie Dexter the Cocktail Parties.
Arranges the Dealers’ Demonstration and assists Eddie Dexter with the Dealers’ Exhibition; compere at the Bradstock Lockett Children’s Special School show.
Toast Master at the Convention Banquet.
Musical Director for the Competition for the New Silver British Ring Shield, and assists in Themes and Variations.
Past President of the British Ring; Chairman of the Judges 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.
Past President of the British Ring; Judge for the Competition for the New Silver British Ring Shield.
Judge for the Competition for the New Silver British Ring Shield.
President of F.I.S.M. and visiting Judge for the Competition for the New Silver British Ring Shield.
Chairman of the Judges for the Close-Up Contest for the Zina Bennett Cup.
Judge for the Close-Up Contest for the Zina Bennett Cup.
Judge for the Close-Up Contest for the Zina Bennett Cup.
Judge for the Close-Up Contest for the Zina Bennett Cup.
Judge for the Close-Up Contest for the Zina Bennett Cup.
Judge for the Close-Up Contest for the Zina Bennett Cup and Returning Officer for the election of officers at the Annual General Meeting.
Browse shows, lectures, competitions, workshops and social events day by day.
Explore the lectures and specialist sessions in the programme.
Lecture/Demonstration
Magic for everyone — Topper Martyn presents his lecture/demonstration ‘Topper’s Tricks’. Lecture Sessions, Chairman: Peter Warlock.
Presented by Peter Warlock
Peter Warlock presents ‘Themes and Variations’, assisted by Fred Castle, Alfred Gabriel, Peter Greenwood, Bayard Grimshaw, Roy Johnson, Trevor Lewis, Brian Miller and Audrey, Christopher Pratt and Elizabeth Warlock. Music by Keith Hurford and Bernard McGovern; stage direction Paul Graham.
Flip Hallema
A welcome for Flip Hallema with his lecture/demonstration, in the Floral Hall.
Third Collectors’ Seminar · Sat 4pm
Topper Martyn on ‘Collecting Adventures’, at the Third Collectors’ Seminar chaired by Dr. Eddie Dawes.
Third Collectors’ Seminar · Sat 4pm
Duncan Johnstone on ‘Trade Cards and Conjuring’, at the Third Collectors’ Seminar.
Third Collectors’ Seminar · Sat 4pm
Walter Gydeson on ‘A Brief Dip into American Magical History’, at the Third Collectors’ Seminar.
Third Collectors’ Seminar · Sat 4pm
Peter Warlock on ‘A Man born Janes’, at the Third Collectors’ Seminar.
Competition information, entry details, rules, timings and locations.
Organised and introduced by Alastair. Competitors: to be announced on the separate sheet supplied with the programme. Judges: Geoffrey Buckingham (Chairman), Fred Barton, Harry Benson, Ron Bishop, Clifford Hough and Peter Kersten (President F.I.S.M.). Musical Director: Alfred Gabriel. Timekeeper: Jack Potter. While the Judges are deliberating the audience is entertained by Midnight Magic at the Prince of Wales Hotel, introduced by Francis Haxton.
Prizes: The New Silver British Ring Shield and Cash Prize of £25.00, awarded for the most entertaining magical act and held for one year. The Conventioneers Trophy for the greatest originality shown in effect, method or presentation, held for one year. The Craig Trophy for the best performance by a lady magician, held for one year. The Theo Speaker Cup and Cash Prize of £15.00 for the runner-up, held for one year. Third Prize £10.00 and Silver Wand presented by Alastair. The Tom Harris Cup (Comedy), donated by Tom Harris, together with a cash prize of £5.00. The Dittia Shield (Manipulation).
Rules: 1. The competitions are open to all members of the British Ring who are fully paid up and accepted members, or whose application for membership was received by the Secretary by the last day of May preceding the Competition. 2. The Management Committee appoints five magical Judges (including, at its discretion, prominent visiting magicians) together with a Chairman who is also a member of the Society; in the event of a tie the Chairman has a casting vote. 3. Any Judge who has been responsible for the production, tuition or guidance of a competitor, or whose personal relationship with a competitor may embarrass him, must inform the Hon. Secretary and stand down so that a replacement can be made. 4. There is no bar upon the number of awards a competitor can win: a male entrant may win the British Ring Shield, the Conventioneers’ Trophy, the Dittia Shield and the Tom Harris Cup, whilst a lady entrant could also win the Craig Trophy. 5. An act should not exceed ten minutes: a yellow warning light and buzzer indicate nine minutes and a red light ten minutes, and at ten and a half minutes the competitor is automatically disqualified, as announced from the stage before the next act. 6. Competitors wishing to be judged for manipulative skill, comedy or originality must give notice on the entry form and will be marked accordingly; this is shown in the published list of competitors. 7. The Judges may withhold any award if the act or acts do not reach the required standard. 8. A previous British Ring Shield winner may not enter and present the same act, but may present a different act. 9. A competitor who has taken part for three successive years and failed to qualify for an award has a waiting period of two years before entering again, unless the Committee of Management decides otherwise. 10. The ballot for order of appearance takes place publicly not less than 24 hours before the competition. 11. Every act should be regarded as family entertainment and should be in good taste. 12. The closing date for entries is notified in ‘The Budget’. 13. Any matter not covered by the rules is decided by the Committee of Management, whose decision is final. 14. All trophy winners hold their award for one year, and it must be returned to the Hon. Secretary in a presentable condition at least two days before the day scheduled for the competition.
The draw for the running order is made immediately after the opening ceremony on the Wednesday afternoon. The names of the competitors are found on the separate sheet supplied with the programme.
Organised by Don Lees. Entrants to be announced. Judges: Joan Thomas, Christopher Payne, Tudor Brock, Dr. Bernard Juby and Rex Reader. Chairman of the Judges: John Palfreyman. Timekeeper: Douglas Jones.
Open to all paid up members of Ring 25 (The British Ring), International Brotherhood of Magicians. Awards: 1. The Zina Bennett Trophy (held for 12 months), a replica, awarded to the performer with the highest marks, plus a £15 cash award. 2. A cash award of £10 for the runner-up. 3. A cash award of £5.
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 arbiters on this point and may deduct marks as they consider appropriate. The performance shall be not less than 6 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 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 of 9 minutes the judges shall not award any marks for that performance.
Awarded to the dealer presenting the most attractive stand 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 D. Tinsley, Esq., Display Manager, Broadbents Group of Companies. (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.
Magic Books by Post — Donald and Betty Wallace with daughter Ruth. Stockists of all publications of Micky Hades, Magic Inc., Magic Ltd. and Goodliffe, any Supreme title and nearly 700 titles in all. 21 Ravenhill Road, Lower Knowle, Bristol BS3 5BN.
Manufacturers of top quality stage, cabaret and comedy apparatus to their own original designs. 82 Gregson Lane, Hoghton, Preston PR5 0LD.
Universal Magic (Rec. 1950), 18 Rawcliffe Street, Blackpool — also featuring Bill Lamb and his Spellbound.
Brian Nye (incorporating Nye’s Novelties) — tricks, props, silks and novelties. 173 Cambridge Road, Hitchin, Herts.
R.A.R. Magic — Roy and Irene Roth. 82 Pennard Drive, Pennard, Swansea, Glamorganshire.
London’s Magic Centre, 48 Emu Road, London S.W.8.
The Supreme Magic Company, 64 High Street, Bideford, Devon — present holders of the Craig Trophy for the most attractive dealer display.
Find the buildings, halls, theatres and rooms used throughout the convention.
The Promenade, Southport
Main venue: Opening Ceremony, International Magic, the Dealers' Demonstration, Lecture Sessions, the Shield Competition, the Annual General Meeting, Themes and Variations, the After Banquet Show and the Grand International Gala of Magic.
Southport Theatre, The Promenade, Southport
Home of the Civic Reception Ball and Cabaret, the Convention Banquet, Children's Playtime, the Convention Service and the Dealers' Magical Trade Fair in the adjoining Canvas & Metal Exhibition Hall.
Lord Street, Southport
The Ladies' Afternoon, Midnight Magic, the Close-Up Contest, the Third Collectors' Seminar and the Installation of the New President.
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
Competition for the New Silver British Ring Shield
Dealers Trophy
Competition for the New Silver British Ring Shield
Competition for the New Silver British Ring Shield
This page remains part of the permanent British Ring convention archive. Explore upcoming conventions and discover more from the history of British magic.
