A large number of people attended our annual dinner at the new venue of the Cedar Court Hotel. Good parking and a large room were very encouraging. After our meal and speeches, Melvyn presented the trophies for both the Close-Up and Stage Competitions to Ross Risdon. Mark Waddington, runner-up in both competitions, was not present to receive his trophies. Melvyn presented the President's Wand to Paul Sunderland. And then made a further special President's Wand presentation to Keith & Pam Pickles. Peter Wright received a scroll of honour for his involvement with the Bradford Magic Circle in his first year of membership. After the raffle, which was, once again, superbly run by Louise & Lauren, who managed to extract a large sum from the assembled throng; of which £70 has been sent to Children in Need, we had the cabaret. Colin Fox opened with a novel sight gag using the word STARLING, before introducing Brian Sefton. Brian started with a floating cane, which split into two. Next came the first of many doves, this produced from his glove as he removed it. Immediately there were two doves there. A dove was produced from his scarf; before Brian demonstrated his prowess with card fans. A cane production from a silk led into a lit candle vanishing and turning into a silk, from which Brian extracted a dove. After a classic linking rings routine, Brian produced two doves simultaneously from a silk; before he finished by vanishing all the doves from the cage into which they had been placed. A superb act as we have come to expect from Brian. Colin told the story of being attacked and having his money, ring and watch stolen. Placing them into a bag they vanished to reappear back in wallet, on finger and on wrist. With a volunteer from the audience, Colin then had symbols drawn on slates change places. After a short break, Vizage appeared to start with the Substitution Trunk. He then placed razor blades into his mouth, which became joined together on thread as he pulled them out. Whilst his female assistant sang, he produced boxes from an empty bag. Next came the Head Slider, where the girl's head was moved and lifted from the table. Anne Manning found herself as part of the act with the 20th Century Bra Trick – in which a couple of hankies are tied together and placed down Anne's dress to have a bra tied between them when they are removed. The Hindu Basket was well presented with swords going through the basket at speed; with the girl having changed costume when she reappeared. The girl (Vikki) again sang, whilst a newspaper was restored and the radio vanished. The Origami Box then led into the final illusion, a levitation. Whilst singing, The Rose, Vikki was 'hypnotised' and left floating without any obvious signs of support. An excellent end to a really good act. All the acts received tremendous applause. As we left, Melvyn & Chris were leading the dancing on the dance floor. Thanks must go to Melvyn, in particular, for taking on the organisation of the event, a thankless task. Pictures of the nights entertainments can be seen here -- BMC Presidents Dinner Dance and Caberet Pictures | 
