Hello Wizards, A fantastic time was had by many over at Southport at the end of September and into October at the British Ring Convention. The magic was enjoyable although I didn't feel it was ever quite as exceptional as one could anticipate from such a prestigious event. That being said I still thoroughly enjoyed myself. Why? It was such a friendly week making everyone feel relaxed. You know how a bad experience can take the shine off a lecture, show or anything else and a wonderful moment can work the opposite way, well the latter happened to Paul and me I guess. The day before the convention, I was at worked when Louise rang saying the hotel at which I was stopping was asking where I was. I told Louise that I had confirmed with them that I would be arriving on the Tuesday and leaving on the Sunday. She very kindly said ring them up and sort it out. On the first day over there Phil, who had come across from the Isle of Man, and I were having a wander round town when we heard what turned out to be Paul shouting us from across the road. "I've been trying to find you, Louise has rung saying the hotel are wondering where you are," said Paul. He went on to explain that Louise knew we were at the Allenby Hotel and that we had booked in because we'd phoned to tell her so. None the less, the hotel had asked where we were. Paul tried the number Louise had and had got through to the Rosebowl Hotel or something like that. "Rosedale Hotel!" I exclaimed, as all the bits began to fall into place. I had booked into the Rosedale a good while back but the following day found the Allenby to have rooms available and being better located and at a preferable price booked to stay there. I then cancelled my reservation at the Rosedale, which I distinctly remember because of the cold way the notice of my cancellation was received. Obviously they had not made a note of it in their booking register. Hence their calling asking where I was. I borrowed Paul's phone to let the Rosedale know I was in town. "Oh good," they said. I could feel the smile evaporate from her face as I explained that I was already booked into MY hotel room and that I had cancelled my reservation almost immediately after making it. I don't think she entirely believed me but in the immortal words of the bank that likes to say yes, TSB! That's – tough s*** baby. So anyway, after that, the three of us went off for a meal. On going to the Floral Hall to register after the meal, we came across a bloke on a street corner asking for assistance. "I've come here from Great Yarmouth and I'm knackered. Can you possibly tell me where Bath Street is?" he asked and we told him he was standing on its corner. We all found this funny and we could tell he was genuinely relieved to have arrived. I said, "Which hotel are you stopping at? We can probably tell which end it's at." He fished out the business card the Hotel had sent him and upon reading it I said, "It's just down there, about seventy yards on the right. By the way we're in room seven!" Yes, he was staying at the Allenby too. His name is Ron Hinks. He used to be a children's entertainer, working many of the holiday camps under the name Uncle Ron. Naturally every time we saw him at the convention, it was, Hi, Uncle Ron! I hope to keep in touch with him. Back home from the convention, after travelling for all of two hours, I got a call from Ron who told me he'd not long since arrived home. His journey had taken fourteen hours on National Express! He'd rung to thank Phil, Paul and I for making him feel so welcomed. It turned out he'd recently undergone a triple heart bypass which explained his looking tired at certain times during the convention. A real character of magic, I look forward to meeting him again sometime. Another thing that made the week so enjoyable was the Fringe Shows, organised by Fay Presto and Richard Pinner. They are an opportunity for working magicians to perform in more real-world environment. The language and some of the material is not for all tastes. Making an appearance on one of the shows was Dynamo – or as many of will remember him, Steve Frayne. Steve has come on tremendously and while his style and presentation can still be frowned upon by some, for me as one of his friends but also a severe critic, he has found his place in magic. His style is very 'hip-hop' as he finds cards while body popping and gyrating in a host of ways. At one point, he had Dave Jones and John Archer up on the stage with him. These two guys are gorilla sized men and towered over Steve considerably. None the less, he had them body popping, a sight I'll not forget for a long time. Steve is compiling, on film, some of his work and we were able to view some of it. He's hoping to have a Channel 4 special out sometime soon. Amongst the footage we watched was a clip filmed backstage after a Cold Play concert in which Steve had 'blagged' his way past security and was seen performing his magic for the band and guests and creating a tremendous buzz. Amongst the guests was Gwyneth Paltrow, obviously impressed. Those with computer access can just Google 'steve frayne dynamo' and you'll find all sorts about his recent adventures. There was another wonderful surprise for many at Southport on the last day and in fact at the last show. Cynthia Neptune introduced a new item into the convention programme, Stars of Tomorrow. As the title suggests, it was going to be based around our next generation of magicians. As many of you will know, Cynthia runs the Junior Section of Northern Magic Circle with Alan Driffield. Of course she couldn't just offer places in the show to NMC members only. As it turned out having approached several youngsters from The Magic Circle's Young Magicians Club, many weren't able to be there. So it was by chance that the show was presented by four NMC members and another from TMC Young Magicians Club (although it should be noted a couple of those from NMC are members of both) but more interestingly, three of those four are members of Bradford Magic Circle. Ross Risdon was the compere warmed the audience to the show (which was presented entirely by these youngsters) with some magic set to rhyme. Ross interjected some magic between each of the acts and did well as rather than doing an act start to finish, had to present several short acts. Anyone who has compered on any scale will understand how different that is. Ross introduced More Magic Moments, presented by James Moore, one of the finalists in The Young Magician of the Year in July. Seeing his act, and knowing Darren McDonald's (who was runner up) and seeing the winner's Steve Dela (who had performed earlier in the convention) I think the results could have gone any way. James's act was one of manipulation and was well received. Lauren Stringwell, as Miss Ell Vee was presenting her silent colourful act. The BMC trilogy was completed by Darren, with his comedy act (and some new gags, you need to see so I won't try describe them) and as with Ross and Lauren, represented the BMC well. The last act of the show, Hi Jinx was a brother and sister double act, Michael and Siobhan Jordan, with a comical illusion act. They are members of NMC and also Huddersfield of Magicians and earlier this year won the NMC Junior Stage Competition, and also got a chance to perform at the SAM convention in America. The Stars of Tomorrow Show was certainly well received by the audience and thanks to the presentations of these talented individuals may be on the programme next year. One thing was certain; the Stars of Tomorrow had already arrived. Well that's a different view of some of my high lights from Southport. It shows, certainly for me, that it isn't about the magic appearing on the Programmes so much as the magic you can find just by being there. Next year, the British Ring is back in Eastbourne. Will you be there? Thanks for reading. |
