After a late night and early start, I began my journey with anticipation and headed for the M62. After arriving in the car park at 8.15am, I met a magician from Doncaster and we headed for the convention together. John was a veteran of Blackpool and he started to give me the best advice he could. On arrival at the Opera House I headed straight for registration, put on my badge and collected my programme, with time to look at the itinerary before the dealers hall opened. At 9.00am I proceeded into the main hall and started to soak up the atmosphere. It was still relatively quiet as not all dealers had arrived yet due to a heavy Saturday night. The presentation was very impressive with all the stalls. Being the last day I was expecting things to be a little shabbier but everyone had made a great effort and everything was well presented. There were dealers from all over the world from famous names to ones I couldn't pronounce. A truly magical place, pardon the pun. Then onto my first lecture, Kids 'R' Us by Magic Dave (Dave Allen). He was very good and it was the first time I had ever seen 'venty' done live. His ideas and props were an inspiration to well established magicians and to total newcomer like myself. He was very professional and the whole lecture was over far too quickly. From there, a quick visit back to the dealers’ hall. I bumped into Paul Sunderland. He was at the practical magic stall and it was good to see someone I knew. I didn't have much time to stay in the hall as it was back to the Spanish hall for my second lecture. A lecture by Nathan Kranzo, a magician made famous for the 'moving tan line' trick. He too was outstanding with coins and cards and he particularly impressed me with the 'phantom card' trick. This involved a chosen card rising from a deck. After that, I decided to eat as I was starving following my early start. With my batteries recharged it was back to the Spanish Hall and a lecture by David Roth. Fantastic magician with coins and small balls. Demonstrated palming four coins and dropping them one by one. I have a great deal of practice to put in. Now back to the hall, and time to spend a little money. I wanted to wait until just before the last lecture that I was able to attend. I had been all around and had chosen carefully to buy a few little tricks to fit in with my act. In the end I got a great little prop which I got from Practical Magic called the 'Magic Marksman'. I thought this had plenty of potential for a few different routines; I also got a great trick from Merlins consisting of ropes and silks. Following this, I just had time to see Aldo Colombini. This guy was amazing and extremely funny. His wife also performed a torn and restored card trick. One which I have taken on myself (easy to do and looks very impressive to the untrained eye). Aldo was the star for me whose one liners were hilarious and I'm glad I saved the best until last. Sadly, the day was drawing to an end. However, every cloud has a silver lining and every seaside has a Fish & Chip shop. I would like to take this opportunity to thank a few people who have helped me from the beginning of my venture into magic. Firstly, Phil and Mark at Merlins who gave me sound advice and helped me with my audition material and also some insight into my first trip to the convention. Secondly, All the committee members who were kind and welcoming to me at my audition and made me feel so relaxed when I was more nervous than I have ever been, although I am getting married soon so that could top it. Thirdly, everyone at Bradford Magic Circle who have extended kindness to me. Finally, my little girl Georgia who wanted her Daddy to be a magician and who hopefully will be my assistant before long. | 
