The Billet Article - Presidential

This article is taken from The Billet Issue - 424 - Jun 2007, Authored by Colin Gough

Presidential

Congratulations to one of our new members, Gary Brook, who married his partner, Jackie, In Cyprus last month. For those who could attend, a few days later a reception was held at the Bradford & Bingley Social Club and several members of the Bradford Magic Circle were invited, including Angela & myself.

To say the entertainment was somewhat different is an understatement. The evening started with the usual disc jockey and singer, but then we were treated to an international drag artist by the name of "Lizzie Dripping". His act was not for the faint hearted. Gary then did a head chopper routine with a prop that he had borrowed from me a couple of weeks earlier. Stevie B, Paul Sunderland and I were sat on the edge of our seats hoping and praying that nothing would go wrong. Suffice to say that everyone is still in one piece.

On the 15th may I went to Manchester Magicians Club to see John & Anne Davenport give their lecture on the Davenport family. What a treat. The only downside is that they only give two lectures a year.

John started by giving a potted history of the Davenports and many of the 150 audience were surprised to find that the family name was in actual fact Ryan – a good old Irish name. His grandfather changed his name to Lewis Davenport, he believes when he did a show in Davenport St, Lewisham. One amusing anecdote amongst many was that when traveling abroad was becoming popular in the 1950/60’s, they had problems in obtaining their passports and had to change their names by deed poll. Anne then gave a slide show and delved further into the history of the family.

In the 2nd half of the lecture we were shown some of the early props circa 100-1920 which they manufactured or imported mainly from Germany. The quality of these props were 1st class, and the majority cost between 2 & 5 guineas.

A wonderful evening was had by all!

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