The Billet Article - The Stevie B Page

This article is taken from The Billet Issue - 427 - Oct 2007, Authored by Stephen Bellerby

The Stevie B Page

Hello Wizards,

I trust those of you who were able to be at the September meeting enjoyed it. Not a single trick explained, just a great trip down memory lane … even for those who hadn’t been there. I think Bob would have approved.

The British Ring convention took place during September. I didn’t go this time but I’ve heard interesting comments both good & bad. One of the best bits of news was that High Jinx (Michael & Siobhan Jordan) came away with first prize at the Stage competition. As well as the £1000 prize they also came away with the British Ring Shield. I’m sure you’ll all join me in congratulating them on this achievement. The last time a Bradford Magic Circle member won the prestigious award was back in 1985 when Shahid Malik won it. The following year, the Zina Bennett cup for Close-up magic was won by our own John Hotowka. In 1991, Patrick Maddison won the same trophy as did Alistair Cook (1994) and Jayson George (1996) although the latter two weren’t members of Bradford Magic Circle at that time and are no longer. It usually goes that we put onto the Hey Presto Shows previous winners of such competitions as the Shield Competition. It makes a nice change to have had them on the show earlier in the year instead this time round. I’m sure they’ll be asked to take part in various shows. I wish them every success.

Tonight of course is the one-trick contest. It will be interesting to see just how many take part and how “one-trick” can be interpreted. The judging will be done by those present (including the ones who only profess to do magic, as well as wives, partners and guests) and while performers also get a score card, they can’t place themselves anywhere. Each “Judge” will have a score card with 1st, 2nd & 3rd place boxes into which names will be put. Each 1st place will be awarded 3 points, 2nd place 2 points and 3rd place 1 point. The highest total will be deemed the winner. In the event of a draw we may have to have a 2nd one-trick showdown! So to clarify, we’ll assume there are only 3 “judges” and several competitors. Keith Pickles is placed 1st by judge 1 because he didn’t realise Keith used a stooge in his trick. Judge 2 placed Keith 2nd because he knew a stooge was used (being the stooge) but wasn’t given any of the applause, not being fully conversant with what being a stooge entails! Judge 3 places Keith 3rd because he always wanted to be a stooge but never got picked. Stevie B. is placed 2nd by Judge 1 because he’s sick of seeing “6 Card Repeat”! Judge 2 places Stevie B. 1st because he’d never seen the trick before, being a very, very, very, very, very new member! Judge 3 doesn’t award any points to Stevie B. because she is married to him & he forgot their anniversary! Keith has been awarded a total of 6 points while Stevie B. only managed to get 5 points (and a black eye) Making Keith the winner. 

Finally, please make note in your diaries that this year, contrary to what was mentioned at the last meeting, the December meeting will be in December. The church doesn’t need the church that night but they do need it the week before.

That’s about it take care.

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