The Billet Article - The Stevie B Page

This article is taken from The Billet Issue - 429 - Dec 2007, Authored by Stephen Bellerby

The Stevie B Page

Hello Wizards,

Hope you liked the last meeting. I thought it was wonderful, a walk back through memory lane at one point as we watched a highlight from Tony’s spot on our Hey Presto Show back in 1998 at our 50th anniversary one-day convention. Just that brief snippet of a super day brought back many memories. I remember it was a very successful day with plenty to see and do and lots going on. The day had in it two lectures, a stage competition (The North of England Tournament of Magic) a juggling workshop and an all day balloon share-shop along with a puzzle the likes of which you won’t have seen anywhere else. The scrapbook had been mounted onto a type of carousel, so that three people could look at pages of it at any one time. The show was the icing on the cake, and a very nice cake it was too. During the day, those attending could go to a café (Tony’s, I think) for snacks at a reduced price. This made for a win-win for our groups and the café. It was a long day with many memories to take away from it.

There was discussion about a convention for our sixtieth a few years back but it was agreed that with there being so many about now, it wouldn’t be worthwhile organising. As you’ll be aware, of course, we are having an exhibition at the Bradford Industrial Museum. More about that later. Shortly after the meeting of course, some of us (he remarked rather pointedly) attended the Dinner and what a wonderful night it was as well. Congratulations to Ken Mitchell on his receiving the President’s Wand (although it did break the curse and he didn’t get a raffle prize this time) but you can’t have everything.

I’ve since had a meeting at the Hotel for next years Dinner and it will be on Friday 14th November. At the meeting a couple of minor points were raised, the main one being the room being quite chilly. It was explained to me that the room had been warmed through in good time but Martin James had unfortunately arrived after and with the back doors being open, while unloading all the heat left the room with not enough time left to warm the room through again.

The committee will look into this, trying possibly to ensure that the artistes are there earlier. Another comment was the over-long comfort break, this was an over-sight from the committee who realised afterwards that with smoking not being permitted in public places anymore, a ten minute break is quite sufficient. That will be implemented next year.

Now, back to the exhibition. Chris Hart, who is chairing the sub-committee (and doing a sterling job) along with one or two others had a meeting at the museum and made considerable progress. Danny Hunt and Annette Claire from Amethyst were there as well and were able to give tremendous input to the whole project. Since then, Chris and I have had a meeting with Godfrey Shackleton who will be taking care of the scenery in conjunction with the museum. The intention is to have to exhibition hall divided into two parts, one being the exhibition area and the other forming a theatre type of environment. In the latter area, there will be a stage erected from which there will be live performances and workshops from both members and friends of Bradford Magic Circle. When there are no live shows happening, it is intended that there will be a video playing various magical items. Of course to do the live performances, we need performers. I intend to put together a programme of performances for the whole of the exhibition. It runs for six weeks from 1st March to the 12th April and the museum of course will be open during the week as well as at the weekend. Please let me know if you are prepared to give up your time and put something back into magic. I’m after about acts of about ten minutes that would be repeated several times throughout the day. I would need several dates when you would be available. Don’t worry if your preference is close-up or even card magic. All performance types are welcome as a celebration of magic should be about all types of magic. From all he information and offers received and when there would be school visits to the museum, I will be able to assemble a programme. I’ve already received some offers from members but now need to know when they will be available. Clive Moore from Derby has also said he and Jean Ellison would like to take part.

Finally, as you may be aware, tickets for the Hey Presto Show are now available. These could go very quickly with the impressive line up again arranged for your entertainment pleasure. Next year’s show being part of our sixtieth anniversary, we have invited along the Lord Mayor of Bradford who will be joining us with the Lady Mayoress and their Grand-daughter. Remember, the lower priced seats are cheaper because they don’t offer the best view in the auditorium. While we hold control of the best seats in the theatre, our first goal is to get a full house so avoid disappointment.

Well I think that’s enough for now, except to say have a great Christmas and I’ll see you in the New Year.

Merry Christmas from Stevie and Louisie B.

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