Hello Wizards, Our President's Dinner was a success, though not financially as numbers were down and those I spoke to seemed to have enjoyed the evening. Here follows a report from the Dinner. There was plenty of chatter as people arrived and kept the bar staff busy. Among them were our Guests of Honour Cynthia Neptune and Betty Laing, President and Consort of the I.B.M. British Ring. Lorna Heginbotham, President of the Northern Magic Circle was there as well but requested to attend as a Bradford Magic Circle member. There were several lay people some who were ex-work colleagues and one party became aware of our dinner through the show we did in Bob Eaton's memory. Stevie B. performed the duties as Toastmaster and having announced that dinner was served, requested everybody stood to receive our dignitaries, Keith, Pam, Cynthia and Betty. Len Medina said Grace. The starter was almost immediately followed by the main course although there was a bit of a lull before the sweet arrived. All three courses were delicious, however. Paul Sunderland and Steve Naylor ordered cheese and biscuits instead of a sweet and received five biscuits and enough cheese to go round the table! During coffee and mints, Keith Pickles gave a humorous speech before toasting the health of the quest of the Circle, Cynthia responded, making a point to mention Lorna's office as I mentioned before. The guests then drank a toast to the health of the Circle. Keith then had the honour of awarding the trophies from various competitions with Eric Slicer photographing the presentations. Anthony Heaton was first up for coming runner-up in the close-up competition and I was next receiving first place, and then runner-up in the stage competition. Simon then went up as winner of the stage competition receiving memento trophies for his children as well. The Merit Award, something the Committee introduced to try encourage new members in their first year of membership, was down to two people was awarded to Mark Waddington who was not present and so will receive in the near future. Finally the President's Wand was awarded to Henry Norris. Steven and Victoria Gore then presented the Top Table flowers. After a comfort break, during which Louise Bellerby sold a book of raffle tickets, it was time for the Cabaret. Mike O'Brien introduced Lauren Stringwell who presented her Chinese act complete with Colour Changing Records, productions of Crystal Caskets and Die thru Silk Surprise. Three silks were pushed into a tube and came out knotted together. Some headscarves were placed into a bag, which was ripped open as a Blendo type effect before closing with a production of a guinnea pig. Lots of colour and being in time to the music earned Lauren the applause she deserved. Mike returned for his compere spot and carried along with his dry humour he presented Torn and Restored Newspaper, Dye Tube, a card to pocket which happened to be both cards chosen. With assistance from Dennis Calvert and Victoria Gore, Mike presented an Egg-bag routine. He then went on to introduce the final act, Mist. The illusionist's assistant appeared inside an empty cage and then climbed into a dolls house type box which was in fact a sword box and included a costume change. 'A' Frame was well presented, as she left the front of his body we were clearly able to see his midriff. Razor Blades From Mouth led to Impaled. The final illusion had the assistant entering a cabinet which had blades pushed through its sides, tubes pushed through the front at the top middle and base and then the cabinet sections were lifted off, with swords fed down through each tube. The procedure was reversed and she emerged unharmed and in a different costume again! They received a rousing round of applause for their efforts.
Finally, the raffle was drawn, and the many gifts, some of which were donated on the evening, were plucked up by the lucky winners. Had Cynthia not been so gracious, she could have had the first four prizes herself, and she drew the tickets herself! Gracious she was however, and continued to pull tickets from the ice-bucket the next two winners being on the Top Table too. One of those was Pam who pulled out another of her numbers as well! So did Louise! It was one crazy raffle. The evening was brought to a close with some music to dance to provided by Steven Gore who also assisted the performers during the Cabaret.
Everybody retired to their cars, taxies, beds or the downstairs bar having had a wonderful evening. Before I go, can I just ask that you consider the A.G.M. in February. Is there anything you wish to discuss at the meeting, Do you have a proposal for President Elect, or any other officers. Please note that you must have their consent before proposing them. If there is anything like the above you would like to put forward, could you let me know by the January meeting please. Thanks for reading and have a lovely Christmas. See you in 2004. STEVIE B. | 
