Firstly could I thank everyone who came along to the Dinner last Friday. I was delighted to welcome Cynthia Neptune and her consort, Betty Laing, along as guests of the BMC. Cynthia is the President of the IBM this year, the first ever Lady President of this body. She is also a tireless worker for the Northern Magic Circle, and it is largely due to the efforts of herself (and Alan Driffield) that we have had such a output of talented youngsters from the Northern in recent years. We have had some excellent meals and cabaret at the Midland, but both Pam and I felt that this was one of the very best, if not the best. The food and service were both top-class. I don't think that it was because we were on the top table that we seemed to have good service, as other people we talked to said the same. The cabaret was of the highest calibre. Lauren Stringwell has come on leaps and bounds over the past year, and her Chinese act has all the hallmarks of her mum and dad in it I am sure that Eric & Jean are both very proud of her. Mike O'Brien was an outstanding compere, with a very dry sense of humour in his own spot He had all the audience laughing at his wit The final act of Mist, Sean Alexander and assistant (whose name I have to own up to forgetting), had come all the way from Norwich. We had booked them on the recommendation of Ivan, who had seen them in Cornwall during the summer season. I am sure, from all the comments I heard afterwards, that Ivan had made the right decision for us, I don't think anyone at the Midland had either seen or heard of them, but they proved to be first-class. I am sure you will be reading more about them in Stevie B's report. Despite problems beforehand when we realised there was no cover for their changes during the act they certainly improvised with the help of the Midland staff by using two coat stands and a tablecloth. That's show business for you! I was delighted to present the President's Wand to Henry Norris, in recognition for the work he has put in to the Bradford Magic Circle over the last year. Despite living in the Harrogate area, he has always managed to find the time to come to all the meetings and the Committee meetings, organise the competition night and take part in other events and fund-raising activities, All this and he managed to find time to get married as well! Congratulations Henry, you earned it. Congratulations also to Mark Waddington for receiving the Merit Award presented to the newcomer who has done most work for the Circle during the year. I would like to thank the people who helped the evening run so smoothly. In particular I must mention Stevie B, wife Louise, Ivan and Steve & Victoria Gore. Between them they sorted out the problems beforehand, looked after the sound during the acts, ran the raffle (which made £70) and arranged the flowers for the top table. These evenings only run so smoothly because of the behind the scenes work of these people. Thank you. Tonight is our Christmas Show (a bit early as it's the 28th November.). Thanks to all taking part. I hope everyone enjoys it Next month (or January 9th as our next meeting is) will be the night to bring along a bit of food. The idea of the evening is that at the end of the activities, rather than just having a cup of coffee and a biscuit we all bring along some food. Hopefully a variety. Then this is all shared amongst the attendees, and we end up having a party. Drinks are also welcome. It's also the night when we bring along belated Christmas presents for each other. All you need to do is wrap up a magic trick that you no longer use (not just a pack of cards). At the end of the evening everyone who has brought along a magic present goes home with a magic trick that someone else has brought along. Please try to bring something as this helps to make the evening a success. Finally can Pam and I wish everyone a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, | 
