This night, which was added to our calendar at the last minute after Scott Quinn had cried off his tour, attracted just 11 members to a very “free ‘n easy night”. However, those that turned up seemed to enjoy themselves showing off bits and pieces and chatting and helping others. I started off the evening by telling how I came into magic at around 15 years of age, through purchasing jokes and then magic from a catalogue company called Ellisdons. They used to advertise at the back of all the periodicals of the time (the 1960’s this is). Some of the older members there remembered this company. They probably bought the black face soap and other such amusing items from there, just as I did! I showed the first three tricks I had ever bought, which I still have – a compass effect; a paddle routine; and a coin in nest of boxes trick which I still think is the best version of this I have ever come across. Mine is now held together with sellotape as I have never been able to find another version like it. Charles showed his handling of the Wild Card effect, where 8 Aces and 1 x 10 Diamonds became 9 x 10 Diamonds. Colin demonstrated, and showed the handling for, some of his ring on-off rope routines that he uses. After pulling the rope through his neck, he borrowed Charles’ hankie (clean I hasten to add), to try tying the hankie to the rope and lifting it off. It worked once, with a bit of muscle, but really demonstrated that a silk is the best for this effect. Charles showed us some of his knots on/off ropes; whilst Colin was there again with a ring going on and off a rubber band. Even when Colin showed how these moves were done, I was still baffled! Anthony brought out the cards and demonstrated the Elmsley Count and the Jordan Count. He then showed several card tricks which he explained very clearly. At this point Ivan went to make the cups of tea and I went to collect money for the dinner. After the drinks there were more card tricks from the resident experts of Charles and Anthony, with Ross & Franco joining in enthusiastically. Demonstrations and discussions ensued as the evening meandered slowly to an end. I have to say that I felt with a small number of people there, all willing to have a go at showing or learning or talking, this was an excellent laid back evening of magic, and perhaps one we can try again. | 
