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Hello Wizards,
It was good to see Henrique again; he was one of the first lectures I saw at Bradford when I first joined. Tonight we welcome Gazzo, from London via U.S.A. where he now resides. During the parish notices, it will be announced that the committee has awarded Doug Haigh the title of Honorary Life Membership for his services to magic and particularly the Bradford Magic Circle. Well done, Doug.
It was nice to see some familiar faces at the Easter Parade convention. I'd like to think a few more would have attended with it being on our doorstep. The apathy received didn't surprise me however. Members from Bradford who were there certainly made a difference, particularly in the stage competitions.
See Picture of Easter Parade Winners
First the Close-up Competition. Anthony Heaton fell prey to his nerves at one of his tables although at the other table, the lay-judge marked his act the highest. At the end of the day, Anthony had the courage to have a go and I hope he will not be deterred by one bad episode. Third prize in the competition went to Clive Moore from Derby. Second prize went to Fred Corvenieo from Ireland. The first prize and the Vice- Presidents Trophy went to Terry Crawford of the North-West Society of Magicians.
In the Junior Stage Competition, Darren McDonald braved a new act which over-ran, something I'm not unfamiliar with, and so for the first time I think, didn't win a trophy in a Junior Stage Competition. He did however take third prize in the Swanbrook Trophy. Ross Risdon brought the Tommy Aldus Comedy Cup back for Bradford with a very funny act. Lauren Stringwell gave a wonderful performance with a new act under very testing circumstances. Eric had to be admitted to the L.G.I. the night before with chest pains. I understand he is, at the time of writing, back home and resting. Lauren was unlucky to be placed only third. She was happy, however and I hope she continues with the same act, as it could be winner. Oliver Parker executed some difficult manipulations, but it was not his year. Robert Temple took second place with Chris Hodgson winning. Both Juniors are from the North East and also took the f irst and second in the Swanbrook Trophy only the other way round. All seven acts were tremendous.
In the Close-up and Senior Stage Competitions last year, Derby Magic Circle took all our trophies South. Well we got some of them back! Steve Gore and Co. the latter being played by yours truly took all four major trophies. That's to say the George Eyres Vice-Presidents Trophy for representing Bradford Magic Circle, the Max Andrews Cup for Originality, the Clem Bailey Cup for Comedy and the Charles Sowden Shield as winners of the competition something I know Steve has had his heart set on winning for several years. We believe we are the first act to take all four major trophies in one year, another first for Bradford. A few years back, Nicholas Mohammed became the first person to have his name on all three first place trophies, obviously not in the same year. Later Bradford Magic Circle brought home nine trophies including first place in all three competitions! And now we have set a new record. As I said earlier, a shame more couldn't have been there to celebrate our good fortune.
It's strange how some things turn out; I first saw Steve Gore and Co. in December 1995, Co. or Debbie Magoo then being played by Steve Naylor. I enjoyed the act so much, I asked them to present it at the next Hey Presto Show in my year as President. They did and it was well received. By then though I was no longer President as the show had to be postponed due to extreme blizzard conditions. Conditions that had cleared up an hour before the curtain would have gone up! Anyway like I said, when it was performed, the act was well received. I then saw the act one more time at Keith's 50th birthday party. Then, a few months back, Steve Gore asked if I'd like to be Co. and resurrect the act. Steve Naylor gave his blessing for me to take on the role and nine years after the initial creation, we have brought the goods back to Bradford Magic Circle, currently one of the strongest societies about. Be Proud of it.
Thanks for reading.
