Elsie Shackleton - (Aka Edith Elsie Shackleton)27 September 1910 - 17 February 2004 Elsie Shackleton, wife of Vincent and Honorary Life member of the Bradford Magic Circle, passed away on the 17th February 2004 after undergoing major cancer operations, but never complaining. She had spent her last few months at the Wellington House Nursing Home. Elsie's ambition was to be a teacher, but she had to leave school early to go out to work to help her parents financially. Getting a job in a pawnbroker's, she then went on to Lingards Department store in Bradford. During the war she worked at the English Electric factory as an ammeter winder. It was at that time that she met Vincent (riding a noisy bike up and down Leeds Road), whom she married on the 26th July 1943 at St Clements Church. They spent their honeymoon at Kettlewell. After the war she became a full time housewife and mother to Godfrey & Joan, moving to a house built by Vincent (with a little help) in Shipley in 1955. When Godfrey was starting out in magic, she supported him all the way. Joan was roped in to perform a double act; and then it was Vincent's turn to get the bug, becoming a Punch & Judy man. All the time Elsie was ready with help, advice and a needle and thread! In the 1960's, when the Bradford Magic Circle was going through a bad patch, they were able to meet at Elsie & Vincent's home. Daughter Joan printed the first edition of what is now the Billet (then called the Bulletin), on a single sheet of paper dated October 15th 1966. At that time the Circle only had 18 members, with a committee of 3 (including Vincent). It was largely due to their efforts that the Bradford Magic Circle is as thriving as it is today. A Past President of the Bradford Magic Circle and Past Presidents Lady of the Northern Magic Circle. She will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and best wishes go out to Vincent, son Godfrey and his family, and daughter Joan and her family. |
