I.B.M. British Ring 79th Annual Convention 2015
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I.B.M. British Ring 79th Annual Convention 2015

The 79th Annual Convention of I.B.M. British Ring No.25, held in Eastbourne — four days of world-class performance, Star Lectures, the Zina Bennett Trophy close-up competition and the International Stars of Magic and Variety Gala Show.

24 September 2015 - 27 September 2015 Eastbourne, East Sussex
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From the Convention Archive

Welcome to I.B.M. British Ring 79th Annual Convention 2015

The 79th Annual Convention of I.B.M. British Ring No.25, held 24th–27th September 2015 at the Winter Gardens, Eastbourne, with additional events at the Congress Theatre and the Convention Hotel. Featuring international performers, Star Lectures, the Close Up Competition for the Zina Bennett Trophy, The Sooty & Friends Magic Show, the International Stars of Magic and Variety Gala Show, and the History of Mystery presentation.

Convention Line-up

Meet the Artists

Meet the performers, lecturers, hosts and special guests appearing at this convention.

High Jinx

High Jinx

Opening Show, professional variety entertainers (Thu 1:25pm)
Paul Gordon

Paul Gordon

'Gold Dust' Workshop/mini lecture (Thu, Fri & Sat, Gold Room; ticketed)
Other
Eddie Dawes

Eddie Dawes

History of Mystery (Thu 4:15pm)
Other
Brian Lead

Brian Lead

History of Mystery (Thu 4:15pm)
Other
Donald Bevan

Donald Bevan

History of Mystery (Thu 4:15pm)
Other
David Budd

David Budd

History of Mystery (Thu 4:15pm)
Other
Peter Lane

Peter Lane

History of Mystery (Thu 4:15pm)
Other
Kevin Morton

Kevin Morton

Sussex Magic Circle (Thu 8:30pm)
Gala Show
David Croucher

David Croucher

Sussex Magic Circle (Thu 8:30pm)
Gala Show
The Great Desmondo

The Great Desmondo

Sussex Magic Circle (Thu 8:30pm)
Gala Show
Stuart Harley

Stuart Harley

Sussex Magic Circle (Thu 8:30pm)
Gala Show
Will Houstoun

Will Houstoun

Jeffrey Atkins Memorial Lecture (Fri 10:15am) & International Close-Up (Sat, UK)
LectureClose-up Performance
Boris Wild

Boris Wild

Star Lecture (Fri 11:30am & Sun 10:30am) & International Close-Up (Sat, France)
LectureClose-up Performance
Matthew Garrett

Matthew Garrett

Close Up Competition, Zina Bennett Trophy (Fri 1:30pm) — 2nd Place; magical dealer
DealerOther
Mel Harvey

Mel Harvey

Close Up Competition (Fri 1:30pm) & Grand Auction, auctioneer (Sat 2pm)
Host / CompereOther
Rob James

Rob James

Close Up Competition, Zina Bennett Trophy (Fri 1:30pm) — 1st Place
Other
Gary Jones

Gary Jones

Close Up Competition, Zina Bennett Trophy (Fri 1:30pm)
Other
Matthew Le Mottee

Matthew Le Mottee

Close Up Competition, Zina Bennett Trophy (Fri 1:30pm) — 3rd Place
Other
Lynn Thomas

Lynn Thomas

Close Up Competition, Zina Bennett Trophy (Fri 1:30pm)
Other
Andy Stone

Andy Stone

Close Up Competition, arranged by (Fri) & International Close-Up, arranged & hosted (Sat 4pm)
Close-up Performance
John Palfreyman

John Palfreyman

Star Lecture: 'The many faces of Just Chance' (Fri 2:45pm)
Lecture
Bob and Sue Hamilton

Bob and Sue Hamilton

Nostalgia (Fri 8pm)
Other
Christian Lee

Christian Lee

'Friday Night Burlesque' (Fri night)
Other
The Folly Mixtures

The Folly Mixtures

'Friday Night Burlesque' (Fri night)
Other
Eric Roumestan

Eric Roumestan

Star Lecture: 'Perceptions' (Sat 10am) & International Close-Up (Sat, France)
LectureClose-up Performance
Richard Griffin

Richard Griffin

Star Lecture: 'Cruise Ship Magic' (Sat 11:15am) & Gala Show, 1st Half (Sat)
Gala ShowLecture
Peter Scarlett

Peter Scarlett

Star Lecture: 'Sleightly Entertaining' (Sat 12:30pm) & International Close-Up (Sat, UK)
LectureClose-up Performance
Snaggers

Snaggers

Outside Entertainment (Sat)
Other
Pam Cooper

Pam Cooper

Outside Entertainment (Sat)
Other
Crazee Hazee

Crazee Hazee

Outside Entertainment (Sat)
Other
Keith Cooper

Keith Cooper

Grand Auction, auctioneer (Sat 2pm)
Host / Compere
Joe M. Turner

Joe M. Turner

International President IBM; International Close-Up (Sat, USA)
Close-up PerformanceSpecial Guest
Mel Mellers

Mel Mellers

Gala Show compere (Sat) & Star Lecture: 'Making Magic Entertaining' (Sun 1pm)
Gala ShowLecture
Zoe Pennington Dancers

Zoe Pennington Dancers

International Stars of Magic and Variety, 1st & 2nd Half (Sat)
Gala Show
Niels Duinker

Niels Duinker

International Stars of Magic and Variety, 1st Half (Sat)
Gala Show
Romany

Romany

International Stars of Magic and Variety, 1st Half (Sat)
Gala Show
Andrew Green and Co.

Andrew Green and Co.

International Stars of Magic and Variety, 1st Half (Sat)
Gala Show
Steve Hewlett and Friends

Steve Hewlett and Friends

International Stars of Magic and Variety, 2nd Half (Sat)
Gala Show
Charlie Mag

Charlie Mag

International Stars of Magic and Variety, 2nd Half (Sat)
Gala Show
Natalie & Eli

Natalie & Eli

International Stars of Magic and Variety, 2nd Half (Sat) & Star Lecture: 'Quick change secrets' (Sun 11:45am)
Gala ShowLecture
Retonio

Retonio

Star Lecture, presents Natalie & Eli's 'Quick change secrets' (Sun 11:45am)
Lecture
Your Convention Programme

What's On

Browse shows, lectures, competitions, workshops and social events day by day.

Wednesday 23 September 2015
19:30

Collect Your Registrations & Meet and Greet Old Friends

Social Convention Hotel The View
'The View' — make new friends, have a drink or two.
Thursday 24 September 2015
09:00
to 17:30

Registration Opens

General Winter Gardens Floral Hall
11:00
to 17:30

Dealers Open

Dealer Winter Gardens Congress Suite
12:00

Dealers Showcase and Balloon Workshop

Workshop Winter Gardens Congress Suite
Introduced by Rick Tynan.
13:00
to 13:20

Official Opening Ceremony

General Winter Gardens Floral Hall
By the President Alan Astra, in the presence of the IBM International President Joe M. Turner.
13:25
to 14:30

The Opening Show

Show High Jinx Winter Gardens Floral Hall
Presented by 'High Jinx' — professional variety entertainers performing a thrilling mix of magic, illusion, escapology and circus skills.
14:30
to 16:00

Paul Gordon — 'Gold Dust' Workshop/mini lecture

Workshop Paul Gordon Winter Gardens Gold Room
Card Magic You Can, and Will, Do and Use. £5 ticket required from his stand, max 15 persons.
16:15
to 17:45

History of Mystery

Other Eddie Dawes Winter Gardens Gold Room
Presented by Eddie Dawes, with Brian Lead, Donald Bevan, David Budd and Peter Lane.
19:15
to 20:15

The Ali Bongo Micro Marathon

Social Winter Gardens Floral Bistro
Arranged by Ian Marriott.
20:30
to 22:00

Sussex Magic Circle

Gala Kevin Morton Winter Gardens Floral Hall
Performers taking part: Kevin Morton, David Croucher, The Great Desmondo and Stuart Harley.
Friday 25 September 2015
TBC

'Friday Night Burlesque'

Show Christian Lee Winter Gardens Floral Hall
With Christian Lee and 'The Folly Mixtures'.
09:00
to 17:30

Registration Opens

General Winter Gardens Floral Hall
09:15
to 10:00

Annual General Meeting and Election of Officers 2015/16

Meeting Winter Gardens Gold Room
10:15
to 11:15

Jeffrey Atkins Memorial Lecture: Will Houstoun — Modern Magic

Lecture Will Houstoun Winter Gardens Floral Hall
11:30
to 12:30

Star Lecture: Boris Wild — Classics Gone Wild

Lecture Boris Wild Winter Gardens Floral Hall
Introduced by Rick Tynan.
13:30
to 14:30

Close Up Competition for the 'Zina Bennett Trophy'

Competition Winter Gardens Floral Hall
Arranged by Andy Stone. Competitors: Matthew Garrett, Mel Harvey, Rob James, Gary Jones, Matthew Le Mottee and Lynn Thomas.
14:30
to 16:00

Paul Gordon — 'Gold Dust' Workshop/mini lecture

Workshop Paul Gordon Winter Gardens Gold Room
14:45
to 15:45

Star Lecture: John Palfreyman — The many faces of Just Chance

Lecture John Palfreyman Winter Gardens Floral Hall
Introduced by Brian Miller.
16:00

Dealers/Balloon/Juggling Workshop

Workshop Winter Gardens Congress Suite
Introduced by Rick Tynan.
18:00
to 21:00

Convention Gala Dinner

Gala Winter Gardens Gold Room
Menu: Fan of melon with fruits of the forest and fruit coulis; Pan fried chicken fillet with wild mushroom in white wine sauce, chef's choice of vegetables; Fruits of the forest brulee with homemade shortbread fingers; Coffee or tea. Toast list: The Queen proposed by the President Alan Astra. The British Ring proposed by Joe M. Turner, International President IBM. Response by the President Alan Astra, who will also propose the toast to the guests. Response by Rolando Santos, Past International President IBM. Toastmaster: John Pye, Past International President IBM.
20:00

Nostalgia

Show Bob and Sue Hamilton Winter Gardens Floral Hall
With Bob and Sue Hamilton.
21:30

The Presentation of Awards

General Winter Gardens Floral Hall
By the President Alan Astra.
Saturday 26 September 2015
09:00
to 17:30

Registration Opens

General Winter Gardens Floral Hall
10:00
to 11:00

Star Lecture: Eric Roumestan — Perceptions

Lecture Eric Roumestan Winter Gardens Floral Hall
Introduced by Michael Carr.
10:30
to 12:00

Sooty and Friends Magic Show

Show Snaggers Congress Theatre
Ticket required from Box Office. Outside entertainment by Snaggers, Pam Cooper and Crazee Hazee.
11:15
to 12:15

Star Lecture: Richard Griffin — Cruise Ship Magic

Lecture Richard Griffin Winter Gardens Floral Hall
Introduced by Brian Miller.
12:30
to 13:30

Star Lecture: Peter Scarlett — Sleightly Entertaining

Lecture Peter Scarlett Winter Gardens Floral Hall
Introduced by Clive Cullum.
14:00
to 15:00

Grand Auction

Other Mel Harvey Winter Gardens Floral Hall
Auctioneers Mel Harvey and Keith Cooper.
14:30
to 16:00

Paul Gordon — 'Gold Dust' Workshop/mini lecture

Workshop Paul Gordon Winter Gardens Gold Room
16:00
to 17:30

International Close-Up

Show Andy Stone Winter Gardens Gold Room
Arranged and hosted by Andy Stone, with Peter Scarlett (UK), Eric Roumestan (France), Joe M. Turner (USA), Will Houstoun (UK) and Boris Wild (France).
19:30

International Stars of Magic and Variety

Gala Mel Mellers Congress Theatre
Compere Mel Mellers. 1st Half: The Zoe Pennington Dancers, Richard Griffin, Niels Duinker, Romany, Andrew Green and Co. Interval. 2nd Half: The Zoe Pennington Dancers, Mel Mellers, Steve Hewlett and Friends, Charlie Mag, Natalie & Eli.
Sunday 27 September 2015
09:45
to 10:15

Convention Service

Other Winter Gardens Gold Room
Conducted by Alan Clarke. The service will be undenominational, with a collection for the Welfare Fund.
10:30
to 11:30

Star Lecture: Boris Wild — Classics Gone Wild

Lecture Boris Wild Winter Gardens Gold Room
Introduced by Rick Tynan.
11:45
to 12:45

Star Lecture: Retonio presents Natalie & Eli's Quick change secrets

Lecture Retonio Winter Gardens Gold Room
Introduced by Brian Miller.
13:00
to 14:00

Star Lecture: Mel Mellers — Making Magic Entertaining

Lecture Mel Mellers Winter Gardens Gold Room
Introduced by Paul Ray.
14:15
to 15:15

Stars of the Future

Show Winter Gardens Gold Room
Presented by The Magic Circle Young Magicians Club, introduced by Kevin Doig (Chairman).
15:30

Grand Draw

General Winter Gardens Gold Room
Followed by the Installation of your new President, Paul Ray, and the Close of Convention.
Learn From the Artists

Convention Lectures

Explore the lectures and specialist sessions in the programme.

Modern Magic

Modern Magic

Will Houstoun 25 September 2015 10:15 Winter Gardens Floral Hall

Jeffrey Atkins Memorial Lecture

Presented annually as a fitting tribute to a long serving and dedicated member of the British Ring. Alan Astra introduces Will Houstoun.

Classics Gone Wild

Classics Gone Wild

Boris Wild 25 September 2015 11:30 Winter Gardens Floral Hall

Star Lecture

Introduced by Rick Tynan.

The many faces of Just Chance

The many faces of Just Chance

John Palfreyman 25 September 2015 14:45 Winter Gardens Floral Hall

Star Lecture

Introduced by Brian Miller.

Perceptions

Perceptions

Eric Roumestan 26 September 2015 10:00 Winter Gardens Floral Hall

Star Lecture

Introduced by Michael Carr.

Cruise Ship Magic

Cruise Ship Magic

Richard Griffin 26 September 2015 11:15 Winter Gardens Floral Hall

Star Lecture

Introduced by Brian Miller.

Sleightly Entertaining

Sleightly Entertaining

Peter Scarlett 26 September 2015 12:30 Winter Gardens Floral Hall

Star Lecture

Introduced by Clive Cullum.

Classics Gone Wild

Classics Gone Wild

Boris Wild 27 September 2015 10:30 Winter Gardens Gold Room

Star Lecture

Introduced by Rick Tynan.

Quick change secrets

Quick change secrets

Retonio 27 September 2015 11:45 Winter Gardens Gold Room

Star Lecture

Retonio presents Natalie & Eli's quick change secrets. Introduced by Brian Miller.

Making Magic Entertaining

Making Magic Entertaining

Mel Mellers 27 September 2015 13:00 Winter Gardens Gold Room

Star Lecture

Introduced by Paul Ray.

British Ring Competitions

Competition Programme

Competition information, entry details, rules, timings and locations.

Close Up Competition for the 'Zina Bennett Trophy'

Close Up 25 September 2015 13:30 Winter Gardens Floral Hall

Arranged by Andy Stone. Competitors: Matthew Garrett, Mel Harvey, Rob James, Gary Jones, Matthew Le Mottee and Lynn Thomas.

Ali Bongo Micro Marathon

Micro Magic

A fun micro-magic competition, with competitors visiting as many tables as possible in around an hour and the winner decided by audience vote.

Competition details & rules

Awarded for the Ali Bongo Micro Marathon Trophy.

Dealers Trophy

Other

Awarded to the dealer presenting the most attractive stand at the Dealers' Magical Trade Fair. Historically also known as the Craig Trophy / Craig Cup.

Competition details & rules

Judged during Convention week; awarded for the best-presented dealer stand at the Trade Fair.

Dealer Exhibition

Meet the Dealers

Discover the dealers, creators and magical suppliers attending the convention.

Richard Griffin

Entrance by badge only. Trading Thursday 11am–5.30pm, Friday & Saturday 9.30am–5.30pm (please check the programme for exact times). The Craig Trophy is awarded to the dealer presenting the most attractive display, judged on the afternoon of Friday 25 September. Dealers have the opportunity to demonstrate their latest items at the Dealers' Showcase, held in the afternoon on Thursday and Friday.

Visit Website

Adrian Sullivan

Peter Diamond

Welfare Stand

Palfreyman's Parlour

Steve Short

Will Houstoun

Getting Around

Convention Venues

Find the buildings, halls, theatres and rooms used throughout the convention.

Main Venue

Winter Gardens

Winter Gardens, Eastbourne

Floral Hall
Congress Suite
Gold Room
Floral Bistro
Gala

Congress Theatre

Congress Theatre, Eastbourne

Hotel

Convention Hotel

Convention Hotel, Eastbourne

The View
Competition Results

Convention Winners

Celebrating the performers recognised through the British Ring competition programme.

Mel Harvey

Mel Harvey

Tom Harris Cup for Comedy

Close Up Competition for the 'Zina Bennett Trophy'

Bernard Jones

Bernard Jones

Ali Bongo Micro Marathon Winner

Ali Bongo Micro Marathon

Peter Diamond

Peter Diamond

Dealers Trophy — Best Stand

Dealers Trophy

Rob James

Rob James

1st Place — Zina Bennett Trophy

Close Up Competition for the 'Zina Bennett Trophy'

Matthew Garrett

Matthew Garrett

2nd Place

Close Up Competition for the 'Zina Bennett Trophy'

Matthew Le Mottee

Matthew Le Mottee

3rd Place

Close Up Competition for the 'Zina Bennett Trophy'

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