The 17th Annual Convention of I.B.M. British Ring No.25, held in Edinburgh — the Ring’s first Scottish Convention, in Coronation and Silver Jubilee year — five days of the Dealers’ Exhibition and Demonstration, Close-Up Sessions, the Civic Reception, Grand Ball & Cabaret, the Competition for the British Ring Shield, the Silver Jubilee Banquet, Children’s Playtime, the Classics of Magic and the Festival of Magic at the Usher Hall.
The 17th Annual Convention of I.B.M. British Ring No.25 takes place 16th–20th September 1953 in Edinburgh, with Convention Headquarters at the Assembly Rooms, 54 George Street, and the Festival of Magic and Children’s Playtime at the Usher Hall. Under the presidency of John Gambling, in Coronation year and the Ring’s Silver Jubilee year, and welcomed to the city by the Lord Provost, James Miller, the week brings together visitors from Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Holland, India and the United States of America for the Night Before Party given by the Scottish Association of Magical Societies, the wreath-laying at the tomb of Lafayette, the Close-Up Sessions, the Dealers’ Exhibition and Demonstration, the lecture by Eddie Joseph, the Civic Reception, Grand Ball & Cabaret, the Annual General Meeting, the Competition for the British Ring Shield, the Silver Jubilee Banquet, the lecture by John Ramsay, the Pocket Magic Drive, Children’s Playtime, the Festival of Magic, the midnight New Era Magic Company and the Magical Museum, closing on Sunday with the Classics of Magic and the Initiation of Oscar Paulson as the new President.
President John Gambling regards it as a great honour and privilege to be President of the British Ring during Coronation and Silver Jubilee year and to preside over the Ring’s first Scottish Convention, which he is confident will be an unqualified success and a fitting tribute to the Ring’s “gallant band of Scottish members” who have so loyally supported past Conventions; he thanks the Lord Provost and, through him, the City Council and their Officials for the excellent facilities and assistance afforded. The Lord Provost, James Miller, extends a most cordial welcome to Edinburgh to all attending the 17th Annual Convention, and the British Ring offers loyal greetings to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth and her Consort, the Duke of Edinburgh, on the occasion of the first British Ring Convention in Scotland. The International Brotherhood of Magicians (President Forrest P. Hendricks, 1st Vice President C. James McLemore, 2nd Vice President Michael P. Zerance, Secretary A. L. Baldwin, M.D., Treasurer Mrs. Hazel M. Krock and Linking Ring Editor Alvin R. Plough) sends greetings and congratulations on the attainment of the Ring’s Silver Jubilee. The Ring was founded in 1928 by Oswald Rae, with Joe Rendell, Prof. Bofeys, Walter Kemp, C. Ducarel, C. H. Turner and Nelson Denys as founder members, and held its first annual Convention at Cheltenham in 1931; the souvenir programme carries a retrospective of the Ring’s twenty-five years together with messages from Wm. G. Stickland, who this year celebrates his majority as Hon. Secretary and Treasurer, and from Oswald Rae.
Overseas visitors expected include Mystic Craig and Elmer Eckam, Charles Wicks (who makes the long journey from Australia), Jean Poisson (European Vice President of the I.B.M.), Henk Vermeyden (Holland), Amedeo, John Platt, Fritz Olai (Denmark), Stewart James (Canada), Eddie Joseph (India) and Jean Marc, with the American, Australian, Canadian, Dutch, French, Danish, Indian and Belgian Rings personally represented. Convention Headquarters is the Assembly Rooms, 54 George Street, where events are announced on the fixture boards at the Registration Office and the Convention Club, with a blackboard for any alterations or special announcements. The Convention Club is at the service of all as a clubroom, with rest and reading facilities including a buffet and licensed bar, which remains open until 2.0 each day (Saturday 11.45 p.m.). Official Convention hosts, distinguished by red rosettes, are particularly anxious to assist newcomers, and the Stewards will be happy to give information about any event. Two Registration Desks — one for delegates who have previously registered, the other for those registering at the Convention — are open at headquarters throughout; delegates are asked to wear their Convention badge, which shows their name, and the rule “Admission only by registration card” will be strictly enforced. The registration ticket admits to all events except the public shows and the Banquet.
The Convention opens on Wednesday 16th September with the Night Before Party at 8 p.m. at Convention Headquarters, at which the Scottish Association of Magical Societies (President Max Raskin) entertains the British Ring visitors — an informal “get-together” from 8 p.m. until midnight, with the Piping in of the President, John Gambling, various competitions and entertainment by several Scottish magicians. The Registration Office is open at headquarters, with separate desks for those wishing to register and for those who have already registered and wish to collect their souvenir programmes, badges and so on.
Thursday 17th September begins at 10 a.m. when the President and members visit Piershill Cemetery and lay a wreath on the tomb of Lafayette. At 10.45 a.m. at headquarters the President officially opens the Convention, when visitors from overseas are introduced, and at 11.45 a.m. in the Ballroom the ladies are the guests of the British Ring at a Cocktail Party while Francis Haxton introduces another of his famous Close-Up Sessions, with Amedeo, Jack Avis, Andrew Dalziel, Alex Elmsley, Tom Harris, John Howie, Stewart James, Jean Marc, John Platt, Jean Poisson, John Ramsay, Gus Southall, Peter Warlock and Ernest Wethered among those scheduled to entertain. The Dealers’ Exhibition, staged in the Edinburgh Suite and other rooms, is open all day Thursday, Friday and Saturday and on Sunday morning; an additional feature this year is the trophy presented by Mystic Craig for the Most Attractive Stand, to be awarded during the Convention. The Magical Museum, organised by Charles Harrison and including the Sword worn by The Great Lafayette when he met his untimely end at the Empire Theatre, Edinburgh, in 1909, opens after lunch in the room on the right of the main entrance. At 2.30 p.m. Eddie Joseph (I.B.M. Vice President, India), by kind permission of Max Andrews, presents a lecture and demonstration, “Producing Miracles Through Subtleties”, with Peter Warlock in the chair. At 4.30 p.m. the Dealers’ Demonstration presents seven dealers in order of appearance by ballot — Scottish Magic Studio, Harry Stanley, Gil Leaney, Max Andrews, George Jenness, L. Davenport & Co. and Jack Hughes — announced by Eddie Dexter. At 8 p.m. in the ballroom at headquarters the Lord Provost, Magistrates and Council of the City of Edinburgh give a Civic Reception, followed by a Grand Ball with Buffet and Cabaret, with music by Tim Wright and his orchestra and Paul Graham as compère. The artistes are Peter Warlock, presenting “Journey into Time” and his B.B.C. News Prediction (sealed in the custody of the Chairman of the Edinburgh Press Club and opened and pinned on a blackboard two minutes before the news bulletin starts); Mr. and Mrs. Jack Salvin in “Extra Sensory Perception”; Jean Marc, “A Magical Touch from Paris”; and Scottish Country Dancing demonstrated by the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society.
Friday 18th September opens at 10 a.m. at Convention Headquarters (Music Room) with the Annual General Meeting and Election of Officials, members only; a printed agenda will be handed to each member and voting papers must be left at the Reception Desk not later than 4 p.m. on Thursday 17th September. The Band Call for the Shield Competition is at 11 a.m., the Group Photograph is taken outside headquarters at 12.30 p.m., and delegates are invited to visit the Dealers’ Exhibition before lunch. At 2 p.m. promptly in the Assembly Rooms Oscar Paulson again introduces the Competition for the British Ring Shield, with twenty-three competitors in order of appearance, judged by Frank Baumforth, J. Lea Axon, John Ramsay, Stewart James, John Platt and Fritz Olai, with Jack Potter as Time Keeper and Paul Graham as Stage Manager. The Shield, with a cash prize of £10 for the most entertaining act, is currently held by Peter Warlock; the Theo Speaker Cup and a cash prize of £5 for the runner-up is held by Savola; the Third Prize is 3 guineas; the Conventioneers Trophy, for the most original trick or routine, presented by Mystic Craig and the late Ralph Read, is held by F. G. Cleaver; and the Craig Trophy, presented by Mystic Craig for the best performance given by a lady member, is held by Marjory Fletcher. At 7.30 p.m. at headquarters the Silver Jubilee Banquet takes place with the President, John Gambling, in the chair and Paul Graham as Toast Master; the toasts are The Queen (proposed by the Chairman), the City of Edinburgh (proposed by His Honour Ernest Wethered, O.B.E., with a response by the Rt. Hon. Sir James Miller, Lord Provost), the British Ring (proposed by Stewart James of Canada, response by the President), the Ladies and Visitors (proposed by Douglas Swanson, response by Eddie Joseph of India) and the Press (proposed by Geoffrey Robinson). After dinner past winners of the British Ring Shield entertain, compèred by Oscar Paulson: John Ramsay (1938), Stanley Thomas as Lao Tang (1946), George Smallwood and Dorothea (1947), Geoffrey Robinson (1948), Billy McComb (1949), Louis Martelle (1950), Frank Boynett (1951) and Peter Warlock (1952); Sid Smith, the 1939 winner, is unfortunately unable to appear.
Saturday 19th September starts at 10.30 a.m. at headquarters with an illustrated lecture by Scotland’s own John Ramsay, Past President of the British Ring, “Magical Manoeuvres”, with Peter Warlock in the chair. At 12 noon, in headquarters, Freddie Carter hosts the Pocket Magic Drive: viewers watch pocket tricks performed at each table by artistes who move around, with points recorded after each session, and prizes donated by Frank Baumforth of a silver-plated tankard and two pewter tankards. At 2.30 p.m. at the Usher Hall Wilfred Tyler invites everyone to Children’s Playtime, in aid of the National Spastics Society, with Maurice Little and his Variety Orchestra, the Maureen McMahon Dancers, Fred Barnett, the Risto Troupe, Zanda and his Boxer Puppets, Geoffrey Robinson, Chick Strachan, Mae Howie and Wilfred Tyler himself. At 7.45 p.m. the Grand Festival of Magic is held at the Usher Hall, introduced by Paul Graham, with Alastair and Shirley-Ann, Geoffrey Buckingham (winner of the Grand Prix, Paris 1951), Jeffery Atkins presenting “Burning a Woman Alive”, Peter Warlock, John Platt (direct from the U.S.A., on his first appearance in the British Isles), Fritz Olai, Jean Marc (on his first appearance in the British Isles), Harold Taylor, Amedeo and Murray, with the Maurice Little Variety Orchestra. At midnight the New Era Magic Company, directed by Geoffrey Robinson, presents “A Grand Demonstration” of magical effects which ought to be “Out of This World” at the Assembly Rooms, with continuous performances and a collection in aid of the British Ring Benevolent Fund, followed by Magic Films by Chick Strachan, Charles Wicks and others.
The Convention closes on Sunday 20th September at 10.30 a.m. at headquarters with “The Classics of Magic”, presenting performers in effects for which they are famous — Ernest Wethered (“The Coin in Envelope”), Ken Brooke (“The Linking Rings”), John Platt (“Jardine Ellis Ring on Stick”), Fritz Olai (Hofzinser’s “Floating Cane”), Charles Harrison (“The Thumb Tie”), John Ramsay (“Cups and Balls”) and George Blake (“Cut and Restored Rope”) — followed by a Special Sunday Feature in which Oliver McKenzie demonstrates his collection of the superb Martin Apparatus. At 12.30 p.m. at headquarters the new President, Oscar Paulson, is initiated and the Convention closes. Throughout the week the Tombola, directed by George Smallwood and Dorothea Woolley, raises funds for the I.B.M. Benevolent Fund (previous records: Southport 1949, £21; Harrogate 1950, £26 13s. 6d.; Bournemouth 1951, £31 2s.; Hastings 1952, £52 14s.), and the Harry Kaye Memorial Album is on view at the Registration Desk, where all members and visitors are invited to record their names. Event organisers include Jeffery Atkins (Registration), Wm. G. Stickland and Jeffery Atkins (Gala Show), Paul Graham and Chick Strachan (Stage Management), Francis Haxton (Banquet and Close-Up), Alan Kennaugh (Souvenir Programme), Eddie Dexter (Dealers’ Exhibition), George Smallwood (Tombola), Wilfred Tyler (Children’s Playtime), Geoffrey Robinson (After-Dinner Show), Robert Johnson (Publicity), Mr. and Mrs. Eddie Dexter (Cocktail Party), Oscar Paulson (Shield Competition), Tom Harris (Group Photograph), Jack Potter (General Meeting), Peter Warlock (Lectures), Freddie Carter (Pocket Trick Drive), George Blake (Classics of Magic), Charles Harrison (Magical Museum) and Stanley Thomas (Recording Officer for the Ballot for Officers).
Meet the performers, lecturers, hosts and special guests appearing at this convention.
President of the British Ring during Coronation and Silver Jubilee year, presiding over the Ring’s first Scottish Convention. He is piped in at the Night Before Party, leads the wreath-laying at the tomb of Lafayette, officially opens the Convention, takes the chair at the Silver Jubilee Banquet and responds to the toast to the British Ring.
President-elect of the British Ring, who again introduces the Competition for the British Ring Shield, compères the after-dinner entertainment by past winners of the Shield, is House Manager at Children’s Playtime and is initiated as the new President at the close of the Convention.
Member of the Management Committee and winner of the British Ring Shield in 1952 with “Magic, Pure and Simple”. He presents “Journey into Time”, with his B.B.C. News Prediction, at the Civic Reception, is chairman of the lectures by Eddie Joseph and John Ramsay, is one of the Close-Up Session performers and is featured in the Festival of Magic.
Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh, who extends a most cordial welcome to everyone attending the 17th Annual Convention. With the Magistrates and Council he gives the Civic Reception on Thursday evening and, as the Rt. Hon. Sir James Miller, responds to the toast to the City of Edinburgh at the Silver Jubilee Banquet.
The internationally famous magician and I.B.M. Vice President for India, a prolific writer, lecturer and practical magician who works for Max Andrews in his Magic Factory, London. He lectures on Thursday afternoon, responds to the toast to the Ladies and Visitors at the Banquet and will be in attendance on the Max Andrews stand.
Scotland’s own John Ramsay, Past President of the British Ring, internationally known for his close-up work with thimbles, coins and more. He gives an illustrated lecture on Saturday morning, is a judge in the Shield Competition, performs in the Close-Up Sessions and the Classics of Magic and, as 1938 Shield winner, appears in the after-dinner entertainment with “Sleights and Lights from Ayr”.
Hon. Secretary and Treasurer of the British Ring and I.B.M. Vice President for Britain, who this year celebrates his majority in office. As Organising Convention Secretary he heads the Convention Committee and, with Jeffery Atkins, is responsible for the Gala Show, the Festival of Magic at the Usher Hall.
Hon. Assistant Secretary of the British Ring and Registration Officer of the Convention, who with Wm. G. Stickland is responsible for the Gala Show. In the Festival of Magic he presents “Burning a Woman Alive”, assisted by Catherine, using an illusion kindly loaned by the Associated Wizards of the South.
Hon. Editor of the British Ring’s monthly Budget and compiler of the Convention souvenir programme.
Welfare Officer of the British Ring and a member of the Convention Committee. He is steward of the Dealers’ Exhibition, announces the Dealers’ Demonstration and, with Mrs. Dexter, is steward of the Cocktail Party at which the ladies are the guests of the British Ring.
Of Sheffield, a member of the Convention Committee and the Management Committee, who invites everyone to Children’s Playtime at the Usher Hall. He produces and devises the show and presents “Playing with Magic”.
Member of the Management Committee who introduces another of his famous Close-Up Sessions on Thursday morning and is steward of the Banquet.
Member of the Convention Committee and Stage Manager of the Convention’s shows. He is compère of the Civic Reception cabaret, Stage Manager of the Shield Competition, Toast Master at the Banquet and introduces the Festival of Magic.
Of Sutton Coldfield, joint Stage Manager of the Convention’s shows. He presents “Mushroom Magic” at Children’s Playtime and, with Charles Wicks and others, shows Magic Films.
Member of the Management Committee and Director of the New Era Magic Company, steward of the After-Dinner Show and winner of the British Ring Shield in 1948 with “Great Unexpectations”. He proposes the toast to the Press at the Banquet and, as the TV star from “Whirligig”, presents his “Box of Tricks” at Children’s Playtime.
Member of the Management Committee and steward of the Classics of Magic show, in which he performs “Cut and Restored Rope”. Literary Editor of Max Andrews’ Magic Magazine, he will also be on the Max Andrews stand.
Of Huddersfield, host of the Pocket Magic Drive and a competitor, No. 18, in the Competition for the British Ring Shield.
Member of the Management Committee, one of the performers in the Close-Up Sessions on Thursday and steward of the Group Photograph.
Organiser, with Dorothea Woolley, of the Tombola, the whole of whose proceeds go to the I.B.M. Benevolent Fund, and winner of the British Ring Shield in 1947 with Dorothea in “Magical Fooling”.
Member of the Management Committee, steward of the Annual General Meeting and Time Keeper of the Shield Competition.
Organiser of the Magical Museum — including the Sword worn by The Great Lafayette when he met his untimely end at the Empire Theatre, Edinburgh, in 1909 — and performer of “The Thumb Tie” in the Classics of Magic.
Edinburgh member of the Convention Committee, who demonstrates his collection of the superb Martin Apparatus as the Special Sunday Feature and who hands Peter Warlock’s B.B.C. News Prediction to the Chairman of the Edinburgh Press Club for safe custody.
Publicity Officer of the Convention.
Scotland’s own magician, a co-opted local member of the Convention Committee, who proposes the toast to the Ladies and Visitors at the Silver Jubilee Banquet.
Member of the Convention Committee.
Recording Officer for the Ballot for Officers and, as Lao Tang, winner of the British Ring Shield in 1946, who presents “Oriental Diversions” in the after-dinner entertainment.
Co-opted local member of the Convention Committee, who kindly takes charge of all Museum exhibits not brought personally by exhibitors.
Past President of the British Ring, who proposes the toast to the City of Edinburgh at the Banquet, takes part in the Close-Up Sessions and presents “The Coin in Envelope” in the Classics of Magic.
President of the International Brotherhood of Magicians, who with his fellow I.B.M. officers sends greetings and congratulations to the British Ring on the attainment of its Silver Jubilee.
Founder of the British Ring in 1928 and its President until 1947, a member of the Management Committee, who sends a message of greeting to all members in the Silver Jubilee souvenir programme.
President of the Scottish Association of Magical Societies, who on its behalf extends cordial greetings and a warm welcome to the British Ring at the Night Before Party.
Of “Fashions in Magic”, U.S.A., a regular overseas visitor, who has presented the Dealers’ Trophy for the most attractive stand and who, with the late Ralph Read, presented the Conventioneers Trophy. He also presents the Craig Trophy for the best performance by a lady member in the Shield Competition.
A returning overseas visitor and one of the prize donors.
Of Melbourne, who makes the long journey from Australia to bring greetings and, with Chick Strachan and others, shows Magic Films.
Jean Poisson (John Fish) of Brussels, European Vice President of the I.B.M. — “the gentleman with 100 tricks in his pockets” — who takes part in Thursday’s Close-Up Sessions.
I.B.M. Vice President for Holland, one of the overseas visitors personally representing the Dutch Ring.
I.B.M. Vice President for Denmark, the popular Danish magician, returning to the British Ring conventions after an absence of four years. He presents “A Symphony in Silk” in the Festival of Magic, Hofzinser’s “Floating Cane” in the Classics of Magic and sits on the Shield judging panel.
Of Canada, a returning overseas visitor and prize donor, who takes part in the Close-Up Sessions, judges the Shield Competition and proposes the toast to the British Ring at the Banquet.
Of Chicago, direct from the U.S.A. for his first appearance in the British Isles in the Festival of Magic. He takes part in the Close-Up Sessions, presents the Jardine Ellis Ring on Stick in the Classics of Magic and sits on the Shield judging panel.
The International Deceptionist from New York, direct from the U.S.A., back at another British Ring convention after his recent visit, who appears in the Close-Up Sessions and the Festival of Magic.
The Parisian magician making his first appearance in the British Isles, seen at the Civic Reception, in the Close-Up Sessions and in the Festival of Magic.
The magical comedian from “Educating Archie”, who presents “Wit & Wizardry” in the Festival of Magic.
A Vice-President of the British Ring, billed as the entertainer of kings and king of entertainers, who closes the Festival of Magic.
The International Manipulator, winner of the Grand Prix, Paris 1951, who appears in the Festival of Magic.
Glasgow act presenting “Mysteries” in the Festival of Magic.
Appear in “Extra Sensory Perception” at the Civic Reception, Grand Ball & Cabaret.
London magician who takes part in Thursday’s Close-Up Sessions and competes, as No. 23, in the Shield Competition.
Scheduled to entertain in Thursday’s Close-Up Sessions.
Scheduled to entertain in Thursday’s Close-Up Sessions.
Scheduled to entertain in Thursday’s Close-Up Sessions.
Scheduled to entertain in Thursday’s Close-Up Sessions.
Presents “The Linking Rings” in the Classics of Magic on Sunday morning.
Of Southport, presenting “A Ham and His Eggs” at Children’s Playtime.
Of London, featuring Benepi and Boppo in Clowning Cameos at Children’s Playtime.
Of Edinburgh, presenting his Boxer Puppets at Children’s Playtime.
Of Edinburgh, the Fairy in the Children’s Playtime prologue and presenter of “Magic from the Clyde”, who also competes in the Shield Competition, as No. 19, as Miss Zarena.
Musical Director and leader of the Variety Orchestra for Children’s Playtime and the Festival of Magic.
Provide the music for the Grand Ball at the Civic Reception.
Winner of the British Ring Shield in 1949, among the past winners entertaining after the Banquet.
Winner of the British Ring Shield in 1950, “The French-Canadian Humourist”, among the past winners entertaining after the Banquet.
Winner of the British Ring Shield in 1951, presenting “Sophisticated Subtleties” among the past winners entertaining after the Banquet.
Of Eckington, a judge of the Shield Competition and donor of the prizes for the Pocket Magic Drive.
A judge of the Shield Competition and a joint donor to the Shield Prize Fund.
Browse shows, lectures, competitions, workshops and social events day by day.
Explore the lectures and specialist sessions in the programme.
“Producing Miracles Through Subtleties” · Thu 2.30pm
The British Ring are proud to announce the appearance of Eddie Joseph (by kind permission of Max Andrews), the internationally famous magician and I.B.M. Vice President, India, who will present a lecture and demonstration, “Producing Miracles Through Subtleties”. Eddie Joseph needs no introduction to magicians: wherever magic is under discussion the name frequently comes up as a “talking point”. The British Ring, in common with other Societies, was happy to welcome him to this country recently, and his appearance with his wife and daughter was a highlight of the annual London dinner. A prolific writer, lecturer and practical magician, he has given much to the art of magic and is here in person to give of his knowledge freely in a lecture which holds unbounding interest to magicians. At headquarters. Chairman: Peter Warlock.
“Magical Manoeuvres” · Sat 10.30am
A lecture by Scotland’s own John Ramsay, Past President of the British Ring. Like Eddie Joseph, Johnny Ramsay is internationally known and is famous for his inimitable close-up work; watching Johnny at work is a real lesson in magic, and his entertainment has given great pleasure to thousands all over the world. Sleights with thimbles, coins, etc., are his forte, and on the occasion of the first British Ring Convention in Scotland the Past President takes the chair to provide yet another service to magicians in an illustrated lecture. At headquarters. Chairman: Peter Warlock.
Competition information, entry details, rules, timings and locations.
Organised and introduced by Oscar Paulson at Convention Headquarters (Music Room), commencing 2 p.m. promptly. Entrants in order of appearance: 1. Fred Crowson (Newark); 2. Raymond (Leeds); 3. Drew Masters (Glasgow); 4. Ray Silver (Edinburgh); 5. Steve (Surbiton); 6. Alice Maclay (Glasgow); 7. Dennis Gardner (Nottingham); 8. Yogi (Largs); 9. Frank Richmond (Blaydon-on-Tyne); 10. Margaret Stevens (Burton-on-Trent); 11. Jim Henderson (Edinburgh); 12. Radeen and Connie (Edinburgh); 13. Elizabeth Warlock (Wallington); 14. Mystaro and Irene (Swindon); 15. Sunshine (Surbiton); 16. Archie Tear (Wellingborough); 17. Savola (Glasgow); 18. Freddie Carter (Huddersfield); 19. Miss Zarena (Mae Howie) (Glasgow); 20. Charlie Spratt (Prudhoe-on-Tyne); 21. Billie Francis (Leicester); 22. Johnny Geddes (Dundee); 23. Alex Elmsley (London). Judges: Frank Baumforth, J. Lea Axon, John Ramsay, Stewart James, John Platt and Fritz Olai. Time Keeper: Jack Potter. Stage Manager: Paul Graham. Band Call: 11 a.m. Friday morning. Allowing ten minutes for each turn, competitors should work out their approximate time of appearance and report to the Stage Manager half an hour before time due.
For the most entertaining act: THE BRITISH RING SHIELD — cash prize of £10 (holder: Peter Warlock). THEO SPEAKER CUP and cash prize of £5 for the runner-up (holder: Savola). THIRD PRIZE: cash prize of 3 guineas. THE CONVENTIONEERS TROPHY — for the most original trick or routine, presented by Mystic Craig and the late Ralph Read (holder: F. G. Cleaver). THE CRAIG TROPHY — presented by Mystic Craig for the best performance given by a lady member (holder: Marjory Fletcher). (The Craig Trophy for the best performance by a lady member is not to be confused with the Dealers’ Trophy, also presented by Mystic Craig, for the most attractive stand.) Joint Donors to the Shield Prize Fund: John Gambling, Esq., William Wadsworth, Esq., George Henriques, Esq., Archie Tear, Esq., John Ramsay, Esq. and J. Lea Axon, Esq. Signal light time indicators will be in operation for the guidance of competitors: green, amber after nine minutes, then red; a buzzer will also be sounded at the ninth minute. Points are deducted if time is exceeded.
Presented by Mystic Craig as an additional feature this year, for the most attractive stand at the Dealers’ Exhibition, to be awarded during the Convention. Historically also known as the Craig Trophy / Craig Cup. (Not to be confused with the Craig Trophy awarded for the best performance by a lady member in the Shield Competition.)
Judged during Convention week; awarded for the most attractive stand at the Dealers’ Exhibition.
Your Host: Freddie Carter will introduce the drive and explain the procedure. Viewers watch the pocket tricks performed at each table by artistes who move around, and points are recorded after each session. Many ingenious pocket tricks have been promised, and the feature promises to be a novelty highlight of the Convention. Prizes kindly donated by Frank Baumforth: 1. Silver Plated Tankard; 2. Pewter Tankard; 3. Pewter Tankard.
Points are recorded after each session of pocket tricks. Prizes: Silver Plated Tankard, Pewter Tankard, Pewter Tankard.
Discover the dealers, creators and magical suppliers attending the convention.
Private Exhibition — room on the right at the main entrance. Demonstrating at the Dealers’ Demonstration at 5.45 p.m. on Thursday.
Private Exhibition — annexe adjoining the main exhibition. Manufacturer of Magical Apparatus, 10–11 Archer Street, London W.1. Eddie Joseph, who works for Max Andrews in his Magic Factory, will be in attendance, with Lenz demonstrating the very latest items and George Blake, Literary Editor of “Magic Magazine”, also with them in the private showroom. Demonstrating at the Dealers’ Demonstration at 5.15 p.m. on Thursday.
Private Exhibition — annexe adjoining the main exhibition and an additional stand in the main exhibition. Demonstrating at the Dealers’ Demonstration at 4.45 p.m. on Thursday.
Stand 1
Main Exhibition, Stand No. 1 (proceeding clockwise round the Hall).
Stand 2
Main Exhibition, Stand No. 2. Demonstrating at the Dealers’ Demonstration at 6.00 p.m. on Thursday.
Stand 3
Main Exhibition, Stand No. 3.
Stand 4
Main Exhibition, Stand No. 4. Demonstrating at the Dealers’ Demonstration at 4.30 p.m. on Thursday.
Stand 5
Main Exhibition, Stand No. 5. Demonstrating at the Dealers’ Demonstration at 5.00 p.m. on Thursday.
Stand 6
Main Exhibition, Stand No. 6.
Stand 7
Centre Hall, Stand No. 7. Bookseller to the Magical World, 47 Inverness Avenue, Enfield, Middlesex — books old and new, English and American, for all conjurers. Demonstrating at the Dealers’ Demonstration at 5.30 p.m. on Thursday.
Stand 8
Centre Hall, Stand No. 8.
Visit WebsiteFind the buildings, halls, theatres and rooms used throughout the convention.
54 George Street, Edinburgh
Convention Headquarters. Events are announced on the fixture boards at the Registration Office and the Convention Club, with a blackboard provided for any alterations or special announcements; two Registration Desks are open throughout the Convention — one for delegates who have previously registered and one for those registering at the Convention. Headquarters hosts the Night Before Party on Wednesday evening; on Thursday the Official Opening, the Cocktail Party and Close-Up Sessions, the lecture by Eddie Joseph, the Dealers’ Demonstration and the Civic Reception, Grand Ball & Cabaret; on Friday the Annual General Meeting, the Competition for the British Ring Shield and the Silver Jubilee Banquet; on Saturday the lecture by John Ramsay, the Pocket Magic Drive and the midnight New Era Magic Company; and on Sunday the Classics of Magic and the Initiation of the new President. The Dealers’ Exhibition is staged in the Edinburgh Suite and other rooms, and the Magical Museum is in the room on the right of the main entrance.
Off Lothian Road (west end of Princes Street), Edinburgh
Home of Children’s Playtime on Saturday 19th September at 2.30 p.m. and the Grand Festival of Magic on Saturday 19th September at 7.45 p.m., the British Ring’s Gala Variety show, with a programme arranged by Wm. G. Stickland and Jeffery Atkins.
Edinburgh
Site of the tomb of Lafayette, where the President and members lay a wreath at 10 a.m. on Thursday 17th September. The tomb is on top of a mound facing the entrance to the cemetery. Trams 5, 15, 20, 21 and 26 pass the entrance; Bus No. 4 passes the side entrance. For motorists: drive to the East end of Princes Street and carry straight on, following the road for almost a mile; the cemetery is on the right side of the road.
Celebrating the performers recognised through the British Ring competition programme.
The Competition for the British Ring Shield
The Competition for the British Ring Shield
The Competition for the British Ring Shield
The Competition for the British Ring Shield
The Competition for the British Ring Shield
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