KEY JANUARY 2019

25
SEND IN THE CLOWNS

MAGIC AND MISCHIEF l MAGICON l MASTER MAGICIAN l MONOLOGUE

plus the regular columns

www.britishring.org.uk
 Eastbourne2019
RD

83
THE INTERNATIONAL
BROTHERHOOD

Annual Convention 5-8 September 2019

OF MAGICIANS
British Ring No 25

Welcome Building and Devonshire Park Theatre EASTBOURNE

Registration Officer at ibmbritishring25reg@gmail.com

The new Welcome Building includes two large
conference spaces, breakout and hospitality
areas and a coffee and wine bar with views
across the tennis lawns to the International
Tennis Centre
The Devonshire Park Theatre is one of the
best examples of small Victorian theatre in
the country with beautiful ornate
interior
 RiNG contents
KEY

25
JANUARY 2019
The Official Magazine of The British Ring No. 25 of
The International Brotherhood of Magicians for private circulation

Features
PAGE 6
6 Master Magicians: Peter Waring.
8 Collaborative Conjuring: a chocolate delight.
10 Send in The Clowns: how it all began.
13 Ilford Magical Society: 80 years young.
14 Irish Magic Scene: Magic making togetherness.
16 Peterborough selling in the rain.
PAGE 10 18 Magic and Mischief: spooky goings on in Great Easton.
20 Albert at the Convention: Straight from the Lion’s mouth.
22 Moore Magic: Clive mistaken for a wizard.
24 Your say: letters to the editor.
26 Ideas time: the longest wand.
28 Broken Wand: Paul Freeman.
IBC Convention Corner: more news from the Convention Team.
PAGE 14
Tricks
23 Fish and Chips: a crackling good trick.
25 Kids’ corner: the long and short of a dachshund.
Regulars
3 The Editor’s View
4 Brian’s Bits and Bobs

PAGE IBC 4 From the Executive Secretary

THE EDITOR and council accept no responsibility for the opinions expressed in articles appearing in the KEY RING. Its contents are copyright and
must not be reproduced in part or whole without permission of the author/contributor and editor.
KEY RING REVIEWS POLICY: As the KEY RING is a members only magazine, and space is limited, only items that have been advertised in KEY RING
(excluding Smalls) or the current convention brochure will be reviewed. Reviews may be submitted from a satisfied customer, or send the item to the editor
with a stamped SAE for its return.
KEY RING CONTRIBUTIONS POLICY: When sending to the editor enquiries or items for publication on flashdrives etc. and/or props that you
wish to be returned please enclose a stamped SAE. Also, please try to email the editor your effect, article etc. for publication. This should not prevent
members without computers from getting involved, but do enclose a stamped SAE for the return of ANYTHING that you would like back.
IBM FACEBOOK PAGE: https://www.facebook.com/IBM.BritishRing25 BRITISH RING TWITTER PAGE: http://twitter.com/IBMBRITISHRING
 JANUARY 2019

RiNG officers
KEY

25

President: Brian LEAD COUNCIL

55 Saunders Road, Blackburn, Lancs, BB2 6NP Clive MOORE
T. 01254 52070 E. b.lead@btinternet.com T. 01332 763 206
President Elect: Alan MASKELL M. 07711139479
40 Lanton Drive, Glasgow G52 2EW E. clivejeanmagic@gmail.com
T. 07999 537686 Carol TYNAN
E. alan.maskell@gmail.com T. 01704 533 768
Vice Presidents: Edwin DAWES, Neville JOHNSON, John PALFREYMAN E. ibmbritishring25reg@gmail.com
Immediate Past President: Richard CADELL Graham COLVAN
E. richardcadell@hotmail.com T. 0780 937 3746
Executive Secretary: Moira FLETCHER E. graham.colvan@gmail.com
40 Lanton Drive, Glasgow G52 2EW James HOBART
T. 07771 613894 E. moira1.fletcher@gmail.com T. 028 9185 2760
Assistant Secretary: Ajay VORA E. j.hobart@btinternet.com
27 St Barnabas Road, Barnetby, N Lincs DN32 6 JB Alan MASKELL
T. 07771752000 E. vora110@aol.com T.07999 537686
Treasurer: Rick TYNAN E. alan.maskell@gmail.com
12 Kempton Park Fold, Southport, Merseyside PR8 5PL John RUSSELL
T. 01704 533768 E. ibmbritishring25treasurer@gmail.com T. 0191 416 4152
Hon. Solicitor: Clive CULLUM E. john@kirsand.co.uk
48 South Grange Road, Ripon, North Yorkshire, HG4 2PA. Oliver TABOR
T. 01765 600145. E. magic.cullum@btinternet.com T. 01702 543242
Chaplain & Welfare Officer: Alan CLARKE E. otmagicfx@hotmail.com
Bear’s Den, 22 Blackcliffe Way, Bearpark, Co. Durham DH7 7TJ Aidan HERITAGE
T. 0191 659 9114 E. alanbearsden@gmail.com T. 07903 931967
Webmaster: Aidan HERITAGE E. aidanheritage@britishring.org.uk
T. 07903 931967 E. aidanheritage@britishring.org.uk Robert MOSS
PR & Key Ring Advertising Manager: Geoffrey NEWTON T. 01246 260276
6 Newcombe Court, Barkers Lane, Sale, Cheshire, M33 6RU. E. robertmosseng@gmail.com
T. 0161 969 8222. E. geoffreynewton@uwclub.net
Key Ring Editor: Geoffrey NEWTON
6 Newcombe Court, Barkers Lane, Sale, Cheshire, M33 6RU.
T. 0161 969 8222. E. geoffreynewton@uwclub.net IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Moira FLETCHER Membership applications,
Benevolent Fund Trustees: The British Ring changes of address and general British Ring
Eddie DAWES, John PYE, is proud to be a correspondence.
Alan J CLARKE and Keith COOPER. member of FISM Rick TYNAN Annual subscriptions, benevolent
fund donations and all financial enquiries.
Past Presidents *Donald Crombie. *Tony Shelley. John Palfreyman. Aidan HERITAGE Website contributions.
*J. Milton *Will Ayling. Mike Gancia. Alan J CLARKE News of members recovering,
*Oswald Rae. Woodward. *Hamilton Kaye. *Cynthia Neptune.
*Herbert Collings. *Paul Graham. Brian Miller. Don Beattie. ill, or deceased.
*John Ramsay. *Tommy Rowe. *Rovi. Mark Raffles. Geoffrey NEWTON Public relations, news,
*His Honour Ernest *Revd. Michael *Peter Scarlett. John Styles MBE. advertising enquiries, copy, payments,
Wethered OBE. Seacome. *Clem Bailey. *Derek McFaull.
*W. G. Stickland MBE. Key Ring articles/letters, Broken Wands,
*Geoffrey *Robert Sinclair. Trevor Lewis.
*Harry Kaye. Buckingham. *Ron MacMillan. Shirley Ray. and requests to switch over to
*John Gambling. *Harold Taylor. *Ken De Courcy. Keith Cooper. the e. key ring etc.
*Oscar Paulson. *Ron Bishop. *Alan Shaxon. Brian Miller. Contact details shown above
*Geoffrey *Alastair Oliphant. Geoff Ray. John ‘Sly’ Smith
Robinson OBE. Dr. Eddie Dawes. Terry Herbert. Neil Roberts
*Eddie Dexter. *Alfred Gabriel. *Les Nottle. Alan Astra
*Jeffery Atkins. *Ted Whebell. *Tom Owen. Paul Ray THE DIGITAL KEY RING
*Les Levante. *Duncan Fletcher. John Pye. Clive Moore For those members with iPads, computers etc.
*Archie Tear. David Berglas. *Bob Hayden. Richard Cadell
*Wilfred Tyler. *Edwin Hooper. Derek Lever. * DECEASED
It requires no password and instantly emailed to
*Francis Haxton. *Ali Bongo. *Richard Stupple. you. Lets you view text at any size in colour links
*Peter Warlock. *Cliff Townsend. *Louis Martelle. to websites, video, and demos

2 KEYRING JANUARY 2019

 THE EDITOR’S VIEW
H ere’s a quick trick to start the
year. The object being to force the
number nine of which there are of
course many ways. Take 2019 and
reverse it (9102) and take the smaller
from the larger (9102 - 2019 = 7083).
Add together the digits in the answer
(7+8+3= 18) then add together the
digits on the final answer (1+8) and
you have 9. It works with any number
but tends to have novelty value at the beginning
of a new year.
At my local society, last November we had a
visit from the Grumbleweeds presenting their
lecture on comedy. It was a night of learning as
comedy can be introduced into
many subjects including magic. It
really was an occasion to
remember, supplemented by a
bigger than normal audience
consisting of members we don’t
see too often, some former
members, and other visitors. I
Richard Cadell mention this as guest of honour
for the evening was our President Brian Lead who
brought additional support with some members of
his own local society.
Due to pantomime and other professional
commitments (remember this is being written at
the end of November)
Brian with The Grumbleweeds, James Brandon
(left) and Robin Colvill
Richard Cadell has had to withdraw from
his illusion series temporarily. He is
looking forward to resuming the
experiences of illusion building and
performances later on in the year.
There will be a new series starting
next month entitled In The Spotlight
which will feature a selection
of current magicians I feel
you will be interested to
read about.
You will have already received
a flyer for Brian’s dinner (23
March) with the December
edition and details are also now
on the back cover. It has the
makings of an excellent night of
good food, fine company (yours!) and a
first class cabaret. The location, Langho is
in the heart of the Pendle witch area and guests
may wish to take advantage of visiting such
places whilst in Lancashire. I am hoping to publish
an article on this subject in February which should
prove very interesting.
That’s all for this month, enjoy the pages.
Geoffrey NEWTON editor
6 Newcombe Court, Sale M33 6RU.
T. 0161-969 8222 or 07769 884109
E. geoffreynewton@uwclub.net
When submitting articles
send to the above
address. When writing to
the editor, please
enclose a stamped SAE if
you need a reply or if you
would like photos etc.
returned.
Thank you.
JANUARY 2019 KEYRING 3
 BRIAN’S BITS AND BOBS
Tthathere are fewer magic dinners these
days, and I was devastated to learn
the Magigals had disbanded just
before I could get to them!
Like buses, those which do exist
tend to come at once, with
Middlesbrough and Bradford clashing
with the Northern Magic Circle event
this year, and the new-look North
Wales with Derby.
Stuart and Claire Clarkson, as President and
lady of the
Northern, invited
us to York to enjoy
a weekend of
hospitality. The
dinner itself
offered good food
in an attractive
venue, along with
FROM THE EXECUTIVE SECRETARY
Sheila, Brian, Stuart and Claire
at the NMC Dinner a cabaret
A very Happy New Year to one and all.
I trust you all had a wonderful
festive season, with lots of magic and
plenty of family time. I send each of
you all best wishes for 2019.
Now that we are in 2019 I hope you
are getting the dates of our convention
into your new diaries. We are looking
forward to seeing everyone in
Eastbourne and are getting excited as
the plans are now slowly coming together for
what looks like an action packed, fun filled,
magical few days. Quite a number of members
were disappointed to miss both Greenock and
Southport, don’t miss Eastbourne!
I am currently playing catch up with our
members list, as we had quite a few new
members who we have not yet formally
4 KEYRING JANUARY 2019
comprising Clive Moore as compère plus
Doug Gregg and James Baker, the current
holder of the Middlesbrough stage magic
award who was missing his own dinner
and award presentation to be there. Allan
Humphries, Past President and Secretary
of Derby Magic Circle, joined me as a
speaker.
The following autumn day dawned
bright and crisp, allowing us to enjoy a
bus tour of the city before being able to explore the
sights and discover street performers, from a chap
playing a violin while balancing on a slack-wire
to someone juggling flaming torches blindfolded
while riding a very tall unicycle, reminiscent of
Michael Jordan.
Back at the hotel, afternoon tea was enhanced by
close-up performances from three York Society
Juniors (Ethan, Luke and Reuben) as well as the
ubiquitous Doug Gregg, who must have lied about
his age. It all made for a perfect ‘feel-good’ weekend.
welcomed through the pages of our
magazine. I apologise for this delay and
therefore feel it is only appropriate we
extend our welcome now and will do this
here.
We are delighted the following have
joined The British Ring:
Elliot Bibby SCOTLAND, Steven Burley NORTH
SOMERSET, Anthony Dawson STAFFORDSHIRE
Martin Gardiner DEVON, Megan Knowles-
Bacon LONDON, James Ward NORTH YORKSHIRE,
Henri White LONDON, Darren Wray CORNWALL,
Michael Pearce KENT, Michael Gurney SUFFOLK,
Katie Skipton WALSALL,
Steve Price, SURREY.
New junior members:
Alice Heritage HERTFORDSHIRE,
Morgan Price, HEREFORDSHIRE
 Two weeks later
found us in Derby;
this time for
President’s night
hosted by Simon
Goodfellow and his
lady Alison but
surrounded by
many of the faces
Brian with Jean Ellison at Derby from York. Even
Doug Gregg was on hand again, to guide us through
the intricacies of the Derby one-way system!
The cabaret, introduced by Clive Moore, was
provided by Young Magician of the Year finalist
Lorenzo (who you will be able to see with a new-
look act at our dinner in March) and former Ring
President Paul Ray.
Jean Ellison, a Derby stalwart, had brought along
a Sooty glove puppet which she had received as a
young girl, one of the first batch made commercially
by Chad Valley.
Some of these members have already been active
within our organisation and we look forward to them
all being part of the magic and friendship of The
British Ring.
As we encourage our new members to become
active participants within the various aspects of our
organisation, it gives me the chance to remind our
existing members that there are many opportunities
to become involved. At the convention there are the
competitions, help is required with stewarding,
special venue shows and welfare stand staffing. We
are happy to receive suggestions for acts for either
the convention or our upcoming Picnic in Leicester
in May. We are always very interested to hear from
members with articles for inclusion in the Key Ring
magazine; these can be reviews, tricks or articles of
general interest. If you feel there is something you
can offer us, or if there is something you think we
A particularly sad duty was to attend the
funeral of Paul Freeman, a loyal supporter of the
British Ring who delivered what was to be his
final lecture for us at Southport, in the History of
Mystery slot. His close friend Roy Field performed
the ‘broken wand’ ceremony and read a moving
tribute on behalf of Harry Reeve.
You will find details of our Presidential dinner
on the back cover this month, so do please
support us if you can. It would mean a lot to have
you with us. Rather like Wookey Hole, the family
run Mytton Fold Hotel does not have unlimited
accommodation, so if necessary we have
nominated the neighbouring Foxfields Hotel for
any ‘over-spill,’ BB7 9HY: 01254 822556.
Brian LEAD
55 Saunders Road
Blackburn Lancs BB2 6NP
T. 01254 52070
E. b.lead@btinternet.com
should be providing for our members, please get
in touch.
Some of the Convention Team will be visiting
Eastbourne this month so they can view the new
venue and facilities, and are looking forward to
finding out how these can be used to ensure the
convention is the best it can be.
Have a great month.
“It’s still magic, even if you know how it’s done.”
- Terry Practchett
Moira FLETCHER
40 Lanton Drive, Glasgow G52 2EW
T. 07771 613894
E. moira1.fletcher@gmail.com
JANUARY 2019 KEYRING 5
GALLERY OF MASTER
M any readers may
regard Peter
Waring as a strange
gaol sentence. He
also stole cash
whilst working as
an Arctic convoy off Murmansk. In
fact he had a genuine damaged
arm after being burnt by being too
subject for this Gallery an accounts clerk close to a red hot boiler on a cross
series, but in the late for the BBC, an channel ferry. In 1942 he became
1940s he had a rapid employer who would determined to become a
rise to the peak of become his nemesis professional magician and, now as
magical popularity in future years. Peter Waring, contacted Harry
followed by an equally The ability to Stanley for advice. He learned a
rapid downfall. It is an entertain and do variety of effects, but did
intriguing story still magic stemmed from especially polished and witty
worth telling. his time in gaol where he presentations of Oswald Rae’s
At the height of his fame he performed in prison
was the toast of London society concerts and had the
and a star of radio, but his earlier time to practise. After
life was much darker. He was born his prison sentence he
John Roderiguez in Catford, adopted a new
London in humble circumstances personality, becoming
around 1918 and for his first 20 or John Peter Roderick
so years lived an ‘Artful Dodger’ Mainwaring, a heroic
type existence. At 14 he lied about naval officer ‘invalided
his age to join the army and was out of the service’. His
discharged for being too young. injuries, depending on
He was then briefly imprisoned for his story, came from
Peter Waring – Lightbulbs from mouth
stowing away twice and a series action off the African
of petty crimes and deceits coast or in ‘Bending Glass’ and Cyro’s
brought a further ‘Lightbulbs from mouth’. He
quickly became a talented,
sophisticated performer
who captivated audiences
including members of the
magical fraternity. He
joined The Magic Circle,
performed at their
functions, and had a
rapid rise from new
member to Inner
member. He was also in
demand on the highly
paid London
dinner/cabaret circuit.
For such a

6 KEYRING JANUARY 2019

MAGICIANS Peter WARING – Heigh Ho!
by Roy FIELD
Horne and others. This was
art imitating life, except that
Peter was never a real
naval officer. He continued
with magic/comedy on
variety shows, the dinner
circuit, and magic functions
still claiming with a degree
of chutzpah to be a war
hero with either the DSO or
CGM depending on the
programme notes. Such
Denis Norden and Frank Muir was his rise to fame, that in
sophisticated performer, his next June 1946 he was featured on the
move might seem strange. He very first post-war television
joined ‘Revudeville’ at the variety show.
Windmill Theatre doing six shows His deceits could not last. In
a day in between their celebrated autumn 1946, half way through
nude tableaux. The Windmill was the first series of ‘Heigh Ho’ which
however the breeding ground for was a big ratings success, his
post war comics, especially those background was discovered and
who were ex-servicemen, and any subsequent series cancelled.
where variety agents and scouts Maybe his past misdemeanours at
from BBC radio were regular the BBC caught up with him. In
attendees. The audiences could be spite of this setback he continued
difficult so comics had to be good. to get non radio bookings
Benny Hill, not a comic of the although still billing himself as a
same style, regarded Peter Waring ‘radio star’. Indeed The British
as ‘the greatest influence in his Ring booked him for the 1948
life’. He was also seen by Buxton convention with exactly
scriptwriter Frank Muir who did this programme description,
not rate his magic but regarded although by that time he had
him as an exceptional verbal actually been declared bankrupt.
performer. He soon got many The slide downhill thereafter was
bookings on radio variety shows, fast. Bouncing cheques and
and became a radio ‘star’, and a obtaining money by false
series was offered. Written by pretences resulted in
Frank Muir, ‘Heigh Ho ’had a imprisonment in
weekly plot line of a demobbed Pentonville prison
naval commander, Peter, applying where in July
for and failing in a variety of jobs, 1949 he decided
aided and abetted by Kenneth to end it all and
JANUARY 2019 KEYRING 7 Fred Scuttle or is it Benny Hill?
hung himself. He was probably
only 31. The urban legend that he
died in Blackpool and was
discovered by magical dealer
Oscar Oswald, then a police
officer is wrong.
His demise was not recorded by
the magic fraternity and they
seemed embarrassed by the
speedy fall of someone they
lionised. Although he briefly
married and had children he also
had, as Frank Muir put it, many
‘Country Life one night stands’.
Even now, internet and social
media reveal people claiming to
be his sons or daughters. Frank
Muir together with Dennis Norden
later went on to write the best
radio comedy shows of the 1940s,
and Peter had the talent to be one
of the major stars of the era until
his ‘Walter Mitty’ character and
misdemeanours came to light and
it was not to be, Heigh Ho!
Only an outline can be given
here so for a more comprehensive
picture readers should seek out
the article by Eddie Dawes in his
‘Rich Cabinet of Magical
Curiosities’ in the Magic Circular,
93 (1999).
 COLLABORATIVE CONJURING A Sweet Prediction by
Tchocolate!
his item combines two of our
favourite things – magic and
Effect
This effect is suitable as a quick
opener, whether for children or
adults.
Inside an envelope on display is
a prediction. You have a batch of
about ten cards on which are
printed the names of different
sweets: Bounty, Mars Bars, Aero
etc. Close the fan and (false) mix
the cards.
Reminding your helper that
there are ten different sweets on
offer, ask for a number between
one and ten. Let’s assume they
reply, ‘Seven’. Count down to the
seventh card and put it to one
side. Fan the remaining cards to
show that they bear the names of
different sweets.
Have your helper turn over the
card they chose. The word
‘Bounty’ is printed on it.
Open the envelope and remove
a small card on which are printed
the words, ‘Look in my left-hand
jacket pocket’. Show the envelope
to be otherwise empty. It definitely
contains only one prediction.
When your helper
8 KEYRING JANUARY 2019
reaches into your pocket, they find
it contains a single ‘Bounty’ bar,
which they get to keep!
Method
This effect was inspired by Eddie
Burke’s ‘Musical Prediction’, in
which one of several cards
bearing the names of well-known
musical compositions is chosen
and found to match a prediction.
Rather than force one of two
items and then have a double
prediction (the usual approach),
we wanted to replace the
‘prediction’ with a two-way
‘indicator’ card pointing to where
the prediction was found.
Therefore, the chocolate bar could
be given away as a gift.
Eddie Burke used a clever
variation on the 10/11 force,
whereas here we revert to the
more traditional approach.
First off, you will need to
prepare eleven
cards (you can
use blank card
stock) on which
you write or print
the names of 11 sweets. You will
also need an envelope and a card,
on either side of which you have
written the following:
l Look in my right-hand jacket
pocket
l Look in my left-hand jacket
pocket.
Our list of sweets is as follows
(with the force cards in italics), but
obviously use whatever you
prefer:
Topic, Creme Egg, Snickers,
Toblerone, Kit Kat, Twix, Bounty,
Milky Way, Flake, Mars Bar, Aero
Your force cards – with the
cards face down – are (from the
top down) in positions 3 and 7.
Ours are Bounty and Snickers,
but you can vary these – all that
at 3 or 7.
matters is that the items appear
When the numbers 2, 3, 6 or 7
are chosen, either card is forced
in the following manner from the
2 Count off two cards from the
top down:
top and put aside the third
3 Count to the third card and put
card (Snickers)
6 Count off six cards and put the
it aside (Snickers)
7 Count to the seventh card and
seventh aside (Bounty)
If the numbers 4, 5, 8 or 9 are
put it aside (Bounty)
chosen, the cards are turned
face-up and either item is
4 Count off four cards from the
forced as follows:
Chris WARDLE and James WARD
top and put aside the
5 Count to the fifth card and
fifth card (Bounty)
8 Count off eight cards and
put it aside (Bounty)
9 Count to the ninth card and
put the ninth aside (Snickers)
put it aside (Snickers)
Though you ask for a number
between 1 and 10, it’s possible
someone will say ‘one’ or ‘ten’.
Here, you have two options. Either
remind them that you want a
number between one and ten, or –
with the cards held face down –
tell them you will spell to their
card (both ‘one’ and ‘ten’ will
ensure you reach the third card,
which is a force card). Having
forced one of the cards, it’s a case
of removing the prediction the
correct way around, depending on
whether the chosen bar is in your
right or left-hand pocket.
Further Thoughts
To avoid using an envelope and
double-sided prediction, you could
employ another ruse, the dry-wipe
pen principle. Write
out the message in
permanent pen, like this:
Look in my
−hand jacket pocket
Cover this with clear ‘fablon’ or
sticky-backed plastic. With a dry
erase pen, write the word ‘left’
next to the word ‘my’ and the
word ‘right’ next to the hyphen of
‘hand’. The card can then be left
on a stand, back out, without
needing an envelope. On learning
the outcome, pick up the card and
swipe away either the word ‘left’
or ‘right’ with your thumb as you
walk across to hand it to the
spectator. There is nothing to
find and the prediction
matches exactly.
Chris published an effect in his
book ‘Ten Mysteries’ (2000, PH
Marketing), entitled ‘Smartie
Pants’, with a similar theme, but a
different force and reveal. Here,
you have a list of snacks
(including ‘oranges’ and
‘Smarties’, with oranges and
Smarties in the two force
positions), and your prediction in a
small gift bag. If Smarties are
chosen your helper opens the bag
to find a tube of Smarties! If
orange is chosen, the trick seems
to have failed, but the tube is full
of ORANGE Smarties, as you say
the only Smarties you like are the
orange ones!
JANUARY 2019 KEYRING 9
 Send in
the
W
Your editor takes a look at this timeless comedy art
hen researching these lead though as a drama symbolizing were idiots. A number were kept
articles, my first port of call the seasons with an element of in the homes of the rich. In Russia
(other than the internet) is often foolery and caricature. Clown-like the tsar kept 72 dwarfs as a guard
the Central Reference Library in figures appeared with a ritual of honour. From this developed the
Manchester or, if visiting London dance of the Hopi Tribe in New Court Jester in motley coloured
at the time, the British Library. Mexico, their faces covered in coat, hose, with bells on skirts
Sometimes though the material I mud and wearing rabbit fur wigs and elbows, a hood and a
need is right on my doorstep. In on their heads. They fooled about cock’s comb.
respect of this article I wondered if falling into a heap By the 17th century
there was anyone I knew in The on the floor. clowns appeared in all
British Ring associated with The earliest folk types of entertainment
clowning. It then became obvious, theatre was usually dressed as
that clowns Clivo and Jeani (Clive staged in Greece rustic country men
Moore and Jean Ellison) who have with characters in singing with pipe and
appeared on so many convention grinning masks drum, they would wear
Sooty Shows, could well be the miming as they large shoes, a
answer. Leaving Clive to work on couldn’t read or waistcoat and a big
his monthly A Bit Moore Magic I write and this took floppy hats. The most
decided to turn to Jean with my part in the 6th famous clown in those
questions. Century BC. days was Richard
Clowning hasn’t Tarlton (1530-1588)
Geoffrey Newton: Where and changed much and his pupil Robert
when did clowns all start? over the years, Armin (1563-1615)
Richard Tarlton
Jean Ellison: The first dramas and from the 14th was a comic actor and
were performed not as century Jesters appeared in the the first clown author in history.
entertainment but as rituals courts with some thinking they In France appeared the Pierrot
with his white face and one raised
black eyebrow. Along with the
Pierrot came the Auguste clown
wearing ridiculous outfits, false
noses and colourful makeup.
From Italy came Pantaleno with
hooked nose and half masks so
they could speak clearly and
music was made on grid irons and
bellows. In puppet theatres a hunch
backed puppet named Punchinello
with costume of red and yellow
came to Covent Garden in 1662,
First egg painter Stan Bult he was re named Punch.

10 KEYRING JANUARY 2019

Geoffrey: My first ever
recollection of clowns was in the
circus. Tell me about yours.
Jean: I remember my auntie
taking me into my home town of
Chesterfield, back in 1950 to see
the circus and animals parade
through the streets on their way to
the theatre. I remember being
scared of the clowns funny faces,
but my
auntie and
uncle took
me to see
the show.
Geoffrey:
I believe
every clown developing from the circus
has their
own
individually clip from NBC shot in
styled make up and this is
recorded on an egg. How did all
this come about and where are
they kept?
Jean: Stan Bult was the first
painter of clown eggs in the
1940s. Clowns faces are painted
as a way of registering the face on children’s magic show.
fully blown egg. The eggs used
now are pottery ones painted, I
believe, by Debbie Smith, making Originally called The
sure no two clown faces look
alike. They are kept in the Clown
Gallery in London. This is not a
requirement, my face is not on an there was a
egg, but many clown faces are.
Geoffrey: They have been some
very famous clowns over the
years tell me about some of them
Jean: Those that immediately
spring to mind are Charlie Cairoli
(1910-1980) from Blackpool. Coco
and Smokey ‘Ron’Townsend. I
remember working with him as
one of the IBM Clowns at special
venue shows many times. He was Geoffrey: Tell me about Clowns
a real gentleman singing with his International
piano accordion. Jean: Stan Bult started this in
When Clive and I visited 1947 as the International Circus
California a few years ago, we met Clown Club, so called because the
a clown in his shop which sold circus in the 1940s was the place
magic. His name was Earl Chaney you would find a clown. However
he was a children’s entertainer in 1978 the name was changed to
and the original McDonald’s Clowns International and it is now
Ronald McDonald. open to clowns of every type from
s
all around the world.
Geoffrey: When did clowns start
performing magic?
Jean: I am not sure about this as
there is very little date reference
in history, although magic and
clowning have appeared
together for many years,
ring to private children’s
parties. I did though find a
1952 where clown
Bonomo (the name of
the candy
manufacturer
sponsoring the
programme)
presented a weekly
The performances often
included the puppet Laffy.
Magic Clown, it
started in 1949.
Yes apparently
shopping
channel on US
television all that
time ago.
Pierrot
JANUARY 2019 KEYRING 11

Coco with Eamon Andrews on This is Your Life
Geoffrey: Clowns have had some
bad press recently with scary
ones being a talking point.
Clowns in the way we are
discussing them seem to have
victoriously ridden the storm but
whilst this was front page news
did it affect your bookings or the
Photo TK
Sample faces painted on eggs
12 KEYRING JANUARY 2019
public’s general attitude towards
what you do?
Jean: This did not affect our
bookings at all. In fact we were
very busy before and after the
scare for our art. The hype from
the media over scary clowns was
more about the release of a new
horror film than the reality of
people having phobias.
Geoffrey: Tell me about how your
particular costume was designed
and what particular considerations
in general need to be taken into
account when creating outfits.
Jean: Well I design and make my
own. It is always very bright and
colourful and I usually wear a
magic tee shirt with trousers, bib
and buckled straps. I have to have
lots of different sized pockets for
my balloons and pumps. I wear a
fluffy wig and baseball cap.
Add to that the badges on my bib
and I am complete. The
youngsters like to look at these,
which keeps their interest along
with my painting pictures on their
arms. I have lots of nice things
said to me about my costume
and makeup.
Geoffrey: Finally Jean, where do
you see the future of clowning?
Jean: Personally I think clowns
will see a good future, and long
may floppy hats, big boots, red
noses, chuckles and giggles
continue, at children’s parties,
weddings, shopping malls,
hospitals, churches and gala
days for many years to come.
Geoffrey: Thank you for this
interesting insight into the world
of clowns. I’ll now leave you to
go and powder your (red) nose.
(References courtesy of THE
BOOK OF CLOWNS by George
Speaight.)
Before leaving this subject I
would like to mention Coco
(technically an Auguste) the
clown I grew up knowing of.
Real name Nicolai Poliakoff
(1900-1974) and I remember
seeing him on This is Your Life
(1962). He gained an OBE for
his charitable work for children
mainly in hospitals and homes.
He was also a campaigner for
Ron Townsend
children’s road safety. A main
attraction at Bertram Mills Circus
for many years and in 1974 came
out of retirement to accept a tour
with Roberts Brothers Circus but
unfortunately died in the
September from bronchitis. He is
probably one of the most famous
clowns in history.
Now you know something
about clowns, but watch out for
the custard pies!
80 Years and still going strong
Icelebrated
by Brian O’LEARY
n Orsett Village Hall on the 20th of
October 2018, Ilford Magical Society
their 80th Anniversary.
Past and present, old and new joined the
society for a celebration of all that the club
had achieved over the years. As the guests
arrived, members Barry Hicks and Tommy
Moss entertained with some close-up
magic before the formal part of the
evening commenced.
President Brian O'Leary Kevin Bird was our compère, and
introduced Nick Einhorn. He is a former member of the society
and started the night in style with an amazing 20 minutes of
magic involving wine, an impossible prediction and a can of coke.
Kevin returned but this time he had 20 minutes to entertain us.
He began by reading the minds of several members of the
audience, making one lucky member the star of the show and a
magician in her own right. Youngster Ryan Jackson appeared next
and it was a pleasure to have him join us on the evening. He
treated us to a wonderful performance of gypsy thread, ropes and
sponge balls, which took us to the interval.
Kevin introduced the second half and interspersed the acts with
nuggets of trivia from the club’s
history. The most fascinating being
the discovery that the society had
raised, over the years between
£80,000 and £100,000 for local
charities. On that bombshell, Oz
opened the second half. Words will
never do Oz’s act justice, so your
humble narrator will just say that the
audience were enthralled, as a grown
man climbed into a giant balloon in
search of a card.
Bryan Porter followed and the
guests were engrossed with just a
Scott Penrose
duck, a small bag and an egg and a
kiwi. There was a quick interlude while Bryan was presented with
an award for close-up magician of the year before the final act.
President of The Magic Circle, Scott Penrose. Scott is the son of
one of Ilford’s greatest members, the late, great John Penrose.
Although John is no longer with us, he was in the hearts and
minds of many of the members on this anniversary night and
Scott’s wonderful act was a great way to end the show.
JANUARY 2019 KEYRING 13
Quick Trick
Rapid Ring and Rope
Iasfound
sent in by John QUICKS
don’t know where this one originated from but I
it in a Christmas cracker! It was supplied
a piece of string and a plastic curtain type ring.
I have enlarged it using a piece of magician’s rope
and a bangle. Basically the performer shows,
between the hands a piece of (now) rope, on
which are three knots each one separated by a
few inches. On the centre one is tied a (now)
bangle. The rope is gently spun round a la
skipping rope when suddenly the bangle jumps to
the end knot. Everything can be immediately
examined.
The secret is simple as the expanded
performer’s view illustration shows. Knot number
one is initially concealed in the left hand and the
bangle is tied on the third knot. The fourth knot is
in fact a tightened slip knot made to resemble an
ordinary knot. During the spinning of the rope,
and hidden by the action, pull the slip knot open
and at the same time extend the rope a little from
the left hand to expose the first knot. At this point
immediately release the rope from the right hand
and pass everything out for examination. Be
careful of the proximity of any spectator when
letting go with the right hand to avoid the
possibility if hitting them in the face.
1 2
3
4
All knots shown loose for
Detail of slip knot clarity. Pull up tight for
performance
14 KEYRING JANUARY 2019
THE IRISH
S
eventy years ago, magicians from north and
south of the Irish border converged on a small
town midway between Dublin and Belfast for a
magical weekend. The bitterly cold weather was
soon dispelled by the warmth of friendships
forged and renewed and a memorable weekend
of magic ensued.
It was unanimously agreed that annual Irish
Conventions should be organised under the
auspices of The International Brotherhood of
Magicians. A few months later a Charter for IBM
Ring Number 85 was granted, The Irish Ring.
Since then conventions have been held
throughout Ireland.
The driving force behind the formation of The
Irish Ring was Hubert Lambert, a well-known
Dublin magician who contributed many original
effects to magic magazines like the Gen, Phoenix
and Abra. He also had a regular column in the
Linking Ring and had a One-Man Parade
published.
Over the years many British Ring members
have participated in Irish Conventions by
lecturing, performing and attending. Murray the
Escapologist always received a warm welcome,
with his wife Marion or Bob Karlyle. The attraction
was not just the second hand tricks and books on
his stand but the wealth of stories and wisdom he
would recount. Rovi the Welsh Wizard (and Past
President of Ring 25) amazed magicians and lay
people alike with his card magic.
The prize for attending the most conventions
goes to Tony Thursby, a member of both The
British and Irish Rings, who also operates
Banshee Magic. A versatile performer, inventor,
editor, collector and dealer, his expertise is
available for the asking.
Nowadays The Irish Ring shares the
organisation of conventions with the local magic
societies on a rotational basis. Last year we
MAGIC SCENE
by James HOBART and Desmond GLASS
returned to Dublin, hosted by Ireland’s oldest
magical society the Society of Irish Magicians
(www.thesocietyofirishmagicians.com) This year it is
the turn of the Ulster Society of Magicians
(www.online-usm.com) to host Belfast Magicon, a
rebranding to attract the next generation.
The convention will take place in the Park Avenue
Hotel, just minutes from Belfast City Airport and ferry
terminal. The venue offers separate spacious
function rooms for lectures and dealers with a high
stage, lighting and sound brought in to ensure
perfect viewing for public shows.
Main organisers for the Ulster Society of
Magicians are society secretary George Bleeks and
British Ring Council Member James Hobart, both
bringing a wealth of experience to the job. Artistes
booked: Chris Congreave and Henri White making
Mandy Muden appeared
at the USM Chairman’s
Dinner five years ago
as a relatively
unknown
their Irish debut while
Vanni Pulé has never
been north of the
border. Britain’s Got Talent semi-
finalist Mandy Muden appeared at the USM
Chairman’s Dinner five years ago as a relatively
unknown, next year she returns, straight from an
international cruise, to headline the Gala Show.
President Brian Lead and other Council
members from the British Ring will be travelling to
Belfast in 2019. There has always been a close
link, with visits from Presidents including John
Pye, Cynthia Neptune, Don Beattie, Neil Roberts
and Richard Cadell. Brian is looking forward to
strengthening the link between our societies.
Why not join them?
Vanni Pulé has
never been north
of the border
JANUARY 2019 KEYRING 15

Tautumn
he decision to change the
venue and move the date into
helped to boost
attendance at the Peterborough
Society of Magicians’ annual
shindig. Despite the heavy rain,
which may have put some off,
there were certainly more sellers
on 14 October than in the previous
couple of years. Whether this was
due to the new venue or change
of date is open to speculation.
The Italian Community Centre is
more modern and better furbished
than its predecessor. On on the
downside, everything had to take
place in the same room: no
separate café, lecture annex or
dealers hall. This did mean that,
because of pressure on floor
space, many of the sellers’ stands
were accessible from all sides,
Ben Williams
16 KEYRING JANUARY 2019
SEAL’S
30th FACELIFT
As seen by Walt Lees
with no clearly defined area for
either customers or stallholders.
It also meant that during the
lectures all the stalls had to close,
probably no bad thing, as it
allowed those who had brought
stuff to sell the freedom to sit
down and watch, along with
everyone else, safe in the
knowledge that they were not
missing any potential customers.
The main thing about the SEAL
Day is the lectures. This year,
there were three as normal, but
somewhat unusually, they were all
of basically the same type, i.e.
inventive people fooling us with
their creations and then explaining
how they worked. That having
been said, we saw a lot of
innovative and clever new magic,
with a surprising amount of
variety.
Steve Gore, no stranger to the
lecture circuits in the UK, opened
the proceedings. He had some
nice ideas with ropes as well as
 prediction that seemingly marking envelopes for a
eliminated the need to Psychometry routine, in which
force any of the choices. nothing is visible to the
He then went on to participants. There was also a
explain his method of cigarette-card divination using
producing a selected card pictures of well-known super
from his shoe, followed by heroes, a book test with a
a small pot of jam, though children’s picture book, and the
perhaps it was honey or stunning prediction of a lottery
marmalade. Well ticket number using freely-chosen
something in one of those symbol cards displayed on a large
tiny jars you get in many board, and the assistance of
hotels, these days. several spectators. We were told
He also had a nice, that this highly visual item,
easily-made gimmick to manufactured to order by John,
enable you to balance a is already in the repertoire of a
Sharpie or fork at an number of leading professional
Steve Gore impossible angle on your performers and it is not hard to
demming his Amnesia Deck, finger. It was one of those things see why.
which is specially printed by the where the seemingly casual The raffle was drawn after this
US Playing Card Company. It spontaneity of the performance lecture; then dealing continued for
enables you to do many effects gives a false impression of no a while longer, before the day
which would normally require the preparation. concluded.
Aronson memorized stack, without The highlight of his hour-long I certainly found it an enjoyable
actually having to go to the trouble offering was a routine linking and event, even picked up a couple of
of learning it. unlinking Polo Mints, climaxing interesting bargains and watched
Most of us thought the real with the Os on the packet logo a lot of classy new magic. What
highlight was his GPS Deck. It also also being caused to link, leaving more can you ask?
makes possible lots of different the spectators with a
feats and is fully examinable. For souvenir to scratch their
example, in one of them a heads over.
spectator shuffles the cards, then The lectures were
removes one and places it unseen concluded by John
into his pocket. He next shuffles Morton, a newish face on
the deck some more and hands it the circuit, who had an
back to the performer, who impressive array of
without looking at any faces, original mental magic. He
instantly names the pocketed began by showing how
card. If that reads like a miracle it tea-bag paper is ideal for
is and it can be repeated ad the old scientific effect of
nauseam! a flaming cylinder rising
The second lecturer was Ben high into the air;
Williams, who typifies the modern something for which
street-magic style. Much of his most commonly-available
material has a casual organic feel, paper does not work very
which often belies the careful well these days.
preparation underpinning it. He Later, he showed an
John Morton
began with a one-ahead ingenious method of

JANUARY 2019 KEYRING 17

MAGIC AND MISCHIEF EVENINGS
Brian O’LEARY reports
Tbackwards
he late October sun has set; the warmth has long
departed. The clocks teeter on the brink of falling
into winter. The night closes in; the
darkness consumes the light until all that remains is
the eerie green glow of the lights of Great Easton’s
Village Hall in Essex. Within its walls, for the 16th
year in a row, a night of magic and mischief is about
to get underway. I cannot believe this is the first time
I have attended this event.
The guests arrive in a variety of attire from
business to casual to fancy dress. Before the food is
served, it is time for the tombola. The guests have a
chance to win a ‘treat’ from the prize table or a trick
Mandy Muden
18 KEYRING JANUARY 2019
from one of the three magicians floating around the
room (despite the Halloween theme, they are not
literally floating). There is also a chance to win
nothing, but that’s not really winning, it is rather
the default state. If you found a ‘trick’ ticket,
then Michael Carr, Paul Clancy or Barry Hicks
would entertain your table with some close-
up magic. With such a high quality of close-up
magic on show, there was quite a rush to find
one of these green ‘trick’ tickets. While this was
going on, the guests’ appetites were sated with a
wonderful meal and their thirsts slaked from the
incredible reasonably priced bar. Before the show
began, it was time to judge the fancy dress
competition. The standard was incredibly high and
the Wicked Witch took home the top prize. Soon it is
time for the house lights to go down and the stage
lights to come up as
the stars from the
world of variety and
magic begin their
shows.
First on stage,
Brian Miller who
compèred the
evening introduced
the gentleman Audrey and Brian Miller
juggler Mat Ricardo. To detail Mat’s act is to veer
into spoiler territory so instead I’ll dance around his
act without giving too much away. Mat used all the
tools of a gentleman juggler’s trade, a fully set table
laden with all that a man might need to throw a
dinner party. Brazilian single edged blades, so
dangerous that no man or woman should dare to
handle them, let alone juggle them.
Cigar boxes and martini glasses
came next and then his signature
impossible closer, that I’ll not
spoil here.
Between acts Brian entertained us
with many witticisms and some rather
unusual church notices. “Weight
Watchers will meet at 7 pm at the
First Presbyterian Church. Please
use large double door at the side
 arranging and hosting
these amazing magical
evenings which for the past
16 years has drawn full
houses and raised many
thousands of pounds. He
loved the whole sense of
community, something you
don’t see very often now.
Mischief complete and
with the ghouls of
Halloween knocking faintly
on the door, the patrons
filed out into the night,
Paul Zenon Eduardo Gileano never to be seen again, or
at least not until next year.
entrance.” Make of this what you will. Then, on to While the guests shuffled home, their minds so
the second act, Mandy Muden who, with her refrain blown by what that they had seen that they could be
of “magic, magic” entertained us with cucumbers, classified as zombies (which is quite appropriate).
disappearing bottles, eggs and high-quality Two nights of wonderful magic and by the end of the
pyrotechnics. She literally lit up the stage, even weekend over £4,500
turning an audience member into a star of the stage had been raised. This
as he amazed us with his ability not to tear a sheet was donated to Cystic Fibrosis in memory of Simone
of paper in half. All this was wrapped in jokes and Cowland. The Simone Cowland Trust was founded in
gags that kept that audience laughing. 2006 to raise funds for
Next, all the way from Spain we had Eduardo sufferers in memory of
Galeano who produced a wonderful manipulation Simone Cowland, who
act. Cards appeared and disappeared; grew and tragically lost her
shrunk, changed colour and disappeared before our battle with Cystic
very eyes. It was a wonderful display of dexterity Fibrosis, aged 36.
and showmanship and audible gasps could be heard
from the audience with each production. A pity
though, the clean-up crew who had to clear
hundreds of cards from the stage by the time
he had finished.
Rounding out the night was Paul Zenon who took
the usual step of cutting his microphone cord in half
just to prove a magical point. Not content with that
he then decided to cut a hole in a member of the
audience’s jacket to prove that quantum physics is
true. Your humble reporter is not qualified to tell you
if Paul’s maths were correct, only that the audience
loved it. There were others who were somewhat less
impressed when he put a full pint glass in a snooker
triangle and swung it violently over their heads. It
was all in the aid of science and who are we to
inhibit the progress of knowledge. On finishing his
act Paul Zenon thanked Brian and Audrey Miller for Mat Ricardo

JANUARY 2019 KEYRING 19

ALBERT AT THE CO A poem by Stevie B which
appeared in the 2007 Mar/Apr
edition of Northern Lights, the
magazine of the Northern Magic
Circle and adapted for the Rummage through the drawers did little Albert,
British Ring by him. Stevie is And the wardrobe and the suitcases too,
the current president of And he gave a great sigh, when the badge caught his eye,
Bradford Magic Circle. Next to the trick that his dad used to do.

In the International Brotherhood of Magicians Well he borrowed his dad’s trick did Albert,
Is the British Ring, Ring 25. To see if he could get it to work,
With a committee of like-minded wizards, He pulled this and that, and he twisted and tugged,
Working hard to keep it alive. When the gun gave a bang and a jerk!

As well as the President’s Dinner He didn’t catch the bullet that shot from the gun,
A magazine full of magic and fun, Though it certainly gave him a start,
Each year it enjoys a convention, It just shattered a window on its way into the sun,
Mid-September, come rain or sun. And shot a poor cat through the heart!

Well the Ramsbottom’s went to the convention, Albert put the gun back where he’d found it,
With little Albert, their magical boy, And the badge he secured with its pin,
Who’d do shows for the folks all round Barnsley, Then headed off down to the dealers’ hall,
Bringing much laughter and joy, And with his badge on went straight in.

He’d do children’s shows, close-up and parlour, You see, he’d entered the Stage Competition,
Illusions and mentalism too, For cash prizes and trophies galore,
Which is an awful lot when you consider, And with only three tricks, felt he needed a fourth
That there were only three tricks that he knew! And searched through the tricks, puzzles and more.

Well at the convention went Albert, Albert saw a trick sat on a table,
To the Dealers’ Hall on the first day, That he felt would fit his act nice,
But the steward said, “No, you’re not wearing a badge,” And as he’d spent nowt of his money so far,
And sent poor little Albert away. Was able to meet the said price.

“But I do have a badge!” exclaimed Albert, That night at the Stage Competition,
“I’ve just left it up there in my room.” On third little Albert was due,
“Then fetch it, young man,” said the steward, To show off his tricks and surprises,
“But make haste, ‘cos they’re closing at noon!” With his three and the fourth he now knew.

So up to his room went little Albert, So onto the stage went little Albert,
For the badge that he’d left on his bed, In his top hat he’d made from two tins,
But found only despair as the badge wasn’t there, His handsome cape fashioned from a tablecloth,
His mum must’ve moved it instead! And his suit with its sewn-on sequins.

20 KEYRING JANUARY 2019

NVENTION
To open, Albert threw away cards,
From the few that he’d first shown around,
And yet he still held the same number up high,
While discarded cards lay on the ground.
A repeat of this Albert then did ensue,
As more and more cards littered the floor,
And after he’d thrown down six dozen,
Albert didn’t throw down any more.
Up next was a trick with a stick on a rope,
That would dance to his every command,
Around and around it’d spin, twist and turn,
Helped by the rope tied to his hand.
What better to follow, then a trick with an egg,
And an ordinary, everyday bag.
Well it must’ve been ordinary, as Albert had said so,
As he waved it about like a flag.
“The egg has been placed in the empty cloth bag,”
As the obvious, Albert explained,
“And with a snap of my fingers, you’ll see the egg’s gone,
“But I’ll now bring it right back again.”
And indeed little Albert was true to his word,
As the egg was brought back into view,
And it was then that he felt that the moment was right,
To show the fourth trick he now knew.
“May I borrow a ring?” he asked all who watched,
And the President lent his wedding band,
“Your ring will be safe and I’ll give it back soon.”
Said little Albert, ring clutched in his hand.
“Now I’ll cover the ring with this little cloth square,
“That will serve as a magical shroud.
“And with a flick and a flourish, the ring’s no longer there,”
And he was right, it’d shot into the crowd!
“Please catch it!” cried Albert, “And please don’t applaud,
“That’s not what the trick’s meant to do”
He explained that, “The ring’s meant to fly to my purse.
“And it should’ve, the pigging thing’s new!”
So down into the audience went poor little Albert,
For the ring that he had almost lost,
And returned it to the President, with a note to himself,
To return the trick for what it cost.
Then back onto the stage to take his last bow,
And exit, stage left, through the wings,
And on next came the act that was later placed first,
And featured Chinese Linking Rings.
So Albert didn’t win, didn’t even get placed,
But the hearts of the crowd he had won.
Along with the Tom Harris Cup for the funniest act,
At that Convention of magic and fun!
The original version of this
monologue called ‘Albert and
the Lion’ was written by
Marriott Edgar
(1880 – 1951)
and popularised by
Stanley Holloway.
This is on YouTube if
you wish to see how
the rhythm of the
read goes. Ed
JANUARY 2019 KEYRING 21
 A BIT MOORE MAGIC
A man stood up
in our local
church in Derby
and demanded that
the vicar heard what
he had to say. Jean
and I are not regulars,
but various local
friends told us of the
incident. The man in question
insisted that he be heard,
stating that there had been
witchcraft performed on church
premises. Children had been
re-enacting black magic and
a wizard had conjured up all
manner of things in the
Church Hall.
It all sounds powerful stuff,
the wizard in question was me,
and the children with the Black
Magic were members of the
local Church Girls Brigade,
holding their Halloween party.
The vicar calmed the situation
down, and later saw the funny
side of it. I am sure many of
you have similar stories of
Halloween. Derby is said to be
one of the most haunted cities
in the country and one of the
first to have organised Ghost
Walks. Also Richard Felix of
television’s Most Haunted is
a local man.
There are many ghostly tales
and gruesome pieces of history
associated with the city and the
county.
Derby itself was believed to
22 KEYRING JANUARY 2019
by Clive MOORE
be the location of one
of the last hanging,
drawing and
quartering in the
country, one of the
gruesome boards that
this took place on was
featured in the Derby
Heritage centre for years.
It is no surprise that Halloween
parties are held each year.
Jean and I along with several
members of the Derby Magic
Circle, put on a charity night in the
local pub which is already steeped
in ghost history as many sightings
have taken place. The cellar bar is
authentic in its design, and makes
an ideal setting for a ghostly night.
On one occasion a chap came
along with some friends to receive
a cheque on behalf of a children’s
charity. As the fellow came from
Lincolnshire, he had no prior
knowledge of the history of the
pub and being quite level headed
and sober, he was enthralled by
some of the fun and games that
the evening had to offer. Returning
from the gents he looked quite
pale, and congratulated me on the
excellent illusion that had been
set up in the toilets where an
image of a man physically passed
him and vanished into the wall.
I took his congratulations, but
never told him that no such
illusion had been set up.
A nice Halloween routine, I have
come up with features an easy to
open padlock, these are available
from various dealers and release
in many different ways. The one I
use is a 50 mm lock which once
locked is quite secure, but by
pushing the escutcheon plate a
quarter of an inch upwards the
lock releases. It was originally
designed for escapologists. Take
Richard Felix
the lock and a plastic photo frame
containing a picture of Houdini in
chains, have everything examined
then put the picture and lock in
small draw string cloth bag. As
you lay the bag on the table,
release the lock. Go into patter
about Houdini with a Halloween
reference, ask the spectator to
 Fish and Chips
open the bag and remove the
contents which will now have
the lock open. Of course there
are many other variations, and
although simple to operate is
strong in effect.
Away from Halloween,
by Vin Egar

ghostly things have been going
on in one of our old hospitals
that have now been
demolished, but built on the site
of an old Victorian Workhouse.
The Manor Hospital in Derby
was renowned for its ghostly
sightings. One night a few years
ago at dusk, one of the junior
I
Effect:
am sure that at some time or
other you have all had fish and
chips out of a newspaper.
Basically, the magician shows two
photographs. On one is a fish fillet
and on the other some chips. On
the back of each card is clearly
individually laminated then joined
together. Having made up the
cards now comes the hinging
together. First of all don’t use the
Scotch type “Magic”
or invisible tape.
It tends not to be
invisible on clear

doctors happened to be looking
out of a window, when he was
met with a terrifying sight of a
lady dressed in a long white
Victorian style dress, gathering
flowers in the garden. The
terrified doctor was very put out
by this, and for a long time
FISH
written the word “Fish” and “Chips” laminate sheet,
respectively. Each photograph is so use ordinary
wrapped in a piece of newspaper Sellotape or similar.
and then the two items change You will need to
places. The newspaper can be set these up very
handed out for examination as accurately to make
there is nothing to find and the them work properly.
photographs shown on both sides I find the best

CHIPS
afterwards told the story of again, where all to see is the method is to
seeing the Ghost at the Manor. respective image and word. temporarily hold

We hadn’t the heart to tell him
the truth which was our Madeley
Players were putting on an Old
Time Music Hall show in the main
hall for the patients as it was
then a hospital for the elderly.
The lady in white picking
flowers was no other than Jean
who needed some flowers for
her song in the show, having
left her bouquet at home on
the table.
All good fun.
Cheers, Clive
Working:
This is a very old magic principle
with audience grabbing attention
as it is something that everyone
identifies with. To make this up is
a bit fiddly but is well worth the
effort. Each card is a flap card and
it is the way in which it is handled
within the newspaper that makes
it work. I feel here it is a picture is
worth a thousand words
syndrome that comes into play, so
here goes with the illustrations.
them down, one
above the respective
other with masking
tape. Line them up about 2mm
(maximum) apart to allow for the
thickness of the cards within the
hinges when folded as one. When
you have stuck a line of tape
down to make the hinge the next
operation is to brush some talcum
powder (or fanning powder) down
the exposed sticky part of the join
and then blow off the excess. This
will stop fouling during the time
s

Each card is A5 size and the modus operandi comes into

JANUARY 2019 KEYRING 23


play. Tape the other side to match.
Now we go into the actual
issues of the performance. This,
I will detail from the performer’s
view. Take the ‘Fish Card’ and
show it both sides so the image
and word are imprinted in the
minds of the audience. Hold a
piece of newspaper in the left
hand and the card in the other.
Bring these together placing the
‘Fish’ card behind the right hand
leaf and pinch there with the
fingers on the outside and thumb
card Pic 1. Now transfer the left
on the inside at the top right of the
hand to the top left of the card
and pinch there similarly. Keep the
paper slightly angled towards you
to stop it wafting open too much.
Next transfer your right index
finger between the paper and Fish
card. As you do this push with
your thumb which will buckle the
section of the card nearest you.
Place your finger between the two
sections and pinch the whole
thing momentarily between your
YOUR SAY
We returned from holiday in
Spain not seeing any magic
whilst over there apart from the
magic of the several medieval
cities we visited including
Toledo, Salamanca, Segovia
(incredible Roman aqueduct)
and Avila, a real walled city.
However, on the return flight,
having no newspaper to read I
half-heartedly watched a bit of
inflight entertainment and was
24 KEYRING JANUARY 2019
1
2
Allow flap to drop down then
fold paper left to right
3
right hand index finger and big
finger. Release the pressure with
fall open pic 2.
your thumbs allowing the flap to
Fold up away
from you
the left hand page. Pic 3 Fold the
Now close up the paper with
4
page in half by bringing the
bottom half to the top away
the card. Pic 4 All you need to do
from you. This has now reversed
now is to pull it out of the paper
gently Pic 5 as of course there is
and it will read ‘Chips’. Ease it out
a piece of the folded newspaper 5
between the two parts of the card.
Before doing this last bit take the
other card and bring it to the
folded state in the paper. Now you
can do both reveals smoothly.
surprised to see Mr Bean walking undamaged after which he
in to a dodgy looking London agreed to step into an upright
nightclub only to be invited onto box only to have swords
the stage by a magician looking pushed through him.
very like the late Alan Shaxon! I remember seeing My Bean
Mr Bean was shocked at the on television a few years ago
appearance from nowhere of a but don’t recall that episode.
bouquet of spring flowers, then Ian Marriott
had his watch
stolen only to
see it placed in a
change bag and
be smashed with
a hammer. He
was pleasantly
surprised to have
the watch
returned to him Alan Shaxon with Mr Bean
KIDS’ CORNER MY DACHSHUND by Ian ADAIR

“Would you like to see a picture of my pet?
He’s a dachshund. That’s one of those every
long sort of dogs,” the performer says to the
children, as he displays a small envelope. He
adds: “I’ve got a picture of him inside this
envelope.”
From inside the small envelope, the
performer removes an extra-long strip of card,
twice the length of the actual envelope itself
displaying a cartoon illustration of a
with the illustration image facing outwards.
Continue to slide it in until the end of the strip
comes to the slit. Thread the strip end through
the slit so it is now outside, at the rear area.
Bend (don’t fold) back the strip as shown. If
you wish, you can avoid the strip from coming
out of this position by applying a clothes peg
against it.
Have the envelope hidden ready to pick up,
once you remove the peg.

WORKING AND PRESENTATION:

dachshund.
To accomplish this, you require the

1 A small envelope which has a side opening.

following: Explain that you have a picture of your pet
dachshund inside the envelope. Bring this out,
Using a craft knife cut a slit towards the making sure you hold back the bent section of
sealed end on the rear side of the envelope.card, (at the rear side of the envelope facing

2 A piece of card, twice the length of the

you.)
Open the flap. Now slowly withdraw the strip
envelope, with a cartoon illustration of a of card. First, the dog’s head will come into
dachshund dog on it. If you Google ‘cartoon view, followed by its long body. Keep pulling it
dachshunds clip art’, up will come a number until it is fully removed.
of good drawings to choose from. Look at the picture and do a ‘double-take’

SET-UP:
when you position both together.
Say “It’s a long dog from a short envelope,
Slide the cardboard strip inside the envelope that’s impossible!”
Long picture of a Dachsund dog on card

Rear view

Half of card
bent over

Rear view
Card withdrawn

Rear side of envelope

JANUARY 2019 KEYRING 25

Ideas Time
Iamongst
’m sure we’ve all
got accessories
the rest of
the rubbish (sorry,
tricks!) which litter
our magic dens.
How many do we
use? The excuse is
that “they’ll come in
handy,” and they
usually do!
Dave Bamber, from Clayton-le-
Woods, Lancashire, showed me a
brilliant idea with one of those
large rolled-up magic wands. He
shows an ordinary cloth bag, and
sticking out at the top are about a
dozen of the small give-away
magic wands. Dave tells the
children that the one who picks
the longest wand will win a super
prize. They each choose one and
of course pull out a little wand.
Dave then reaches inside the bag
and brings out the large extended
wand and, of course, wins the
prize. The children are allowed to
keep their little wand, so all ends
happily ever after.
It’s all self-explanatory. The
number of wands depend on how
many children are at the party. A
rubber band at the top where the
wands stick out will keep the
wands in place until you need
them. You hold the rolled up
expanding wand at the bottom of
the bag. Using two hands makes
26 KEYRING JANUARY 2019
this easy, with plenty of
cover. Can you think of
any better idea of using
the miniature wands? Can
you share your thoughts
on using the small wand
in a novel way? Do let
me know.
David Willett’s idea with
the numbers also
reminded me of a packet of
folders with pouches inside
measuring 4”x 6” which I bought
at one of the £1 stores, I forget
which one. Each pouch has a
magnetic back so the idea is to
place a photo in the pouch and
then have it on your fridge. They
will also take a small jumbo sized
card, message, photo etc. which
you want to use as a prediction.
Imagine your host’s surprise when
she looks on her fridge door to
find your prediction! Whether the
magnetic back could be used in
other ways I’m not sure. Any ideas?
It’s rather thick to stick on a card.
As there are so many
restrictions about using fire these
days (special insurance etc.) and
very sensitive smoke detectors or
alarms, the burnt and restored
banknote has become in some
places a non-starter. When you
think about it, burning the note is
only a way of destroying it so
there are plenty of alternatives
besides using fire. What about the
humble paper-shredder. There are
some small, neat looking models
available now, and there’s less
mess to worry about, too. How
about this, says our worthy Editor,
Geoff Newton. Borrow a banknote
and have it signed or the number
taken. Switch it using the flapless
envelope principle. There’s a good
example of this in Beyond the Salt
in the October 2015 Key Ring.
(You do keep them for reference
don’t you?) Your assistant can
take the remaining stack of
envelopes off to re-arrange the
recovery of the note according to
your revelation requirements.
Alternatively, the routine can
follow the lines of the Terry
Seabrooke B & R Banknote,
with each successive envelope
being put through the shredder.
This gives the effect humour
without the mess of burning. As
a finale, all the shredded paper
could be put into a clear polythene
bag and given to the owner to
have recycled, instead of taking
the ashes to the bank in the
original routine.
Thanks to Ian Adair, Lynn
Thomas, Harry Horne Alan
Penman, Colin Spencer and Glyn
Davis for their contributions which
you’ll enjoy in future months.
Please send any tips you may
have to brianberry@tiscali.co.uk
or ring 01772 421816.
by Brian BERRY the Preston Prestidigitator

JANUARY 2019 KEYRING 27

 BROKEN WAND
Paul FREEMAN
24 November 1926 - 21 October 2018
Paul Freeman,
magician, and in
recent years better
known as a magical
history lecturer,
passed away on
21 October 2018.
He was on a
cruise in the
Mediterranean
when he was taken
ill and airlifted to a
Spanish hospital
where he sadly
died. He would
have been 92 in November. He was not at
the present time a member of The British
Ring, but was well known at Ring
conventions and a regular lecturer in the
History of Mystery sessions.
Paul was born in Gillingham, Kent in
1926 and like many magicians of his
generation first became interested in magic
after being given an ‘Ernest Sewell No.2’
Magic set. He was also an avid visitor to
local variety theatres especially if there
was a magician on the bill. He memorably
recalled these early visits to the ‘music
hall’, especially the Chatham Empire, in
one of his lectures ‘Twice Nightly’.
Called up in 1944 and served in Europe
and the Middle and Far East. This enabled
him to see magicians worldwide as well
as allowing him to entertain at camp
concerts. Demobbed in 1948, but
continued to live and work abroad,
including Iran, from where he had to make
28 KEYRING JANUARY 2019
a hasty exit in 1979 at the time of the
Iranian revolution when the Shah was
deposed. Paul had trained in secretarial
work and provided secretarial support for
the senior management of a number of
top firms and corporations. He once pithily
described his various roles as ‘exec sec to
the exec sec’.
His final position was with Scarborough
Council and I first met him on my return to
the area on retirement. We were both in
the Scarborough magic club, sadly now
defunct, and developed a friendship
through our joint love of the history of
magic. Paul, who always dressed well,
performed an act that could be described
as ‘general magic’ which was very useful
for society type functions. As he became
older he ceased performing and
concentrated on magic history lectures.
We met regularly for coffee, always
elegantly served, at his Scarborough
apartment and planned our respective
lectures and tried them out on each other.
He lectured to great acclaim for The Magic
Circle, the I.B.M. and a number of
European magic conventions. In 2008 he
was awarded AIMC (Associate of the Inner
Magic Circle), an honour of which he was
particularly proud.
Paul remained a very sprightly 90+
year old and were it not so he would not
have planned his Mediterranean cruise. I
am delighted to remember that he and I
appeared on the same ‘bill’ together at the
History of Mystery session at the British
Ring Convention in Southport in
September and that, what would prove to
be his final lecture, went so well.
Roy FIELD
CONVENTION CORNER
We are looking forward to the Convention in Eastbourne and seeing all of you who have already
registered. If you have yet to send in your form remember the current mid-rate prices are in
effect until 30 April. You can contact the Registration Officer at ibmbritishring25reg@gmail.com
for a registration form or further information
Happy New Year from the Convention Team!
The competitions at Southport were a huge success,
congratulations again to our worthy winners. Also a
fantastic well done to all the competitors for taking
part, the Convention Team received lots of positive
feedback on the high standard of entrants and how
enjoyable each competition was to watch.
Could 2019 be your year to win? The deadline for
applications for both the Close-Up and Stage
Competitions is 31 July 2019.
Here is a reminder of the awards and trophies:
Stage Competition
1st prize of the British Ring Trophy plus £500
2nd prize of the Theo Speaker Cup plus £250
3rd prize of the Alastair Wand plus £100
Plus do you have an act you believe can win
The British Ring Shield for achieving outstanding
magical excellence, the Dittia Shield for
manipulation, the Tom Harris Cup for comedy or the
Conventioneers Trophy for the greatest originality
shown in effect, method or presentation? These
awards have a reputation for excellence as they will
only be awarded if the judges all agree they have
Award winners in the 2018 competitions
Megan Fraser Stokes
been earned! If a contestant is awarded the British
Ring Shield they will also be invited to perform their
winning act as part of West End Magic at Leicester
Square Theatre in London.
Contact our competition organiser Oliver Tabor now
for further details at otmagicfx@hotmail.com
Close up Competition
1st prize of the Zina Bennett Trophy plus £500
2nd prize of £250
3rd prize of £100
The ‘Rovi’ Trophy may also be awarded for the
most entertaining and skilful act using cards. For
further details on how to enter please contact
Bill Simpson at w.e.simpson@btinternet.com
Although details of acts are not currently available
for release at the time of writing (November 2018)
like and follow us on the British Ring No.25
Facebook page, @IBM.Britishring25, to receive
notifications of updates as they are posted. You can
also keep updated via our website at
http://britishring.org.uk/convention-countdown/
Elliot Bibby Darren Wray
Neil Roberts Michael Neto
JANUARY 2019 KEYRING 29