We had two very different (but both superb) meetings in April.

The first meeting was a Four Way Workshop with James hosting.

James himself started the ball rolling with a demonstration and explantaion of the Spread Cull and its uses. He went through each move and subtlety in detail and showed what a deceptive move it can be when in the right hands. A great start to the evening. Next on was Carl Howse who showed some lovely card stuff, in particular his use of a double-backer in what will now be known as Carl Howses Trick That Almost Cant Be Explained.

Steve Meredith demonstrated his One Coin Routine, a really first-rate set with minimal props; the very model of every-day carry and packs small. He explained it all, move by move, perfectly. Norn Bichan was our final teacher. He gave us a learned and scholastic treatise on Faro shuffles, their uses, how to replicate them, etc. Fascinating!

The second meeting was our first ever Open Night with the Eoin hosting.

Eoin had set up a brilliantly well organised night with lots of information and entertainment for our prospective new members - not to mention a feast to tuck in to at the interval. Everyone agreed that it was an highly successful event, mainly down to the hard work and organisation of Eoin.

Announcement

It is with great sadness that I report the passing of our Brother in Magic, Ron Gordon. While Ron had not enjoyed the best of health in recent times, it still came as a shock and a blow to us all to hear of his passing.

Ron was our oldest member (92) and our unofficial Dean of Magic. He possessed a huge wealth of knowledge and had the technical chops to show it off. We all have stories about Ron's influence on our magic and tales of the time we spent in his company. For example, the first time that I ever saw dice stacking live and in the flesh was when Ron performed it. I am proud to own an Art Deco inspired guillotine painted by him. Also, I'll never forget him stepping over the wires (ahem!) when he did his Jumbo Rising Card at the Arts Centre. The Arts Center was an apt venue for a true artist. He was an interior decorator by trade, inventing and utilising some truly fabulous paint techniques; his prop making and decorating was the work of a craftsman; he was a multiple World Handwriting Champion; he was a musician - I could go on and on.

Most of all, Ron was a true gentleman, a great friend, a true inspiration, a lovely person and a man completely devoted to his family. We will all miss him more than I can say.

 

Other Announcements

Dave G