Order of The Magi
The Joe Abrahams Stage Competition Trophy
The late and much respected Past President Joe Abrahams
Thanks to all of you who were able to attend last night’s Magic Auction. Whether you were buyers, sellers or runners your participation was greatly appreciated. We received a good figure from the sale of Joe Abraham’s estate which will enable us to purchase a new trophy for the stage competition – “The Joe Abrahams Trophy” to be held later this year. Will you be the first to receive it? You’ve got to be in to win.
Joe was a very active member of the society, Treasurer and Past President, and it seems only fitting that the funds raised from the sale of his magical estate, kindly donated by his family, are used to purchase a new trophy, to remember him by.
We hope to see you all at Geoff Newton’s ‘Key Ring’ lecture on Tuesday 23rd May.
Finally if you are a society member and have not yet let Mike have your mobile number please do so in order that we can send text alerts to announce meetings, new etc.
John Archer Lecture – Manchester, April 2017
The Helen Moran Memorial Lecture this year took place on 25th April and was presented by John Archer. There was a good turn- out of members and visitors and included Peter Moran.
Helen Moran was a much respected honorary member of The Order of The Magi, who worked very hard behind the scenes. When Helen sadly passed away, she kindly left a bequest to provide the first magic lecture of the Society’s year.
I last saw John at South Tyneside a few weeks ago as a performer and it was great to see a lecture where he showed not only how his effects were achieved but how to and where to obtain the laughs. By the use of various methods he illustrated how a magician screws up can be turned into a positive result with hilarious consequences.
He went on to show the envelope routine that fooled Penn and Teller and brought him a trip to Las Vegas. It was indeed clever thinking and one can understand why they were fooled!
His coincidence routine with a very attention grabbing story was simplicity in modus operandi, but needed presentation work to achieve the right angle. Apart from two decks of cards all it needed was some ******** (you should have been there) and you were off.
His dog pet name was a much improved and simplified working of an effect he has demonstrated at a previous lecture and now a lot stronger.
A mind reading routine of a chosen celebrity went down well.
A routine with ESP cards was another hit. All routines were described in great detail with all the pauses and asides clearly shown. Yes, I can understand why this man fooled Penn and Teller!
On your behalf I would like to thank Peter for continuing the sponsorship to keep in our minds all the hard work and massive input Helen Moran put into this society.
Report by Geoff Newton
(Webmaster Note: Parts of this report, which features in full in the members’ only Magi Magazine, have been edited to keep John’s methods secret. For full explanations, we recommend that you speak to John Archer directly, who will be able to advise which of his lecture note packs contain the relevant tricks)
The Order of The Magi Christmas Party 2016
The IBM British Ring President goes to The Order of The Magi Christmas Party
After a gruesome journey of roadworks and long delays on the motorway we arrived at the Irish World Heritage Centre in Manchester. This palatial venue with panoramic views over the city was the ideal location for a party.
As we arrived midst a general knowledge quiz which appeared to be very popular with the 60 or so guests present, we were formally introduced to President Alan Johnston who made us very welcome and was charming throughout the evening. Being in Manchester the meal was Lancashire hotpot which was delicious with good helpings all round. After this British Ring President Clive Moore drew the raffle in a humorous way.
Next, the cabaret, a delightful young couple Jez Mansfield and Emma, his started with a silent magical janitor act featuring the empty box routine which then produced Emma. After this Jez did some nice patter card work in a light hearted manner. The act was rounded off by the singing talents of Emma sat at the piano, with many songs she had written herself.
Next Geoff Newton introduced Bunny Holly and the Cricket Bats, a comedy stint featuring Mark Sharples dressed as a giant Rabbit.
The whole evening was a great success, very friendly and well organised Mike Sharples and Geoff Newton had done an excellent job throughout the whole evening hosting and compèring the event.
Jean Ellison
The Centenary Dinner & Cabaret
The Centenary Dinner & Cabaret – 31th March 2009
Report by Richard Blackie.
One hundred and fifty people attended this special event, and we were treated to a wonderful evening of celebrations with quality food and top class entertainment. Continue reading
The 100th Birthday Party Show
The 100th Birthday Party Show – 11th March 2009
by Geoffrey Newton, Public Relations Officer
An event like this, which of course only happens every one hundred years, has to be something special and it certainly was. “Team-Magi” certainly pulled out all the stops to make this a most memorable occasion. Continue reading
Record Attendance at The Order of The Magi
Record Attendance at The Order of The Magi – 31st December 2008
Christmas Party
Geoffrey Newton
Centenary President
The Christmas Party was held on Tuesday 9th December with a record attendance of 110 members and guests enjoying a most convivial atmosphere. As people entered they were greeted by Barrie Horridge operating the Bunco Booth complete with ‘monopoly’ money which was given for punters to bet with. Continue reading
2008 North West Dealers’ Day Report
2008 North West Dealers’ Day Report – 9th December 2008
A ‘Bird’s Eye View’
Reported by Vivien
An ominously gloomy, chilly November morning and three black-clad women grouped close to the massive dark cauldron, ready to work their sinister magic; references to “The Sisters of Eastwick” were conspiratorially whispered as, outside, leaden grey moist clouds gathered. Continue reading
2007 North West Dealers’ Day Report
2007 North West Dealers’ Day Report – 10th November 2007
A ‘Bird’s Eye View’
Reported by Vivien
Icy gusts of rain-laden winds, sombre skies, an obliviously rapt huddle of apprentices within, intent on a sinister lesson in the creation of evil-looking mouse-eating snakes and I was inexorably drawn into the vile laboratory. Continue reading
Magi Annual Dinner – 23rd March 2007
Magi Annual Dinner – 23rd March 2007
Birds Eye View
The tickets looked normal enough – except for the inscription “Broomsticks at 1.00 a.m.”, but, on arrival at the venue at the Irish World Heritage Centre, numerous white chandeliers, complete with gold-coloured candle flames, were hovering silently, eerily; tables were adorned with centrepieces, each artistically created from a broomstick, small cauldron, black furry spider, winged ball in full flight and Continue reading
St Patrick’s Day Parade Manchester 2007
Manchester’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade – 11th March 2007
reported by Geoffrey Newton PRO
We didn’t have to brave the snow this year as the Sunday morning proved to be a bright and dry day. At 11.00am Mike Sharples arrived at the IWHC with ‘our’ truck and we merrily set about decorating it. Continue reading