The Modern Mystic League
JAN 2025
Blackburn & District Society of Magicians
The MML kicked off 2025 in style, albeit a week later than planned owing to the snow, with our AGM in the warm and comfortable surroundings of Kingsway Court.
Chairman Roger opened the meeting with a reminder of those who had sadly left us during the past year, and members stood in silence as a mark of respect.
Secretary Paul reviewed the past year in his report, and Treasurer Allan assured us that our finances are in a heathy state. Reports then followed from the MeMeL, Events, Communications and Welfare Officers.
The hotly contested Les Brooks Award went to Carl Pearson for his on-going series, and Allan Clarke picked up the President’s Hecate Trophy for his services far beyond the call of duty.
The committee was re-elected en bloc, with Paul retaining the Presidential chain for a second year in office and Brian Lead becoming President Elect.
The calendar for the next twelve months was ratified, and will appear at the front of our magazine going forward. As usual, many members vied for the privilege of organising refreshments, and those who were successful were placed on the monthly rota.
All committee members were thanked from the floor for their outstanding service as part of a very strong team.
Chairman Roger opened the meeting with a reminder of those who had sadly left us during the past year, and members stood in silence as a mark of respect.
Secretary Paul reviewed the past year in his report, and Treasurer Allan assured us that our finances are in a heathy state. Reports then followed from the MeMeL, Events, Communications and Welfare Officers.
The hotly contested Les Brooks Award went to Carl Pearson for his on-going series, and Allan Clarke picked up the President’s Hecate Trophy for his services far beyond the call of duty.
The committee was re-elected en bloc, with Paul retaining the Presidential chain for a second year in office and Brian Lead becoming President Elect.
The calendar for the next twelve months was ratified, and will appear at the front of our magazine going forward. As usual, many members vied for the privilege of organising refreshments, and those who were successful were placed on the monthly rota.
All committee members were thanked from the floor for their outstanding service as part of a very strong team.
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
As our raison d’etre is magic, the rest of the afternoon was taken up with tricks.
Carl opened up with ‘Trilogy Extreme’, which took to new lengths the notion of extra-thin cards in the style of the Phil pack.
Roger said “Copy That!”, referring to the card effect of that name from Cameron Francis, while Donald tried to fry our brains again with a reprise of his routine involving seven magicians becoming accommodated in just six rooms. He generously provided clear explanatory notes for everyone, illustrated in his own distinctive style. It was pure Donald . . . and way above Average.
Paul had three items, beginning with the fascinating optical illusion of ‘Wonder Wire’ from Discount Magic. He also demonstrated a sweet-producing wand and ‘Pure Inspiration’ – a routine by Billy Reid based upon patter derived from Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
Highlight of the afternoon, however, must have been Allan’s mind-blowing mathematical presentation of 2025 as a very rare ‘Square Year’, with all of its implications. Full details will appear in our February MeMeL.
So . . . the year started as we intend it to continue, with a wide variety of magic and good-natured camaraderie.
Brian Lead
Carl opened up with ‘Trilogy Extreme’, which took to new lengths the notion of extra-thin cards in the style of the Phil pack.
Roger said “Copy That!”, referring to the card effect of that name from Cameron Francis, while Donald tried to fry our brains again with a reprise of his routine involving seven magicians becoming accommodated in just six rooms. He generously provided clear explanatory notes for everyone, illustrated in his own distinctive style. It was pure Donald . . . and way above Average.
Paul had three items, beginning with the fascinating optical illusion of ‘Wonder Wire’ from Discount Magic. He also demonstrated a sweet-producing wand and ‘Pure Inspiration’ – a routine by Billy Reid based upon patter derived from Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
Highlight of the afternoon, however, must have been Allan’s mind-blowing mathematical presentation of 2025 as a very rare ‘Square Year’, with all of its implications. Full details will appear in our February MeMeL.
So . . . the year started as we intend it to continue, with a wide variety of magic and good-natured camaraderie.
Brian Lead
