HISTORY

A History The Sussex Magic Circle was founded on the 15th February 1952 in the beautiful Sussex town of Brighton. The inaugural meeting was held shortly thereafter on the 3rd March 1952. Its first President was Carl Franklyn (other presidents). The first headquarters was at the Glenside Hotel in Brighton in 1954. Four years later, in 1958, the ever growing circle moved to the Kingsway Hotel in Hove followed the next year by moving to the Langfords Hotel; also in Hove. For thirteen years between 1974 and 1987, the home of The Sussex Magic Circle was at St. Michael's Church House in Lewes. It was thought that this quaint building may be the permanent home of the society. However, due to increasing membership, the society moved once more to its current home of Southover Grange. The society now boasting over fifty members both amateur and professional. Southover Grange resides in the splendour of the historic town of Lewes, Sussex. Its stone facade, arched entrance and hallowed corridors create an atmosphere that is simply ideal for the society and its traditions. Due to renovation work being needed on Southover Grange, in 2008 we found a new home at the Hassocks hotel, which being right next to a train station has allowed members without cars much easier access. The Society At Large The object of the society is to promote and excel in The Art of Magic. This it does in a most impressive and dynamic way. The society realises that the future of the Art lies in the hands of our youth. Therefore, it welcomes members, both male and female, between the ages of 14 and 18 in its junior section. The Sussex Magic Circle only admits members into its ranks once they have shown a certain aptitude, which is judged through audition by, The Council. Fortnightly meetings are held including lectures by top international magicians, dealer demonstrations, competitions for all styles of performer, tuition nights and social gatherings. The latter culminates in the annual banquet. Past lecturers include All Bongo, Mark Raffles, Kirk Charles, Joe Givan, Dan Garrett, David Berglas, Doc Eason, Bob King, Michael Ammar, Daryl Martinez and Bob Read. The team of Officers comprise of: President, Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer, and Council Members. This team meets regularly to discuss and decide programming policy and other matters. All matters are brought to the full membership at the Annual General Meeting. There are several annual competitions which are open to all members within the age groupings. These are for "Stage", "Close-Up", "Card Magic", "Mentalism" and "Children's Magic". To win one of these trophies is an accolade indeed and one that has helped many magicians further their Art. Performances at local schools and organisations have proved very popular. If you would like details of our "50/50" shows please contact our Chairman. With these shows, we provide the entertainment and share the profits on a 50/50 basis! Founders Joan Bates, Harry Hemming, Bill Fargie, Wyndham Howard, Carl Franklyn & Wally Shakespeare Past Presidents 1952 - 1955 Carl Franklyn 1955 - 1963 David Berglas 1963 - 1966 Edward Graves 1966 - 1982 Francis Haxton 1982 - 1983 Billy Hall 1983 - 1985 John Young 1985 - 1986 David Clake 1987 - 1990 Stan Reynolds 1990 - 1991 Ron Bishop 1991 - 1994 Arthur Cook 1994 - 1995 Gladys Clake 1995 - 1998 John Southgate 1998 - 2000 Mark Worgan 2000 - 2002 Paul Gordon 2002 - 2003 Mike Pettitt 2003 - 2004 Paul Leacy 2004 - 2007 Andrew Jeffrey 2007 - 2010 Andy Hart 2010 - 2012 Paul Gordon 2012 - 2015 Stuart Harley 2015 - 2018 Gordon Burtenshaw 2018 - 2021 Stuart Harley 2021 - 2024 Des King Headquarters 1954 Glenside Hotel, Brighton, Sussex 1959 Kingsway Hotel, Hove, Sussex 1960 Langfords Hotel, Hove, Sussex 1974 St.Michael's Church House, Lewes Sussex 1987 Southover Grange, Lewes, Sussex 2008 The Hassocks Hotel, Hassocks, Sussex Competition Trophies TROPHY PRESENTED BY Close-up Magic Bill Hall/Stan Reynolds Stage Magic David Berglas/Peter Hyams Card Magic Leslie Clake Children's Magic Jon Tremaine Mentalism Sussex Magic Circle