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10/10/2024 20:00
Paul Draper Lecture

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Our 70th year of magic
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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 - 1955Carl Franklyn
1955 - 1963David Berglas
1963 - 1966Edward Graves
1966 - 1982Francis Haxton
1982 - 1983Billy Hall
1983 - 1985John Young
1985 - 1986David Clake
1987 - 1990Stan Reynolds
1990 - 1991Ron Bishop
1991 - 1994Arthur Cook
1994 - 1995Gladys Clake
1995 - 1998John Southgate
1998 - 2000Mark Worgan
2000 - 2002Paul Gordon
2002 - 2003Mike Pettitt
2003 - 2004Paul Leacy
2004 - 2007Andrew Jeffrey
2007 - 2010Andy Hart
2010 - 2012Paul Gordon
2012 - 2015Stuart Harley
2015 - 2018Gordon Burtenshaw
2018 - 2021Stuart Harley
2021 - 2024Des 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
© THE SUSSEX MAGIC CIRCLE 2024