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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 boasts 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.
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.
Robert-Houdin (1805-1871), France’s legendary founder of popular modern magic, was born in Blois and it is also a magical
coincidence that Lewes is its twinned town! Therefore, every other year the magicians of both towns take turns in hosting
a magical weekend. Both societies take great pride in the opportunity of promoting the Art of Magic on either side of the
channel. The society has been proud to have been heavily involved in helping charity work including Cancer Research,
The British Heart Foundation and Children In Need. These and other charity shows, are one of the societies many facets.
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
Our Logo
The Pentagram represents the magic Lore. The Lock and Inner Circle represent the safeguard
of this Lore by The Sussex Magic Circle
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 - Current | Andy Hart |
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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
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 |
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