Dave G
News - July 2008
News Page - July
June Meetings
The first meeting was held on the 10th June and was called "Productions and Vanishes", hosted by Past President and all-round good egg, Peter Nicol (pictured left). I have to confess that this was, in my opinion, one of the best 'ordinary' meetings that we've had in a long time.
Due to a lack of attendees, Peter agreed to hold a master class and workshop. It was brilliant! Everyone who attended got something out of it, be only a new retention vanish. We were also treated to many of Peter's signature effects, including his famous billiard balls from hanky. We even had a wee bit of time for Peter to ask the great unwashed to demonstrate something. But nothing came close to the excellent stuff that Peter treated us with. Once again Peter, thank you.
Vice President Steve Meredith hosted Card Sleights on the 24th. It was pleasing to see a reasonable turn-out (for the time of year) and we all had a bit of fun. Steve gave us his usual wel thought out insights into card magic in general and sleights in particular. The meeting was well received by the membership and went on until well after our usual finishing time, due to demand!
June also saw the last meeting that Ved will attend for some time. He recently graduated with an Architecture degree and has taken up a post based in Glasgow. Our loss in Scottish Conjurors' gain. Ved officially remains a member of AMS until September and is, of course, welcome back any time.
No change to our numbers though, as we inducted Paul Rae as a member on the 24th. I'm sure that everyone joins me in wishing Paul a warm welcome to the Society and hope that he becomes a fully active member and has a good time too.
July Highlights
July sees a full month of hosting by our Secretary/Treasurer Norn Bichan. On the 8th we are delighted to be welcoming a Close-up superstar all the way from Dallas, Texas, USA, Norman Beck. Norman has been featured at length in the big USA magazines and I stole the following from the site of the famous Monday Night Magic in New York:
Norman Beck has been performing magic for over 25 years in all types of venues from rodeos to after dinner banquets. He is a former police officer and a regular performer at the now famous FFFF convention in New York. His magic always centers on the spectators and not on himself. The main focus is just to make sure that you have fun. He currently works full-time for a promotions company which lets him perform magic all over the US and in parts of Iowa.
So don't miss this lecture; it should be great! Admission Price is £5 for members, £10 for visitors.
On the 22nd we're having a night of Impromptu Magic, again with Norn as host/facilitator. I am aware that this is a contradiction in terms but please come prepared to perform something impromtu. Or should that be don't come prepared at all and don't bring any props but you'll have to do something anyway!? Regardless, if there's anything that you have or would like to share with us, please let Norn know as I'm sure he'll be delighted to be able to include you in his plans.
Announcements
The amended Programme Listing for 2008 has once again been posted onto the website. Please Click here for the full program listing. Steve has printed and laminated a full list (wallet and A4 sized); see Norn if you don't already have a copy.
Please contact Martin with the details of any prospective members for our Junior section (ages 11 to 18), or email by clicking here. Please note that there is now a "Juniors" page on this site, replacing the old "Members" page. Click here to access it.
There is a Society email list available, thanks to the efforts of Mr McGrath. To join the list, simply send an email to: john@magicbyjohn.co.uk or contact John or Dave. If we can get everyone in the Society onto the list it will greatly help in the distribution of information and allow us all to communicate swiftly and securely.
Alan Innes tells me that should you require a copy of Peter Duffie and David Walsh's latest book, "Miraculous Minds" (subtitled Scotland Goes Mental), which contains some items of Alan's work, just let him know and he'll look after you.
If anyone missed out on Scott Wells' lecture notes, Dave has a few copies available so please contact him if you'd like them. Should you need any Banachek goodies, Dave also has a small selection of these left.
Next Month
August is traditionally a fairly quiet time in terms of meetings. However we have organised a couple of meetings which should give everyone an opportunity to show off what they can do. The first meeting is on the 12th with Iain McCarron making his hosting debut by facilitating My Favourite Effect. This involves all members who attend giving a short explanation of why and what is their favourite effect and then performing it (unless of course it's vanishing the Statue of Liberty; perhaps you may wish to perfom something else in that case). Explanations are optional.
The 26th and it is the turn of our Librarian, Martin Aitken, to host the evening. Somewhat fittingly, the meeting is Trick From a Book when, like the previous meeting, everyone who attends should perform an effect taken from a book. Bring the book along, talk a bit about it and then show us how the trick's done. Great fun, good practice and a chance to perform. Marvellous.
Lapsed or Errant Member?
Are you a former member of the Aberdeen Magical Society? Have you lost touch with any current members and want to re-establish ties? Then drop us an e-mail at mail@aberdeenmagic.com or click on contact us.