Newsletters

Extract from the January 2011 newsletter

Editorial
December is a truly magical time, but for me January has been just as thrilling. Especially as I became engaged to Karen on the 5^th January! All members will be receiving invites for the wedding in Addlestone, Surrey on Friday 17^th June this year. The event also happens to be my 50^th birthday too.

Another thrilling event I enjoyed was when I took Karen, and two young nieces (3 and 9 years old) to the Panto at Redhill. The girls are mad about magic, so when I arranged with Paul Daniels and Debbie McGee to come and see us for a chat after the show, their excitement was barely containable. I have to say that it was a joy to see Paul, Debbie, and everyone else’s performances

December Meeting
Our social and informal meeting was cheery and fun, with some splendid seasonal sorcery. After a good natter about Ant & Dec, the Armstrong & Miller show and other reproduced tv sketches, our Club President Lenny talked with the tree, and let us in on some of Santa's sting effects.

We even had an appearance by Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, and as Lyndon was unfortunately and reluctantly absent we decided to send a picture of Rudy to him in the hope of spreading some cheer!

Phil presented an entertaining Xmas gift prediction and David raffled 4 "unwanted Xmas pressies"
The coffee break included Baileys or Whisky in your cuppa with cream, magic wand biscuits and of course mince pies.

This Month
President’s Command Performance
It's everyone's chance to show how magical their lives are with a demonstration of their favourite effect or routine. It's bound to be a great evening of magic and fun and I suspect it will be a better show than one I saw on tv last week! Don't forget, the audience is on your side...

Next Month
So have you found some props in the attic that baffle you? Or are you having trouble with a routine for an effect you'd love to perform, but can't seem to get to grips with?

We all find ourselves in that place from time to time, so bring along those bits of equipment, and someone is bound to come up with a great idea!

Extract from the February 2011 newsletter

Editorial
January presented itself as an unexpected learning curve for me and I found my personal deck of life well shuffled. We all have times when we are reminded not to take anything for granted, and rather fittingly with the new year I discovered changes and made a few vows!

January Meeting
2011 was well and truly kicked off with some great magic as several members participated in the Annual President's Command Performance. Lenny D officially opened the proceedings and welcome everyone present. Then he gave a present... a magician's case which has been donated to a 9 year old magic fanatic! Afterwards Lenny thanked all the performers for yet another series of impressive and entertaining efforts by members

This Month
Problems Night: We all have a few props that give us a bit of a headache - we can't think of a suitable routine or patter, or we simply don't know how they work! It's your chance to challenge the know how of your co-members as you seek their advice. Don't forget to bring the props!!

Next Month
Guest Lecturer – PAUL GORDON
This gentleman's name has become synominous with the world of cards and lectures, and has appeared at most of the top conventions

Extract from the March 2011 newsletter

Editorial
Considering our Problems Night was held on Valentines Night, we had a larger turnout that I personally expected. I hope that those of you who attended didn't return home to romantic problems!

February Meeting
A lot of teamwork and co-operation was to be seen with our 'Problems night'. Props were brought in for explanation, and advice for routines was sought.

I had the privilege of presenting the first problem, a traffic light prop, and many ideas were put forward by Michael, and most of the attendees.

Dennis came along with a poser about rubber bands, and Michael once again came to the rescue when Alex gave what seemed to be a mentalist's slate for consideration.

This Month
Guest Lecturer – PAUL GORDON
Paul tells me this lecture is suitable for non-cardmen too as it's fun, and all doable stuff, with good tips for ANY performer. He has requested that you DON'T bring your own cards to this lecture! You can, however, bring a guest magician to this event, although a fee of £5 per guest will apply.

The annual subs for the period of April 2011 to March 2012 are due at the end of this month's meeting.

Next Month
It's time for some voting! The Annual General Meeting will give members the opportunity to decide who will represent the club on the committee and, of course, the key positions.

There will also be a chance to sell or exchange any of those magicial props, books, DVDs etc that have been sitting on that shelf without use!

Extract from the April 2011 newsletter

Editorial
It was very uplifting to see such a good turn-out for the March meeting, and it was equally pleasant to see some of our members bravely trying out the specialty tea and coffee at half time!

March Meeting
Club members were fortunate in a special treat when Paul Gordon came to lecture. Paul seemed to grasp the friendly and informal nature of our club and everybody seemed to be at ease as he deftly ran through a series of card routines, effects and methods.

Gathered up close around the table we were given demonstrations of various moves, as well as a few of Paul's own effects including Jeepers Creepers. Speaking of which, Phillip Sweeting has created an excellent review of the effect

This Month
DESERT ISLAND TRICKS: Three members will be asked by host 'which magical items would you take with you to a desert island?'. Who will those members be? And what will they show and tell? Come along to find out!

Next Month
Annual General Meeting & Sale/Exchange Evening. It's time to come and vote and elect your committee members, raise any questions or issues (although they are always welcome) or pay your annual subscription if you haven't already done so.

Afterwards, there will be the opportunity to sell or exchange any magical props you may want to pass on. I'll be clearing my loft!!

Extract from the May 2011 newsletter

Editorial
Looking over the last year for FAME, it's pleasant to remember just how friendly and co-operative our members are within our club, and how much I (and hopefully you) anticipate the coming year of magical activities.

April Meeting
Two of our members were invited by host to imagine they were cast ashore on a desert island, and to tell us about the magical tricks they would hope to have with them.
I'm sure everyone would agree that David put a lot of effort and thought into the evening, even going to the lengths of providing the scenic backdrop, lights and props!

This Month
Its time to vote for your committee, whether you wish to retain the incumbents or elect someone new to the council, come along to the meeting to make your choice.

Before the actual meeting, you are also invited to nominate a member to the committee by sending your suggestion by email. The agenda is as follows:

1. Welcome and apologies
2. Minutes of the last AGM and matters arising
3. Treasurer's Report & Approval of accounts
4. Secretary's Report on Year
5. Elections
6. Any Other Business

After the elections, there will be the opportunity to sell or exchange any magical props you may want to pass on. I've cleared my loft! A committee meeting is also scheduled for 30th May, so if you have any items to put forward for consideration, please talk to a committee member (after the vote!).

Extract from the June 2010 newsletter

Editorial
This is my last newsletter. Future newsletters will come from Mark 'Fez' Harrison.

AGM - May Meeting
The details of the this year's AGM are published in the June 2010 newsletter
AGM Agenda:

1. Welcome and apologies
2. Membership and attendance
3. Finance statement & balance sheet
4. Election of Officers and Committee
5. Communications
6. Any Other Business

Subscriptions
The subscription for this year is still only £26. There are still some outstanding. Cash or cheque at the next meeting or sent by post.

Web Contact
Our new look web site is here and is actively being developed. See above for the new URL.

Extract from the July 2010 newsletter

Editorial
Hello from your new editor, and I’m sure you will all join me in extending a great deal of thanks to Mike for his excellent and fabulous work with "Famulus" for the last 12 years. Kindest regards – Mark Fez Harrison

June Meeting
"You've got to trick a pocket or two"…
A selection of our members performed tricks from the pocket – it was a great delight to see so many members coming up with some well thought out routines and effects… some of you have been doing your homework!! Mike also spoke about the trophies.

FAME Committee Meeting
Mike was very kind enough to host a historical FAME committee meeting at his home on the 21stof June.

Within his report, the treasurer informed us that six membership subscriptions were still outstanding.

A DVD library is going to be compiled, and to start us off we invite our members to donate any magical dvd’s to the library.

"Posh coffee" – I donate and supply coffee to a local Special Needs group, and as an experiment I plan to bring my coffee machine along to the next meeting.

The forthcoming programme of events was discussed and arranged as follows:

• August - Informal social
• September - Jales Brown lecture
• October - Teach-a-Trick night
• November - Most Entertaining Short Act (6-8mins)
• December - Christmas Magic & social
• January - President’s Command Performance
• February - Problems Night
• March - Paul Gordon Lecture

New Features for the Newsletter
Mike is going to be a tough act to follow, so I plan to be very active in encouraging our members to contribute ideas or material to this newsletter. On page 2 of this newsletter, I'm going include snippets of magical news from around the globe, and a series called "My Magic Megastars" – a little bio/blog of great magicians of today and then. So anything you’d like to send in is always welcome!

Extract from the August 2010 newsletter

Editorial
Once again time has flow past – just like the Red Arrows did at the Farnborough Airshow (see my report). Although we have no official club meeting this month there is still a lot happening in Farnborough magic – as you will see!

July Meeting
Attending members were treated to the second part of an informal but excellent lecture session from Steve Kinnear. Gathered in a circle, a lot of input was also given about ther various techniques used in card manipulation and magic.

August Meeting
Although there isn’t a formal meeting this month, David O'Connor is very graciously hosting a barbeque at his home. David says "This will take place on Monday the 16th August which is the THIRD Monday of the month." Our host continues "This is due to nearly all those present at the last meeting being able to make this date and nobody being able to make the previous Monday.

All food will be provided. Bring your own beer/wine if you want. The event will start from 7.30pm

Next Month
James Brown Lecture
It is said of James Brown that his misdirection is precisely timed and his techniques are practised into perfection.

The winner of the Magic Circle's Close-up magician of the year (2006) is appearing at FAME for a lecture, thanks to the efforts of Lyndon Webb who has amazingly secured the services of this amazing lecturer.

Monday 13th September is going to be a red letter day in our diary this year!

Extract from the September 2010 newsletter

Editorial
A fellow magician and member of another magical society asked me the difference between a club like FAME and the Society to which we both belong. I reflected very happily about just how friendly we are all to each other, and how the relative contrast of formality in a Society and the very pleasant atmosphere of the FAME meetings bring such pleasure and experience.

August Meeting
A flaming good (yet calm) evening was hosted by David O'Connor at his home on the 16th August with BBQ and drinks provided by both himself and guests.

For the most part, magic was put aside as a topic of discussion, though at some point we all managed to stray onto the subject for a brief time.

This Month
James Brown Lecture
Monday 13th September is a meeting not to miss!

We will be visited by a lecturer who has performed at St James' Palace, the BBC, for the Bank of England, and other big corporate names such as the AA, BP, Audi, Honda and even Southampton and Bournemouth football teams. (I wonder if he forced a red card on them?)

Yes, it's a month many of us have eagerly anticipated as we will be enjoying the talents of "Professional Opportunist" James Brown - pickpocket, hypnotist and magician.

Next Month
Teach-a-Trick: This will be 1-to-1 training by several performers, culminating in a performance of the new tricks. David O'Connor says "the group will be split into pairs or at the most three's. The idea being that one half of the group will teach the other half a trick which they will practise in the first half of the night. After tea it is hoped that (if and only if they wish to) the students will then perform the trick to the rest of the club.

"Please have a little think over the rest of this week about a couple of tricks which you have always wanted to be able to do. Then let me know at the upcoming meeting and I will try to find someone who can teach one of them to you at the October meeting"

Extract from the October 2010 newsletter

Editorial
One of the great pleasures about a club like ours is to see the development of magicians as they evolve. So it was with pure delight that I discovered that our member Jason Bartlett has performed his first professional show! During our chat Jason told me that the FAME video session was very much to thank for boosting his confidence and helped him learn to bridge a routine.

His first paid show was for eight year olds and adults, presenting traditional effects such as linking ropes, the ABC Stung, and Ali Bongo's pom pom. You can find Jason on www.bombasticmagic.co.uk

September Meeting
James Brown's smart casual attire mirrored his presentation in it's informal yet intelligent approach, and he even categorised our art as an equation: Trick + WOW! = Magic.

Our lecturer also compared magic with jazz music – one should know the content but be prepared to 'jam' and keep the rhythm and flow.
He also gave great advice about confidence when performing – avoid rigidity in misdirection, and simply don't be scared! Believe in the magic yourself, and you are well on the way to a great presentation.

It was quite clear that James – having been a trained nurse - is well versed in physiology, but also in General Semantics and he agreed with the concept raised that "the map is not the territory" and dealt with some examples of mistakes and responses.

This Month
David O'Connor is hosting the theme for this month and has invited you to let him know what trick, or sort of trick (card,mentalism,childrens) that you would wish to be taught. Time is running out to let him know, as he says "...Otherwise you will have to take pot luck on the night. Please have a little think over the rest of this week about a couple of tricks which you have always wanted to be able to do."

Next Month
Weller Trophy Competition
As a club we are not atrophied for variety in meetings, but in November you can be trophied instead. The Weller Trophy will be won by the "Most Entertaining Short Act". Your act should last between 6 to 8 minutes and if you require a P.A. for either microphone, or music played please let me (Mark) know. I have a large library of music so you can also ask if you need a particular track

DVD Library
We are still looking for donations of magical demonstration DVDs for our own club library. Please feel free to bring the recordings along to our next meeting!

Committee Meeting
A committee meeting is planned for 1st November, so if you have any items or issues you would like to be raised, please have a word with one of those on the panel, or send an email to me which I will pass on.

Extract from the November 2010 newsletter

Editorial
October left me open-mouthed as once again I was reminded of the multi talented skills of our members at David's workshop – see more below.

October Meeting
Teach a Trick Night
A very successful evening thanks to host David O'Connor and our "teachers" for the evening. Coralie was shown some impressive sponge ball manipulation by our host, whilst Phil and Dennis were introduced to the "Anniversary waltz" by Steve Kinnear

Meanwhile, Mikki gave a prospective new member, Kaz a lesson in cut and restored ropes. As always, Lyndon was "out of this world" with his own version of the mentalist/card effect, whilst Neil Edwards had it all sewn up when he treated us to his Thread technique.

Mike Simpson very deftly taught us some versions of the Jardin Ellis Ring, Coins through the table, and also the classic "Three walnuts and a pea" game.

This Month
It's time for the "F Factor" as our members are invited to compete for the Weller Trophy for "Most Entertaining Close up Act". Your performance should last between 6 to 8 minutes The acts will be voted on by members present, and each member will have 3 votes – 1^st choice worth 3 points, 2^nd choice worth 2 points, 3^rd choice worth 1 point. In the event of a draw the winner will be deemed to be the competitor with the most "1^st votes".

Next Month
It's that magical time of year (OK so it's magical all year for FAME) so we plan to enjoy some Xmas magic from our members, but on a social and informal basis.

Extract from the December 2010 newsletter

Editorial
Decks, spongeballs and lets be merry! The magic coffee machine will be at the Xmas social gathering, and shopping time permitted, I hope to offer Irish coffees! Kindest regards – Mark Fez Harrison

November Meeting
Weller Trophy Competition
Michael Simpson opened proceedings for the evening, but Andy was first on in the competition with an excellent sponge balls and gozinta routine. Steve's performance was a triumph in both effect and presentation with also a card in the mouth, and card in the box segue. David was 'knot' bad at all with a funny (as expected) cut & restore routine, and the knot theme was continued into a silk set. As I am usually performing as a professional, I thought it would be a change to be a complete cowboy… whilst Mikki showed us that the hand really is quicker than the eye and also gave us a hilarious "cut no scissors" and rope display. Neil demonstrated how canny he is with cards, and a knife on card, nifely done! Last, but definitely not least, was Phil Sweeting with a novel time travel theme using dice and cards including "on the mark" and "card & valet" He was a worthy winner, and I’m sure all fellow contestants and members extend their congratulations!

This Month
Xmas Magic & Social
Time for some Xmagical fayre and fun as we have an informal gathering . But bring some xmas magic along!

Next Month
President's Command Performance
So how have you all been progressing with your magic over the last year? For established members, it's a chance to see how your skills are improving, and our newest friends will get an opportunity to show how much they already know, or want to learn!

It's OK if you are a complete amateur or beginner, or even a children's entertainer (hee hee) like me! A music system can be laid on if you need musical backing and I’m sure our President will be impressed by your contribution to the show!