KEY RING JANUARY 2021.

qxp_Layout 1 15/12/2020 13:52 Page 1

KEY JANUARY 2021

THE MAGIC
COPPER COINS
OF TIME
QUIRKY QUIZ
RAY’S REASONING
ROY REMEMBERED

[Link]
KEY RING JANUARY 2021.qxp_Layout 1 15/12/2020 13:52 Page 2
JANUARY 2021

RiNG officers
KEY

25

President: Alan MASKELL COUNCIL

40 Lanton Drive, Glasgow G52 2EW Richard CADELL
T. 07999 537686 E. richardcadell@[Link]
E. [Link]@[Link] Clive MOORE
President Elect: Oliver TABOR T. 01332 763 206
Sutton Hall, Shopland Road, Rochford, Essex SS4 1LH M. 07711139479
T. 01702 543242 Email: otmagicfx@[Link]
E. clivejeanmagic@[Link]
Vice Presidents: Edwin DAWES, Neville JOHNSON,
Carol TYNAN
Immediate Past President: Brian LEAD
T. 01704 533 768
55 Saunders Road, Blackburn, Lancs, BB2 6NP
E. ibmbritishring25reg@[Link]
T. 01254 52070 E. [Link]@[Link]
Graham COLVAN
Executive Secretary: Moira FLETCHER
T. 0780 937 3746
40 Lanton Drive, Glasgow G52 2EW
E. [Link]@[Link]
T. 07771 613894 E. [Link]@[Link]
James HOBART
Assistant Secretary: Ajay VORA
T. 028 9185 2760
27 St Barnabas Road, Barnetby, N Lincs DN32 6 JB
E. [Link]@[Link]
T. 07771752000 E. vora110@[Link]
John RUSSELL
Treasurer: Rick TYNAN
Communications Manager
12 Kempton Park Fold, Southport, Merseyside PR8 5PL
T. 0191 416 4152
T. 01704 533768 E. ibmbritishring25treasurer@[Link]
E. john@[Link]
Hon. Solicitor: Clive CULLUM
Oliver TABOR
48 South Grange Road, Ripon, North Yorkshire, HG4 2PA.
T. 01702 543242
T. 01765 600145. E. [Link]@[Link]
E. otmagicfx@[Link]
Chaplain & Welfare Officer: Alan CLARKE
Aidan HERITAGE
Bear’s Den, 22 Blackcliffe Way, Bearpark, Co. Durham DH7 7TJ
T. 07903 931967
T. 0191 659 9114 E. alanbearsden@[Link]
E. aidanheritage@[Link]
Webmaster: Aidan HERITAGE
Robert MOSS
T. 07903 931967 E. aidanheritage@[Link]
T. 01246 260276
Key Ring Editor and Advertising Manager: Geoffrey NEWTON
E. [Link]@[Link]
The Quills, 146 Ashton Lane, Ashton Upon Mersey, Sale M33 5EZ.
T. 0161 969 8222. E. geoffreynewton@[Link]
Child Protection Representative: Rena FINDLAY
T.07798 524662 renafindlay@[Link]

Benevolent Fund Trustees: The British Ring IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Eddie DAWES, John PYE, is proud to be a Moira FLETCHER Membership applications,
Alan J CLARKE and Keith COOPER. member of FISM changes of address and general British Ring
correspondence.
Rick TYNAN Annual subscriptions, benevolent
Past Presidents *Donald Crombie. *Tony Shelley. *John Palfreyman.
*J. Milton *Will Ayling. Mike Gancia. fund donations and all financial enquiries.
*Oswald Rae. Woodward. *Hamilton Kaye. *Cynthia Neptune. Aidan HERITAGE Website contributions.
*Herbert Collings. *Paul Graham. Brian Miller. Don Beattie. Alan J CLARKE News of members recovering,
*John Ramsay. *Tommy Rowe. *Rovi. Mark Raffles.
*His Honour Ernest *Revd. Michael *Peter Scarlett. John Styles MBE.
ill, or deceased.
Wethered OBE. Seacome. *Clem Bailey. *Derek McFaull. Geoffrey NEWTON Public relations, news,
*W. G. Stickland MBE. *Geoffrey *Robert Sinclair. Trevor Lewis. advertising enquiries, copy, payments,
*Harry Kaye. Buckingham. *Ron MacMillan. Shirley Ray. Key Ring articles/letters, Broken Wands,
*John Gambling. *Harold Taylor. *Ken De Courcy. Keith Cooper.
*Oscar Paulson. *Ron Bishop. *Alan Shaxon. Brian Miller. and requests to switch over to
*Geoffrey *Alastair Oliphant. Geoff Ray. John ‘Sly’ Smith the e. key ring etc.
Robinson OBE. Dr. Eddie Dawes. Terry Herbert. Neil Roberts Contact details shown above
*Eddie Dexter. *Alfred Gabriel. *Les Nottle. Alan Astra
*Jeffery Atkins. *Ted Whebell. *Tom Owen. Paul Ray
*Les Levante. *Duncan Fletcher. John Pye. Clive Moore
*Archie Tear. David Berglas. *Bob Hayden. Richard Cadell
*Wilfred Tyler. *Edwin Hooper. Derek Lever. Brian Lead THE DIGITAL KEY RING
*Francis Haxton. *Ali Bongo. *Richard Stupple. Direct links to websites, videos and other articles.
*Peter Warlock. *Cliff Townsend. *Louis Martelle. * DECEASED Help save the environment by going paperless
KEY RING JANUARY 2021.qxp_Layout 1 15/12/2020 13:52 Page 3

RiNG contents
KEY

25
JANUARY 2021
The Official Magazine of The British Ring No. 25 of
The International Brotherhood of Magicians for private circulation

PAGE 6 Features
5 Wizard in the Woods: volumes of advice
6 Master Magicians: Dante in another fine mess
8 Collaborative Conjuring: the Shifty magician
10 The Magic of Time: round the clock magic
13 The Old Copper Coins Reveal: trick pennies
14 Bus Ride to Hollywood: John Derris remembers an old friend
PAGE 14 16 Brian’s Bulletin: Was Carl a Killer?
18 Clarkson's Top Gear of Magic: the debate goes on
20 Rehearsal, Practice or Neither: confusion, confusion
24 Ideas time: recycling magic props
26 A Bit Moore Magic: Clive meets Dr Magic
27 Happy New Year from Australia!: Sue-Anne beats COVID
28 Your Say: you write
29 Broken Wand: Molly Patricia Rushworth
PAGE 27
OBC Puzzle Corner: 10 to get you thinking and no cheating
OBC Cullum’s Comments : breathing fire
Tricks
22 Kids’ Corner: Rabbit in a Hat Surprise
Regulars
2 The Editor’s View
3 President’s View
PAGE 29 4 From the Executive Secretary

Cover:
Lyle poster courtesy of
Mike Caveney’s Egyptian Hall
Museum.

THE EDITOR and council accept no responsibility for the opinions expressed in articles appearing in the KEY RING. Its contents are copyright and
must not be reproduced in part or whole without permission of the author/contributor and editor.
KEY RING REVIEWS POLICY: As the KEY RING is a members only magazine, and space is limited, only items that have been advertised in KEY RING
(excluding Smalls) or the current convention brochure will be reviewed. Reviews must be submitted from a satisfied customer, or send the item to the editor
with a stamped SAE for its return.
KEY RING CONTRIBUTIONS POLICY: When sending to the editor enquiries or items for publication on flashdrives etc. and/or props that you
wish to be returned please enclose a stamped SAE. Also, please try to email the editor your effect, article etc. for publication. This should not prevent
members without computers from getting involved, but do enclose a stamped SAE for the return of ANYTHING that you would like back.
IBM FACEBOOK PAGE: [Link] BRITISH RING TWITTER PAGE: [Link]
 THE EDITOR’S VIEW
KEY RING JANUARY 2021.qxp_Layout 1 15/12/2020 13:52 Page 4

A Happy New Year to one and all and I

hope it will be a better year for
everyone. I am pleased to report that in
of up to nine different light patterns.
Items that are capable of doing more
things seem to be getting smaller each
Key Ring, 2021 sees the welcome year. Here you cite an example of
return of some correspondents not modern mini technology as follows.
heard from for a while. John Derris Assuming you are right handed,
talks about that prolific performer and commence this effect with your left fist
writer Roy Walton, Ray Roberts casts closed and with the thumb uppermost.
his views on a subject to seriously think Take a small piece of white paper about
about and Sue- the size of a Post It note and screw it up
Anne Webster sends an then push it into the fist. Open the fist and you
interesting story from have a handful
Australia. In this edition I of ‘confetti’.
also welcome Brian Clarke “See, even
to our columns with a new shredders are
twist on an old idea. Many smaller these
of you will have enjoyed days!” The set-
his magical skills during up is simple; on
the recent your left palm
Nonvention. put some
The Shifty cuttings from a
Magician makes an cross cut shredder (those that cut into small
appearance via the pieces not the ones that just do mini strips). On
magical skills of this lay a thumb tip. Explain the situation and
Chris and James produce the paper, screwing it up then dropping it
together with into the thumb tip. Retrieve the tip open your hand
something to test and job done!
your grey matter, a Have a good month.
quiz devised by
Royston.
Now for a quick Geoffrey NEWTON editor
trick, not an earth shattering illusion but I think The Quills
worthy of a mention and this is the ideal time of 146 Ashton Lane,
the year to use it. Talk about last month when, I Ashton upon Mersey,
am sure many members will have had coloured Sale M33 5EZ
lights displayed in or on their homes. Explain that T. 0161-969 8222 or 07769 884109
the size of the controller is becoming E. geoffreynewton@[Link]
smaller and smaller. Sometimes only
marginally larger than the battery When submitting articles send to the above
compartment (which obviously address. When writing to the editor, please
has to be a fixed size) but enclose a stamped SAE if you need a reply or if
contains a six hour timer you would like photos etc. returned. Thank you.
and a chip with a memory

2 KEYRING JANUARY 2021

 PRESIDENT’S VIEW
KEY RING JANUARY 2021.qxp_Layout 1 15/12/2020 13:52 Page 5

O n to the New Year, with the hope

that it is better than the one that has
just passed, and the anticipation of an
appeal to anyone who has an interest in
the great stage magicians, especially
Foo’s imitators, including William
improved situation together with some Robinson, (Chung Ling Soo) and The
sort of new normality. I am, as I’m sure Great Lafayette.
you are too, not only looking forward to At the end of November came the sad
the awakening green shoots of spring news of the loss of Sharron Rose,
but also the return of live entertainment partner of Colin Rose and the driving
and the chance to see family and force behind Five of Hearts Magic. She
friends again. The main resolution this was a remarkable lady, who bore her
year is to stay positive. However, at the time of illness with fortitude. Sharron was well known
writing, it is still too early to say if there is any and loved throughout the magic community and
chance of holding my Presidential Dinner. We do, will be sorely missed.
though, have hopes that our September Christmas may have been different this time,
convention will be held in Eastbourne. As they say, but I hope you were able to enjoy it.
watch this space. Abracadabra magazine used to report
Within minutes, or so it seemed, of the on the festive shows with magical
November Key Ring arriving by email, I received a content and some years were very
message from Brian Clarke in response to my lean. This year, however, there has
Presidential request for Key Ring articles. Brian been so much magic online with
sent a write-up of the effect he presented at the Zoom shows and video posts and,
Nonvention Night Before Zoom meeting of course, Aidan has kept up a
and it was not long until others sent in steady posting of historical acts
submissions. I hope that the editor will on our British Ring Facebook page
include the article soon and I look too, another reason for joining it! Magic appears
forward to seeing other members’ in lots of films too. Recently I was reminded of
contributions. All types of article are this when watching the Time Bandits, written by
welcome; you can send tricks and Terry Gilliam and Michael Palin, where in one
routines, reviews of magic shows, scene, the late Sean Connery, as King
and books, historical interest and Agamemnon, presents a version of the cups and
reminiscences, in fact anything magic related! balls. Past British Ring President, John Styles,
On a historical note, I have been reading performs Punch and Judy to Napoleon in the
‘Ching Ling Foo – same film. Does anyone else have a favourite
America’s First magic scene from a feature film or television
Chinese Superstar’ drama? I would be interested to know!
by Samuel D All best wishes for 2021. Stay safe and
Porteous. A well- keep well.
researched book Alan
about the genuine
Chinese performer, Alan MASKELL
who introduced 40 Lanton Drive, Glagow G52 2EW
America to Chinese T. 07999 537686
magic. It will Colin and Sharron E. [Link]@[Link]

JANUARY 2021 KEYRING 3

 FROM THE EXECUTIVE SECRETARY
KEY RING JANUARY 2021.qxp_Layout 1 15/12/2020 13:52 Page 6

IFollowing
extend to each and every one of you
very best wishes for the coming year.
on from the year we have all
making them available to our members.
There are plans for a Zoom Council
meeting this month and discussion will
come through, it is my hope there is take place as to how we should try to
now at least a light at the end of the plan the events scheduled for the
tunnel and, with the vaccination coming year. As soon as we have made
programme starting up, we will be able these decisions, we will send out emails
to meet soon and enjoy our magic to members so that you are informed as
together once again. quickly as possible. We will also post on
It is with much sadness that I see within this our Facebook members page and on the website,
issue the Broken Wand report of the passing of so do check these also.
Pat Ray (Molly Rushworth). Being both the wife of Due to some correspondence between myself
one and mother of another past president of The and Hedley Fawcett, we have been reminiscing
British Ring she had been a stalwart of our about Alistair Oliphant. A past president,
organisation for many years. It was always such a competition organiser and valued Ring member,
pleasure to see her at the convention and other Alistair lived on the Isle of Coll, a beautiful small
events, with her vivacious character and island off the west coast of Scotland. He ran the
welcoming smile. She will be sadly missed. hotel and over his years there welcomed many
I know we all send our sincere Ring members, showing them Scottish
condolences and thoughts to Geoff, hospitality at its best. He had many
Paul, and all the family. magical items on display on the shelves
Over the last two or three months I of the bar in the hotel and often
have become more aware of all the entertained both the locals and visiting
online events such as various podcasts, yachtsmen to the island. The Alistair
shows and events which are available to Wand, presented for third place in the
us. These have all been very interesting, annual stage competition, is a permanent
informative, fun and a much needed tonic in these reminder of a wonderful character whom I was
challenging times. I know there are many which I lucky enough to call a friend.
have not seen or heard but it has been so good to
see what is available and I do hope that you are This is a new year, a new beginning and things
all taking advantage of them as much as you can. will change – Taylor Swift
These are available through various social media
forums and many are accessible at no cost. Our
own Aidan Heritage continues to put up daily Moira FLETCHER
videos on Facebook and these are also available 40 Lanton Drive, Glasgow G52 2EW
through our website. Please make sure you visit T. 07771 613894
the website to view them, and I am extremely E. [Link]@[Link]
grateful to Aidan for sourcing these and

4 KEYRING JANUARY 2021

 THE WIZARD IN THE WOODS
KEY RING JANUARY 2021.qxp_Layout 1 15/12/2020 13:52 Page 7

Routining in Magic

R
by Roger WOODS

outining in magic is an interesting topic to the Construction of the Session”.

explore. Some magicians perform a series of All these volumes are worthy of further study
unlinked effects while others strive to create an on the subject.
act where one item seems to flow into the next. Of A Google search on ‘routining in magic’ brought
the old timers Chris Van Bern, for example, up a couple of interesting articles on the topic:
performed a fifteen-minute act which seamlessly How to build magic tricks into a routine by
flowed from beginning to end. Merchant of Magic
There is a huge literature of magic, as we ([Link]
know, but surprisingly not a great deal about [Link])
routining itself by comparison to say tricks. (Note: Dominic Reyes has some really good
Routining is clearly an important part of the information on this blog)
presentation of magic. There are a number of Also: Magic Tricks with Cards. How to Create
sources on the subject when you start to look into Astonishing Routines by Aaron Fisher
things further. ([Link]
Lesson 34 of the Tarbell Course In Magic tricks-with-cards)
(Volume 3) is entitled Routining a Magic Show All these sources go into more detail about
and whilst it refers to stage magic, many of the building routines with a good opening, building
points made can apply to close up magic as well. to a middle section and finishing with a strong
Darwen Ortiz’s book Strong Magic has a whole finale. These elements can be tricks or routines
section (Part Three) on the ‘Construction’ of a of tricks. Patter and character are also
magic act and indeed the whole book is one of my important of course, but
favourites even though I don’t necessarily agree that’s another story.
with everything Ortiz has written. He states that
“Proper construction of your close-up act is
probably second only to characterization in its
importance in determining how much impact your
magic will have.”
John Mendoza’s Close Up Presentation is a
great book if you are lucky enough to find it
anywhere with chapters about routining tricks and
routining acts.
Card College 2 by Roberto Giobbi also contains
a whole section on “Construction” (page 426)
which makes informative reading. Giobbi
recommends for further reading in this section a
number of books: Fifty-two Lovers (José Carrol),
Our Magic (Maskelyne and Devant), Fine Art of
Magic (George Kaplan), Magic from the Soul (René
Lavand), Magic and Showmanship (Henning
Nelms), Stars of Magic (particularly Dai Vernon’s
material) and Sonata (Juan Tamariz).
In his latest tome The Magic Rainbow Juan
Tamariz has a chapter (chapter 9) entitled “About

JANUARY 2021 KEYRING 5

 GALLERY OF MASTER MA
G
KEY RING JANUARY 2021.qxp_Layout 1 15/12/2020 13:52 Page 8

I was watching a
programme about
Laurel and Hardy on
been a previous
magical ‘Dante’ in
America, also an
a magician to look like. Together
with his famous glamorous
assistant, Moi-Yo Miller, it was a
Sky Arts recently, immigrant Dane, winning combination.
when I remembered Oscar Eliason. When Dante’s first appearance on film
that Dante the Eliason died in an was in a Swedish production of
Magician had accident in 1899, the 1930, titled in English like his
appeared in one of nom de theatre show Dante’s Mysteries. It is
their films, so I became available. available on YouTube but is an odd
thought it would be Dante joined the production to see now. It is, of
worth investigating premier American course, in rather fuzzy black and
further. magician of his time, Howard white and, as a story, does not
Dante; Harry Jansen (1883- Thurston, and took make much
1955) was born in Copenhagen, the no.2 Thurston sense, but you do
Denmark, but as a small boy, he show out on the see him
emigrated with his family to the road. He later performing card
USA. Pick up almost any book that became the co- tricks and
has historical magic facts and the owner of the producing a duck.
index will give lots of references Thurston show and A later film, made
about Dante, so only a small eventually as for RKO, in 1950,
amount of information will be famous, under the shows him in his
given here. Full biographies, Dante name, as that own capacity,
including descriptions of his of his mentor. With his big illusion assisting ‘the cops’ in the B
shows, have been published show, Dante’s Mysteries, and his movie, Bunco Squad. The publicity
including Good Night, Mr Dante by magic incantation Sim Sala Bim for the film indicated ‘cult crooks
Val Andrews, 1978 and The Devil (based on an old Danish nursery exposed,’ in Dante’s case,
Himself by Phil Temple, 1991. rhyme), he toured extensively until fraudulent mediums.
Harry first performed as The the early 1950s. Dante, with his Dante appeared in other shorts
Great Jansen before he acquired immaculate dress suit and goatee and later on television, but the
the sobriquet ‘Dante’. There had beard, looked like what we expect film appearance, for which he is
most remembered, is in the 1942
Laurel and Hardy film A-Haunting
We Will Go.
Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy
had had a very successful career
since the 1920s with their one,
two or three reel comedies for
the Hal Roach studios. After
contractual problems with Roach
in 1940, they were enticed to
bigger studios, notably 20th
Century Fox and MGM, to make
longer features. Stan, who was

6 KEYRING JANUARY 2021

AGICIANS
KEY RING JANUARY 2021.qxp_Layout 1 15/12/2020 13:52 Page 9

Dante the Magician – on the screen by Roy FIELD

sequences are the years, Ricky Jay and Billy

their appearance McComb being two examples.
and Even our own Alan Shaxon
disappearance in appeared as Eddie Spangle in a
two identical Mr Bean comedy! Actors and
cabinets and of comedians have
Stan climbing the also appeared as
rope for the magicians. Harold
Indian Rope Lloyd in Movie
Trick, whilst Ollie Crazy (1932) is
plays a shehnai particularly funny
(Indian when he dons a
instrument). You
gag writer and essentially director see parts of the Dante show
with Roach, soon discovered that before the burlesque Rope Trick
the style of bigger studios with in- sequence and Dante comes over magician’s
house writers and convoluted very strongly, both as magician coat by
plots was not conducive to their and actor. The quality of the mistake then
style. Their films between 1941 black and white film is produces cards,
and 1950 are therefore their least excellent and the film was mice and a
successful, but they have their successful at the box office. rabbit.
moments. Dante admitted that his Laurel and
appearance was good Hardy appeared as
publicity and boosted his inept magicians in
reputation for his stage show, an early guest spot in the
which was still on the road. Hollywood Review of 1929 and, of
Dante appeared as Dante rather course, there is the constant gag
than in an acting part. There was of Stan lighting up his thumb,
precedent for this, with Houdini much to Ollie’s surprise, in many
appearing as himself in his own of their films.
adventure series. Other magicians We have to rely so much on
have appeared as either descriptions of magic acts from
A-Haunting We Will Go is one of themselves or in acting parts over times past, that any sort of film or
the better ones, although with a later TV recording is a
rather involved plot. In summary, boon. The few sequences
Stan and Ollie have to transfer a of Dante on film, showing
coffin and corpse from one town how he moved and
to another. They mix up the coffin revealing his on- stage
with a trunk, belonging to Dante, presence, are valuable.
whilst boarding a train. As they are Although his appearance
conned out of money on the train, with Stan and Ollie are
Dante helps them and they agree not long, they do show
to join his show. The best why he was a star.

JANUARY 2021 KEYRING 7

 COLLABORATIVE CONJURING THE SHIFTY MAGICIAN
KEY RING JANUARY 2021.qxp_Layout 1 15/12/2020 13:52 Page 10

JAMES: One way to devise your card, hand it to them. If they stop
own tricks is to look for a force on an indifferent card, hand them
(preferably an old one that isn’t so the next card (which will be a
well known or commonly used) force card). Turn over a few cards

CHRIS: Our trick this month uses

and see where it leads you. either side to show they are all
different. (The set-up will not be
a mathematical idea we found in noticed.) In doing so, spot the
Scarne’s Magic Tricks (Dover previous force card. Let’s say it’s a
Publications, 1951), to which ‘5’. You will know (from your
we’ve simply added some light- mnemonic) that the chosen card

JAMES: It’s also one of the

hearted window dressing. separate envelope and place must be a ‘6’.
these into your jacket pocket (with You are now in a position to
shortest descriptions of an effect 285714 and 571428 facing away work out which envelope contains

CHRIS: We hope you enjoy it!

you’ll find anywhere! from your body). Use a small piece the correct total. In our example,
of cardboard to separate the first because the chosen card is a ‘6’,

EFFECT:
envelope from the other two. This just count ‘2,3,4,5,6’ in your head.
makes it easy for you to dip into Because ‘6’ is the final number,
Explaining that you have just your pocket and remove the you know the total (857142)
bought a new trick, you produce appropriate envelope. reached from multiplying the
the letter opposite – and basically From the pack, remove two of phone number by 6 will be in the
follow the instructions! Before each of the following values: 2, 3, last envelope. Had the chosen
your helper reveals a number they 4, 5 and 6. Now stack the deck as number been, say, ‘4’, then by
have calculated, you place down a follows (with ‘X’ being an counting ‘2,3,4’ in your head, you
prediction – which proves to be indifferent card – don’t use any of know you’re looking for the third
spot-on – and politely accept your the force numbers): X 4 X 2 X 5 X number, i.e. the one in the second
thunderous applause. 6 X 3 X 4 X 2 X 5 X 6 X 3, then the envelope facing outwards.

METHOD:
remaining cards in any mixed Practise a few times and you’ll
order. soon get the hang of it.

BACKGROUND:
As well as printing out the letter, Remember the mnemonic ‘For
you will need to use the calculator 25 sick trees’ (ie 4 2 5 6 3).
app on a mobile phone (or an In performance, read out In the original trick, ‘Shifty
actual calculator), a pack of relevant parts of the letter as you Number’, Scarne used a strip of
playing cards, a small pocket- go through the trick. Having paper glued at both ends to create
sized piece of cardboard, three shown the cards as well mixed a ring of paper on which the
double-blank cards and three (false shuffle/cut if you like), start numbers 142857 were printed. He
prediction envelopes. dealing cards face-down on the claimed this was also his social
Taking the three blank cards, on table. In your head, count, ‘1,2, 1,2’ security number and asked
card number 1, write 285714 on etc. The card at ‘2’ will always be someone to multiply it by any
one side and 428571 on the other. a force card (i.e. 4, 2, 5, 6 or 3). number between 1 and 7. By
On card number 2, write 571428 Take your time and your helper cutting the piece of paper at a
on one side, and 714285 on the will certainly stop somewhere certain point, it produced the total
other. On the final card, write within your 20-card stack. as, because of the combination of
857142. Drop each card into a If your helper stops on a force numbers used, there are only five

8 KEYRING JANUARY 2021

 KEY RING JANUARY 2021.qxp_Layout 1 15/12/2020 13:52 Page 11

NAby Chris WARDLE and James WARD

possible totals (i.e. those listed

under ‘Method’ above).
We’ve eliminated the ring of The Sh
ift
paper and, by using a pack of The M y Magician
agic
D ea r M MG1 5 House
cards, done away with the agician
more restrictive ‘any number , Tel: 078
51 142
AN
Tha n k 857
y
fun wit ou for order
between 1 and 7’. In the
h in
original effect, you needed and be this one. Pe g ‘Shifty Ma
so excit ople wil gic’. I p
to ask what number ed they lt ro
The b e will thr hink you are mise you will
o ll their able to look have a lot
between 1 and 7 had been w
st part a
is: you m o n ey in of
at you. to the futur
chosen before cutting the
don’t h
paper. Here, you can set To perfo ave to e
do a th
the top rm this trick ing. I d
, o all th
good m of this letter) you will need
down your prediction
e work
before anything else is ix, dea , a calc m y m obile te for you
on on e l them ulator !
revealed. . L ook onto th and a p lephon
don’t k a e a e
now wh way when th table and ha ck of cards. G number (it’s
all diffe a ey rem ve you ive the at
rent. t it is. Show o r
them t ve their card helper tell yo cards a
he othe u
I have r cards as it’s impor to stop
enclose so they tant yo
outside d know t u
jacket a prediction hey are
pocket e n ve
at the lo
Once y start o pe which yo
o f the tr u must
my uniq ur helper ha ick. place in
u e 6 -d s chose your
a Jack ig n
they m it mobile tele a card, ask
ust mu p h th
ltiply b one numbe em to multip
Before y 11. A r. ly its v
they be Queen Don’t forget
Once t g is 12 a : if the alue by
hey ar in calculatin n d a Kin yc
arrived
a
e read g
y, have , place your p g is 13 hoose
. t them c re .
all out diction envelo
Remov w hateve p e
e
or my your predict r numb on the table.
name is ion fro er they
n’t the m have
I’m so Shifty the envelope
Magicia . I t will ma
c n!
offerin onfident this tch the
ir num
g you y w il l w ber,
our mo ork tha
ney ba t I won’t
Yours w ck! even w
The Sh ithout a doub aste yo
ur tim
ifty Ma t, e by
gician

JANUARY 2021 KEYRING 9

 THE MAGIC OF TIME
KEY RING JANUARY 2021.qxp_Layout 1 15/12/2020 13:52 Page 12

Ftempus
Geoffrey NEWTON invites you to share a few Magic Moments
rom Android to Zoom, the world originally settled in Ireland before
of technology moves on. Yes moving to London. In the book The
fugit (time flies) may be Unmasking of Robert-Houdin, it is
the order of the day, but spare a apparently quoted from
moment or two to ponder upon newspaper cuttings dated 1781
when the contribution to magic that Breslaw also gave
was ‘time’ -in this context, time demonstrations of Second Sight. It
meaning tricks with clocks and is documented that he is recorded
watches. The word ‘clockwork’ John Klox in Hall of Fame of the Society of
trace goes back to the late 1770s, American Magicians.
when a magician named Philip As the image on the front cover
Breslaw (1726-1803) performed shows, The Great Lyle (Cecil Lyle
at the Haymarket Theatre in Cohen 1889-1955) presented the
London, appearing shortly before Crystal Clock as part of his show.
Pinetti’s time there. Breslaw was a Limited space does not permit me
mentalist and included the to go into further details, but if
Cabalistic Clock, which we know your quest for knowledge on this
today as the Spirit Clock. There exceptional magician is now
are apparently various modus aroused then, the book The Great
operandi for this effect. Basically Lyle by Edwin A Dawes in
the apparatus consisted of a my opinion,
single arrow pointer and a clock a beautifully
dial. A number from one to twelve produced,
was called out by a spectator and profusely
the arrow attached and spun illustrated, and
Richard Ross round. After a little hesitation, it fascinating
springs to mind, and there have stopped at the chosen hour. read about the
been a number of mechanical Breslaw was originally from life and times
magical effects (or automata) Germany, but moved to Great of this great
using this principle. This aspect of Britain round about the age of performer.
magic was covered by a full thirty three. It is reported that he There have been two modern
article in the May magic acts, featuring watches and
2017 Key Ring and clocks which I can recall. First of
Kay Murray’s article all, Polish born and two times
in the December FISM winner Richard Ross (1946-
edition, so I only 2001), had a fine manipulation act
need to give it a using cards including jumbo ones,
cursory mention coins with fine coin stars, billiard
here. balls and the slowest and most
The first magic deliberate linking ring routine I
effect using a clock have ever seen. After this
face that I could somewhat slowed down part of

10 KEYRING JANUARY 2021

KEY RING JANUARY 2021.qxp_Layout 1 15/12/2020 13:52 Page 13

his act, it gathered speed again many years. Many of you will, I am
and, to the strains of the music, sure, have the small octagonal
My Grandfather’s Clock, close up item or maybe the road
interspersed with similarly paced sign version called High Signs
appropriate music pocket watches (later, a version called M1 Traffic
started to appear and disappear. was created), but one not so well
These grew in size as more known these days was Timothy
appeared from nowhere, Tock. This consisted of a white
culminating with a display of giant circular clock face, with on both
watches, as many as both hands sides the fingers painted (so
could cope with, indeed a first therefore they could not be
class act. moved) and each of the hour
Equally inspiring, but in a numbers represented by a black
different way, was John Klox dot. To a lengthy doggerel
(John Forrest 1931-2012), monologue, the clock was turned
originally an actor but who both horizontally and vertically,
developed a magic act with
knowledge gained by his interest the Sliding Die Box. Although the
in our subject as a child. Like clock version has basically the
Richard Ross, he produced original concept: remove from
watches and multiplied them. He tube and place in box, cod vanish
included carriage clocks in his act, with the click clack, or perhaps
with the finale being the should it be, in this case tick-tock!
production of a very large one of Then, to a vanish and
these. I have been unable to trace reappearance. It also had lots of
who was the first of the two business, including noisy winding
performers to create this type of up, production from inside the
act. In my view, John was equally clock, then on to the usual routine.
as successful a magician as Originally made in the 1950s and, Multiplying Clocks
Richard. from the price shown in the constantly showing different
Over the years multiplying catalogue of £5.10s (five pounds times. I always enjoyed using this
clocks have been available from fifty), based on today’s values it as it was a great applause puller
various magic dealers, and today would be well over £100. when, as the last line was
one of these suppliers is Daytona Another of my favourites is the delivered, both times matched.
Magic, marketing items made by Chinese Compass, which has Interested in mentalism? Then
s

the Tora Magic Company. If you appeared in various forms over so look no further as that aspect of
prefer pocket watches, then Tenyo
used to supply these, but I am not
certain if they are still available.
As this type of watch is somewhat
dated these days, it may be
difficult to obtain them.
Now I’ll look at some other
magic props that have stood the
test of time, starting with
Supreme’s Comedy Clock. This
caught my eye, as one of my all-
time favourite effects has been

JANUARY 2021 KEYRING 11

KEY RING JANUARY 2021.qxp_Layout 1 15/12/2020 13:52 Page 14

magic has been catered for in the A Visit to Red Square in Key Ring was the King of the Watch Winder,
Wonder Clock, as it was called November 2019. providing every opportunity to use
originally, with the modern version Should your interest in ‘time’ it on his stand at conventions. His
being called Tele Clock. This small magic be directed towards a wrist were made with a cog from a
item, only about 65 mm tall, watch, then seek out the Infinity Sturmey Archer three speed
consists of a small box with a Watch, although I believe this bicycle gearing mechanism, but
clock dial inside. An assisting particular product does go under today they can apparently be
spectator sets the hour hand to other names. Basically you made on a 3D printer, as the photo
any time and covers it with the remove your watch and set in this article shows.
slide. The performer can it to a time. This is then Another comedy gag
immediately correctly name the held in the spectator’s was the Tape Measure
time set. It can be quickly hand with the dial facing Watch. The Supreme
repeated (in spite of what you you. They are asked to version was nicely
were told in the days when you name an hour and then the made and you could
were a rookie magician) and can number of minutes to or deliver the line “It is
also be examined without the past the hour. The watch is Noisy Watch Winder fourteen minutes
secret being revealed. slowly turned round to reveal their passed nine, (or any other
Another great time effect is a named time! Sounds like a nice appropriate time in your show)
Supreme item, originated by Ian piece of kit; expensive as prices time for another trick.” In their
Adair and called Your Time My researched show it as being over advert, it gives a recommendation
Time. It consisted £100 - but from Michael Bailey, a one-time
of two stage what a President of The Magic Circle and
sized plaques; on reputation a top professional performer. I feel
one was written maker! you could not ask for a greater
Your Time and on Comedy endorsement.
the other My performer?
Time. On the rear Then, yes, you As with all these features, it takes
of these plaques too have been a while to research them and this

Ian Adair for his phenomenal

was a clock face. catered for in month I am deeply indebted to:
The performer this category
secretly set a and here I will knowledge of Supreme Magic

couple of gags David Hibberd of TMC Archive

time and placed mention a products and illustrations
his plaque in a
stand, clock which always for research text and some

Mike Caveney for use of

facing away from go over well. photographs
the audience. A The Noisy

gadget that could be concealed in David Willitts for publicity item

spectator set a time and put their Watch Winder was a simple Cecil Lyle poster
plaque in a stand in the same way
the performer did. When the two the hand and originally used to on Jon Klox from The Stage
plaques were reversed the times obtain a laugh when winding up newspaper (7 July 1983). Note
matched. your own watch on stage. It was the alternative spelling of John
For those of you who are card very useful for the children’s as Jon in this advert
workers, there have been several entertainer as, if you wanted a Time for me to go now, so thank
card routines published in various strange clicking sound at any you for sharing a few minutes to
books using twelve cards to make point in your show, it was clock this article and I trust you
a clock dial. An adaptation of one guaranteed to obtain giggles. will find the rest of Key Ring
of the principles used was Many will remember Tom Owen equally enjoyable to while away
published as a Troyno effect called who supplied these and he really half an hour or so.

12 KEYRING JANUARY 2021

KEY RING JANUARY 2021.qxp_Layout 1 15/12/2020 13:53 Page 15

A
by Brian CLARKE

few months before the Nonvention, I was putting 1912, the year of the worst ocean disaster in world
something together for the Zoom night before history, the sinking of the Titanic.
‘gathering’ and I decided on a maths trick that I I then thought of using coins with the heads of the
found rather quirky. last five Monarchs of the United Kingdom. I had

1 Ask a spectator to choose any year, whether

three of the five Monarchs, Queen Victoria, George V,
and Queen Elizabeth II. Making a search of online
historical or their birth date, it does not matter sellers, I found the two pennies that I needed to
and to add the number of digits in that date complete the set, a penny of Edward VII dated 1903

2 Deduct this new figure from the original date

together and a George VI penny dated 1948. The last hurdle

3 Add up the digits in the answer until you have a

to overcome was the puzzle of from where do I get a
half penny coin? I had a ‘lightbulb’ moment, Shove

4 The answer will be nine

single number Ha’penny, the old pub game! It was originally played
using five half pennies and a board consisting of
scoring areas. (The coins were replaced by five
For example: the year 1815, the Battle of Waterloo 1 metal discs.)
+ 8 + 1 + 5 = 15. Subtract 15 from 1815 you have For the reveal of just four and a half pence, it cost
1800. Add these digits together you end up with 9. me £25.17 and worth every penny to hear what
Don’t take my word for it, try it! someone said when I introduced the piece on the
This gave me the idea of halving the total and evening, along the lines of “Do you want to do your
using coins. I had seen a similar maths article where sums again and re calculate?” Then, saying,“I have
the coins used were an American dollar and half exactly half your single digit total in coins.” That was
dollar. The first problem I had using current British priceless!
coins in circulation, was that the decimal half pence The next time you hear a date mentioned, for
was withdrawn from circulation in 1984 and I did example 1066, don’t think of
not have a piggy bank I could raid to search for one! the Battle of Hastings.
I had previously bought a couple of pre decimal Think four and a half!
pennies because of my interest in some historical
dates, a ‘Bun Penny’ dated 1888 (the year of the
notorious Jack the Ripper) and another penny dated

JANUARY 2021 KEYRING 13

 BUS RIDE TO
KEY RING JANUARY 2021.qxp_Layout 1 15/12/2020 13:53 Page 16

The story of an IBM member who journeyed into greatness by John Derris

Ime,never had a brother.

At an early age it didn’t bother
I had friends, and later I had
De Courcy and his canary Garbo
and many future Cagliostros.
“Fred” (we were quite friendly
a very special friend of my own by now) was a card addict and
age who had an interest the sauntered alongside two
same as mine. magicians in conversation; Jack
C-o-n-j-u-r-i-n-g-! Avis and Hugh Scott. Scott was a
We picked up ideas together from Scotland Yard detective who had
magazines; he could do a few become an excellent worker with
card tricks and I had learned how the pasteboards touring the world
to pass a coin into a bottle. He as a royal bodyguard. They were
invited me into his home at Ealing discussing the details of an Al
in London on Sunday afternoons 16 year old Roy at his first I.B.M. Koran routine called The Green
where he lived with his mother, convention with Hugh Scott, Mystery and Fred made a
just a 79 bus ride from my home detective and a noted card magician
in Harrow. I asked his name whilst where many conjurers gathered
he was doing a trick and he socially on Saturdays. These were
mumbled “Frederick” and over the not only weekday wizards but
months we became firm friends. many professionals who were
He was a quiet personality, slim appearing in the variety theatres
with dark features, the opposite of that ringed London.
my somewhat boisterous manner It wasn’t uncommon to find
and with a pack of cards in his Frederick and myself rubbing
hands he was quite a deep shoulders with Orson Welles,
thinker. Nothing like the brother I Dante, Charlie Edwards (a street A lot of practise at 17 years and begins
imagined but never had. We then performer) Robert Harbin, Harold to look like a magician in his garden
discovered a magic shop in Oxford Taylor, the President of The Magic knowledgeable comment. The two
Street (Davenports) Circle and Howard card men turned towards the
uninvited teenager and gave him
the cold shoulder.
The following week we
visited Davenports again
and Fred bumped into Avis
and Scott and said he’d
worked out the details of The
Green Mystery and promptly
demonstrated a performance. A
long silence...a few words...but
a week or two later he was
Orson W
Al Koran elles
14 KEYRING JANUARY 2021
amsay
John R
KEY RING JANUARY 2021.qxp_Layout 1 15/12/2020 13:53 Page 17

invited into regular conversation

with the two card men. This
became a symbol of his widening
knowledge of cardology that
pointed the way to his future.
We continued our friendship
with regular meetings until the
King called us to join his military
for two years to learn how to fire
weapons of war. I fell in with a
Royal Air Force entertainment
unit presenting magic in a revue
called “Revel and Fun.” Upon Roy Walton,
Ted Danson,
demobilisation Fred returned to John Derris,
Alex Elmsley
his employer in computers and I, enthusiastic and Jack A
vis at Daven
ports
with no ambition, worked in a press reviews written about a
travel company and studied for an magician called “Roy Walton” but with a very notable card effect
advertising degree. with a photo of Fred my close that widened his reputation even
Our regular Saturday soirees friend! He then told me that more. He simply pushed a face up
continued and we fell in with a Frederick was his middle name card between two face down
group of magicians all with a that I had noted when we met, but cards only to see it turn itself over
passion for the growing close-up his first name was, Roy. in the process. He called it “Card
storm. Just look at some of the I then remembered excellent Warp” and it’s been successful for
names and the reputations card magic I had seen in years wherever a pack is shuffled.
that emerged later Jack Avis, magazines without realising the Then Roy got married but also
Alex Elmsley, Bobby Bernard, author was my new friend; card had a growing restlessness with
Ted Danson and others. magic that echoed his idol John his career in computers, so strong
Many of them had contributed Ramsay where misdirection was he made an unexpected and
to international magic magazines supreme. Then...Roy came up dramatic decision. He took a job
and there was widening interest in offer in a novelty and magic shop
the group. ‘Name’ magicians in Glasgow that sold fancy dress,
would join us for a chat in a little costumes, toys, games, hats,
restaurant in an aptly named jokes...and magic. The ideal
location...Vernon Place. People location for a creative mind to
like Cy Enfield, Al Koran, Fred flourish which quickly won him a
Kaps, Ken Brooke and others in wide reputation that drew many
the close up world. Then a strange magicians to the little shop in
thing happened. Queen Street.
I discovered magic and Roy Walton (Continues next month Ed.)

JANUARY 2021 KEYRING 15

 BRIAN’S BULLETIN WAS CARL A KILLER? THE STRANGE CASETOF
KEY RING JANUARY 2021.qxp_Layout 1 15/12/2020 13:53 Page 18

Taboutheneedfirst thing you

to know
the American-
stranger to litigation,
and was accused by a
German illusionist of
was seen coming off-stage with
his shirt sleeves red with blood.
This led to a complaint to the
born magician Carl stealing Aerolithe, in RSPCA and his appearance before
Hertz (1859-1924) is which a girl danced in the committee of MPs.
that he was a mid-air with no obvious In his book Sensational Tales of
consummate means of support. Mystery Men (the clue to its
showman and self- Hertz is best known, reliability is in the title) the magic
publicist. however, for a writer and dealer Will Goldston
According to a tale controversy which came remarked: ‘The American
in his autobiography, to a head on August 2nd, 1921, magician actually did kill and
A Modern Mystery Merchant, on when he was summoned to injure a large number of birds in
one occasion he advertised for appear before a his illusion.’ According to
‘1,000 cats of all descriptions’, Select Committee at one anecdote from the
offering in exchange for each the House of book, Hertz went for help
one a shilling or a ticket for his Commons. to Goldston, who assured
show. Hundreds of enterprising Many magicians him; “I can make you a
youngsters brought moggies to have presented the cage that will not injure
the stage door, and these were Vanishing Birdcage, the bird.”
later set free in the town with including his Goldston went on:
labels around their necks contemporary ‘Within an hour I had
reading ’See Carl Hertz at the Servais Le Roy, constructed a small cage.
Opera House.’ Bertram and Buatier It was built upon a
Although also presenting de Kolta, who was credited with framework of cane strips, the wire
smaller magic, Hertz was noted its invention. Both Blackstones, bars being represented by lengths
for his Vanity Fair, or Girl Senior and Junior, made a feature of fishing line. I arranged a fine
Through Mirror, and the of it, and currently Lance Burton mesh hair net on the inside of the
Phoenix illusion, in which his performs it surrounded by cage, so that the canary should
wife entered a furnace only to children. In his hands, the cage not injure its wings against the
emerge unharmed from the just appears to melt away beneath cane supports.’
roaring flames. He was no a semi-transparent silk. Some of The story goes that Hertz duly
the cages have held an artificial demonstrated the effect before
bird, but Hertz’s allegedly housed the Parliamentary Committee
a real canary; and this was the
cause of all the trouble.
Rumours circulated to the
effect that Hertz either maimed or
killed a bird at every performance,
as the cage collapsed and
vanished up his sleeve by means
of a violent ‘pull’. He was said to
buy birds by the gross (enough to
last him around six months), and

16 KEYRING JANUARY 2021

KEY RING JANUARY 2021.qxp_Layout 1 15/12/2020 13:53 Page 19

FOTHE MUTILATED CANARIES by Brian LEAD

quarterly journal The Magical

Nostalgic (October 1992) had a
different take on the whole issue,
concluding that it was all a
publicity stunt. Knowing Will
Goldston, he was convinced that
he did not have the ability to
fashion the equipment he
described. Where, and how, would
anyone keep around 150 birds? If
Hertz had indeed been seen
using this apparatus. To wearing a bloodied shirt it was
personalise his presentation, he probably due to a wound inflicted
explained that the bird was his pet by the collapsing metal cage, as a
canary called Connie, and that she maimed canary was unlikely to
had been disappearing without produce that result. Andrews went
harm twice nightly for the past so far as to suggest that Hertz had
twelve months. By coincidence, concocted the whole back-story,
James O’Grady MP was a bird being responsible himself for the
fancier, and assured the initial complaint to the RSPCA. In
committee that he would be able his book Victorian Magic, however,
to recognise Connie again without Geoffrey Lamb swallowed the
any need to tag her. story and called the whole effect
’nauseating’. be noticed, and Andrews
From current-day performances suspected the use of a ‘cork
of the trick it is obvious that the and feather dummy’.
presence of a real bird is not It is certainly true that Hertz’s
required to enhance the effect, waning popularity sustained a
and one does not want to believe boost following the publicity
that a member of our fraternity which surrounded the case. The
would wish to harm a living unpleasant allegations gripped
creature in such a calculated way. the public imagination, Hertz
The bird and cage vanished with Indeed, in the large theatres then becoming the hero of the
a clap of the hands, then Hertz played by Hertz, without the hour when proving his innocence.
briefly left the room. When he benefit of television close-ups, it is Goldston conceded: ‘It was the
returned, Connie was perched on unlikely that a replica bird would finest free advertisement any
his finger, none the worse for her magician has ever had.’
ordeal. Hertz added that some of Had they existed, the tabloids
his feathered assistants had of the day would no doubt have
worked for him for as long as six referred to ‘Killer-Hertz’ and
years without mishap. proclaimed in their headlines:
Interestingly, Val Andrews, IT’S OFFICIAL – CARL PROVES
writing in the third issue of his HE NEVER HERTZ HIS CANARY!

JANUARY 2021 KEYRING 17

 S ON’S T
KEY RING JANUARY 2021.qxp_Layout 1 15/12/2020 13:53 Page 20

K
review the attendance at our Today, 2021, in light of Covid-
‘Summit’ Convention, as I’m sure 19’s effect on society, is there a
Moira and The British Ring Council need to attend a ‘live’ weekend, or

OP
IC C R
do. We look at the attendance ‘Day, of Magic’ when you can
LA

figures, age profile of those who watch demonstrations via the

GEAR
attended, and reasons why more Internet, chat with people across
people didn’t come along, the world and watch downloaded
OF MAG especially younger magicians.
2020 didn’t allow for many
streams from different events?
The question therefore for this
face-to-face conventions to take issue: Is it ‘better’ to attend

H
place, post March. The Northern Conventions ‘live’ – to learn magic
by Stuart CLARKSON Magic Circle cancelling their one and meet people or, is
in April 2020 and currently, at the online/remote learning, from the
appy New Year. Welcome time of this publication, we are comfort of your living room, a
one and all, especially all waiting to see whether a ‘live’ ‘better’ form of learning in the
new members of The I.B.M. convention can move ahead in 21st Century?
British Ring, and to all new junior 2021. or whether we offer a The answer to this, as for all my
members, over the past 12 ‘remote/virtual/ style such as the ‘magical debates’, is that both
months. I.B.M. British Ring organised so have their place and can both be
Let’s move into 2021 by successfully last year. equally successful. For the
continuing my theme of ‘magical What is the ‘profile’ of purpose of this issue, if our Junior
debates’, from the last issue, and conventioneers who do attend members, for example, are
highlight a ‘hot’ topic from 2020 in conventions? Will the legacy of looking to learn and improve their
terms of Social Events: Live or 2020 reduce the appetite for ‘live’ magical knowledge, what are the
Virtual Magic! Attending a ‘live’ conventions with people advantages/disadvantages?
Convention -v- online. preferring more online access and Having brought my Top Gear to
Sessions/Learning. The birth of socialising? these pages, in 2020, I am really
the ‘Nonvention’ arrived to great As a Junior member, in the hoping the question(s) will raise a
success and could be the way 1980s, attending the, then, N.M.C. flurry of mail for Geoffrey to use in
forward for all such events? ‘Easter Parade’ Convention, was a future magazine. Let’s start the
Or should it not? the only way (for me) to meet ball rolling with some ideas from

Conventions and Learning

dealers and mix with other me, deliberately set to create

Magic = Live or Online? Better

magicians. The World Wide Web / debate and discussion – to play

or Worse?
social media / online tutorials and ‘devil’s advocate!

Attending a ‘Live’ Convention:

downloads was still for the future.

Advantages / Strengths:
As a member of Northern Magic If you weren’t there, you didn’t
Circle (N.M.C.) Council, spanning experience and meet some of the
across 30 years, we always famous names of the day. Magic-wise, seeing performers,
dealers and members ‘up front’
enables much more immediate
conversation and development.
I remember, as a junior magician,
having lots of constructive
comments (good and bad) from a
range of conventioneers – giving
me food for thought and definitely
helping more quickly improve my
performance.

18 KEYRING JANUARY 2021

KEY RING JANUARY 2021.qxp_Layout 1 15/12/2020 13:53 Page 21

Social-wise, learning how to danger that left to your own plans,

talk with older people; magicians only learn what they
communication skills – social want and limit their wider
behaviour which cannot be learnt knowledge. For example, if I only
sat on a sofa looking into a want to learn card sleights and
monitor. These social behaviours am not around other people who
give everyone skills for future life, perform Stage Magic, then that’s
not just magic and not just in the all I download and watch? Being
I.B.M. British Ring. Is this the way forward? in a convention will bring a range

Disadvantages / Weaknesses:
waiting a year for of lectures and experiences. Yes,
Blackpool/Harrogate/Eastbourne you could choose not to attend a
Time and Cost – I’m linking both to come around … if you are lecture if you wanted but, having
as they inevitably go together. To interested in learning some paid the registration fee, it is less
attend any convention (1 day - 4 magical history, log into a likely you would not turn up. From
days) requires careful planning of Twitter/Blog/Website of the person the comfort of your home,
time. Does it cut into a working you want, or a historian you know; however, it is easier to sign in or
week/school week or just over a if you want to learn some basic out of just the areas you want.

What do you think?

weekend? Then there are the sleight of hand there are hundreds
costs of attending; registration (1000s?) of tutorials you can
and accommodation if needed. watch at home. My hope to Council members, and
Certainly, for junior members, they Linked to 1 is really the pace in the wider membership of the
are often reliant on parent(s) which magic can be learnt via British Ring, is to stimulate
joining them which add to the cost. online work. You can spend everyone to put a few words
‘Limited’ number of performers days/months studying one together and send to Geoffrey for
across a fixed schedule: whilst I particular sleight at a time of day the Key-Ring.
am treating this as a disadvantage convenient to you, in your own In particular, we need to keep
it doesn’t need to be: seeing fewer home. You can also watch a working with our younger
magicians, but in an enclosed particular magician from archive members and ensure they develop
space, can give more depth of footage and pick up many ideas, knowledge, performance skills
experience. However, by only which is impossible over a fixed or and history about our wonderful
having a specific number of days, shortened period of a convention. art of magic. Let’s all make a

Disadvantages / Weaknesses:
with specific booked acts, means ‘resolution’ to submit one
the conventioneer needs to want article/one discussion point, into
to see those particular people; Online becomes an ‘introverted’ the Key-Ring pages, for the
otherwise why attend? style of learning linked to the benefit of Junior and Senior

Online Tutorials / Downloads /

social skills point mentioned members alike.

Web-based Learning /
earlier. Although you could be in Stay safe and well – keep

Remote Conventions:
a ‘chat’ with people you know (or enjoying your Magic in 2021!

Advantages / Strengths:
don’t really?) the
concept is still
Without simply offering the you in a room on
‘reverse’ of the Disadvantages, your own and,
the ease in which we can watch therefore not
magicians perform, download interacting in the
tutorials, ‘chat’ with people via same way a
social media, does make the convention would
Internet attractive to younger allow you to do.
members in particular. There is no Is there a

JANUARY 2021 KEYRING 19

KEY RING JANUARY 2021.qxp_Layout 1 15/12/2020 13:53 Page 22

Iforfind myself writing this just after practising

what I hope will become the closing effect
my post-pandemic act, God willing. During
my practice session, my mind wandered to a
lecture I attended by a Past President of The
British Ring, the late Alfred Gabriel, many
years ago. His theme was mediocrity; how if
we couldn’t obtain what we wanted we would
settle for something similar or inferior – in
other words “that will do”, and how that
affected our magic. What would he think about
by Ray ROBERTS today’s world, I wonder?
It was a time when I took copious notes at
lectures, and had to decipher them at my
earliest opportunity. On examining those
particular notes, I had written ‘rehearse at
least once a month’, and in capitals and
underlined I had written NOT PRACTISE! From
what I remember, Alfred had indicated that we
can practise anytime and anywhere. Patter

20 KEYRING JANUARY 2021

KEY RING JANUARY 2021.qxp_Layout 1 15/12/2020 13:53 Page 23

can be practised whilst shaving; presentation all they are doing is

moves can be carried out sitting a series of moves, no matter how
comfortably in a chair whilst well executed. It does not appear
watching TV, and so on. In order to have been accomplished by
to rehearse you have to set up, magic and/or is not
put on your performing clothes entertainment.
and go through the act from Worst of all are the club
start to finish without any magicians, and some dealers,
breaks. I do think that a caveat who neither practise nor
could be added here, in that for rehearse. In the first instance
professionals working most, if they have probably been doing
not every, night rehearsing is said effect for years and think
probably not necessary? they don’t need to practise or
There have been times in my rehearse it . . . but they definitely
life when I have not been in a do!
performing mode, and magic Alfred Gabriel Before the pandemic, I have
didn’t feature in my life so much, other than as witnessed dealers and seasoned performers fall
a passing, interested spectator; a bit like the foul of not practising or rehearsing. There are
pandemic we are in at the moment, when club ‘magicians’ who think that the secret of a
practising and rehearsing would be a waste of trick and knowing how it works is all that
time and inappropriate. However, during the matters, and by going through a series of
times when performing magic has been an moves they can perform the effect, but they are
important feature of my life, as it has been wrong. They have obtained the effect from an
since retiring from my day job, I have external source, played around with it for a
practised all the effects I have in my current short while and think they can do it. Their
repertoire and rehearse at least once a month presentation is often accompanied by a blow-
– not always the same act, of course. by-blow account of what they are doing; for
The quality of convention magic in general example, “I will put your card in the pack,”
shows that most acts do practise and carrying out that move as they are doing it.
rehearse. However, at local magic clubs this is They often have to stop half way through to
not always the norm. There appears to be a retrace their steps, then, all too often an
glut of talented magicians who have had little embarrassing, strained applause point comes
difficulty in practising moves, mainly with at the end.
cards, to an almost obsessive level! That has Did I interpret Alfred Gabriel’s lecture
rendered them extremely proficient and skilful, correctly? I certainly hope so, as I have been
but when attempting to perform/entertain, applying its contents for almost a life-time in
rehearsing seems to have been non-existent, magic and, God willing, will continue to do so
which is a pity because without pointing and for some time to come.

JANUARY 2021 KEYRING 21

 KIDS’ CORNER RABBIT A IN HAT SURPRISE by Ian ADAIR
KEY RING JANUARY 2021.qxp_Layout 1 15/12/2020 13:53 Page 24

Tof standard
his is a tried and tested kids’
show routine using a couple
props.
“Perhaps if I wave my magic
wand over the drawing inside, it
may turn into a real live rabbit.”
panels are hinged together using
black adhesive tape. Prior to
performance, insert one of the

EFFECT:
The folder is reopened and the illustrated pieces of paper
piece of paper is removed and between two of the panels. On the
The performer first displays an shown, the image of the rabbit opposite side of the central panel,
empty picture frame which is sitting inside the hat has place the plain piece of paper.
stood upright, with its back completely disappeared. Finally Now close the folder.

WORKING AND PRESENTATION:

facing the audience. the performer picks up the large
A child assists the performer empty picture frame and asks the
who states that a rabbit sitting helper to wave the wand over it. A child is positioned to one side of
inside a hat is to be produced. When the frame is reversed, there your table. Display the back of the
With the child positioned to one inside is the identical image of the Sand Frame, stating that inside is
side, what appears to be a rabbit sitting in hat. This is a picture of a balloon without a
black folder is displayed. It is removed from the frame and skin, there’s nothing inside. “Well,
explained that this is where the handed to the l helper as a a balloon without a skin is
instruction sheet which reveals magical souvenir. nothing, isn’t it?” The Sand Frame

REQUIREMENTS:
the secret is kept. When it is is reversed so its back faces the

1 A large size Sand Frame

removed, it is a blank, piece of audience, and stood upright

2 Three large pieces of white

white paper. “It is so secret that against other props.
the instructions seem to have Stating that it would be great to
vanished.” The piece of paper is paper, one left plain, the other magically produce a real live
placed back inside the shown two having bold images of a rabbit sitting inside a hat, the
empty folder, which is then rabbit sitting in a hat. In fact, it folder is now displayed, it is
closed. The performer suggests is best to print off a quantity of related that within this are the
that the flat folder can act as a illustrated papers, since one instructions and secret on how to
sort of tray which the helper will be given to the assisting accomplish the trick. The folder is
should hold between their child at the end of the opened, and the audience see a

3 A special folder
hands. “Any moment now, a presentation piece of white paper which is

4 A magic wand
real live rabbit sitting inside a removed and reversed. The folder
magic hat will appear on that now appears to be empty, and the
very tray you are holding.” blank both sides piece of paper is
Waving the wand over the One of the illustrated pieces of replaced inside. Deliver my
empty ‘tray’ nothing seems to paper is loaded into the Sand suggested italicised patter lines
happen. When the folder is Frame which then is inverted so here.
opened, a bold image of a the sand cascades down and The folder is closed and used
rabbit sitting inside a hat is on covers it, now looking empty. as a tray which the child holds
the previously shown piece of Although the folder appears to between both hands. Stating that
paper. This, the performer, have two hinged panels, it has a a real live rabbit will magically
replaces back inside the folder central one which acts as a appear on the ‘tray’, the performer
which is again closed and divider. My folder is black without picks up the magic wand and
handed to the assisting child. any further decoration. The three waves it. Realising the trick hasn’t

22 KEYRING JANUARY 2021

KEY RING JANUARY 2021.qxp_Layout 1 15/12/2020 13:53 Page 25

worked, the folder is opened (by folder which is closed

the performer).The paper inside again. When the folder
still appears to be plain and white. is reopened, the piece of
However, when it is removed and paper is once again on
reversed, there’s a bold illustration both sides plain and white, the sure the sand sifts downwards,
of a rabbit sitting inside a hat on it folder being shown empty. it is finally shown to reveal the
which is displayed to the children. Picking up the Sand Frame and missing illustration of the rabbit
“Well, I have magically produced a showing it still empty, the child is sitting inside a hat. The frame is
rabbit sitting inside a hat, haven’t handed the magic wand and opened (as most can be) and
I?” Wanting to turn the image of instructed to wave it over the the illustrated piece of paper is
the rabbit into a real one, the frame. After reversing the frame removed and presented to the
piece of paper is replaced into the for a few moments, and making child as a magical souvenir.

Sheet of white paper Sheet of white paper

blank both sides in this blank this side and
section rabbit on rear

Simple folder
made from three
pieces of black
cartridge paper
fixed together
with black
adhesive tape Line of tape Sand Frame

JANUARY 2021 KEYRING 23

 Ideas Time
KEY RING JANUARY 2021.qxp_Layout 1 15/12/2020 13:54 Page 26

BY Brian BERRY THEP

W e’ve
mentioned
before about
bearing, which then rolled
backwards to appear in a
hole at the back of the
taken, as they rolled down a slope
in the order of release. The eagle-
eyed reader will notice that the
making use of stand to indicate which blue coloured ball is now missing.
apparatus for a colour had been taken. The ‘Popsy Pegs’ version simply
variety of shows Coincidentally, during indicates which of four cards has
and not just the his talk at our first been taken, but that is all that is
audience for which Nonvention, Roy Field needed for a very impressive
they were devised alluded to the prototype mind-reading routine worthy of
for i.e. children, of this effect as created Derren Brown. It also allows you
cabaret or adult. This month we by The British Ring’s first to adopt his speciality of a cod
benefit from two prolific Secretary, Dick Nesfield. I am psychological explanation.
magical minds-those of Brian grateful to Roy for the The initial choice of the four
Lead and Roy Field. Brian’s accompanying images, which cards is very important. I use,
thoughts turned to saving show both the front and back of from left to right facing the
money by using traditional, say, the apparatus, open to illustrate audience, the Three of Spades, the
children’s apparatus in adult the modus operandi. This Queen of Hearts, the Ace of
routines. So it’s over to t‘other relatively sophisticated version Spades and the Ten of Clubs. A
Brian, The Blackburn Baffler for enabled the performer to know in spectator is invited to choose a
his comprehensive ideas. which order the colours had been card from the selection, standing
At one auction (possibly run
by Brian himself) I came across
a piece of apparatus which had
come adrift from its original
effect and could easily become
a universal utility prop. It was a
simple but clever card stand
used for a prediction, and Brian
confirmed it had come from
Supreme’s ‘Popsy Pegs’ routine,
in which it was used to divine a
chosen colour. The stand was
ingeniously designed so that
when a card was removed it
released a tiny ball, like a ball

24 KEYRING JANUARY 2021

KEY RING JANUARY 2021.qxp_Layout 1 15/12/2020 13:54 Page 27

EPRESTON PRESTIDIGITATOR

to be chosen by a lady, and the

nondescript Three of Spades is
obviously the weakest.
Knowing this, however, you
may now decide to call my bluff
and go for a weaker card. On
the other hand, you may do a
double bluff and deliberately
take the red Queen (by far the
‘strongest’ and the one I took in
the demonstration) just to be
on display next to each other. tend not to choose the outside awkward. It’s up to you . . .”
Top tip: I’ve found that the best cards, which makes the Queen of This is quite a fascinating
method is for the performer to Hearts and Ace of Spades most line of patter which draws in
demonstrate exactly what the likely. The Queen is known as the the audience. When the card
spectator is required to do, lifting most popular and frequently has been chosen and a casual
one of the cards cleanly out of the chosen card in the deck, possibly glance at the back of the stand
slot (use QH), showing it around because of its fairy-tale has identified it for you, simply
then replacing it exactly as it was associations. Also, this is the only take your time in revealing it.
before. This means there can be red card on display and the only You may deal with each one in
no ambiguity, as later your back picture card, so under normal turn, asking your helper to lie or
will be turned and you will be circumstances this is tell the truth, and you will
unable to direct or correct the psychologically the most likely detect the correct one through
move. This will obviously release one to be chosen. It’s crying out giveaway ‘body language’ and
one of the balls, but this is no for your attention. The Ace of so on; so it may not even be
problem. You then look for the Spades is also strong, as it is presented as a magic trick at all.
second ball which has been traditionally the highest and most The storyline can still apply if
released to indicate the valuable; but some avoid it you force a card by any other
spectator’s choice ... and if only because it is known as the ‘death method, regardless of the
one ball is still showing you know card’ – but only because once you stand. Thanks Brian, this should
the spectator has made the same could be hanged for counterfeiting open many ideas for everyone.
choice as you did. it. In the days of Charles I it was Share yours by letting me
The patter will go something often faked to avoid stamp duty. know: brianberry@[Link]
like this, once you have The Ten of Clubs is a typically or ring for a chat on
introduced the set-up: “People masculine card, and so is unlikely 01772 421816.

JANUARY 2021 KEYRING 25

 ABITMOOREMAGIC
KEY RING JANUARY 2021.qxp_Layout 1 15/12/2020 13:54 Page 28

Iis ntimes
BY Clive MOORE
these difficult and the other would profession is quite interested
of no shows, it not fit over a jam jar, in what we do. I remember
a bonus to be asked nevertheless with a working on one ward when a
to do a performance. bit of adjustment I was young doctor had heard that
Mine came in very able to perform an I was interested in magic and
unusual acceptable version. he approached me to show
circumstances as This really baffled the him something. Luckily I had a
I had recently doctor and with few old cards in my wallet and
developed a problem excitement another I showed him a version of Card
with a tremor in my nurse was beckoned into the room Warp. He then took the rest of
arm. I was referred to the nerve to witness a repeat performance. the cards and showed me his
clinic at my local hospital (you She then asked me if I did any version of the torn and restored
need a nerve to do card tricks, I said “Yes but card, certainly better than mine!
my act) and as part there is one element He then did some lovely coin
of the examination missing.” She looked at work with a brilliant coin
with my consultant me with an old fashioned matrix. He went on to tell me he
there was a test of gaze and I explained there wasn’t a magician and he had
dexterity. She had was no pack to hand. At no real interest in our art, but
read in my notes least the intention was
that I was a magician, good, what a great ice
so having laid on the bed breaker magic is.
being prodded and poked Having worked in the
in all directions she asked health service for forty five
if I had any magic with me; years, I have performed
whether she thought I had a dozens of shows for
Zig Zag or a Sub Trunk doctors, from medical
down my socks I really students to consultants
don’t know, and and have generally
believe it or not found that this
I was
without Card Warp
my Spotted Can! had learned these moves and
From the top of my head slights as a student. He laughed
I asked if she had any rubber saying “It helped me to find
bands, there now following a girls and to break the ice with
hunt around her desk assisted patients.”
by a nurse and incredibly two I was amazed at his skill and
were found under a pile of knowledge so perhaps I should
paper clips. “Right” I thought as teach him the Spotted Can.
she handed them to me, the Well it takes all sorts and
Crazy Man’s Handcuffs. Then let’s hope in 2021 we all get
I realised that one was so big it back to doing what we love,
would have done as a fan belt Crazy Man's Handcuffs performing magic.

26 KEYRING JANUARY 2021

 O
KEY RING JANUARY 2021.qxp_Layout 1 15/12/2020 13:54 Page 29

nce I thought I’d been dealt a bad hand when my Aussie illusionist John Taylor’s experience,
relatives, six generations ago, were forced onto aperforming offshore. John was the first Australian
ship bound for The Great South Land, but I’m magician to get back into the cruise ship industry,
counting my blessings now that I live on an isolated battling through a gruelling quarantine process to
island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. What a work on Quantum of the Seas, the biggest cruise

HAPPY NEW YEAR

crazy time this past year has been! ship in the Royal Caribbean International fleet.
Magicians in Australia ceased work in March John had to quarantine for one month before

FROM THE
2020, forcing many being able to perform!
performers to turn to He home-quarantined

BLUE MOUNTAINS,
various online platforms for two weeks, obtained
like ZOOM in an attempt permission to fly, gained
to make a quid. work permits and

AUSTRALIA!
Interesting medical permits from
developments in the Australian and
technology will, no Singaporean
doubt, open up myriad governments, before
imaginative methods flying to Singapore
magicians can apply to Sue-Anne WEBSTER’S (being COVID-tested
our trade in the future, South Australian Wizardry along the way) to board
but I’m still convinced ship. He was then
that magic will always escorted directly to his
be more effective live. cabin for another two
As soon as weeks in quarantine,
restrictions were eased last October, having his temperature checked
I was able to work a few live twice daily by medical
performances. The audiences officers in full P.P.E. He
were grateful to see a live hadn’t even been able to
show. I made sure meet his new assistant, let
everyone felt safe with alone rehearse with her, until
hand sanitiser, gloves, the day before the show
masks, anti-bacterial season began. His assistant
spray and making a learnt her routine in her
comedy out of it was small cabin, while John
all part of the fun. rehearsed his altered act in
My first volunteer, who his, conforming to the liner’s
performed the Chinese rigid show restrictions,
Linking Rings with me, including: no volunteers on
had the full COVID- stage, no walking into the
safe experience. We audience, no microphone in
all had a giggle as he the audience for spectators to speak into, and all
legged his way into full P.P.E. (Professional prop-moving stagehands must wear masks
Prestidigitation Equipment), looking way too cute backstage and onstage.
in it and I still managed to include lots of audience John is now two months into his six month
participation. Everyone felt relaxed. I was also contract and then faces another two weeks in
able to finally perform another old trick: Okito’s quarantine on his return to his family in Australia.
Ribbon Penetration. It’s an ingenious prop and Life has changed and magic will change with it.
a beautiful effect! As we’ve seen over this last year, the show must
My show experience was a breeze compared to go on and it will.

JANUARY 2021 KEYRING 27

KEY RING JANUARY 2021.qxp_Layout 1 15/12/2020 13:54 Page 30

YOUR SAY
Neal Austin writes:
The Key Ring magazine arrived a short while ago

Clive Cullum writes:

and I have just had a chance to sit down with a
nice cuppa and have a read through it.
(Following on from commenting on the difficulties I’m sure it’s a huge amount of work to put
we are all living under at the moment) “I know together a magazine every month to a deadline.
that things are not good for you also but it must There must be masses of work involved in
be nice to keep busy with the magazine of which generating submissions, collating the contents,
you ought to be very proud.” putting it together, editing it, arranging the layout,

From David Hibberd:

organising the printing and myriad other things
that wouldn’t even enter my mind.
I really do appreciate the work that you put in to I just wanted to say I think you’ve been doing,
publish Key Ring every month and wish you all and are continuing to do, a really excellent job
the best. with the magazine. It’s an excellent read with a

From Ian Adair:

broad variety of subject matter covering all manner
of things magical. It must be a huge challenge to
Congratulations on produce it every month while keeping up the very
A DAIR

KIDS’ COR
NER TWISTER
WAND
another first class issue
AND WAND
ERFUL BIRTHD
AY by Ian

WORKING
AND PRESENT the
ATION:
show introduce state
tip (cap) firmly. backwards or
You now
sideways
move

silk to
the
, which allowsappear,
high standard of production and content.
SET-UP:
During the wish Birthday drop
into the wand can, if you g big to tell Happy will automatically

of The Key Ring. I’m sure most members probably don’t give a
strung silk wand. You somethin where it to keep the
of the wand, Tuck the that you have the wand. open for display. Try this.

T
of one end and secure. set to use it in your then display come as you do
take hold the opposite the children, child to wand level
I’m a r holding to You are all loosen the
Ask the birthday you. way to remind
perfect wand, the performe performer moves sure you him beside What a nice your helper is
“Here’s the so they say!” end. When
the
a ‘banner’
in show. Make will be holding soup and position of the wand that
I call a ‘throw- the children
his is what bit of a twister, one side,
suddenly Happy cap the child no struggle in Offer the
end g their birthday.
wand which of a 36” (900mm) there will
be be removed. the white celebratin
away’ comedy years ago sold me this I the form silk makes
its
it. which will to hold
some old magician but Birthday ce, Ask the child
I made up my children’s “An He told me it works, appearan
removing
it into wand. Think displayed
and slotted that it doesn’t.
found out

As for my columns, second thought to what goes into making it

shows. of a twister.”
wands he’s a bit
Using differentshow, the
ut the Wurly,
througho one which “Looks like a Curly
r brings out between
both
performe appearance. Its doesn’t it?”
(twisted
in wand.
is twisted appearance looks /toffee bar) ends of the have
chocolate y didn’t
‘curly wurly’ the start. been in the I personall
from wand has I
odd right the comedy “I think this wand, since
Before I explain too long!” to make the standard
from this
wand,
washing
machine it from the by
you can obtain two ways of converted launched
Wand (first but now

I can always see the happen. I think I have kind of taken it for granted
has
let me discuss way happened child who Pop-away Co,
One (To an assistingthe wand) “You little the Supreme Magic
making it. d a length
of
been handed waved it other dealers). silk
when I discovere iron rod must have made by a 36” (900mm)
twister, you a good
wrought in That’s stretching You require Happy Birthday
imitation
actually made too much. with the wording is a
which was far!” it. Also required
black in colour. thing too printed on and some a Pop- away
plastic, and right length and cord or stringBoth ends of 900mm Happy If you havecan adapt it for
the ’ wand length of Birthday
silk
I cut it to tips, one If you use
the ‘liquorice could tape. fixed to cord which is Wand you If not a wand
two white you adhesive for the a black tube this routine. up as below
painted on This resulted in my with rice paper ends it, and say: strong are removed and placed You needsmaller in diameter
that
out of the wand inside tube This can be made
at each end. a few bites slightly but to fit snugly.

amount of work you put myself, so I just wanted to pause a moment, and
on.
‘Twister Wand.’ to make it is to
take FUL!” preparati adhesive tape, attach Fit an approx.
50mm cap on the caps made from cartridge
“Tastes WANDER white hollow could be
Y
Another way Using the of string
or

FUL BIRTHDA or routine,

sticks which diameter This end secured,
the length paper.
WANDER
liquorice the end of capped each end. end loosely placed
find some
These are always inside one of the edge of the other
an effect cord top (see text)
are twisted. be obtained Not so much way to display attach the the
can
black and and supermarkets. but rather a super ends. Now length of
. along the tape
sweet shops at the message the 36” silk is threaded through with adhesive
white paint a Happy Birthday birthday party show string which the wand, and each end
to the caps
G 25
Add some a the of cord at
still, wrap During s a jumbo the hollow
shaft of Secure a R 2020 KEYRIN
ends, or better rice paper r introduce to the inside
the performe wand, which he calls is then attachedusing the adhesive
DECEMBE
piece of whiteends (more details sized magic

into these once I submit say thank you for doing such a sterling job with it.
cap,
around both
one. the other
special birthday to
on this later). gags a birthday child to tape.
some comedy either Asking the the child
Here are requests
can use with assist, he
and bits you
version.

R 2020
G DECEMBE
24 KEYRIN

them. They always look good. It’s a brilliant magazine and deserves more
(The illustrations are due to the skills of our recognition and praise.
graphic designer and I too admire his talents Ed) Best regards

From Brenda Trowell:

Brenda wrote to me advising that she had a money and only require the name plates
number of replica trophies owned by her late changing. They include nine wooden shields,
partner, our member, Mike Pettitt. These are seven cups and a slate die. Anyone interested
offered to any society, without charge, who please contact me and I will pass on your
may need such items. It would save them some details to Brenda. Ed.

28 KEYRING JANUARY 2021

 BROKEN WAND
KEY RING JANUARY 2021.qxp_Layout 1 15/12/2020 13:54 Page 31

Molly Patricia Rushworth 24 May 1936 – 11 November 2020

Pat Ray (of ‘Geoff Ray & Pat’)

Pat was not a member but Geoff is an

Excalibur member of the International
Brotherhood of Magicians.
Pat was a wonderful magical assistant for
fifty years to her husband Geoff Ray.
As ‘Geoff Ray and Pat’ they toured the
world, appearing on television,
pantomime, theatres and night clubs all
over the UK and Europe, as well as eight
world cruises, on luxury liners. They won
the Butlins/People competition in 1963 out
of 6,000 acts and appeared on BBC, ITV
and HTV. They performed at FISM and
starred at the European magic convention
in Baden-Baden. Their appearances
included many shows for The British Ring
and won the three major trophies at our
convention in Hastings in 1970, a record.
They also appeared at the London
Palladium and three rooms at The Magic
Castle, Hollywood [Link] (or Molly to
her friends) was a much loved, beautiful She loved The British Ring, and with
lady, and will be greatly missed by her Geoff, appeared on many convention
friends and family. shows over the years. She was the
She leaves loving husband Geoff, and President’s Lady when Geoff was made
two children Paul and Julie, five President of the British Ring in 1991-92.
grandchildren and three great She was a member of the Magigals and
grandchildren. helped organise their functions. Molly
Pat was, for many years the driving suffered from Alzheimer’s for the last four
force and organiser for the Shropshire years; a wicked, horrible disease. Molly’s
dinner which had to be to be limited to family are now dedicated to fundraising
170 annually. Pat and Geoff attended for research into Alzheimer’s, in the hope
every British Ring Convention since 1962, that one day they can find a cure.
missing only 1977 as they were away
cruising. Alan Clarke

JANUARY 2021 KEYRING 29

 CULLUM’S
KEY RING JANUARY 2021.qxp_Layout 1 15/12/2020 13:54 Page 32

COMMENTS
War Office unit headed by a brigadier and with
numerous senior officers. I asked an Ordnance
officer if the powder could be duplicated. There

D
was amazement that the powder was so
fine and it could not be duplicated. This
by Clive CULLUM only goes to show how often we in the
o you remember “Dragon Fire” the very magical world are ahead of others in the use
fine powder which when blown of new materials and in technology.
though a lit match produced a flame (I see this product has now returned to the market
burst? I am referring back to 1959. I was place but named Dragon’s Breath. Use with care

PUZZLE
on National Service on Anglesey at a 400 men and observe all necessary safety precautions Ed.)

CORNER
4 Which magicians wrote the following Magic
Close-Up: Stage and Children’s. Who was he?

books. a the “infamous” Big Book of Magic.

b The Royal Road of Card Magic c Routined
Manipulations d Modern Magic and Later

5 To whom were these two ladies a special

Magic?

magical assistant – a Suee Seen

b Moi Yo Miller?
6 Who was known as a The King of Coins
The following quiz on famous magicians was sent

b The Queen of Coins?

in by Royston, (Roy Gilbert). Some of the answers

7 Who was the Greek Goddess of magic, ghosts,

have appeared in recent issues of Key Ring, so
why not have a go, and see how well you do!

1 What is the similarity between a machine by 8 The late Roy Baker invented a very clever
Answers below. and witchcraft?

which mechanical energy is converted into and much used force known by the acronym
electrical energy and a popular English as The Pateo Force. What do the letters

2 Which magicians of the past were known as 9 Who is the only well-known magician to date
magician? “Pateo” stand for?

a The Father of Modern Magic b The Wizard of

the North c The Professor d The Human Hairpin?
to have had a feature, speaking, role in the

3 Prior to lockdown in March, one magician for 10 David Copperfield vanished the Statue of
James Bond movie canon?

the first time ever had won all three of Then Liberty but who made Tower Bridge
Magic Circle Competitions in the same year, disappear?

[Link] 6 a T. Nelson Downs b Mercedes Talma of Leroy,

See 5 a Chung Ling Soo b Dante.
10 Franz Harary (Angelo Lewis).
Dies” (1997). Brau c Lewis Ganson d “Professor Hoffmann”
I.T/Computer expert) in “Tomorrow Never 4 a Patrick Page b Jean Hugard and Frederick
9 The late Ricky Jay as Henry Gupta (an 3 Edward Hilsum.
8 Pick any two, eliminate one. c Dai Vernon d Carlton.
7 Hecate 2 a Robert Houdin b John Henry Anderson
Talma and Bosco. 1 They are both a “Dynamo”.