Home Counties Magical Society

Members, family and friends enjoyed an evening of Good Company, Good Surroundings and Good Magic at the Sonning Golf Club with ample opportunity to meet and chat with old and new friends. Following the inner sustenance of our bodies, President Robin Maddy proposed the Toast to HRH Queen Elizabeth II and then spoke warmly about the Society and the continuing enthusiasm of both the older and newer members. He thanked those who had helped in the organising of the evening and then called on all to raise their glasses to drink to the further advancement of the Society. Several of the members were busy at the tables entertaining with their close-up skills whenever the opportunity came throughout the evening.

After a brief comfort break, MC for the evening Keith Churcher had the pleasing task of introducing our Cabaret Entertainer, Mike O'Brien -  truly a name  known throughout the magical world.

Mike's entertainment kept the whole audience laughing at his more than dry humour which was effortlessly woven into his magical effects: torn and restored newspaper - his very personalised version of the six card repeat - colour changing handkerchiefs - Jumbo Size Find the Lady - a lovely rope routine - card across -and an immaculate presentation of the Egg Bag.

This listing does no justice to the entertainment and mystery which came with every one of his effects: all done with his deadpan expression emphasising the "Desert Dry Humour" that is his very personal trademark. From the reaction of the audience and talking afterwards, the entertainment could well be described as a Master Class. 

The three excellent raffle prizes were drawn, and members chatted away until the evening gently drew to a close and we were all homeward bound.

It was a pleasure to welcome Gwynneth Pearman-Jenkins (who was one of the lucky raffle winners) and her son Martin to the evening. Paul Pearman was one of the Founder Members of the Society in 1947 and after his death Gwynneth had moved away to Hertfordshire, recently discovered the Society was still active and decided to renew her contact. This will be maintained now, as she and Martin (still living locally) have both logged on to our Website for information and I have already "earmarked" Martin as our lay judge when next the competition for the Paul Pearman Cup takes place !

Another successful evening, enhanced by the general friendliness which bounced around the room.