Newsletter: 126 for February 2007 Notices Argh! Gravy Davy is up to meet with Simon Cowell on 21 February! No, it’s not for the X-Factor but When Will I Be Famous – the new talent programme on BBC1 on Saturday nights ... best of luck mate. Something tells me you might need it. Stan also reminded us all about the forthcoming lecture at Southdowns by Peter Scarlett. I’ll be sorry to miss it as I first met Peter at the IBM who showed me at least two dealer items which both went wrong so it was back to the old ropes again – very talented and funny man. Our evening started off fine along the usual lines of our monthly Challenge and this month “Chicken” magic was due for performance by Patrick having been challenged by Martin. Unfortunately the latter’s magical extraveganza hadn’t turned up from the States so Patrick was out on his own – not the first time! With the usual cries of “It’s going to be a close count again!” we all awaited the result. This evening was extra special as Dave told us (incorrectly!) tonight was one of non-talent... what he meant to say was a non-magic! You really can’t get the staff sometimes. Our entertainment started with Uncle Stan and Snowy who had come out of retirement especially for us. He continued with a few words about the Allied Arts of magic and some great stand up. There are times when I wished I did shorthand so as to get down all the gags but alas you had to be there to appreciate them. Thanks for the laughs Stan. Our new member Professor Joe was suffering a bit (sore throat you know) and he introduced George to us with his vent act. Not George! Joe was using this as his audition and the Committee’s decision to have him on board full-time was unanimous. Well done Joe and we can’t wait to see Punch and Judy next time. Peter Bennett just loves dressing up (I’m not sure what he does at weekends!) but his impersonation of one of his heros Rob Wilson of the 1940s was scripted and performed with ease. Thanks Peter, it’s always nice to come across other peoples favourite people! Reg Moores was up next and just how many of you knew he had once been the World Whistling Champion? A DVD is available to borrow if anyone wants a look at Reg working with Paul Daniels and many others. He also gave us a rendition of some of his harmonica tunes. Thoroughly enjoyable Reg and thank you. Directly after our excellent refreshments Dave announced the winner of this month’s Challenge was, of course, Patrick but they have agreed to let the challenge stand for next month so Martin can strut his stuff! I gave everyone an update on this year’s Annual Dinner and Pelham House will be made aware of all the comments about last time both good and bad. Martin and I would love to go back there again and there has been some discussion with the Committee about making this event earlier on in the year so as not to clash with other events. We would also love to see Peggy, Bob and Reg join us. Reg highlighted transport problems in getting to the event and I’m sure we can sort him out with a lift from someone if he wants to come along. I have been in communication with a special friend to see if they can join us as cabaret but if they are unavailable, Martin and I will see what we can sort out whilst we are in Blackpool with Lynn, Patrick and Geoff. It was then onto the next attempts at talent and we started off with Dave and his excellent jokes! Thank God Bob Monkhouse got his infamous joke book back as I’m sure Dave would still be using those! He then decided it was time for Zac to learn how to make balloon animals and I just know that Caroline will treasure her parrot forever! Mike Elvin really is a scary man. Just when I thought puppet shows were okay, out comes Red Riding Hood trying to kiss something just as sinister. What was really sad was Martin shouting “It’s behind you” in my ear for the whole show. I really would stick to the day job Mike or perhaps our Wizard from Hell ought to come and join us again as that would be less traumatising! Finally it was my turn to get Martin and Professor Joe up for a good old sing-song around the virtual campfire. We started with Edelweiss and Dave soon joined us with memories of his Scouting and bad singing. Martin’s redition of “Green and Yella” was a particulary lovely way to finish the evening off. Thank you so much to everyone for performig and it was a change to see Mike and Brenda relaxing for the evening and not jumping up to entertain. I’m sure it won’t be too long before they’re back. See you next month for the Tom Hooper Award for Close-Up Magic. Can anyone beat Mike Pettett this year? Written by: Nicky Lewis |
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