Kilmarnock’s prize-winning conjurers are just magic

Feb 5 2010 by Clair Fullarton, Kilmarnock Standard

A GROUP of amateur conjurers are in wizard form after being named Scotland’s most successful magic group.

The Kilmarnock Magic Circle group were recently presented with the Alexander Cannon Trophy for racking up the most competitive points during the year.

And one of their members Michael DaSilva Neto also did the group proud picking up two trophies during the year, one for the best magic effect in close competition (John Ramsey Rosebowl) and the second for being the best act in close up (Anne Warlock Trophy).

Club secretary Elizabeth McNamara is still on cloud nine after such a successful year.

“When they announced we had won at Montrose, the roar the 17 of us made was unbelievable,” she admitted.

“I surprised we weren’t heard in Kilmarnock.

“It’s been a long time coming, winning this trophy, and you can imagine how delighted we all were. It was the culmination of a year of hard work and effort from all of the members. It’s a real achievement.”

Magic is something Elizabeth, who is also secretary of the Scottish Association of Magic Societies, and husband Richard, last year’s Kilmarnock president, have been interested in for over 30 years.

Even their two grown-up daughters Joanne and Lynne are interested in the subject, and Lynne is still a member of the Kilmarnock circle.

Elizabeth said: “It’s been a great hobby of our whole family for the past 40 years. I became interested through my husband, who kept our girls entertained with little tricks when they were young, and it has snowballed from there.

“Now we are kept busy going all over Scotland to competitions and conventions. We’ve made some great friends over the years and had lots of fun along the way.”

The Kilmarnock Circle are a small but dedicated bunch, with 16 current members, who meet once a month in Galston Community Centre, usually on the third Thursday of the month.

They are always looking for new members with a genuine interest in the subject, and in particular more junior members would be most welcome.

Elizabeth said: “Anyone interested in coming along to our meetings should call me on 01563 821241 for more information.”