The Modern Mystic League
JAN 2026
Blackburn & District Society of Magicians
As usual these days, our AGM was a civilised and good-humoured affair under the guidance of Chairman Roger.
It began sadly, with a minute’s silence to remember our dear colleague Ron Baron and good friend and MeMeL reader/contributor Chris Wardle, whose passing has had such devastating effect on the magic community.
The officers each presented their reports on a full and fulfilling year, and members showed their appreciation in return.
For the first time, the Les Brooks trophy for the best submission to the MeMeL in 2025, as voted for by readers, went to a non-member – Tony Noon, whose thoughtful articles and light-hearted cartoons regularly grace our pages.
The President’s award of the Hecate statuette went deservedly to Allan Clarke, who affects the smooth running of the Society in so many ways. Members even voted unanimously to accept his proposal of a rise in the subscription rate!
It began sadly, with a minute’s silence to remember our dear colleague Ron Baron and good friend and MeMeL reader/contributor Chris Wardle, whose passing has had such devastating effect on the magic community.
The officers each presented their reports on a full and fulfilling year, and members showed their appreciation in return.
For the first time, the Les Brooks trophy for the best submission to the MeMeL in 2025, as voted for by readers, went to a non-member – Tony Noon, whose thoughtful articles and light-hearted cartoons regularly grace our pages.
The President’s award of the Hecate statuette went deservedly to Allan Clarke, who affects the smooth running of the Society in so many ways. Members even voted unanimously to accept his proposal of a rise in the subscription rate!
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
The Presidential chain of office was transferred seamlessly from Paul Guy to myself, looking back at Paul’s two years of exemplary leadership and anticipating the year ahead.
Going forward, the committee was re-elected en bloc, with the welcome addition of Craig as an extra member.
As always, members vied for the privilege of providing refreshments, and thankfully all volunteers were able to secure a place on the rota.
We reviewed the year ahead, as outlined in the calendar which appears in the MeMeL each month, and look forward to the many exciting events in prospect.
Brian Lead
Going forward, the committee was re-elected en bloc, with the welcome addition of Craig as an extra member.
As always, members vied for the privilege of providing refreshments, and thankfully all volunteers were able to secure a place on the rota.
We reviewed the year ahead, as outlined in the calendar which appears in the MeMeL each month, and look forward to the many exciting events in prospect.
Brian Lead
Click to enlarge images