Meeting Peter Blanchard: Saturday 3rd November 2001.

At this time I was looking for an outlet and to advance my interest in Magic, I decided to attend as a guest, at the Magic Circle dealer’s day staged at the Imperial Hotel in London. I had the good fortune to meet and chat to a gentleman by the name of Peter Blanchard, we both enjoyed a glass of red wine together, “You know; I think you really ought to be one of us, I would like to invite you one of our meetings and you may bring your wife.” “Yes I would enjoy that, thank you very much”.
A provisional date was agreed for Monday the 19th November, Peter said, “I will write to you soon with the details and the invitation.” That was a good chance meeting and on the following Tuesday sure enough the invitation arrived.

Monday 19th November 2001. With my wife Josie I set off for London and the Magic Circle Headquarters, by this time The Magic Circle had its own building and clubrooms situated in Euston, Peter greeted us and gave us a good tour of the building and introduced us to other members.

One I remember was the Magic Circle Chaplin, the Reverend Stephen Blood, Josie remarked how friendly everybody was, and indeed they were. As we were chatting Peter asked me if I was interested in joining as an associate member, “Yes I am”— “Good, I will get the forms and propose you, I will also find someone to second you.” The forms were filled in, the fee paid, and I would have two years to pass my examination to become a full member. Peter was a good man and I will always be grateful to him.
Monday 8th April 2002. I had been a regular visitor to the clubrooms since my visit in November, after reading in the library which is full of good reading matter for members who intend to pass the examinations I made my way up to the clubroom for coffee and a biscuit and started chatting club members. I had completed an hours study downstairs as I was to take my examinations for membership into The Magic Circle within a few weeks.

Monday 20th May 2002. At last, the big night had arrived. I was to take the examination for membership of The Magic Circle. I took my place in the Devant Room in good time and dressed accordingly. My examiners were Fay Presto, Michael Vincent, and David Tomkins, all well experienced magicians and all Members of the Inner Magic Circle. On my final presentation I first requested that David Tompkins helped me, he declined, saying he was examining me, therefore I requested the person next to him help his name Brian Stringer, he agreed. I went through the same routine as I had previously with several other club members in practice sessions. It worked well and I received good applause. My final important words were.

“Thank you all for your kind attention” I then retreated downstairs, a little later I thanked Brian Stringer for his help. Several people congratulated me that evening including the examiners.

Hotel Alpina Interlaken Switzerland, Wednesday 12th June, 2002. Time 2100. I had an important telephone call to make, it was to the examinations secretary and member of the Magic Circle Council Mr. Graham Reed. “Good evening Mr. Reed, I am phoning to enquire about my examination results?”
“Michael, I am pleased to tell you, you have passed, let me be the first to congratulate you.” “Thank you so much for that good news” I was so pleased now that I was a member of that fine company.