Reg Martin ( Now runs the Thames Valley Magicians Guild ) put postcards in various shops – one of which was in Dunton Green in 1983 - asking for interested parties to contact him with a view to starting a magic club. I think adverts also went out in the local press. After contacts with all those who had responded, the first meeting of the club was held in a hall at the back of the United Reform Church, London Road, Sevenoaks on Tuesday 2^nd August 1983 at 8:00 pm. This hall was called The Bridge. I do not have any notes as to what went on other than to say that the name of the club was to be "Orpington & Sevenoaks Magic Circle" with Reg as Secretary and Roger Pyatt as Treasurer. It had also been decided to start a library for the members.

The second meeting took place at "The Farmers" pub, Tubbs Hill on the 30^th August 1983. Member Johnny Hills was the first to give a small show for the Club night. After this one-off meeting at the pub, the Club returned to The Bridge for its venue. I think Roy Skavini performed for us at the September meet with Syd Mills aka Myro doing a spot for the October night. The press were invited that night and the Club had a very good write-up in the Leader newspaper.

It was during the November club night (again with the press in attendance – from the Chronicle) that the late Tony Branson was made the Club’s Honorary Patron.  ( There is a Tony Branson memorial trophy that has been presented annually to the best KMG performer. )   This gave the club yet more good publicity although the picture of Tony, Reg and me was not one of my best!! December had some of us participating in a couple of shows entitled "An Evening of Pure Magic" at Orpington and Sevenoaks.

Early 1984 brought about a change in the name of the club. Correspondence was received from The Magic Circle in London saying that they were not happy with us using the words Magic Circle in our name! After much deliberation, the current name was adopted. In passing, I recently found 27 "Magic Circles" in the UK on a web site so we were such a threat !

During April 1984, some of us went to a recording of the Paul Daniels show at the BBC and by mistake member Fred Hall found himself involved in a trick picking keys to win Pauls’ Roller.

So there you have it – KMG in the very early days. Members entertaining Members, lectures from the likes of Harold Taylor, John Palfreyman and Ali Bongo, raffles to raise funds, cups of tea to raise funds and friendly meetings to raise the standard of magic in the area.

And there you have it !!!

History of Presidents