Mahatma Magic Circle

Mahatma Magic Circle is a magic society in Liverpool, England.

Founded in 1915 by Professor J. Meadows after he resigned from the Northern Magical Society.

Lorian Grey, Carl Du Verne, Will Melvey, Van Dyke, Victor Mayville were among the first members at the inaugural meeting on March 3, 1915, in Bootle, one of the outskirts of Liverpool naming it the "Liverpool Magic Circle". Chris van Bern was elected the first President.

The "Goat" Hotel, the original headquarters, was completely destroyed by bombs in the May blitz of 1941 and all the Society’s records, library, trophies etc., were lost.

Other early members included Oscar Paulson, Fred Lowe, Louis Histed, Edward Victor and Jack Potter.

In 1933, Oscar Paulson won a word competition in the "John Bull" magazine and, with his prize money he bought and presented to the Society the "Oscar Paulson Cup", to be awarded in annual competition for the most entertaining act.

During 1941, Edward Victor was elected an Honorary Vice President and Carl Du Verne died in office was President.

New members were required to perform, as part of the requirements for election, for the first time in 1947.

In August 1954, the Liverpool Magic Circle was formed in direct competition to the Mahatma Circle of Magicians. For thirteen years, the two flourished side by side. In 1966 it was agreed to join the two Societies which took place on the 1st January 1967, assuming the new name of "MAHATMA MAGIC CIRCLE". For the first year there were joint presidents, Derek Jones (DELVANTE) from Liverpool, and Norman Nava from Mahatma.

References

• British Magic Societies No. 39, Magic Circular, January 1990
• http://liverpoolmahatmamagiccircle.com/aboutus.aspx