A Brief History of The York Society of Magicians

On the 8^th March 1945, a number of magicians living in and around York were called to a meeting in the Mansion House York, at the invitation of the Lord Mayor, Councillor Mr. H.C. De Burgh, who himself was a magician. The purpose of this meeting was to form a Society of Magicians in the City. Six men were welcomed by the Lord Mayor and together they formed ‘The York Society of Magicians’. Unfortunately, none of those founder members are alive today, but as a tribute to their memory a list of their names is given hereunder:

Mr. H.C. De Burgh

Mr. W. Lockwood

Mr. J. McJannet

Mr. E. Ramsdale

Mr. R. Hopkinson

Mr. C.R. Lawrence

Mr. C. Allison

The Society flourished, first making its Headquarters at the Rechabite Building in York, and more recently at The Shepherd Group Social Club, Holgate Road, York.

 Although the York Society of Magicians has remained a fairly small and exclusive society, the standard of magic performed by members is extremely high.

More History may be found in the society scrap book, 50 years ...A Celebration Book and in the collection of press cuttings held by the York Society of Magicians. These are currently available to see on request but it is our intention to make them available in PDF format over the coming months.

We would also like to hear your stories about the YSM. Please send your anecdotes, photographs and press clippings to he York Society of Magicians c/o Ashby House, York Road, Barlby, YO8 5JH. email to info@yorksocietyofmagicians.co.uk or call Martin on 01757 707238.

1945 – 1947   Harold De-Burgh
1947 – 1959   Walter Lockwood
1959 – 1962   Charlie Allison
1962 – 1965   Maurice Deighton
1965 – 1968   Ken Pawson
1968 – 1969   Roger Martin
1969 – 1970   Maurice Deighton
1970 – 1971   Bob Wormley
1971 – 1972   Ron Spencer
1972 – 1973   Ann Peckitt
1973 – 1974   Bill Peckitt
1974 – 1975   Roy Murphy
1975 – 1976   Brian Pickering
1976 – 1977   Malcolm Sanderson
1977 – 1978   John Clarke
1978 – 1979   Ron Anderson
1979 – 1980   Maurice Deighton
1980 – 1981   Roger Martin
1981 – 1982   Vincent Shackleton
1982 – 1983   Ron Spencer
1983 – 1984   Bill Peckitt
1984 – 1985   Roy Murphy
1985 – 1986   Derek Forbes
1986 – 1987   Brian Wilkinnson
1987 – 1988   Bob Wormley
1988 – 1989   Micheal Shepherd
1989 – 1990   Malcolm Sanderson
1990 – 1991   Maurice Deighton
1991 – 1992   Roger Martin
1992 – 1993   Geoff Franks
1993 – 1994   Charles Stuart
1994 – 1995   Ken Pawson
1995 – 1996   Micheal Shepherd
1996 – 1997   Brendan Craw
1997 – 1998   Derek Forbes
1998 – 1999   Wilson Irving
1999 – 2000   Bob Wormley
2000 – 2001   Roger Martin
2001 – 2002   Martin Hunt
2002 – 2003   Alan Rowley
2003 – 2004   Roy Field
2004 – 2005   Derek Forbes
2005 – 2006   Roger Martin
2006 – 2007   Bob Wormley
2007 – 2008   Mary Staddon