Rem Brickhill was the cousin of Brian Tarr and although he was not a magician,
he enjoyed magic immensely. He made and donated the Lionel Walker Trophy
and then in April 1970, he donated the shield pictured above which is called
the Rem Brickhill Trophy.
"The President (Brian Tarr) produced a handsome trophy, which he said
his cousin, Mr. R Brickhill, had donated to the society in
appreciation for all the magic he had seen from us over the past
several years. It was agreed that members consider over the next month
how this trophy is to be awarded, and to bring ideas to the next
meeting. The secretary was asked to thank Mr. Brickhill and his
friend, who made the trophy." (Minutes - April 1970)
A number of suggestions for awarding the trophy were put forward,
including "It should be awarded for the most novel adaptation of a trick
or invention of a new trick each year" and "It should be awarded for the
most improvement each year." (minutes - May 1970). The final decision
was left to to committee who decided the trophy was to be awarded for
the 'Best Trick of the Evening'. However this competition never took
place and the following extracts tell the story:
"For the first time this year we would be competing for a new trophy.
It would be awarded for the best trick of the evening - only members
being allowed to vote" (minutes - November 1970)
and
"I review the past year with mixed feelings. Although reluctant to
commence this report on a disparaging note I feel our Society has been
very lethargic with regard to public performances. The enforced
cancellation, at the last minute of our Lionel Walker - Rem Brickhill
Trophy competition being the most disappointing." (Presidents Report -
January 1971)
The Rem Brickhill trophy is now awarded to the magicians for a single
effect which from a magicians point of view is superb, either from a
technical or presentational view point. This is voted for by magicians
only. This trophy was originally competed for during the Lionel Walker
Competition evening. However this trophy is now competed for at the
President's Dinner.
If you have any more details please e-mail me at
[email protected]