Southport Magic Circle shall consist of both Professional and Semi Professional Magicians and Clowns over the age of 18 years.
The aim of Southport Magic Circle is that all members can learn and practice the art of Prestidigitation and Legerdemain and magic in general, and promote magic to the public via shows and workshops.
Membership runs from 1st February till 31st January the following year, for which an annual subscription is paid. The cost of this subscription will be determined at the A.G.M. Subscriptions must be paid in full within six weeks from the A.G.M.
Southport Magic Circle does have a committee, which consists of a Chairman, a Treasurer and a Secretary, who have to be nominated and elected each year at the A.G.M.
The A.G.M. will be held on the first meeting in February each year, to elect the posts of Chairman, Treasurer and Secretary. The winner of the “Magician of the Year” Award is presented after an open discussion, plus any other matters to be submitted in writing to the Secretary 2 weeks before the A.G.M. is held.
Assistants to Acts may attend meetings also. They will not have to pay a membership fee. Assistants who are not members will have no voting privileges.
Each member is deemed to be an Ambassador for Southport Magic Circle. If any member is found to be bringing the name of Southport Magic Circle into disrepute through inappropriate behaviour or inappropriate material, they will be given a chance to state their case in front of members present at the next meeting. Any course of action would be made by members present, providing there is enough to form a quorum (i.e. 5). Depending on the circumstances and nature of the incident, an appeal will not be accepted.
Membership to Southport Magic Circle is as follows:
- Walk-in visitors – must have informal interview with Committee [minimum of 2 Committee members] before meeting starts. Upon Committee’s decision, which is final, visitor will then be allowed into that meeting then at next meeting they visit, they would be required to join the club.
- Invited guests – can come to one meeting without interview then if they wish to come again they would be required to attend an interview with Committee [as above]. On third visit they would be required to join the club.
Joining club – two types of membership are available after Committee interview:
- Associate membership – upon paying membership fee, Associate Members would be allowed to attend all meetings except AGM/EGM, have no voting rights, but all other membership terms apply. Associate Members would not be required to do an audition unless they wish to become a Full Member.
- Full membership – people wishing to become a Full Member still require an interview and audition then payment of membership fee. These members are allowed full privileges. Non-members are not eligible to attend the A.G.M.
Should a change of rules be needed between A.G.M. and A.G.M. then an Extraordinary General Meeting (E.G.M) would be called for.
In the event the Circle had to disband, an E.G.M. would be called. Any goods left would go to a similar organisation, and any remaining funds would be transferred to a charity that serves the local community