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George Fowler and Brian Knowles are now in their 70's and have been friends since they were 14, when they founded the Harrogate Society of Magicians. Ray Kershaw went along to one of the society's monthly gatherings to meet them...
 George Fowler and one of his magic tricks |
George Fowler has been doing magic since he was 10 or 11. He remembers his father bringing out a shoe box and doing a few card and coin tricks. But his real love of magic started when at a scout meeting during the war years, a professional magician, now in an army uniform and a humble private, came to perform magic for them. Before long, George was looking after the magician's magic suitcases and ironing his silks. And he showed him all his tricks.
 Brian Knowles |
Brian met George in 1943. Brian got interested in magic when he used to watch a magician and punch and judy perform every afternoon. He and his brother started going round the RAF camps doing a magic show as 'The Knowles Brothers'.
Another member of the society, Joe Walsh has been doing magic for 30 years. He remembers seeing a chap catch a bullet in his mouth and at the time hoped it would kill him. He loves watching other people do magic - he watches enthralled and then goes home to try to learn from what he's seen.
 Brian and his beautiful assistant, his wife Betty |
In November 1947 they persuaded an older friend, Wilfred Hartley (as they were too young to join most magic societies because they were under 16) to set up the Harrogate Society of Magicians. The following year they did their first public performance to raise money for charity.
The Society only meets once a month but - they have formed lasting friendships amongst their fellow magicians. When they come together they perform new tricks and share experiences. They now only perform at birthday parties, for friends and family, the grandchildren and for fun.
Brian's wife Betty was his beautiful magician's assistant until she died in 1998. His daughters used to help with the act but got fed up with it. The only thing they did like was having a rabbit as a pet. His son now runs his own magic business. George remarried and didn't tell his wife he did magic, and surprised her one christmas, by producing a rabbit out of a hat!
The society's members range from ages 17 - 80 and they now hope to celebrate the next 50 years!
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