Scottish Association of Magical Societies
The story of the Scottish Association of Magical Societies
In 1949, Max Raskin, a member of Paisley Magic Circle, discussed, with any one who would listen, his idea of setting up an association of magical clubs in Scotland. Max then contacted all the magical clubs throughout Scotland and arranged a meeting where delegates could discuss the formation of an Association
On the 16th December 1951 delegates from Dundee Magic Circle, Edinburgh Institute of Magicians, Kirkcaldy Magic Circle, Kilmarnock Magic Circle, Paisley Magical Society, and Perth Magic Circle all attended the meeting. It was agreed to form an Association of magical clubs, which would be known as S.A.M.S. short for ‘The Scottish Association of Magical Societies’.
In 1952 saw the very first magical convention. To help ensure a good convention Harold McMillan and Max Raskin presented cups for competitions. The McMillan Shield was awarded for a Stage act and the Max Raskin cup for best children’s act. The only restriction was that all competitors must be members of a Scottish Magic Club.
The convention took place in the Station Hotel, Kirkcaldy on the 13th-15th June 1952. Registration was fifteen shillings for members of a Scottish magic club and eighteen shillings for non members of a magic club.
The first convention was such a success that the club delegates decided to organise another one and the S.A.M’s Convention has continued to run ever since.
The 2009 Convention is now in it’s 57th year was held in Montrose on 1st-3rd May and was as strong as ever. Which is why I can say I am extremely proud and honoured to have won ‘The Max Raskin Trophy’ to become the Scottish Children’s Entertainer of the year for 2009, beating off stiff competition in the process in this, his first year of competing!
In 2010 the S.A.M.S. competition took place in Dundee and this time Pete took part in the Scottish Stage Competition of the year for the first time. Pete is delighted to say won the Competition beating off some great competition from all over Scotland. This is another National Competition win to add to his tally. Well done Pete!
Excerpts taken from the booklet ’50 Golden Years of The Scottish Association of Magical Societies’ by Jim Cuthbert.