Welcome Back

Greetings Ring 17, my name is David Peck. I became a member of the Hat and Rabbit club over forty years ago and have been reminded recently of all the good memories, the things I’ve learned and the relationships I’ve developed in and through the club. I’ve spoken to many past presidents and members in the last few months and have been encouraged at how many people have a genuine love for the community that magic can and so often offers to those willing to step inside. 

With that in mind I’d like to thank everyone who has played a role in that community. The embrace is wide and deep. A special thank you to James Alan too for holding things together over the past few years. Who knew, aside from being a talented sleight of hand performer, he was also a webmaster, author, event planner, producer, and blogger? I hear he also masquerades as a mathematician, is an accomplished scrabble genius and may even do windows. 

Next year we will celebrate 80th anniversary and what a privilege to be already considering how we can commemorate and honour our past, but also use this as a launching point for the next 80 years. History has provided Ring 17 with a marvellous, noteworthy, and solid foundation. 

We have a very thoughtful and talented executive who want to provide real value to existing and new members. Laura, Katarina, Al, Patrick, Colin, Ian and James are committed, strategic and operational. It’s rare to see such energy and passion in a board and I’m very hopeful we’ll be breaking ground this season. Stay tuned. 

Sarah Sladek in The End of Membership writes, “Change can be a challenge. But change is also an opportunity; an opportunity to take the lead, to grow, to succeed. By all means, don’t fear change! Embrace it. It’s your only path to the future.” 

We’re looking for ideas and feedback. Please feel free to reach out. We’d like to hear from you and looking forward to seeing you online soon and face to face again in the not-so-distant future. 

It was good to see so many out at your first lecture. Javi was terrific. So many bits, subtleties, and routines to work through. Marvelous. And what a generous and talented performer. 

The next time we meet remind me to show you a little variation on a coin vanish I’ve been working on for the past 32 years. I think I almost have it worked out. 

Stay safe and well. Change is on the horizon.

David Peck
President