Since its formation in 1972, the Junior Section of the N.M.C. has acquired an almost mythical reputation for consistently producing world-class Professional; Semi-professional and Amateur magicians. Originally the brain-child of Founder President Frank Richmond, there had been the first signs of "junior" magicians in the mid to late 1960s, but no formal organisation was put in place.
To celebrate the 25th, Silver Jubilee, Anniversary in 1997 everyone who had been, or still was, a Junior of the N.M.C. was contacted and invited to attend a special Celebration at Newcastle upon Tyne. Although the numbers were disappointing, most of those contacted did send messages of goodwill and explained what they had been achieving since their membership of the N.M.C. Many, inevitably, were living and working far afield and many had lost interest in performing magic. Very few, however, had lost their interest in magic and the skills that the Junior Section had taught them.
In recent years, and going back to the very first years of the Section, in 1974, the development of Junior magicians has been in the capable hands of Cynthia Neptune, also the Secretary of the Northern Magic Circle since 1986. Initially, only the young magicians in the Newcastle area were able to benefit from regular meetings but, in the mid 1980s, Cynthia was able to organise "Yorkshire" meetings for those who lived primarily around the York; Leeds and Bradford areas of the Country. Still, to this day, the "Newcastle" Juniors meet on the third Saturday of the month and the "Yorkshire" Juniors on the second Friday of each month. Cynthia manages to travel many miles each month to attend both sets of meetings and at the Yorkshire meetings in particular she has been assisted for fifteen years by Alan Driffield, also the Chairman of N.M.C. Council.
Ages range from 11 years to 16, at which time the Junior members can continue as a Senior and hopefully pass on their knowledge to the next generation of young performers. Even if people are not quite old enough to join the N.M.C., they are often encouraged to attend meetings and even take part in the annual "Junior Show" held on the Saturday of each Easter Parade Convention. The highlight of the Junior Section "year" is always the Junior Day of Magic held, usually, on the first Saturday in July. The venues have changed over the years, but the regular location which is hard to beat for facilities is at the St. Aidans Community Centre, Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne. This event is a one-day convention with the emphasis on Juniors performing; learning and buying magic. Some of the regular events to feature on this day are: Junior Close-Up and Stage Competitions; Inter-Society Quiz; Lectures; Dealers; and Gala Show. A recent innovation was to allow all "junior" magicians from around the Country to enter the competitions and Quiz. Not only members of the N.M.C. can take part; there are regular visitors from Liverpool and Hull, as well as further "south" of the UK. By making the events open to others, the N.M.C. thrives on pushing young magicians to produce the best they are capable of. Many of the winners of The Magic Circle Young Magician of the Year finals have begun with the N.M.C. and many future winners of the I.B.M. British Ring Stage Competitions also start with us.
For their time, effort and commitment to the youngsters, Cynthia and Alan have the gratitude of the whole Society.