Becoming President of the Sussex Magic Circle
Last month (March 2026), I was incredibly proud to be announced as the new President of the Sussex Magic Circle.
It’s a moment that means a lot to me, not just because of the title, but because of the journey behind it.
How It All Started
I first joined the Sussex Magic Circle in 2004, after discovering magic at 18.
What started as picking up a deck of cards quickly became something I threw myself into completely.
The club played a huge part in that, surrounding me with experienced performers, new ideas, and an environment where you could test, fail, improve, and grow.
My Journey Within the Club
Over the years, I’ve been involved in the club in all sorts of ways.
Performing and Hosting
Performing at club nights, hosting evenings, and running quizzes have all been part of the experience.
Lectures and Teaching
I delivered my first lecture back in 2014, and more recently I’ve been running hands-on sessions showing members how to create their own gimmicks and props and more importantly, how to actually perform with them.
Leadership Role
I also had the opportunity to serve as Chairman for three years from 2015, helping to organise and shape the direction of the club during that time.
Competitions and Milestones
Along the way, I’ve been fortunate to win several competitions within the club, including the Card Competition (2005–2006).
At the time, that felt like a huge milestone and looking back, it was one of the moments that pushed me further into performing professionally.
What Does the President of a Magic Club Do?
In simple terms, it’s about supporting the club, its members, and its future.
Encouraging new magicians, maintaining standards, and helping create an environment where people can develop their skills and confidence. It’s not about status, it’s about responsibility.
What Does the President of a Magic Club Do?
In simple terms, it’s about supporting the club, its members, and its future.
Encouraging new magicians, maintaining standards, and helping create an environment where people can develop their skills and confidence. It’s not about status, it’s about responsibility.
A Club with a Rich History
The Sussex Magic Circle has a long and respected history, with past Presidents including legendary magician David Berglas, one of the most influential figures in modern magic.
His legacy continues through his son, Marvin Berglas, founder of Marvin’s Magic and current President of The Magic Circle.
To now be part of that history is something I’m genuinely proud of.
Life Outside the Club
Outside of the club, I perform professionally at events across Sussex, London and internationally.
If you’d like to see more about what I do, you can find that here:
https://mattparro.com/magician-sussex/
A Full Circle Moment
Becoming President feels like a full circle moment, but it also feels like the start of something new.
I’m looking forward to what’s ahead, and to continuing to give back to the club that played such a big role in my journey.
Past Presidents of the Sussex Magic Circle
The Sussex Magic Circle has a long and respected history, with many talented magicians having held the role of President over the years.
Below is a list of past Presidents, taken from the club’s official history:
| Years | President |
|---|---|
| 1952–1955 | Carl Franklyn |
| 1955–1963 | David Berglas |
| 1963–1966 | Edward Graves |
| 1966–1982 | Francis Haxton |
| 1982–1983 | Billy Hall |
| 1983–1985 | John Young |
| 1985–1986 | David Clake |
| 1987–1990 | Stan Reynolds |
| 1990–1991 | Ron Bishop |
| 1991–1994 | Arthur Cook |
| 1994–1995 | Gladys Clake |
| 1995–1998 | John Southgate |
| 1998–2000 | Mark Worgan |
| 2000–2002 | Paul Gordon |
| 2002–2003 | Mike Pettitt |
| 2003–2004 | Paul Leacy |
| 2004–2007 | Andrew Jeffrey |
| 2007–2010 | Andy Hart |
| 2010–2012 | Paul Gordon |
| 2012–2015 | Stuart Harley |
| 2015–2018 | Gordon Burtenshaw |
| 2018–2021 | Stuart Harley |
| 2021–2025 | Des King |
| 2025–2026 | Gordon Burtenshaw |
| 2026–2029 | Matt Parro |
This legacy is something I’m proud to now be part of, and one I’m looking forward to continuing.
You might also be interested in reading:
Magician prices in London explained
What Should I Ask a Magician Before Hiring?