Magician 'Mick the Trick' steps down after 20 years with Order of the Magi

After nearly two decades keeping the magic alive, Royton's own Mike Sharples has stepped down as secretary of The Order of the Magi, Manchester's oldest magic society. Known on stage as 'Mick the Trick' and 'Magic Mike,' Sharples formally handed in his resignation at the society's annual general meeting on March 24, though he'll remain involved as treasurer.

The society honoured his service with an engraved magician's wand and holder-a fitting tribute for someone who's helped maintain the organisation's unbroken tradition of monthly meetings and magazine publications since 1909. The Order of the Magi, established over a century ago, is the third oldest magic society in England and has grown from casual gatherings into a formal organisation promoting magical arts across the North West.

Taking over the secretary role is Mr Cassels from Rochdale, while Jonathan Royle-also from Rochdale and boasting nearly 50 years in show business since his debut as 'Flap the Clown' with Gandey's Circus at age three-becomes entertainments secretary and public relations officer. Meanwhile, Saddleworth science teacher and performer Matt Price has been re-elected for a second term as president.

The society continues to meet twice monthly at the Irish World Heritage Centre on Queens Road, Cheetham Hill, hosting lectures, competitions, and performances on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month. For those interested in the magical arts, more information can be found at www.orderofthemagi.co.uk.