One of the worlds greatest magicians and who was instrumental in the reforming of The Derby Magic Circle in 1965 sadly passed away in 2002 at the age of 79. To quantify "greatest" it is not what you do but the way that you do it. Joe's magic was in his personal qualities and the effect he had on those who were fortunate enough to come into contact with him and know him.
For many many years, Joe was "Mr. Derby Magic Circle". He did everything, and although everybody let him do everything, he never complained or asked for help or assistance....he just got on with it. He organised the meetings, the dinners and suppers, the hall, the chairs, the refreshments, the auction etc. Joe and his wife Dorothy used to provide hospitality for all visiting lecturers and guests.
Their home was an open house to everyone and anyone. He never had a bad word to say about anyone and, although he did not suffer fools gladly, he would always give them the benefit of the doubt. As a result, some would take advantage of his good nature but Joe had the ability to rise above it all. Joe's attitude was to treat others as you would wish to be treated yourself. His motto was "Ask not what can you do for me but what can I do for you".
Joe was like your father or your best friend. He was great company and could raconteur with the best. He gave you his utmost attention and made you feel very special and welcome. Possibly the highest compliment paid to him throughout his working career as an engineer with Rolls Royce was on his retirement when he was presented with a hand crafted magical top hat and a DMC engine that he proudly demonstrated to all visitors, stands testament to what Rolls Royce thought of Joe.
I personally knew Joe when I was only 16 and before I did my audition for The Derby Magic Circle he came round to where I lived and gave me some advice and ideas / tuition for which I will be for ever grateful. Infact it may be true to say that if it hadn't been for such a nice and gentle man as Joe then I would probably not have joined such a wonderful society as the Derby Magic Circle.
It is ironic that Joe spent his final days in the Nightingale Macmillan Hospice for cancer where he and his wife Dorothy used to entertain on a regular basis.
It is with deep sadness that I have to write that on the morning of Saturday September 18th Oswald John Brown (Ossie) died at the age of 79. He was born in Clarence Road, Derby on 24th November 1924. During the war he was in the Navy even though he could not swim !. He was around the Japanese coast but never talked about it to anyone not even his closest family.
He was the Sunday School secretary at St. Werburghs Church, spondon. Throughout his life he dressed as Santa Clause for over 20 years at St. Werburghs Church, Spondon. He was on the Littleover Scout Committee and awarded 2 thanks badges for his services.
His trade was as a bookbinder at Derby Printers till 1947 when the section closed and worked for a short time on holiday relief at Pear Tree Library repairing books.
He obtained a position as Electricians mate at Leys Malleable Castings, Derby for over 20 years until the factory closed and then worked for a short time at T. C. Harrisons as a handyman.
He was always accident prone – he first broke his leg by falling off a stool while decorating. Fell through the garage roof repairing it. Lost an eye doing an errand for the scouts and was fitted with a cosmetic one. He came off his moped on ice 4 and a half years ago and had various operations on his leg but never gave up trying to get mobile again and never complained.
He was made an Honorary member of The Derby Magic Circle for all his hard work behind the scenes at shows , carrying props on and off, doing the curtains at shows and working behind the scenes at the annual auction etc.
He enjoyed DIY and making things , a skill that has rubbed off onto me and hardly a week would go by without him asking me what I was making next for my magic act . I will never forget the look of astonishment on his face when he first saw my adaptation of the classic "dancing handkerchief effect" .
Although he hadn't been able to get to meetings for a long time he always remained interested in magic and wanted to know all about what was happening in the magic world.
To me he was my Dad and I will never forget him and all the good times we had. Rest in peace , till we meet again one day.
Stuart Brown.
Mathew "Joe" Bonsall
1923 - 2002
Oswald John Brown (Ossie)
24/11/1924 - 18/09/2004