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IBM British Ring Convention 2009 – Southport – The Jeffery Atkins Memorial Lecture: John Styles M.B.E.

September 25th, 2009 by Richard Morrell

John talked about his amazing life in magic starting off as a young lad working for Oscar Oswald who taught him Punch and Judy. He was then called up for national service. Whilst in the Army John developed a comedy routine that went on to be his Chelsea Pensioners act.

John talked about his TV work on the Avengers, Play School and more recently Mid Summer Murders, Inspector Morse and The Darling Buds of May to name a few.

John also mentioned his large collection of Punch and Judy and Ventriloquial Dolls.

He showed video clips of him balloon modelling on the Generation Game and as parts of various adverts. He then talked about his role in advising on films and television, working with names such as Roger Moore and Michael Caine.

This led to more film work most recently Polar Express and 101 Dalmatians. John mentioned working for the Royal Family and notably a controversy with Princess Diana and a story leaked by Andrew Morton that hit the headlines. Lastly he mentioned his M.B.E. and paid tribute to his family and in particular wife Barbara for supporting him through what truely has been an amazing life in magic and a fascinating talk.