The Derby Magic Circle was founded by Fred Wiles in 1952. The first meeting was held on the 25th day of March 1952 at Freds Hairdresser shop, number 81 Nightingale Road, Derby.

 

There were 16 members at the first meeting. The first President was Tommy Harris, with a committee of G Hollingworth, J Lowe, H Burrows (Chairman), F Wiles (Secretary), J Wilson (Treasurer), W Ford and G Moore.

 

The society became popular with local Magicians and quite a lot joined society. Goodliffe, the original editor of Abracadabra magazine, was made Hon. Vice President for 1958-1959. In April of 1954, Derby Magic Circle produced a film of their members performing. The first annual dinner was held on 7th May 1955. In October of 1965, Derby Magic Circle suffered the fate of many activity  organisations. With dwindling membership and lack of support, the society disbanded.

​

On 13th February 1974, John Keith appealed on Radio Derby for anyone who was interested in re-forming the Derby Magic Circle to meet him at the Sherwood Hotel, Derby. This produced a response from Fred and Bea Wiles, Joe Bonsall,Wilf Cadman, Dave Cheney, Alan Fox, Mike Hazeldine, Mike Neal, Scotty Thomson, and Jack Skertchly. Breadsall Memorial Hall was adopted as the Derby Magic Circle Head Quarters. John Keith was elected as President, Joe Bonsall was elected as Secretary, and Mike Neal was elected as Treasurer.

​

In the present day the Circle continues to evolve.