Magic Circle in mystery re expulsion of outspoken 'mindreader'

[emad]

Magic Circle wrapped in a cloak of intrigue and mystery over expulsion of outspoken 'mind reader'
By Oliver Duff

Published: 17 September 2005
It is wands at dawn in that most secretive of societies, the Magic Circle, where the world's finest conjurors are embroiled in their biggest bust-up yet.

The tale of alleged betrayal and brazen double-bluff revolves around one Spyros Melaris, a "mind reader" who was last year controversially asked to collect his top hat and rabbit and close the door behind him. He refused to quit, insisting that he was a whistle-blower on dirty tricks at the highest level.

The membership is divided over his eviction and he is threatening to resolve it in court. The events have sparked a row over the future of the Circle, which some say is run by an elitist, tyrannical clique and "lodged in the 1950s".

The Circle is adamant that Mr Melaris, 46, was expelled for "bad behaviour", but he insists it was for calling time on the former president, Michael Bailey, and his friends. Mr Melaris drew attention to a potential conflict of interest - the Circle museum's curator, John Fisher, a friend of the late Tommy Cooper, is also a leading collector of magic memorabilia - and accused Mr Bailey of abusing his position to get re-elected.

http://news.independent.co.uk/uk/this_britain/article313209.ece

[emad]

1. Source of WMD fantasy revealed?

Was he on Poodle's payroll like those US military psychic spies who saw bio weapons in Saddam's bunkers?