The Trophy was presented by John Palfreyman, one of our founder members and first Chairman of the Council. It represents the oldest known trick in magic - the cups and balls - and show three wooden cups and three red balls in the course of a performance. It was made by Frank Preston of the South Downs Magical Society.

The competition was first held in 1992 and the emphasis has always been on magical entertainment. There are therefore two "lay" judges and one magical judge to decide the winner who receives a miniature trophy to keep as well as holding the trophy itself for one year.  Recently competition winners have also been awarded their next year's membership of the Society as an additional prize.

Winners

1992 David Redfearn 1993 Clive Hyams 1994 John Field 1995 Clive Hyams 1996 Steve Day 1997 Steve Lobley 1998 Clive Hyams 1999 Steve Day 2000 Clive Hyams 2001 James Fortune 2002 Theo Theodoris 2003 Stephen Barney 2004 Stephen Barney 2005 Steve Lobley 2006 Steve Lobley 2007 Clive Hyams 2008 James Fortune 2009 Stephen Baker