[email protected]
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We have a variety of skilled performers, including Firespinners, Jugglers, Magicians and Stiltwalkers.
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JOIN US HERE! https://www.guildofstudents.com/studentgroups/societies/circus/
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Want to learn or practice juggling, unicycling, stilt-walking, poi, magic, ba
lloon-modelling, diabolo, devilsticks or just messing with fire? We do the lot, and more -- at every level. We've got equipment you can borrow and cool, friendly people to practice with. Note: you don't have to be a student to come along! We Meet every term-time Thursday 17:00-19:00 at the University of Birmingham Guild of Students in The Underground (beneath Joe's Bar) or Berlin's Lawn (outside The Underground). Here's a Map: http://goo.gl/E2B0Y
Email us ([email protected]) with questions, or to join the mailing list to keep updated with upcoming gigs & performances, room changes and other such joys.
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COMMITTEE:
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Ringleader - David Amison
Secretary - Ellie Turner
Money Juggler - Cameron Cherry
Equipment Manager - Nicole Granger
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SOCIETY HISTORY:
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Although the society can be traced back as far as 1992, at present it is unknown how old the society is, along with who founded it. Rumor has it that it was 5 friends who were all into juggling, and the Birmingham University Circus Society was born. In 1993 the society first took on the name of Purple Mermaid, created by the then president Neil Smith. The exact reasoning for the name is unknown, but it is likely to be due to the Mermaid fountain in the Guild courtyard, and purple just being an excellent colour! The highlight of 1995 was Purple Mermaid being approached by the BBC to juggle in Centenary Square as part of Children in need, a gig that has been repeated several times, as recently as 2001. By the year 2000, it was already commonplace to see Purple Mermaid performing at the Vale Fireworks, a tradition that has continued every year since, with the exception of 2008.
2001 saw a major change in the society: the first Circus Convention held by Purple Mermaid, organised by President John Armstrong. The highlight of the evening show included a couple of Ethiopian jugglers from the Gandini troupe. The society has hosted a convention every year since, with the one exception of 2007. In 2004 the Purple Mermaid Convention took on the name of Ballring, thought up by long standing member Si Hammond, who also contributed the Bull logo. Both the name and logo have continued to be used to this day. In 2008 Purple Mermaid were thrashed on the BBC2 show The Eggheads. In 2010 we celebrated our 10th Ballring Convention, and the society has continued to thrive and grow. These days we can be found practicing all over campus,and at numerous charity events and gigs all over Birmingham. What started with 6 guys with a juggling hobby, Purple Mermaid has grown into one of the best known Circus Performers and Firespinners in Birmingham.
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LIST OF PAST PRESIDENTS SINCE 1992:
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92/93 - Simon Woodward
93/94 - Neil Smith
94/95 - Brett Sirrell
95/96 - Andy McCoy
96/97 - Nicola Francis and Andrew Blevin
97/98 - Pete Tysley
98/99 - Jenny Thatcher
99/00 - Mark Martin
00/01 - John Armstrong
01/02 - Anna West
02/03 - Rich Sederman
03/04 - Lou Waters
04/05 - Jason Butler
05/06 - Ryan Giddings
06/07 - Shaz Greene
07/08 - Alex Radway
08/09 - Tom Derrick and Megan Lewis
09/10 - Sara Wood
10/11 - Harry Proud
11/12 - Ed Cliffe
12/13 - Jack Butcher
13/14 - Mike Scott
14/15 - Mike Scott
15/16 - Adam Penny
16/17 - Adam Penny
17/18 - David Amison
