Ralph Matthews, a long-standing BOS member and even longer-standing member of the Magic Circle, died on 17th June 2007. He was in his early 80s. Although lately ill health had prevented him from taking part in BOS events, Ralph was a regular convention-goer and mini-meeting participant in earlier years, and a familiar face to many of us.

I first got to know him in the late 1980s through our shared interest in magic, and over the years we attended many magic and origami conventions together, both in England and abroad. He was always full of enthusiasm and original ideas, and whilst not a prolific origami creator he was constantly working on new designs in his own particular style based on his extensive experience in all manner of arts and crafts. Most of his work is documented in a series of booklets (“Paper Napkin Folds”, “Wallet Folds”, “Useful Paper Folds”, “Paper Folds for Christmas”, “Art and Craft with Playing Cards”, “Paper Shape Designs” and “Paper Letter Cutting”) which he produced and sold himself, aimed primarily at Boy Scout groups and craft teachers rather than hardened origami devotees.

Ralph certainly lived life to the full, and his great energy and curiosity about things kept him active well beyond retirement, which for him was never dull. He will be missed by his many friends in origami and magic, and our sincere condolences go to his wife Sheila and to his son, daughter and grandchildren.

Edwin Corrie