Andrew Galloway 1940 - 2024
The recent passing of Andrew Galloway of Benwhat (born at Laicht Raw in May 1940) prompted a long conversation with a life-long friend of Andrew's; Willie Bryce, also born in Benwhat Middle Raw in 1940.#Andrew served his time with the National Coal Board as a mining engineer at the former Beoch Colliery. Later, with the demise of deep coal mining throughout the UK, Andrew took up an engineering post with Wilson's Sporting Goods in Irvine until his retirement in 2005.
Andrew remained a bachelor all his life and having left the valley he resided in Ayr for the latter part of his life, but retained a keen interest in the Doon Valley.
The Galloways were a well known family in the Doon Valley; Andrew's dad, a wellkent face, ran the chip shop in Bellsbank for many years.
My conversation with Willie Bryce revealed an aspect of Andrews life that went unnoticed by many, in that Andrew having learned magic tricks from a boys' annual aged nine, went on to be a well-respected authority in all things magic, though he was never a member of the Magic Circle.
During the 1950's Andrew was the only apprentice to Ayr's very own magician, Johnny Ramsey (1877-1962). Johnny is remembered by Ramsey Gardens and a granite plaque in River Terrace, Ayr, near to where his grocers shop once was in river street.
Andrew as well as being an accomplished magician in his own right, was also the author of several books on magic such as the Ramsey legend (1969), and the Ramsey Finale (1982).
In addition Andrew wrote a further two books, Diverting Card Magic and Diverting Coin Magic, and produced two volumes titled The Magic of John Ramsey on DVD. His publications are treasured and sought after by the magic community worldwide.
As well as being an author, Andrew was a collector of and an authority on books in general, he also advised many local charities and the national trust at Culzean on the value of books.
​Indeed, over the years famous magicians such as Canadian Dai Vernon (1894-1992), American mathematician/magician Persi Dioconis and American Entertainer and card magician, Bill Malone, all sought private sittings with Andrew Galloway, such was Andrew's knowledge and skills in the world of magic.
A passion for magic was the driving force for Andrew Galloway and his skill for mis direction, timing and natural magic made Andrew an authority on magic, particularly but not exclusively in the art of card tricks and the use of coins in the art of magic.
Andrew was a very private individual who never performed publicly but was part of a worldwide family of magicians and was often invited to events in London and beyond to share his knowledge and skills.
The passing of Andrew Galloway will be a sad loss to the magic Community worldwide but his legacy lives on in his writings and the books he penned will be cherished by future generations of magicians worldwide.
A proud son of the Doon Valley, a child of Benwhat, whose passion for his craft left a positive impact on the world of magic.
Rest in peace Andrew Galloway.
Author Bill Grant (Doon Valley Gazette)
Andrew Galloway was not only a valued member of our Group and a true gentleman but also a friend to us all. Andrew was always willing to help and share what he could to guide us to be better and encourage us to keep going.
Andrew Will be sorely missed, Rest in Peace Andrew, you will never be forgotten.
