One Day Convention of the Associated Wizards of the South

 Southampton's local magic club, the Associated Wizards of the South, will be holding its one day convention for magicians at the Crosfield Hall in Romsey on Sunday 22nd April 2012.  There will be a gala show open to the public in the evening. This event was a sell out when last held two years ago so book early to secure tickets. For further information see the AWS website www.awsmagic.co.uk.

A new service for children's parties 

I'm always trying to improve and enhance the services I offer and recently I was approached by a like minded phographer. I can now offer the services of Alexander Soloviev who would accompany me to shows and subject to parental consent, would take photos during the show to capture special moments for the children.  These photos would be made available, via a secure servce, for parents to purchase at their discretion.  There is no charge for the service other than for any photos purchased.  Click this link to see examples of Alexander's work. http://sasnn-photo.co.uk/bourne_valley_010711

Personal 

Having spent several years saying "No" I have recently been persuaded to join FACEBOOK so take a look at my page if you like. I'm adding to my "friends" quite quickly.

Whether it's a large or small function, dinner, wedding or children's party, I'd be delighted to provide a no obligation quotation. Simply call 01794 324345 or email magician@ianmarriott.co.uk

The British Ring of the International Brotherhood of Magicians

At the AGM held in Southport in September I was delighted to be elected to the council which oversees the running of the organisation.  I should like to thank everyone who voted for me. 

Next year's convention will be held in Great Yarmouth from 26th to 30th September..

Recent happenings

December 2011

Had a good run of bookings in December despite the economic problems and finished the year with a rather splendid wedding on New Year's Eve at tyley Hall Hotel. This ws for the daughtr of a former colleague in the NHS who I had not seen for the bes part of 20 years so it was nice to meet her again.

October 2011

Quite a busy month considering the financial pressures people are facing. Finished the month with a Halloween party show at a school in Andover  for children with special needs. Had a great time and one of the special needs children came up to help near the end of the show and was a real star, much to the delight of friends and family in the audience.  Plenty of bookings for Christmas now coming in.

September 2011

Monday 26th   Just returned from Southport which was home to this year's annual convention of the British Ring of the International Brotherhood of Magicians, a very enjoyable occasion though again attendance was down no doubt due in part to the economic situation.  Those who did attend enjoyed some great shows and informative lectures from some of the best magicians in the world. At the AGM I was delighted to be elected to the Council. 

Saturday 10th  Had a two hour party in Windsor entertaining 18 four year olds with games and magic.  Although close to Windsor Castle the Queen didn't pop in to see what all the noise was about.  I was told by the booker that Windsor is humming with activity so hope to get more work there.  Sunday 11th had a two hour show in Salisbury which also went very well. Two hour shows seem to be getting more popular as they relieve the parents from entertaining the children and they just have to do the food.

August 2011

I was booked to perform at a wedding, both close up magic for the adults and a show for the children.  On arrival I was told by the bride's mother who had booked me that her daughter had just said that she was terrified of magicians so would I just entertain the children instead!  So I spent two hours entertaining a small group of children, grateful that I always take more to my shows than I am likely to need just in case of problems.  One has to be flexible in this business.

July 2011

I've had a pretty good July considering the economic situation but my penultimate show of the month was really hot and not in the way anyone would want.  Half way through my children's show in a hall somebody called out "Fire!"  The booker had set up rather a lot of decorations all over the stage so I was performing on the floor in front of it.  Unfortunately what I tacitly assumed were electric lights were candlles inside paper cones.  One had fallen over and rolled off the stage into my bag in which I carry my backdrop.  The bag was badly damaged but I managed to put out the fire and had a polite but serious word with the booker regarding the stupidity of what she had done.  It took 30 minutes to locate somebody who could turn off the smoke alarm and after that I finished the show.  The booker reimbursed the cost of the bag plus a generous tip for the extra time so it wasn't all bad but there is certainly a lesson here. 

The Associated Wizards of the South

The A.W.S. as it is known, based in Southampton, is the fourth oldest magical society in the U.K. and the sixth in the world, having been founded in 1911. The world famous Houdini was once an honorary member. The society meets twice a month and its membership comprises a mixture of full and part time professional magicians as well as those who enjoy magic as a hobby. In May 2011 I stepped down from my fourth term as the Society's president.  My successor Paul Chandler and his team are now planning the society's biennial convention which will be held in Romsey on Sunday 22nd April 2012.

If you are interested in magic and would like to join the society either go to www.awsmagic.co.uk or contact me on 01794 324345 or email at magician@ianmarriott.co.uk