Tell us about yourself?
I’m Ulverston born and bred, brought up through the Parish Church since before I can remember. I’m married to Louise who I met whilst helping on a beach mission (run by Steve and Rita Parkinson) and have been for 19 years (married, not on a mission); between us we do Sam and Sophie, the church’s puppets, (also instigated by Steve and Rita).
I was Mr August on the 2011 Shed Calendar (with Louise of course, the head in the box). I enjoy walking, reading, motor sport (spectator), puzzles and, of course, magic, being the current President of the North Western Society of Magicians. I am the Drawing Office Contracts Manager for Furness Engineering and Technology Limited in Ulverston.
I’ve always been involved with various groups in the church over the years but, following on from ten years involvement with the church’s holiday club, I felt it was time for me to use what I have learned so far to help a different audience. Thus, I recently(ish) completed the Called to Serve course and am now going on to study for Local Lay Ministry for Leading and Preaching. (I know it’s a congregation not an audience but I mean it as any group of people, not just a Sunday service).
If your life story was set in a book or a film what would it be called?
At least I tried.
Name your ideal dinner party guests from any time, any place, why you would you choose them and what would your meal be?
P.T.Barnum (1810 - 1891); founded the circus that became Barnum and Bailey, the “greatest show on earth”. His history of circus performers and freak shows would fill many an after dinner conversation. The sideshow artwork of the time still carries a certain magic that today’s posters just can’t touch.
Johnny Depp; he must have a tale to tell, he’s played so many different characters.
Ayrton Senna (1960 - 1994); I love Formula 1 and although Louise (because I guess she’d be there) would prefer Damon Hill, Ayrton was in a class of his own.
Dion Dimucci; providing it was from his 1958 to 1960 spell with the Belmonts so he could provide the night’s music.
The food; I’d be quite happy with a variety of Chinese (plenty of salt and pepper ribs) or Indian (garlic naan, mmm).
What has been the proudest moment in your life so far?
Having been a magician for 22 years, it has to be appearing on stage at the Coronation Hall with a theatrical magic act, Bar Majique, which we developed ourselves over a long ten months. I remember seeing a guy on television years ago turn a glass of liquid into a silk hanky and never could have dreamed that one day I would do it in my own act. Diamonds from thin air to a necklace, magic cocktails, vanishing candle, appearing broom, it was a lot of hard work planning and practicing but a wonderful experience. Needless to say, Louise had her part to play as well; putting up with a stroppy magician, coming up with “bar ideas” that I had to turn into workable effects, drinking cocktails (actually a well known blackcurrant drink!) etc.
If you could take 3 things with you on a desert island what would you take?
Louise, Pen (my black cat, full name Uther Pendragon) and a good bottle of wine. Or I might swap the wine for a good book. Or can I wait until the cat has gone then take wine and a book. Will there be glasses there already? Why is it only 3 things? And I assume I would be getting picked up the next day, otherwise make it an ever replenishing bottle and a library!
Have you met any famous people, if so where?
I let a door slam in Bob Monkhouse’s face a lot of years ago at a Holiday Inn in London, accidently!
Getting about the country to various conventions I have met a lot of the world’s top magicians; we have a collection of autographs (thanks to Louise) on the wall in the study.
Do you have a favourite song/piece of music? Tell us why.
I love 1950’s Doo Wop, the upbeat stuff. I guess “I Wonder Why” by Dion and the Belmonts and “Recess in Heaven” by The Five Boroughs would be up there; simple, happy sounding music but with lots of vocal going on.
“In the Bleak Mid-Winter”; I’ve always liked it, either tune, they both work so well. More modern would be “Immanuel” by Stuart Townend; very powerful words that say it all.
Do you have a top tip to share?
Don’t let people put you down, believe in yourself.
Do you have a party piece?
I can make a chicken out of a napkin.
What last made you laugh?
I like to think I laugh a lot so it could have been many things.