february 2009 a -...

President: Major Ron Smith 72 Bach Close, Brighton Hill, Basing- stoke, Hampshire RG22 4JZ email: [email protected]

Vice Steve Price - 55 Heathfield Vale, South Croydon, Sur rey. CR2 8AJ [email protected]

President 07986 219997

Secretary: Mrs Mary Jenks - 17 Clifford Road, Droitwich Spa, Worcestershire WR9 8UR Tel: 01905 779904 email: [email protected]

Treasurer: Mrs Joyce Mabb - 28 St Giles Close, Church Street, Holme, Peterborough PE7 3QZ Tel: 01487 831294 email:[email protected] Welfare Gordon Stoves – South View House, Station Terrace, Fence Officer Houses, Houghton-le-Spring DH4 6HR Tel: 0191 385 6655

Media Rep: Barrie Jenks - contact details see secretary listing

Conference Jon Bonner – 26 Down Road Portishead Bristol Organiser: BS20 6EA

Committee Tony Maidment, 28 Castle Grove, Oldswinford, Stourbridge, Members: West Midlands DY8 2HH Tel: 01384 378613

Steve Macbeth - Tricks for Truth, PO Box 54923, London W3 8XS Tel: 0208 354 0292

Ex-Officio: Bob Hill – Antheon 10, Agia Paraskevi, GR153.42, GREECE Tel: 00301 6016695

Webmaster: Peter Gardner – 27 Bucknalls Drive, Bricketwood, St Albans AL2 3XJ Tel: 01923 663849 email: [email protected]

Voila Editor: Barry Birchall, 16 Brookside Rd, Moston, Manchester. M40 9GJ email: [email protected]

FCM UK COMMITTEE MEMBERS

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5 Question Challenge.......................................

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Conference News....................................................

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Max Somerset Review.............................................................

Committee Contact .............................................

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Max started by introducing himself and what this evening was going to be about, he did a couple of bits of body magic. He then followed on by introducing us to Dippy the mind reading duck. Max used a card duck to find a wrong card before remarking “I think it’s impor-

tant that the warm up act is slightly worse than the main star. Not magic but the audience seemed to like it. He then did an elaborate version of Smash and Stab with large paper bags and a scuba knife!!A chop cup routine was up next. It’s good to see classic stuff going down well with the general public. He followed that with a confabulation-type routine with a theme of casinos. Getting a volunteer up on stage, he introduced a glass full of poker chips from different casinos in America. The volunteer chose one and without looking put it into his back pocket. A deck of cards was brought out and two cards were chosen (in a fair manner I might add). They were also put into his pocket. Finally a stack of Dollar bills were intro-duced. The spectator cut a stack off and placed them inside an envelope.

Max opened his prediction that had been in full view throughout the evening and he had managed to predict exactly how much money would be chosen, the value of the two cards (blackjack hand) and exactly which casino the money was fun in. Excellent stuff!Mr. Somerset then did what is essentially a tossed-out deck but with scrabble tiles revealing three thought of letters. Hugely entertaining and it went down very well with the lay audience.

After the interval, we were shown the dippy duck bit again, again it wasn’t meant to be a real trick and it had some different jokes with it. This was fol-lowed up with a brilliant coin in the hand routine which was very baffling and again, hugely entertaining.

A two phase routine with a couple was next with Max touching the nose of the man while the women thought it was her nose being touched (she had her eyes closed). This was followed up with an electric chair phase. Finally Max-imillian showed us the Great British Watch Smash. It’s every bit as good as it sounds, very baffling, really enjoyable and just a huge joy to watch. I know lots of people are looking forward to this coming out.Cheers Max. Elliott Hodges

Max Somerset: An Evening of MagicDecember 2008

FELLOWSHIP OF CHRISTIAN MAGICIANS UKAnnual accounts December 1st 2007 - November 30th 2008

GENERAL FUNDIncome Expenditure Balance brought forward 17342.65 Voila expenses 1094.95Membership fees 3083.00 Fees to America 1263.11Conference fees ‘08 11207.04 Conf exp 08 13602.11Conference fees ’09 5604.10 Deposit Conf 09 1517.95Second-hand stall ‘08 57.95 Evangelical Alliance 75.00Sale of DVDs 180.00 Refunds 50.00Sale of Badges 9.00 Miscellaneous 68.00

Balance C/F 19812.62

37483.74 37483.74

PLUMBING FUND

Balance B/F 1834.52 Balance C/F 2255.90Interest 421.38

255.90 2255.90

STATEMENT OF ACCOUNT

General Fund 19812.62

Plumbing Fund 2255.90 22068.52

Llpyds Bank Deposit Accoun t 21717.47

Lloyds Bank Current Account 351.05

22068.52

ACCOUNTS

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PRESIDENTHappy New Year to you and may 2009 be a great year in many different ways.We have a good number attending Conference this year and what a Confer-ence it is going to be.Last Spring the Committee met and discussed the format of the week and it was decided that for 2009, we would make it a UK Members Conference. So a number of things will be different and will add to the interest, the excite-ment and the challenge of the week.As well as UK members presenting lectures and leading workshops, we will have four different speakers opening The Word in our Start Right each morn-ing.

This year, for the first time at High Leigh, we are able to put on a Public Show. The local Church group is looking after the advertising and adminis-tration of the Show and we as a Fellowship will have the great opportunity to share The Gospel through our magic and illusion and our presence.

At the beginning of 2009, can I on your behalf and from myself, say a big thank you to our committee members for all they have done in preparing for our Conference and for what they are going to do for us at Conference and as a Fellowship.For me, December has been a very busy month; I’ve had the opportunity to take part in two Salvation Army Christmas Shows and also lead a Community Carol Sing in our local shopping centre, bringing in the Christmas Story using a version of “Last Two Cards Match”.

Can I ask for your prayers for our Conference week, it can be a really positive spiritual experience for us as we share together, pray for Elwyn, Helen, David and Bob as they open The Word, pray for Jon and Barry as they lead us in Worship, pray for the outreach through the Show.

My hope and prayer is that Conference 2009 will equip us with the ideas, the routines, and the tricks that will make our ministry exciting, in-teresting and challenging, but more than that may our week together bring us closer to God, help us to be more aware of His presence and more conscious of His Spirit working in us and through you.May God bless you and work in you and through and remember, Share the Message but Keep the Secret. RON

VICE PRESIDENTBusiness is a funny thing. Since September I have turned down book-ings in Italy, America and Belfast because I was already booked to per-form in Coventry, Exeter and Hemel Hempstead respectively. Why do I tell you this? Because I believe that when I’m honouring my commit-ments, I’m honouring God. I do think there are times when rearranging the date or finding a different performer would be acceptable, but on these occasions I felt that I couldn’t.

That’s why I find it really frustrating when churches don’t honour their commitments. I had two events cancelled in October and one in De-cember. A few years ago, I would have said “Never mind, it doesn’t matter” – but it does! This is what pays the mortgage. It has forced me to become more hard-line, and taught me the importance of having contracts crystal clear.

This is funny, because in less than 36 hours from now I may or may not be performing. The date has been pencilled in my diary for nearly a year, but I’ve not received a booking form or even an e-mail confirm-ing, just a few phone calls. What do I do? Stay at home to make a point? Turn up but refuse to perform until my booking form is signed?

I don’t know what the answer is, but I do know that I must act profes-sionally, which means acting with integrity. If you’re employing someone, pay them what you’ve agreed. If you’re being employed, do

what’s asked of you. The Parable of the Vineyard Workers (Matthew 20) shows em-ployers and employees negotiating contracts, with both sides sticking to them. How are you honouring your commitments?

Steve

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CLOSE-UP RULESCLOSE-UP MAGIC COMPETITION Wednesday 25th February 2009

For those wishing to enter the Close-Up Competition, please read the rules and then enter your name on the list at Con-ference. The first eight names will be selected.

RULES: Each act should last a minimum of eight minutes and a max-imum of ten minutes. Performance marking will be scored on the following cate-gories; Presentation: Technical Ability: Entertainment: Variety: Gospel Content: There will be a maximum of FIVE points awarded to each category Five points will be deducted should any performance under- or over-run.

WonderwallLast year at conference, we piloted our "Wonderwall". The idea is very simple and very informal. Anyone is welcome to pin up magi-cal questions (with their name underneath). For example "Can someone show me a cut and restored rope routine?", "How do I do a diagonal palm shift?", "Any ideas for a talk on Daniel and the lion's den?". Over the course of the week, lots of people will read your question and hopefully offer responses. We don't guarantee answers, but if you're not sure who to ask - ask everybody! Con-ference is full of knowledgeable people, make the most of it!

We're thrilled to have Max Somerset coming to lec-ture for us. Max is one of the leading, most versa-tile and most broadcast TV Magicians in the UK. He was described by Jack Delvin (Vice President of The Magic Circle) as "The Modern Face of The Magic Circle". Max has starred in Undercover Magic, Max Magic and of course The Sorcerer's Apprentice. He is the resident Musical Director of

Emmanuel Baptist Fellowship in North London. To find out more, visit his website at www.maxmagic.co.uk

Guest Lecturers MAX SOMERSET

MARK SHORTLAND

From London to Las Vegas, from Dubai to Davos, Mark has entertained audiences around the world with his sleight of hand and sleight of mouth. Mark performs wonders in a spectator’s hands dur-ing reception drinks, unbelievable prestidigitation at the dinner table and hilarious magic after the meal

as a stand up cabaret. Mark Shortland is a Member of the Inner Magic Circle with Gold Star, their highest award. To find out more, visit his website at www.markshortland.com

Also our very own

Bob

Jean Steve

Simon

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I can’t believe conference is here again!!! I joined the FCMUK 4 years ago so this will be my 4th conference. After my 1st confer-ence I thought I must get involved with this, but I didn’t realise just how fast I would get involved!!! I would like to say a BIG THANKS to everyone who has sent arti-cles and “stuff” for Voila over the last year, without you Voila wouldn’t exist. So keep it coming.

As I type the people involved with conference are sending me information on workshops, lectures, competitions etc so this is-sue will include all that information.

Last year I wanted to do a post conf newsletter, I thought it would be a good chance to share pictures and stories etc. Sadly I just didn’t find time to get something together. So this year I could do with a few people that will be willing to give me a hand in getting content for this years news letter. So if you’re happy to help just let me know.

Don’t forget to use the forum... It’s free and very easy to use. It’s a fantastic place to get ideas and tricks, plus there's lots of free stuff on the FCMUK web site so pop over to www.fcmuk.org. And whilst you’re there don’t forget the forum!!

The next issue of Voila will be out early May, so the deadline will be 5th April 2009.You can contact me [email protected]

“SEE YA”

EDITOR

BARRY

5 Question ChallengeWho is Elwyn?

I have been a Salvationist all my life and a Salvation Army Officer since 1982. That same year I married Car-ole and we have three great kids of whom I am very proud. I became a magician about 25 years ago. My interest was first roused when I saw Henry Smith doing the Professor’s Nightmare at a youth rally. I am sure he did lots of other things as well but I remember the rope trick and promptly went home and cut up three bits of string and worked out the mechanics. When speaking to Henry about this a few years ago he asked me why the false count had not thrown me off the scent. I confessed I had not worked that bit out but using the Sherlock Holmes maxim “when you have eliminated all which is impossible, then whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth", I stuck at it until I worked it out. It was about a year later that I really got bitten by the bug when I bought a number of discounted Paul Daniel’s tricks from a toy shop for 50p each! (I thought they might help me with my youth work). On opening up the packages I discov-ered my very first Thumb Tip and when that little red hanky van-ished I was hooked. Shortly after I discovered Supreme Magic, and Edwin Hooper proved to be a tremendous support to a young magician trying to find his way.

What inspired you to submit items to Magigram?

Again it was Henry who encouraged me to submit some ideas and I was curious to know if anyone else out there thought my ideas were any good. I was very

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This year the 4 slots will be handed over to:-Tony Bugeja, Joe Ridgely, Terry Lawton & Peter Cooper

The Way We Do It

Practical TimePractical Time sessions will be run twice over 3 days so hopefully it will give you a more flexible choice. The people running the sessions are:

Jon Bonner Practical OutreachTony Maidment ParachutesSteve Price RoutiningPeter Gardiner GimmicksBarry Birchall Web InformationElwyn Harries Structuring a Message

STEVE PRICERoutining OK, so you've got a few tricks perfected and now you want to put an act together. What should you open with? How do you end? When should you use volunteers and how many? There are no right and wrong answers, we'll be talking about different possibilities and the advantages and disadvantages of each. Come prepared to share your thoughts, ideas and experiences.

BARRY BIRCHALLWeb InformationEach session will be split into two. Part one will cover how to get a domain name, how to construct a web-site, how to get it on-line so the rest of the world can see it.Part two will be looking accessing magic via the internet and finding your way around the FCM site and Forum.

Fun TimeHigh jinks at High Leigh

with Peter and Tony the FCM's very own Chuckle Brothers.

RON SMITHSilks (Monday)Anyone wanting to attend should, if possible bring a thumb tip and a couple of small silks or any other silks they have.

STEVE MACBETHPocket Tricks (Monday)Anyone wanting to attend should bring something with them, although Steve will also have Pocket Tricks for sale (after the Workshop)

JON BONNERLinking Ropes (Monday)Anyone who has a set should bring them with them, also Jon will be showing how to gimmick the rope rings.

Please Note The workshops on Silks, Pocket Tricks, Linking Ropes and Linking Rings will be on the first day and before the Dealers Stall opens. It will be helpful if people attending any particular workshop come to it prepared.

JOHN SOUTHGATESponge Balls (Thursday)Practical hands on (pardon pun) teaching of sponge balls. If you would like to learn a simple routine or two please bring a set (of 4) sponge balls if you have them. If you don't please come along in any case as I will have a few sets with me.

“Futurology live!”Dr Johnny Facade (Matt Pritchard) presents a special director's

cut of his unique award-winning multimedia magic show "Futurology live!"

www.labmonkeys.co.ukPage 6

young and very inexperienced. Stationed on Alderney in the Channel Islands my only links to my new found hobby were Paul Daniels, (via the TV) and Edwin Hooper (via the Ma-gigram) so I think I also saw it as a way of saying thank you to Edwin for his faith in me. I used to make up routines for fun and didn’t actually make or perform some of the effects I wrote up. Henry was the editor for the Gospel Column and I think it was his gracious acceptance of me which accounts for so many of my routines making it into the magazine. You couldn’t begin to understand the thrill I got when at my first FCM conference, many years later Joe Ridgely performed one of my routines in his lecture. That was the first time I remember anyone actually using anything I had created.

You have a lot of home grown magic, how do you create your effects?

Truth is I didn’t have the money to buy a lot of tricks, (except at Birthdays and Christmas) so I made my own. I have always enjoyed working out methods and principles. I used to tape every magic show that came on TV and would not be satisfied until I had worked out how each and every trick could have been done. I remember one in particular. It was a Paul Daniel’s Show; he had a small plinth with a stack of matchboxes on the top. He covered them with a tube which vanished in a flash of fire to reveal the matchboxes had vanished. I must have watched that clip 20 times and could not fathom it. I went to bed still puzzling over it. Then, applying the Sherlock Holmes maxim, worked out how it must have been done. I dashed out of bed to check my theory against the record-ing and was amazed to see PD ‘quite clearly’ operate the device to make the trick work. I couldn’t believe I had watched it so many times and missed it.

I don’t have a formulaic answer to how I create my stuff. Unlike some, I couldn’t break it down into steps and share it, I just do it because I enjoy it and because sometimes there just isn’t the ex-act right prop out there for the effect you want. I keep a note book with me at all times and jot down ideas as they come to me. I also collect junk – just in case I might be able to use it. I have three sets of nesting boxes, (bought at various times in IKEA, QD, and Wilkinsons), just crying out for a routine!

I will sometimes pick a Bible story or Truth and try and think about how many different ways it could be illustrated with mag-ic. I try to create new principles and ideas where possible but inevitably they are based on things I have learned – and some-times ‘forgotten’. At other times I take a standard prop or effect and try to adapt it to suit my purposes. I also have certain ef-fects I like which I adapt in different ways to suit various situa-tions. One in particular I call “* choice” The asterisk being different for each version of the effect. I saw the trick first on a Paul Daniel’s magic show, worked out the method and have been adapting it ever since. I guess I must have at least a dozen versions of it. Half the fun for me is in inventing and cre-ating my own routines and props. I have to say I don’t do so much of it these days especially since attending Conference regularly and having access to so many readymade props and routines.

How do you link being a minister and a magician together?

To be honest, I am not sure I do. I am a minister of the Gospel and I am a magician. I see the two as being quite separate and distinct. I don’t consider myself to be a Gospel magician or even to have a Gospel magic act. There are times when the two come together, in fact more so in these days of itinerant

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10 15am – 11am The Way I do it 11am Refreshments11 30am – 12 30pm Lecture:~ Bob Satco and Jean Purdy 1 00pm Lunch 2.00pm Delegates depart2.00pm Committee Meeting.

WorkshopsBOB HILL

Linking Rings (Monday) I'll be working with linking rings, practicing moves and learning routi-ning. Participants should bring rings along with them, if they have them.

Multiplying Sponge Bananas. (Thursday)We will be cutting sponges in order to make the multiplying bananas/carrots/pickles/fish. With two bananas, you produce a seem-ingly endless supply. This will be a hands on session; sponges will be provided. Bring a sharp pair of scissors to cut the sponges with.

BARRY BIRCHALLElastic Bands (Thursday)Last year I saw a lot of people playing with the “linking bands”, but what else can you do with elastic bands? Well I hope to give you a few ideas to play with along with few very visual tricks. It doesn’t matter what level you are starting from there will be something for everyone. it would be good if you can bring a selection of thin elastic bands with you but it isn’t essential.

BRIAN MITCHELLEscapology (Thursday)Workshop will be on pretty basic escapology. I will be teaching the 64ft chain escape with a Gospel message. I will also bring a few other common escape effects to show people as a taster.

8.30 a.m. Breakfast9.30a.m. 10 00a.m. Start Right.. Helen Gardner10 15am – 11am The Way I do it 11am Refreshments11 30am – 12 45pm Guest lecture Mark Shortland1 00pm.- 3pm Lunch and Free time (Dealers Room open)3pm – 4pm Guest lecture Mark Shortland4pm Refreshments4 30pm – 5 30pm Practical Time5 45pm – 6 45pm Matt Pritchard presents “Futurology live!”7 00pm Dinner8 30pm – 9 30pm Close Up Competition 9 30pm Supper Drink

Thursday8 00 a.m. Committee Meeting and Prayer Time 8 00am Delegates Prayer Fellowship8.30 a.m. Breakfast9.30a.m. 10 00a.m. Start Right.. David Mather10 15am – 11am The Way I do it 11am Refreshments11 30am to 12 30pm Annual General Meeting1 00pm Lunch (Dealers Room open)2pm – 3pm Time for Refreshment - Songs of Praise!3pm – 4pm Four Back to back Workshops 4pm Refreshments4 30pm – 5 00pm Practical Time5 15pm – 6 15pm Lecture by Steve Price 6 30pm Dinner8 00pm – 9 30pm Public Show (Compère Jon Bonner)9 30pm Supper Drink

Friday8 00 a.m. Committee Meeting and Prayer Time 8 00am Delegates Prayer Fellowship8.30 a.m. Breakfast9.30a.m. 10 00a.m. Start Right.. Bob Hill

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preaching ministry than when I was leading a Church. But usu-ally they are separate. One does not depend on the other. Magic is my hobby and, from time to time also serves to help me in my ministry. I am known in SA circles as being a magi-cian, along with our illustrious President and a few other FCM members, and therefore tend to be asked to include magic in my ministry when visiting SA churches and centres. As well as using it to illustrate my preaching I also use magic in Open Air ministry, teaching, leading retreats, children’s and youth minis-try, ministry to pensioners, Outreach events and Church Social occasions.

Where do you see yourself and your magic in the future?

This is easy. I have no idea. I have always been a ‘live for the moment’ kind of guy. I don’t plan for the future but choose to leave it in God’s hands. This sometimes gets me into trouble of course especially when my boss wants me to present him with a five year strategic plan. My answer is quite simply ‘God knows’.

I love magic and cannot foresee a time when it will cease to be a major part of who I am and what I do. That said if I felt God telling me to sell it all and give my money to the poor then of course I would. He has tested me a few times to make sure I keep it all in perspective and so far He says I can keep my toys as long as I live to His glory!

ELWYN

Community NewsFCM UK Midlands Regional Meeting 15th November 2008

Question: What do you get when you put a group of FCM members in St. Peter’s Centre, Stourbridge in November?

Answer: A great time of fun and fellowship along with a host of new tricks and thoughts for Christmas thanks mainly to Joe Ridgely with other contributions from Rikki T., Gerald, Barrie, Tony and myself.

But that was not all; in the evening a terrific, sold out, public show! A lot of hard work had gone into setting the hall out including a very colourful stage that had a rainbow backcloth and professional full stage lighting and PA, thanks to Tony and Sylvia Maidment and their friends from church. Tony was compere and he had spent a great deal of time in creating a host of bal-loon characters such as a Princess, Bart Simpson on a

skateboard, a motorbike, a puppet on strings, these were not one bal-loon creations but multi-complex creations standing 3feet tall! Tony even had his name made up from balloons and as he said when he turned it around – ‘YnoT’!

First up was Rikki T with his award winning tramp routine, the high-light for me was his production of a full size coat hanger from the mid-dle of a small purse.Next on was Matt Pritchard with several brilliant routines, I liked in particular his telepathetic, yes I have written telepathetic (Matt’s description not mine) four drawings!I did my bed of nails and for the very first time had a downs syndrome child as one of the volunteers to stand on me. She was the star!

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Conference News2009 CONFERENCE PROGRAMME

Monday10 15am. Committee Meeting at High Leigh1130am to 12 45pm. Arrival and Registration of delegates1 00pm. Lunch2.30pm – 3.45pm. Worship and President Presents4pm – 4 30pm Tea Break4 30pm – 5 30pm Lecture Simon Williams 5 45pm – 6.45pm Four Workshops 7 00pm. Dinner8 30pm – 9 30pm Conference Fun time with Peter and Tony9 30pm Supper Drink and Informal Fellowship

Tuesday8 00 a.m. Committee Meeting and Prayer Time 8 00am Delegates Prayer Fellowship8.30 a.m. Breakfast9.30a.m. 10 00a.m. Start Right. Elwyn Harris 10 15am – 11am The Way I do it 11am Refreshments11 30am – 12 45pm Guest lecture Max Somerset1 00pm.- 3pm Lunch and Free time (Dealers Room open)3pm – 4pm Guest lecture Max Somerset4pm Refreshments4 30pm – 5 30pm Magical Mystery Tour5 45pm – 6 45pm Practical Time 7 00pm Dinner (Dealers Room open)8 30pm – 9 30pm Stage Competition 9 30pm Supper Drink

Wednesday8 00 a.m. Committee Meeting and Prayer Time 8 00am Delegates Prayer Fellowship

A Note From Jack HinghamHi everybody, just thought I would bring you up to date with my situation, and to wish you all a Happy New Year.I'm still on chemo, for another 6 weeks, then I guess my body will have to settle down for a couple of months before they put me back together, ie: illiostomy and catheta. I've come through the year very well really, concidering many people are really ill from chemo; I am

hoping to be back in the race by summer time God willing.Thanks again for all your thoughts and prayers. God Bless, and again Happy New Year. JACK

HELP!!!Denis Clark has asked if there is anyone that can give him a lift from the Blackpool convention to the FCMUK conference. If anyone can help can you ring him on 0208 874 3773

John Beales, John Mohammed and I have been invited to Romania in the Spring to teach some of the churches Gospel Magic, would value prayers,

input on program, maybe some pack small play big props, ideas, and big Prayer support, none of us speak Romania.Terry Lawton

Matt's new show dates (Paupers Pit, Buxton Opera House )Something About Nothing Fri 20 & Sat 21 March 7.30pmA smash hit comedy at last year’s Fringe Festival. Join Dr Johnny Façade as he explains almost everything there is to know about

nothing. Uniquely fusing together magic, mentalism and silly pseudo-science; this is one multimedia experience not to be missed. A new show from the creator of the award-winning comedy Futurology Live!

www.labmonkeys.co.ukPage 10

Finally Steve Price, closed the first half with such favourites as the hydrostatic glass and omelette rou-lette. After a very civilised interval with wine and snacks, Steve took the whole of the second half. Using illusions, tricks and humour shared the Gos-pel with those present. It was Gospel magic at its best.After we had all helped Tony clear up, for some of us there could only be one thing for the perfect end a Halesowen Indian Curry and a further chance to

swap ideas and be inspired. Our thanks to Barrie Jenks for taking some terrific photos some of them are included with this article. Peter and Audrey and family were also there in the evening along with wives and friends who I have not named but it is sufficient to say Happy Christmas to you all from the Midland Region and see you at the Conference in February!

Brian Cupples

The Cooper Family vision

When we started the “Barrel of Fun” shop, the purpose was to raise money so that we could stay in the area to continue the ministry that we started when I worked for St Chad’s Church as a Children’s and Families worker. However, as the shop’s work started to develop, we discovered firstly that we could not make any money that way, and secondly that the shop’s location makes it a ministry in its own right.

The shop has become a place for young people to meet, chat and play games together. A number of times, young people have come into the shop to escape from trouble or bullying. On one occasion, a teenager came into the shop and asked us to escort him home, because he was being threatened by some local bullies. We agreed to walk with him, but most of the other kids in the shop also came to show solidarity, walking straight past the four older

kids who had made the threats. Many of the local adults recognised the work we are doing with our ‘customers’.

As a result, we have come up with a new vision, which we are developing as we meet with people who care about us and what we are doing in Kidderminster.

1. We would like to keep the shop open as a part of our ministry. It can make enough money to pay its own bills, but not enough to pay us to run it. It already provides a place for young people to go, but we want to increase its impact by including, as part of the shop, a second-hand clothes counter to help local people buy inexpensive but decent clothing donated to the shop.

2. As I have a great deal of experience in schools, I would like to offer to do assemblies and RE lessons in local schools on behalf of any Kidderminster Church which would like me to make contact with their nearest school on their behalf. I would also like to work particularly on the Spennells estate, which has no church on it.

3. We would like to be a resource for churches across the country, providing gospel magic shows, circus workshops and puppet workshops. We would ask for donations from those churches towards the work of our ministry in Kidderminster.

4. We will also do magic shows for parties (children’s birthday parties, etc) and Maths Magic lessons for schools and adult education programmes to help raise money to support our min-istry.

We would like to ask for the prayers of all of our friends for this new and frightening mission. Over the next couple of weeks, we will be putting together a team of people to help oversee the management of our project, and will be asking for money from every source possible!Thank you for your support. Peter Cooper

www.barreloffun.biz

We’ve had a wonderful conference in October. May be

next year it could be even more interesting for guests

from the UK as we will have Duane Laflin as guest lectur-

er. English translation will be provided for most of our

program in order to allow Duane to follow it. May be you

could forward this information to the UK members. But

the main reason for my article is the following matter.

Duane and Mary will have a lot of travelling costs and we try to find ways

to help them with these costs. One idea was to offer churches the chance

to book him for an outreach event or to ask secular Magic Circles if they

would like to have a lecture. Up to now we do have problems over here

to find churches or circles who are willing to book and pay for such an

event. There are two reasons for this: One is that the travelling costs

around our country can be reasonable if the town is not nearby an air-

port. If a local Magic Circle would spend 500€ for a lecture but the addi-

tional travelling costs would make up to 300€ that would not be worth

the trouble of organizing such an event. The other thing is that we have

difficulties finding a church willing to have an English language magic

program for an evening event to reach lost people. Without translation it

would be worth nothing from the spiritual point of view and with transla-

tion it might be a bit difficult and disappointing from the entertaining

and artistic point of view. To meet the expenses and even raise the fund

for the Laflins’ journey they would need to be a large church or at least

need to organize a large event.

So my idea is to find a church or magic circle in the UK who would be

willing to pay enough for a lecture or an outreach evening. The language

problems would be zero (nearly;) and the additional travelling costs

would� not be more than any long distance in our country if we could

find some place nearby London. Could you please ask some people to

contact their churches and circles to find out if there would be any inter-

est in such events? That could be a great help for us.

God bless, Volker de Haas (president)

Fellowship of Christian Magicians GermanyFellowship of Christian Magicians GermanyFellowship of Christian Magicians GermanyFellowship of Christian Magicians Germany

february 2009 a -...

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