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Northern Magic Circle President's Day
Sunday 28th June 2015
Reviewed by Su Jayne
Last
Sunday was the Northern Magic Circle President's Day (www.northernmagiccircle.org.uk),
hosted by the president Danny Hunt and president's lady Stephanie Clarke and
what a great day it was! Danny and Stephanie had organised a tour of all the
museums in the Ripon museum trust. Starting at the courthouse museum, followed
by a visit to the old Ripon prison. This of course was a favourite location for
many of the Northern Magic Circle members, as this was the prison where on
October 31st 2006 Danny Hunt himself broke out of number one cell of the old
Victorian prison. Danny made his escape from the cell having had a strip search
by a doctor, and being bound in chains and a straitjacket.
Danny escaped in full view of the onlooking audience to mark the 80th
anniversary of Houdini's death. Not only did Danny escape but he also locked a
police officer, who was guarding the cell into the cell he had just escaped
from.
On his return to the cell during his Presidents' Day, following a comment from a
member regarding the possibility of breaking back in the prison, Danny couldn't
help himself and all the members stood and watched him pick his way IN to the
cell he broke out of! Brilliant well done Danny.
Then it was off to the workhouse museum to watch Haldane of the Secret Service,
one of Houdini's films. This was on the big screen and to the delight of the
audience Danny and Steph had organised popcorn, drinks and sweeties to munch on
throughout! During this fabulous packed day, in front of a large crowd of
visitors at the workhouse museum Stephanie Clarke presented an impossible escape
from small aluminium box!
Members of the Northern Magic Circle even had the chance to get dressed up in
period costumes and really get involved with days events.
For anyone looking for something to do during the school holidays, Ripon museums
trust is well worth a look with lots of planned events during the summer visit
www.riponmuseums.co.uk
for more information. You may even catch Danny and Stephanie of Amethyst making
a special visit during the next few months for more information on upcoming
events or to catch Amethyst brand new escape show for 2015 contact Stephanie at
www.amethystmagic.com.
© Su Jayne, July 2015.