Eastwood – DH Lawrence Country

DH Lawrence (1885 – 1930) Illustration: David Fox
Eastwood Hall – once the offices of the Coal Board now a prestigious four star venue

It’s always fantastic to visit Eastwood and entertain audiences at weddings, parties and special events. Most recently it was a tremendous privilege to be part of Tanya and Matt’s fantastic wedding at the outstanding Eastwood Hall.

Congratulations Tanya and Matt! What a fantastic day it was at Eastwood Hall.

The town is most famous as being the birthplace of the world famous writer and poet DH Lawrence (1885 – 1930) and his legacy remains evident around the area. Indeed, the DH Lawrence Birthplace and Museum on Victoria Street provides an interesting insight into this extraordinary man’s life, work and times.

The DH Lawrence Birth Place Museum – Victoria Street – just off Nottingham Road

Lawrence would spend his formative years at the Breach House on Garden Road. This is where the seeds of his genius were sown and inspiration for future literary masterpieces was provided. The Breach House can be visited and forms part of the Blue Line Trail.

The Breach House on Garden Street, Eastwood

Lawrence drew from the unique social and cultural aspects of life around Eastwood and its environs at the turn of the twentieth century. His father was a coal miner and worked at the local Brinsley colliery.

Brinsley Headstocks Nature Reserve now covers the area formerly occupied by the colliery
Unlike his father, Lawrence would pursue a literary career and studied at the University of Nottingham. Illustration: David Fox

Sons and Lovers, Lady Chatterley’s Lover and Women in Love are three of Lawrence’s most famous works. He was considered to be highly controversial in his time, and Lady Chatterley’s Lover would not be published in its entirety in the UK until 1960.

The Lady Chatterley Public House, Nottingham Road, Eastwood

To find out more about exciting places to visit around Eastwood and Nottinghamshire, visit: Things to do in Nottinghamshire.

David Fox is a professional entertainer, freelance writer and artist based in Nottingham, UK.

A member of the Magic Circle, the International Brotherhood of Magicians and Equity, visit his website at: David Fox Magic

Telephone/text: 07946 686 258

Congratulations Ryan and Marie!

Ryan and I just wanted to say a big thank you for the day. Our guests loved having you there and so did we!’

Ryan and Marie, 22nd January 2022, Hampton Manor

Close-up magic at Hampton Manor

What a fantastic day it was at the exceptional Hampton Manor in January when we celebrated the wedding of Ryan and Marie. The lovely couple had been forced to reschedule their big day due to the lockdowns, so it was great to see them finally tie the knot in style.

It’s always great to entertain all the generations of family and friends!

It was a massive privilege to provide close-up ‘mix-and-mingle’ magic for Ryan and Marie’s lovely family and friends. Indeed, such entertainment is perfect for the period immediately after the wedding ceremony.

The stunning environs of Hampton Manor made for a very magical day!

Card magic, sleight-of-hand, mind-reading, gambling demonstrations and child-friendly tricks were provided – and it was great to entertain all generations of guest. Thank you again to Ryan and Marie for calling upon my services, and congratulations once again!

Ryan and Marie’s guests were a real pleasure to entertain!

Special thanks to the outstanding Lucie Watson Photography for providing these tremendous photographs. Visit their website for more details: Lucie Watson Photography

Hampton Manor is an exceptional venue located in Solihull, Midlands, UK. Find out all about it here: Hampton Manor

David Fox is a professional entertainer, freelance writer and artist based in the UK. A member of the Magic Circle, The International Brotherhood of Magicians and Equity, find out more about David at: David Fox Magic Telephone/Text: 07946686258

Customised Magic by David Fox

David Fox can create customised packages for any type of event

Are you looking for something different at your next special event? Do you want to provide a truly unique experience for your friends, family, clients and business associates? Customised entertainment packages and magic effects can be created to celebrate your special occasion or market a new product!

David has a wealth of experience having performed in all types of environment

David frequently appears at trade events representing well known brands. His personality and performance are well suited for high intensity promotions at prestigious venues such as the Birmingham NEC, or intimate gatherings in car showrooms or office complexes.

Looking for a positive reaction? contact David today

David Fox has proudly represented a galaxy of top brands over the years. They include: Sytner BMW, Vauxhall, British Gas, SERCO, Capital One, The Jockey Club, Barclays Bank and Virgin.

Contact David Fox today to find out more about his unique service.

Website: David Fox Magic

Telephone/Text: 07946 686 258

David is a proud member of the Magic Circle, The International Brotherhood of Magicians and Equity.

Tam Shepherds – Glasgow’s Famous Trick Shop

The famous Glasgow institution – make sure you visit when you are in this great city.

For magic tricks, novelties and fancy dress, Tam Shepherds of Glasgow has been the number one retailer for many years. Located close to George Square in the heart of this great city, Tam Shepherds recently received the prestigious award of Glasgow’s Favourite Business.

Magicians from far and wide visit this unique store to purchase supplies for their acts and seek inspiration for new tricks and effects. The legendary Roy Walton was the custodian of Tam Shepherds for many years, and exceptional prestidigitators such as Pat Page and Jerry Sadowitz are closely associated with this outstanding shop.

if you want to learn card magic, Tam Shepherds is the place to be!

I will forever be extremely grateful to Mr Walton and his family for their assistance and encouragement with my magical journey. Many of the props and effects I have obtained from them over the years are now staple elements of the magical act which has allowed me to perform all over the world.

The Cup and Ball effect is a classic of magic. These cups that Mr Walton recommended to me are perfect for stage and parlour performances.

Learn coin magic and sleight of hand at Tam Shepherds – there is always a tremendous selection of effects in the store for you to choose from.
Mr Walton and his family introduced me to the genius of Dai Vernon. There is a fantastic array of magic books, DVDs and tricks at Tam Shepherds of Glasgow.

Tam Shepherds is located at: 33 Queen Street, Glasgow

Telephone: 0141 221 2310

Visit their website at: www.tamshepherds.com

David Fox is a professional magician based in the UK. A member of the Magic Circle and the International Brotherhood of Magicians, David performs magic at special events all over the world.

Visit his website at: www.magician-midlands.co.uk

Telephone number: 07946 686 258

Artwork by David Fox Magic

City Ground – Nottingham Forest

For customised artwork, contact David Fox Magic today. Sketches can be created of favourite places, and David also incorporates his artwork into his shows.

Artwork of a new home
Pavilion Gardens, Buxton, Peak District
Kingswood Residential, Nottingham

Ringwood Hall, Chesterfield

Hayley and Callum’s beautiful new home

For more details, contact David Fox Magic.

www.magician-midlands.co.uk

Telephone: 07946686258

Congratulations William and Fern!

‘Every single one of our guests was blown away by your entertainment including the children. Thank you for being a part of our day.’

William and Fern, The Quorn Country Hotel, 13th November 2021

What a fantastic day it was at the exceptional Quorn Country Hotel, Loughborough for William and Fern’s wedding day in November 2021. It was third time lucky for the lovely couple – their wedding having been postponed due to the lockdowns – and we certainly made up for the delay in style!

It was a tremendous pleasure to entertain guests of all ages. Close-up magic during the drinks reception period – as well as table magic during the wedding breakfast – was provided. William and Fern’s guests were a joy to entertain, and it is always fantastic to amuse the younger guests too!

The beauty of magic is that it can be delivered virtually anywhere! We were blessed with a mild sunny day last November, and I thoroughly enjoyed engaging the guests outside whilst the photos were being taken.

The exceptional Forever Pictures masterfully captured the magic on William and Fern’s big day. They were fantastic to work with, and please visit their website for more details: Forever Pictures Telephone number: 07939 631511 Email address: forever-pictures@live.com

Party Time With James did a sterling job at entertaining both children and adults after the wedding breakfast. James is a tremendous family entertainer, and a top man! Please do visit his Facebook page ‘Party Time With James‘. His email address is: partytimewithjames@gmail.com

Congratulations William and Fern! What a great day it was and I really appreciate you investing your trust in me to entertain everyone. I hope to see you all again in the future. Best wishes. David Fox.

David’s website is: www.magician-midlands.co.uk

Telephone: 07946 686 258

Congratulations Mary Ann and Elliott

Magic for Mary Ann, Elliott and guests at the Pavilion Gardens, Buxton – photograph courtesy of Clare Robinson Photography – http://www.clare-robinson.co.uk

‘We booked David for our wedding and WOW he was fantastic!’

Mary Ann and Elliott, Pavilion Gardens, Buxton, 22nd May 2021

I was delighted when Mary Ann and Elliott called upon my services for their wedding celebrations in May at the beautiful Pavilion Gardens in Buxton. This would be my first wedding reception since last October, and I was really looking forward to the occasion.

The majestic architecture of the Pavilion Gardens in Buxton. It was a tremendous privilege to be part of such a special wedding day.

The last time I had entertained at the Pavilion Gardens was at a charity fundraiser in the Grand Ballroom. However, due to the government guidelines, Mary Ann and Elliott’s wedding would be a much more intimate affair; which certainly made the day extra special.

I thoroughly enjoyed mixing and mingling with Mary Ann and Elliott’s guests in such a unique venue. Photograph courtesy of Clare Robinson Photography – http://www.clare-robinson.co.uk

Prior to performance, it was imperative to visit the venue and plan carefully for the day. Mary Ann and Elliott’s drinks reception was to be held in the majestic Winter Garden Conservatory and the exceptional Rita of Parkwood Leisure very kindly took the time out of her very busy schedule to discuss the unique format of the wedding with me. Indeed, the more planning and preparation a magician can do, the more powerful the magic will be. All of the staff at the Pavilion Gardens were fantastic and were keen to ensure everything ran smoothly for Mary Ann, Elliott and their guests.

You can always expect a very warm welcome from the exceptional events team whenever you visit the Pavilion Gardens in Buxton.

It truly was a massive privilege to mingle with such a lovely group of family members and close friends throughout drinks reception period. Guests had travelled from far and wide to share in Mary Ann and Elliott’s nuptials, and everyone was in fine spirits. We were also blessed with some sunshine which allowed everyone to sample the exquisite gardens, and the fantastic photographer Clare Robinson was always on hand to organise both group shots and capture those magic moments.

It’s always a pleasure to customise a little personalised magic for such an important occasion.

Clare and the lovely couple very kindly permitted me to display photos of magic being performed in this article. I am sure you will agree that the Manchester based photographer masterfully encapsulates those very special intimate interactions when the guests are drawn closer and closer together by the mysterious power of Magic….

Find out more about Clare Robinson Photography at: www.clare-robinson.co.uk

Make sure you visit the Pavilion Gardens next time you’re in Buxton: www.parkwoodoutdoors.co.uk

For magic and customised entertainment: David Fox Magic: www.magician-midlands.co.uk

Congratulations Mary Ann and Elliott!

Memories of Ibrox

Ibrox Stadium

One of my earliest memories of visiting Ibrox Park was in February 1988 when Rangers hosted St Mirren in a Premier League match. I watched on with my Dad and brother from the old enclosure as Davie Cooper, Mark Walters, Ray Wilkins and Richard Gough all scored in a 4 – 0 victory. A few months later I was very fortunate to be shown round the magnificent Main Stand by club legends Willie Thornton MM and John Greig MBE.

The Main Stand – 1929

Designed by Archibald Leitch, the Main Stand (now the Bill Struth Stand) was officially opened in 1929, and in 1987 achieved listed building status. It is a truly unique feat of architectural design; and in 1991 a third tier of seating above the original edifice – The Club Deck – became fully operational. By the turn of the century, the home of Rangers Football Club would become known as Ibrox Stadium and it now boasts a capacity of 50,817.

Gazza arrives – the main doorway on Edmiston Drive

The magic of Davie Cooper; Super Ally’s goals; Ray Wilkins’ thunderbolt against Celtic; Gazza’s famous hat-trick; the thrill of big European evenings… We all have special memories of Ibrox – what’s yours?

Artwork by David Fox Magic

Westminster Abbey

David enjoys sketching special places and venues he has performed magic at over the years. High quality vellum prints are available to order and these can also be framed. They make lovely gifts and will be sent out by registered mail.

Eilean Donan Castle
Wembley – The Home of Football
Nottingham Forest – The City Ground from Trent Bridge
Aston Villa – Villa Park – Holte End
Celtic Park – 1967 – Champions of Europe
Rangers – Ibrox Stadium
Flying Scotsman – St Pancras Station
Artwork can be framed
Framed artwork makes a fine gift for a loved one

For more details about artwork, contact David on: 07946686258 or email: foxmagic@hotmail.co.uk

Books and Pieces – Rare and Second Hand Titles in Nottingham

IMG_0654

From Harry Potter to Ernest Hemingway, Agatha Christie to Franz Kafka, and Stephen King to Shakespeare – you will find the publication you are looking for at Books and Pieces, West End Arcade, Nottingham. All genres of fiction and non-fiction are in stock – along with an extensive selection of classic comics.

For students and teachers searching for academic study guides and curricular texts, Jean will offer expert assistance, and even source specific titles for you. I have been tremendously grateful for all GCSE and A Level publications she has provided me with over the years which have helped in the delivery of my English lessons massively.

IMG_0652

Books and Pieces is a treasure trove of popular contemporary fiction, biographies, historical tomes, encyclopedias, classics and those more obscure titles you may have been hunting for. Indeed, as a fan of horror and mystery, I have been greatly impressed with many of the books I have discovered in Jean’s shop over the years, such as the fantastic ‘Jungle Magic’ by James H Neal – see book review here: Jungle Magic Book Review. 

IMG_0653
Jean is now selling books online too, and is always more than happy to assist you with her exceptional service.

Facebook link – Books and Pieces ‘With a touch of Jeanius’.

The shop is located in West End Arcade, just off Angel Row (opposite Caffè Nero) right in the heart of Nottingham city centre.

David Fox is a professional entertainer and freelance writer based in the UK. Visit his website for more details: David Fox Magic.