Category: David Fox Magic

Life in the Fast Lane – Barry Sheene, Silverstone and Seventies Nostalgia

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Barry Sheene. Copyright/ Nick Elliott Photographer

‘It was a more open time all round, and heroes like Barry Sheene were touchable, human, and keen to interact with everyone’

Nick Elliott on the 1970s

The 1970s was a definitive decade socially, culturally and politically. By Nick Elliott’s own admission, it was a great time of exploration and experimentation. Having been an avid motor-sport fanatic in his youth, Nick was in dreamland when top end magazines such as Motorcycle News and Motorcycle Racing commissioned him to capture the action on race days.

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Nick Elliott has always had a passion for racing. Copyright Nick Elliot/ Photographer

A passion for racing has resonated within Nick since childhood, and he and brother Gary frequently raced motorbikes and cars throughout the UK during their adolescence. Some of the Peterborough photographer’s earliest and fondest memories involve off-road biking with friends and family. A devil-may-care attitude, and propensity for risk taking quickly evolved, and this is clearly reflected in Nick’s exceptional and unique brand of photography.

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Steve Parrish (now a well respected commentator for motor-sport) in action back in the 1970s. Copyright/ Nick Elliot Photographer

Nick often fondly recalls memories of iconic venues such as Silverstone and Donington Park in the 1970s when legends such as Barry Sheene and Giacomo Agostini graced the track. Such superstars burned the candle at both ends, and Nick enjoyed rubbing shoulders with these larger than life characters before and after their sensational performances. The champagne flowed – along with the incredible tales of past glories – in the race course bars where Nick became privy to the personal strife and struggles of the world famous stars of motor racing.

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Nick Elliott was able to get close to the stars in the 1970s. It was a different world. Copyright/ Nick Elliot Photographer

Nick Elliott was present for Barry Sheene’s sensational World Championship victories in 1976 and 1977. He also fondly remembers the indefatigable Englishman’s clashes with Kenny Roberts in the 1979 Grand Prix at Silverstone. These profound experiences have left a massive impression upon Nick, fashioning him onto the distinctive lens-man he is today.

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Lucky 7! Nick with Barry Sheene’s iconic bike. Copyright/ Nick Elliot Photographer

More details about Nick Elliott and his work can be found at: www.nickelliott.photography or phone him on: 07881 650883.

The author of the article is David Fox, a professional magician and freelance writer based in the UK. Visit David’s website at: www.magician-midlands.co.uk or phone him now on: 07946686258.

All images copyright of Nick Elliott Photographer.

 

Stunning Events at Stoke Rochford Hall

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Are you currently organising a special event in the East Midlands area? For weddings, black tie events and social gatherings, the unique facilities of Stoke Rochford Hall are at your disposal. Situated to the south of Grantham, and in close proximity to the major A1 artery, the venue is an excellent choice for your next red letter day occasion.

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Stunning Jacobean architecture and spacious gardens are hallmarks of Stoke Rochford Hall.

The elegant Jacobean architecture and beautifully manicured gardens offer a magical backdrop for a wedding day or corporate occasion. Wedding ceremonies can be conducted in the sublime setting of the Orangery, and the banqueting facilities are perfect for receptions of all sizes. Indeed, prospective couples will feel reassured by the tremendous facilities on offer as they savour the most important day of their lives.

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The Orangery is a magical place to tie the knot.

Stoke Rochford Hall also hosts monthly wedding open evenings when you are invited to visit the hall, appreciate its unique splendour, and chat to a selected group of dedicated wedding suppliers. Visit the website now for more details: Stoke Rochford Hall. Or telephone on: 01476 530337.

Stoke Rochford Hall’s Exceptional Wedding Suppliers

Flower Barn – For incredible floral arrangements for all occasions, Flower Barn offer an exceptional service. Visit their website at: www.flower-barn.co.uk

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The exquisite floral arrangements of Flower Barn

A Beautiful Day Productions – Do you require your wedding day or event to be filmed? For top quality videography, find out more at: www.abeautifuldayproductions.co.uk

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John Corcoran will provide immaculate video footage of your wedding day revelries.

Make My Day Venue Dressing – Every special occasion should be celebrated in style and for a truly stunning mise-en-scene, visit: www.makemydayvenuedressing.co.uk

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Stunning venue dressing by Make My Day will bring magic and class to your event.

Ryan Jarvis Photography – For first class wedding photographs contact Ryan Jarvis today. One of the most sought after professionals in the business, he will capture all of those special moments on your big day: www.ryanjarvisphotography.co.uk

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The man who captures all those special moments: Ryan Jarvis.

Wendyful Cakes – Every bride deserves a sumptuous wedding cake and Wendyful Cakes will make your dreams come true – and much much more! Delicious cake coupled with exceptional designs, visit their website at: www.wendyfullcakes.co.uk

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For wedding cake that is truly out of this world, contact Wendyful Cakes today!

The author of the article is David Fox, a professional magician and freelance writer based in the East Midlands. Visit David’s website at: www.magician-midlands.co.uk

Mountain Magic on Ben Nevis

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It was a pleasure and a privilege to entertain visitors on Britain’s highest mountain. Photograph courtesy of Daniel Kershaw.

‘It was awesome seeing you on Ben Nevis. Thanks for making it that extra special!’

Feroz Khan, Ben Nevis, 26th August 2018

Performing magic in challenging environments has always excited and interested me. The magician often has to think quickly on his feet and tailor his performance if the conditions get tough. For example, when performing outdoor magic at Christmas markets many years ago, I would often have to alter my show to accommodate the blustery conditions – not to mention freezing hands – which limited my capacity for sleight-of-hand.

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Beautiful yet challenging. It takes around three hours to reach the summit. The reaction was fantastic despite the wind and rain. Photograph courtesy of Daniel Kershaw.

One challenge I have always wanted to undertake is to perform magic on Ben Nevis (Britain’s highest mountain). Standing at 4,411 feet above sea level, this iconic landmark would be an excellent location to put my magical abilities to the test. In Gaelic the mountain is known as Beinn Nibheis which means ‘venomous’ or ‘malicious’ mountain on account of the adverse weather conditions, which persist for most of the year, and the harsh inhospitable environment.

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The top of the mountain is covered by cloud for most of the year and is a tough windswept environment. But the show went on… Photograph courtesy of Daniel Kershaw.

I was delighted to be supported, encouraged and accompanied by Mr Daniel Kershaw throughout this expedition. Daniel is currently fund-raising for the Brathay Trust. This is a tremendous charity which provides support to young people through innovative community projects. Since 2007 the Trust has also been engaged in assisting ex-service personnel. Next year Daniel will run ten marathons in ten days to fund-raise for this magnificent cause. You can sponsor him at this link: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/danielkershaw10in10

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David Fox and the outstanding Daniel Kershaw at the Commando Monument, Fort William. Daniel is raising funds for the exceptional Brathay Trust.

Overall, it was a tremendous experience and we really appreciated the great reaction we received from climbers on the mountain and at the summit. We also have plans for another exciting  project very soon.

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The views on the ascent of Ben Nevis are breathtaking. We look forward to the next exciting project, not to mention Daniel’s ten marathons in ten days next year! Photograph courtesy of Daniel Kershaw.

The Brathay Trust provide support for young people through innovative and proactive projects. Visit their site now at: Brathay Trust.

To find out more about Ben Nevis and this magnificent part of the UK, please go to: Visit Scotland

Find out more about David Fox and his magic at: www.magician-midlands.co.uk or telephone: 07946686258.

 

Congratulations Dean and Shirley!

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The new Mr and Mrs Alldis. Photograph courtesy of Martelle Photography

‘Wow! What can I say? David has completely changed my opinion of magic!’

Dean and Shirley’s wedding day, 8th July 2018, Bestwood Lodge Hotel

It was a massive privilege and a pleasure to be part of Dean and Shirley’s wedding celebrations on 8th July this year at the beautiful Bestwood Lodge Hotel. I was delighted when the lovely couple asked me to entertain their guests after the wedding breakfast period. Indeed, it was an additional bonus to have the opportunity to work alongside the exceptional Martin and Ellen Hoyle of Martelle Photography. I have known Martin for many years and this would truly be an evening to savour and remember.

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Special visual illusions for the top table. Photograph courtesy of Martelle Photography.
Performing magic immediately after the wedding breakfast always allows me the opportunity to perform some very special magic for the newlyweds. I want to provide them with an everlasting experience and unforgettable memory from their special day. Martin and Ellen were expertly on hand to masterfully capture the action at the top table. It is always vital to start the evening with some high impact visual illusion and I was delighted by the reaction of Dean, Shirley and all of the guests.

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Magic brings everyone together on a wedding day. Photograph courtesy of Martelle Photography.
Bestwood Lodge is one of the finest venues in the Nottingham area, and it was fantastic to entertain family and friends in the spacious and elegant bar area. This is an excellent area for close-up magic and I was also able able to perform some high-impact parlour effects for larger groups of people. On a wedding day all the generations are present and I thoroughly enjoyed entertaining everyone from grandparents to grandchildren.

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Some larger parlour illusions at the wedding. Photograph courtesy of Martelle Photography.
Magic always helps to build an excellent bridge between both day and evening guests as we move into the latter stages of the wedding day. Dean and Shirley are a very popular couple, and naturally there were a lot of arrivals after 7pm who wanted to share this special moment with them. It really was a privilege to continue to mingle and perform my full repertoire of effects for everyone present.

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Martin and Ellen Hoyle of Martelle Photography. Ready to go that extra mile for you… and much much more.

Recently awarded an elite and much deserved place within the top 100 wedding photographers in the country by ‘Your Perfect Wedding Photographer’, Martelle are truly outstanding. Martin and Ellen Hoyle are an exceptional team when it comes to capturing those special moments on a wedding day. They will always go the extra mile, and more, for bride and groom. The wonderful photographs I have proudly displayed within this blog article are testimony to their talent, dedication and professionalism. Visit their website at: www.martelle.co.uk or phone them now on: 07833 253788.

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Expertly captured by Martelle! A special effect for the lovely bride Shirley. Photograph courtesy of Martelle Photography.
If you are planning a wedding, party, black-tie event or social function around the Nottingham area, the conscientious and highly dedicated events team at Bestwood Lodge are always here to help you. Visit their website at: www.bestwoodlodgehotel.co.uk  or phone them today on: 0115 920 3011.

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Romantic shot at sunset. Martin and Ellen went to great lengths to capture this marvellous photo of Dean and Shirley at the perfect moment. Photograph courtesy of Martelle Photography.
Overall it was a marvellous wedding day experience at Bestwood Lodge with Dean, Shirley and all of their wonderful guests. Thank you again for investing your trust in me and congratulations!

David Fox is a professional magician and freelance writer based in the East Midlands. Visit his website at: www.magician-midlands.co.uk  or phone him on: 07946 686 258.

 

Elegant, Ethereal and Enchanting – the sublime strains of Arkangel

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Katherine and Alan enchanting the guests at Stubton Hall.

If you require first class music for your wedding, black-tie event or corporate function, Arkangel will most certainly fit the bill – and much more. Providing a stunning repertoire which ranges from classical to contemporary, an exquisite musical package can be customised to suit your unique requirements.

I have had the privilege of working alongside Katherine and Alan on numerous occasions. Their professionalism, warmth and supreme dedication to their art always shines through. As well as being highly accomplished musicians, their customer service skills are truly second-to-none.

So, make sure you book Arkangel for your next special occasion. Katherine and Alan’s diary fills up very quickly and they are in hot demand! To avoid disappointment, visit their website at:  www.arkangel.uk.com or alternatively give them a call now on: 07977 226 110

 

James’s Holy Communion Party at Bestwood Lodge

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‘Fabulous day thank you David! Everyone thoroughly enjoyed your magic!!’

Lorraine Roberts, 9th June 2018

It was a massive privilege to perform magic at Bestwood Lodge for James’s First Holy Communion party. I was delighted when Mark and Lorraine (James’s Mum and Dad) contacted me after having seen a little of my magic several weeks before.

James’s family had travelled from far and wide to share in this once-in-a-lifetime occasion and everyone was in good spirits. It was a real pleasure to entertain everyone in the comfort of the bar area at this beautiful venue, and then continue with some table-side magic during the meal.

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It was wonderful to entertain James and his family at Bestwood Lodge Hotel.

I always enjoy performing my parlour show of magic. This is a different style of magic and caters for a larger audience. To have an opportunity to deliver a special show after the meal for James, and his family and friends, was an exceptional experience indeed.

Congratulations to James on your First Holy Communion. And thanks again to Lorraine, Mark and all of the family for being such a fantastic group to entertain. I hope to see you all again in the future!

Are you planning an event in Nottingham?

Visit the hotel’s website www.bestwoodlodgehotel.co.uk or phone Jodie and the events team now on: 0115 920 3011.

Looking for something special for your wedding, party or special occasion?

Visit David’s website at: www.magician-midlands.co.uk or phone him on 07946 686 258.

Happy Birthday Gem!

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It was tremendous to be part of Gem Vending’s 50th birthday party celebrations. Photograph courtesy of Dave Fuller Photography.

It was a massive privilege to be part of Gem Vending’s 50th birthday party celebrations at Langley Mill United Cricket Ground. Gem have been providing state-of-the-art drinks and snacks vending machines throughout the Midlands and Yorkshire since the late 1960s, and their team hosted a memorable occasion. For more details, please visit their website at: Gem Vending.

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Langley Mill United Cricket Club is a family friendly environment – excellent for all types of event! Photograph courtesy of Dave Fuller Photography.

Langley Mill United Cricket Club was an excellent choice of venue and is in close proximity to Gem’s offices. The club boasts well-stocked bar facilities, function space, and a friendly and diligent events team. Visit their website at: Langley Mill Cricket  Club

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Contact the sensational Joey of Party2Party today for top drawer children’s entertainment! Photograph courtesy of Dave Fuller Photography.

It was a real pleasure to work alongside the exceptional Joey of Party2Party who enthralled all the children present with his games, magic and fantastic bouncy castle. Joey provides a superb service and has a fantastic personality. If you are seeking first class children’s entertainment for your next special event, visit his website now at: Party2Party.

A party wouldn’t be a party without delicious catering, and Barlows Butchers were a tremendous hit with all of the guests. This family run business has been providing sumptuous meat products since the 1940s. If you are seeking a caterer for your next special occasion around the Langley Mill area, please visit their website at: Barlows Butchers.

I was delighted to meet DJ Eddy Lush again at the celebrations. I had last worked alongside him at a wedding reception several years ago and he was on fine form providing a great selection of tunes past and present for everyone to enjoy. Eddy also masterfully orchestrated a karaoke contest. The standard was very high indeed and it certainly added something very special to the proceedings. So expect to see the contestants appearing on Britain’s Got Talent very soon! Visit Eddy’s website now for a DJ at your next event: Walk on Entertainments.

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Well done to everyone at Gem Vending for organising such a lovely day! Photograph courtesy of Dave Fuller Photography.

Such an important occasion should most certainly be documented for posterity, and the highly talented Dave Fuller was present to capture those magical moments. I am very fortunate that Dave agreed to provide some of his exceptional photographs for this blog article. Professional, personable and meticulous, Dave is perfect for weddings, parties and promotional shoots around the East Midlands and beyond. Hire Dave Fuller for your next event and visit his website at: Dave Fuller Photography.

Congratulations to Gem Vending on your 50th anniversary! Well done to everyone at the company for hosting such a memorable evening. Here’s to the next 50 years…

The author of the article is David Fox, an award winning entertainer and freelance writer based in the UK. Visit David’s website at: David Fox Magic or phone him today on: 07946686258.

Nick Elliott – Photographer of the Stars

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It was a tremendous pleasure to meet Nick Elliott at the offices of Siren FM in Lincoln three years ago. Nick is one of the most sought after professional photographers in the UK, and I consider myself very privileged indeed to have developed a friendship with him.

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The legend Bruce Dickinson of Iron Maiden – Nick is a trusted photographer of all the top Rock bands

Despite boasting a formidable CV, and having photographed a galaxy of celebrities over the past five decades, Nick is incredibly modest, down-to-earth and is very much a people person. What struck me first about Nick is his ability to strike up a fantastic rapport with anyone from any background – along with his natural curiosity for the world around him. I was also extremely impressed with Nick’s exceptional musical knowledge, and how he has worked with many of my heroes: Rock Royalty such as Ozzy Osbourne, Robert Plant, Alice Cooper and Lemmy.

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The one and only Lemmy – Nick is one of the chosen few who have captured Rock Royalty in full flow.

Photography is an art, and Nick Elliott is a veritable master of his craft – dedicated, meticulous and precise when it comes to capturing the very essence of a particular moment, situation or event. His work speaks for itself, and prestigious advertising agencies such as Saatchi and Saatchi frequently call upon his services to help promote world famous brands, products, services and celebrities.

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Photographer of the stars – Nick is available for photo shoots throughout the UK and beyond. Contact him now.

The man behind the lens who never misses a beat, Nick has conducted projects with Prime Minister John Major, HRH Queen Elizabeth II, and the Liberal Democrats. But it is in the fast paced world of Rock and Roll where he has developed a sensational reputation. This is not a domain for the faint-hearted, but a man of Nick’s stature, charisma and skill always ensures an exceptional end product.

Nick Elliott may be the man who is trusted by the stars, but the fantastic news is that he is available for weddings, parties and corporate shoots throughout the UK and beyond. Why not bring a touch of magic and class to your next special event by contacting Nick Elliott now? His website is: Nick Elliott Photographer Contact telephone number: 07881 650883.

David Fox is a professional magician and freelance writer based in the UK. His website is: David Fox Magic and his contact number: 07946 686 258.

Forever Green – Exceptional Function Facilities

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Jason Parnell is an exceptional photographer who captured the climax of this magical routine perfectly. Photograph courtesy of Jason Parnell.

If you are currently organising your wedding, party or corporate event, Forever Green offers exceptional facilities. Nestled away in the idyllic location of Ransom Wood Park, the venue boasts a tranquil yet highly accessible environment for your next red letter day. This central location makes Forever Green an excellent choice for a very special occasion as it is so close to the urban areas of Mansfield, Nottingham and Newark, as well as being within 15 minutes drive of the M1 motorway.

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Forever Green boasts a friendly approachable team who are committed to providing first class service. Photograph courtesy of Jason Parnell.

The events team provide a first class service, and I have been very fortunate to have entertained guests on several occasions at this fantastic venue. Indeed, I was delighted to be invited to perform magic at their Christmas market last December, and it truly was a day to remember. Forever Green promote a sustainable and environmentally friendly approach to business, and have forged an excellent relationship with local enterprise. The festive market provided an opportunity for small business owners from around north Nottinghamshire to showcase their talents and fantastic services.

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The Christmas Market was an exciting opportunity for local businesses and people to come together – some magic for the guests. Photograph courtesy of Jason Parnell.

Local photographer Jason Parnell was on hand to capture the fun and festive spirit. Jason is available for events and promotional shoots around Nottinghamshire and beyond. As well as being a wizard with the camera, Jason is also a friendly, approachable and highly professional gentleman. Indeed, I was delighted when he offered to provide some excellent photographs from the day to post in this blog article. For more details, visit Jason’s website at: www.jasonparnell.co.uk or phone Jason on: 07515313511.

To find out more about how to make your wedding, party or corporate event a magnificent occasion, visit Forever Green’s website at: www.forever-green or contact their exceptional events team on: 01623 675323.

For customised magic at any occasion, visit my website at: www.magician-midlands.co.uk or phone me on: 07946686258.