One local family has a magic formula for ensuring they have a shared interest, they are all members of a Magic Circle.

Stuart Clarkson, who became fascinated by magic as a teenager has recently completed his term of office as President of the Northern Magic Circle but while serving as President had the unique honour of presenting membership certificates to his son, Rhys, and daughter, Carys.

Carys is in fact the youngest Junior member as she received her certificate on her 11th birthday, on July 5th.

Carys has just completed Year 6 at Brampton Abbotts Primary School where she finished with a performance of Miss Hannigan in the end of year show, Annie.Stuart explained that they have an area at home where they can practice tricks but he said it doesn’t become magic until you get the reaction of an audience. He said it takes an hour a day to learn and improve basic skills, in the club he runs at the school where he is deputy head, he expects a year long membership to culminate with each pupil being able to entertain an audience for about ten minutes. He said it is not just the tricks they learn, it is the whole performance and this is beneficial for building confidence in other areas.

Stuart hopes both his youngsters continue with building their magic skills but also continue to develop other interests.See the full story in this week’s edition of the Ross Gazette, or subscribe to our online edition here