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Here’s one old teacher who has new tricks...
HOW DOES HE DO THAT? Magician Brian Berry, from Leyland, who has won the Order of Magi Close-Up Trophy for the second year running
He’s a trickster with the magic touch.
And now magician Brian Berry from Leyland has been named one of the best in the business by one of the oldest orders of magic in Britain – for the second year running.
The retired teacher, from Dunkirk Lane, has won the close-up magic award from The Order of the Magi.
Brian, who taught at Moor Nook Community Primary School, is thrilled with the award. He said: “There are some very prominent magicians who have won that award, and my name’s on it twice now. It’s something to be very proud of.”
He also narrowly missed out on the award for the best card trick, adding: “I was a bit disappointed not to get the best card trick as well.
“Everybody said afterwards I should have won. It’s a big shield for the best card trick.”
Mr Berry, who organises the Preston Schools Music Festival every year, has been performing tricks and illusions for more than 60 years. He became fascinated with magic after watching a magician perform while he was an 11-year-old pupil at Wigan Technical School.
He added: “Every Friday they had a magician at the market so I used to miss dinner and dash down to watch him every week.
“I got talking to him one time and he said, ‘Take that trick home and learn it, if you can do it you can have it’.
“Next week I’m stood there, and he got me to show everyone. Then he gave me another one.”
Despite retiring from teaching, Mr Berry is still a popular figure at local schools, where he wows pupils with his performances every Christmas.
He has been attending Bleasdale CE Primary School for 46 years – only missing once due to foot and mouth – and the Sunday school in Chipping for 37 years. He also performed at St Bernard’s Catholic Primary’s 50th anniversary celebrations, where staff described him as “part of the school traditions”.
Brian also performs every Sunday at Rufford Old Hall as the resident magician. Geoffrey Newton, of The Order of the Magi, said: “His deft display of sleight of hand certainly impressed the judges. Brian was for 40 years secretary of the Preston Magic Circle and won their competition.”
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Friday 25 May 2012
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Comments
There are 3 comments to this article
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moor nook lass
Tuesday, August 9, 2011 at 02:08 AMi was also taught by mr berry he hasent changed 1 bit lol
Loyal Northender
Thursday, July 1, 2010 at 11:52 AMSorry should be " I had the great pleasure in being taught by Mr Berry"
Loyal Northender
Thursday, July 1, 2010 at 11:51 AMI had the great in being taught by Mr Berry whilst at Moor Nook Primary as did my sister and cousins. He also taught my mum as well as uncles & aunties!! His magic show was fantastic back then. It's good to see him being rewarded like this.
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