Weekend of weddings in Basingstoke and Hartley Wintney and birthdays in Alton

This weekend was a busy weekend as I was performing magic at two weddings and a 50th birthday celebration. Although I regularly travel around the country all three of this weekend’s bookings were relatively local, being in and around Basingstoke and north Hampshire.

Wedding at Audleys Wood Hotel, Basingstoke

On Saturday afternoon my first event of the weekend was entertaining at Paul and Natyada’s wedding at Audleys Wood Hotel, on the outskirts of Basingstoke. Paul called me a few months ago to discuss his wedding and we decided that boring me to perform magic during the afternoon would be the perfect way to keep their guests entertained whilst they were away for their photographs.

I continued on around the tables once the guests were seated for the wedding breakfast. This worked well as it meant that the guests didn’t feel as so they were waiting too long for food, and I worked my way around the tables avoiding the staff whilst starters was served, and revisiting those that had already eaten theirs. This overlap meant that the day had a natural flow to it.

On Monday I received an email from Paul thanking me for the magic.

Morning Robert,

Just a quick note of thanks for Saturday. You really at the top of your class in your magic skills. Everyone enjoyed interacting with you and Ben (my son) is still talking about your random word and number act.

I will keep your details as I do get some corporate requirements from time to time and hopefully I can get you in on a couple of those.

Regards

Paul

And here’s a video of the day: [embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lCttCkMoK3c[/embedyt]

Joint Birthday and Anniversary Party in Alton

After the wedding I had a few hours to grab some food myself before going a few more miles down the road to the town of Alton for a private party. This was to primarily celebrate Jane’s 50th birthday, but also her husband’s birthday (the following day) and also their wedding anniversary which was also a couple of days later!

This was smaller event in a private home (and garden, but fortunately it was a very mild evening for the time of year!) What I really enjoy about this sort of party is by the end of the evening I know each of the guests by name; and all have had their own unique experience that they’ll remember and talk about afterwards. I think it’s fair to say this objective was satisfied!

Wedding at The Elvetham Hotel, Hartley Wintney, Hook

On Sunday evening it was off to The Elvethem Hotel, a fantastic venue in Hartley Wintney, near to the north Hampshire town of Hook; for the wedding of Mike and Felicity.

Whereas as on Saturday I was entertaining in the afternoon, this time I was performing magic around the tables after the meal, then continuing in the bar as evening guests arrived. This period between the wedding breakfast and evening entertainment can be a bit of a lull for the guests, but again this is a good way to keep the momentum of the day flowing.

Mike and Felicity booked me after seeing me at Chris and Emma’s wedding at Gorse Hill last year. It was great to see them again as they were also guests on Sunday. Speaking to them they said they booked me because the year before I was entertaining at a wedding they were guests at; although bizarrely they didn’t actually see me at that wedding, but they did hear lots of stories about me from the guests who had been there that afternoon. They realised that this was a great way to give their guests something to talk about too!

Fortunately I have a few days off to relax and wash and iron another batch of shirts as next weekend is going to be just as busy, though with even more driving!