Banknotes and playing cards floated in mid air and a borrowed wedding ring vanished, only to appear inside a walnut inside an orange inside a bag - another amazing evening at a meeting of the Magicians of Mann at the Columba Club on Friday. Professional magician Matthew Wright, from the House of Illusion in Salou in Spain, was on the Island to deliver a 2 hour lecture, followed by a 3 hour workshop on Saturday for the magic club. Members of the Young Magicians of Mann also went along to be amazed and educated in the techniques, subtleties and practice necessary to achieve some very special conjuring effects.

Mike Clague, secretary of the magic club, explained "We arrange a number of lectures each year, often supported by the IOM Arts Council, whose assistance is very much appreciated. Magic is one of the oldest of the performing arts, and in this Year of Culture the club is keen to gain more knowledge and use it to benefit the whole community through performances such as the recent very successful show organised in conjunction with the Rotary Club of Douglas. The club will perform again at the Peel Centenary Centre in November." He added "The Young Magicians of Mann, a separate club for young people, will be staging their 'Scoill Duggery' show at the Youth Arts Centre on 23rd March, 'It's Magic' at the Erin Arts Centre on 4th May and taking part in lots of charity events throughout the year."

Chairman Paul Martin, also a member of The Magic Circle in London, said  "This was a really magical event, as Matthew is a very experienced entertainer who is able to share modern methods of magic alongside very ancient ones. This was demonstrated through his outstanding performance of the 'Cups and Balls', one of the oldest tricks known to magicians, and some of his own very special creations which completely amazed us. It was an inspiring weekend."

Photo - Thomas Clague (15) from Glen Vine floats a banknote from one hand to the other.