Home Counties Magical Society

HCMS Member Richard Young was auctioned off in Chipping Norton last night. The charity event was held at the Lido Swimming pool, the Auction of Promises started in 2004 to raise much-needed funds to help keep the Lido open, and Richards services were put under the hammer by Jeremy Clarkson of Top Gear Fame.

I was obviously a little nervous as I was unsure as to how Mr Clarkson felt about magicians. I was lucky enough to bump into him (literally) before the auction began and did a couple of tricks for him, this was when he informed me that he loves close-up magic. He seemed impressed by the few tricks I did and said he was really looking forward to the trick on stage.

Richard was asked by Jeremy to perform an effect on stage in front of more than 200 eager bidders before his services were auctioned, said that he was really looking forward to seeing the tricks on stage

Richard performed a booktest using one of Jeremy's own published books. Richard said; "I think he really sold the trick for me, as he was convinced there was no way I could know which word he had picked"

The trick worked perfectly and Jeremy was so impressed that he actually ended up bidding on Richard himself!! It ended up that Jeremy Clarkson won the auction, and paid £400 for Richard to entertain at his house over the next few months.

Well done Richard!!