Until the big red feller with the beard arrives, December for me is all about corporate events and lots of travelling. It’s by far my busiest and most lucrative month. However, this year I decided to give something back.
In September I got in touch with a few of my best customers with a special offer. For each one of them who booked me for their Christmas party, I offered to do an additional performance, for a hospice or care home, completely free. As a gift from both of us.
One of the companies who said yes was Chalmers HB (chartered accountants in Wells). I will be performing at their staff party next Friday, but I did their ‘gift’ performance today.
I have just returned from St. Margaret’s Hospice in Taunton. I spent some time with the staff and patients, and then performed for everyone in the day care ward. It was lovely to entertain the patients and to take away some of their discomfort for a while. One of the beautiful things about magic is creating a uniquely present experience. If you are experiencing wonderment, then you are no longer ill in a hospice. For a few precious moments, there is nothing but that wonder.
Judging from the conversations I could hear as I was packing up, I think I left everyone with a good talking point. I met some lovely people and I was glad to add some extra magic to this years Christmas.
Thanks to Helen Webb at St. Margaret’s Hospice for having me. And thanks for Tony Paine and Beverley Sessions at Chalmers HB for making it possible.
Have a fantastic Christmas everyone!
Damian