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Magician makes it into elite Magic Circle

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TOM LUDDINGTON (stage name Tom Thumb Magic) has recently become the only Magician in Pembrokeshire to be a full member of the prestigious Magic Circle in London.

To become a member of the most secretive club in the world, magicians have to be put forward by two existing members who have known them for at least a year. After an initial interview and period of apprenticeship, candidates then have to pass an exam which involves performing magic to around 50 members at the Magic Circle headquarters near Euston in London.

Three judges then meet at council to decide if the magic and presentation were good enough to award full membership.

Tom said: “I was delighted to pass the exam. I have met some wonderful magicians at the Magic Circle over the past few years, and I’m proud to now be part of the same club as the biggest names in Magic such as Derren Brown, Dynamo and David Blaine.

“It’s not easy to get in, but once you are in you have access to a huge library of magic books and resources – and of course other members are happy to share many of their secrets and to work together to take the art of magic to the next level at club meetings and events. Being a member has already taken my magic to the next level again.”

Tom’s style of magic is known as ‘close up magic’ where the magic happens right in front of you and often in the hands of the audience. Having a magician at your wedding or party has become really popular again due to successful magicians appearing on shows like Britain’s Got Talent and Pen and Teller’s Fool Us.

Tom has been performing magic professionally for over 10 years, but this boost has given him the confidence to go full time as a Magician:

He continued: “I love all styles of Magic, and I perform intimate parlour shows and up on stage – but my favourite style is ‘close up’ magic. There are no TV camera tricks, or smoke and mirrors to hide behind and people love that. I’ve spent well over 10,000 hours perfecting my illusions and invested everything in magic so that I can create in others a real sense of amazement and wonder. I believe magic done well can be something really special as well as being great fun. It’s a great feeling to be able to share magic with people. A dream job for me.”

As well as performing at weddings and parties, Tom is the resident magician at the award winning Grub Kitchen Restaurant in St Davids – now taking bookings for Christmas Parties with added Magic.

Tom also runs workshops and private lessons in London and Pembrokeshire coaching ‘bona fide students of magic’ in the art of illusion and wonder.

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

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THE PEMBROKESHIRE ILLUMINATED TRACTOR RUN took place today (Dec 21), raising funds for two vital charities: the Catrin Vaughan Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance.

Starting at Clarbeston Road AFC at 6:00pm, the brightly lit convoy of nearly 200 tractors made its way through Withybush Hospital and Haverfordwest High Street before finishing at the Pembrokeshire County Showground.

The annual event has become a highlight of the festive calendar, drawing large crowds to witness the spectacle of tractors adorned with colourful lights and decorations.

Funds raised from the event will support the Catrin Vaughan Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to families facing hardship, and the Wales Air Ambulance, delivering life-saving emergency medical care across the region.

Organisers praised the dedication of local farmers and volunteers, whose commitment ensures the event’s continued success year after year.

(Image: Nia Marshall/Facebook)

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Business

Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure

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PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.

The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.

The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.

A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”

Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.

Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand.

From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.

Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.

(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

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Community

Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend

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ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.

In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”

Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.

Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.

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