A magical storytime

NORDEN Farm in Maidenhead has taken its popular storytelling sessions online – and a magical twist hosted.

Magic and Storytelling with Patrick Ashe brings tales to life online through Norden Farm’s social media channels and in interactive sessions on Zoom.

The new series of storytelling begins with two free pre recorded tales – The Smartest Giant in Town by Julia Donaldson and Eric Carle’s The Very Hungry Caterpillar.

These interactive stories will be broadcast on Zoom. Patrick Ashe, who hosts the magic sessions, said: “I have been doing magic ever since I was 13, when, on Christmas Eve, my cousin showed me a magic trick.

“Since then it’s been a real passion of mine, and has enabled me to perform magic around the world, including on Britain’s Got Talent.

“It’s been a real joy and amazing experience, and I am so excited to be teaching and sharing some of my favourite magic tricks.”

Patrick added: “I auditioned to be a member of The Magic Circle in 2017, when I was 18. It was a very nervewracking experience, but I am so grateful for all the things I have learnt from being a part of this society.

“During these online sessions, I will be teaching you tricks to baffle your friends and family. All of them will be easy to learn and perform, and will use everyday objects.”

Patrick will weave magic tricks into the live stories and will be teaching participants a trick or two. As a member of The Magic Circle, he is sworn to keeping the tricks a secret – which means that you must keep them too.

The next session is on Tuesday, June 2, and runs from 1.30pm-2pm. Places cost £5 per session.

To book, log on to www.nordenfarm.org