Magician’s tribute to Houdini

From the Falmouth Packet, first published Saturday 14th Oct 2006.

A magician from Falmouth took the plunge last week in a death-defying stunt in remembrance of the great Harry Houdini and to raise money for a local charity.

Alan Jones, magician, enigmatist and rational mystic, was chained and shackled before entering the sea, recreating one of Harry Houdini's trademark effects as part of a series of tributes to the master magician who died 80 years ago this month.

After entering the water at Custom House Quay, Mr Jones disappeared below the surface and an anxious crowd watched in anticipation but after around 20 seconds he re-emerged free from the chains and shackles.

Three support divers were close at hand in case anything went wrong with the stunt.

As well as paying tribute to Houdini, Mr Jones was also raising money for HYDY, the hydrotherapy pool for Cornwall.

He said: "It was a little cooler than I thought it would be but everything went well and I am here to tell the tale.

"This is a tribute to a great man, who has inspired my life so much, and we must also remember that we are raising money for a great local charity."

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