Mystery attracts shoppers to Alpha course (From Malvern Gazette)

Mystery attracts shoppers to Alpha course

3:03pm Wednesday 24th September 2008 in

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MAGIC and mystery were all part of the act as organisers of the Alpha Course took to the streets of Malvern on Saturday.

Members of Malvern Life Church, who will shortly be running the popular course for the third time, handed out invitations and attracted passers-by with helium balloons and street performances.

Jeff Steady of the church described the use of mime artists and magicians as “something that’s never been seen before on the streets of Malvern”, explaining that he wanted to attract the attention of every person in the town.

Mime artist Rachel Smart captivated young children with a series of impressions, while escape artist Tom Elliot drew in the crowds by shouting from the corner of Church Street, trussed in a straitjacket, from which he escaped in under 30 seconds.

Sharron Warren, watching with her young family, described Elliot as “very good” - noting that “he’ll definitely have a sore throat by the end of it.”

Over at the Farmer’s Market, Mark Harrington, a Christian magician from Wolverhampton, enchanted and baffled onlookers with card tricks and disappearing acts, used to present the gospel in an unexpected form.

Intrigued shopper Tony Hunaban commented on the success of the tricks in relation to the Christian message. “That’s what it’s all about - it’s illusion. He got us guessing - you can’t do more than that.”

Event organiser Mark Franklin: “Alpha is a chance to get to find out what Christians really believe and explore for yourself what Christianity is.”

The Alpha Course starts at 7:30pm on Thursday, October 16, at Lyttleton Well. Free dinner and drinks are provided.

To find out more, visit www.malvernlife.org for more details.