Young Magician And Autism Advocate Celebrates Latest Award

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A young entrepreneur and autism advocate is celebrating his latest accolade after being voted Best Wedding Magician in The Cotswolds Awards.

Angus Baskerville’s latest award recognises his inspirational story of how magic ‘saved his life,’ and his ongoing mission to advocate for autism and mental health. It also acknowledges his unique expertise as an outstanding close-up wedding magician, bringing a compelling stage presence and skilful mix of mind-bending illusions and trickery.

The news also follows the launch of Angus’s first book, ‘Naughty or Neurodiverse: An Aspie’s Road To Magic’ following his journey from misunderstood child to professional magician, thanks to a new passion he discovered while holidaying with family as a teenager.

Bullied, excluded, expelled from three schools, Angus grew up feeling like he didn’t belong. Diagnosed with Asperger’s and ADHD at 15, he finally had a name for the chaos he had always felt. Now he is enjoying huge national success with a magic career that includes a return to The Edinburgh Fringe Festival throughout August, on the back of a sell-out summer one-man show, Hidden Powers, and series of big ticket event performances.

He is also the proud recipient of a clutch of national awards, including last year, The Prestige Award, Ladies First Inspirational Awards and The Derek Award for standout acts at The Fringe.

Of his latest award, the 29-year-old from Warwickshire, said:

“I truly believe that hidden powers such as those I’ve found in me, exist in all of us. To be recognised for what I do in adding magic to weddings, the most special day in a couple’s life, is both humbling and hugely appreciated."

“What make the awards all the more special is that they are 100% independent, every nomination and vote coming from members of the public. Thank you so much to everyone who supported me.”

As a Christmas gift in 2014 Angus’ parents Neil and Kate enrolled him on a magic course at the famous Davenport’s in London, bolstered by which he went on to compete in – and win - his sixth form talent contest. He earned money through his talent for the first time, performing tricks for tips in his local pub.

At 19, Angus joined Leamington and Warwick Magic Society and, in 2020 he was accepted as a member of the prestigious Magic Circle. Today, he is in high demand among the magic and public speaking circuits, performing to a who’s who list of rich and famous at prestigious venues across the country, including Windsor Castle, The Grosvenor Hotel Park Lane and Greenwich Theatre in London.

Despite a packed schedule these days, Angus is still finding time to stay true to his pledge to ‘pay it forward’ by helping others overcome the challenges of neurodiversity through workshops, holiday camps, mentoring and public speaking.

He is also a regular keynote speaker at autism conferences, conventions and workshops around the country, and a proud neurodiversity ambassador for numerous charities and bodies. He added:

“Life on the spectrum can be tough but with support, self-awareness and the right environment, it can also be joyful, meaningful and full of magic. I think if I had been diagnosed earlier things would have been different. I just felt like I was a bad person and the whole world was against me. I just didn’t want to be here."

“But I've learned so much about mental health and other people and about autism and how you can achieve anything if you set your mind to it. There's always hope.”

The Cotswolds Awards recognise the best businesses in a host of categories across industry sectors, from hospitality and food and drink producers through to retail and professional services.

They were created by Mette Lacey, founder of Cotswolds Concierge. Established in 2011, the online magazine now reaches more than 80k readers who all benefit from its definitive guides and directory spotlighting and connecting local businesses and suppliers. Mette said:

“We created The Cotswolds Awards to shine a light on the extraordinary businesses, experiences and people who make this region so special. Although the Awards are run by us at Cotswolds Concierge, they are driven entirely by public nominations and votes. They’re completely free to enter, fully independent, and designed to give every business a fair and equal chance. Congratulations to Angus for this well deserved award.”

‘Naughty Or Neurodiverse: An Aspie’s Road To Magic’ is available as a Kindle edition or in paperback from Amazon. For further details and to order visit here. Visit: Angus Baskerville Magic here.

Photo: by Brian Irvine.

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Linda Andrews - Editorial Assistant, Nuse Online
Apr 22, 2024
2 min read

Inspirational achievers have been named among the finalists in the sixth Ladies First Network Business and Inspirational Women Awards.

Finalists, selected from hundreds of nominations from across the UK, were invited to an independent judging day in Leamington Spa, ahead of a prestigious awards ceremony at Dallas Burston Polo Club, in Warwickshire, on June 13th.

New categories are also among those being contested this year, including Sustainable Business Leader, Trailblazer of the Year and Inclusivity Leadership with a special Inspirational Women Award going to The England Women’s football team, The Lionesses.

The Awards were unveiled at The House of Commons in January and are headed up by Ladies First directors Tracey McAtamney from Balsall Common and Karen Massey from Leamington Spa. Tracey said:

“With over 300 nominations entering this year, each and every finalist should be exceptionally proud of their achievements."

“We strive to make every finalist feel special and like a winner, with goodie bags, certificates and professional head shots on interview day. A huge thank you to Mallory Court, the Awards Team, all of our judges and sponsors Edwards Wealth Management Ltd, Alsters Kelley Solicitors and Pertemps for a fabulous day!"

“We are beyond excited to announce that we are presenting our 2024 Inspirational Woman Award to the England Football Team."

“The Award is in recognition of their outstanding leadership which embodies true spirit, determination, unity and excellence. Also, for their profound impact on the world stage, inspiring and capturing young hearts around the globe!”

Vying for to top Business Woman of the Year award are: Elinor Perry - Pentlands Accountants and Advisors, in Leamington; Jackie Allan – Revolve, in Leamington; Jaide Ellery-Martin – Jaide’s Stage Studios Limited, in Rugby; Louise Adkins – Share Haulage, in Rugby and Marie Quarterman – The Education Network, in Birmingham and Nina Attfield – Lustrelash in Wellingborough.

For the full list of finalists visit here:

This year’s awards are also supporting The Giles Trust Brain Tumour Fund, established in 2015 by former England cricketer Ashley Giles MBE and his wife Stine, who was diagnosed with three brain tumours over 12 years. The charity raises funds for research, pioneering equipment and support for patients.

Photo credit: Karen Massey Photography.

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Young Magician And Autism Advocate Celebrates Latest Award

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