LATEST NEWS 28.04.2003: Magician Philip Partridge has The Prince of Wales confused with a rope trick during a reception for young people and business mentors at the Bowden Synagogue complex in Altrincham.

The Prince of Wales, President, The Prince’s Trust, attended a reception for young people and business mentors from the Jewish community at Bowden Synagogue Complex, Altrincham.

The Prince enjoyed a performance by young magician, Philip Partridge, at the reception held by The Prince’s Trust for members from the local Jewish community.

Mr. Partridge was one of the young people helped by The Prince’s Trust scheme for start-up businesses. The young magician started his business in 1997 after receiving a grant and the advice of a mentor from the Trust.

“I had an excellent mentor because he was a businessman and I had to learn the business side of showbusiness,” he said.

Mr. Partridge is now a highly successful magician, and has performed for celebrities and their children. He was delighted to show some tricks to The Prince: “He is an honorary member of the Magic Circle and I told him that I have a picture of him performing a classic cup and ball trick.

“The Prince likes magic and often has close-up magicians at his fund-raising dinner parties. He has not asked me yet, but you never know,” he joked.

His Royal Highness attended the reception after inaugurating the new Bowden Shul at the Bowden Synagogue Complex. The Jewish community in Altrincham is one of the fastest growing in Europe, and has strong links with The Prince’s Trust.