19/04/2026
Lovely piece in ! ‘I haven’t laughed like that in ages’: It’s magic as care home resident Graham’s show wish comes true.
A Dorset care home resident enjoyed a wish come true when staff hosted an enthralling show by a visiting magician.
Graham Pepler told team members at Fernhill, 's dedicated dementia care home in Longham near Bournemouth, of the wonder and excitement that magic tricks used to bring him.
When he said he would like to relive the experience, they contacted Brockenhurst-based professional magician Alistair Brien who agreed to come along and give an afternoon performance for Graham and fellow residents.
Companion Miezy Reynolds said: “There was plenty of laughter and genuine moments of surprise, with Graham especially watching very closely as each trick unfolded.”
A former headteacher at Bournemouth School for Girls, Alistair is a member of the Magic Circle and specialises in close-up, table and walk-around tricks.
The show wowed Graham who made his appreciation clear with a standing ovation at the end.
“I couldn’t believe my eyes,” he said. “I was trying to work it out the whole time. It was brilliant. I haven’t laughed like that in ages. It made my day, magical.”
Among other audience members who led the clapping, Kiki Tormey said: “I loved it, very clever tricks, very well done. We really enjoyed the show.”
Thanking Miezy and colleagues for organising the event, Graham’s daughter Sally said: “Dad was so happy and genuinely touched by the experience.”
