Town Hall staff fall under the spell of hypnotist Dave! (From Bury Times)

Town Hall staff fall under the spell of hypnotist Dave!

9:47am Thursday 21st February 2013 in News

TWO town hall workers were sent on an unusual assignment — to watch a hypnotist.

The council employees took a trip to The Swan Hotel, in Tottington Road, Bury, to watch veteran showman Dave Rawson convince some of his 100-strong audience they were riding a horse in The Grand National and talking ‘Klingon’.

But, according to a council report to Bury licensing committee this week, the outing was business rather than pleasure, as the staff were there to check the performance was above board.

Before the January 19 show, Mr Rawson, aged 54, of Keighley, had to get official permission from the authority.

Under hypnotism laws dating back to 1952, the council had to consider whether Mr Rawson was properly qualified and insured.

A council spokesman said: “By law, public performances of hypnotism must be licensed.

“This is to ensure that the performers are competent, and that no one present is harmed or induced to behave in a manner that is obscene, aggressive or demeaning.

“On this occasion, our officers were on duty that night carrying out a range of tasks and visited the hotel briefly to watch part of the show.

“They reported that the hypnotist delivered the performance in a very professional and responsible manner and that the licensing conditions we imposed were adhered to.”

Mr Rawson: “I saw the officers before the show and spoke to them. I’m glad they’ve given me a positive feedback in their report.

“I’ve never had council staff in the audience before, so it was a first for me.

“It was a very funny show.

“I hypnotised five people and had them laughing at an imaginary funny film, winning the Lotto, acting like schoolchildren and dancing to songs.

“I convinced one girl who is a big Robbie Williams that I was her hero. The crowd loved it. ”