A Trio of Awards for one of my favorite magicians…
Three very distinct honors were bestowed upon Magic New Zealand’s editor Alan Watson recently and it would like to make note of them. Having worked with Alan for about eight years on Magic New Zealand I have become very aware of the time and effort that he puts into the publication of the wonderful magical resource that he created. I am very pleased that his hard work has not gone unnoticed within and beyond the magic community.
On May 17th, during the 47th Academy of Magical Arts Awards Presentation Alan received a very well deserved award from his friends and peers at the world famous Magic Castle. Alan and his wife Michelle were both present in the Saban Theatre in Hollywood when it was announced that Alan was to receive the Award of Merit from the Academy for his services to the magical arts.
The award that Watson was presented by Jon Armstrong was inscribed; “For his tireless work editing and publishing Magic New Zealand, a weekly e-zine distributed to Internet subscribers at no charge. Now well past its thousand issue, it has helped inform and connect tens of thousands of readers.”
It is unlikely that this award was a total surprise to Alan, given the fact that the AMA had gone to considerable expense and effort 
to make sure that he and Michelle were in attendance for the star-studded event. He was however surprised and delighted when he also received a Presidential Citation from The Society of American Magicians during his visit presented by SAM President Kenrick “Ice” McDonald.
The Presidential Citation commended Watson in the following words; “For his extraordinary support promoting the goals and the values of The Society of American Magicians, his constant efforts to elevate and advance the art of magic, for his many years of performing as a professional magician, for his endless dedication and integrity through his newsletter, sharing important magic news and information across the globe. Alan Watson is a great source of pride to all who know him and all would do well to emulate as emulate as he epitomizes out motto: M-U-M, Magic – Unity – Might.”
The day after the AMA Awards Presentation Alan was on a plane flying back to New Zealand ready to receive yet another, even more prestigious, award. On Friday May 22nd, Alan and Michelle flew to Wellington in order for him to receive The Queen’s Service Medal for services as a magician. This Award was presented by His Excellency The Governor-General of New Zealand, Lt Gen The Rt. Hon Sir Jerry Mateparae and included not only a medal but also a note hand signed by HRH Queen Elizabeth the Second. You can view the investiture here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yc5yWR-TdLc
This was an amazing set of honors that Watson richly deserved. Those of us who know Alan realize that his selfless devotion to the art of magic start when he wakes in the morning and continue until the close of his day. I am delighted that this triple set of honors were bestowed upon him and showed how universally his work has been appreciated. I don’t quite know how it is possible to top this trio of awards, however if anyone can accomplish it then Alan is the man to do it. Congratulations Alan, your recognition was well deserved and we are all very proud of you.
REMARKABLE MAGIC 