World record set in church tent at Suffolk Show
A new Guinness World Record was set by celebrity freestyle footballer Daniel Magness in the Church of England marquee at the Suffolk Show near Ipswich last Wednesday (May 28).
Watched by the Acting Bishop of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich, Dan – already a world record holder – managed 555 consecutive touches of the ball with his shoulders.
Dan was a special guest at the diocesan marquee. He works with celebrities, films and TV shows and gives his time for numerous charities. His latest feat exceeds the last world record achieved in July 2011 when he secured 402 consecutive football touches using shoulders at the Sports Cafe, Haymarket, London.
“Dan showed incredible skill and poise and the audience were hanging on every shoulder move,” said Bishop David Thomson.
Assistant Diocesan Secretary Gavin Stone said the football ‘juggling’ event was all about engaging with young people: ‘Dan is a Christian, a footballer and appears on Sky TV,” he said.
Performances by Joe Aiken, lead singer of the Christian band View to Infinity, entertained and delighted visitors on both days of the Show. The theme ‘Being There’ aimed to reflect how the Church is there for so many people from all walks of life and Bishop David said he was delighted to be able to meet so many people and to see the children enjoying themselves.
“The Show brings together people from many places and backgrounds,’” he said. “It is a time to celebrate all that is good about Suffolk, and to look together to the future. These two days showcase all the very best our county has to offer.”
Gavin Stone said the Church offered so much more than hatch, match, dispatch. “For example chaplains are there in so many walks of life and at this year’s show, visitors had the chance to meet chaplains from Wattisham Air Training Corps, chaplains who serve the police, housing organisations, and the West Suffolk Hospital in Bury St Edmunds,” he said.
“There is a church building in every community in Suffolk and over the two days of the Show, visitors have the opportunity to learn more about how our buildings are increasingly serving their local communities.”
Pictured above is freestyle footballer Daniel Magness setting a new world record.