York should appoint a city wizard, a leading business owner has said.
It follows the decision by Christchurch in New Zealand to part ways with its own wizard after 23 years.
Ian Brackenbury Channell, 88, was paid £8,200 a year to provide “acts of wizardry” and promote the city.
[tptn_list limit=3 daily=1 hour_range=1]
Christchurch was the only city in the world to have an official wizard – but last month he was made redundant.
Now they have lost that status, York should step in, said Phil Pinder, vice-chair of the York Retail Forum and co-owner of The Potions Cauldron on Shambles.
“Hearing the news that Christchurch in New Zealand have decided to get rid of their official wizard, I think it’s about time that York – as the most magical city in the world – stepped up and appointed its own official wizard,” Phil told YorkMix Radio.
“Within The Potions Cauldron would fully support that decision. We’ve got some very magical history in our city.
“I’m not suggesting it should be a paid post, like in Christchurch, but I’m sure we have plenty of volunteers willing to step up and become the official wizard of York.
“We have a town crier, surely surely we need an official wizard for York?”
He has already shared the idea with leading York councillors. Cllr Paul Doughty (Cons) said: “You have the wand already Phil – so I reckon you’d make a ready made candidate! A voluntary role though, not sure that the taxpayer would approve a salary!”
Leader of the Labour Group Pete Kilbane even had a suggestion for a title. “Lord of the Ring Road…”