Did you have a Pelham Puppet tucked away as a child – maybe a Frog, Pinocchio or a Cat? This May half term, you’re invited to bring it, and your memories, along to Stone’s Heritage Centre for a special four-day event celebrating these beloved puppets and the stories behind them.
Organised by puppeteer David Leech in collaboration with Stone Town Council, the event is designed to give children and adults the chance to explore the magical world of puppetry.
A special feature throughout the four days will be the Pelham Puppets “Alive & kicking” Showtime Exhibition featuring over 120 puppets made by the Company between 1947 and 1986 and is sure to be of interest to mums and dads and grandparents too.
Get Involved
Many people fondly recall having a Pelham Puppet as a child, such as the Frog, Pinocchio or the Cat. Did you have a Pelham Puppet?
Do you still have it? – Would you like to know more about it or does it need a little “TLC?”
Then bring your puppet along with your childhood memories and recollections. We’d love to see you!
Pelham Puppets
Pelham Puppets were manufactured by Bob Pelham in Marlborough, Wiltshire for nearly four decades, from 1947 to 1986. Although they are no longer made, interest in puppetry, whether as an art form, professionally or as a hobby, is thriving throughout the country and around the world.
Back in 1950 Bob Pelham set up the “PELPUP CLUB” and through the magazine, PELPUP NEWS, he inspired children to form groups and put on shows for family, friends or at schools or children’s parties.
Now it’s YOUR turn!
Bring the children along to Mr BuzzKing’s Puppet Things so they can make their own puppet and put on their own show too! – Now’s the time to “have fun with puppets!”
Everyone – including grown-ups – can have fun with puppets, not simply as spectators but as participants. Throughout the day there will be experienced puppeteers on hand and visitors will be invited to learn how to handle the puppets themselves.
All shows and activities are completely free of charge.
For updates and details, follow The Staffordshire Puppet Tree on Facebook or visit the website: https://thepuppettree.org/stone/
