Youngsters had the chance to get creative and bring characters to life during an enchanting visit to The Puppet Tree.
The trip was organised for siblings being supported by East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) at The Nook, in Framingham Earl.
They were either bereaved or those with a brother or sister receiving care.
Five siblings took part and enjoyed a day at The Puppet Tree, in West Runton.
The venue is a unique art and theatre space for people of all ages to explore the magic of puppetry.
Visitors have the chance to create their own puppets before playing with a real puppet theatre, letting their imagination run wild with lights, music and scenery.
EACH Groups and Events Co-ordinator Clare Oakley said: “It was an amazing and very successful day – a real adventure – and the children enjoyed being inventive, making finger puppets, a hand puppet and a string puppet between them.
“After that, we walked to the village green for a picnic before heading back to put on a show, using the puppets they’d created.
“It was great fun and a lovely opportunity to work together and be creative.
“We had some beautiful feedback, including one parent saying their child felt supported, nurtured and able to play with new friends in a safe environment.
“They said their child was not only happy but also secure and confident, as well as being proud of the puppets and all they achieved.”
Clare was joined by EACH chaplain Rachel Foster and the day was run by The Puppet Tree director and creative facilitator Karen Crane.
A qualified nurse, Karen has written several children’s books and designed a unique range of puppets and resources from largely recycled materials, using equipment free from technological devices and electricity.
Karen said: “We’re fortunate enough to have been awarded funding by The Community Lottery, allowing us to work closely with charities such as EACH and The Lennox Children’s Cancer Trust in the development of a project called ‘Sparkle.’
“The aim is to create opportunities for children who experience emotional wellbeing difficulties to discover coping strategies through puppet-based creative play.
“Clare and I spent several months planning the visit and we were both delighted to see that it led to a truly perfect and magical day.
“The children entertained us and each other with their puppet-making skills and I’m not sure who enjoyed themselves most – them or us adults!”
The children, who were given a puppetry book to take home, travelled by train but returned on a replacement bus – a development that put smiles on faces as it allowed them to see the sea.
Rachel added: “I hugely enjoyed the day. The children made some wonderful creations and we had lots of fun in the process. It was a gorgeous day weather-wise and we had a lovely picnic lunch. It was such a joy to take part.”
