This is a text-only version of an article first published on Thursday, 23 May 2019. Information shown on this page may no longer be current.
THE Hermitage Team in the Newbury Deanery comprises seven churches - and now one puppet team.
It's time to play the music, it's time to light the lights. . . .
The Hermitage puppet troupe.
Dave Hawkins.
Several members of the different churches attended a Puppet Ministry Training Day in the Diocese earlier this year, which resulted in the idea of setting up the puppet troupe.
From small beginnings on Good Friday, when two puppets performed at a pop-up café run by Compton Church, the group now has 12 members with a range of talents.
"Only three of the group are experienced puppeteers," said Dave Hawkins, one of the founders, "but we are all keen to learn. "The group is supported by the Team Council and by clergy, with particular assistance from the Revd Meg Kirby and her husband Chris, who have helped found puppet ministries in the past.
The group has a wide range of puppets - both commercially produced and hand-made ranging from humans to camels and a talking hot-cross bun.
"Obviously it's a Christian group, but we perform to all sorts of audiences," said Dave.
"Puppets are a great way of spreading the Good News.
They appeal to all ages, are non-confrontational, entertaining and, above all, enormous fun.
So far the group has performed at the Easter Café, a council meeting, two Messy Churches and a church festival.
With Christmas fast approaching we are booked up for a Christmas Fair, another Messy Church, a local carol service and a village Christmas-tree centred family event. "For more information contact Dave on 01635 578480.