The last few months have been enjoyable in my role!

At the beginning of November, I had the opportunity to attend the Puppet & Creative Ministry Festival in Rugby. This was an opportunity for me to learn new techniques to use with the puppets, watch how other people use them as tools in schools or care homes, how to get ideas and inspiration for every season, finding a unique character for your puppet and how to perform as a solo puppeteer,

I also had the opportunity to see some great shows from the professionals and also look into shadow-performing, (the art of using body shapes and items to create a story) Finally I looked into using science to get the Bible messages across, which included setting fire to your hand! A great couple of days and I came away with new ideas and a new puppet, who you may see soon!

I have also been able to reconnect with Ribbleton Avenue Methodist Primary School along with Revd Barbara Pettitt. I will be going in fortnightly on Thursdays to do assemblies, then class talks. Opportunities to meet with other youth workers in Preston has just started and it looks as if it could be a good chance to at least support each other and possibly do some ecumenical work. As you may have read, our OMG group has been to Southport for 3Generate and all had a good time.

Friday night Escape & Youth Club are going from strength to strength. We currently get between 60 – 70 of the younger group and about 20 for the older group. Yes it’s tiring, but well worth it, knowing these kids are out of their homes or off the streets enjoying themselves.

Looking forward to the Christmas and New Year season there will be plenty of services and activities for everyone to enjoy. At the Toddler Club we will be holding a Pram Service. There will be an opportunity to come along to bake and decorate gingerbread nativity figures. Staying on the food theme, have a go at the Mince Pie Challenge! And to finish with, at the beginning of January we are holding our now annual Teddy Bears’ Picnic.

If you want a bit of fun this year, why don’t you download the Advent Puppet Calendar App. www.thatadventpuppetapp.org.uk or That Advent Puppet Calendar App on Google Play Store or Apple apps.

Love Darren