Written by Rachel Parkinson, Minister at Birstall Methodist Church
Whilst on holiday in Mallorca this August we happened to be in Pollenca at the time of one of their Fiestas. Giant Puppets are part of the Fiesta tradition with different puppets being made and maintained by different communities across the island. 
The Girls’ Brigade at Birstall Methodist Church have taken to Giant Puppet making like ducks to water. With the help of team member John Towson they have produced our first head. “Gladys” is a Land Girl and was made for the 40’s themed Big Lunch held at Birstall Methodist Church. She will be re-modelled as Mary for our Nativity theme…..there’s still debate as to whether she should keep the lipstick…
One of the main aims of our Giant Puppet project is to involve as many people as possible in the making of them. Our first community engagement was at the Birstall Gala at the end of June. The Birstall Messy Church team set up a gazebo on the Sunday afternoon and invited people to come and weave strips of fabric into bird netting to make a robe for one of the King puppets.
