PUPPET master Ian McKinnon is relishing his new role as a Patron at St Rocco’s Hospice in Warrington.
The former Penketh High School student is one half of Altrincham based Mackinnon & Saunders, one of the world’s leading puppet making companies who specialise in the design and construction of characters for television shows, feature films and commercials. Their work is instantly recognisable, from the pink fluffy Duracell bunnies on battery adverts, to Tim Burton’s iconic Corpse Bride characters and children’s favourites Bob The Builder and Postman Pat.
Ian grew up in Great Sankey and shortly after starting art college in Northwich he won a local competition and was offered the opportunity of work experience with Thunderbirds producer Gerry Anderson – and the rest, as they say, is history.
Ian has lived in Altrincham for 25 years but his parents are still residents of Great Sankey and he is very fond of Warrington.
His association with St. Rocco’s began in summer 2014, when friend and St. Rocco’s Trustee Mary Rudkin invited him to look around the Hospice.
He said: “I was immediately struck by how welcoming and friendly it was, and it was clear how much care and support is offered to patients and their families.”
Ian was invited to be Patron in November last year and is very proud of his role. He added: “I was delighted to have been asked, especially as St. Rocco’s is part of my home town. It’s a privilege to be involved in the 30th anniversary celebrations this year and to have met some of the amazing people who have supported the Hospice for such a long time. I’m really looking forward to getting to know even more staff and volunteers as the year goes on.”
After attending last year’s Strictly St. Rocco’s fundraiser Ian volunteered to be one of this year’s dancers and is looking forward to performing the Charleston in December, adding another – very different -string to his creative bow.
Puppet maker Ian McKinnon
