Puffin parade models’ designs still kept under wraps

THE Puffin parade models are almost all fully decorated, but the designs will be kept under wraps for now.

Tim Pellett, community and training officer at the GSPCA, with the Autism Guernsey puffin statues that are now being collected and put on plinths at the animal shelter. Their designs and artwork will be revealed to the public within a few weeks. (Picture by Peter Frankland, 31875678)

The GSPCA and Autism Guernsey have been collecting the decorated sculptures, which will be going on display this summer.

‘We want to collect as many as possible in the next few days,’ said GSPCA community and training officer Tim Pellett.

‘For anyone out there still painting, the cut-off is Friday 17. Please contact Mandy at Autism Guernsey as soon as they are ready.’

The 60 puffin statues are being collected to be mounted on to plinths before they head out to locations across the island, but until then their individual plumage is a closely guarded secret.

Decorated by professional artists, schools, scouts and other local groups, the puffins will take centre stage in this year's joint fundraising initiative between Autism Guernsey and the GSPCA.

‘We collected eight today including one which came on the ferry from Herm,’ said Mr Pellett.

The plinths are being made by RH Le Tissier, R&D de Jersey, RG Falla and Brian Staples, and finished with paint donated by Norman Piette.

‘Each plinth requires an undercoat, several top coats and then a coat of laquer on top. They take about eight hours from start to finish just to paint.’

The puffins are due to go on display from the beginning of April and GSPCA manager Steve Byrne said he was looking forward to them spreading their wings, as he needs the room they are stored in back, to convert into a 'small animal room' for injured rabbits and birds.

‘These puffins will soon be released into the wild, just when the real puffins start arriving in the Bailiwick to breed,' he said.

‘It’s great to have such a big charity event during our 150th year and Autism Guernsey’s 10th anniversary too.’

Funds raised by the statues will be split evenly between the two charities, and the GSPCA will be putting its share towards the construction of its new centre.

After being displayed around the island, the puffins will be auctioned in September.

‘The new building will be housing some real puffins,’ said Mr Byrne.

‘So it would be lovely if someone buys us one and donates it for display in the new hospital.’