Our Journey
The Button Moon Trust was set up in 2015 by Ian Allen, creator of the classic children’s show Button Moon. The charity trust was set up in memory of the late Violet Philpott, to recognise her extraordinary contribution to British puppetry and children’s theatre.
Violet believed that the study and use of puppetry was key to human warmth and energy. That was evident in all her performances and creations. She was also a great advocate of the therapeutic uses of puppetry, and a dedicated supporter of the Educational Puppetry Association. The EPA was founded in 1943, and later amalgamated with the Puppet Centre Trust in 1978.
Throughout her life, Violet regularly ran workshops and gave performances for disabled and disadvantaged people. The Button Moon Trust continues that legacy, through its work with autistic children, and professional development and training opportunities for performers, using puppets.
Performances at the Palace Theatre Tibenham, helped to raise money for numerous UK, children’s charities such as Nelson’s Journey, Guide Dogs UK.
In 2023/24 the Button Moon Trust purchased a guide dog for a local (Norfolk) boy who was is visually impaired. ‘Buttons’ is the first guide dog who has been sponsored by the trust. With the relaunch of the Button Moon TV series on ITVX, and the renewed interest in Button Moon, the Trust aims to do more in the future.
Help and Support
Would you like to support The Button Moon Trust?
If you have skills that can help the trust, such as legal of financial training, or perhaps you have experience working with children who have learning disabilities, then perhaps you may like to consider lending your skills to the trust.
If you’re interested to be a part of the Button Moon Trust please contact the trust here.
Our Mission Statement
The transmission of hope, confidence and fun through creativity is Violet’s continuing legacy and is the ethos of The Button Moon Trust. The Button Moon Trust is a registered charity (no.1167152) and is managed by Trustees:
The full list of the 2026 trustees is here.
