Locals in Denham Green took the opportunity to learn a new skill or to brush up on their own abilities at a special ‘GrandMaker’ event held at McCarthy and Stone’s Retirement Living development Landmark Place, on Moorfield Road. 

As part of its 40th anniversary celebrations, the UK’s leading retirement housebuilder, McCarthy and Stone, has pledged its support for Royal Voluntary Service.  Inspired by the charity’s annual ‘GrandFest’ event, which puts the spotlight on the heritage skills older people have, McCarthy and Stone invited ‘GrandMakers’ Lyn Stratmann and Georgie Perrott to lead masterclasses on flower arranging and knitting at Landmark Place. 

Caroline Tiernan, Marketing Manager for McCarthy and Stone North London, said: “We were thrilled to welcome so many homeowners, local people and of course Lyn and Georgie to Landmark Place for our ‘GrandMaker event’. The day proved to be a fitting celebration of accomplished older craftspeople and the skills they are able to pass on younger generations.

“We were very grateful to Lyn and Georgie for sharing their talent here in Denham Green, and for making our event a success with two fun and informative workshops on flower arranging and knitting. All the guests and homeowners had a wonderful day.”

Lyn Stratmann, 86, from West Sussex demonstrated her flair for all things floral in a flower arranging workshop. Lyn has been flower arranging for over fifty years and is an active member of Burgess Hill Flower Club, one of the oldest flower clubs in England (1952). The former nurse has written a book; Modern Flower Arranging by Lyn Stratmann, and has had articles published in magazines such as Sussex Living and Home & Garden.

Commenting on her status as a GrandMaker, Lyn said: “It was my pleasure to visit McCarthy and Stone’s Denham Green development and to teach homeowners and guests how to flower arrange. I get so much joy and happiness from flowers, it was an honour to share my passion with others.”

Georgie Perrott, 74, from Enfield exhibited her skill in knitting. Georgie was introduced to needlework at a young age by her mother who taught her how to knit. Whilst working for the Royal Ballet at London’s Royal Opera House, Georgie looked after many well-known ballet performers, including Strictly Come Dancing’s Darcey Bussell and the legendary Margot Fonteyn.

Reflecting on the day Georgie said: “I thoroughly enjoyed sharing my skills and expertise with guests at Denham Green. It was a really fun experience, and I hope my passion of knitting rubbed off on a few of the homeowners and locals who took part in my masterclass. I was delighted to be involved.”