The current trend of calling on traditional crafts is to be enjoyed in Poundbury this month as part of special event to celebrate the heritage skills of older people.

Dorchester retirees and their relatives are invited to join in with staff and homeowners at McCarthy and Stone’s new Retirement Living Plus development in Poundbury - Bowes Lyon Court, to revive old past times such as basket making, crochet, woodcarving, painting and drawing.

Leading the effort will be accomplished craftsperson – also known as 73 year old ‘Grandmaker’, Celia Dennis, who hopes to inspire people to take up new skills, crafts or hobbies.

Celia will be teaching guests how to do basic stitches, to build the confidence and skills needed to tackle their own projects at home. After learning how to crochet sat on her grandmother’s knee as a little girl, Celia has been crocheting several times a week ever since. She now makes dresses and jumpers for children, including her own nieces and nephews.

The event at Bowes Lyon Court is part of McCarthy and Stone’s 40th year celebrations.

In January, McCarthy and Stone pledged its support for Royal Voluntary Service and the charity’s annual ‘GrandFest’ event. Celia was one of a handful of chosen ‘Grandmakers’ to appear at the flagship festival in June, where she hosted her very own crochet master-class in London’s Spitalfields.

Kim Caldwell, regional sales and marketing director for McCarthy and Stone, said: “It is a privilege to welcome Celia to Bowes Lyon Court for what promises to be a fun and inspiring ‘Grandmaker’ event. The older generation undoubtedly has a wealth of talent and knowledge; and, as part of our 40th year celebrations, we wanted to provide a forum for sharing these skills.

“The master-class, which will be led by Celia, will provide the perfect opportunity for McCarthy and Stone homeowners and members of the local community to come along and pick-up a new skill, or to brush-up on their own abilities – whatever their age or level of expertise.”

Celia added: “I am really looking forward to doing some crochet with everyone at Bowes Lyon Court. It is always rather exciting to be in the position of sharing my passion for crocheting with others and, I am thrilled to have the opportunity to demonstrate my craft once again.”

The event will take place from 11am until 3pm at the development, and will also include presentations from the Dorset Creative Arts Society.

To book your place call 0800 201 4847 or visit mccarthyandstone.co.uk