A STOURBRIDGE pensioner will once again be one of the star attractions as the GrandFest returns to London next month.

Maureen Tranter will be teaching the art of soft furnishing at the one-day festival, which is expected to be even bigger and better than last year, taking over cafes, shops and museums in Spitalfields on June 5.

The 75-year-old is one of ‘GrandMakers’, who come from across the country to showcase their talents in craft skills such as knitting, preserve making, jewellery making and soft furnishing and run free master class sessions to pass on the heritage skills they have learnt and perfected over the years to the younger generation.

Nicknamed ‘Miracle Maureen’ due to her special skills with a needle, she first fell in love with tailoring 60 years ago when she was in her teens.

She discovered she had a talent for needlework when she studied the subject at school, and was further inspired by her mother’s cousin who was a tailor. Her first job when leaving school was with a bespoke tailor and she has had a passion for the craft ever since.

In her retirement, Maureen has been able to indulge in her skill, perfecting her craft, and as well as tailoring and alterations she has also mastered soft furnishing and upholstery, which she does at home for friends and family.

Maureen said: “I am looking forward to passing on this skill I have learnt and enjoyed over the years.

“In my master class I’m going to show how to make simple and decorative home furnishings such as cushions using a variety of techniques, some simple and some a little bit more advanced.

“I think it’s important to pass on skills to younger generations so people don’t forget how to be original and creative.”

Maureen has volunteered with the Royal Voluntary Service, which is organising the festival, for five years where she enjoys accompanying local older people on outings.

David McCullough, chief executive of the Royal Voluntary Service, said: Last year, GrandFest was a huge success, with hundreds of people booked into master classes to learn a new skill.

“We are hoping that this year will be even more popular, and are thrilled to have Maureen back to pass on her soft furnishing skills.”

For more information about the festival, or to take part in Maureen’s master class, visit grandfest.royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk