A gifted craftsman with a flair for forging dolls houses has raised thousands of pounds for good causes in Suffolk thanks to his world-class wood work.
Robin Stroud from Rushmere St Andrew first made a dolls house for his daughter Joanne in 1965, but didn’t begin crafting regularly again until 20 years later when the arrival of grandchildren put his skills to the test again.
The retired youth and community worker crafted dolls houses, forts and pubs among others, and has continued to keep his artistic ability going.
But the clever craftsman has also donated his talents to good causes by donating his finished creations for charities to raffle.
Now, having completed his latest dolls house – a three-tier model which has become a speciality – Mr Stroud is preparing to donate to the Disability Advice Service, a cause that is close to his heart.
“I have never sold them, I don’t think there is a market for them.
“At the end people would say what are you going to do with this one, so I give them to charity – it’s rewarding. It’s not all about the money because they get a bit of publicity too,” he said.
His models usually fetch £100-150 each, with Mr Stroud estimating that he has built around 20 in his lifetime.
As well as following instruction books, he likes to take ideas from interesting buildings he sees abroad or programmes such as Grand Designs.
A basic scale model is made from cardboard before Mr Stroud takes to the MDF.
“It’s just something to do. I am not a gardener and I have always been a bit of a DIY person so it all stemmed from that really,
“The fun is in making it, it’s a creative thing that gives you lift.”
He regularly donates to Disability Advice and Woodbridge Community Hall – causes he is trustee for – but has also donated to St Elizabeth Hospice and the church hall in previous years.
He was once commissioned to create a detailed scale model of Grundisburgh Hall, but said he preferred working at his own pace without pressure.
And with the arrival of his first two grandchildren, Mr Stroud has no signs of hanging up the crafting tools anytime soon.
“When they come around I shall be busy – I am sure they will want something, but I haven’t thought about [my next design] yet. When the inspiration strikes I will start.”
To enter the raffle for a chance to win the thatched cottage, visit 14 The Square, Martlesham Heath.
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