FOR more than three decades, seamstress Lyn Tryner has been lovingly creating bespoke, handmade curtains – even supplying drapes for world famous department store Harrods.

The owner of Lyn’s Curtain Corner in Latchford, the 59-year-old has been named Best Employee in our Customer Services Awards.

Nominated by a number of readers including her daughter Hannah, the grandma-of-four works tirelessly to ensure that she makes the cut for customers of her Knutsford Road shop.

Self-employed Lyn, originally from Latchford but now living in Penketh, said: “I started the business 30 years ago, and moved to Latchford eight years.

“I then moved to this shop three years ago.

“Hannah said that she nominated me because I work hard and that I deserve it. I’m absolutely over the moon.”

Lyn’s talents with a needle and thread are already rubbing off on the next generation.

She added: “My four-year-old grandchild is definitely taking an interest in sewing – I’ll have to train them up.

“The business is still very similar to 30 years ago in many ways, although it’s got a lot busier as I’ve got older.

“There is everything from blinds and curtains to cushions.

“I make them all myself – it’s a bespoke service where I’ll go out to the customer and measure up before designing and making the curtains.”

Hannah’s nomination added: “Mum has even travelled as far as London to make curtains for Harrods.

“She works on her own with no help from anyone, which means that some days she will be in from 10am to 8pm – or even later.

“There are times in work where she will have no lunch or food all day as she doesn’t want to take a break from work, and ensures that customers always get their curtains quickly.

“Not only does she run the shop but she also donates her spare fabric to schools, has created a market in Latchford village and has made a huge flag for Warrington Wolves.”

THE NOMINEES >

  • Angela Perkins – Designer Travel by Angela Perkins
  • Jennifer Ashdown – Debenhams
  • Lyn Tryner – Lyn’s Curtain Corner on Knutsford Road
  • Mackies Travel – Birchwood n Sam Poston – self-employed singing/acting business

HIGHLY COMMENDED > Angela Perkins

Warrington Guardian:

AN award-winning travel agent with 25 years of experience, Angela Perkins embarked on the journey of setting up her own business five years ago.

Customers nominated the mum-of-two, owner of Designer Travel by Angela Perkins, for the Customer Service Awards for being ‘always hands-on to help’ – also praising her knowledge and enthusiasm.

The 41-year-old, from Penketh, said: “One day I can be booking someone to go to Barbados or Florida and the next day to Greece or Croatia.

“When I first started out, people used to come to the shop packed and ready to go with a suitcase – it used to be a late booking market, whereas people now book much further in advance.

“The dynamics of how you can book a holiday have changed too, because people can sit at home on their iPad and book a holiday.

“But people still want to book their holiday with somebody that they can trust, and who can guide them to help make the right choices.

“I now have thousands of clients travelling with me every year, and it’s really nice to be recognised for providing them with a good service.”