News

Sir Cliff Richard, the biggest-selling recording artist in British chart history, returned to his old home town for the first time in more than 20 years to open a new McCarthy & Stone retirement development named after him. The enduring star, who grew up in Cheshunt, Herts, spent over an hour at Cliff Richard Court to cut the ribbon and meet the residents.

“He was the perfect gentleman” said Keith Johnson, regional managing director of McCarthy & Stone. “He had time for everyone, sitting and chatting with the residents and their families who had come to share the moment.” Sir Cliff also toured the development and signed autographs for the crowd of over 100 people who had gathered outside to catch a glimpse of Cheshunt’s most famous son.

“We were delighted when Sir Cliff agreed to have the new building named after him as this is the first development of its kind to mark permanently his association with Cheshunt. But we never thought he would find time to pay a visit. “It is a measure of Sir Cliff’s popularity that he took the trouble to do this properly by making a personal appearance. Everyone was thrilled to bits.” Said Keith.

Sir Cliff said he was “dead chuffed” to have the building named after him: “This isn’t the only building in Cheshunt to bear my name,” he said. “It’s the only one in the world!”