Celebrating 75 years of Searchlight care

Searchlight in Claremont Road, Mount Pleasant, Newhaven, was founded in 1933.

Muriel Powell had been matron of the Bishopstone branch of Chailey Heritage for several years.

There she cared for 100 disabled children until they reached school-leaving age and had to return to their homes.

Their letters telling her that there was no place for them in the able-bodied world made her determined to help them.

With her savings she bought a bungalow next to the old Searchlight battery in Newhaven and went into the business of making jam and sweetmeats with three disabled young men as her staff.

Wartime rationing put an end to that and Miss Powell turned to handicrafts and chair caning.

Searchlight quickly grew and in 1947 a new building opened which provided a workshop for 36 disabled men.

In 1950 work started on another building which was opened in 1951 by the Duchess of Norfolk who became a patron. A further building was added in 1958 for recreational purposes.

Eventually, it became apparent that somewhere was needed to care full time for disabled men when they retired or could no longer work in the workshop. So, money was raised and more staff employed to create the first of Searchlight's houses.

Today, the charity has three residential houses which provide a home for 47 men and women with physical and learning disabilities.

There is also a day centre which offers a variety of activities.

Last week, in celebration of its work, Searchlight held an open day with talks about the history of Tidemills and Searchlight, and about the work it does today.

Residents and visitors also enjoyed a buffet lunch before the charity's annual meeting.