In the 1970s, the name of the charity was changed to The Grange Centre to reflect our wider range of activities. We became a Registered Care Home in the 1980s with the aid of funding from the Housing Corporation.

At the same time, a Housing Association was formed to provide sheltered accommodation in self-contained flats for those able to live independently with some support. In the 1990s, we enlarged our operation by expanding into horticulture, alongside our creative needlework and crafts. We also opened our doors to men as well as women, Miss Sweet’s original idea was to give adults with disabilities vocational training that would enabled them to be as independent as possible and live fulfilled lives. Although she died soon after setting up the School of Stitchery and Lace in Bookham, her vision remains very much the basis of philosophy today – inspiring independence.