The Grange at Bookham – A Unique, Creative & Vibrant Place for People with Special Needs or Learning Difficulties.

Suzanne and I certainly did not pick the best day weatherwise to visit The Grange and tour round its 8 beautiful acres; but we enjoyed a very warm welcome from Alison Keeley (CEO), Felicity Parsons (Marketing, Communication and Fund-raising Lead) and many members of staff and residents.

The Grange has at its heart a beautiful old 19^th century house which became the home of the School of Stitchery and Lace in 1938 with the aim to ensure women with disabilities developed skills to earn an income and live independently. Over time this developed into as place offering housing and support to both men and women with learning difficulties. They are a regulated care provider, a charity and a housing association and provide three services – Residential Care for those with higher care needs, Supported Living for people working towards independence and Skills & Activities – a wide range of training, work experience and mini businesses.

We saw a number of activities in action including, pottery, woodwork, horticulture, cooking, creative arts (mosaic, needlework, embroidery) and also learned many activities occur off-site with residents participating both recreationally and in gainful employment locally. The highlight was a delicious afternoon tea with raspberry and white chocolate scones made and served by the residents. Anyone can come for afternoon tea if they book in advance and it is also possible to hire the beautiful ballroom and conservatory for events.  I will certainly be booking in another visit, hopefully when the sun shines.