The 1940s

In 1943 the charity’s first residential home was opened at 4 Church Walk, East Worthing, for ladies of reduced means.

A Darby and Joan Club - one of the country’s first day centres for older people - was started in premises provided by the British Legion.  Several more Darby and Joan Clubs were initiated by the charity in the years that followed.

In 1947 the charity opened its second residential home - or as it was then called, a “residential club” - for those on very low incomes who could not afford the high prices of hotels and boarding houses.  Caer Gwent in Wykeham Road was opened following a fundraising appeal which raised over £10,000; activities included a grand concert, a garden fete, and a Ball organised by the Mayor.  The home’s telephone number was 3.

Church Walk

Caer Gwent Residential Club

A poor man’s lawyer service with 26 members of Worthing Law Society was set up.

Ambitious plans were started to open a permanent old people’s centre providing activities throughout the day and including the organisation’s administrative offices.

The first legacy of £100 was received.  In subsequent years a steady flow of legacies proved invaluable in helping to put the charity on a sound financial footing and enabling new services to be developed.  They still remain a vital source of income for Guild Care.