• With the development of the Welfare State and changes in social conditions in the 1970s, the charity passed on its chiropody service to Worthing Corporation after 40 years.

• The Adoption Agency (the only licensed one in West Sussex), which had placed over 400 children over 21 years, was closed mainly due to the use of the contraceptive pill and the 1967 Abortion Act.

• In 1971 we faced a major problem as our headquarters and old people’s day centre looked set for demolition with a road widening scheme.

• Jubilee Appeal launched for new centre and headquarters.

• A £50,000 Jubilee Appeal by the Rotary Club of Worthing to pay for a new Methold House was launched at a service at St Paul’s Church, Chapel Road. The appeal was spearheaded by co-founder Frank Cave, editor of the Worthing Herald, and raised £70,000 (the equivalent of around £700,000 today) in just two years.

• Co-founder Arthur Linfield was knighted for services to the community and to horticulture in January 1974, but sadly did not live to see the new centre open.

• Frank Cave hosted the opening of the new Methold House by the then Earl of March on 10 September 1974, and succeeded Sir Arthur as Life President of our charity.

• Irene House established with £160K donation.

• The Marleposts Nursing Home in Parkfield Road was purchased and turned into residential home following a donation of £160,000 by Mr Gowland. The home opened in 1976 and was renamed Irene House in memory of his wife.

• Dolphin Court was extended adding 21 flats.

• A Volunteer Bureau was established to provide voluntary workers for local organisations and our first charity shop opened in premises provided by a generous benefactor.

• West Sussex County Council and Worthing Round Table donated minibuses.

• In 1978, our name was changed to the Worthing Area Guild for Voluntary Service.