80th anniversary brings new CEO to The Grange charity

As The Grange Centre for people with learning disabilities, based in Bookham, celebrates its 80th anniversary year it has welcomed Eloise Appleby as its new Chief Executive to lead it into a new decade.

Eloise joins the charity from Winchester Council, where she held a number of senior roles.  She has worked closely with the voluntary sector over the past decade, assisting charities to work in new ways to make them more resilient and effective, and hopes to use this experience in preparing The Grange for future challenges.  Eloise is not a stranger to Bookham, however: one of her earliest roles was in the National Trust’s regional public affairs team, then based at Polesden Lacey. Her hobbies include walking, baking and keeping chickens.

Eloise joined just in time to meet over 100 regular supporters and volunteers attending a fundraising Bridge Tea Afternoon in the picturesque ballroom of the Grange’s 19^th Century building. She cut – and sampled – a delicious 80^th birthday chocolate cake, made by residents of The Grange as part of their cookery skills programme.

Eloise Appleby says:

“I am looking forward to reconnecting with this part of Surrey and getting to know everybody who lives, works and volunteers at The Grange. I was drawn to the role by an increasing desire to return to the charity sector, which I consider to be imaginative, responsive and able to reach out to those whom other agencies cannot reach. I believe firmly in The Grange’s vision of empowering people with learning disabilities to become more independent.

“This is a milestone year for The Grange, and we are launching our 80:80 Appeal, aiming to raise £80,000 in this our 80^th year. I am looking forward to being closely involved in our year of celebrations and fundraising activities, and invite supporters old and new to join us.”

Activities planned for the year include the 80^th Anniversary Summer Fête on 14 July, with a ‘Back to the Future’ 80s theme, and the opening of a new Heritage Room funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund to tie in with the national Heritage Open Days in September.

John Pagella, Chairman of the Board of Trustees at The Grange said:

“We are delighted to welcome Eloise, who comes with a wealth of relevant experience that she can bring to this role. Our 80th anniversary comes at a time when there is huge pressure on adult social care budgets. People with disabilities have their basic needs met, but there’s very little funding left for leisure, fitness, health living and social activities.  Everything that’s fun and fulfilling and that makes life interesting has to be fundraised for – including all the interesting activities, benefits advice, adapted equipment, replacement vehicles, and of course running site repairs like leaky roofs. We hope that our 80:80 appeal will be successful in raising funds to help us to continue our work for many years to come.”

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