This is a synopsis of notable dates and events in the Society’s history. It does not mention the names of founding members, supporters, volunteers or staff, without whose hard work and determination none of this could have happened..

On 8th February 1952 the inaugural meeting of the Croydon branch of the Spastics Society was held. It was formed as an independent group to provide treatment and nursery education for young people with Cerebral Palsy. Later in the year the Society rented the Old Vicarage at 27 Bramley Hill for these purposes. Bramley Hill was the first specialist day nursery and clinic for Cerebral Palsied children in the country.

In 1956, a small workroom was created upstairs at Bramley Hill to cater for a group of adults with Cerebral palsy. A special class for school age children, who had not reached the required standard for admission to any other school, was also set up.

In 1961, 'Rutherford', a large house in Melville Avenue, South Croydon, was purchased by the society and became the Children’s Centre. It provided nursery and school education, a clinic and special classes.

In 1963, the Croydon group name was officially changed to ‘The Croydon Spastics Society’.

In 1965,the new Work Centre at Bramley Hill opened, catering for 23 adults.

In 1966, the Children’s Centre provided schooling for a group of five children who were not up to the standard for school but were able to learn a slow pace. In addition, 44 children attended the Children’s Centre or received home treatment.

In 1971, the Children’s Centre became a joint service, with close liaison and half funding, with Croydon Council. The extension to the Work Centre was opened, enabling it to cater for over 65 adults. By the end of the year there were 60 adults at the Work Centre and 30-40 children at the Children’s Centre.

In 1972, the Hostel committee was inaugurated to set up Jean Garwood House, a home for adult spastics, and the Society purchased 25 Bramley Hill for this purpose.