Muriel Powell


 * This article is about Muriel Powell of the Chailey Heritage and Searchlight. For Dame Muriel Powell 1914-1978 (also a matron) please see Muriel Powell (Dame)

Muriel Powell, often referred to as Matron Powell, was the successor to Dame Grace Kimmins in the Chailey Heritage and was the founder of Searchlight to continue the work of the Chailey Heritage from age 15 into adulthood. Her legacy is in existence to the present day, and trains young people very much along the lines she envisaged.

Muriel Powell MBE (1889-1972), founder of Searchlight. (Not to be confused with Dame Muriel Powell.)

In 1933 she resigned from her job as matron of Chailey Heritage Craft Schools Marine Branch, at Tidemills, Bishopstone, where she had worked since 1924, and spent her life savings of £14 buying a bungalow next to the searchlight battery. Here she opened Searchlight Cripples’ Workshop, of which she was superintendent.

She rose each morning at 5:30 to attend the fruit markets in Brighton, returning with the materials to manufacture jams and toffee. Three disabled men packed them for sale. When wartime rationing ended this she switched to handicrafts and chair caning.

In 1951 a second building was opened by the Duchess of Norfolk who became a patron, and Searchlight was honoured with a visit from the Queen in July 1962. Currently there are three residential houses, which accommodate forty-seven, and a day centre.

Muriel Powell was cremated at the Downs, Bear Road.

From Sussex Notable Women, by Helena Wojtczak