Glyndebourne effect helps businesses in the Uckfield area

The Glyndebourne effect spreads far and wide as businesses in East Sussex reap the benefit of having a world-class opera house on their doorstep.

The five-star Beechwood Bed and Breakfast at Eastbourne Road, Halland, near Uckfield, is full virtually every night with many of the guests going a few miles down the road to the opera, writes Paul Watson.

Carol Hyland, proprietor, said: “As soon as the Glyndebourne tickets are released we start taking bookings. Glyndebourne is the place to be. It’s a big occasion.”

Beechwood Bed and Breakfast always tries to go the extra mile and will ferry people to and from Glyndebourne, if necessary.

Guests from overseas are always helped with booking ahead the next accommodation, if necessary, and given advice on what to see and do in the locality.

Other bookings come from people on holiday in East Sussex and people visiting the district on business.

Beechwood is also used by people visiting families in the Uckfield area at Christmas and the New Year when there is not enough accommodation at the hosts’, or by older people not wanting to spend all their time with young children.

Visitors from Germany and Holland enjoy Piltdown cottages

East Sussex is certainly making its mark when visitors from Germany and Holland are looking for a summer break.

Paul Silvey, who has Woodside self-catering cottages at Piltdown, just outside Uckfield, said East Sussex was popular with foreign families because it was not a long journey after they had crossed the Channel or come through the tunnel.

“Sussex has a lot to offer. It has plenty of activities, great scenery. It’s got a bit of everything and is close enough to London for day visits,” he said.

Business, he said, is buoyant with many British families settling for a holiday in this country; unwilling to risk the vagaries of currency fluctuations and other potential troubles abroad.

Counselling for children makes difference to family life

Counselling for children and teenagers when things go wrong can make a huge difference to family life.

And helping teens sort out the issues is a “passion” for Lindsey Wilde of Transitions Counselling.

The 13 to 16-year-old age group has many pressures: from peers, school and sometimes bullying.

“That’s a time when they find it very difficult to open up. It is not cool to talk to parents and school do not always take seriously what they are saying,” she said.

Lindsey also counsels much younger children, perhaps those with behavioural problems who are acting out their frustrations.

Transitions Counselling offers a full range of services, through children families, couples and individuals.

The first session, lasting about 40 minutes is free.

Nominations sought for Sussex Business Awards 2011

Businesses across Sussex are invited to submit their nominations for the Sussex Business Awards 2011.

There are 11 trophies up for grabs this year including the prestigious Sussex Company of the Year and the award for the Most Promising New Business, as well as the search for the Sussex Businessperson of the Year. Entries close on September 2.

And while we are talking of business awards Uckfield might have its own next year. The Chamber of Commerce is looking into the possibility of organising Uckfield Business Awards.

Voting is now open for the Sussex Food and Drink Awards 2011/12. Details here.

Tickets available for Meet the Chambers Conference

Uckfield Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Meet the Chambers Conference at Buxted Park Hotel, on Friday, October 14.

Speakers are the MP for Mid Sussex, Nicholas Soames, and the chief executive of Brighton and Jove Albion FC, Martin Perry.

This will be the third annual gathering of Sussex chamber members following one in Crawley and another in Eastbourne. For tickets and enquiries, contact – Ian Blackaller, Secretary, Uckfield Chamber of Commerce, 01825 722607 or e-mail: blackaller@iblackaller.freeserve.co.uk.

Driving instructor's delight over test result

Driving instructor Roy Garrod of the Red Amber Green Driving School was delighted when one of his pupils passed their test at the first attempt with no driver faults. He said that was a very rare achievement.