Your Sussex Wedding - August/September 2020 (Issue 86)

AVAILABILITY ANNOUNCED If you’ve been forced to reschedule your wedding and find yourselves on the venue hunt once more, West Dean Gardens has updated its website with availability for June and September 2021, and dates throughout the summer for 2022. What’s more the beautiful venue is delighted to announce that it’s recently been awarded no less than two prestigious accolades for wedding excellence: LUXlife 2020 Global Wedding Awards Best Wedding Reception Venue 2020 (West Sussex), and Wedding Photography Venue of the Year 2020 (South East England). Discover more at www.westdean.org.uk/gardens/ about/wedding-receptions NEWS FROM THE HYDRO The team at the Hydro Hotel, Eastbourne were delighted to be able to throw open the doors to guests once again in July, especially since the occasion marked the 125 th anniversary of the hotel. However, there had certainly been no rest for them during lockdown, as they’d been busy baking delicious brownies and delivering to 15 local care homes, which were enjoyed by the residents and staff alike. What’s more, and keeping to the theme of food, the hotel has been offering a home delivery service. At time of writing this service was still available daily between 11am and 7pm within a five-mile radius of the hotel. So, pop along to the website if you fancy an elegant takeaway and check out the menu. With restrictions still in place for weddings at the moment, the hotel offers a Covid-confident environment with ample private grounds and a lovely coastal terrace, along with large, open lounges. Why not check out the wedding spaces while treating yourself to a getaway at the hotel, taking advantage of their latest Summer Breaks package? Enjoy tea and lemon drizzle cake on arrival, a three-course dinner with coffee each night and plated a la carte breakfast each morning. Plus, the beach is just a two-minute walk away, where you can take a relaxing dip in the sea. Check out www.hydrohotel.com Five minutes with… This issue we caught up with Sussex-based toastmaster Andy Wright. Tell us how you came to be a toastmaster I attended the funeral of a colleague and realised that one of his many interests in his life was being a toastmaster. My wife said to me "why don't you do that?" That stopped me in my tracks, it felt bit like an epiphany - a great idea and right up my street! I did the research, approached the Guild of Professional Toastmasters, and as they say - the rest is history!  What has been your most memorable wedding moment? The manoeuvring of a disability scooter in full toastmaster livery! So, Andy, why a toastmaster? A professional toastmaster brings assurity, gravitas and confidence, along with a safe pair of hands, delivering real value for money. They’re there to take the weight off of your shoulders on the day so you can sit back, relax and enjoy yourself in the company of your family and friends.   Your toastmaster will be there in the traditional red livery tailcoat, ensuring the smooth and timely running of your big day – and you thought all they did was announce the speeches! A toastmaster…. ❤ Acts as timekeeper ❤ Liaises with your suppliers ❤ Provides formality and informality in the right measures ❤ Welcomes and assists guests on arrival ❤ Manages your plan and any unplanned issues, which arise along the way ❤ Announces the speeches and entertainers To find out more head over to www.toastmaster-mc.co.uk Check out the news that’s local to you Nearlywed NEWS  The Sunken Garden, West Dean Gardens YOUR ESSENTIALS 9