Mary Reid

A couple of months ago our very good friends, Ros and Colin Ball, left Hook and bought the Ivydene Hotel in Eastbourne. It was a tremendous change for them, and, in my mind, an incredibly brave thing to do. Their son Michael is a chef, so they are now jointly running a family business.

We've just been down to stay overnight with them for the first time since they moved - and I can't believe they have been there for such a short time, as they seemed so happily in charge of everything. Colin says it still feels like being on holiday, though how anyone can imagine that cooking, cleaning and washing for a couple of dozen guests is a holiday beats me!

So if you fancy a stay in Eastbourne where you will be warmly welcomed, you know where to click.