Golden jubilee quite a spectacle

Around 160 guests - past and present staff of the firm, which has branches in St Leonards, Bexhill, Battle, Eastbourne, Polegate and Seaford and their partners - gathered on the lovely St John Ambulance campsite ground off Ninfield Road on Sunday.

Grateful directors provided entertainment for all as a means of thanking loyal staff for a 50-year success story.

Young children romped on a bouncy castle as colleagues - two had flown from Scotland for the event - renewed friendships. Professional caterers provided a delicious barbecue.

Frank Barraclough, now retired, told movingly how he bought the practice in St Leonards which was the foundation for the present firm.

Peter Stiles, who became a partner in 1971 and who is now a consultant to the firm, added a string of humorous anecdotes illustrating the lighter side of being an optician.

Tony Barraclough - whose band No Exit provided the live music - had welcomed the assembly and thanked staff both past and present for their loyalty.

Fellow directors Nigel Barraclough, Surainder Puri and Jeremy Heynes took part in a ceremony in which the firm presented generous long-service gifts to a host of employees who have been with Barraclough, Stiles and Partners for between 10 and 25 years.

The event included a champagne toast and a raffle in support of Macmillan Cancer Support.