An independent travel agency in Crowborough has celebrated a remarkable 60th anniversary having weathered the covid storm.
Beacon Travel, in the Broadway, first opened its doors on 5 September 1965 with original owners Trevor and Sheila Williams at the helm. They sold the business to Paul Philpott in 2010 who has been running it ever since.
Paul said: “Trevor and Sheila are still a part of my life and their faith, love and friendship to me and in me has been unwavering through the years.”
It’s a bit of a strange anniversary because of the effect covid had on the business, but Paul said the firm is bouncing back.
“It feels a bit hollow to be celebrating the milestone as I have been working here alone since Covid and unfortunately had to make my loyal staff redundant. But I still feel it is worth marking as I will be moving forward with the travel agency into a new era.”
Paul said after a very busy year he’s now planning to take on an extra member of staff. He’s also hoping to reinstate the previously popular day trip programme.
He said: “There are no formal celebrations, but I will be raising a glass to the good fortune of being able to continue this historical business in the town. I would like to thank all the many lovely customers and interesting people that I have met in my 19 years at Beacon Travel and I am eternally grateful for the love and support that I have received over the 15 years as owner.”