Name: Lee Symons.
Profession: I’m the Town Hall Manager and the Lewes Town Mace Bearer. The former job sees me in charge of bookings and rooms for hire. The other one involves ceremonial duties for the Mayor a few times a year. The mace is silver and gilt gold. It weights about 25 lb. That’s pretty heavy. It can dig into your shoulder a bit.
Are you local: if not how long have you been here? I’m local. I’ve lived here for 10 years. I’m from Brighton, and I always loved it here, and when they built the new estate off Southover Road we jumped at the chance to come here. For one thing we’d just had our first kid and we knew the local primary school was good. We’ve never regretted it. My son was born in the Town Hall, how local is that?
Best thing about Lewes? The Harvey’s is good. Bonfire Night, too. And the Downs. I’ve got a Labrador-corgi cross and he loves it up there. Plenty of rabbits for him to chase.
Worst thing about Lewes? For me it’s the noise of the by-pass. It’s a constant drone. The railway doesn’t bother me at all. They keep saying they’ll put barriers up or whatever, but nothing ever happens.
Favourite pub? I don’t go that often, so I couldn’t say I had a favourite. Anywhere with Harvey’s. The Swan’s the nearest, and that’s a nice pub.
What’s your poison? Harvey’s Best. It wasn’t the reason I came. I didn’t know about it before I moved to Lewes. But let’s say it was an added bonus. I like a drop of wine, too.
Waitrose or Tesco (or neither)? The wife goes to Tescos.
What did you have for breakfast this morning? Branflakes with dried apricots and a cup of tea.
What do you think about traffic wardens? I walk to work. I can drive but I very rarely do. So they don’t bother me, really. It’s great being able to walk to work.