Name: Mohamed Hamid. Most people in Lewes know me as ‘Mo’.
Profession: Potter and shopkeeper.
Are you local? I am. I was brought up in NW London, but moved to Sussex in 1986 and to Lewes, to set up my studio in the Star Gallery, in 1989.
What’s the best thing about Lewes? There’s no question, it’s the friendliness. The countryside I could do without, though it’s a pleasant backdrop. My family is from Africa - Nigeria and Sierra Leone - and you’d imagine we’d love the countryside but we tend to cluster together like termites.
Worst thing about Lewes? The mono-culturalism. The lack of cultural and racial diversity here. I very rarely suffer any abusive out-and-out racism here. But there are plenty of ignorant comments. I’m proud of my African heritage but I don’t like to be stereotyped or reminded that I’m black all the time. Or asked if I’m a boxer, or a footballer, or a cricketer.
Favourite pub? The Lewes Arms. I don’t drink alcohol, but I used to go there after work to enjoy a quiet little drink with friends. Not now though. I’m against Greene King dropping Harveys - I’m against any major corporation telling people what to do.
What do you think about traffic wardens? This may be an unpopular view, but I think we need them in town. Before the scheme my customers couldn’t find a parking space because there were only two wardens and one of them was always ill. They’d drive around for an hour looking, and that was bad for business. Having said that it’s a terrible tragedy that the NCP was chosen to administer the parking scheme. They are a national corporation known for their veracity and for being predatory. I don’t like their Gestapo uniforms, either.