Name: Jane Zara
Profession: I do PR and marketing for local companies and arts events. I’m currently managing the David Nash exhibition in the Town Hall till June 10th, and publicising The Finnish Prisoner, an exciting local opera taking place in July.
Are you local? I’ve lived here all my life, apart from three years I spent in London doing a degree. I came back straight afterwards, unlike a lot of people. I felt drawn back to the countryside and I didn’t like all the hassle involved in getting around in London, especially travelling underground. We’re just not meant to do that.
What do you like about Lewes? I like bumping into people I know all the time, and the history of non-conformity here. The maverick spirit of the place. And the fireworks.
What’s your favourite pub? I don’t go too often. I usually like to have a cigarette with a glass of wine, so anywhere I can smoke. I like the Swan garden, and I like the Anchor in Barcombe Mills. Once I was laughing so much in a boat on the river there I fell off my seat and cracked the base of my spine. That wiped the smile off my face.
What’s your poison? Very dry, very cold white wine. Preferably something Italian.
Waitrose or Tesco? Waitrose. The man in the car park hut and I will be exchanging Christmas cards. I like using the local shops, too, especially the cheese shops and Bona Foodie. I can recommend the salami with fennel in the Real Eating Company deli.
What’s your favourite Lewes landmark? The triangulation point on the top of the golf course, where I scattered my dad’s ashes. The view from there is breath-taking. And the castle. I love the fact that it was once a white wooden castle on top of a white chalk mound. It must have looked spectacular.