Name: Steve Holford. Only Steven when I’ve done something wrong.
Profession: I’ve been self-employed for twenty-three years, working mostly as a general builder. But by soul, spirit and inclination I’m a healer, and I’ve been doing that for twelve years.
What qualities do you need to do your work? Communication. It’s all about that.
Are you local? Very. I’m a Firle-ite. I was born and brought up there. I moved to Lewes aged eighteen and have regarded it as home ever since. I’ve drifted away for short periods, but I always come back.
What was distinct about growing up in Firle? It was very rural and hugely feudal. You paid a peppercorn rent, but you were ‘owned’. My father was born in one house at the end of three in Firle. When he married, he moved to the middle house, where he eventually died. His brother moved as far as the end of the village. My dad, uncle and I used to go ‘scrubbing’ the flagstone floor tiles up at Firle House every Tuesday evening. If you saw his Lordship, you’d be expected to keep out of his way and lower your eyes. And this was in the 1970s. It’s not like that anymore. The workshops are now a museum. I was supposed to grow up to be the Firle Estate Carpenter. But I left. I still do manual work, but being self-employed makes me feel more empowered. I’ve got my own house and a mortgage and can pick and choose my customers.
What do you like about Lewes? I like the influx of thoughtful, intelligent people over the age of thirty with children who have come from somewhere else and who have dragged Lewes into the 21st century. Of course they’re my best customers too.