Friends' look to the future

The theme is 'Lewes 2050 - Haven or Hell?', and three speakers will present their expert assessments on topics such as the environment, socio-economic changes, health and transport.

Representatives from local councils, universities, campaign and environmental groups have been invited to participate. It is hoped that townspeople will come along and contribute their views, too.

William Morris wrote of Lewes 'lying like a box of toys under a great amphitheatre of chalky hills'. Over a century later it is still hanging on to the image. The Friends of Lewes was formed 50 years ago to preserve those 'toys', or, as its constitution reads 'to organise concerted action for protecting and enhancing the townscape of Lewes and the surrounding area and for preserving access to the latter'.

Over the 50 years it has kept up a gratifying record of influence on plans and changes through the proper channels, and appreciates its opinion being asked for by the relevant authorities and organisations.

The Friends' jubilee has been marked so far by three popular events 'Do You Remember Lewes 1952-2002', 'Lewes, 50 Years Ago Photos', and '50 Years of Change to Today'. Next week's debate, which starts at 7.45pm, is the natural culmination, addressing what happens over the next 50 years.

Friends of Lewes can be reached at www.friends-of-lewes.org.uk or you can write to the Membership Secretary, Friends of Lewes, c/o Lewes Town Council Offices, High Street, Lewes BN7 2DE.