Who are Friends of Lewes
Founded in 1952, Friends of Lewes is the Civic Society of the historic town of Lewes. A Council for British Archaeology 1965 paper included Lewes in a list of 51 historic towns which are “so splendid and precious that ultimate responsibility for them should be a national concern”. Friends of Lewes aims to keep Lewes special. We have played a major part in ensuring that this is the case.
We are a volunteer-led registered charity with over 400 members. Although wholly independent, we are allied to Civic Voice, a national umbrella body for similar groups. Our mission is to conserve and enhance the key aspects of the town – its history, distinctive buildings and the natural environment.
We aim to work with others to ensure that, when changes to buildings or streetscapes are proposed, the unique heritage of our town is treated with care and respect. We seek to influence other bodies and agencies for the benefit of those living and working in our town.
How we are run
- Constitution: Our Constitution sets out our objectives and goals.
- Our goals: Tangible objectives based on our constitutional goals, to help focus attention and energy, and convey our value and purpose to the residents of Lewes. Our goals
- A.G.M: We hold an annual general meeting, providing a formal opportunity to allow members to put their views forward.
- Communications: We keep members up to date via our Facebook , Bluesky, X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram social media feeds as well as the website and regular emails. You can receive new website posts automatically by email by becoming a subscriber. Use the link on the right hand side of the website. We publish regular Newsletters and an Annual Report.
- Committees: We work through various volunteer committees and working groups.
What we do
- Our activities centre on both the Urban Environment, and the Natural Environment which includes the Lewes Urban Aboretum. This is a town-wide arboretum project managed by the Trees Committee of Friends of Lewes and is an internationally recognised level 1 accredited Arboretum with ArbNet.
- Our activities play a major part in ensuring that Lewes retains its special character despite constant pressure to develop the town. We consider all planning applications affecting Lewes. We also undertake to support, or help fund, projects to conserve and enhance the character of the town.
- We organise meetings, activities and talks throughout the year on a wide range of topics and interests relating to Lewes. These are listed in Events.
- Publications and merchandise: From time to time, we produce publications about Lewes. We also offer a range of merchandise with a Lewes flavour.