and more - Viva Lewes

MYLEWES DEborAh bEDforD
Job: High Sheriff.
What does that mean exactly? The office is over a
thousand years old, the oldest secular office after the
Crown. At one time High Sheriffs were very powerful,
but their powers declined over time with the establishment
of Judges, Lords Lieutenant, Coroners and Magistrates.
Now the role is mainly ceremonial. One of our
duties is the wellbeing of visiting High Court Judges.
High Sheriffs support voluntary and charitable organisations,
particularly those involved in law and order. I’d
call it privileged but not elitist.
Is it a paid position? No, and you don’t get expenses
either. It was once the case that the judges could fine
the Sheriff if they didn’t think he was doing a good job
too! One of my planned events is a civic reception in
Newhaven Fort, with a jazz band, and fish and chips.
How long have you been in the post? Since 29th
March. It’s for one year only.
What’s your involvement in the general election? I
can exercise the right to be Returning Officer for East
Sussex. John Crawford, the Deputy Returning Officer,
offered me the role. I considered it carefully, but since
he does all the work, and he’s about to retire, it seemed
to me that it was right for him to do it. He will take
me round some of the rural polling stations and I’ll be
there for the count. He told me he hopes it will be finished
by 3am!
What’s your uniform? Male High Sheriff’s uniform
is based on 18th century court dress; breeches, hose,
a wig-bag on the back of the neck and buckled shoes.
They also carry a sword and folding cocked hat known
as a ‘chapeau bras’. I wear a dress and jacket, shoes with
Photo: Alex Leith
my grandfather’s buckles, a hat with the traditional
white ostrich feather, Shrieval buttons, and a lace Jabot.
I declined the sword! I love the tradition but we have to
take into account the society we live in.
Are you local? Yes. I’m sixty and I’ve lived between
Lewes and Ringmer for half my life. I’ve been a magistrate
here for nearly twenty years, and was on the
prison board for ten.
What do you like about Lewes? It’s incredibly beautiful
and very self-aware. I like its independence. It’s
more vibrant than it used to be and there’s a great sense
of community.
What don’t you like? Sometimes the town doesn’t feel
very inclusive.
What’s your local? I often go to pubs, I meet my girlfriends
in them. I particularly like the Ram at Firle.
What’s your poison? I like wine but I’m trying to cut
back. I’ve been drinking the low alcohol cider from
Waitrose and the Tesco wine ‘light options’. However,
I find the less I drink, the more chocolate I eat.
Where do you do your food shopping? I try to
support Ringmer shops, and in particular I like Lew
Howard and Sons, the butcher.
How would you spend a perfect Sunday? I grow my
own vegetables. I like cooking them with a roast for my
family, then taking the dogs for a walk.
What did you have for breakfast? Tea and porridge
with milk and sugar.
What’s your favourite cinema? The Picture House
at Uckfield. I’m hoping to see the Girl With a Dragon
Tattoo there.
Interview by Emma Chaplin
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