Stephen Catlin Memorial

The Friends of Stephen Catlin and the Friends of Lewes are raising funds in memory of Stephen Wischhusen (known as Catlin), who died on 4 June.

Stephen was a man of many parts and had many different roles during his life. He was for many years the owner of a tobacco shop (Catlin's, from which he took his name) in Lewes High Street, which many people remember fondly. It was here that Lewes was first subjected to Catlin's singular wit and acerbic remarks. An opinion on everything and a solution normally given with that twinkle in his eye.

We are raising funds for a memorial event to celebrate Catlin’s life, telling the story of a boy born in the East End of London who went on to manage cinemas and famous theatres all over the country and later to become the Mayor of Lewes. We have gathered information from all over and we, his friends, think it a fitting tribute to remember Stephen, and hopefully raise enough money to leave a lasting memorial to this friend of Lewes.

In Memory of Stephen Catlin - an Evening of Speech, Music, Poetry and Film will be held at Lewes Town Hall on Wednesday 2nd August 2023 at 7pm (Assembly Room, Fisher Street entrance).

Donations in memory of Catlin will be much appreciated. As well as the Memorial Event costs, we wish to fund a memorial bench in Lewes. Any fundraising surplus will be allocated to Stephen's estate charities: St Peter & St James Hospice and Cancer Research UK.

Thank you.