THE LONG AND WINDING ROAD THAT LED TO THE WIZARD

• July 1995 Young people in Lewes ran a community centre during the summer. Response suggests a permanent cafe would be a good idea.
• Autumn 1995 Cafe organising group first meets.
• March 1996 Start running regular monthly gigs at All Saints. Apply to Lottery for funds. Survey of 250 young people shows need for a meeting place.
• June 1996 Awarded £47,000 by Lottery.
• 2nd half 1996 Look at many possible sites. Several mysterious cases of 'Wizarditis' - where suitable buildings apparently vapourise when the owners hear the magic words 'young people'.
• February 1997 Withdraw first planning application. Lewes District Council (LDC) suggest the present buildng. LDC and Lewes Town Council propose grants to support renovation.
• May 1997 Revise Budgets and propose to Lottery
• November 1997 Lottery's approval comes through. LDC prepare contracts and builders sought.
• January 1998 Wizard signs. Building conversion and extension starts.
• May 1998 Cafe formally opened.