SE21 December 2023

Issue 205 - December 2023 In this issue The only Community Magazine for Dulwich Village & West Dulwich Established 2006

What’s On Dulwich Hamlet FC Garden Talk Education News Fitness Tips Pets Corner The Big Give The Last Word

- P6 - P10 - P12 - P14 - P16 - P20 - P26 - P32

Local Events | News | Community News | Local Businesses | Features www.arounddulwich.co.uk | www.semagazines.co.uk

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Welcome to SE21 Another year is almost over and it feels good to be getting ready for Christmas. I hope that all SE21 readers have a restful time.

As usual I have rounded up all the great events taking place in and around Dulwich. The events pages start on page 6. December is another packed month for events, so we have a fantastic nine pages of online and in person events happening in and around Dulwich.

Remember to check out www.arounddulwich.co.uk for a full list of events, as there are too many to put in the magazine this monthl. Also events get added after I have gone to print. You can often find out more details online too.

Link Age Southwark launch their Big Give Christmas Challenge with the opportunity to raise £16,000 in just 1 week! Full details pages 26 & 27.

I am hoping to make a great donation with the funds I raise from the Dulwich Charity Lunch, which I am really pleased to be running again this year. All the tickets sold out really quickly, but do get in touch if you haven’t got one and I can see if I have any cancellations.

The Last Word goes to Hester Vaizey an award-winning author and celebrant. Find out more on page 32.

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Until next time.

Angela Angela Burgess Head of All Things Community SE Magazines/Around Dulwich

Contents Welcome ..................................................................... 3 Events Calendar.......................................................... 4 What’s On................... 6, 8, 9, 18, 19, 24, 25, 28 & 29 Dulwich Hamlet FC.................................................... 10 Garden Talk ............................................................. 12 Education News....................................................... 14 Fitness Tips............................................................... 16

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Call 020 8693 9040 angela@semagazines.co.uk www.semagazines.co.uk @semags_arounddulwich @SEMagazines @SEMags_ADulwich

If you would like to advertise in our next issue, you can download our rates from our website any time.

Or if you prefer, give me a call!

Pets Corner................................................................ 20 Financial Matters ..................................................... 22 Link Age Southwark The Big Give.....................26 & 27 Link Age Southwark Volunteers Needed.................. 30 Children’s Activities.................................................. 30 The Last Word .......................................................... 32 Index ........................................................................ 34

January Deadline - 11 December (please allow an extra two days if design is required) To advertise in SE21 please contact Angela Burgess on 020 8693 9040 or e-mail: angela@semagazines.co.uk for further information. You can download our media pack from our website: www.semagazines.co.uk.

Printed by Stephens & George Ltd ©SE Magazines Ltd All rights reserved. No reproduction can be made without permission. “This Publication is manufactured from (ECF) Elemental Chlorine Free pulp; sourced from certified or well managed forests and plantations, printed using vegetable based inks” “The fibres in this paper can be used up to a further seven times in the production of recycled paper. Please recycle this publication when it’s usefulness has been exhausted” Front cover image ©istockphotos.com SE21 - December 2023 | 3

Events Calendar - December Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

30th

27th

28th

29th

4th

5th

6th

Bach to Baby Festive Ruskin Park by Family Concert, p18. Rory Cellan Jones Dulwich Park p19.

Runners see p18.

Wreath Honor Oak WI, Workshop, see see p19. p19.

Labour Politicians in Dulwich since WW1, see p19.

11th

12th

13th

Friday

1st

Saturday

Sunday

2nd

3rd

9th

10th

16th

17th

parkrun, see p8.

Junior parkruns, see p8.

Taking Notice Exhibition p6.

Jess Blandford & Marina Beard, see p6.

Dulwich Players present: A Private View, see p6.

Havelock Walk Winter Weekend p8.

Lewisham The Arches Studio Winter Sale p8.

Underwater Open Garden @ Various Christmas Hockey, see p6.

Bell House, p8.

Markets, see p9.

Live Band Karaoke Weekly Horniman Tchaikovsky’s see p6.

Sleeping Beauty p8. Market see p9.

7th

8th

14th

15th

Rapunzel @ Theatre Peckham see p18.

Dulwich Charity Curator Talk: Lunch, see p24.

Burma to An Evening with Myanmar p19.

Rory Stewart p24.

Dulwich Folk Dance Lewisham Club see p24.

Underwater Hockey, see p6.

Weekly Horniman Christmas Indoor Market see p9.

Market,see p25.

Walters Way Art Collective Festive Open House, see p25.

Pinocchio Puppet Production see p25. Christmas Fayre, see p28.

Armigo’s Magic Show in Dulwich Singaround, p25.

Village, see p24.

Rapunzel @ Theatre Peckham see p18.

18th

Dulwich WI, see p29.

25th Christmas Day

Weekly Online Breathing Class p18.

Dulwich Park Runners see p18.

Meet David Harry: The Delusionist EDWI see p28.

Dulwich Folk Dance Club see p24.

19th

21st

20th

Rapunzel @ Theatre Peckham see p18.

Bach to Baby Festive Family Concert, p19.

Indoor Christmas Market, see p29.

Throwing on the Wheel Taster Session, see p28.

22nd

23rd

28th

29th

Boxing Day Dulwich Park Runners see p18.

24th

parkrun, see p8.

Junior parkruns, see p8.

Weekly Horniman Market see p9.

The Snowman - a live Dulwich Folk Dance musical performance, Club see p24. see p29.

Lewisham Underwater Hockey, see p6.

27th

Weekly Horniman Market see p9.

Christmas Eve

Christmas Theatre Camp, see p29.

A Christmas Concert, see p29.

Dulwich Park Runners see p18.

26th

Christmas, It’s a Wonderful Life, see p28.

Lewisham Underwater Hockey, see p6.

30th parkrun, see p8.

Lewisham Underwater Hockey, see p6.

31st New Year’s Eve Junior parkruns, see p8.

Weekly Horniman Market see p9.

Forthcoming Events Further details where available can be found in the News and Events pages 6, 8, 9, 18, 19, 24, 25, 28 & 29. Please read as not all the events can fit on the calendar!

4 | SE21 - December 2023

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What's On - December Friday 1 – Wednesday 6 December: Taking Notice

10am – 5pm: An exhibition of oil pastel drawings to see and for sale by local artist Michael Spencer at the Art Space in Canvas & Cream. Entry is FREE via the restaurant. 20% of the sale profits will be directly donated to Lewisham Food Bank.

Everyone is welcome. The Exhibition is organised by the Meridian Arts Club, a pop-up club celebrating art, food, and culture at the heart of the community. Supported by Canvas and Cream, a well-established café and restaurant. Canvas & Cream, 18 London Road, Forest Hill SE23 3HF

Friday 1– Sunday 3 December: Jess Blandford & Marina Beard Contemporary art exhibition bringing recent abstract paintings by Jess Blandford into conversation with Marina Beard’s latest skyscapes. Marina & Jess are both resident artists at the Mansion in Beckenham Place Park.

The work is very different but their daily talk about art and life fuels both practices. Jeannie Avent Gallery, 14 North Cross Road SE22 9EU. www.jessblandford.com / www.marinanasso-beard.com

Fridays 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 December: Lewisham Underwater Hockey Club 7:30pm-9pm. Try out underwater hockey at Forest Hill pools every Friday evening. We’re a mixed ability club who play for fun and exercise.

Complete beginners welcome - we’ll ease you in gently and have kit you can borrow. See the link to our website to learn more. Forest Hill Pools, Dartmouth Road SE23 3HZ. www.luwhc.org.uk 6 | SE21 - December 2023

Friday 1 December: Live Band Karaoke

7pm-11pm. Reckon you've got the swagger of Jagger? Well, this is your moment. Belt out classics from Dolly Parton to Dizzee Rascal, live on stage, backed by a stunning 5-piece band, in front of a supportive crowd. Lyrics are provided on a screen, and our compere will be on stage with you to add those critical BVs or keep things on track... Pick from over 350 tunes from all genres. Sign up to sing at the venue, then keep an eye on the 'up next' screen. See Instagram for a taste of what's in store. The Ivy House, 40 Stuart Road, Nunhead SE15 3BE. Tickets at: www.live-band-karaoke.designmynight.com

Friday 1 – Sunday 3 December: Christmas at Bell House – A Private View 7:30pm – 10pm & 2:30pm-5pm on Sunday 3 December. (Saturday Gala Night). The Dulwich Players return to present another unusual evening at Bell House in December with four short plays, each about a well-known picture from the Dulwich Picture Gallery Collection which were stored at Bell House from 1946-47 after their return from evacuation to North Wales in World War II. In the rooms of Bell House each picture will come to life and tell its story, some humorous, some thought provoking. Get into the Christmas spirit as the audience perambulates through the house, as if attending a 1940’s cocktail party. The recommended age for this performance is 12+.

Bell House Dulwich, 27 College Road SE21 7BG. Tickets: www.bellhouse.co.uk/events 8

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What's On - December Saturday 2 – Sunday 3 December: Havelock Walk Winter Weekend 11am-6pm Annual Winter Open Studios on Havelock Walk - plus 2 indoor Christmas market stalls, street food and music. Support local artists! Buy unique hand-crafted presents and artworks - prints, paintings, photography, design and more... get into the Christmas spirit on our famous cobbles!

Havelock Walk, Forest Hill, SE23 3HG.

Saturdays 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 December: Parkrun

Saturday 2 December: Open Garden at Bell House 11:30am – 1pm. Bell House is opening its garden for visitors to explore. Set behind the Georgian manor house, visitors can explore the peaceful two-acre garden. Tea and coffee will be available.

We are encouraging a £5 donation that will go towards garden maintenance and activities.

Bell House Dulwich, 27 College Road SE21 5BG. Tickets: www.eventbrite.co.uk

Saturday 2 December: Tchaikovsky's Sleeping Beauty

Dulwich 9am - 10am. Free, weekly timed 5k run, jog or walk in Dulwich Park. Every Saturday at 9am promptly starting from Queen Mary’s Gate. Register once and bring your printed barcode (can be used at any parkrun across the world). First-timers briefing at 08.50am.

Peckham Rye 9am -10am. A 3 lap anti clockwise course, entirely on tarmac is mainly flat and therefore a potential PB course. The start & finish are located close to the Colyton Road entrance of the park. This scenic course takes you over 2 bridges along the pond keeping the black metal fence on your left before turning right running past the bowling green and around the oval gardens. Peckham Rye Park, Colyton Road, SE22 0NE. Also in Brockwell and Crystal Palace parks. See their event websites for details. https://www.parkrun.org.uk/dulwich/ https://www.parkrun.org.uk/peckhamrye/

Saturday 2 December – Sunday 3 December: The Arches Studio Winter Sale 10:30am – 5:30pm. Tucked between the railway lines behind Peckham Rye Station is a hidden gem of a courtyard which has been home to the studios of artists, craftspeople, and artisans for over 30 years. The Winter Sale is an opportunity to purchase work direct from the makers, see work in progress for exhibitions, and talk to the artists about their practice. Do please join us as we open our doors this winter! The Arches Studios, 48-50, Blenheim Grove SE15 4QL. www.thearchesstudios.co.uk 8 | SE21 - December 2023

Music from the ballet with narrator John Flinders.

7:30pm – 10pm. Conductor: Chris Stark. Tickets are available from Eventbrite and on the door. (£12/£10/under 16s free). www.dulwichsymphonyorchestra.org.uk All Saints West Dulwich, Lovelace Road, SE21 8JY.

Sunday 3 December: Shape & Sound: An afternoon of Pilates and Sound Bath 2pm - 4pm. Join us for a rejuvenating afternoon retreat and pre-Christmas cleanse. We start with an invigorating Pilates session led by the amazing Gemma @shape_pilates. Then, you can simply relax and let the soothing sounds wash over you during a calming sound bath and relaxation session led by Ali @nurturingfolk. Oru Space, 20 – 22 Lordship Lane, SE22 8HN. To book tickets go to: www.instabook.io/s2/shapepilates

What's On - December Sundays 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31 December: Horniman Market

10am – 3pm. Located on the Bandstand Terrace, you will find stalls selling seasonal fruit and vegetables, artisan bread and cheese, organic meat and delicious street food. If that’s not enough to have you feeling like our overstuffed walrus, we also have regular guest traders specialising in treats such as luxury chocolates, delightful drinks, irresistible cakes, and tasty pickles and preserves. Alongside food stalls, you’ll find body care, clothing, jewellery, design and craft; most are locally produced, ethical and many use environmentally friendly materials, natural and organic ingredients. Horniman Museum, 100 London Road, Forest Hill, SE23 3PQ www.horniman.ac.uk.

Sundays 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31 December: Junior Parkrun Peckham Rye - 9am - 9:30am

Sunday 3 December: Crystal Palace Christmas Indoor Market 11am – 6pm

We are so delighted to be hosting our Christmas market in this beautiful library again in the heart of Crystal Palace. The library converts into an indoor market with traders upstairs and downstairs.

Join us as you indulge in some mulled wine and feast on fabulous food on the day. Hunt for beautiful gems for your loved ones you will find an eclectic mix of exhibitors selling handmade gifts, fashion for men and women, children’s clothing, art, candles, greeting cards, jewellery, wellbeing, artisanal food, drinks and much more.

FREE EVENT. For details, also check our website for upcoming events at mypopupevents.co.uk.

Please follow and supports us on: www.instagram.com/mypopupevents/ Upper Norwood Library Hub, 39 Westow Hill, SE19 1RX.

Sunday 3 December: Dulwich Christmas Stocking A free, weekly, timed run for 4-14 year olds, to get fit, stay healthy and have fun! We run 2km every Sunday morning at 9am, through rain and shine. The course is visible, well-marshalled, and all held on the paths around the sports pitches.

Peckham Rye Park, Colyton Road SE22 0NE.

Brockwell Park - 9am - 9:30am

A free 2km fun run for 4-14 year olds every Sunday in Brockwell Park. Just register on parkrun.com to get a barcode and meet behind the lido at 8:55 for a briefing. Come rain or shine, Easter or Christmas we meet every week.

Brockwell Park, Dulwich Road, London SE24 0PA

11am-5pm. The Dulwich Village Christmas Stocking Event is back! Come along and support some brilliant independent businesses and get your Christmas shopping started. There will be festive music in the village from 12pm, including the PopChoir singing at 2pm outside Harold George. There's also a Nutty’s Children’s Disco from 2-4pm at St Barnabas Parish Hall. Mystery Stocking Hunt for children throughout the village details to follow! Plus festive fun, food and drinks at many of our Dulwich Village businesses.

A FREE EVENT brought to you in partnership with The Dulwich Estate, Southwark Council and 18 Dulwich Village Traders.

SE21 - December 2023 | 9

Dulwich Hamlet FC www.pitchero.com/clubs/dulwichhamlet

A

@DulwichHamletFC @dhstorg | info@dhst.org.uk | @DulwichHamletFC

s the season rattles into December, our Men’s side start what we hope will be a steady climb up the league ladder. With a very last-touch-of-the-game equaliser against Margate, before a sell-out crowd, comes new hope for the turn of the year. Meanwhile our Women continue to offer an unprecedented amount to cheer us towards the festive season.

At the time of writing our Women’s first XI is on an historic 13 match unbeaten run, sitting third in the league table and fighting on four cup fronts, including the FA Cup where they’ve seen off higher league opposition. Nearly fifty goals in that time feels like Christmas come early!

Throughout December there are five league games to savour at Champion Hill, up to and including the festive fixtures, which are always special. The Men host Bognor Regis Town on Saturday 2nd; while the Women’s first team host table-topping Dartford on Sunday 10th and Enfield Town - who they’ve already beaten twice this season - on Sunday 17th.

Then it’s the big Christmas week double, as we welcome Carshalton Athletic on Boxing Day, followed by Horsham on Saturday 30th. So pull on your pink ‘n’ blue jumpers, pop a mince pie in your pocket, jingle your bells and join us for the football fun. For the intrepid Hamlet traveller, this month there are also away trips to Sutton United on Sunday 3rd for the Women; to Lewes on Saturday 9th and Enfield Town on Saturday 16th

10 | SE21 - December 2023

for the Men. While our Women’s Reserves travel to Hackney on Sunday 17th looking to cement their place at the top of the table going into the new year. Last month saw the appointment of our new Reserve team manager, and we welcome Sian Fitzpatrick to The Hamlet family. For all fixture news and updates, including cup dreams, check: pitchero.com/clubs/dulwichhamlet Another big date for your diary is the always cheering Dulwich Hamlet Supporters’ Trust Christmas Party - in the Champion Hill bar on Thursday 14th December. Kicking off at 7pm and free for all supporters, the evening promises much mirth, merch, music, and dogs! Yes, that’s why committed Hamlet fans Bunk & Keir are our picture stars above, as we launch the Trust calendar for 2024. It’s a celebration of Hamlet Hounds in all their mutty glory and it’s available now, so make sure to snap one up.

A Hamlet Hounds calendar is the perfect stocking filler, and for all your other pink ‘n’ blue Christmas gifts don’t forget to head to the Champion Hill Mega Container on match days or shop online at: dhst.org.uk/clubshop This season’s replica shirts are still available, as well as assorted hats, scarves, hoodies, sweatshirts, t-shirts, baby grows, bibs, bags, mugs, keyrings, patches, badges and books - just the things to fill the socks of discerning Hamlet fans and put a swagger in their step at this time of year. See you at the Hill for all the frolics and up the Hamlet!

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SE21 - December 2023 | 11

Variegated Plants To Light Up The Garden Garden Talk with Janine Winlaw | Instagram @janinewinlaw

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lants with variegated foliage, different coloured zones on leaves, can add a lightness to a garden, breaking up the green. I prefer the ones with white/creamy coloured markings to the more yellow pigments. These plants with their pale leaves work well with blues, dark purples, pastels and whites, and dotting a few around the garden can add an attractive contrast to other foliage and light up shadier spots. Once you start looking, you’ll find many plants from holly and ivy to acers and euphorbias have a variegated version. Here are a few to consider.

Shrubs Cornus alba ‘Elegantissima’ - Cornus (dogwoods) are grown for their red stems revealed in winter when the leaves fall, but this variety also has elegant pale green and white leaves that shimmer in the sun. Plant it somewhere visible during the winter.

Pittosporum tenuifolium ‘Silver Queen’ - This stylish shrub has small greyish green and cream leaves with contrasting black stems. It gets big but is easy to clip to shape – and the foliage is great for flower arranging. Likes sun or part shade.

Daphne odora ‘Aureomarginata’ - This classy rounded shrub has glossy green leaves with fine golden margins and clusters of deliciously scented pink flowers in January. Tricky to get established but worth it.

Fatsia japonica ‘Spider’s Web’ - This newer Fatsia variety has the trademark handsome evergreen leaves but with a delicate sprinkling of pretty white markings. It looks lovely with white-flowers and adds light to areas of dappled shade.

Weigela Florida Variegata - I inherited one of these deciduous shrubs and have grown to love the light cream and olive green leaves, plus the mass of pale pink flowers in May. Prune after flowering and grow in sun or shade.

Herbaceous Perennials Iris pallida ‘Variegata’ - With boldly striped bluegreen and white leaves and lilac blue flowers, this is a showstopper! Likes a sunny well-drained border.

12 | SE21 - December 2023

Hosta ‘Francee’ - This smart hosta has large stylish green leaves with contrasting white margins and spikes of blue summer flowers. They need protection from slugs or grow in a large container in a shady area. Lovely with ferns.

Brunnera macrophylla Variegata - Brunnera are invaluable ground cover plants for spring colour and their leaves create interest and texture in themselves. There are many different varieties with variegated markings in creams and silvers.

Grasses Calamagrostis x acutiflora ‘Overdam’ - An upright grass with cream-striped leaves and airy purplish flower sprays becoming pale brown in winter.

Lovely!

Carex ‘Ice Dance’ - Tough and useful evergreen grass with shiny narrow evergreen leaves edged with creamy white margins. A smart plant for tough spots in sun or part shade.

Hakonechloa macra ‘Alboaurea’ - This low growing grass has vividly striped yellow and green leaves and spills over pathways softening edges. It likes sun or part shade.

Climbers Trachelospermum jasminoides ‘Variegata ‘ (Star Jasmine) - A rarer form of the popular evergreen climber with the same fragrant white flowers in mid-summer . The glossy olives green leaves are splashed with creamy white blotches that are tinged pink in autumn.

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Keeping Active Education News From Alleyn's | Www.alleyns.org.uk

exercise, but it is important to grasp the notion that performance and results are only appropriate for some. Parents and coaches must embrace the idea that young people may not want to engage in activity in the same ways they did. We should prioritise physical, mental and social benefits over the tangible nature of sport and understand that, although physical activity can be achieved through sport, the two concepts are largely opposites, and often misunderstood.

Encourage activity pursuits that encourage lifelong engagement

How to Make Sure Young People Become Lifelong Participants in Physical Activity In 2022, a report by Sport England revealed that 1 in 4 adults do fewer than 30 minutes physical activity a week, while a staggering 1 in 6 adult deaths are caused by inactivity.

The report found that, whilst most children are active at an early age, physical activity levels start to drop off between the ages of 14-18 and it is alarming to see how adolescents who stop exercising go on to do less physical activity as adults and consequently put themselves at risk of having poorer health. So, how we can inspire young people to engage in lifelong physical activity?

Remember that ‘sport’ is not for everyone Sport is inherently competitive and, in my opinion, a widely misused term. Young people who associate being physically active with the traditional experience of ‘sport’, can associate feelings of anxiety and disengagement with any kind of exercise. Whilst sport is, for some, a very powerful way to remain active in adulthood, it should be defined separately from exercise.

Focus less on competition and more on enjoyment Every child’s interaction with activity should be positive, fun and a bespoke experience, and not follow the one size fits all model adopted by many schools, grassroots clubs, and parents. Team games and competitive experiences dominate children’s 14 | SE21 - December 2023

If we want to inspire young people to embrace lifelong physical pursuits, we should encourage them to pursue activities they are likely to do as adults. Adult activity levels rank significantly higher in running, walking, yoga, swimming, active travel and numerous fitness activities, compared to team sports. Research shows that pupils who are encouraged to be recreationally active, versus playing competitively, are more likely to continue their participation when compulsion is removed.

Educate young people of the benefits It is vital to give young people the autonomy to make informed choices about their physical activity. We can teach them about the benefits of being physically active; from improving fitness and strength, preventing ill health and contributing to happiness, to developing socially, building trust, persistence and perseverance, and possibly reducing stress, anxiety and depression. If they are to make a lifelong choice to be active, it is essential they understand the benefits of activity, particularly the support it can give them through the turbulent periods of adolescence and early adulthood.

As another cycle of exams and academic pressure comes into view, parents and educators should prioritise activity and highlight the benefits it brings. We cannot afford another generation of adults who fail to appreciate the value of activity until it is too late. If society can encourage a nonjudgemental and positive activity culture for young people, there is every chance we can be a happier, healthier nation!

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SE21 - December 2023 | 15

Slivers of Recovery

Fitness tips with Leanne Spencer | www.bodyshotperformance.com

Why Build Rest into the Workday?

By now, many of you will know what I mean when I say, ‘slivers of recovery’. If you don’t, it’s fairly simple: small things that you can do throughout the day to rest. Specifically, to take the heat off your sympathetic nervous system, responsible for the body’s fight or flight response. This is something I believe we could all be better at, giving ourselves little opportunities to reset before going back at it. And ultimately, it means we can arrive home with enough energy to do the things we want. For example, spending time with our families, housemates, or perhaps just ourselves at the end of each day. In doing so, we can’t only beat burnout, but also have more fun in both life and work.

A Stressful Situation Animals are really good at doing this, and I want to share an anecdote to show you just how useful slivers of recovery can be. I have a Romanian rescue dog, Kami. And she used to scratch around an area behind the bench in the back garden. Occasionally she’d come in, nose covered in dirt, but we thought nothing of it. In fact, we just assumed she was sniffing around the flower beds, as dogs do. One day, she’s by the bench doing her usual thing, we turn around, the next minute, she’s gone. We can’t find her anywhere. Eventually, I looked around the 16 | SE21 - December 2023

back of the bench to find that slowly and steadily, she had been digging a burrow. A burrow in which she was now stuck. All we can see is her soilencrusted snout and eyes wide as saucers with terror.

A Restful Response We were also pretty frightened because if she scrambled too much the soil could have easily blocked her escape route. So, we quickly scraped away the soil, using a spade to stop it falling back in as we pulled her out of the hole. Once she was out, her nervous system was so amped up that she did what animals do best. She took herself straight down to the lawn and went to sleep–only for about 10 minutes–before getting back up and carrying on as normal. Here’s why I’m telling you this story.

Kami didn’t just escape and then go onto the next thing. She gave herself that opportunity to rest.

She took a break; let her nervous system dial down a bit by putting herself to sleep.

What Can You Do? Now, you may not be able to take yourself off to sleep when you’re working towards a deadline, or your boss is asking for a report that you don’t have time to prepare. But there are things you can do–a minute of breathwork, looking out the window, daydreaming–to gather your thoughts before diving straight into something else. Backing off beats burnout. What can you do to take the edge off the pace and build in those vital slivers of recovery?

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SE21 - December 2023 | 17

What's On - December Tuesdays 5 & 19 December: Bach to Baby Festive Family Concert 10:30am – 11:15am

Grab your family, harness up your fastest reindeer and meet us at a Bach to Baby concert for the perfect prelude to the holiday season!

Tickets: www.bachtobaby.com St John the Evangelist, 62A East Dulwich Road, East Dulwich, SE22 9AT.

Tuesdays 5, 12, 19 & 26 December: Weekly Online Breathing Class 7pm – 8pm

Unwind, centre yourself and use the breath to help relax and prepare for a restful evening.

Using different breathing techniques that can be incorporated into your day along with a few gentle mat-based stretches and ending with Yoga Nidra a full body guided meditation for deep relaxation.

All welcome. No experience is needed. £7 To join please use the link below: https://liveyogateachers.com/classes/ meditation-open-level-kerry-flower 18 | SE21 - December 2023

Tuesdays 5, 12, 19 & 26 December: DPR Social Runs

7:30pm – 8:30pm. Fantastic local running club.

Social runs every Tuesday 7.30pm at Trevor Bailey Sports Ground on the south circular. Plus runs every Sunday morning; coached sessions on Thursdays; cross country races; competitions; weekends away; frequent social activities. Come along on a Tuesday to try us out! Trevor Bailey Clubhouse, Dulwich Common, Dulwich. www.dulwichparkrunners.co.uk enquiries@dulwichparkrunners.com

Tuesday 5 – Sunday 24 December: Rapunzel at Theatre Peckham Camberwell

Theatre Peckham’s annual Christmas show reunites playwright Geoff Aymer with Artistic Director Suzann McLean for the third time, delivering a fun-filled musical-inspired, pantoesque remix of a classic tale. This version of Rapunzel is all about female empowerment and busting through beauty standards. Book tickets: www.theatrepeckham.co.uk/show/rapunzel/ Theatre Peckham, 221 Havil Street SE5 7SB.

What's On - December Tuesday 5 December: Honor Oak WI

Wednesday 6 December: Wreath Workshop

We meet on the first Tuesday of each month at Stanstead Lodge Cafe SE23 1DD at 7:30pm. honoroakwi@gmail.com Honoroak_WI www.facebook.com/groups/honoroakwi/

Tuesday 5 December: Labour Politicians in Dulwich since WW1 8pm – 9pm This online talk will cover Labour politicians with connections to Dulwich including socialist propagandist Russell Smart, the founder of the Camberwell Labour Party (and cabinet minister), Arthur Creech Jones, Dulwich Labour MPs Wilfred Vernon, Sam Silkin and Tessa Jowell and interwar Labour parliamentary candidates, CA Smith, Fred Hughes, Helen Bentwich and Jim Delahaye, together with a few other Labour politicians who lived in the area. www.bellhouse.co.uk/events

7:30pm -9:30pm. Get creative this festive season!

Come and join us for a fun evening creating your unique, gorgeous wreath with step-bystep guidance from local florist, The Dulwich Petal Project. You’ll use various foliage to add texture, depth and interest and finish off your wreath with beautiful velvet ribbon. We’ll provide everything you’ll need to make your wreath, just bring secateurs, apron, and imagination. We will be holding this event at the lovely Kanella on Lordship Lane. We are delighted to announce you can BYO drinks.

Book via kerry @togetherwebreathe.co.uk 07834 318 153 / @together.we.breathe KANELLA & CO, Lordship Lane, East Dulwich SE22.

Wednesday 6 December: Ruskin Park by Rory Cellan Jones 7:30pm-8:30pm

Thursday 7 December: Curator talk: Burma to Myanmar 7pm-8pm

Village Books and Alleyn's Schools Enterprises are delighted to announce a new date for our event with Rory Cellan-Jones! From the popular tech journalist and Movers and Shakers podcaster, also known across the world for documenting his journey with rescue dog #SophiefromRomania, comes a moving memoir in search of the truth behind his isolated childhood and absent father.

Tickets from £15: www.alleyns.org.uk Alleyn's School, Townley Road, SE22 8SU.

From influential superpower to repressive regime, Myanmar – also known as Burma – has seen dramatic fluctuations in fortune over the past 1,500 years. Experiencing decades of civil war and now ruled again by a military dictatorship, Myanmar is an isolated figure on the world stage today, and its story is relatively little known in the West. Curator Dr Alexandra Green explores the extraordinary artistic output of its peoples, over more than a millennium of cultural and political change, including the devastation of the Second World War, that attests to its pivotal role at the crossroads of Asia. This talk will be at Bell House. www.bellhouse.co.uk SE21 - December 2023 | 19

24

Pet Proofing Christmas Pets Corner with Leonie St Clair | www.londondogstraining.co.uk

C

hristmas is a hectic time so it is important to have a pet plan. Young animals need to be protected from their desire to explore new things and old animals need a safe haven to escape to. Christmas is an Aladdin’s cave of pet-fun opportunity and it is easy for things to go wrong, resulting in costly vet bills.

Here is a quickie checklist, to remind ourselves how to keep our furry friends safe over the holiday.

Christmas Trees & Ornaments All that glitters, dingles and dangles is an open invitation for cats and young dogs to have their own kind of festive fun with your tree and its adornments.

Broken ornament shards are dangerous and pets can be burned by chewing through flexes. Even pine needles are toxic. Site your tree carefully. Put foil or a little cage around the edge to limit access.

Shut unsupervised pets out of the room, especially at night.

Presents Pets may try to open presents before you can, especially if they smell food within. Many Christmas foods are highly toxic and even fatal. Do not leave any pets unsupervised around gifts. Quite apart from the prospect of costly, out of hours vet bills, if your pet gets to the presents before your kids do, there’ll be tears on Christmas day!

Dangerous Plants Holly, Ivy, mistletoe, and many types of favourite festive foliage are toxic, both to cats and dogs.

Pups in particular love to investigate new things. A typical puppy-style investigation involves, sniffing, shredding and often, for a full analysis, ingestion!

Dangerous Foods Much of the stuff we love to eat will get our pets salivating too. But beware, much of that list is highly toxic; mincemeat, Christmas pudding, fruits like grapes and dried fruit, onion, garlic, anything with artificial sweetener, chocolate, myriad cakes and puddings, many nuts, alcohol…the list is endless. Unless your dog has an impeccable ‘leave’ and ‘stay’ (when you go out of sight) ensure he cannot access food. Cats are a law unto themselves but supervision or no access is vital.

20 | SE21 - December 2023

Crate Train, Tether or Separate For young dogs and greedy dogs, crate training or puppy pens are a great way to limit access when full supervision is not possible. Give your pet wholesome chews to keep him happy when penned. Present opening and the big Christmas meal are times to keep your pet under control.

Elderly pets will appreciate a comfy, quiet spot, away from the hubbub.

Adequate Play & Exercise So much is going on at Christmas that it is easy to forget the exercise and play requirements of your pets. Take time out to do some indoors training and play with your dog, this way he’ll settle (see link to Christmas games). Puss also needs some fun.

Flirt poles are a great way to play with cats, give her something legitimate to hunt and ‘kill’; that way she’s less likely to go after the baubles. We are now in firework season. Be aware of after dusk risks to both cats and dogs- many are spooked and go missing.

Home Alone Having everyone at home again for a few weeks can cause separation training to regress or ignite, once you try to get back to a normal work routine. If your dog has started to cope with some alone time or is already coping, then ensure you build in periods during the day and evening when your dog is given time by himself, just as you would normally.

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SE21 - December 2023 | 21

Financial Matters

With David Frederick FCCA | Marcus Bishop Associates | marcus-bishop.com

Review, Reflect and Resolutions The arrival of December for many is that gentle announcement that Christmas is just around the corner. To others it may be the signal that we are about to bring the curtains down on another year.

Whatever your association with December, own it as yours. I associate December, well at least the days leading up to Christmas with the sounds of Slade, (Merry Xmas Everybody) and Wizzard (I wish it could be Christmas everyday) bellowing out of speakers in shopping centres and those endless office parties, when there were office parties.

As December marks the close of another year of different sentiments for us all, it also provides us with the opportunity to undertake our 3R’s, Review, Reflection and Resolution. No, you did not misread.

It did say resolution. This may be a surprise as many people believe or have been conditioned to make their resolutions on 1st January or throughout January or well into February. The good news is, there is no set rule that dictates waiting until 1st January or January to make those resolutions.

In addition, the 3R’s do not solely apply to our personal finances. They can be applied and are wholly applicable to all components of our life; health & wellbeing, family and friends, career, leisure, personal growth etc.

Our review involves us looking back at our financial goals (resolutions) that we set, wrote down and embraced at the start of the year. Our financial resolutions may have been to save £x per month or donate £x per month to a charity or anything else.

Our reflection involves the examining of whether we met our financial resolutions.

It would not be a surprise to learn that despite the enthusiasm of setting our financial resolutions last year and previous years, these were not met.

Moreover, many get abandoned within a short time after they were set. Why? It is probably fair to state that the major explanatory factor for financial resolutions being missed or abandoned is the size of these resolutions.

Many resolutions set are over ambitious from the starting point. However, a factor that impacts all 22 | SE21 - December 2023

our resolutions is life. In setting our resolutions, the arrival of Covid, economic factors, family challenges or work matters are unforeseeable. Nevertheless, these uncontrollable or unforeseen factors will always exist to a greater or lesser degree. However, the key or solution is not the abandonment of our resolutions but how we incorporate these factors to modify or revise of our resolutions. A suggested route to help us improve our resolutions setting is the abandonment of: • long term 12 months rigid resolutions; • the obsession with setting our resolutions on 1st January or the month of January; and • unrealistic resolutions Consequently, one pathway to increasing the scope of our resolutions being achieved is the adoption of the following three steps. Firstly, start the planning of our resolutions well before 1st January. There is no time like the present. The early start affords us more time to construct a more thought out set of resolutions. Secondly, breakdown the period for which our resolutions are set, from 12 months to 12 weeks. This shorter period will no doubt reduce our resolutions feeling burdensome when the unexpected happens.

Thus, it will allow us greater scope to modify them sooner rather than just abandoning them.

Thirdly, set more realistic resolutions. To this end the advice of Desmond Tutu should be applied, “there is only one way to eat an elephant: a bite at a time.” In the same way the planning period is broken down the same is applied to our resolutions.

December is not just the month of Christmas and January; it does not have the monopoly over our resolutions setting. Have a happy season of review, reflection and resolutions.

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What's On - December Thursdays 7, 14 & 21 December: Thursday Ceilidh – at St Barnabas Parish Hall 8pm -10pm. The Dulwich Folk Dance Club promotes English country dancing which is very inclusive. It's not line dancing but dancing that it has been natural to dance throughout the centuries. And it has no awkward or difficult, artificial body stances to worry about! You can join in the dancing immediately and as much as you like throughout the evening. This is because all dances are first practised and then the moves "called” as a reminder while we are dancing to the music. Beginners or experienced, single, or partnered, nobody needs to sit out as we all partner each other. It's very satisfying to complete a dance. And making friends is easy.

7 December: Caller Joyce creates a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

14 December: Caller Sue Hastings. It will be lively with lovely dances and beautiful music.

21 December: It's party time and we have an abundance of callers tonight. So, lots of fun and variety. "Sparkle" on our "Sparkle Night" https://e-voice.org.uk/dulwichfolkdancing/ Entrance on door £5 (£4 Club members)

Friday 8 December: An Evening with Rory Stewart 7pm – 8pm. Village Books and Alleyn's Schools Enterprises are delighted to present an evening with Rory Stewart, former MP and Cabinet Minister, and co-host, with Alastair Campbell, of the hugely popular podcast, The Rest is Politics.

Rory will be discussing his latest book "Politics on the Edge: A Memoir from Within" which has become an instant bestseller. Politics on the Edge details Rory’s time from being a political outsider to standing against Boris Johnson in the Conservative Party leadership contest in 2019 and being sacked from the party in the same year. Tackling ministerial briefs on flood response and prison violence, engaging with conflict and poverty abroad as a foreign minister, and Brexit as a Cabinet minister, Stewart learned firsthand how profoundly hollow and inadequate our democracy and government had become.

Tickets: www.alleyns.org.uk Book & ticket: £30 (includes a copy of The Rest is Politics, book RRP £22) The Michael Croft Theatre, Alleyn's School, Townley Road, London.

24 | SE21 - December 2023

Friday 8 December: Dulwich Charity Lunch – SOLD OUT! 12:30pm -5pm. The wonderful Dulwich Charity Lunch is now in its 22nd year and it would be lovely if you could come along and help raise some funds for this very worthy, local charity. www.dulwichlunch.co.uk/bookings

Saturday 9 December: Amigo's Magic Show in Dulwich Village In Rear Hall

3:30pm – 4:30pm. Best Kid Magic Show in London.

Magical movies and shows like Harry Potter have inspired children to see past a shroud of mystery and explore the mystic art of magic, as shown in the cinemas. Simon has a fantastic act for children of all ages. This interactive performance involves the children helping his character ‘Amigo’ with tricks and the silliness which ensues. As part of the show, the children will get their own special magic wand which makes the whole show that little bit more magical.

During the show, a Live White Rabbit appears as if by Magic. The children get to meet the magical rabbit at the end of the show and have a chance to pet it and have their very own picture taken with it.

Limited tickets available, purchase tickets to avoid disappointment. The show is 50 minutes with an opportunity to see the white rabbit at the end of the show. Please arrive 15 - 30 minutes before the show starts. There is also a Christmas Market taking place on the day from 11 - 6pm, purchase fabulous gifts for loved ones, and support small businesses. www.mypopupevents.co.uk St Barnabas Church Hall, 23 Dulwich Village, London SE21 7BT.

What's On - December Saturday 9 – Sunday 10 December: Walters Way Art Collective Festive Open House 10am-6pm Walters Way Art Collective present our seasonal Artist open house. Enjoy a warm and unique shopping experience, meet our local artists showing a variety of exclusive works including digital, fine art, photography, ceramics, designer apparel and reformed glass. Displayed in the beautiful setting of a wooden house designed by the architect Walter Segal. Free entry and featuring One Tree Hill Cider.

More info @wwartcollective https://walterswayartcolle.wixsite.com/mysite No 10 Studio, 10 Walters Way, SE23 3LH.

Saturday 9 December: Christmas Indoor Market in Dulwich Village 11am -6pm We are so delighted to be hosting our Christmas market in this beautiful church located in the street of Dulwich Village. It’s a wonderful time of the year! Come and celebrate the festive season at Barnabas Church Hall, the market will take place in the main hall. You’ll find an array of traders selling seasonal delights, crafts, and unique items, which are perfect for those hunting for that special Christmas gifts. mypopupevents.co.uk / St Barnabas Church Hall, 23 Dulwich Village, SE21 7BT.

Sunday 10 December: Seasonal Singaround

Saturday 9 December: The Pinocchio Puppet Production

12pm and 2pm. We are so excited to invite The Magical Paper Theatre, The Pinocchio Puppet Show to our Christmas market in the heart of Crystal Palace. The Christmas market takes place upstairs and downstairs, it is free to attend.

Watch the adventures of Pinocchio, as he follows his dreams to become a real boy, a Victorian Style Illustrated Paper Theatre Show.

Our tickets are limited to 40 people per show, in order to make sure every guest can see the attraction on stage and enjoy the show. This show is for both adults and children, suitable for children of 4 years and over.

Tickets: www.eventbrite.co.uk. Upper Norwood Library Hub, 39 Westow Hill, SE19 1RX.

7pm -10:30pm. Our Seasonal Singaround differs from our usual monthly Singarounds, as we intersperse songs by individuals (or groups of individuals) with carols and other seasonal songs sung in unison. There is no accompaniment - we will give you a starting note!

We project the words onto a screen. If you haven't been before and would like to contribute an individual song, just put your name on the list at the door. We call singers in the order on the list - first on the list, first to sing! All languages and genres are welcome, but as this is a seasonal singaround, we prefer that your songs are not too miserable! We don't use the stage, and we don't use mics. You can sing from your seat or wherever you want, seated or standing. Door 7pm, singing starts 7.15pm prompt. £5 on the door. Cash or BACS only, sorry!

The Ivy House, 40 Stuart Road, Nunhead SE15 3BE. www.thegooseisout.com SE21 - December 2023 | 25

28

Help Keep Older P Like Hilda Conne

Southwark resident Hilda, 86, launche your donation’ Big Give Christmas Ch “Link Age Southwark is a great service for older people. Since I joined their singing group, I find being together with other people gives me a lot of satisfaction.”

A

s the nights draw in and temperatures drop, many of us start looking forward to the festive season. But for many older people, it can be a time of increased isolation and worry, especially as the cost-of-living crisis continues to hit hard. That’s why Southwark resident Hilda, 86, is launching Link Age Southwark’s campaign to raise £16,000 in just one week. The charity is taking part in the Big Give Christmas Challenge 2023 between 28 November and 5 December, to raise vital funds to support its work and the provision of vital transport services for older people, and people living with dementia and their carers.

Hilda wants your help in raising those funds.

She belongs to a singing group set up by Link Age Southwark in East Dulwich, which one of the charity’s volunteer drivers takes her safely to and from. She also enjoys the company of a Link Age Southwark volunteer befriender. Hilda says “At my age, I find I can feel lonely, confined at home and unable to go out. But the people at Link Age Southwark are so kind. I am so glad they are there, and with more funds they could help more, older people like me.”

Link Age Southwark’s target for this year's Big Give Christmas Challenge is £16,000. The charity has £8000 in a 'pledge pot' which has been raised from Patrons of the Charity and The Reed Foundation.

The Charity needs people to donate another £8000

26 | SE21 - December 2023

People ected This Winter!

es Link Age Southwark’s ‘double hallenge from 28 November

during the week in order to meet its target. Each £1 donated is matched by money from the pledge pot so your donation is doubled. Here’s how you can help Link Age Southwark receive a total of £16,000 towards keeping local older people and their carers connected – across the festive season and all year round: • Visit www.linkagesouthwark.org to make a donation from midday on Tuesday 28 November #GivingTuesday. The campaign will close at midday on Tuesday 5 December.

• If you are unable to donate at this time, you can still support Link Age Southwark’s Big Give Christmas Challenge by telling your friends, family and colleagues or sharing details on social media. The charity will be posting about the campaign on X (Twitter) @LASwark, Instagram @linkagesouthwark and Facebook: www.facebook. com/linkagesouthwark/ In the past year, Link Age Southwark has supported 867 older people. It relies on donations to run the services it provides free of charge – these include a befriending scheme; transport to and from exercise, activity and social groups and events; volunteer telephone, hospital and digital buddies; a regular newsletter providing topical information for older people, as well as one-to-one support with form filling in and gaining support from other organisations. Sophie Wellings, Chief Executive of Link Age Southwark echoes Hilda’s. She says: “The demand for our services increases year on year and the winter months can be especially hard for older people, particularly given the cost of living crisis.

Supporting those in most need to leave their homes and spend time in a warm safe space with their peers is a key part of what we offer”.

SE21 - December 2023 | 27

What's On - December Sunday 10 December: St Clements with St Peters Church Christmas Fayre 11:30am – 2:30pm. Come along to buy local craft gifts, jewellery, cakes, books, bric-a-brac and have a go at the bottle tombola and raffle to win local prizes. Enjoy some festive mulled wine also!

You can find entrances to the church hall at Barry Road opposite Sylvester Road and at 140 Friern Road. St Clements with St Peters Church, The Vicarage, 140 Friern Road, LSE22 0AY.

Wednesday 13 December: EDWI – Meet David Harry: The Delusionist 7:30pm -9:30pm

Thursday 14 December: Christmas, It's a Wonderful Life and the Forgotten Genius of Frank Capra Colin Schindler

8pm -9pm. The lecture aims to understand the films of one of America’s greatest film makers by placing his work in its historical context. Although Capra’s films were mostly set in contemporary America, the lecture looks at why that rural idyll, so foreign to the growth of a modern urban country, resonated so powerfully with audiences during the Great Depression. Capra won the Best Director Oscar three times in four years for It Happened One Night (1934), Mr Deeds Goes to Town (1936) and You Can’t Take it With You (1938). Possibly his best film, Mr Smith Goes to Washington, was released the same year as Gone with the Wind (1939) so his winning run ended.

Finally, the lecture will ask whether the spirit of small-town America still exists in the post-Trump US of the 21st century. Lecturer: Colin Schindler.

James Allen's Girls' School Sixth Form Centre, Green Dale, East Dulwich SE22 8TG. The lecture slides can be found on www.theartssocietydulwich.org.uk/programme/lecture

We are delighted to welcome to our December event, David Harry, The Delusionist! He will be entertaining us at our Christmas party, which will also feature our Christmas raffle with plenty of great prices. David Harry - aka the Delusionist is an engaging entertainer, combining an easygoing charm and stunning magic to make your event one to remember. The East Dulwich WI welcomes guests to this event, first time guests attend for free, returning guests pay a fee of £5.00. We welcome new members, member ship for the year April'2023 to March 2024 when joining in December 2023 is £23.For more information, please email at: join@eastdulwichwi.co.uk The Castle Pub - Upstairs function room, 280 Crystal Palace Road, East Dulwich, SE22 9JH. 28 | SE21 - December 2023

Friday 15 – Saturday 16 December: Throwing on the Wheel - Taster Session 3pm – 5pm & 6:30pm – 8:30pm Friday 10am – 12pm Saturday This 2-hour workshop is for absolute beginners who would like to have a first go at throwing on the wheel. You will try your hand at centering clay and throwing a small cylinder. At the end of the session, you can pick your favourite pot which will be glazed and fired for you. The cost of all materials and firing are included in your course fee. Tickets: www.bellhouse.co.uk/events Bell House Dulwich, 27 College Road SE21 7BG.

What's On - December Saturday 16 December: Indoor Christmas Market in West Norwood 11am – 6pm

We are delighted to be hosting our Christmas indoor market in the heart of West Norwood.

The lounge area converts into a Christmas market, you’ll find an array of traders selling seasonal delights, crafts, and unique items, which are perfect for those hunting for that special Christmas gifts for loved ones. A great buzz, with positive vibes. You will find 30 plus traders selling their amazing gems in the main lounge and also extended into the community room. mypopupevents.co.uk/ West Norwood Picturehouse, 1-7 Norwood High Street SE27 9JU.

Monday 18 December: Dulwich WI Monthly Meeting 7:30pm – 9:30pm. We meet on the second Monday of each month at Vits+Kicks, 57 North Cross Road, East Dulwich, SE22. Visit our website for more information: www.dulwichwi.com

Tuesday 19 December: A Christmas Concert 7pm enSEmble26 will be joined by principal members of the London Symphony Orchestra to bring you a magical evening of festive tunes, traditional carols, and classical favourites, including Winter from Vivaldi's Four Seasons. Early booking recommended!

Tickets: www.ensemble26.com £15 adult, £8 child with 'pay what you can' option. St Bartholomew's Church, 4 Westwood Hill, Sydenham SE26 6QR.

Thursday 21 – Friday 22 December: Christmas Theatre Camp 9am -3pm Do you have a child that loves singing, dancing, and acting? Why not book them a place at one of our BP Theatre Camps this holiday? Your child will learn new skills, be engaged, make new friends and most importantly, have lots of... FUN! HOW DOES THE DAY RUN? We start the day with our welcome talk and some ice breaker games – this is a great way for the children to ease into the day and get to know each other. Once we have made some new friends, it’s time to get our bodies moving with a super fun dance session. After this energetic session we take a well-deserved morning break! Singing is next up (La la la la la!) followed by lunch – a chance to refuel after a busy morning. The afternoon is then jam packed with lots of drama activities, crafts, afternoon break and plenty of games.

Each session within the day consists of a warm up, learning new skills and technique and builds towards a final piece such as a dance routine, song or poem.

Our aim is for each child to leave daily with the biggest smile on their face and feeling proud of what they’ve achieved.

Open to all Primary school aged children who are in Reception – Year 6 at school. Studio One at JAGS Sports club, Red Post Hill, SE24 9JN. www.boogiepumps.co.uk.

Friday 22 December: The Snowman A live musical performance of the classic tale with sing-along carols for all the family after the show 1:30pm – 3:30pm. Raymond Briggs' The Snowman' enSEmble26 return this Christmas with their sellout musical version of the classical tale. Narrated by Susie Ridell (The Archers) and including a surprise guest and sing-along carols, this live family concert by enSEmble26 is the perfect musical start to the winter holidays!

Performances at 1.30 and 3.30. Please book early as shows sell out quickly. St Bartholomew's Church, 4 Westwood Hill, SE26 6QR. www.ensemble26.com For listings contact Angela angela@semagazines.co.uk SE21 - December 2023 | 29

Volunteer Drivers Needed

F

or 30 years, Link Age Southwark has eased loneliness and reduced social isolation for local older people and those living with a diagnosis of dementia. Today, they urgently need more volunteer drivers like Mark.

Every Thursday, he collects four older women, from very different backgrounds, driving them to and from singing sessions run by the charity.

“I enjoy listening to them chat when I’m driving them. Hearing about their lives and families is fascinating – they may have limited mobility now, but one of them told me that at 18 she’d been a long jump champion!

They seem to really appreciate the interaction – they’ll ask about my sons, my dogs – it’s lovely to just be me. I retired last year from a very highpressure career where I was constantly ‘on call’.

I wanted to explore other aspects of what I can bring to the world.

Link Age Southwark needed drivers. I have a roomy car, and it was an opportunity to give my

brain a rest, whilst hopefully making a difference.

Being a volunteer driver makes me feel good: you’re taking time – listening and being there for others.”

To find out more about becoming a Link Age Southwark volunteer, contact 020 8299 2623; volunteering@linkagesouthwark.org or visit: www.linkagesouthwark.org

BabyBallet The award winning movement to music, dance & singing programme for boys and girls from 6 months upwards run with a fun, safe and caring environment. Classes in Dulwich.

Call Stephanie 07809 148348 | www.babyballet.co.uk.

Boppin Bunnies Interactive Music class for under 5’s led by professional musicians. Monday mornings 9:30am, 10:15am & 11am. Punk Me Up Ceramics Cafe. 34 East Dulwich Road, SE22 9AX www.boppinbunnies.co.uk.

HartBeeps Mondays at Christ Church, 263 Barry Road, East Dulwich, SE22 0JT. Mondays 10am Happy House, 11.15am Baby Beeps & 12.30pm Baby Bells.. http://hartbeeps.com

Little Superhero Training Practice your Superhero moves! Discover Superhero fun facts!

Any Little Heroes, Boys and Girls aged 2 - 5, Come along for a FREE taster session. Mondays & Fridays (term time only) St Barnabas Parish Hall, 23 Dulwich Village, SE21 7BT. Contact Lucy 07813 791757 | lucy@littleherocompany.com www.littleherocompany.com 30 | SE21 - December 2023

Lucy Sparkles Outstanding music, drama and dance classes and parties for young children. Fun classes where children engage with singing, movement and live music whilst enhancing learning through developing physical, emotional and intellectual skills.

Tues, Weds & Fri classes for different age groups/themes. sarah@lucysparkles.com | 07929 784 719

Mini Athletics (SE London) Winning the gold medal for children’s sports classes! Start your child’s fantastic journey in athletic development, designed for toddlers up to children of 7 years old. All through a fun play-based format. To try us out, contact Sam: 07811787153 | smcdermott@miniathletics.com www.miniathletics.com

Sunday Spot Free, artist-led workshops for families at South London Gallery, 65-67 Peckham Road SE5, on the last Sunday of every month. For children aged 5–12 years with their parents & carers. Pre-booking advisable. www.southlondongallery.org

SE21 - December 2023 | 31

The Last Word with Hester Vaizey Where Are You To Be Found On Saturday?

In an ideal world, Saturday morning would start with Parkrun in Dulwich Park, brunch at Spinach on Lordship Lane, and then a mosey around the market on Northcross Road. The afternoon would then be spent reading the weekend papers. In reality, I am racing around on our cargo bike, fetching and dropping children doing various activities across Dulwich. Coffee and pain au chocolat from Christopher’s on Half Moon Lane sweetens the deal though!

The Best Kept Secret...

H

ester Vaizey is an award-winning author of four books, and a long time Dulwich resident. Her interest in stories about people, and their different experiences initially took Hester down the road of history. Three degrees from Cambridge later, and seven years working there as a professional historian, she is fully trained in bringing other people’s stories to life. Hester works as a ghostwriter, and as a celebrant for funerals, guiding families through the process of organizing a funeral that truly reflects their loved one. Hester also directs the literature events for the Dulwich Festival.

How Long Have You Lived In The Area?

I grew up in Dulwich in the 1980s and 90s, and my husband and I have since settled here, near my parents, to raise our four children.

What Do You Most Value About The Area?

There are so many lovely things about living in Dulwich, from the huge number of parks and green spaces to the Brockwell lido, to the many, independent shops. Above all, I love its villagey feel, and the fact that I almost always bump into someone I know when I go out.

32 | SE21 - December 2023

I do love the Brockwell Greenhouses at the top of Brockwell Park. The gardens are a beautiful, peaceful oasis, which feel miles away from city living. I’ve enjoyed workshops doing Lino printing, wreath making and cooking, and my children have loved the pre-school Story Stompers sessions, as well as their nature-based activities in the school holidays.

I’ve also recently discovered Bell House, a volunteer led charity in the heart of Dulwich that provides creative learning for people of all ages and backgrounds. Not only have they just opened a new pottery barn, they also have an exciting, and growing events programme.

When I Want To Relax…

I go for a dip with a friend at Brockwell Lido, run a few laps around Dulwich Park or sit in a deckchair in the gardens of Dulwich Picture Gallery.

The Book I’m Reading At The Moment..

Curling up with a good book is one of my favourite things, which is why I direct the literature events for the Dulwich Festival in May each year. I started a book group with a group of friends a year ago, which is a great opportunity to try books I wouldn’t normally choose. Our next book is Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin. I also regularly dip into The Little Book of Humanist Funerals by Alice Roberts and Andrew Copson as part of my work as a celebrant for funerals, helping families to create thoughtful and personal funeral services for their loved ones. https://humanist.org.uk/hestervaizey/ www.hestervaizey.com

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We have been advertising with SE Magazines for many years now."

Pete – The Dovetail Joint "I have been advertising with SE Magazines now for nearly16 years. In fact, I was in the very first issue all those years ago. I have always liked the way the magazines look, always fresh and inviting.

Without a doubt, advertising in the mags has helped increase my business. Correspondence has always been extremely professional and helpful at very reasonable prices. Highly recommended."

Daren– The Clipper & The Little Clipper

"There are a few local publications but SE22 is the best. We have advertised in the publications for many years and feel we have received a good response. We also enjoy reading about local events and information."

Jackie - Quickprint "I have been advertising with SE Magazines pretty much from day one, so every month for well over 10 years now. It represents exceptional value for money, gets seen by a huge number of local people, both residents and businesses which is perfect, and monthon-month I have always had an excellent response to my advert. If you a running a local business and want to reach out to local people look no further."

Chris - Mac Support

"SE Magazines continues to be a great place to advertise our products and we would highly recommend. Angela is always very responsive and is a pleasure to work with!"

Robert – Ayrton Windows

"I love SE Magazines. They are full of useful information and contacts of local businesses and events. My business, Pianolobby is happy to advertise here and Angela is helpful and supportive."

"SE Magazines have always been longstanding supporters of the work of Link Age Southwark. From holding an annual Christmas lunch raising funds to enable our work to support older people in the community to promoting our volunteering opportunities. We really value the professional and high quality service they provide to the community."

Link Age Southwark – Local Charity

40 & see 0 9 3 9 6 8 0 2 a call on 0 la e g n usiness!

A b r e u iv o g y t r o o n f o Why zines can d a g a m e h t what Julian – Pianolobby

angela@semagazines.co.uk | www.semagazines.co.uk SE21 - December 2023 | 33

Index of Advertisers AIMS Accountants for Business ................................15 Around Dulwich: Local Website..................................21 Ayrton Windows & Doors.............................................2 Bells: The Dulwich Kitchen & Bathroom Company...23 Bespoke Windows .....................................................17 The Chair Sanctuary...................................................11 Christmas Market.......................................................13 The Dovetail Joint ......................................................21 Dulwich Carpet Company .........................................35 Google Ad Reviews for SE Magazines........................33 Havelock Walk Winter Open Weekend.......................31 Healthy Taliz: Physio for Dogs......................................7 Herne Hill School..........................................................5 Home Instead Senior Care ....................................Back

House RAP - Insulation Solutions .............................11 Mac Support ................................................................7 Miriam Caterina Wahl Photography.............................7 Poetic Endings: Independent Funeral Directors........15 Right at Home: Trusted Care & Companionship........23 Rightio Plumbers........................................................13 Robert Cox French Polishing......................................15 SE Magazines: Local Business Advertising.......13 & 21 SE21 Postcode Prints..................................................21 SS PC Repairs ............................................................17 T Rooney Heating.......................................................11 Village Books .............................................................13

If you contact any of our advertisers, please do say you saw them in SE21. Thank you!

Next Issue - January | Copy Deadline - 11 December

If you would like to advertise in our next issue (or SE22 and SE23), you can download our rates from our website or just get in touch with Angela on 020 8693 9040.

www.semagazines.co.uk 34 | SE21 - December 2023

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