The only Community Magazine for Dulwich Village & West Dulwich Established 2006 www.semagazines.co.uk
Issue 238 - October 2026 In this issue What’s On Dulwich Hamlet FC Garden Talk Pets Corner Fitness Tips Financial Matters Education News Herne Hill Music Festival
- P6 - P10 - P12 - P14 - P16 - P20 - P28 - P32
Local Events | News | Community News | Local Businesses | Features
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Welcome to SE21 Welcome to the October issue of SE21. After a wonderful summer it is feeling very autumnal as I type. But as the sun is still out, I am not complaining about the drop in temperature! As usual I have rounded up all the great events taking place in and around Dulwich. The events pages start on page 6. October is another busy month for events, so we have a super eight pages of online and in person events happening in and around Dulwich. Please do check any event before turning up to make sure that they are still going ahead. Remember to check out www.semagazines.co.uk too as many events get added after I have gone to print. You can often find out more details online too. If you are running a local event you can add it, for free, to our online calendar. I am always on the look out for people to have The Last Word in the magazine. You need to live or work in the postcode to be considered. Please email me if you are interested. Remember the magazine depends on all the wondeful local advertisers, so please do let them know if you saw them in this magazine!
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Call 020 8693 9040 angela@semagazines.co.uk www.semagazines.co.uk @semags_arounddulwich
Until next time.
Angela Angela Burgess Head of All Things Community SE Magazines
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!
Contents Welcome ..................................................................... 3 Events Calendar.......................................................... 4 What’s On..........................6, 8, 9, 24, 25, 28, 29 & 30 Dulwich Hamlet FC Update ...................................... 10 Garden Talk .............................................................. 12 Pets Corner................................................................ 14 Fitness Tips............................................................... 16
Financial Matters...................................................... 20 Children’s Activities.................................................. 21 Education News........................................................ 22 Ripe Old Age.............................................................. 26 Herne Hill Music Festival ......................................... 32 Index ........................................................................ 34
November Deadline - 15 October (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 © istockphoto.com. SE21 - October 2026 | 3
Events Calendar - October Monday
Tuesday
28th
29th
Wednesday
Thursday
30th
1st
Friday
2nd
6th
Anne Lynch RWS - Exhibition see p6.
4th
BNI Adventures p6.
parkruns, see p6.
Junior parkruns, p8.
Goose Green Lunch Club p6.
The Weekly Horniman Peckham Farmers’ Market p8. Market, p6. Lambeth Open, see p8.
13th
Dulwich Park Runners see p24.
19th The East Dulwich Community Centre Assocation AGM, see p29.
26th
8th
An Evening with Celia Imrie, p8.
Deep Rest Gong Bath, see p9.
9th
10th
11th
16th
17th
18th
parkruns, see p6.
Junior parkruns, p8.
Herne Hill Music Festival, see p24. Junior parkruns, p8. Goose Green Coffee Goose Green Lunch Honor Oak WI Wanderlust & parkruns, see p6. Mornings, p24. Meeting, see p9. Books: An Evening The Weekly Horniman Club p6. Peckham Farmers’ of Japan Travel & Market p8. London Station by David Supporting your Market, p6. Tales see p24. McCloskey, see p9. Dyslexic Learner p24. Music in the Dulwich Wine Lewisham Introductory Lino Haydn The Fashion or Fantasy? Afternoon @ Bell Society, p24. Underwater Workshop p9. Creation, see p25. Decoding Dress @ House, see p25. Hockey Club p6. Dulwich Park Dulwich Picture Singaround, p25. Runners see p24. Gallery p24.
12th
Dulwich WI, see page 29.
7th
Sunday
3rd
Anne Lynch RWS - Exhibition see p6.
Lewisham Underwater Hockey Club p6.
5th
Saturday
20th The Eights by Joanna Miller, see p29.
BNI Adventures p6.
14th
21st
22nd
23rd
BNI Adventures p6. Goose Green Coffee Goose Green Lunch Lewisham Mornings, p24. Club p6. Underwater Hockey Club p6. Introductory Lino Supporting your Workshop p28. Dyslexic Learner p29.
Dulwich Park Runners see p24.
Dulwich Wine Society, p24.
27th
28th Goose Green Coffee Mornings, p24.
Dulwich Park Runners see p24.
15th
Herne Hill Music Festival, see p24. Goose Green Coffee BNI Adventures p6. Mornings, p24. Goose Green Lunch Dulwich Wine Club p6. Society, p24. Supporting your Lewisham Introductory Lino Dyslexic Learner p28. Underwater Workshop p28. Five Tastes by Hockey Club p6. EDWI Strictly Come Fuchsia Dunlop p28. Dancing, see p25.
Dulwich Wine Society, p24.
Peckham Farmers’ Market, p6. Women’s Wellbeing Event, see p28.
The Weekly Horniman Market p8. Deep Rest Gong Bath, see p29.
24th
25th
parkruns, see p6.
Junior parkruns, p8.
Peckham Farmers’ The Weekly Horniman Market p8. Market, p6. So Last Century’s Vintage Fair, see p30.
Redwood by Ben Macintyre, see p30.
29th
30th
BNI Adventures p6.
Lewisham Underwater Hockey Club p6.
31st
The Dulwich Players present Richard III, see p30.
Goose Green Lunch Club p6.
1st
parkruns, see p6. Peckham Farmers’ Market, p6.
The Brothers Gillespie, see p30.
Forthcoming Events Further details where available can be found in the News and Events pages 6, 8, 9, 24, 25, 28, 29 & 30. Please read as not all the events can fit on the calendar! 4 | SE21 - October 2026
1976–2026 50 YE A
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The perfect setting for your child’s early schooling } Focusing exclusively on first-class Early Childhood Education (age 2+ to 7+), the most crucial period in a child’s life } Transitioning seamlessly from play-based to more structured learning, preparing the children to move on at 7+ with that special Herne Hill School spark } Embedding key values and developing ‘the whole child’ through a unique, continuous five-year curriculum } Expert staff operating under the ethos of Love · Care · Excellence in which children excel and learn with fun and enthusiasm } Extensive wrap-around care from 7.45am to 6pm } High-quality holiday provision for children aged 2–4
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SE21 - October 2026 | 5
What's On - November Thursdays 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 October: BNI Adventures 6:30am – 8:30am. Part of the award winning multi-national networking organisation, BNI, Adventurers brings together businesses local to Dulwich with the aim of passing business and keeping money in the local community. Givers gain, and members of Adventurers have excelled at both over the last 12 months. Breakfast included. Free parking. Get referrals: boost your business! Please contact Hayley on 07843 989728 for more information. Dulwich & Sydenham Golf Club, Grange Lane, College Road, Dulwich, SE21 7LH. Register for this event on: www.eventbrite.co.uk
Thursdays 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 October: Goose Green Lunch Club 12.30pm-2pm The lunch club is a friendly and informal club for people over 55. We meet every Thursday during term time and enjoy a delicious main course and dessert with tea and coffee for £5. If you’re interested in joining us for lunch or if you would like to volunteer with us, please call: Martin: 07939 288885 / Barbara: 0208 693 2090 Goose Green Centre, 62A East Dulwich Road, SE22 9AT
Friday 2 - Tuesday 6 October: Anne Lynch RWS – Exhibition
Fridays 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 October: Lewisham Underwater Hockey Club 7:45pm – 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. Forest Hill Pools, Dartmouth Road, Forest Hill SE23 2HZ. www.luwhc.org.uk.
Saturdays 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31 October: Parkrun 9am – 10am Dulwich Parkrun
Free, weekly timed 5k run, jog, or walk in Dulwich Park starting from Queen Mary’s Gate. Register once and bring your printed barcode (can be used at any parkrun across the world). Firsttimers briefing at 08.50. Also in Peckham Rye, Brockwell and Crystal Palace parks. https://www.parkrun.org.uk/dulwich/
Peckham Rye Park Run
A 3-lap anti clockwise course, entirely on tarmac and is mainly flat and therefore a potential PB course The start & finish are located close to the Colyton Road entrance of the park. Peckham Rye Park, Colyton Road SE15 4JR. https://www.parkrun.org.uk/peckhamrye/
Saturday 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31 October: Peckham Farmers' Market 9.30am-3pm Peckham’s Bellenden Road gets a new weekly food destination as Peckham Farmers Market. With seating, music and a carefully curated trader line-up, Peckham Farmers Market aims to become a weekly ritual for residents, a place to shop, eat, drink and connect, right in the heart of the neighbourhood. The Belham Primary School, Bellenden Road, Peckham, SE15 4DG.
Solo exhibition of new paintings and works on paper at Green’s Gallery Dulwich Village. Artist Talk: Sunday 4 October, 2–3pm Green’s Gallery, 31 Dulwich Village, SE21 7BN. 6 | SE21 - October 2026
If you have an event you would like to promote, you can submit it for free via our website:
www.semagazines.co.uk 8
CLASSICAL MUSIC SUNDAY AFTERNOONS www.bellhouse.co.uk/music
October 11 Holtág Quartet
November 1 Chloe ChousmerKerr November 22 Emilija Karaliute
December 13 Levanto Ensemble December 20 Denis Patrickson
January 17 Jasmine Quartet
Help with School Fees Over 200 pupils have a free or subsidised place
Find out more dulwich.org.uk/bursaries SE21 - October 2026 | 7
What's On - November Saturday 3 - Sunday 4 October: Lambeth Open
10am-6pm. Lambeth Open showcases the fantastic range of creative talent tucked away in our borough and is a great way to discover the various art spaces too often hidden in your neighbourhoods. Started in 2009, it continues its mission of shining a spotlight on the exceptional talent within the borough. From painters and sculptors to blossoming designers and crafters, creators open their workspaces, homes, and shared spaces for visitors to explore, engage with, and support. Visitors will be able to see inside the artist’s studios and exhibition spaces for a unique personal insight into the individual technical processes. Various venues across Lambeth. Hub Venue at Herne Hill Station Hall, SE24 0JW. www.lambethopen.com. FREE ADMISSION.
Sundays 4, 11, 18 & 25 October: Peckham Rye Junior Park Run 9am – 9:30am 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. 8 | SE21 - October 2026
Saturday 3 October: An Evening with Celia Imrie: The Elegant Hustler 7.30pm-8.30pm
Join us for an evening with award-winning actor and star of the BBC’s Celebrity Traitors Celia Imrie as she shares her adventures from around the world with fellow actor Fidelis Morgan. From tours across Australia with Glenda Jackson, Arctic quests in search of the Northern lights and chaotic cross-country journeys through Europe; to rolling through America’s sweeping plains on Amtrak, glamorous voyages on the Queen Mary 2, and unforgettable trips on India’s legendary trains, Celia narrates her expeditions with wit and humour. The journeys may be long, but they are never dull – especially when her travel companion Fidelis Morgan is in tow. Drama seems to follow the two actors wherever they go. Richly observed and full of charm, this is a love letter to adventure, friendship and the enduring joy that rewards curiosity. A Village Books event in association with Alleyn's Schools Enterprises. The MCT, Townley Road, East Dulwich, SE22 8SU. Tickets: https://www.village-books.co.uk.
Sundays 4, 11, 18 & 25 October: 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 pickle and preserves. www.horniman.ac.uk/ 100 London Road, Forest Hill, SE23 3PQ.
What's On - November Sunday 4 October: Deep Rest Gong Bath Brockley 6pm-7pm Imagine stepping into a tranquil and intimate space, laying down on a yoga mat, and allowing the soothing and evocative vibrations of the gong to wash over you. Your body will be invited into a deep state rest, while your overactive mind will get an opportunity to switch off and invite in a sense of calm and clarify. Booking Link: bit.ly/4zgP6uq. andosteo, 179 Brockley Road SE4 2RS.
Tuesday 6 October: Introductory Lino Workshop (Evening Taster) 6pm-8.30pm Join local printmaker Sarah in this lino print evening taster at the Bell House Print Room and Bindery. You will learn the step-by-step method of lino printing, a printmaking process used by artists such as Picasso and Matisse. Sarah will show you how to carve a lino plate, ink up using a brayer and print using analogue printers. All levels are welcome. www.bellhouse.co.uk. Bell House, 27 College Road, SE21 7BG.
Tuesday 6 October: Life Drawing & Painting 7pm-8.30pm This is an online drawing & painting session conducted via Zoom.Long pose life painting and drawing. A single pose held for three hours with 5 minute model breaks every 25 minutes. This class will be run by Freya Tate, a wonderful artist with a sharp eye and a playful line. The session will be life model focused but Freya will introduce chaotic elements to challenge you and move your drawing on to higher levels. The Dulwich Art Group & School. www.dulwichartgroup.co.uk.
Tuesday 6 October: Honor Oak WI Monthly Meeting 7.30pm-9.30pm. The Honor Oak WI is a friendly and supportive group of women of all ages, backgrounds and interests. We meet Monthly on the first Tuesday of the month. We also have a book club, craft club and gallery & museum visits group. All are welcome but maybe a charge for materials for non-members. honoroakwi@gmail.com. Stanstead Lodge Café, Northwood Road, SE23 1DD.
Tuesday 6 October: London Station by David McCloskey
7.30pm-8.30pm. Artemis Procter returns in London Station, the latest spy thriller the former CIA analyst, David McCloskey. What if the CIA and British intelligence began spying on each other? This is the question at the heart of David McCloskey’s thrilling fifth novel. A new US Administration has taken office, installing a brash and unconventional CIA Director determined to disrupt the Agency and sceptical of its close relationship with their cousins across the Atlantic. Case officers, including newly installed London Chief of Station, Artemis Procter, must now navigate a tense environment as old friends become adversaries and no one knows who to trust. When agents run by both services begin dying, Procter and her team at London Station must decide whether loyalty to the Mission and their friends means disobeying the Agency they serve. This brilliant new thriller depicts the nuts-andbolts mechanics of how CIA and MI6 collaborate and explores what happens when politics threaten to destroy the 'Special Relationship’ between America and Britain. David McCloskey is a former CIA analyst who worked in field stations across the Middle East and briefed senior White House officials and Arab royalty. His first novel, Damascus Station, was called 'one of the best spy thrillers in years’ by The Times; his second, Moscow X, was a Sunday Times Thriller of the Year. His third, The Seventh Floor, was a Sunday Times bestseller. A Village Books event in association with Alleyn's Schools Enterprises. The MCT, Townley Road, East Dulwich, SE22 8SU. For more information and to buy tickets go to: https://www.village-books.co.uk. SE21 - October 2026 | 9
24
Dulwich Hamlet FC dulwichhamletfc.co.uk | dhst.org.uk | Champion Hill Stadium, Edgar Kail Way, East Dulwich, London SE22 8BD.
Enjoying the season?
I
t has been a flying start to the season at Champion Hill. Games and gaols aplenty, and all enjoyed in the final blast of heat before the skies truly darken, and we all forget what a heatwave feels like for another 6 months. Our men’s team have even enjoyed a bit of a FA Cup run. At the time of writing this, he says jinxing it, the Hamlet have put in a performance in the cup that has fans dreaming of a lovely Wembley trip in May. For now, maybe let’s just hope that by the time you read this we are still in it! In the league, both the men’s and women’s teams have now kicked off their seasons and have gotten off to a good start. Long way to go of course, but we should be in for another season of ups and downs – and hopefully a promotion push or two. Make sure you get down to a game soon and enjoy the ride!
Scaling More Than Just The League
Come For The Football, Stay For The Merch… If there is one thing we know our fans love more than almost anything, it is our legendary merchandise – situated in our iconic Mega Container at Champion Hill. Possibly the most iconic of all our merch, beyond maybe our bar scarves, is our home and away shirts for the season. Well, we have our all new 2026/27 shirts in stock and ready for you all to come and grab them (while stocks last). As ever, they are a thing of beauty, so check them out on the Trust online store, or swing by the shop on a matchday and come and take a look for yourself. While you are there, why not also check out our bucket hats and beanies, our t-shirts and scarves, our badges and our pins – and more besides. Our very popular corduroy hats are back in stock now, and for a limited time only, so get ‘em while you can (and before we lose the sun completely for another 6 months…).
Fixtures Not only have our brilliant women’s team been scaling the heights of the league in recent years, but they are also tackling actual buildings now too. In support of the King’s College hospital charity some of our players abseiled down the hospital to help raise funds and awareness, and in our club colours no less. You can find the videos of the abseil on the club’s social media, and I am sure you will agree, it is a great effort from all involved. If you are impressed with their effort, why not donate what you can do this brilliant charity doing important work in our community. 10 | SE21 - October 2026
In October the men are at home twice. First up is Carshalton Athletic on Saturday 17th, and then Chatham Town visit Champion Hill on Tuesday 20th. Get your tickets on the club website or get down to the ground on the day – but always best to buy in advance to avoid disappointment. For the women, just the one home fixture. Luton Town are coming to visit on Sunday 18th, so be sure not to miss that! If you haven’t been on a Sunday yet, our women’s games have such a brilliant atmosphere, and you will immediately see what all the fuss is about. Anyway, up the Hamlet – and see you at Champion Hill soon!
AN EVENING OF WORLD CLASS OPERA, FINE DINING AND FUNDRAISING presenting
Charne Rochford & Special Guests TO BENEFIT
The Uganda School Project
TICK ET S £15 0 OR £15 0 0 F OR A TAB LE OF 1 0 TO INC LU DE A F INE DINING MENU
F R IDAY, 27 TH NOV EM BER
SC A N HE RE FOR TIC KE TS:
THE GR E AT HAL L, DULWICH COLLE G E , SE 21 7LD
SE21 - October 2026 | 11
Garden Talk With Janine Winlaw | Instagram @janinewinlaw
Trees For Hotter Gardens
O
live trees often spring to mind when we think about planting for a hotter, drier, Mediterranean-feeling summer. They are hugely useful small evergreen trees and have loved the heat we’ve just had. But there are plenty of other small trees to consider for our London gardens that seem to have enjoyed the warmth. Lagerstroemia indica, the crepe myrtle, is a tree to consider. It is a familiar street tree in Mediterranean countries but is becoming increasingly common in the UK. The sun helps the new growth on the bark become more resilient over the winter, although it still needs a warm, sheltered spot and good drainage. Its large flowers come in whites and pinks, above beautiful peeling bark, and it makes a good multi-stemmed tree. ‘Rhapsody in Pink’ and white-flowered ‘Neige d’Été’ are useful for smaller gardens, reaching around 3m, while ‘Natchez’ is a larger choice, reaching around 6–8m. For something even more exotic, Albizia julibrissin, the Persian silk tree, native to Iran and across Asia, has delicate divided foliage and fluffy pink flowers in summer. The green-leaved species has a wonderfully airy quality, while ‘Summer Chocolate’ has deep chocolate-purple foliage for something more dramatic. Both can be grown as multi-stemmed trees, which suits their open, spreading habit. They need a warm, sunny and sheltered position and well-drained soil. The species can eventually reach around 6–10m, although ‘Summer Chocolate’ is generally smaller and more compact. Acca sellowiana, or pineapple guava (feijoa) is a more unusual alternative olives with evergreen grey-green foliage. It has unusual red and white flowers and edible fruit. It can be grown as a shrub or trained into a small tree, at around 1.5– 2.5m and looks great as a multi-stemmed plant. It needs a sunny, sheltered spot and good drainage. Arbutus unedo, the strawberry tree, is another excellent candidate especially for those wanting an evergreen tree. It has peeling reddish bark, white
12 | SE21 - October 2026
bell-shaped flowers and strawberry-like fruits. It can eventually reach around 6–8m, although it is relatively slow growing, and looks particularly good as a multi-stemmed tree, where the colourful bark and branching structure become part of the display. It is tolerant of dry conditions once established, but still needs good drainage and does best in a sunny, sheltered position. Parrotia persica, the Persian ironwood, is a very good small tree for a warmer garden. Its small crimson flowers appear on the bare branches in late winter, followed by fresh green leaves and spectacular yellow, orange and red autumn colour. The peeling bark provides winter interest too. It can reach around 4–8m and is happy in sun or partial shade, provided the soil is well drained. Pinus sylvestris ‘Watereri’ is a compact form of our native Scots pine, with blue-green needles and orange-red bark. It reaches around 2.5–4m and is useful where you want an evergreen tree with a strong architectural quality. It is also drought tolerant once established and, like many of the trees here, prefers good drainage. Crataegus persimilis ‘Prunifolia’, the plumleaved thorn, offers white spring blossom, red berries and excellent autumn colour. It can reach around 4–8m, so needs a little more room than some of the other choices. It is a tough, adaptable tree rather than a specifically Mediterranean one, but its combination of blossom, fruit and autumn colour makes it well worth considering. Cercis canadensis has fresh green heart shaped leaves , but ‘Forest Pansy’ is more dramatic, with purple foliage and pink flowers appearing on the bare stems in spring. It can reach around 4–8m but is often grown as a large shrub or small multi-stemmed tree, which gives it a particularly attractive sculptural quality. It prefers a sunny position and fertile, well-drained soil. Young trees need watering while they establish, whatever their origins. And while these trees come from very different parts of the world, there is a common lesson is that they may tolerate lots of sunshine, but good drainage is important for the winter months. Shelter is also important for some of the more exotic choices. And the better news about our warmer summers is that trees that once seemed exotic are beginning to look surprisingly at home.
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SE21 - October 2026 | 13
Pets Corner Leonie St Clair | www.londondogstraining.co.uk
Hidden Dangers In The Garden
A
utumn is now fully upon us and soon the clocks will change and nights draw in. Pet owners should prepare themselves for the annual fireworks onslaught, which now seems to begin with Halloween. It is now too late to try to desensitise your pet to fireworks noise, smell and visuals; instead visit your vet for some short-term calming medication and ensure your pet has a sound-proofed ‘safe space’ to hide in, should they wish. Keep all animals indoors after dusk. You should also visit animal welfare websites like Battersea and The Dog’s Trust for excellent, detailed advice on how to prepare and what to do if your pet panics. Autumn is also the time when many of us start getting the garden ready for winter, doing late pruning and even changing or moving plants. For many of us the garden is a safe haven that offers protected space where our pets get to roam and play. That freedom and agency is also an important part of protecting their wellbeing and health, with opportunities to explore, sniff and sometimes even nibble. However, it is that ‘exploratory’ nibbling that can be a double-edged sword, that I want to talk about here. I have been lucky to own a number of cats and dogs all of which have exhibited some limited foraging behaviour, catnip being an obvious exception for the felines. All of my dogs have ‘sampled’ bits of greenery as pups, but all were also blessed with cast iron stomachs- one dog memorably scavenged and gulped down a whole deceased Snipe- beak, claws and all, with zero ill effects. However, my most recent pup is an inveterate plant nibbler with an exceedingly delicate digestive system, consequently all my garden borders have now had to be fenced off. Even so, his seemingly inexhaustible taste for twigs and blooms, means he’ll probe and poke around at the fence with his snout, in the hope of finding a hole through which to nip off yet another flowerhead.
14 | SE21 - October 2026
All this prompted me to undertake a toxic audit of my garden. I thought I had a pretty decent working knowledge of what to avoid; anything related to alliums and onions, spring and autumn bulbs, and lilies were all ‘out’. I also knew hydrangeas, rhododendrons and azaleas were another toxic category (and, yes, my clay soil means I have plenty of those). I also knew that the beautiful oleander plant is incredibly dangerous to all animals, even in dried form, and I had ripped one out of my garden years ago. However, on digging deeper there were some serious surprises in store. I discovered the increasingly popular sago palm is deadly. Box tree, in all its forms, whether loose or topiary, is very toxic. Privet- who knew- is toxic. Most annoying of all was the discovery that common forms of oxalis (sorrel) which abound in many garden lawns, are also toxic and extremely hard to get rid of. Many dogs, as well as some cats, enjoy a bit of lawn grazing from time to time. It is not possible in this short article to give a complete list of toxic plants. I would, however, urge every pet owner to visit www.HTA.org.uk, download the guide and undertake their own pet appropriate garden audit. It is possible to replace highly toxic plants with non-toxic varieties and autumn is a great time to change and revamp the garden. The long- term effects of poisoning can be serious and lead to irreversible organ damage, so it is worth taking this potential issue seriously. If your pet presents with sudden changes in behaviour; breathing issues, wobbly gait, digestive upset or skin irritation, consider that plant ingestion or contact may be the culprit. Speak to your vet, better safe than sorry.
Anne
Lewisham & Southwark
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Your Fitness
Fitness tips with Antonia Bannasch | www.bodyshotperformance.com
Do You Train Your Grip Strength? Here is Why You Should
A
re you aware of your grip strength? Why would it matter, I hear you ask! In 2015 a study called PURE followed nearly 140,000 people across 17 countries. The researchers measured all sorts of things, but one number kept turning up as unusually useful: how hard someone could squeeze a handle. Every 5kg drop in grip strength was linked to a 16% higher risk of dying from any cause over the next four years. It also tracked with heart attacks and strokes. In that data, grip predicted death better than systolic blood pressure, which is the number your GP actually checks. Later work on half a million people in UK Biobank found much the same thing.
It Isn't About Your Hands This is where people sometimes go wrong. They read the headline and buy a spring-loaded gripper for their desk. Grip is a proxy. You can't have strong hands and forearms bolted onto a weak, wasting body, so squeezing a dynamometer gives you a quick read on your total muscle health. It takes ten seconds and costs almost nothing, which is why researchers love it. Muscle mass and strength fall away from your forties onwards if you do nothing about it. Grip is just the easiest place to watch it happening. Worth saying plainly: this is association, not cause. Squeezing a gripper will not add years to your life. Being a stronger person might.
What Counts As Weak Clinicians use rough cut offs to flag muscle loss: under 27kg for men, under 16kg for women. Below that, it's worth raising with your GP. Most of us don't own a dynamometer, so try this instead. Hang from a bar or a solid door frame with your feet off the floor. Thirty seconds is a decent showing. A minute is good. If you can't hold on for ten, you've found your project. 16 | SE21 - October 2026
Four Things That Actually Work 1) Dead hangs: Hang from a bar. Build towards a minute. Do it most days. It's good for your shoulders as well. 2) Farmer’s carries: Pick up something heavy in each hand and walk. Kettlebells, dumbbells, two shopping bags. Sixty seconds, three or four rounds. 3) Stop using lifting straps: If you lift, straps let your back work while your hands coast. Save them for your heaviest sets. 4) Carry the shopping in one trip: Not to be underestimated. You load up and walk the distance home/car.
The Wider Point None of this replaces proper strength training. Two sessions a week covering legs, hips, back and shoulders will do far more for you than any amount of hand work. Train the whole body and your grip improves anyway. But grip is the bit that gets skipped, and it's the bit that shows up first when something is going wrong. It's also what decides whether you can still carry a suitcase upstairs or open a jar at eighty. Hang off something this week!
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Come & try our range of beautiful pianos Playing piano is fun for all the family! Also helps your child get ahead at school. Pianolobby is in SE London & we are experts in matching people to their ideal upright piano. Please call Julian on 020 3645 3930 or email: julian@pianolobby.co.uk | www.pianolobby.co.uk
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10.00am - 6.00pm 9.30am - 8.00pm 10.00am - 6.00pm
• Wednesday 14th October • Wednesday 4th November • Wednesday 25th November
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Year 11 Open Day Events 2026 for Year 12 Entry September 2027
• Saturday 3rd October • Wednesday 7th October • Saturday 10th October
Year 6 Open Day Event Dates 2026 for Year 7 Entry September 2027
Financial Matters
With David Frederick FCCA | Marcus Bishop Associates | marcus-bishop.com
Cohabitation Creates Family, Not Legal Security
D
espite the massive fanfare and celebrations starting in some quarters, there has been no change in the law for cohabiting couples in the UK. The case of Penny Less and Ivor Payne serves as a reminder that cohabiting couples often face unique challenges when one partner passes away. Penny died suddenly after a short illness. Her partner of 14 years, Ivor, discovered the realities that surprises cohabiting families: love, longevity and shared children do not create legal protection. Penny died intestate (without a will). Suddenly, the consequences for this blended family were a shock to Ivor as they were a family. Ivor and Penny had built a life together in Penny’s home. They raised their twin daughters, alongside Ivor’s son from his first marriage. They shared bills, responsibilities, routines, and a future. However, they were not legal spouses in UK law. They were simply two people living together. This distinction determines everything. Under UK intestacy rules, cohabiting partners inherit nothing. It does not matter whether the relationship lasted two years or twenty; that they raised children together; or whether the surviving partner contributed financially or emotionally. So, when Penny died, her entire estate - including the house - passed automatically to her biological twin daughters. This meant her twin daughters she shared with Ivor became the legal owners of the home overnight. The daughters were minors; therefore, the property moved into a statutory trust until the daughters reached eighteen. The trustees’ duties are to act in the best interest of the children, not Ivor’s. That is the reality. This is the heart of the “Ivor’s problem”: a surviving partner who has lived in the home for over a decade suddenly has no legal right to remain there. No right to make decisions about the property. No right to benefit from it. Ivor is
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now entirely dependent on trustees agreeing to let him stay - and trustees must prioritise the children’s interests, not his housing security. The blendedfamily dynamic makes this even more complex. Ivor’s son from his first marriage has no claim on Penny’s estate. Stepchildren are not recognised under intestacy. The estate passes entirely to the twins, creating an imbalance that Penny herself may never have intended or reflected upon. All is not lost; Ivor can gain some comfort from the law in the form of the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975. Ivor will need to prove dependency and cohabitation, and even then, the outcome is uncertain. This is the last road Ivor, or any grieving partner would want to travel along. The legal progress may be time consuming, and Ivor will incur legal fees. Above all the process is emotionally draining. This is a reminder that litigation is a last resort, not a plan. On reflection, cohabitation creates family, but not legal security. Cohabiting couples especially blended families should always consider a will, updated beneficiary nominations and a clear plan for property and children. Any changes in the law will arrive too late for Ivor.
Hi, I’m Tommy Rooney, owner of T Rooney Heating Limited, a family run gas and heating company. I was born and raised in Dulwich and have worked in the local area within the gas industry for over 10 years. Please do not hesitate to contact me.
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French Polishing to all wood furniture Polishing of staircases & paneling Repairs & laying of wood floors Established for Fifty Years All Work Insured & Guaranteed Member of The Guild of Mastercraftsmen
www.trooneyheating.co.uk trooneyheating@gmail.com 07944921626
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
Family Space Free, creative workshops that take place on the last Saturday of the month at the South London Gallery, 6567 Peckham Road. For children aged 5-12 years old with their parents and carers. Drop-in, no need to book. www.southlondongallery.org
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
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
@robert1cox www.robertcox.net | mail@robertcox.net | 020 8778 0712
Nature Makers Eco-friendly crafting for little creatives! Join our awardwinning classes & events, where your child can get creative, connect with nature, and have fun in a safe, welcoming environment! Contact: marie@nature-makers.co.uk or visit: www.nature-makers.co.uk
Tennis-4-Kids Learn young, have fun. Rally around for a smashing time. Serving ages 3-11. Rackets supplied; fun guaranteed. Gordon 07877 391005 | www.tennis-4-kids.com | gordonwood@hotmail.co.uk
‘Unicornios y Dinosaurios’ Fun and interactive Spanish language play classes, for children aged 0-5, and their parents and carers. Thursdays mornings (term-time only) in East Dulwich. Suitable for all levels of Spanish! Contact Hazel on 07852 553 239 or hazelcarr@ hotmail.com.
Your Class Here
If you would like to advertise your children’s class here, please e-mail angela@semagazines.co.uk for details. SE21 - October 2026 | 21
The Importance of Representation and Belonging in Education Education News From Alleyn's | www.alleyns.org.uk Authored by Chizzy Chukwukere and Nneka Eze, Founders of Alleyn’s Senior School Black Parents’ network
A
s Black parents, we often find ourselves reflecting on what it truly means for a child to feel that they belong. For us, belonging begins with being seen, understood and valued. It is about knowing that your identity, experiences, voice and individual strengths have a place within the community around you. Representation plays an important part in creating that sense of belonging. It is often discussed in terms of seeing people who look like us in positions of leadership or seeing our cultures reflected in books and the curriculum. These things matter enormously. However, representation is also about children seeing their experiences acknowledged and understanding that there is a place for people like them within every part of society. As Black parents, we know how meaningful it can be for children to see positive representations of Black people in their schools not only during Black History Month, but throughout the year. Our children should encounter Black authors, leaders, scientists, artists, educators and community members as part of the everyday story of education. This helps children develop a strong sense of identity while also enabling all children to appreciate and learn from experiences different from their own. Our experience in a SEND setting has reinforced for us that belonging goes beyond representation. Every child is different, and inclusion cannot mean expecting every child to fit into the same mould. It means creating environments where children can participate, communicate and succeed in ways that recognise their individual needs and strengths. We have seen how small changes can have a significant impact. Giving children opportunities to share their experiences, creating inclusive learning materials, listening to families, celebrating different cultures and identities, and providing opportunities for pupils to contribute to their school community can transform how children see themselves. When a child feels that their voice matters, they are more
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likely to engage, take risks in their learning and believe in what they can achieve. We also believe that building strong school communities depends on genuine partnership with families. Parents and carers bring knowledge, culture, experiences and perspectives that enrich a school. When schools create meaningful opportunities for families to be heard and involved, they become stronger and more connected communities. There is also something powerful about communities learning from one another. As parents, educators and leaders, we all have a role to play in challenging assumptions, widening representation and creating spaces where every child feels safe to be themselves. For us, honouring our communities means recognising the everyday contributions that make children feel that they belong. It is in the teacher who takes time to understand a child, the parent who shares their culture, the pupil who welcomes someone who feels different, and the school leader who asks whether every child truly feels seen. Ultimately, we want every child to grow up knowing: I am valued. My story matters. I belong here. And I have something to contribute.
Retirement living in the heart of south London
Experience life at The Vale The Vale is a beautiful, secure, gated community offering everything you need to embrace a vibrant lifestyle in SW16. 1- & 2-bedroom apartments to rent available from £2,500 per month (including service charge) • Beautiful surroundings • Secure, gated development • Independent living with bespoke Apartments rented and sold unfurnished. *Terms services & Conditions apply care designed around you • Guest suites for your friends and family to stay
• Great companionship with like-minded people • A sociable and fun community • Enjoy a chat with friends and family over a delicious meal in the Bar & Bistro or a fish & chip night • Delight in a current affairs quiz, an art masterclass, your favourite book in the library or a cut & blow dry in the hair salon • Explore the great outdoors in Dulwich Park or take a walk to The Rookery, Streatham Common
Call us for a friendly chat or to arrange a viewing on 0808 169 6511 or visit our website thevaleliving.co.uk SE21 - October 2026 | 23
What's On - November Tuesdays 6, 13, 20 & 27 October: 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! www.dulwichparkrunners.co.uk enquiries@dulwichparkrunners.com Trevor Bailey Club House Dulwich Common SE21 7HA
Wednesdays 7, 14, 21 & 28 October: Goose Green Coffee Morning 11am-12.30pm Do drop into Goose Green Coffee Morning for a warm welcome, coffee, tea and cake! We are open every Wednesday, it's a great place to get to know others from the local community. All welcome! Free! St John The Evangelist, East Dulwich, 62A East Dulwich Road SE22 9AT.
Wednesdays 7, 14, 21 & 28 October: Dulwich Wine Society 7.30pm-9pm Wines change each week. Guest price £33, Members £22. Membership for the autumn season is £50. 65 Rosendale Road, SE21 8EZ Register at www.dulwich-wine-society.co.uk. to try an evening at the member rate.
Thursday 8 October: Supporting Your Dyslexic Learner
7pm-8.30pm. Children with dyslexia may learn differently from you. The course has been designed to help you understand how you can best support a child at home and at school. This session will look at the signs and symptoms of dyslexia, the different types of reports and how to get a diagnosis. It will discuss how reports can be used to apply for exam arrangements and Disabled Student Allowance (DSA). www.bellhouse.co.uk. Bell House, 27 College Road, Dulwich, SE21 7BG. 24 | SE21 - October 2026
Thursday 8 October: Fashion or Fantasy? Decoding Dress at Dulwich Picture Gallery 8pm-9pm. From shimmering silks to glittering brocades, the paintings in Dulwich Picture Gallery provide a treasure trove of information about fashionable clothing. Drawing upon ideas expressed in lecturer Jacqui Ansell’s publication Fashion (National Gallery and Yale 2026), she will present a wealth of close-up details of dress to attract the eye and seduce the senses. Arts Society Dulwich annual membership for ten lecturers £70 single, £135 couple, £30 if you are under 30. Visitors welcome at £10 at the door or £5 if you are under 30. JAGS Sixth Form Centre off Green Dale, SE22 8TG No access from JAGS School/Reception/Music Centre. Parking available; access for pedestrians and cars from 7.15pm. Refreshments from 7.30pm
www.theartssocietydulwich.org.uk/membership
Friday 9 - Sunday 18 October: Herne Hill Music Festival Herne Hill comes alive over two weekends of live music, performances, and community events across the neighbourhood. From jazz and Latin rhythms to choirs, family concerts, and late-night sessions, the festival brings together artists, audiences, pubs, halls, churches and community spaces in celebration of local music and culture. www.hernehillfestival.org.
Friday 9 October: Wanderlust and Books: An evening of Japan Travel & Tales 7pm-9pm Join Village Books for an inspiring evening discovering the beauty, literature, and culture of Japan. We’ve teamed up with local travel business Experience Away and invited two of their experts to share their knowledge and experience of this fascinating country. Discover iconic highlights, explore the contrasts of Japanese culture, and uncover hands-on experiences that offer a deeper understanding of local life with expert tips from Dagmar and Charlie. There will be an illustrated talk by Charlie, and you can browse a hand-picked selection of books on Japan, from travel guides and captivating novels to culinary books and more. Ticket includes a glass of wine and is redeemable against any Japan travel guide purchased during the evening. Book tickets via: www.trybooking.com/uk/event/121172 Village Books, 1D Calton Avenue SE21 7DE
What's On - November Friday 9 October: Love DVIS
Celebrating 20 years of Mrs (Helen) Poyton’s Leadership of Dulwich Village C of E Infants’ School 7pm-9pm
Inviting former pupils; past and present parents and staff; and the local community to join us for an Open Evening thanking Mrs Poyton for her work as Head Teacher over 20 years (so far!). Visit your past stomping grounds, find out how much has changed and catch up with old friends and colleagues over a drink. We do hope you will join us. For details of how to book email: office@dulwichvillage.southwark.sch.uk Dulwich Village C of E Infants School - Lake Building, Dulwich Village, Dulwich, SE21 7BU. We are very grateful to House of Design Architects and Philosophy Education for kindly sponsoring this occasion.
Saturday 10 October: Haydn The Creation 6pm-7.30pm Join us for one of the greatest masterpieces ever written. Haydn's The Creation is a joyful and dramatic celebration of the natural world, filled with soaring choruses, beautiful solo moments and glorious orchestral writing. Musical Direction by Oliver Lallemant. Tickets from £16. www.tickettailor.com/events/southdulwichchorus
St Stephen’s Church, College Road SE21 7HW.
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Wednesday 14 October: East Dulwich WI 7.30pm-9.30pm With Strictly Come Dancing having started again we are excited to welcome legendary World Champions in Ballroom & Latin American Dancing, Karen Hilton MBE and Marcus Hilton MBE to the East Dulwich WI. They have won 16 World Championships across multiple disciplines. They have now retired from performing; however, they travel the world extensively to judge competitions and lecture about their craft. They will talk about their life in the World of Dancing and bring with them costumes for us to see! They are also the founders, now Vice President and President respectively,
Sunday 11 October: Music in the Afternoon: Through the British Landscape: Two centuries of String Quartets
4pm-5.30pm. An evening of British chamber music with the Holtág Quartet. This programme brings together a rich and diverse selection of rarely heard music spanning more than two centuries, celebrating the variety of British musical voices and exploring connections between tradition, lyricism, folk influences and the bold musical language of the twentieth century. www.bellhouse.co.uk. Bell House, 27 College Road, Dulwich, SE21 7BG.
Sunday 11 October: The Goose Is Out! Singaround at The Castle 7pm-10.30pm If you like singing, come to our Singaround! It is very informal and participative. We take it in turns to sing a song - any genre, any language. Everybody is welcome. You don't have to be a "good singer", and you can just listen if you want. www.thegooseisout.com. £5 on the door (CASH OR BACS ONLY). The Castle, 280 Crystal Palace Road, East Dulwich, SE22 9JJ of the BDSA (British Dance Sport Association) an independent governing body for dance sport in the UK. Marcus Hilton founded the association to improve transparency, support dancers throughout their careers and ensure dance schools operate fairly and safely. Guests are welcome to this event; the guest fee for this event is £7 (cash only). Feel free to dress up for a night of glamour. We welcome new members; the pro rata membership for the year to 31st March 2027 is £27 for ladies joining in October. Email: join@eastdulwichwi.co.uk. The Castle Pub, Upstairs Function room, 280 Crystal Palace Road, East Dulwich, SE22 9JH, http://eastdulwichwi.co.uk. SE21 - October 2026 | 25
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Ripe Old Age
Practical Advice for Navigating Later Life with Michael Scott | rightathome.co.uk/mitcham
The Big Conversation on Care
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ocial care is having a “moment”. The Government’s current Big Conversation on Care is asking a question that will eventually affect almost every family in Britain: when we are older, disabled or seriously ill, who should look after us — and how should we pay for it? It is not an easy question. Britain’s population is getting older. More of us are living longer, often with health conditions that mean we need some help to stay independent. At the same time, families may live miles apart and the NHS is already under huge pressure. That is why good home care matters so much. If someone gets the right support at home, they may be able to remain independent for years longer. Care Assistants can help with medication, meals, washing and dressing, mobility and companionship — but they can also notice when something is starting to go wrong. Home care can help prevent some unnecessary hospital admissions. It also helps people leave hospital promptly when they are medically ready to go home. Get home care right and you help the NHS too. One proposal being discussed is personal care that is free at the point of need. It is an attractive idea. Nobody wants to spend their later years worrying that dementia, Parkinson's or another illness might consume the savings they have built up over a lifetime. But there is an important catch. Making something free does not automatically mean there will be enough of it. We can see that problem in the NHS. Treatment may be free, but if demand is greater than available staff, beds or appointments, you get waiting lists and delays. Social care could face exactly the same problem. Free care is only valuable if there are enough good providers and enough Care Assistants to actually deliver it. In other words, free at the point of use also has to be properly funded at the point of delivery. Other countries have taken different
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approaches. Japan, for example, has a long-term care insurance system where people contribute from middle age and the cost of later-life care is shared more widely across society. Australia has increasingly moved towards funding that follows the individual, giving people more choice over the care and provider they use. Perhaps Britain could borrow some of those ideas. Our ambition should be good care for everyone including, familiar Care Assistants, visits long enough to avoid rushing, and care built around the individual rather than a stopwatch. Perhaps the eventual answer will be a mixture: greater public funding, long-term care insurance, a cap on lifetime care costs, incentives to save for later life, and funding that follows the person, so they have genuine choice. Whatever system we choose, the goal should be straightforward: help people remain safely, happily and independently in their own homes for as long as possible. With an ageing population, this really is a conversation we cannot keep putting off. https://caseycommission.co.uk/bigconversation/
Mitcham Streatham and Dulwich “We, as a family are delighted with this service in every respect. All staff are incredibly caring, kind, patient, attentive, vigilant and trustworthy people and their skills in this difficult field are exceptional” Sally T Daughter-in-Law
0208 004 9644
www.rightathome.co.uk/mitcham SE21 - October 2026 | 27
What's On - November Wednesdays 14 & 21 October: Introductory Lino Workshop (Evening Taster) 6pm-8.30pm Join local printmaker Sarah in this lino print evening taster at the Bell House Print Room and Bindery. You will learn the step-by-step method of lino printing, a printmaking process used by artists such as Picasso and Matisse. Sarah will show you how to carve a lino plate, ink up using a brayer and print using analogue printers. All levels are welcome. www.bellhouse.co.uk. Bell House, 27 College Road, SE21 7BG.
Thursday 15 October: Supporting Your Dyslexic Learner - Memory Master 7pm-8.30pm. Children with dyslexia may learn differently from you. The course has been designed to help you understand how you can best support a child at home and at school. Dyslexia is a learning difference that affects the way individuals process and retain information, often resulting in challenges with memory. This session will explore strategies and techniques for supporting memory in dyslexic learners, including interventions, such as mnemonics, graphic organisers, and multisensory approaches that can be personalised for learners to use in a variety of situations. Bell House, 27 College Road, Dulwich, SE21 7BG. www.bellhouse.co.uk.
Saturday 17 October: Women’s Wellbeing Event 11am-3pm. Join us for a day is dedicated to supporting women at every stage of life. Enjoy talks, workshops & classes including Yoga, breathwork, EFT/tapping, hypnotherapy, Cacao ceremony, reflexology and Indian head massage tasters, wellbeing stalls! Whether you want to learn more about your body, discover new wellbeing practices, connect with like-minded women, relax and recharge for a few hours, there’s something here for you! Limited spaces! Bell House, 27 College Road, Dulwich, SE21 7BG. Book tickets via www.eventbrite.co.uk.
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Thursday 15 October: Five Tastes: The Magic of Flavour in a Chinese Kitchen by Fuchsia Dunlop 7.30pm-8.30pm
Your ultimate guide to the magic of Chinese flavour by the award winning and bestselling author Fuchsia Dunlop. When people in ancient China spoke of the ‘five tastes’, they were talking not only literally about the five tastes recognized in Chinese gastronomy – sour, bitter, sweet, pungent and salty – but also metaphorically about all the ingredients and flavours at a cook’s disposal. In her new book Five Taste: The Magic of Flavour in a Chinese Kitchen, Fuchsia shows us that with a few core seasonings, flavour combinations and techniques, you can conjure up delicious dishes from whatever ingredients you have to hand, whether seasonal treats from a farmers’ market, specialist produce or basic vegetables from a supermarket. These recipes – which celebrate the Chinese philosophy that good health and pleasure are inseparable when it comes to food – will show you how to celebrate the irresistible flavours of China in your own kitchen. You don’t need to be a Chinese cook to find inspiration in the Chinese arts of flavour. Fuchsia Dunlop was the first Westerner to train as a chef at the Sichuan Higher Institute of Cuisine, and has been travelling around China, researching and cooking Chinese food, for some 30 years. Based in London, she speaks, reads and writes Chinese. A Village Books event in association with Alleyn's Schools Enterprises. The MCT, Townley Road, East Dulwich, SE22 8SU. BOOK TICKETS via https://www.trybooking.com/uk/event/113593. Submit your events for free via our website: www.semagazines.co.uk
What's On - November Monday 19 October: The East Dulwich Community Centre Association AGM, 8pm.
Tuesday 20 October: The Eights by Joanna Miller
The Annual General meeting is open to all adults living in the area of benefit, bounded by Lordship Lane, East Dulwich Road, Peckham Rye, Dunstans Road & Upland Road. East Dulwich Community Centre, 46-50 Darrell Road, SE22 9NL https://eastdulwichcommunitycentre.org.uk/
Sunday 18 October: Deep Rest Gong Bath Brockley 6pm-7pm. Imagine stepping into a tranquil and intimate space, laying down on a yoga mat, and allowing the soothing and evocative vibrations of the gong to wash over you. Your body will be invited into a deep state rest, while your overactive mind will get an opportunity to switch off and invite in a sense of calm and clarify. BOOKING LINK: bit.ly/4zgP6uq. andosteo, 179 Brockley Road, Brockley, SE4 2RS
Mondays 19/26 - Thursdays 22/29 October: Half Term 10am-4pm Join Us for the Spookiest Tennis Camp This October! From beginners picking up a racket for the first time to young pros ready to level up, our tennis camp welcomes kids ages 3 to 16 of all skill levels. Don’t miss out — grab your racket and join the fun! Giant Arches Road, Burbage Road, SE24 9HP. TICKETS VIA https://clubspark.lta.org.uk/ SebastienBlanchonCoaching/Coaching/Camps.
Monday 19 October: Dulwich WI Monthly Meeting 7.30pm-9.30pm. Launched in 2018, the Dulwich WI is a supportive and stimulating group for women of all ages and backgrounds. We meet once a month at No 57, 57 North Cross Road, SE22 9ET. We would love to meet you and look forward to welcoming you to our group. https://dulwichwi.com.
7.30pm-8.30pm. Join Village Books for an evening with Joanna Miller, author of the acclaimed novel The Eights. Oxford, 1920. For the first time in its 1000-year history, the world’s most famous university has admitted female students. Giddy with dreams of equality, education and emancipation, four young women move into neighbouring rooms on Corridor Eight. But Oxford’s dreaming spires cast a dark shadow: in 1920, misogyny is still rife, influenza is still a threat, and the ghosts of the Great War are still very real indeed. And as the group navigate this tumultuous moment in time, their friendship will become more important than ever. Bell House, 27 College Road, Dulwich, SE21 7BG. https://www.trybooking.com/uk/event/121000 for tickets.
Thursday 22 October: Supporting Your Dyslexic Learner - Supporting Reluctant Readers and Writers 7pm-8.30pm
Children with dyslexia may learn differently from you. The course has been designed to help you understand how you can best support a child at home and at school. Dyslexia is commonly associated with difficulties affecting reading and writing. This session will cover decoding words, active reading techniques and different reading styles for different tasks. In addition, useful resources and assistive technology will be demonstrated. www.bellhouse.co.uk. Bell House, 27 College Road, Dulwich, SE21 7BG. SE21 - October 2026 | 29
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What's On - November Thursday 22 October: Redwood: The Untold Story of the Cold War’s Most Extraordinary Spy by Ben Macintyre 7.30pm-8.30pm It’s 1981 and Tehran is in violent turmoil in the wake of the Iranian Revolution. The Soviets are planning to overthrow the Ayatollah’s fledgling Islamist regime. If they do so, one response from America – unknown to the public – would be to use nuclear weapons. Redwood tells the true story of the enigmatic double agent whose intelligence reached the highest levels of the British and American governments, blew open the KGB’s inner workings, exposed the Kremlin’s covert plan, and helped avert catastrophe at the height of the Cold War. Redwood is the gripping tale of one man’s courage, and its extraordinary consequences that shape our world today. It’s about a moving friendship between spies on opposite sides of the Cold War; about marriage, loyalty, betrayal and sexual dysfunction; and about how decisions made in secrets can have huge, long-term ramifications. A Village Books event in association with Alleyn's Schools Enterprises. The MCT, Townley Road, East Dulwich, SE22 8SU. Tickets available at: https://www.trybooking.com/uk/event/114734
Wednesday 28 - Saturday 31 October: The Dulwich Players present Richard III 7.30pm each day and 2.30pm and 7.30pm on Saturday. A medieval monarch is depicted in stained glass, surrounded by thorns. The Dulwich Players Present Richard III by William Shakepeare. Adapted by Gill Daly. Richard: uniquely evil or unfairly condemned? All-controlling supervillain or tortured, fallible man, fighting to save the York dynasty? How do we reconcile the bard’s devastating portrayal with historical reality, using the power of his words to put Richard into his context in a world of menace and paranoia? St Dunstan’s College Theatre, Stanstead Road, Catford, SE6 4TY. One interval, refreshments available. Adults £17, Under 18’s £10. Tickets available from: www.ticketsource.com/dulwichplayers.
Friday 30 October: The Brothers Gillespie
Saturday 24 & Sunday 25 October: So Last Century's Vintage Fair 11am-4pm So Last Century's Vintage Fair is back in Catford at the beautiful St Dunstan’s College. There’ll be 50 hand-picked vintage dealers on each day, in two large halls: the stunning 1960s Modernist Refectory building and the contrasting Victorian Great Hall. You can expect to find stunning displays of mid-20th century furniture, homeware, lighting, ceramics, glass, decorative objects, textiles and furnishings, art, prints and posters, books, records, French antiques, autumn fashion and lots more. On both days there’ll be a barista coffee van and chocolate brownie stall outside to keep you energised over the weekend. Most traders take card payments, and many offer a delivery service if you want to buy something big, like a dining table! St Dunstan's College, Stanstead Road, Catford, SE6 4TY.
www.solastcenturyfair.co.uk. 30 | SE21 - October 2026
7pm-11pm. Brothers James and Sam Gillespie write and sing songs reflecting their background in the fells and valleys of Northumberland. With beautiful close harmonies, they describe their relationship with wild places with great intimacy, tenderness and spontaneity. Supports are Creeping Jane, who sing unaccompanied in unison and harmony and James Eagle, an awardwinning singer of powerful songs. Tickets: £14 advance, £16 on the door (cash or BACS only). For more information about the artists, the evening, the Goose and tickets, please see www.thegooseisout.com. The Ivy House, 40 Stuart Road, SE15 3BE.
Inspiring Brilliance For Every Child: Why Childhood is Rosemead's Real Curriculum
By Christopher Woodward, Head of Rosemead Prep
Academic rigour remains central to life at Rosemead, but we work hard to ensure ambition does not become anxiety. Children should feel challenged without feeling that their worth is tied to constant performance. A supportive and grounded community gives pupils the confidence to take risks, embrace new ideas and grow in resilience. We are serious about education, without taking ourselves too seriously. The qualities that define a school are often difficult to capture in a prospectus. Results and facilities matter, but culture matters more. It is found in the atmosphere of a classroom, the relationships between pupils, and the energy and enthusiasm of staff. This is the real curriculum in action. In a competitive educational landscape, many schools can demonstrate strong outcomes. What is harder to find is a culture where children are known, valued and able to enjoy being children while they learn and grow. The future will come soon enough. For now, children deserve a childhood worth remembering. Contact: Head of Admissions - Mrs Tabassum admissions@rosemeadprep.org.uk We’d love to meet you! Book a visit to Rosemead and experience the culture, confidence and curiosity that make our school unique. SE21 - October 2026 | 31
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hen parents discuss independent schools, the conversation often focuses on outcomes: senior school destinations, exam results and future opportunities. While these matter, they should not define a child's school experience. At Rosemead, we believe a school is not simply a stepping stone to the future. It is where children spend some of the most important years of their lives, developing the foundations that shape how they think, learn and relate to the world. Academic success is important, but it is the natural result of a childhood filled with curiosity, challenge and meaningful learning. Before children become successful candidates for senior schools, they are simply children. They are discovering their strengths, building friendships, making mistakes and finding their voices. We believe exceptional outcomes come not from pressure, but from a culture that values intellectual ambition, thoughtful teaching and a genuine love of learning. Our approach focuses on teaching children how to think rather than what to think. We encourage pupils to ask questions, analyse critically and learn from mistakes. A thoughtful question is often as valuable as a correct answer. By developing confidence, independence and critical thinking, we prepare children not only for their next educational step but also for a rapidly changing world.
Herne Hill Music Festival 9th-18th October 2026 By Nick Rampley
S
outh London comes alive over two weekends of live performances and community events, 9-18 October! From jazz and Latin rhythms to choirs, family concerts, and late-night sessions, Herne Hill Music Festival brings together artists, audiences, pubs, halls, churches and community spaces in celebration of local music and culture. Jazz vocalist and trumpeter Freddie Benedict and his quartet kick off HHMF at The Half Moon on Friday 9th, then there’s more jazz in Station Hall on Saturday 10th at the Pop-Up Jazz Club and in Ruskin Park on Sunday 11th with South London Jazz Orchestra. Love Latin music? Enjoy afternoon gigs with Marama Café Band at Brockwell Greenhouses on Saturday 17th and Mama Grande in Brockwell Hall on Sunday 18th. Singer songwriters featured this year are Rita Tam (with Finnish guitarist Tuomo Karjalainen) in Brockwell Greenhouses Barn on Saturday 11th, then Vince Burke and Sascha Osborne at the Half Moon on Friday 16th. For something more raucous, London's finest (possibly only) psychedelic rockin' gospel blues band John McClean and the Clan headline Effra Social on Saturday 17th, supported by neo-soulsters The Grove and Americana from The Long String Hawkers. HHMF's first foray into Brixton, the Effra event caps with DJ Swerve from 10pm till late.
John McClean and the Clan
32 | SE21 - October 2026
Mama Grande
More classically minded? Calton Quartet’s 'Coffee Morning' concert at Herne Hill United Church on Saturday 10th is also a fundraiser for Lambeth & Croydon Foodbank. The same afternoon, 'Herne Hill Sings On' sees 5 South London choirs gather for a celebration of community singing. On Sunday 18th Southwark Sinfonietta brings an interactive programme of 7 shorter classical compositions for soloists and orchestra, to gorgeous St Faith’s Community Centre. An event designed with a more relaxed approach to audience movement and noise. The Festival always features one familyfocused event and Margaret’s Music offers an interactive musical experience for parents, carers and children aged 0–7 on Saturday 17th. Songs, stories, props and puppets! Seeking something more meditative? Quantum Gong Bath on Monday 12th promises an immersive soundscape combining healing instruments, quantum technology, percussion and voice. This year's Herne Hill Music Festival has something for everyone! More details/ticket info: https://www.hernehillfestival.org/events
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SE21 - October 2026 | 33
Index of Advertisers AIMS Accountants for Business ................................17 AHKO Ltd: Property Health Check .............................27 AHKO Ltd: Client Representation ...............................72 Anne Lynch: A Solo Exhibition...................................13 Bells Bathroom and Kitchens.....................................33 Ben Oakley Gallery: Exhibition...................................17 Bluebird Care: Live In/Home Care..............................15 Circle Psychology Partners.........................................11 Classical Music Sunday Afternoons.............................7 Dulwich Carpet Company .........................................35 Dulwich College: Bursaries...........................................7 Funky Monkey Music Workshop................................13 Healthmatters Health Store........................................11 Herne Hill School .........................................................5
Home Instead Senior Care ....................................Back Kent Turkeys.................................................................7 Kingsdale Foundation School: Open Day Events .............................................18 & 19 Pianolobby..................................................................17 Right at Home: Trusted Care & Companionship........27 Robert Cox French Polishing......................................21 Rosemead Prepatory School & Nursery.......................2 Rosemead: Inspiring Brilliance for Every Child..........17 SS PC Repairs ............................................................13 T Rooney Heating.......................................................21 The Uganda School Project........................................11 The Vale: Retirement Living.......................................23
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