The Last Word

The Last Word – Fabienne Hanton

My name is Fabienne Hanton and I am a volunteer at Bell House Dulwich. I am currently part of a team of volunteers organising the annual Bell House Dyslexia Fair which will be on Saturday 10th September.

How long have you lived in the area?

I have lived in the area most of my life having moved south of the river when I was a baby. Although I have family abroad in both Switzerland and Mauritius.

What has changed most during that time?

The emergence of the “super school”, the low traffic neighbourhood and increased cycling.

What do you most value about the area?

I love engaging with locals who come to Bell House with ideas for new projects or who want to volunteer with us. Our Quilt Academy makes quilts for different communities such as premature babies, refugees and children leaving care. It was one of the first projects that started in this way and now has over 50 stitchers.

The one thing you couldn’t do without?

My week-at-a-glance paper diary...without it I would risk being in three places at the same time.

Do you belong to any groups?

I am part of one of the oldest reading groups in Dulwich. We have been meeting for 35 years! And I’ve recently joined a French Film watching group.

Where are you to be found on Saturday?

Saturday is one of our busiest days at Bell House. I often join our volunteer gardeners, drop in on Simon Trewin who has set up the Garage Press at Bell House, and meet new volunteers. If there’s a filmmaking class or art class happening, I make sure that they have refreshments.

Coffee or tea? Where?

Coffee at Redemption Roasters if I’m in Dulwich Village or Perks & White if I’m grabbing a quick one before catching a train from Herne Hill

Your favourite place to go for a drink?

The Picturehouse in Lordship Lane or while watching a film at the Everyman cinema in Crystal Palace as there’s nothing that appeals to me more than doing two things at once.

When I want to relax...

I explore the Bell House garden which has everything: woodland, roses, vegetable beds, a new bog garden and more. And now the garden is open on the first Saturday of every month so anyone can watch it change with the seasons.

What is your favourite shop?

Village Books - where the smell of paper and Hazel’s smile entice me to buy

What was the last thing you bought there?

” Small Pleasures” by Clare Chambers after hearing her talk at Bell House during the Dulwich Festival

The book I’m reading at the moment..

Caitlin Moran’s “More than A Women” – a witty account of the challenges of being a middle-aged woman. It’s a pity it wasn’t written 20 years ago!

Bell House Dyslexia Fair

Positive Approaches

Saturday 10th September 2022, 10am to 4pm Bell House, 27 College Road SE21 7BG

The Bell House Dyslexia fair brings together families, teachers and the wider dyslexia community to learn more about dyslexia, talk to experts, discover useful resources and share experiences and advice. With a focus on positive approaches to dyslexia, the Bell House Dyslexia Fair is still completely FREE to attend. An exciting and diverse programme of talks features panel discussions on supporting students in primary and secondary school, workshops exploring how the use of technology can support learning at home and at school and one to one advice clinics with local dyslexia experts who will be on hand to answer your questions. Elizabeth Takyi from Aspire 2 Inspire will explore being an adult with dyslexia; blogger John Hicks will talk about the part assistive technology can play in learning and Carol Allen looks at ways to help your reluctant readers. Creative workshops for children and adults alike will take place across the day, inside and outside in the garden. Simon Trewin from the Garage Press will be running letterpress printing workshops throughout the day. There’ll be pilates sessions designed especially for children with dyslexia called ‘Matching and Mirroring’, Chi Kung for the young and not so young anymore to help build positivity and resilience and ‘Write Sparks’ are back with their fun active outdoor workshop for children 9+ to help inspire the imagination. An exhibition of local and national dyslexia resources and products will run throughout the day in the house and refreshments will be available at the cafe.

Free to book: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/bellhouse-dyslexia-fair-tickets-383352897837 Further Info: www.bellhouse.co.uk

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