Welcome to SE23
I love this time of the year when the nights start getting a little bit lighter and Spring is very much in the air. This month those of us who are lucky will celebrate Mother’s Day on the 15th. Remember the clocks go forward on the 29th March.
As usual I have rounded up all the great events taking place in and around Dulwich. The events pages start on page 6. March is always a busy month for events, so we have a fabulous nine 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.arounddulwich.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 on Around Dulwich. Find out more on page 21.
The Last Word goes to Rosie Hattersley, who is the co-Director of Brockley Max community arts festival. Find out more on page 32.
Remember the magazine depends on all the wondeful local advertisers, so please do let them know if you saw them in this magazine!
Until next time.
Angela
Angela Burgess Head of All Things Community SE Magazines/Around Dulwich
Call
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!
April Deadline - 16 March (please allow an extra two days if design is required) To advertise in SE23 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.
Photographby Portrayed Photography
Events Calendar - March
Me
Goose Green Coffee Mornings, p8.
Zoom Portraiture
Honor Oak WI meeting p6.
Emergency First Aid Course
Dulwich Park Runners see p8.
The
The Creative Writing Playground p6.
Baby & Me Sound Rest, see
Dulwich Park Runners see p8.
Wine Sessions, see p8.
Goose Green Coffee Mornings, p8.
Weekly Wine Sessions, see p8.
EDWI - International Women’s Day, p24.
see p18.
The Creative Writing Playground
Baby & Me Sound Rest, see
Dulwich Park Runners see p8.
Zoom Portraiture @ Dulwich Art Group, see p8.
Wine Sessions, see p8.
Zoom Portraiture @ Dulwich Art Group, see p8.
Dulwich Park Runners see p8.
Further details where available can be found in the News and Events pages 6, 8, 9, 18, 19, 24, 25,
& 27. Please read as not all the events can fit on the calendar!
Dulwich WI, see page 26.
Junior parkruns, see p8.
Walk Talk, p18.
The Weekly Horniman Market p9.
Goose Green Lunch Club, see p9.
Goose Green Lunch Club, see p9.
Recital for Nikola Tesla, see p9.
Lewisham Underwater Hockey Club p18.
Junior parkruns, p8.
Junior parkruns, p8.
Singaround, p19.
Lewisham Underwater Hockey Club p18.
Opening Night of Picture This, p24.
Sabine Durrant & Claire Douglas p26.
Choral Gems - A Capella Music for Lent & Spring p26
Goose Green Coffee Mornings, p8.
Goose Green Coffee Mornings, p8.
BNI Adventures p9.
The Arts Society Dulwich, see p25.
Lewisham Underwater Hockey Club p18.
The Weekly Horniman Market p9.
p6.
Junior parkruns, p6.
Spring Artisan Makers Fayre, p18.
Lewisham Underwater Hockey Club p18.
Goblin Band @ The Ivy House p27.
see p18.
see p18.
see p18.
The Weekly Horniman Market p6.
The Weekly Horniman Market p9.
Not All the Same: Talk p8.
Goose Green Lunch Club, see p9.
Weekly Wine Sessions, see p8.
BNI Adventures p9.
BNI Adventures p9.
Cinnamon Roll & Pineapple Tepache Workshop, see p19.
Baby & Me Sound Rest, see p19.
Gong Bath, see p27.
Gong Bath, see p19.
Midcentury Modern, see p27.
2 x Talks, see p19.
Rasputin and the Downfall of The Romanovs, see p25.
The Dulwich Players Present ENRON by Lucy Prebble, see p19.
Accidental Collection @ Jeannie Avent see p26.
The Creative Writing Playground p6.
An Evening with Francis Spufford p9.
Creative Writing Playground p6.
p6.
@ Dulwich Art Group, see p8.
Gong Bath, see p26.
Fashioning the crown, see p24.
Art Deco Printing, see p19.
Beginners Tapestry Weaving Class, p25.
Dulwich Symphony Orchestra, p27.
Dulwich Village Infants School Art Exhibition Open House, p26.
Goose Green Lunch Club, see p9.
p19.
p19.
Baby &
Sound Rest, see p19.
New Moon Sister Circle see p26.
Easter WreathMaking Workshop, see p27.
Mother’s Day
Clocks Go Forward
Accidental Collection @ Jeannie Avent see p26.
What's On - March
Sundays 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29
March: 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.
Sundays 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29
March: The 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.
100 London Road, Forest Hill, SE23 3PQ. www.horniman.ac.uk/
You can submit your events for free via our website: www.arounddulwich.co.uk
Mondays 2, 9, 16 & 23 March:
The Creative Writing Playground
7pm -8.30pm. Join Tutku Barbaros as she guides you through seven playful weeks of creative exploration in search of your voice, the stories you ache to tell, and structured insights into how to get the best out of your ideas. If you are looking to identify and grow your voice, this seven-week guided creative workshop is for you. You will gain the confidence to experiment, explore and develop your creative voice in a safe and structured setting. This practical programme offers the opportunity to generate ideas in a range of written mediums while learning how to refine those ideas into finished projects while cultivating a joyful, authentic and bespoke creative practice. www.bellhouse.co.uk. Bell House, 27 College Road, Dulwich, SE21 7BG.
Tuesday 3 March: Emergency First Aid at Work inc Emergency Paediatric First Aid 9am - 3.30pm
This course covers Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) and Emergency Paediatric First Aid (EPFA). Our First Aid courses equip you with the knowledge and confidence to act quickly in emergencies, potentially saving lives when every second counts. Attending a first aid course is one of the most valuable things you can do for yourself and those around you whether that be work colleagues, friends or family. Courses are led by Alleyn's Head of Adventure and Safety Training, Richard Alldrick. Alleyn's School, SE22 8SU. Office: 020 8613 5027. www.alleyns.org.uk/all-events/first-aid-courses.
Tuesday 3 March: Honor Oak WI 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 on the first Tuesday of the month. We also have a book club, craft club and gallery & museum visits group. March’s meeting is our AGM and Speed Friendling. All are welcome but to cover the cost of materials there’s a £6 charge to non-members. Instagram: @honoroak_wi. www.facebook.com/groups/honoroakwi. Stanstead Lodge Café, Northwood Road, SE23 1DD. honoroakwi@gmail.com
What's On - March
Tuesdays 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31
March: Social Runs with DPR
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
Tuesday 3 March: Not All the Same: Victorian Housing in East Dulwich 8pm-9pm
In 2017 Brian Green wrote: ‘In East Dulwich, when people walk down the street, there is a tendency to think all the houses look alike. But look closer and you’ll see they are not. There will be a row of houses with a group of four, a group of twelve or a group of twenty, and that is a clue that they were all built by different builders, and they’ll all have their own little architectural details.’
Based on research in a small study area of East Dulwich, this talk 'looks closer'. It reveals a typology of the houses in the area, how they have been lived in, why and how they have survived and what is happening to them in the 2020s. This talk will be held online via Zoom. https://www.bellhouse.co.uk/events.
Wednesdays 4, 11, 18 & 25
March: 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, 62A East Dulwich Road SE22 9AT
Wednesdays 4, 11, 18 & 25
March: Zoom Portraiture @ Dulwich Art Group & School
2pm – 5pm. Paint a clothed model with a focus on the portrait over two three-hour sessions. We give you a wide view and a closer portrait view so you can work out the framing for yourself. The model will at times be engaged in conversation in order to bring some animation to the face. ONLINE EVENT: www.dulwichartgroup.co.uk.
Wednesdays 4, 11, 18 & 25
March: Weekly Wine Session
7.30pm-9.30pm. The Dulwich Wine Society started in 1991 provides a way for novices and seasoned wine lovers to explore the world of grapes and wine regions. Taste, learn and discover new favourites. We take a break midway through the meeting which provides a chance to get to know others socially, and you can bring your own cheese and biscuits.
The Rosendale, 65 Rosendale Road, SE21 8EZ. https://www.dulwich-wine-society.co.uk.
What's On - March
Wednesday 4 March: An Evening with Francis Spufford
7.30pm-8.30pm. Join Village Books for an event with prize-winning author Francis Spufford. It’s the summer of 1939 and London is on the brink of a catastrophic war. Iris Hawkins, an ambitious young woman in the stuffy world of City finance, has a chance encounter with Geoff, a technical whizz at the BBC’s nascent television unit. What was supposed to be one night of abandon draws her instead into an adventure of otherworldly pursuit – into a reality where time bends, spirits can be summoned, and history hangs by a thread. Soon there are Nazi planes overhead. But Iris has more to contend with than the terrors of the Blitz. Over the rooftops of burning London, in the twisted passages between past and present, a fascist fanatic is travelling with a gun in her hand. And only Iris can stop her from altering the course of history forever…
Francis Spufford is the author of three novels and five highly-praised works of non-fiction. His debut work of fiction was the historical novel Golden Hill, which won the Costa First Novel Award, the RSL Ondaatje Prize, the Desmond Elliott Prize, and was shortlisted for four others. His second novel, Light Perpetual, was awarded the Encore Award and longlisted for the Booker Prize. His third novel, the alternative history Cahokia Jazz, was recognised by the Science Fiction community when it was awarded the Sidewise Award in 2023. He teaches writing at Goldsmiths College, University of London, and lives in Essex.
Francis will be discussing Nonesuch with journalist Alex Peake-Tomkinson.
The Holst Hall, 144 East Dulwich Grove SE22 8TE. www.village-books.co.uk.
IN ASSOCIATION WITH JAMES ALLEN’S GIRLS’ SCHOOL.
Thursdays 5, 12, 19 & 26
March: 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 5, 12, 19 & 26
March: 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 on 07939 288885 or Barbara on 0208 693 2090
Goose Green Centre, 62A East Dulwich Road, SE22 9AT
Friday 6 March: Recital for Nikola Tesla, London Premiere at Goldsmiths College
7.30pm-9pm
Guitarist/composer Branco Stoysin, life-long aficionado of Nikola Tesla, performs his special music/video Aurora Tesla, a poignant tribute to Serbian born genius of electricity, marking 170 years since the birth of Nikola Tesla and 130 years since the birth of modern civilization with implementation of Tesla’s Polyphase AC System on The Niagara Falls in 1896. The very same electricity power system used throughout the whole world for 130 years! He’ll also play the tunes from his ninth CD album, Whispers from The Sun, and special three music/video projects about natural world. A recital for an audio and visual delight. "A musical journey to warm the soul" Sarah Ward, Jazz FM.
Goldsmiths, University of London, Professor Stuart Hall LG01 room, New Cross, SE14 6NW. Tickets via www.eventbrite.co.uk.
Dulwich Hamlet FC
dulwichhamletfc.co.uk
March is the Month of Expectation
March is upon us as we hurtle towards the season’s business end. There are just ten more league games for our men’s side, and only six for our women’s first team, so scribble these dates in your diary quick smart to make sure you don’t miss out on the run-in to the run-in. All the things we do not know will start to reveal themselves on the dates below.
March Fixtures
The month kicks off with floodlit cup action, on the evening of Tuesday 3rd, as our men take the short away trip to our neighbours at Fisher FC for the quarter final of the London Senior Cup. Fisher plays at St Paul’s Sports Ground in Rotherhithe, right beside the Thames. With a spectacular backdrop, an evening there under the lights is always a treat, and this time offers a chance to get tantalisingly close to silverware.
Back in the league, Saturday 7th sees our men on the road again, playing away at St Albans City, while on Sunday 8th our women host Queens Park Rangers, the first of this month’s Champion Hill humdingers. Just three days later our men are back at the Hill and under the lights for the visit of Whitehawk on the evening of Tuesday 10th.
On Saturday 14th our men head towards the south coast to meet Lewes at their glorious Dripping
Pan, before heading back to Champion Hill to host Billericay Town the following week, Saturday 21st. Our women, meanwhile, will be preparing for their trip to face Milton Keynes Dons on Sunday 22nd. Then the month ends with a classic Champion Hill double-header as our men host Potters Bar Town on Saturday 28th, and our women welcome AFC Sudbury the following day.
Meanwhile our women’s reserves are in home action, at our training centre at Green Dale, against Actonians on Sunday 8th and Clapton CFC on Sunday 22nd; while our youth team have a busy month too, with three fixtures in the Kent Youth League coming up. For all the fixture news and to secure your tickets and beat the queues, head to dulwichhamletfc.co.uk/fixtures
Looking Good
As this March madness kicks in you’ll need something colourful to wear, and the Dulwich Hamlet Supporters’ Trust, as always, has the answer. The Trust provides all your pink ‘n’ blue finery, from the Mega Container on match days and online, and the big news this month is that our much sought-after goalkeepers’ shirts are now available to order, online only. Choose from green, blue or orange, in stylish monochrome check, in all adult and children’s sizes, when you order at dhst. org.uk/clubshop.
If you haven’t already bagged one, there are still plenty of this season's outfield shirts available too, but it’s the keepers’ jerseys which will be the talk of Dulwich town this March. Bring the colour, bring the noise and Up the Hamlet!
Hill Stadium, Edgar Kail Way, East Dulwich, London SE22 8BD.
& 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
Best Ornamental Cherry Trees
Garden Talk with Janine Winlaw | Instagram @janinewinlaw
The sight of billowing pink cherry blossom trees against a blue sky is one of the heart stopping sights of spring – a sign that winter is behind us and spring on the way. In Japan the custom of ‘hanami’ involves admiring the transient beauty of blossom. Flowering from March to May, there’s a blossom to suit all tastes from delicate, single blooms to blousy doubles, in whites and the palest pinks to bright baby pink. A great choice of tree for London gardens as many varieties don’t get too - here are some of the best for smaller gardens:
Prunus serrula (Tibetan cherry)
Lovely as a multi-stem, it has small white flowers in April but is grown more for the polished coppery bark that shines out in the winter - particularly lovely with sun shining from behind. ‘Branklyn’ is a smaller more upright version.
Prunus serrula ‘Pink Perfection’
An elegant spreading cherry with masses of bright pink frilly flowers from April to May and glowing autumn colour. A small spreading tree with bright pink frilly blossom.
Prunus serrula ‘The Amanogowa’
A small pillar shaped tree when young, spreading as it gets more mature. Popular in small gardens, it has large blowsy semi double pink bloom in late April.
Prunus serrula ‘Kanzan’
A small to medium sized relatively upright tree with bright pink double flowers in spring and excellent autumn colour.
Prunus ‘Pink Shell’
A small, elegant tree with spreading branches and delicate single, pale pink flowers – a lovely contrast to the light green leaves. One of the prettiest cherries and widely available.
Prunus ‘Kursar’
A small and popular ornamental cherry tree and one of the first to flower with clusters of deep pink single blooms in March to April. It has a neat upright habit, and the new bronze foliage turns green then red gold in autumn. Height 3/4m
Prunus ‘Accolade’
Another pretty cherry, with a a graceful spreading shape and a cloud of large rose pink semi-double flowers in April/May. It also has smooth reddishbrown bark and fiery orange foliage in autumn. Height 6/7m.
Prunus ‘Okame’
A lovely tree with masses of single pale pink to white flowers in March/early April and orangy red autumn foliage.
Prunus ‘Kojo-no-mai’
A dinky cherry tree/shrub – with delicate very pale pink flowers and wonderful autumn foliage. Ideal for containers.
Prunus x subhirtella ‘Autumnalis’
Unlike the others here, the tiny white flowers of this tree don’t flower until October. A stunning tree for winter.
Care
Cherries tolerate semi-shade, but they do best in the sun, in well drained soil. Any pruning such as removing dead, diseased or damaged branches, or those that cross, needs to be done in the summer so that wounds heal before the winter, avoiding diseases such as bacterial canker. When planting incorporate lots of well-rotted garden compost in the planting hole and stake.
Companions
Cherries look great under planted with spring bulbs such as Crocus tommasinianus and hyacinths such as ‘Woodstock’. Spring flowering perennials such as Epimedium x youngianum ‘Niven’, Pulmonaria ’Blue Ensign’ and bergenia also look good.
It’s a Dog’s Life
Pets Corner with Leonie St Clair | www.londondogstraining.co.uk
More of us own dogs than ever before, yet behaviour issues like serious noise phobias and aggression are on the increase. One explanation for this is the Covid boom in hobby dog breeding, whether for fun or money, where selecting for health and temperament was barely considered, if at all. A few breeders who show may also occasionally subvert the best interests of their animals to chase rosettes in the showring- I have heard of spectacular specimens with rotten temperaments win first place and then show up in multiple lines as a champion stud dog.
Some years ago, the saying ‘fit for function’ was floated as a metric that could identify which dogs were sound in mind and body. However, it did not address the monumental environmental shifts associated with modern living. What function can a dog develop to scent and flush birds all day in the field have in the modern city? You cannot train prey drive out of your average sighthound or terrier any more than an Akita or Cane Corso is likely to want to be everyone’s best friend. All these innate, often unmet, instinctive drives can add up to extremely frustrated and mentally anguished animals, the wonder is how many get through without ‘going postal.’ Lots will be scolded, and worse, when instinct bursts through and overrides owner desire for an easy life. Let us face it, most of us want a dog to accompany us on our leisure pursuits and gratify us with displays of unconditional love with minimum commitment our end.
Once you take a closer look, the ever-evolving lifestyle we take for granted has multiple impacts on our animals. I have written before about the dangers and stressors all around us, from urban sensory overload- constant chemical smells, flickering LED lights, fireworks, non-stop noise, and vibrations… In many cases the dog’s sensory abilities far exceed ours and they often cannot escape those impacts.
Then there is the issue of consent and agency. Choice is the foundation for what makes a good life; the ability to choose and feel in control of leisure pursuits, what we eat, what we do for work, what clothes we wear. Our pets have little or no choice in what they eat, when they go out, where and on what they sleep, the wearing of leads,
harnesses, collars, when and where they can play. In summary, what we are calling behaviour issues are from our perspective problems to be dealt with; from the dog’s side they may be the result of unmet needs which is a welfare issue. I would urge every dog owner to consider unwanted behaviours and whether these are signalling unmet needs and start to explore how those needs can be channelled and met.
We would like to draw attention to the February edition and the erroneous inclusion of garlic in a dog treat recipe. Garlic, which can be toxic even in tiny amounts, should not be given to dogs, without first seeking veterinary advice.
Morning vs Evening Training
Fitness tips with Antonia Bannasch | www.bodyshotperformance.com
What Does Science Actually Say?
One of the most common questions people ask is whether it’s better to train in the morning or the evening. And like most things in fitness, the honest answer isn’t dramatic or trendy, it’s nuanced. Both can work. Both have physiological advantages. But the biggest factor in your results it’s whether you do it consistently. Let’s look at what science actually tells us.
Your Body Runs on a Clock
Your body follows something called a circadian rhythm, a 24-hour biological cycle that influences alertness, hormone release, body temperature, and even muscle function. These daily fluctuations affect physical performance. Research consistently shows that strength, power output, flexibility, and coordination tend to peak in the late afternoon or early evening. This is largely because body temperature is higher at that time, which improves muscle elasticity, nerve signalling, and energy efficiency.
Some studies suggest performance can be a few percent higher in the evening compared to early morning training. That sounds impressive but in real life, it’s a small edge, not a magic window.
Hormones Aren’t the Whole Story
You might hear people say morning training is better because testosterone peaks early in the day. That’s partly true. Testosterone is higher in the morning, but so is cortisol, a stress hormone.
The body is constantly balancing these systems, and when researchers look at long-term outcomes like muscle gain, fat loss, or fitness improvements, the time of day doesn’t create a meaningful advantage. Hormones matter but they’re only one piece of a much bigger adaptation puzzle.
Why Morning Training Feels Powerful
Morning training has less to do with physiology and more to do with behaviour. Exercising early often improves consistency because life hasn’t had time
to interfere yet. There’s also evidence that morning exercise can boost mood, mental clarity, and daily energy regulation. For many people, it creates a positive ripple effect that makes healthier choices easier throughout the day.
Why Evening Training Can Feel Stronger
By late afternoon or evening, your body is fully awake and fuelled. Coordination, reaction time, and muscular performance may feel sharper simply because you’ve been moving and eating all day. For strength or high-intensity training, this can translate into slightly better performance. But again, we’re talking about marginal differences, not game-changing ones.
The Real Winner: Consistency
Here’s what matters most: when total training volume is equal, long-term results look the same whether workouts happen at sunrise or after work. Your body adapts to repeated stimulus, not perfect timing. Train consistently at any hour, and your nervous system, energy systems, and movement efficiency will adapt to that window. The best workout time is the one that fits your life. A “perfect” schedule you can’t maintain will never outperform a good routine you repeat week after week.
Science is helpful, but behaviour drives results. So, the strongest training plan is the one you actually do. Show up regularly, and your body will meet you there, no matter what the clock says.
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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trooneyheating@gmail.com
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Final spaces available in Years 8, 10 and 12 for September 2026. www.stdunstans.org.uk London, SE6 4TY
SENIOR SCHOOL
Volunteer Drivers Needed
For 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
What's On - March
Fridays 6, 13, 20 & 27 March: 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.
Forest Hill Pools, Dartmouth Road SE23 2HZ. For more information: www.luwhc.org.uk
Saturdays 7, 14, 21 & 28 March: 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/
You can submit your events for free at: www.arounddulwich.co.uk
Saturday 7 March: Men Walk Talk - Honor Oak
10am-11am. A monthly walk for men, taking in the green spaces of SE23 and surrounding area. Traditionally, men often avoid seeking mental health support, but we provide a community of support for guys to know they are not alone, and they can speak up. Join Richard for a walk and a talk on the first Saturday of every month.
For more information: menwalktalk.co.uk 76-78 Honor Oak Park, SE23 1DY
Saturday 7 March: Spring Artisan Makers Fayre
11am-4pm Makers, crafters and artisans — all under one roof. This spring, St Barnabas Hall in Dulwich Village becomes a hub of creativity as the Spring Artisan Market brings together 35+ independent makers, crafters and artisans for one special day. From hand-crafted homewares and original artwork to thoughtful gifts and beautifully made pieces, every stall has a story behind it. It’s a chance to meet the makers themselves, discover unique finds, and support small, independent businesses — all in one welcoming space. Whether you’re browsing for inspiration, shopping local, or simply enjoying a relaxed wander, this is a celebration of craftsmanship and creativity, right on your doorstep. Everyone welcome. St Barnabas Hall, 23 Dulwich Village, Dulwich, SE21 7BT. www.lkpopupfayres.com.
Saturday 7 March:
Art Deco Printing
1.30pm-5pm. Spend an afternoon ‘putting on The Ritz’ in Dulwich Village! Start with a special tour of our vintage print studio and then it is time to settle into our new Art Room, fitted out with the help of a heritage grant from the National Lottery and let the creativity flow. You’ll be using gorgeous original 1920’s typefaces and vintage fashion illustration blocks – from shoes to cocktail dresses and hats galore. Learn how to print bookmarks, personalised greetings cards and a frameable print or two on one of our historic vintage printing presses and spend a wonderful afternoon embracing traditional crafts – all backed with a soundtrack of Jazz Age classics. No experience needed — just bring ideas, curiosity, and clothes you don’t mind inking up. www.bellhouse.co.uk
Bell House, 27 College Road, Dulwich, SE21 7BG.
Saturday 7 March: Gong
Bath - Sound Meditation in Brockley 4pm-5pm
Imagine stepping into a tranquil space, laying down on a yoga mat, and allowing the soothing vibrations of the gong to wash over you. With an open heart and mind, you’ll be guided into a state of deep relaxation, as the powerful yet gentle sounds of the gong help you melt into the floor. The gong is a powerful instrument. Its rich tapestry of harmonics and hauntingly beautiful melodies can lower your brainwaves into a Theta state, promoting profound healing and inner peace. As the gong sings, you might experience vivid visuals, a deep sense of calm, or the emergence of long-forgotten emotions ready to be healed and integrated. There is no right or wrong way to feel during this experience. Each journey is unique and personal. Embrace whatever arises, knowing it’s part of your path to wellness and self-discovery. Space is limited, book your spot now: bit.ly/3Me9mJR.
&osteo, 179 Brockley Road, Brockley, SE4 2RS.
Sunday 8 March: 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. See our website www.thegooseisout.com. £5 on the door (cash or BACS only). The Castle, 280 Crystal Palace Road, East Dulwich, SE22 9JJ.
Mondays 9, 16, 23 & 30
March: Baby & Me Sound
Rest - Gentle Sound Sessions for Postnatal Rest 11am-12pm
A series of gentle sound sessions for caregivers and their pre-crawling babies. There's nothing for you to do during these sessions but to simply turn up with your baby, rest on the mat (however that looks for you) and hope to get a few moments of shut eye whilst you and your little angel listen to some soothing sounds in the background. This is a course of 4 x 60-minute sessions at a total cost of £80. For more info and to book, please visit bit.ly/4rSNH95
&osteo Studio, 179 Brockley Road SE4 2RS.
Wednesday 11 - Saturday 14
March: The Dulwich
Players
Present ENRON, by Lucy Prebble
7.30pm (2pm & 6.30pm on Saturday). It’s 2001:
As the millennium rises, a giant falls. Lucy Prebble’s explosive drama dissects the hubris at the heart of the spectacular collapse of Texan energy giant ENRON, the largest corporate scandal in history. Were ‘the smartest guys in the room’ tragic heroes, or just common crooks? Adults £17 | Under 18s £10 (Adult themes and language, suitable for ages 14+). Tickets at www. ticketsource.co.uk/dulwichplayers. This Amateur production of Enron is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals.
Theatre Peckham, 221 Havil Street SE5 7SB.
Submit your events for free via our website: www.arounddulwich.co.uk
Financial Matters
With Akwasi Duodu | akwasi@sterlingandlaw.com | www.sterlingandlaw.com
7 Financial Planning Essentials
For Self-Employed Sole Traders
Freedom, flexibility, and the chance to build something that truly reflects your values are just a few of the many benefits of going self-employed. But with that independence comes responsibility - especially when it comes to financial planning. Without the safety net of employer-provided benefits or predictable income, sole traders must be deliberate, disciplined, and forward-thinking. Strong financial planning isn’t just about surviving; it’s about creating stability, resilience, and long-term success.
1) Understand your true income
One of the first challenges sole traders face is recognising the difference between turnover and profit. It’s easy to feel successful when revenue is flowing, but what matters is what remains after expenses, taxes, and operational costs. Tracking income and expenditure accurately - ideally with accounting software – will help you understand your real financial position and make informed decisions. Reviewing your numbers will also highlight trends, seasonality, and opportunities to adjust pricing or reduce costs.
2) Plan for tax from day one
This is where many sole traders struggle. Unlike employees, sole traders must manage their own tax obligations. This includes income tax, NI contributions, and potentially VAT if your turnover exceeds the threshold. Setting aside a percentage of each payment - often 20 - 30% depending on your circumstances should prevent the stress of scrambling for funds at year-end. Opening a separate “tax pot” account to ring-fence these funds could be the answer. Staying organised with receipts, invoices, and allowable expenses will ensure that you only pay what you owe, not more.
3) Build a cash reserve
Dealing with an irregular income is a reality for most self-employed people. A healthy emergency fund could act as a buffer during quiet periods, unexpected expenses, or late client payments. A common target is three to six months of essential outgoings, although the right amount will depend
on your industry and risk tolerance. This reserve should provide peace of mind and prevent reliance on high-interest credit during lean months.
4) Protect yourself with insurance
Without employer benefits, sole traders must take responsibility for their own protection. Key policies to consider include:
• Income protection insurance to provide a regular payout if illness or injury prevented you from working.
• Public liability insurance if your work involves interacting with clients or the public.
• Professional indemnity insurance if you provide advice or services where errors could lead to claims.
These safeguards should ensure that one unexpected event doesn’t derail your business or personal finances. They are also treated as business expenses so make sense from a tax perspective.
5) Think long-term: retirement planning
Without automatic pension contributions, retirement planning has to be intentional. Setting up a personal pension will allow you to save tax-efficiently whilst building long-term wealth. Even modest, consistent regular contributions could make a difference. The key is starting early and reviewing your strategy regularly.
6) Separate your business & personal finances
Mixing personal and business finances can create confusion and makes it harder to track profitability. So open a dedicated business account. This should help you maintain clarity, simplify your bookkeeping, and present a more professional image when invoicing. It also makes it easier to demonstrate income when applying for mortgages or loans.
7) Invest in professional advice
While many sole traders manage their finances themselves, professional guidance can be invaluable. Navigating tax rules, pensions contributions, and business growth whilst running the business itself day to day can be challenging. A financial planner or accountant could help you optimise your structure, reduce liabilities, and plan strategically for the future.
Major Changes to UK Airport Security in 2026
Hayley John-Charles at Not Just Travel | https://hayleyjohncharles.notjusttravel.com
What You Need to Know Before You Fly
Airport security checks have long been one of the least enjoyable parts of flying. Now significant changes promise to make this process quicker and less stressful for UK travellers. Here’s what you need to know before you head to the airport. What’s
Changing?
1) Heathrow Lifts the 100ml Liquid Limit
From January 2026, London Heathrow has removed the 100ml liquid restriction for hand luggage — a rule that’s been in place for almost 20 years. Passengers can now carry liquids, pastes, and gels in containers up to 2 litres. Thanks to new CT scanning technology producing detailed 3D images, security staff can identify banned items without needing passengers to unpack liquids or remove laptops and tablets. You also no longer need to use clear plastic liquid bags at Heathrow.
2)
Other Airports Are Following
Birmingham, Edinburgh, and Bristol airports have already adopted similar scanners and lifted the 100ml rule. Gatwick and other major airports are gradually rolling out this technology and easing liquid restrictions on some lanes. However, not every UK airport has fully updated its rules, so always check your departure airport’s current guidelines.
3) Other Security Rules Still Apply
Some restrictions remain. For example, metal or vacuum bottles must usually be empty before security and refilled afterward. Prohibited items like blades and flammable goods are still banned. International airports often keep the old 100ml liquid rule, so check security rules at all airports on your itinerary, especially for return flights. Why These Changes Matter
These updates aim to:
• Lower stress by simplifying the process at the checkpoint
• Speed up security queues by reducing the
need to unpack bags
• Cut plastic waste by eliminating millions of plastic bags
• Make packing easier with larger allowed liquid containers
Whether for a family holiday or summer getaway, knowing what to expect at airport security helps you start your trip smoothly.
How to Prepare
Before you fly, follow this checklist:
• Check your airport’s rules: Security procedures vary depending on whether new scanners are in use. Visit your airport’s official website for the latest info
• Pack smart: If you’re unsure whether the new rules apply, pack liquids in 100ml containers inside a clear bag and keep electronics accessible.
• Know exceptions: Baby food and essential medicines may have special allowances — check ahead.
• Consider your return: Old rules may apply at airports without upgraded scanners.
FAQs
• Is the 100ml rule scrapped everywhere? Not yet. Heathrow, Birmingham, Edinburgh, and Bristol have lifted it; others may not have.
• Do I still remove my laptop at Heathrow? Usually no, thanks to new scanners.
• Are all airports upgrading? Yes, but timelines vary.
• What about airports abroad? Most still enforce 100ml liquid limits; check each airport’s rules.
In Summary
UK airport security is evolving in 2026, with major airports making travel easier and faster. Because rules vary, always check your departure and connecting airports’ policies to avoid delays. Safe and happy travels!
Interior
& Exterior
Painting & Decorating
Experienced, Reliable & Clean
Fully Guarenteed & Insured References Available
FREE No Obligation
Quote & Advice Given
Contact John at James & Lamont 020 8462 4646 | 07802 535695 jamlam@btinternet.com
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
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.
What's On - March
Wednesday 11 March:
Fashioning the Crown: A Story of Power, Conflict and Couture by Justine Picardie
7.30pm-8.30pm. From the bestselling author of Miss Dior and Coco Chanel, a compelling history of the Crown told through the lens of royal fashion, sharing the secrets that lie beneath its sumptuous surface.
From the birth of the house of Windsor in 1917, its leading women – Queen Mary, the Queen Mother, the Duchess of Windsor and Queen Elizabeth II – faced the perils of abdication and assassination, revolution and the rise of fascism, the threat of invasion and all-out war. Their sartorial decisions, alongside those of their royal husbands, projected power and perpetuity, diplomacy and defiance.
In Fashioning the Crown Justine Picardie draws on original research in the Royal Archives and her own experiences at Balmoral, Windsor Castle and Buckingham Palace to reveal the undercover lives of the creators behind the facade – and traces the ways in which visual iconography safeguarded the monarchy, even when their reign seemed to be hanging by a thread.
Justine Picardie is the author of seven books, including the international bestsellers Miss Dior: A Story of Courage and Couture and Coco Chanel: The Legend and the Life. Previously the editor-inchief of Harper’s Bazaar, she was an investigative journalist for the Sunday Times, columnist for the Telegraph, editor of the Observer Magazine and features director of Vogue. A Village Books event in association with James Allen's Girls' School. The VWA at James Allen's Girls' School, 144 East Dulwich Grove, East Dulwich, SE22 8TE www.village-books.co.uk.
Wednesday 11 March: EDWI: Celebrating International Women's Day with Sally Crook 7.30pm-9.30pm
To celebrate International Women’s Day we welcome Sally Crook, who will talk to us about her varied career as a specialist nurse setting up child immunisation clinics in far flung places. She has worked in Kenya, Eritrea and Afghanistan for VSO and Oxfam amongst others and has a special interest in access to water campaigning and is involved with non-profit water charity organisations to bring clean and safe water to people around the world. Guests are very welcome; the guest fee is £5; to be paid in cash - first time guest join this event for free. We welcome new members; the subscription, for the year from 1/4/26 to 31/3/27 is £54. We are a group of local women of all ages and backgrounds, with monthly events, plus a monthly book club and other activities. For further information, please email: join@eastdulwichwi.co.uk.
The Castle Pub, Upstairs Function Room, 280 Crystal Palace Road, East Dulwich, SE22 9JJ.
Thursday 12 March: Picture
This: Opening Night 6pm-8pm
Join us for the opening night of PICTURE THIS, an exhibition of art by Allison Parkinson and Stephen Shillito, which celebrates the harmony between illustration, design, words and imagination. From 6-8pm with bar, refreshments, prints and books on sale, as well a chance to chat to the creators! With an eclectic mix of subject matter and mediums, they show how art and design can bring stories to life. The friends have collaborated on many books. They also run selfpublishing workshops to help others become published authors. https://fb.me/e/44v8wtFgf Exhibition Opening Times: March 6th - April 2nd Monday, Tuesday & Thursdays 9am - 5.30pm Saturdays 10am - 1pm Gallery SE6 at the Corbett Community Library, 103 Torridon Road, SE6 1RQ.
Thursday 12 March: Rasputin
and the Downfall of The Romanovs by Antony Beevor
7.30pm-8.30pm. Was Grigori Rasputin a visionary, a fraud, or a victim of history? Antony Beevor searches for the truth about the great seducer of the Romanovs, the wild mystic who laid the ground for the Russian Revolution. When Russia’s Dowager Empress was pregnant with the future Tsar, she dreamed that a peasant would one day kill her son. The idea terrified her, and for the rest of her days she ‘lived under the pressure of the prophecy’. Rasputin had no official position. A barely literate moujhik from Siberia, he had no forces at his command. He was a devoted monarchist, not a revolutionary. And yet, through his uncanny seduction of the imperial household, he contributed more than any other individual to the collapse of the greatest autocracy in the world. In this extraordinary new work, Antony Beevor, master of narrative history on the grandest scale, sharpens his focus to pierce the fog of fantasy that has only grown denser over time.
Antony Beevor is the author of thirteen works of non-fiction, including Crete (1991), which was awarded a Runciman Prize; Stalingrad (1998), which won the first Samuel Johnson Prize, the Wolfson Prize for History and the Hawthornden Prize for Literature; and D-Day (2009), which received the Prix Henry Malherbe in France and the Westminster Medal, and was a no. 1 bestseller in seven countries.
A Village Books event in association with Alleyn's Schools Enterprises. The Great Hall, Townley Road, East Dulwich, SE22 8SU. Tickets via: www.trybooking.com/uk/events/landing/103237
What's On - March
Thursday 12 March: Postcards from Near and Far: Picturing the 20th Century
8pm-9pm. For over a century, postcards have pictured our shared history across the globe. They have documented the changing role of women, the growth of cities, evolving styles of architecture, home decoration, royalty, celebrity, the rise of cinema, aviation, the automobile, fashion trends, celebrations and holidays.
Few people, places or things have not been the subject of a postcard, but is the age of the postcard over? With our mobile phones, we take and send images in an instant. This lecture celebrates the history and scope of picture postcards - bearers of news and repositories of memory.
The Arts Society Dulwich membership fee is £60 single, £110 double, £12 for students for ten lectures October to July. Lectures also live on Zoom but not recorded. Guests welcome at £10 per lecture at the door, cash or card, or for the Zoom link; contact: info@theartssocietydulwich.org.uk.
James Allen's Girls' School (JAGS) Sixth Form Centre, Green Dale, SE22 8TQ. www.theartssocietydulwich.org.uk.
Saturday 14 March: Tapestry Weaving Beginners Class
10am-1pm. This class is for anyone who would like to pick up a bobbin and try tapestry weaving. Or if you have a little experience, the perfect practice session to improve your foundational weaving skills. On an upright loom, get started with plain weave, then try blending colours or weaving a simple shape. By the end of the session, you'll have made your own small tapestry to take home.
Tapestry weaving allows you to slow down a little and be creative with an art form that plays with colour and design. It's the perfect antidote for busy people with busy lives and is easy to continue at home once you have the basic skills. All weaving materials and instruction are included, and a loom will be prepared for you to use in class.
Bell House, 27 College Road, Dulwich, SE21 7BG. www.bellhouse.co.uk.
What's On - March
Saturday 14 March: Choral Gems - A Capella Music for Lent and Spring
7.30pm-9.30pm
A programme of choral gems for Lent Holy Week and Spring including Allegri Miserere; Lotti Crucifixus, Tippett; Spirituals, Finzi and Hindemith. Tickets £18/10 via Eventbrite or £20/£10 on the door. St Stephen's Church, College Road SE21 7HW.
Monday 16 March: 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.
Tuesday 17 March: Cosy Candle Lit Gong bath on Sydenham Hill, SE23
8pm-9pm. Step into the magical realm of my Secret Soul Sanctuary by the woods! It is a safe haven in the heart of South London, where I invite you to join me for an evening Gong Meditation / Sound Journey.
Thursday 19 March: New Moon Sister Circle with Mini Gong Bath & Fire Release Ceremony
8pm-10.30pm. Connect in at this month’s sharing circle gathering, where you will be surrounded by sisterhood as you step into the magical realm of my Secret Soul Sanctuary by the woods. Secret Soul Sanctuary, Sydenham Hill, SE23 3PH.
Bookings: Eventbrite & www.thesoulnurturer.co.uk.
Thursday 19 - Sunday 29
March: Accidential Collection
12pm-6pm. LExhibition of paintings by Ania Pieniazek. Jeannie Avent Gallery, 14 North Cross Road, East Dulwich, SE22 9EU.
Wednesday 18 March: A Thrilling Evening with Sabine Durrant and Claire Douglas 7.30pm-8.30pm
Sabine Durrant and Claire Douglas are the queens of psychological suspense. Join Sabine and Claire as they discuss their latest novels which both feature journalists who have been laid off from their jobs, and the unsettling events that unravel as their lives take unexpected turns…
Set over one blazing Mediterranean summer, Sabine Durrant’s new thriller Dead Heat is intense, claustrophobic and utterly gripping. The Family Friend by Claire Douglas is a dark and addictive new thriller about murder, memory and the secrets that won’t stay hidden.
In association with James Allen’s Girls’ School. The Holst Hall, 144 East Dulwich Grove SE22 8TE Tickets: www.trybooking.com.
Friday 20 March: Dulwich
Village Infants School Art
Exhibition Open House
6.30pm-8pm. Come and support the talents of our youngest village artists at our Open House evening. Every child will be contributing their work to the displays. As well as an opportunity to enjoy their art over a drink we will be welcoming Chantelle Culshaw, Deputy Director, Dulwich Picture Gallery for a brief talk on the joy of introducing children to art. Entry free. Donations in support of art provision in school welcome. Cash bar.
Main Hall, Lake Building, Church of England Infants' School, Dulwich Village SE21 7AL.
Sunday 22 March:
Midcentury Modern®
10am-4pm. Now in its 23rd year, step into a world of mid-century modern design at Modern Shows® Midcentury Modern® Fair, held at the iconic Christison Hall, a stunning 1960s glass, brick, and concrete refectory at Dulwich College. With over 60 vintage dealers on the ground floor and cloisters beyond and an additional 25 contemporary designers upstairs, this fair offers an unmatched blend of classic and modern interior design. This event has garnered a loyal following, with rave reviews from design experts and fans alike. As Time Out describes it, the fair is “a very stylish showcase of highquality, highly covetable furniture, lighting, art, and homeware." From top interior designers to casual enthusiasts, everyone is drawn to the fair’s unmatched selection and atmosphere. Full details https://modernshows.com.
Monday
23 March:
Cosy
Candle Lit Gong bath on Sydenham Hill, SE23
8pm-9pm. Step into the magical realm of my Secret Soul Sanctuary by the woods! It is a safe haven in the heart of South London, where I invite you to join me for an evening Gong Meditation / Sound Journey. Secret Soul Sanctuary, Sydenham Hill, SE23 3PH. Bookings via Eventbrite and www.thesoulnurturer.co.uk
What's On - March
Friday 27 March:
Goblin Band
7pm-11pm. Goblin Band bring their own lively and original take on folk music to The Ivy House! Firmly rooted in the traditional music of the British Isles, they draw widely on many other musical genres and cultures, using a diverse range of instruments including the hurdy gurdy. Supports are Aine Rowe (half of the duo Elfshot) and Spitzer Space Telescope (aka Dan McDonald), who sings boisterous Irish ballads and gritty American folk songs. £15 advance, £17 on the door (cash or BACS only). For more information and tickets, please see www.thegooseisout.com.
Saturday 28 March: Dulwich
Symphony Orchestra
7.30pm-9.30pm. Fauré Pavane Sibelius Violin Concerto soloist Elisabeth Turmo Dvorak Symphony no 6
Conductor Chris Stark. Tickets from TicketSource. www.dulwichsymphonyorchestra.org.uk.
All Saints West Dulwich, Lovelace Road SE21 8JY.
Sunday
29 March:
Easter Wreath-Making Workshop
12pm-2pm. Perfect for beginners and craft lovers alike, this class is a lovely way to welcome the season of new beginnings and get creative with natural, seasonal materials. What’s included: All materials to create your own beautiful handmade Easter wreath. Hands-on, guided support from an experienced instructor.
A warm, social atmosphere with fellow crafters. Tea, coffee, and snacks are available to buy at the Picturehouse Café. Spaces are limited to keep things relaxed, so early booking is recommended. Price: £35 per person (+ eventbrite booking fee).
East Dulwich Picturehouse & Cafe, 116a Lordship Lane, East Dulwich, SE22 8HD. Book via Eventbrite.co.uk.
COMING SOON Thursday 2 - Friday 24 April: Bursting at the Seams
Where silence stretches, colour spills. Where the canvas can no longer contain the story. This is art on the edge — fragile, loud, and entirely alive. A solo exhibition by local artist, Laura Hepworth opening on Thursday 2nd April for the Private View, and then on until Friday 24th April at the Jeannie Avent Gallery on North Cross Road in East Dulwich. The exhibition will feature all of Laura’s most recent works from her new collection ‘Layers’ exploring the tension between containment and chaos. Jeannie Avent Gallery, 14 North Cross Road, East Dulwich, SE22 9EU.
Ripe Old Age
Practical Advice for Navigating Later Life with Michael Scott
Romance Scams: Why Our Brain Ignores
The Warning Signs
Romance fraud in the UK is rising, with over £106 million lost to scammers in the 2024/25 financial year, with those over 60 being the most at risk. One of the strange things about romance scams is that people know the risk but go ahead anyway. Victims often say later, “I had a bad feeling,” or “Part of me knew something wasn’t right.” So why go ahead anyway? It is not stupidity. It is biology.
When someone gives you attention, affection, and validation, especially after a long period of loneliness, your brain releases dopamine, the same chemical involved in pleasure and reward. It is the little spark that says, this feels good. I want more of this.
At the same time, you may get a surge of oxytocin, often called the “bonding hormone.” It is what helps parents connect to babies and partners connect to each other. Even if the relationship exists only through text or phone calls, your brain can respond as if it is real, because emotionally, it feels real. Your logical brain, the prefrontal cortex, might be quietly waving a red flag. It notices inconsistencies. It recognizes the story sounds dramatic. It remembers news reports about scams.
But your emotional brain, particularly the limbic system, is louder. It is fuelled by hope, attachment, anticipation, and sometimes fear of losing the connection. When dopamine is flowing, the brain becomes less sensitive to risk. Studies show that in reward-driven states, we discount potential losses and focus more on potential gains. In plain English? The “what if this is real?” totally blots out the “what if this is a scam?” thought. There is also something called cognitive dissonance. Once you’ve invested time, emotion, or even a small amount of money, your brain wants consistency. Admitting it might be fraud is painful. So instead, the mind looks for ways to justify continuing. “It’s just a small loan.” “They sound sincere.” “I’d feel terrible if they were telling the truth.”
Loneliness intensifies all of this. Social isolation can increase stress hormones like cortisol, which makes us crave relief. When someone offers
| rightathome.co.uk/mitcham
warmth and attention, it feels like water in a desert. That is the physiological oddity: you can be fully aware of the danger and still feel pulled forward. It is not a failure of intelligence; it is a tugof-war between emotion and reason.
The best defence is not just knowing about scams. It is knowing how your own brain can temporarily work against you — and building a rule in advance: If money is requested, the answer is always no, no matter how strong the feelings. Feelings are powerful. But they don’t make bank transfers.
Community Index
Useful Contacts
The University Hospital Lewisham Tel 020 8333 3000
Lewisham Borough Council Tel 020 8314 6000 (24 hrs) www.lewisham.gov.uk
Lewisham Early Years Service Tel 0800 085 0606
Forest Hill Safer Neighbourhood Team Tel: 020 8721 2723
Email: ForestHill.SNT@met.police.uk
Community Groups
Forest Hill Society www.foresthillsociety.com
Friends of One Tree Hill http://friendsofonetreehill.wordpress.com www.facebook.com/friendsofOTH / @Friends_of_OTH
Tewkesbury Lodge Estate Residents’ Association www.tewkesburylodge.org.uk
Sydenham Garden Tel 020 829 11650 www.sydenhamgarden.org.uk
Our Lady and St Philip Neri Friends Association www.olspnfriendsassociation.com Independent community websites www.se23.com
Local MPs
Ellie Reeves (Lab, Lewisham West) Tel 020 7219 2668 ellie.reeves.mp@parliament.uk
Janet Daby (Lab, Lewisham East) Tel 020 8461 4733 Janet.daby.mp@parliament.uk
Vicky Foxcroft - (Lab, Lewisham North) Tel 020 8469 4638 vicky.foxcroft.mp@parliament.uk
Local Councillors
Forest Hill Ward
Peter Bernards (Labour) Tel 020 8314 9927
cllr_peter.bernards@lewisham.gov.uk
Sophie Davis (Labour) Tel 020 8314 3493
Cllr_Sophie.Davis@lewisham.gov.uk
Billy Harding (Labour) Tel tba
Cllr_billy.harding@lewisham.gov.ukSurgeries
All councillors: 2nd & 4th Saturday of the month, 11am-12.30pm. Forest Hill Library, Dartmouth Road, SE23. 11am–12.30pm.
Perry Vale Ward
John Paschoud (Labour) Tel 020 8314 3437
John.Paschoud@Lewisham.gov.uk
Susan Wise (Labour) Tel 020 8314 2214
cllr_susan.wise@lewisham.gov.uk
Sakina Sheikh (Labour) 020 8314 7963
Cllr_Sakina.Sheikh@lewisham.gov.uk
Surgeries
Meet on the 2nd Wednesday of each month (excluding August) at The Lodge Cafe (Stanstead Lodge Senior Club), 260 Stanstead Road, SE23 1DD. We’ll be there from 10:30am until 12:30pm.
Crofton Park Ward
Chris Barnham (Labour) Tel 020 8314 9896
cllr_chris.barnham@lewisham.gov.uk
Tauseef Anwar (Labour) 020 8314 9930
Cllr_Tauseef.Anwar@lewisham.gov.uk
Carol Webley-Brown (Labour) Tel 07795 915362
cllr_carol.webley-brown@lewisham.gov.uk
Surgeries
Crofton Park councillors offer in-person councillor surgeries on:
2nd Saturday of each month at 11-12
4th Saturday of each month at 11-12
4th Tuesday of each month at 2-3pm
All sessions take place at Crofton Park Community Library, Brockley Road. There are no surgeries in August, nor on 26th July, 24th or 27th December.
We Need You! Event Applications Open for Brockley Max 2026!
Celebrating 25 years of creativity, the beloved community arts festival Brockley Max is calling on local talent as event applications are now open for 2026!
From humble beginnings, Brockley Max began with just twelve events across two venues. Founded in 2001 by Moira Tait, the festival has grown into a nine-day celebration of community arts, which last year saw more than 85 events in more than two dozen venues across five Lewisham wards. Past highlights have included a borough-wide music trail, a full day of busking in Lewisham Shopping Centre, newly commissioned murals on Loampit Vale, and a much-loved story trail stretching from Brockley Road to Honor Oak and One Tree Hill.
Brockley Max 2026 returns on Friday 29 May and will run for nine days, opening with a vibrant al fresco Opening Night and closing with a familyfocused day festival on Hilly Fields on Saturday 6 June. Anniversary plans include a photography exhibition, public art installations, expanded music programming and the launch of a bold new festival logo, created especially for the landmark year by Brandmade designer Simon Strutt, with variations denoting specific festival events. While planning is already underway, Brockley Max is now inviting the community to add your voice as event applications are open now at: https://brockleymax.co.uk/host-events-2026/
This year, we want to go bigger and better and is making an open call to the borough’s creative talent. Whether it be dance, theatre, music, comedy, put on a creative workshop for children or adults, show off your DJ skills or something entirely new, the organising team would love to hear from you. We can help match event ideas with suitable venues and have curated a venue list (https://brockleymax. co.uk/brockley-max-venues/) including location, capacity and contact information, to support applicants.
Help shape this year’s festival by submitting a completed event application form, including a
photo, an 80-word event description, contact details and social media links, by 27 March. Confirmed events will be listed on the Brockley Max website and featured in the full-colour festival programme, published in early May and distributed across stations, shops and venues throughout the festival area and wider Lewisham. A PDF version of the programme will also be available to download, and events will be promoted via Brockley Max’s social media channels, predominantly Instagram @brockleymax.
If you have an idea for an event, now is the time to get involved. Submit your application by the 27 March deadline and be part of Brockley Max’s biggest celebration yet.
The Last Word with Rosie Hattersley
Rosie Hattersley is co-director of Brockley
Max community arts festival, helping put together a diverse line-up of performers and a broad cross-section of events. When she’s not designing the festival programme or helping plan and fundraise for it, Rosie enjoys gigs, crafting, exploring London on foot and campervanning trips. This year, Brockley Max celebrates its 25th anniversary and will be running from Friday 29 May to Saturday 6 June with more than 80 events taking place across Brockley, Ladywell, Crofton Park, Honor Oak and downtown Lewisham.
How long have you lived in the area?
I’ve lived in and around Ladywell since 2006 having been drawn back a few years after moving to other parts of south London after graduating from Goldsmiths.
What brought you here?
Happy memories of the area when studying at Goldsmiths meant it was an obvious place to return to when I was ready to put down long-term roots; the parks, independent places to go out, how easy it is to walk everywhere, as well as quick trains into and out of central London
What has changed most during that time?
Less pollution, more family friendly, but no longer getting serenaded by the conductors on the 36 bus from Lewisham up to college each morning.
What do you most value about the area?
Love the parks, the people and fantastic sense of community, especially our road in Ladywell
What one thing would you change?
More places to eat out and more places to go out in the evening
The one thing you couldn’t do without?
Cup of tea
Do you know your neighbours?
Of course! We gather for a cuppa outside someone’s house twice a week
The most famous person you’ve met?
Billy Ray Cyrus once stripped off his leather trousers in front of me
Do you belong to any groups?
Brockley Knits
Describe your perfect weekend
Lazy Saturday morning listening to 6Music, long walk somewhere; some cooking or baking
Your favourite place for a night out?
Middle of the crowd at a gig
Where are you to be found on a Saturday?
Finances permitting, dancing away mid-crowd at a gig. Otherwise, dancing away in our kitchen or front room
The best meal I’ve ever had..
Amrutha in Honor Oak. Easily the best meal I have had in the past five years
Cafe, pub or bar?
Pub
Your favourite place to go for a drink?
The Swan next to The Globe Theatre
Where’s your favourite place to walk?
Somewhere coastal and blustery; I like a bit of weather
If money was no object..
I’d have the enormous library my heaving bookshelves deserve plus the time and patience to read them all
The book I’m reading at the moment..
The Poisonwood Bible
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