SE21 December 2022

Welcome to SE21

Another year full of highs and lows but also one in which there is a lot to be grateful for. Getting together for Christmas feels back to normal this year, so I really do hope that all SE21 readers have a restful time.

As usual I have rounded up all the great events taking place in and around Dulwich. The events pages start on page 6. December is always a busy month for events with lots of Christmas events, so we have a mega 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.arounddulwich.co.uk too as many events get added after I have gone to print. You can often find out more details online too.

Link Age Southwark launch their Big Give Christmas Challenge with the opportunity to raise £20,000 in just 1 week! Full details pages 18 & 19. I am hopingt to make a great donation with the funds I raise from the Dulwich Charity Lunch, which I am really pleased to be running again this year. All the tickets sold out really quickly, but do get in touch if you haven’t got one and I can see if I have any cancellations.

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

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

Angela

Life Drawing Classes, see p22.

Dulwich Park Runners see p23.

Honor Oak WI, see p23.

Georgian Dulwich with Ian McInnes p23.

BNI Adventurers Meeting see p9.

Christmas Wreath Workshop p8.

Dulwich Folk Dance club, see p8.

Iain Nutting, Sculpture & Etchings, see p6.

Christmas at Bell House see p9.

Pexmas Festive Market p10.

Havelock Walk Winter Weekend p10. The Arches Open Studios p10.

Live Band Karaoke, see p9.

Iain Nutting, Sculpture & Etchings, see p6.

BNI Adventurers Meeting see p9.

Portraiture Classes see p23.

Charles Dickens, The Great Performer, see p23

Dulwich Folk Dance club, see p8.

Yuletide Fayre & Wreath Workshop Workshop p10.

Dulwich Village Christmas Stocking p29.

Dulwich Charity Lunch in aid of Link Age Southwark, see p28

Iain Nutting, Sculpture & Etchings, see p6.

Dulwich WI, see p29.

Life Drawing Classes, see p22.

Dulwich Park Runners see p23.

Portraiture Classes, see p23.

East Dulwich WI December Meeting, p29.

Christmas Wine Tasting, see p29.

Iain Nutting, Sculpture & Etchings, see p6.

Life Drawing Classes, see p22.

Dulwich Park Runners see p23.

Portraiture Classes, see p23.

BNI Adventurers Meeting see p9.

Vintage Christmas Card Printing p28.

Meet Julia Donaldson & Lydia Monks see p28.

The Illusioneer Magic Mix p28.

Christmas Fayre p22.

One Tree Hill Choir, see p29.

Dulwich Folk Dance club, see p8.

BNI Adventurers Meeting see p9.

Live Band Karaoke:Christmas Special, see p29.

parkrun, see p9.

Drawing from the Garden, p22.

Junior parkrun, see p22.

Weekly Horniman Market see p22.

The Massive Violins, see p29.

Junior parkrun, see p22.

Weekly Horniman Market see p22.

Christmas at St John’s, see p29.

Christmas Eve Christmas Day

Christmas at St John’s, see p29.

parkrun, see p9.

Weekly Horniman Market see p22.

BNI Adventurers Meeting see p9.

Dulwich Park Runners see p23.

Boxing Day Bank Holiday New Year’s Eve

Scroogelicious - Friday 1st - Friday 23 December, see 8

What's On - December

Until Saturday 31 December: Alice in Wonderland

Until Thursday 22 December: Iain Nutting, Sculpture & Etchings

Image Designed by Guy J Sanders, Illustrated by Israel Kujore. 7pm -1:30pm. After an explosive argument with Mum on a Victoria line station, eleven-year-old Alice leaps onto the tube seconds before the doors hiss shut. Trapped on a train speeding into Nonsense, surrounded by weird and wonderful passengers, and at the mercy of a Queen who won’t relinquish the controls, can Alice turn this train around? Multi-award-winning company Poltergeist weaves rap music together with the sights and sounds of Brixton into a hundred-milean-hour Christmas adventure. This alternative family Christmas show is created by Poltergeist. Brixton House, Brixton House, 385 Coldharbour Lane, London SW9 8GL, UK. Tickets: www.brixtonhouse.co.uk/shows/alice-inwonderland/

Until Tuesday 13 December: Cardio Tennis at Dulwich

Lawn Tennis Club

11am. Join our fun and sociable Cardio tennis group lesson! This class is a fun way to burn calories, improve your fitness, speed and balance. This class is suitable for everyone, - all ages and abilities are welcome! For more information and booking go to: www.clubspark.lta.org.uk

Giant Arches Road, Burbage Road, Herne Hill SE24 9HB

For listings contact: angela@semagazines.co.uk

11am -5pm. Iain Nutting is probably best known in Dulwich and the surrounding area as a muchloved Karate teacher to children and adults for 25 years. Iain is also an accomplished and established sculptor who exhibits nationally and internationally. Iain has created a series of bird’s sculptures and etchings for his newest show at artdog gallery. The gallery will also be exhibiting paintings and ceramics along the theme of birds and the environment. Artists include Lisa Henshall, Becky Munting, Judy Century and others. Our opening hours can be found online. art dog gallery, 23 Brockley Rise, SE23 1JG. www.artdoglondon.co.uk

Until Monday 2 January: Lightopia – Feel the Magic

The award-winning Lightopia Festival returns to Crystal Palace Park for 2022, bringing its incredible lightshow to London for the second year running and is promising to be bigger and brighter than ever this time. The hero piece of the event, and a first for Lightopia London, is the illuminated water show. The 40-metre-wide and 15-metre-tall water show over the lower lake is promising to be a spectacular visual feast, featuring the beloved Christmas staples of a giant Santa, Rudolf, Christmas tree and snowflakes. A magical and heart-warming show which promises to not be forgotten. Location: Crystal Palace Park, London, Thicket Road, London SE20. Tickets can be purchased at: https://london.lightopiafestival.com

What's On - December

Thursday 1 – Friday 23

December: Scroogelicious

Thursday 1, 8 & 15

December: Dulwich Folk Dance Club – Thursday Country Dance & More.

8pm -10pm. Where did the year go? Christmas is on its way and we’re still dancing. Come and join us. It will put a smile on your face. We invite you to come country (aka folk) dancing at St Barnabas Parish Hall, Dulwich Village from 8pm to 10 pm on Thursdays. Experienced or not, partnered or single, you can join in immediately and get the full benefit and joy of the event as all dances are first practised and then “called” as we dance to remind us of all of the moves. There are many people to partner you and show you how it’s done, should you need it. A chance to meet new friends and enjoy yourself. As a bonus, the hall is lovely and airy and in leafy Dulwich Village.

1 December: Caller Sue Hastings

8 December: Caller Philip Barber

1pm – 7pm: Scroogelicious, Peckham’s take on Charles Dickens’ immortal classic A Christmas Carol takes centre stage this December, written by playwright and actor Geoffrey Aymer and presented by Theatre Peckham. This impressive festive family show blends storytelling, dance and song with an original music score by Jordan Xavier featuring rap, RnB, hip hop and funk. Aymer reunites with Theatre Peckham’s Artistic Director Suzann McLean to present a refreshed and entertaining allegorical tale that will deeply resonate with audiences across London. https://www.theatrepeckham.co.uk/show/ scroogelicious/ Theatre Peckham, 221 Havil Street, SE5 7SB

Thursday 1 December:

15 December: Last dance before Christmas and we’re pushing the boat out! We shall have a variety of callers and attendees are invited to bring some food to share with others. This will be our first “American Supper” since before lockdown and we’re looking forward to having more time to enjoy each other’s company as we have extended our end time to 10.30pm. A great opportunity to dress up, look glam and just enjoy yourself! Hope to see you there.

ULEZ: Please note, the Club’s Hall lies within the south circular.

ENQUIRIES:

John Blase: 020 8693 2873 / johnhblase@aol.com

Wendy Newall: 07821 089861 / wendy.marsh@hotmail.com Entrance on door £5 (£4 Club members)

Laboos Flowers Christmas Wreath Workshop

7pm -9pm: Spend an evening with laboos learning the art of wreath making in the beautiful surroundings of artdog gallery. Creating your very own style Christmas wreath, you will be immersed in all the seasonal fragrant foliages, berries, bells & silk ribbon treats - making a natural & wild design to adorn your door! £85 per person - Glass of fizz on arrival, tools & materials are included in the price. Location: artdog gallery, 23 Brockley Rise, Honor Oak SE23 1JG. www.laboosflowers.com/

What's On - December

Thursday 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 December: BNI Adventures

Friday 2 – Sunday 4 December: Christmas at Bell House (Gala Night)

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. Now back in person this as exciting time for the chapter. Breakfast included. Free parking. Get referrals: boost your business! Please contact Hayley on 07843 989728 / www.eventbrite.co.uk/ Location: Dulwich & Sydenham Golf Club, Grange Lane, College Road, SE21 7LH, UK

Friday 2 December: Live Band Karaoke

7pm -11:30pm. Belt out classics from Dolly Parton to Metallica, live on stage, backed by a sensational 5-piece band, in front of an electric crowd at Peckham Rye’s historic Ivy House. Pick from around 300 tunes. Lyrics are provided on screen, and our compere will be on stage with you to provide additional support and / or add those critical backing vocals. Doors + signups from 7pm; £6 (adv) / £8 (door, subject to availability). Ivy House, 40 Stuart Road, SE15 3BE. www.live-band-karaoke.designmynight.com

Friday 8pm–10pm. Saturday 11.30am-1pm. 8pm-10pm. Sunday 3pm-5pm & 8pm-10pm. Four cameos from Bell House’s long and fascinating history will be told in promenade performance this December. Christmas Eve 1772 will amusingly recall a musical evening in the same room in which it originally took place. Below Stairs allows a peep into preparations taking place in the original kitchen for an anticipated celebration in 1865. Elegy 1919 sees authors G.K. Chesterton and Maurice Baring joining Nan Lucas, the then owner of Bell House, to remember Nan’s brother and their great friend, killed in 1916. Coronation Day 1953 hilariously relates the story of Dulwich College housemaster and his wife contrived to watch the events of the day, on the then boarding school’s 9” TV, without interruptions from the boys. The recommended age for this performance is 12+. For this special gala evening you are encouraged to dress up in your finery. Your ticket will include a drink and cake. There will be a pay bar.

Tickets: www.bellhouse.co.uk Bell House Dulwich, 21 College Road, SE21 7BG.

Saturdays 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31

December: Dulwich Park Run

9am – 10am. Free, weekly timed 5k run, jog or walk in Dulwich Park. Every Saturday at 9am promptly starting from Queen Mary’s Gate. Register once and bring your printed barcode (can be used at any parkrun across the world). First-timers briefing at 08.50. Also in Peckham Rye, Brockwell and Crystal Palace parks. See their event websites for details. For full event details go to www.parkrun.org.uk/dulwichpark

What's On - December

Saturdays 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31

December: Peckham Rye Park Run

9:00am -10:00am. Peckham Rye parkrun is a 3-lap anti clockwise course, entirely on tarmac is mainly flat and therefore a potential PB course the start & finish are located close to the Colyton Road entrance of the park. This scenic course takes you over 2 bridges along the pond keeping the black metal fence on your left before turning right running past the bowling green and around the oval gardens. Peckham Rye Park, Colyton Road, East Dulwich, SE15 4JR. www.parkrun.org.uk/peckhamrye

Saturday 3 – Sunday 4 December: Havelock Walk Winter Open Studios

Saturday 3 – Sunday 4 December: The Arches Studios Winter Open

11am – 5:30pm. A hidden creative oasis tucked into the brickwork of Blenheim Court behind Peckham Rye railway; The Arches Studios community welcomes you to their open weekends. Visit us to wander through our studios, view original artwork and crafts, buy unique gifts and chat with artists and makers. Don’t miss the chance to win a unique handmade artwork in our now infamous £5 LUCKY DIP! Location: The Arches Studios, Blenheim Court, 48-50 Blenheim Grove, Peckham SE15 4QL. www.thearchesstudios.co.uk

Saturday 3 December: The Friends of Dulwich Prep London’s Yuletide Fayre

12:pm -6pm. General entry provides access to the Fayre, which includes Children’s Entertainment, Festive Markets Stalls, Craft Corner, Christmas Raffle, Face Painting, Food and Drink Vendors, Festive Football, Christmas Carols and much more. Tickets are Adult: £7.50, Child: £5 & Child Under 2: Free. Dulwich Prep London, 38-42 Alleyn Park, Dulwich SE21 7AA.

Saturday 3 December: Wreath Making Workshop

Open studios on Havelock Walk - with 15 plus studios to visit. Live music, food and drink. Prints, painting, photography, sculpture and much more! Location: Havelock Walk Studios, SE23 3HG. www.havelockwalkstudios.com

Saturday 3 – Sunday 4 December: Pexmas Festive Market.

11am – 6pm. Pexmas is Peckham’s home-grown festive market; packed with 100+ independent small businesses each day to tick off everything on your list. Plus, street food, mulled wine & music. 11am-6pm, Free Entry. Location: Copeland Park, 133 Copeland Road, SE15 3SN. www.pexmas.com/pexmas-festive-market-2022

We are delighted to offer a Wreath Making Workshop provided by Wildside London Florist. Tickets are priced at £50 per adult, and all materials to make one wreath will be provided. Please note that you will need to also purchase a general entry ticket. https://app.classlist.com/ events/#/events/view/901981091

Dulwich Prep London, 38-42 Alleyn Park, SE21 7AA.

Greening Your Boundaries

Garden Talk with Janine Winlaw | Instagram @janinewinlaw

Evergreen climbers are perfect for blurring boundaries and create a lush backdrop for planting, throughout the year.

There are lots to choose from, offering foliage, flowers, berries, colour and scent. Here are my favourites:

Pileostegia Viburnoides

Evergreen, self-clinging and shade tolerant, this is a useful new find of mine. It has pointy, glossy dark green leaves and sprays of white flowers in late summer. You’ll have to be patient for it to get going, but when it does, it adds a beautiful timeless elegance to a boundary. Hydrangea seemannii is a similar self-clinging evergreen but with paler midgreen leaves. It also has clusters of greenish cream flowers in the summer. Both these climbers can eventually grow very tall, so are useful for covering a large wall.

Trachelospermum Jasminoides

With neat glossy foliage and heady-smelling flowers, this is an unbeatable evergreen climber. It copes in shade as well as sun and needs very little pruning. The variegated variety T. ‘Variegatum’ is pretty too and the creamy leaves have a pink tinge in the autumn. Trachelospermum takes a while to establish but will eventually coat your fence in dense foliage.

Akebia Quinata

This is a very pretty climber often known as a chocolate vine because of its maroon, chocolatesmelling flowers which contrast well with the lovely bright green leaves. It’s happy in full sun or partial shade and will need to be pruned back after flowering. The cream-flowered variety is lovely too.

Holboellia

A vigorous evergreen climber with glossy green leaves and clusters of beautifully fragrant summer flowers. It is happy in sun or shade but tends to flower more in the sun.

Lonicera Japonica ‘Halliana’

There’s nothing quite like the sweet smell of honeysuckle and there are various evergreen varieties. This one has white fragrant flowers in spring turning yellow into summer. For more dramatic colour try Lonicera henryi ‘Copper Beauty’ which has bronze leaves new leaves which turn greener as they age. Honeysuckles are vigorous and can get woody, so cut back by up to two thirds in spring. They like sun or part-shade.

Solanum Laxum ‘Album’

Also known as the potato vine, this pretty semievergreen coats fences and walls in no time. It also has masses of white flowers in summer and autumn. Lovely!

Pyracantha ‘Orange Glow’

Although strictly speaking a shrub, pyracanthus can be trained to cover a wall and are often supplied on a frame ready-trained. With evergreen leaves, white blossom in early summer and stunning berries, it has great impact against a fence. This one has orange berries but it’s also available in yellow, ‘Saphyr Jaune’ or red ‘Saphyr Rouge’. It’ll need careful pruning to keep it flat against the fence.

Boxing Day Traybake

Recipes from Suzanne James | www.suzannejames.co.uk

As Christmas comes around this year, I wanted to share a quick and easy recipe that would help to keep you and your family warm, and well fed, using Christmas Day leftovers (cooked or raw). This recipe can be made with either cooked leftovers or fresh ingredients. For leftovers reduce the oven temperature to 1800F / 1650C and cook for 20 to 30 minutes until everything is heated through. Or use part raw veggies and add left-over cooked vegetables at step 5 below.

The ingredients below can be tweaked to include any vegetables you have available. Serves 4

Ingredients:

• 1-2 tbsps olive oil

• 3 tbsp caramelised onion chutney

• 2 tbsp cranberry sauce

• 1kg small potatoes, halved (or roast potato leftovers)

• 4 parsnips, cut into chunks

• 4 carrots, cut into chunks

• 4 beetroots, cut into chunks

• 200g sprouts, trimmed and halves

• 2 small red onions, cut into wedges

• 12 cocktails sausages, wrapped in bacon

• Handful of fresh sage leaves

• Optional drizzle of honey

Method:

1) Preheat oven to 2000F / 1800C / Gas 6.

2) Mix the oil, chutney and cranberry sauce together and season well.

3) Divide everything except the sausages and herbs between two large roasting tins, pour over the oil and chutney mixture and toss together.

4) Put both trays in the oven for 25 minutes (see note above re reduced heat and duration if using cooked leftovers).

5) Add the sausages and herbs to the trays and bake for 30 minutes, stirring halfway through until all the vegetables are soft and the sausages are cooked

6) With 5 minutes cooking time left you can drizzle some honey over the tray if you wish. Enjoy!

In Season This Month

Vegetables - Jerusalem Artichokes, Beetroot, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celeriac, Celery, Chicory, Garlic, Kale, Leeks, Mushrooms, Onions, Parsnips, Potatoes, Pumpkin, Red Cabbage, Shallots, Spinach, Swede, Turnips.

Fruit & Nuts - Apples, Pears (late – Concorde, Doyenne du Comice, Conference and Winter Nellis), Rhubarb (forced), Walnuts

Meat - Duck (end of season), Goose, Guinea Fowl, Hare, Partridge, Venison

Fish & Seafood - Brill, Clams, Cockles, Haddock, Halibut, Hake, John Dory, Lemon Sole, Salmon (coming into season), Monkfish, Mussels, Oyster, Plaice, Turbot

Changing What You Can and Locus of Control

Fitness tips with Leanne Spencer | www.bodyshotperformance.com

We are currently going through some uncertain times and for some of you this may feel scary and on occasion even overwhelming. It’s for this reason that in this month’ article I would like to write about “changing what you can”, which means it’s about trying to develop as much of an internal locus of control as you can.

What Is a Locus of Control?

An internal locus of control would be feeling like you can control your conditions. Like you can make decisions that impact your life and that you’re relatively in control of things. An external locus of control, makes you feel as though you are a victim of circumstance and a victim of what other people decide for you, and you have very little control over your destiny. Now, changing from an external locus of control to an internal locus of control is not as simple as that, far from it. It can take a lot of unpicking and a lot of reestablishment of habits. I think there is a lot that we can do to take back a bit more control, to feel like we’re more in control.

How Does a Lack of Control Affect Us?

I think that lack of control, lack of agency, is hurting people at the moment. So what can we do about it?

Changing What You Can Control

1)

SET DAILY GOALS

Daily goals are the things that you can change: your sleep routine, what you eat, how much you move, the people you see, to a point. Things that you can control that could have a very significant impact on your health and wellbeing.

2) LOOK TO THE LOCAL COMMUNITY

What could you do to try and change things if you’re frustrated politically or environmentally? What can you do in your local community to try and change things for the better? I found that giving up meat, which we did at the beginning of January last, has really helped for me to feel a little bit of control of the terrible plight of industrially reared animals that we eat. So that’s really helped. And that’s linked with this last point, which is about values.

3) ARE YOU REALLY CLEAR ON YOUR VALUES?

Are you then taking action in support of those values? So, me giving up meat is one great example of that. Being more mindful and considerate in the way that I live my life. For example, the packaging on products and who I put my money with and what brands I support.

There is a huge amount we can control in life. The things we can’t control might be impactful. They might be big, but we can help to balance that feeling of frustration and lack of control by turning our attention to changing what we can control. So I hope that’s been helpful.

In between now and next month, stay healthy and all the best.

Link Age Southwark launches ‘double donation’ Big Give Christmas Challenge

Keeping Southwark’s older people connected this winter – you can help...

As the weather turns wintry and the cost of living crisis hits home, local charity

Link Age Southwark is aiming to raise £10,000 in just one week to support their work providing vital transport services to older people, people living with dementia and their carers. Link Age Southwark is taking part in the Big Give Christmas Challenge 2022 between 29 November and 6 December – and you can help!

Link Age Southwark’s volunteer drivers, escorted taxis for those living with dementia and their carers and the use of an accessible minibus for larger events, help over 250 local people leave their homes to attend a warm and safe space for social, exercise and activity groups organised by the charity. Many of them were hit hard by the Covid-19 pandemic. Agnes regularly attends one of Link Age Southwark’s yoga groups. She says: “For somebody who’s always on the go the lockdown didn’t go too well with me. But I’m coming through it. Yes, I’m getting back to my usual self.”

In the year before the pandemic, Link Age Southwark provided 4,000 transport journeys that were free of charge for local people. As the difficult financial situation now bites, these journeys will become even more important. Link Age Southwark relies on donations to make them happen, as well as the other services they provide free of charge – these include a befriending scheme, hospital buddies for older people having elective surgery, DIY and light gardening to help with home maintenance and independent living, as well as one-to-one support with form filling and social isolation.

If Link Age Southwark can raise their target of £10,000 in online donations during the week of

29 November to 6 December, this money will be doubled thanks to a Big Give Christmas Challenge ‘pledge pot’ of £10,000 generously pledged by Patrons of the charity and the Lake House Charitable Foundation. So your donation will have twice the impact! The Big Give is the UK’s biggest online match funding campaign – here’s how you can get involved and help Link Age Southwark receive a total of£20,000 towards keeping local older people and their carers connected and able to get out and about in these difficult times:

Visit Link Age Southwark’s Big Give Christmas Challenge campaign www.linkagesouthwark.org to make a donation from midday on Tuesday 29 November (#GivingTuesday). The campaign will close at midday on Tuesday 6 December. If you are unable to donate at this time, you can still support Link Age Southwark’s Big Give Christmas

‘double your Challenge

Challenge by telling your friends, family and colleagues or sharing details on social media. The charity will be posting about the campaign on: Twitter (@LASwark), Instagram (@linkagesouthwark) Facebook: www.facebook.com/linkagesouthwark/ Sophie Wellings, Chief Executive of Link Age Southwark said: “Many of our groups are once again fully booked, and there’s been a really positive response to everything we’ve been doing to get our services back up and running in person, following the adaptations we had to make during the Covid-19 pandemic. It shows there’s a real need locally for what we do. Now, with the cost of living crisis and increase in energy costs causing huge concern, we are very keen to ensure that the people we work with continue to have access to warm and safe spaces and activities where they can mingle with their peers and our staff and volunteers. £20,000 would really help us to do that, and we’re so grateful to all those who support our Big Give Christmas Challenge campaign“. For more media information, comment, visuals etc please contact Deborah Hyde: 07956 320 486 | deb_hyde2003@yahoo.co.uk

Link Age Southwark is a vibrant local charity providing friendly volunteer support to isolated people aged over 60, people living with dementia and their carers in the London Borough of Southwark. Our services are free and include a befriending scheme, group activities, hospital

buddies for older people needing elective surgery, specialist support for people living with mild to moderate dementia, DIY and light gardening to help older people maintain their homes, and oneto-one support with form filling, practical, health related and social isolation and loneliness. We’ve been building friendships between older people and the volunteers we recruit and train to deliver our services for over a quarter of a century.

The Big Give Christmas Challenge – The Big Give runs the UK’s biggest match funding campaign, the Christmas Challenge. For seven days, it offers supporters of participating charities the opportunity to have their donation doubled. Founded by entrepreneur and philanthropist Sir Alec Reed CBE, the Christmas Challenge has raised millions of pounds for thousands of charity projects since it first launched in 2008. https://www.thebiggive.org.uk/s/christmas-challenge

Dulwich Hamlet FC

So how do you get to Champion Hill on matchday? Perhaps you live locally and swagger up Lordship Lane in your pink and blue garb, grabbing a few scoops and a fancy wrap on the way. Maybe you prefer to ride on the P13 stealth bus as it courses through the obscure backstreets of South London before dropping you in Dog Kennel Hill Sainsbury’s car park, a mere tobacco spit from the hallowed turnstiles. Or perchance you always take the dog to the match (and why wouldn’t you), so approach via Greendale affording your over-excited cur the opportunity to evacuate any unpleasantness before entering the Theatre of Dreams.

Well however you get there, these are exciting times indeed for the Pink and Blues as the men continue to find their form and the women make ever greater strides in league and Cup. The Paul Barnes era continues to promise much and deliver a fair bit too. As the new terrace chant goes (to the tune of the Pet Shop Boys’ Go West) “Paul Barnes, no longer interim, Paul Barnes no longer interim, Paul Barnes no longer interim, Paul Barnes, we’re really into him.” And the fans are increasingly into him, as the gaffer shows a level of accessibility, accountability and just plain old decent football management that has been in limited supply in recent seasons.

A 3-2 victory against both Hampton and Richmond on an unseasonably sultry Saturday

afternoon bore the hallmarks of the new era; with The Hamlet easing into an early two goal lead, shipping a goal just before half time, before holding on grimly as The Beavers equalised and then went for the kill. Previous Hamlet teams of recent yore might well have folded like a cheap kagool, but not these Sons of Edgar Kail, with a late Hamlet penalty securing a 3-2 victory sending the Rabble into a mild state of delirium. Heady days.

Meanwhile even greater heights are being scaled on Champion Hill by the women’s team. A middling start to the season has been eclipsed by heroics from The Daughters of Edgar Kail as they made history by getting into the First Round of the Vitality Women’s FA Cup for the first time. Not satisfied with this, they only went on and won the damn thing, progressing to a home second round clash against Gillingham Women FC (a game which will have just been played by the time this plops though your letterbox). Spicy times.

As ever, keep an eye on the Hamlet website at www.pitchero.com/clubs/dulwichhamlet/ to update yourself on all the latest news, including details of all upcoming men’s and women’s team games. Plus why take yourself to the Supporters Trust’s site to check out the latest merch. From well wizard tops to sumptuous stocking fillers, there’s a sweet bit of merch for everyone. Here’s to the Moral Victory. And up The Hamlet.

What's On - December

Sundays 4, 11, 18 & 25

December: Peckham Rye Junior Park Run

Sunday 4 December: Christmas Fayre: St Clement with St Peter Church Dulwich

11:30am – 2:30pm Come join us for some festive fun at our Christmas Fayre. There will be lots of fun stalls such as tombola, raffle, festive gifts, cakes, books and lots more! Refreshments available including hot sausage and vegan rolls, mince pies and milled wine. FREE ENTRY Card payments are accepted at stalls. St Clement with St Peter, Dulwich, 140 Friern Road, SE22 0AY

Tuesdays 6, 13, 20 & 27

9:am – 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. www.parkrun.org.uk/peckhamrye-juniors/ Peckham Rye Park, Colyton Road, SE22 0NE.

Sundays 4, 11, & 18

December: Horniman Market

December: Life Drawing & Painting

7:00pm -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, 13, 20 & 27

December: Weekly Online Breathing Class

10am – 3:00pm. The weekly Horniman Market is open to provide food items including fresh fruit, vegetables, cheese, bread, cake, meat and street food. Alongside food stalls, you’ll find body care, clothing, jewellery, design and craft ; most are locally produced, ethical and many use environmentally friendly materials, natural and organic ingredients. Market stalls will be positioned outdoors at a safe distance from each other to ensure we can maintain a social distance for all customers and traders.

Horniman Museum, 100 London Road, Forest Hill, SE23 3PQ. www.horniman.ac.uk.

7pm -8pm. Weekly virtual online breathwork class. Join me every Tuesday at 7pm for a 40-minute breathing and relaxation class. Unwind, centre yourself and use the breath to help relax and prepare for a restful evening. Using different breathing techniques that can be incorporated into your day along with a few gentle mat-based stretches and ending with Yoga Nidra a full body guided meditation for deep relaxation. All welcome. No experience is needed. £7. To join please use the link below: https://liveyogateachers.com/classes/ meditation-open-level-kerry-flower

For listings contact: angela@semagazines.co.uk

What's On - December

Tuesday 6 December:

Honor Oak WI

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

Tuesdays 6, 13, 20 & 27

December: DPR Social Runs

7:30pm – 8:30pm. Fantastic local running club. Social runs every Tuesday 7.30pm at Trevor Bailey Sports Ground on the south circular. Trevor Bailey Clubhouse, Dulwich Common, Dulwich, SE21. 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

Tuesday 6 December: Georgian Dulwich with Ian McInnes

8pm -9pm. Local historian and architect Ian McInnes takes us on a tour of Dulwich’s magnificent Georgian heritage: the buildings and the families who lived in them from the time they were built. This is an online talk - come and join, tickets are £5! All proceeds go to St Christopher’s Hospice. For bursaries, please contact info@bellhouse.co.uk.

Bell House Dulwich, 21 College Road, Dulwich SE21 7BG, UK. Tickets can be purchased from: www.bellhouse.co.uk

Wednesdays 7, 14, 21 & 28

December: Zoom Portraiture

@Dulwich Art Group & School

2pm -5pm. This is now a hybrid session with 15 artists allowed into the studio and also cameras for artists attending through Zoom. 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 Location: www.dulwichartgroup.co.uk/ wednesday-afternoon-zoom-portraiture/

Thursday 8 December: Charles Dickens, the Great Performer

8pm – 9pm. This most celebrated of Victorian novelists led a life as colourful as any of his characters. From his earliest days he was a consummate performer, as actor and reader. However, he lived two lives, one public, one private. This lecture will examine the huge popularity he came to enjoy in his lifetime in contrast to the unsteady nature of his personal life. We shall revisit the unique world he created in his 16 novels, his Christmas stories and numerous articles, as relevant and as entertaining today as in 19th century Britain. Also available to members and non-members live on Zoom. Lecturer: Roger Askew. Location: James Allen’s Girls’ School Sixth Form Centre, Green Dale, SE22. The lecture programme can be found on www.theartssocietydulwich.org.uk/ programme/lectures

For listings contact: angela@semagazines.co.uk

Financial Matters

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

A Year Of Financial Take-Aways

Christmas is just around the corner, followed swiftly by the closure of the year. The economic, socio-political events of the last twelve months may easily tempt us or tomorrow’s historians to conclude what an annus horribilis. However, let’s avoid becoming preoccupied with all things doom and gloom, at this time. Take a moment and allow ourselves to reflect on the writings of Noel Gallagher and in particular, the Oasis hit single, “Don’t look back in anger.” Despite the highs and lows of 2022, the year has provided a breadth of personal financial learning for many of the unsung heroes in society. In keeping with the spirit of Christmas and not looking back in anger, eight financial lessons, tips and take-aways from our unsung heroes have been shared below for our readers.

“I reviewed my bank statement each month and categorised all my transactions; and compared against the budget I had set for each category. This allowed me to spot the fact that one month, I had spent £150 on Uber. Although I had no Uber budget!”

“I signed up for a bank account that sends you notifications as you make a transaction and your current balance. This has allowed me to keep on top of my finances and always know my position.”

“I downloaded a useful app called Snopp which has helped me budgeting and monitoring my monthly bills.”

“Some months during the year I had a no takeaway challenge. This meant not buying any takeaway item, including tea, coffee, sandwich etc.”

“I don’t use my current account for any online retail transaction. I have a separate bank account for all online transactions, to minimise fraud. I transfer funds to my bank account used for online transactions solely for that purpose. The regular notifications from that bank has twice in the year proved invaluable. On being alerted I was able to contact the bank immediately, freeze card and incur no loss.”

“I no longer try and save money at the expense of paying off my debt. The interest earned from saving is invariably less than the interest being paid on my credit cards and loans. I now channel efforts into discharging my debt before creating a savings pool. I may lose 1% of savings interest but I am not building up 2% interest charges per month. It’s a no brainer.”

“As a family, we have agreed to stop buying each other presents. We agreed that each member would contribute a fixed sum into a family pot and nominate one member to organise a family event with the pot of money. This enables us to create family memories and abandon traditional buying of presents whilst saving the earth from more stuff going into landfills.”

“Following our discussion, I now check my bank balance twice a day. I can’t believe it helped the bank clawback a few hundred pounds for me. I had been online to purchase an item for £47.99 but since that purchase each month the supplier had been taking the same amount from my account. It was only when I started checking my bank account on my phone, did I notice this and worked with my bank to get a full refund.”

The lessons from our contributors demonstrates that our personal finance and money management education continues to evolve irrespective of what is taking place in the wider local, national or international economy. An additional tip for 2023, don’t forget January is that dreary post-Christmas month. So rather than attempt to be financially frugal in January, as you go about your December spending, try and allow for some post-Christmas cheer for the month of January. Above all, let’s strive to make next year, annus mirabilis.

Getting Good at Science

Education News from Alleyn's | www.alleyns.org.uk

Brett Goldspink, Science teacher at Alleyn’s Junior School tells us how to enjoy doing science activities at home with our children.

Parents frequently ask me how they can help their child in science at home. First, if you don’t have a background in science, stay calm! We are no longer the gatekeepers of knowledge, but (with the aid of technology) the facilitators of knowledge. If we don’t know something, that is completely fine and we can respond with, ‘how can we find out?’ Metacognition is the art of finding out, how to find things out. With the plethora of resources at our fingertips it is easy to create an enjoyable, shared learning experience for everyone. The pandemic has facilitated an explosion of websites offering resources to support science education both on and offline and they are very often free.

Hitting The Sweet Spot

Some of the most rewarding science investigations can be done cheaply with the most basic of ingredients. Bicarbonate of soda and vinegar with washing up liquid is an exciting and instant reaction that can bring gasps of astonishment. Water and fizzy vitamin tablets in a film canister will explode with screams of delight. Ride your child’s wave of enthusiasm with an online clip or a printed explanation of what they have seen to fuel their passion of wanting to find out why. This is the sweet spot where learning occurs.

Technology Is Your Friend

Most parents don’t want an online resource but technology can enhance learning and that doesn’t need to be indoors. Download a stargazing app on your phone and go out and look to the skies at night! January is the perfect time to see Venus and Mars and the moons of Jupiter. Find the constellations of Orion and Taurus.

With the most basic telescope (perhaps a Christmas present?) the Moon becomes a thing of wonder and if you check the International Space Station calculator, discover an incredible amount of detail about every star you see.

Throw A Science Party

TOP TIP: Get a set of water-based dyes for less than £10. These won’t stain and there is a huge range of colours. A few drops go a long way. When diluted, these solutions are perfect for playing mad scientists or making magic potions.

Pinterest is a touchstone for planning a science party which is easy on the pocket. From charity shop shirts transformed into lab coats to kitchen cupboard chemistry ideas, it is certainly the place to start. A word of advice: try everything out first (because you will enjoy it as much as them!) and make jelly!

Watch TV!

Your TV is your friend, especially when it comes to science documentaries, because when your child watches documentaries on any subject they are still learning. Look out for Stargazing Live and any other scientific programmes. They could inspire your child in science, and in other subjects too.

Useful Links

• www.stem.org.uk/primary-science

• www.pstt.org.uk/resources/curriculum-materials Science-Fun-at-Home

• www.glasgowsciencecentre.org/learn/gsc-at-home

What's On - December

Friday 9 December:

Dulwich Charity Lunch

12:30pm – 4pm. The wonderful Dulwich Charity Lunch is now in its 21st year.

The lunch run by SE Magazines will be hostedat the The Lordship Pub. It is also a great excuse to have lunch and a few drinks before Christmas. So, arrival is 12.30 pm and we plan to start eating at 1.15 pm. Only come if you have the time to enjoy the two courses on offer, we won’t be finished by 2 pm! Tickets are £35 for a twocourse lunch with wine. Remember £5 goes direct to Link Age Southwark. I will send out a menu nearer the time and you will be able to pre-book your choice. All dietary requirements will be catered for. Tickets can be purchased on www.dulwichlunch.co.uk/bookings/

Saturday 10 December:

Meet Julia Donaldson & Lydia Monks

11,30pm-12.30pm & 12.30pm -1.30pm. Julia and Lydia Monks will be at Village Books to sign copies of their new book What The LadyBird Heard At Christmas!

The clever little ladybird is back to celebrate the festive season and to once again save the day! With a cast of wonderful friends, old and new, plenty of festive fun, and of course, a cunning plan to foil.

Tickets: £12.99 – includes a copy of What The Ladybird Heard at Christmas. Terms & Conditions www.village-books.co.uk/events and tickets can be purchased at www.trybooking.com.

For listings contact: angela@semagazines.co.uk

Saturday 10 December: Vintage Christmas Card Printing

2:00pm -5:00pm. BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND! This always sells-out fast and is a great way to kick-off the festive season. Start with a special tour of our vintage print studio by Simon Trewin of The Garage Press and then it is time to get printing - using gorgeous typefaces and festive blocks. Learn how to print lots of handmade pieces on one of historic vintage printing presses. All in all - spend a wonderful afternoon embracing traditional crafts and enjoy a mince pie or two. No experience required. The workshop cost is £50 per participant, all materials included. We have bursary tickets available, please email info@bellhouse.co.uk

Tickets: www.bellhouse.co.uk/events Bell House Dulwich, 21 College Road, SE21 7BG.

Saturday 10 December:

The Illusioneer - Magic Mix

7:30pm - 10pm. Puzzlements, Curiosities, Parlor, Street and Cabaret Magic from The Illusioneer team and guests in a fun and relaxed setting: Bring your own liquid refreshments. We have the drinking vessels. Sorry no food allowed in the venue but there are a variety of eating places close by. Performers are from our resident team and guest artists; they will vary each show. All artists give their performances free, and profits are donated to our children’s charity 'Breathe'. Our special thanks to Fison Fitness Centre of Herne Hill for their support. 7.30pm Doors open to show you Puzzles and Curiosities. The show of two halves starts at 8pm with a short interval. Finish 10 to 10.15pm. Tickets £16-£19.

Fison Fitness Centre, 280 Milkwood Road, Herne Hill Railway Arches, Herne Hill,, SE24 0EZ. Tickets: www.eventbrite.co.uk

What's On - December

Saturday 10 December:

Dulwich Village Christmas Stocking

Come along to Dulwich Village to celebrate some Christmas cheer! Meet Miss Christmas between 12pm - 3pm, listen to Popchoir Dulwich perform at 2pm, plus there will be a mystery stock hunt for children all day, and a whole lot more!

Sunday 11 December: The Massive Violins (cellos actually)

5pm - 7pm. It’s coming on Christmas and the famous Massive Violins are coming to Dulwich, bringing music and joy and a massive dose of fun. They all sing, and they all play the cello and together they produce the most stunning sounds. Come and thrill to their fabulous arrangements of seasonal favourites and some not so well-known numbers such as Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer... Tickets from: www.massiveviolins.com. The MCT at Alleyn’s school, Townley Road, East Dulwich, SE22 8SU

Monday 12 December:

Dulwich WI Monthly Meeting. 7.30pm-9.30pm. We meet on the second Monday of each month at Vits+Kicks, 57 North Cross Road, East Dulwich, SE22 9ET. https://dulwichwi.com

Wednesday 14 December:

Christmas Wine Tasting: Champagne vs

English Fizz

7:30pm – 8:30pm. Join wine writer Margaret Rand and Master of Wine Simon Field for a Christmas-themed wine tasting in celebration of Hugh Johnson’s Pocket Wine Book 2023. Put your palate to the test with two leading Champagnes and two leading English sparkling wines. Ticket price includes tasting of 4 wines and a copy of Hugh Johnson’s Pocket Wine Book 2023. Book & Ticket £35 (includes a copy of Hugh Johnson’s Pocket Wine Book 2023, RRP £14.99) A Village Books and Alleyn’s School Enterprises Event. Location: Junior School Hall at Alleyn’s School, Townley Road, London, UK. Tickets can be purchased at www.mct.alleyns.org.uk

Wednesday 14 December: East Dulwich WI December

7:30pm – 10pm. The December event is a Christmas party with games and a raffle. Guests are very welcome. Location: The Castle, 280 Crystal Palace Road, East Dulwich SE22 9JJ. www.eastdulwichwi.co.uk

Friday 16 December: One Tree Hill Choir

I Bring You Good Tidings 7:30pm -9:30pm. Come join in with Christmas singing at our friendly local choir Christmas Concert. We perform short pieces from across the ages and much-loved Christmas carols and songs. We invite the audience to sing along! Bar and Snacks. Pay in advance or on door. Cash/card reader. St Saviours Church, Brockley Rise, Honor Oak SE23 1JN. Tickets: www.onetreehillchoir.co.uk

Saturday 17 – Sunday 25 December: Christmas at St John’s

Saturday 17 - Carols by The Green from 11am with refreshments, crafts, music and singing. A great family free event.

Sunday 18 – Christmas carol service in church from 6pm.

Saturday 24 – Christingle services at 3pm and 4:30pm. Midnight Mass at 11:30pm.

Saturday 25 – 10am Festival Sung Mass

Any enquiries, please contact Denise Fulgoni: office@stjohnseastdulich.org.

Thursday 22 December: Live Band Karaoke Christmas Special

7:30pm – 11:30pm. Ho Ho ho ... it’s the Live Band Karaoke 2022 Christmas Special! Belt out pure classics, live on stage, backed by a stunning live band. In addition to the regular 350+ song list, you can expect festive bangers aplenty, from the likes of the Pogues, Mariah Carey, Wham... The bar will stock beer, spirits, mulled wine, and a range of food options will be available. AMP Studios, 897a Old Kent Road, SE15 1N. Tickets ww.live-band-karaoke.designmynight.com

BabyBallet

The award winning movement to music, dance & singing programme for boys and girls from 6 months upwards run with a fun, safe and caring environment. Classes in Dulwich. Call Stephanie 07809 148348 | www.babyballet.co.uk.

Boppin Bunnies

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

diddi dance

Funky pre-school dance classes for girls and boys. Learn coordination, rhythm and great moves to funky songs and boost confidence. Classes in East Dulwich, Anne-Marie for a free trial 07973 982790 | www.diddidance.com.

District & Dulwich Twins Club

Baby and Toddler Group every Friday 10am-12pm (turn up at any time!), at Peckham Rye Playrooms (SE corner of the Rye). It is for multiples only, but you do not have to be a member of the club to attend. BYO coffee cup! www.ddtwinsclub.org.

Gymboree

Classes are designed for newborns - 5 year olds, and are led by experienced and nurturing teachers. We run throughout the year at Gymboree East Dulwich. 184 Peckham Rye SE22 9QA. 07538 795023 | eastdulwich@gymboree-uk.com.

HartBeeps

Mondays at Christ Church, 263 Barry Road, East Dulwich, SE22 0JT. 10am Happy House, 11am Baby Beeps & 12.15pm Baby Bells. Fridays at Ewart Community Hub, 44 Wastdale Road, SE23 1HN .10am Happy House, 11am Baby Beeps & 12.15pm Baby Bells. http://hartbeeps.com

Little Superhero Training

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

Lucy Sparkles

Outstanding music, drama and dance classes and parties for young children. Fun classes where children engage with singing, movement and live music whilst enhancing learning through developing physical, emotional and intellectual skills. Tues, Weds & Fri classes for different age groups/ themes. sarah@lucysparkles.com | 07929 784 719

Nibble Arts

Are you looking for flexible 8:00 - 6:30pm school holiday childcare? We still have lots of places available at Goodrich Primary SE22 from 4th birthday to 11 - our unique creative childcare lets children explore a brand-new adventure through up to 4 creative workshops a day with industry professionals for February Half-term 14th - 18th Feb!

Children are looked after in key groups of 10 for a really personalised experience and you can request that they are grouped with friends who are also attending.

We are Ofsted approved and you can book in advance up to the end of Summer Holidays 2022 1-5 days a week using childcare vouchers, tax-free childcare, card or instalment plans from £54/day. Where else can you be on video chat to an Arctic explorer live from Svalbard University one day, and meeting Sophie the giant animatronic T-Rex the next? For the full timetable and to book visit www.nimblearts.co.uk/how-our-clubs-work

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

Sing and Sign

Monday - Saturday. 020 7193 3696 | www.singandsign.com

Sparkle Music

Carefully structured and fun music classes for babies, toddlers and pre-school children in SE22. Check the website for current classes. Contact : anna@sparkle-music.co.uk. | 0771 1238352

Our children’s activities pages have been popular for years and now they are back! If you run a class in any of these areas, then advertising in these pages are just for you. Each magazine has 5,000 copies which are hand-delivered every month. You can choose to go for 5, 10 or 15,000 copies, it is totally up to you. Contact Angela at: angela@semagazines.co.uk for a rate card.

SOUTHWARK FRIENDS

We are local people over 50 who like taking part in activities in the company of others and making new friends.

Join our group and...

Come for a walk,

Go on a boat trip,

Join a coffee morning,

Visit a garden,

Have a meal out with friends,

Visit historic houses,

Enjoy a visit to the theatre or cinema,

Come on a picnic,

Try different craft activities,

Visit places of interest,

Support your local food bank,

Explore exhibitions & galleries,

Go on Freedom Pass jaunts to other towns… …the world is your oyster!

TO JOIN US, GO TO: https://meetup.com/Southwark-Friends

All Your Pet Wants For Christmas...

Pets

Corner with Leonie St Clair | www.londondogstraining.co.uk

As Christmas looms and money is tight, just remember our pets really do not care about expensive toys or designer gear. Save your money and check the list below. Developed out of the Animal Welfare Act 2006, the 5 freedoms are the essential quality of life guide every pet owner should know and follow.

1) Freedom from hunger and thirst

2) Freedom from discomfort

3) Freedom from pain, injury or disease

4) Freedom to express normal behaviour

5) Freedom from fear and distress

At first glance the points may appear simple, even self-evident. However, freedom from hunger and thirst may not be the given it seems. Any animal given a plentiful but poor quality/unsuitable diet may still experience frustration and hunger. I have met pet owners who because they were vegetarian, insisted on feeding their cat a plantbased diet. Cats are obligate carnivores; they are designed to eat meat.

Think about the pet rodent or bird that lives with a cat or a dog, where it is eyeballed daily and hungrily by the other animal. The caged pet is probably safe, but because it cannot hide it does not feel safe. How free from discomfort or anxiety is the family dog that gets pulled around by the children it lives with?

Freedom from discomfort may be a simple matter of access to a safe, comfortable space, but to know what that really means you must be able to read subtle signs of discomfort in your pet and have an understanding of their idea of a safe space. Rabbits need the equivalent of a burrow, many dogs like a den, cats generally like high spaces. Too often, we humans miss ways in which a pet attempts to signal discomfort. How many of us chastise our dog for growling instead of trying to understand and remedy why the animal is upset?

Many animals are stoical in the face of pain, illness or injury. The instinct to survive prompts them to mask discomfort- the weak get killed and eaten, after all. Knowing and recognising subtle deviations from your pet’s normal behaviour, ensuring you can handle and inspect them for signs of illness or disease, is so important.

All pet owners should research and

understand the species-specific needs of the animals they keep and respect that needs differ. For instance, it is not really fair to keep single rabbits- they always live in groups. It is hard to understand why someone might want to keep a type of dog developed over hundreds of years to guard, or to hunt and kill, in a city environment, and expect it to behave like the average dog in the park. Don’t buy an Akita and expect it to behave like a Golden Retriever.

We humans always like to frame pet behaviour in a way that works best for us. One regular assumption is that all cats can be left alone for days, so long as food is available. Not so. Some suffer terrible separation anxiety- they just don’t exhibit their distress in a way that is always easy to read. Many dogs are so sensitive to our every micro-expression that we easily forget how our moods, frustrations and routines impact on them, then wonder why they ‘misbehave’.

In a nutshell, you don’t need to spend lots of money on your pet this Christmas- just ensure you are meeting the 5 freedoms well and for your pet every day will feel like Christmas!