The Last Word – Doug Chapman

Do you belong to any groups?

I am a member of Aquarius Golf club, which is a CASC organisation and I am just finishing my year as Men’s Captain. It has been an experience I have enjoyed, and I was lucky enough to be able to nominate St Christophers Hospice as my chosen charity for the year. They do such amazing work and my family have benefited from the care and assistance they offer.

What’s your favourite place for a night out?

Quite often I prefer, through choice, not to have a night out. I love to go out late afternoon for a few drinks with Fiona. On occasion, this can sometimes continue late into the evening!!!

What is your favourite place to eat?

I love to eat at La Querce in Brockley Rise. The food and service are excellent with stand out specials available.

Cafe, pub or bar?

Definitely, a pub for me. I frequent a few of the local hostelries around East Dulwich with The WGT, Great Exhibition and Lordship being my favourite haunts. I also like to meet friends in Gipsy Hill.

The book I’m reading at the moment..

My name is Doug Chapman and I am a Sales & retention manager for a Wholesale Insurance Broker. I currently work in Croydon. I am a keen golfer and love socialising over a few beers and watching many different sports.

How long have you lived in the area?

I moved to the area 10 years ago in 2013 but have always lived in and around South London. I grew up and spent many years living and working in Croydon before relocating.

What brought you here?

I was lucky enough to meet my partner, Fiona, at a mutual friend’s party in 2012 and moved in with her a year later. We live in a lovely house and I get to benefit from a beautiful garden courtesy of Fiona’s passion and hard work. We have two cats who cause havoc around the house and the garden.

The most famous person you’ve met?

I think this answer has certainly appeared in the Last Word before, James Nesbitt who I bumped into outside the Palmerston during the Cheltenham Festival one year.

The Man who died twice by Richard Osman. I love murder mystery novels / whodunits.

The best kept secret...

The Aquarius Golf at the end of Marmora Road. Whilst it is not St Andrews, it offers a great local venue to enjoy a game and to swing a club. The staff and membership are extremely friendly and always welcoming. The views from outside the clubhouse are incredible.

Where’s your favourite place to walk?

Around Peckham Rye park. I recently had a few months break from work and I tried to do a long walk around the park at least three times a week.

If money was no object..

I would make a really substantial donation to St Christophers Hospice in Sydenham. I chose SCH as my Captain’s charity for the year and will soon be handing over a cheque for over £2700 which we raised through various events at the golf club - the amount is tiny in comparison to what they need to offer the services and care but every bit helps.

https://www.stchristophers.org.uk

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.

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 brandnew 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 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

Sunday Spot

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

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: angela@semagazines.co.uk for a rate card.