The Last Word - Tess Lamacraft

Do you belong to any groups?

I’m a member of Doula UK, a fantastic group of people helping parents navigate life with a new baby, and Dulwich Leisure Centre. Weekly doses with Pilates goddesses Cherron and Wendy and Zumba Queen, Bianca keep me sane and stretchy.

Describe your perfect weekend

A sunny walk round Peckham Rye with mates, rooftop comedy at the Bussey Building, dancing in Off The Cuff, chomping on a Chinese takeaway from Oriental Star with my family while watching a film that’s taken us 45 minutes to agree on.

What do you most value about your street?

Besides having lovely friends and neighbours on this road we have three pubs, a swimming pool, Gumboots Nursery, Dulwich Chiropractic Clinic, the infamous ‘Yellow (not Yellow anymore) Shop’. I have frequented them all many times.

Where are you to be found on a Saturday?

Wandering down North Cross Road Market inhaling tartiflette or attempting to locate my son’s discarded Athenlay football kit to wash for a Sunday match.

What is your favourite place to eat?

Luca’s for the delicious cakes, Dulwich Tandoori or Memsaab for a curry, Rocca for a family pizza and pasta outing.

What is your favourite shop?

Greetings on Lordship Lane for the smiley banter with ‘Mr Greetings’. Roullier White for its beautiful items and lovely displays, AJ Farmer because it is AJ Farmer and has everything you could possibly ever need in life.

Tess Lamacraft, The Dulwich Doula, is a postnatal doula providing practical, emotional and informational support to new parents in South East London, helping them feel looked after, confident, informed and empowered.

How long have you lived in the area?

We moved from Brixton 17 years ago when our daughter was a baby and have been here ever since. Our son was born at our home here on Crystal Palace Road so this house feels extra special to me.

What has changed most during that time?

The addition of three new state schools all within walking distance. The abundance of cafes. The Blue Mountain Café (now Souvlaki Street) used to be the one and only.

The best kept secret...

Sports massage therapist Roberto Veda at Dulwich Therapy Rooms is amazing at sorting out dodgy backs and various niggles. He has come to my rescue many times.

The most famous person you’ve met?

I’ve met lots in my job as a TV editor before training to be a postnatal doula. Paul O’Grady (RIP), Chris Packham, Romesh Ranganathan and Brenda Blethyn have been some of my favourites to meet and chat to. Brenda Blethyn used to be an East Dulwich resident. She’s gorgeous. Interviewing her is like having tea and biscuits with your favourite aunty.

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