6 minute read
The Last Word
from SE23 May 2022
by SE Magazines
The Last Word – Miguel de Melo
Miguel de Melo is a Portuguese Photographer and Digital Artist with a passion for nature. A Data Architect by day, he is well established outside of the 9-5 as a Digital Artist and Live Music Photographer. Moving to Tottenham Hale in 2016 where most of his studio work took place, he swapped the Marshes and Canal sides for the leafy greenery of Sydenham Hill during lockdown and discovered a whole new natural world by Sydenham woods.
How long have you lived in the area?
Since the beginning of lockdown - Feb/March 2020.
What brought you here?
Love. Claire and I met before lockdown and lived in separate locations, we decided at the time it would be more practical for me to move to Sydenham Hill temporarily due to travel restrictions.
What has changed most during that time?
Noise pollution and volume of traffic. During lockdown there was a mesmerizing calm floating in the air, felt almost as if time had stopped and we were living in an alternate reality. Since lockdown restrictions were lifted the noise of cars, motorbikes, buses, have added to the roaring murmur of this concrete jungle we live in, clearly reflecting the busy lives that surround us.
What do you most value about the area?
It’s been amazing to get an opportunity to gain so much experience in macro photography in this area, it was an overwhelming experience finding new species and subjects every day during lockdown. Now as part of the Dulwich Festival ‘Artists’ Open House’, we are opening the garden where I took thousands of photos during that period and showcasing a large collection of the best photos. The social media response I got during lockdown was overwhelming, so we thought it was a fabulous idea to share my images with the community in the space they were taken.
What one thing would you change?
I would love to see the bridge in Sydenham Woods fixed and opened back to the public, finding a way that wouldn’t damage the trees. It’s such a shame it’s been closed for so long. I get the sense everyone would really like to use it.
The one thing you couldn’t do without?
Sourdough bread from the Butchery in Forest Hill. It’s the best.
Describe your perfect weekend
If I was to spend my perfect weekend in Forest Hill, I would surely be popping to East Dulwich to buy some Cheese, and then visit the market. After a walk in the Sydenham Woods with Oscar the black Lab, I’d come back home to enjoy a lovely barbecue with the family. Pop to central London in the evening to meet friends. Sunday either get some lovely breakfast from Canvas & Cream or a gastro pub lunch at the Signal, followed by a relaxed rest of the day.
If money was no object..
Probably set up a woodturning workshop and a Photography studio big enough to photograph horses and aeroplanes.
The book I’m reading at the moment..
The Nepalese Shamanic path
My secret ambition..
To become a woodturner crafter extraordinaire with a resin embalming twist ..................................................................................... Follow Miguel’s wildlife photography on Instagram @migshoots Come and visit Miguel’s exhibition during the Artists’ Open House weekends as part of the Dulwich Festival
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.
Alexandra Nurseries .................................................13 All Inclusive Wills.......................................................15 Ayrton Windows & Doors..........................................35 Bells Bathroom and Kitchens......................................5 Bespoke Windows ....................................................13 Bromley Cats Protection............................................17 Casa of Peckham: Eco Wood Stove Specialists.........13 Constable & Toop: Funeral Directors .......................15 Cooking with Scissors: Local Networking..................15 The Dovetail Joint .......................................................7 Dulwich Carpet Company ........................................21 Dulwich College Bursaries & Scholarship .................21 enSEmble26 Events.....................................................5 Garolla Roller Garage Doors.......................................17
Lila’s Jewels: Business Spotlight ......................10 & 11
Lili Balance Clinic.......................................................23 Mick Mead, AIMS Accountants for Business ..............7 Next Level Cricket Academy Summer Camp ..............9 Pickwick Estates ...................................................Back Room 12a ....................................................................9 Smart Business Networking......................................15 Sterling and Law .........................................................9 Steve Smith Accountants .........................................17 Tribalnow Exhibition....................................................7 Sydenham High School ..............................................2 Whole Shift Wellness: Certified Nutrition Consultant .5
If you contact any of our advertisers, please do say you saw them in SE23. Thank you!
Next Issue - June | Copy Deadline - 16 May
If you would like to advertise in our next issue (or SE21 and SE22), you can download our rates from our website or just get in touch with Angela on 020 8693 9040. www.semagazines.co.uk
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