SE23 November 2022

Welcome to SE23

Where has this year gone too! It amazes me that I can be writing about Bonfire Night and Christmas when it feels like the summer has only just finished!

As usual I have rounded up all the great events taking place in and around Dulwich. The events pages start on page 6. November is always a busy month for events as we start to see the Christmas fairs appear, 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.

Suzanne James cooks up a storm with her recipe for Quince Jelly on page 14. Leanne Spencer discusses getting out and about in nature to help with our health and wellbeing in Fitness Tips on page 16.

Please help local artist Tessa Holmes make every step count. Find out more and how you can help on page 30.

In Pets Corner Leonie finishes the series on How to Prepare Dogs for the arrival of a Baby, see page 32. Until next time.

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

Life Drawing Classes, see p6.

Dulwich Park Runners see p6.

Brian Green Online Talk, see p6.

Goose Green Coffee Morning, see p6.

Portraiture Classes see p8.

BNI Adventurers Meeting see p8.

Supporting Dyslexic Learning, p8.

Pottery Classes see p8.

Dulwich Folk Dance club, see p9.

Art Deco Vintage Printing Works, p9.

Live Band Karaoke, see p9.

Dulwich Park Runners see p6.

Goose Green Coffee Morning, The Singing Geese p20.

Supporting Dyslexic Learning, p8.

The Lighthouse of Stalingrad, p20.

Dulwich Folk Dance club, see p9.

Persiana Everyday - Cookery Demonstration, see p20.

Life Drawing Classes, see p6.

Goose Green Coffee Morning, see p6.

Talk on the history of Jazz, see p26.

Supporting Dyslexic Learning, p8.

Pottery Classes see p8.

Dulwich Folk Dance club, see p9.

Goose Green Coffee Morning, see p6.

Change Your Mindset to lead a Happier Life, see p26.

Life Drawing Classes, see p6.

Goose Green Coffee Morning, see p6.

Portraiture Classes, see p8.

p8.

Pottery Classes see p8.

Dulwich Folk Dance club, see p9.

An Evening with Hugh Bonneville, p27.

Mark Evision Foundation Carol Concert, see p27.

Granny’s Attic, Liam Cooper & Phil Stevens @ The Ivy House, see p27.

Garage Press Open Studio, p10.

Bell House Open Garden, see p10.

Basic Life Support Training see p10.

Yoga for Insomnia, see p10.

Junior parkrun, see p20.

Drawing from the Garden, p22.

Autumn Winds, see p22.

parkrun, see p9.

Drawing from the Garden, p22.

The Illusioneer Magic Mix, p26.

Smartphone Filmmaking, see p26.

Creative Arts Club for Older Adults p27.

parkrun see p9. parkrun, see p9.

Drawing from the Garden, p22.

Love West Dulwich Christmas Fair p27.

Dulwich Christmas Market, p27.

Dulwich Choral Society Concert p27.

Junior parkrun, see p20.

MidCentury Modern, see p26. Classical Orchestral Concert, p26.

Junior parkrun, see p20.

PRE-PREP

What's On - November

Tuesdays 1, 8, 15 22 & 29

November: Life Drawing & Painting

Tuesday 1 November: The Decline of Farming and the Rise of the Sports Clubs in Dulwich with Brian Green (online)

8pm – 9pm. Farming in Dulwich, which had provided income for the Priory of Bermondsey for 400 years and for almost as long for Alleyn’s College of God’s Gift, was virtually over by the outbreak of the First World War. Local historian Brian Green shows us how Dulwich farms became the sports fields of today. This is an online event. www.bellhouse.co.uk/events

Tuesdays 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 November: DPR Social Runs

7pm–8.30pm. This is an online drawing & painting session conducted via Zoom and in studio. 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 1 November:

Honor Oak WI

7.30pm. We meet on the first Tuesday of each month at Stanstead Lodge Cafe SE23 1DD. honoroakwi@gmail.com twitter.com/honoroakwi www.facebook.com/groups/honoroakwi/ Honoroak_WI

For listings contact: angela@semagazines.co.uk

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. Trevor Bailey Clubhouse, Dulwich Common, Dulwich. enquiries@dulwichparkrunners.com. www.dulwichparkrunners.co.uk.

Wednesday 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 November: Goose Green Coffee Morning

11am – 12:30pm. Do come and join us at Goose Green Coffee Morning. Everyone is welcome to drop in for a coffee or tea and some cake. It’s a great place to meet others from the local community. If you would like to know more, email goosegreencoffeemorning@gmail.com. St John’s Church, 62A East Dulwich Road, SE22 9AT

What's On - November

Wednesdays 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30

November: Zoom Portraiture

@Dulwich Art Group & School

Thursday 3, 10, 17 & 24

November: Hand-building Pottery Classes

2pm - 5pm. A hybrid session with 15 artists in 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 to bring some animation to the face. www.dulwichartgroup.co.uk

Thursday 3, 10 & 17 November: Supporting the Dyslexic Learner:

6pm – 8pm. Tina will help you understand how you can best support a child at home and at school. Children with dyslexia may learn differently from you. This course has been designed to help you understand how you can best support a child at home and at school. We will cover how to recognise different learning profiles, multisensory learning, age-appropriate reading matter and tools, note taking, mind mapping, making numeracy more visual and how to gather evidence that a child needs help and support.

• 3rd November Study Skills

• 10th November Writing Skills

• 17th November Developing & Supporting Numeracy Skills

Single sessions are £20 each but please use the appropriate Eventbrite listing according to which week you would like to attend. Bell House Dulwich, 21 College Road, SE21. Tickets can be booked on www.bellhouse.co.uk.

1pm – 3:30pm. Whether you’re a seasoned potter or new to the craft, the pottery at Bell House offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere where creativity flows as freely as friendship. We will help you create your own pieces from concept and design to construction and glazing. You will expand your skills in coiling, slab-making and pinching. We also offer a great space to socialise with others with similar interests and spend a quiet moment or two dedicated to yourself exploring an ancient craft. Each date can be booked individually and costs £45 for each session. You are welcome to book one or as many sessions as you would like. All the material, glazing and firing costs are included. Email info@bellhouse.co.uk. The classes will be run by Annie & Ekta AKA Mudlife, a community venture. www.bellhouse.co.uk.

Thursdays 3, 10, 17 & 24

November: BNI Adventurers

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! Dulwich & Sydenham Golf Club, Grange Lane, College Road, Dulwich SE21 7LH. Please contact Hayley on 07843 989728.

Thursdays 3, 10, 17 & 24

November: Dulwich Folk Dance Club

What's On - November

Friday 4 November: Art Deco Vintage Printing Works

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.

3 November: Caller - Gwen Godwin.

9 November: Caller - Joyce Wood.

16 November: Caller - Sue Hastings

23 November: Caller - Jane Lowe.

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

John Blase: 020 8693 2873 johnhblase@aol.com or Wendy Newall: 07821 089861 wendy.marsh@hotmail.com.

£5 (£4 Club Members). Pay at the Hall.

Friday 4 November: 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. https://live-band-karaoke.designmynight.com/

2pm – 5pm. Spend an afternoon ‘putting on The Ritz’ in Dulwich Village! Start with a special tour of our vintage print studio installed and run by Simon Trewin of The Garage Press and then it is time to get printing - using gorgeous original 1920’s typefaces and fashion illustration blocks. Learn how to print bookmarks, personalised greetings cards and a frameable print or two on one of historic vintage printing presses and spend a wonderful afternoon embracing traditional crafts - all backed with a soundtrack of jazz age classics. No experience required. Bell House 27 College Road, Dulwich SE21 7BG. www.bellhouse.co.uk.

Saturdays 5, 12, 19 & 26

November: Dulwich Park & Peckham Rye Park Runs

9am-10am. Free, weekly timed 5k run, jog, or walk. Every Saturday at 9am promptly starting from Queen Mary’s Gate (Dulwich Park) and Colyton Road Entrance (Peckham Rye Park). Register once and bring your printed barcode (can be used at any parkrun across the world). First-timers briefing at 08.50. https://www.parkrun.org.uk/dulwich/ https://www.parkrun.org.uk/peckhamrye/

What's On - November

Saturday 5 November: Garage Press Open Studio

Saturday 5 November: Basic Life Support and Automated External Defibrillation (AED)

Training - Session 1 & 2

10am - 12:30pm. / 1.30pm – 4:00pm

Move from being a passive bystander to an active life saver with our FREE adult basic life support (BLS) course and learn how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED). Bell House Dulwich, 27 College Road, Dulwich SE21 7BG Tickets: www.eventbrite.co.uk

10am – 1pm Please join us for a demonstration of print techniques and a tour round the workshop. A tour of newly-installed The Garage Press letterpress studio at Bell House and a chance to watch Simon Trewin demonstrating traditional print techniques using a number of vintage presses – included the foot-powered 19th Century press ‘Gloria’. Plus, an opportunity for visitors to print a Bell House bookmark to take home. This event is FREE! Bell House Dulwich, 21 College Road, Dulwich SE21 7BG, UK. Tickets can be purchased at www.bellhouse.co.uk/events.

Saturday 5 November: Bell House Open Garden

Saturday 5 November: Yoga for Insomnia during Perimenopause, Menopause & Beyond

11:30am – 1:00pm. The Walled Garden comprises of raised beds filled with kitchen essentials grown organically. The House Garden features a rose garden and woodland walk designed to attract wildlife and provide safe habitats. The gardens are a place of community learning, maintained by volunteers who promote gardening as an activity for physical and mental well-being. Arrive anytime between 11am and 12:45. Tea and coffee will be available We encourage a £5 donation that will go towards garden maintenance and activities. Free tickets are also available. Bell House Dulwich, 21 College Road, SE21 7BG. www.bellhouse.co.uk/events.

1:30pm - 3:30pm. The aim is to provide a safe and supportive space in which to share information about how hormonal changes during the menopause can cause insomnia. During the session you will learn specific tools to enable you to sleep better: - gentle and restorative yoga postures, breathing exercises, mindfulness techniques, meditation and relaxation. The yoga session is suitable for beginners and does not require the body of a gymnast or any special equipment! Please bring a yoga mat if you have one, a blanket, a cushion, a notepad and pen, and water to drink. Wear warm comfortable clothes that enable you to move freely – layers are ideal to ensure you don’t get too hot or too cold. If you don’t have a yoga mat, there will be some available to borrow.

Tickets are £25 per person. Please email Bell House if you would like to be considered for a free or half price ticket info@bellhouse.co.uk. Bell House Dulwich, 21 College Road, SE21 7BG.

Grow Your Own Apples

Garden Talk with Janine Winlaw | Instagram @janinewinlaw

There’s nothing more satisfying, tasty and healthy than picking and eating your own homegrown apples. And with pretty pink- tinged blossom in spring and glowing autumn fruit, an apple tree adds an attractive and romantic feel to a garden and is wonderful for wildlife too You can plant bare root apple trees from November through to March. Here’s what you need to know.

Apple trees can act as a focal point in a lawn or provide structure in borders. And because they’re grafted onto rootstocks producing different sized trees, there’s an apple tree to fit every garden. The most vigorous rootstocks, M111 and M25, make large standard trees to sit under, and are wonderful for wild orchards under planted with bulbs.

However, even urban gardens can have an orchard if there’s room for five trees, argues author Naomi Slade in her excellent book An Orchard Odyssey, it just might mean using smaller trees such as semi dwarfing MM106. Otherwise M26, M9 and M27 make smaller trees still and can be trained and pruned into espaliers and fans, flat against a wall or fence, ideal for making the best use of space and maximising productivity.

Apples can also be grown in containers or trained into cordons – single stems with short side shoots – I’ve seen a row of these trained diagonally making an attractive and productive hedge. And step overs, cordons grown horizontally, around 45cm off the ground, are perfect for lining a path or edging a bed.

There are thousands of different apple varieties to choose from flowering and cropping at different times. It’s best to plant at least two apples from the same or adjacent groups (of which there are 6) so that they can pollinate each other. If there’s an apple tree in a neighbouring garden in the right group, that may even be enough.

Early Varieties

Discovery. A popular disease resistant red dessert apple.

Sunrise. An early red apple and one of the best. Worcester Pearmain. An early sweet red apple.

Mid Season Varieties

Jupiter. Similar to Cox’s Orange Pippin but larger and redder in colour.

Lord Lambourne. A traditional English apple with crisp, juicy, sweet apples. Delicious!

Late Varieties

Blenheim Orange. A classic English heritage variety with a distinctive flavour.

Topaz. A crisp, sharp dessert apple with red flushed skin.

Braeburn. A popular sweet, crisp apple. Elstar. One of the best modern apples with an excellent fruity flavour.

Spartan. A popular heavy cropping dark red dessert apple.

You can buy trees bare root between November and early March, or in containers for planting the rest of the year. Plant your tree in a warm position with free draining soil that gets around 6 hours of sun. Keep their bases weed free and mulch in the early years, and you’ll reap the rewards in years to come.

Quince Jelly

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

It’sQuince time again. Originating from eastern Turkey and Afghanistan, but now found all over Europe, as both an ornamental and orchard tree the fruit is inedible raw, and the most common use is to make quince jelly and quince cheese. It can also be stewed and used like stewed apple in pies. Quince is ripe in October and November in the UK (they still feel hard but smell sweet at the end opposite the stalk). Lots of people have Quince but don’t use them so it’s worth asking around (I am lucky to have access to free Quince for this very reason). Every year I make Quince Jelly to serve with Christmas cheeseboards or alongside pork or game dishes. It is high in pectin so it is easy to make and set, and provided you ladle the hot jelly into sterilised jars it will keep for up to a year in a dark, cool cupboard.

Preparation Time: 20 minutes Cooking Time 2 hours

Ingredients

(This quantity will make 2 x 350ml jars)

• 1.5kg ripe quince, washed and cut into 1” chunks (no need to peel or core them)

• 1 lemon zest peeled and cut into strips, and then juiced

• Approx. 900g of preserving sugar

Method

1) Put the quince, lemon peel and juice into a large, deep saucepan.

2) Cover with water – just over 3 litres should do it.

3) Bring to the boil.

4) Reduce to a simmer and cook for 1½ hours until the quince is very soft.

5) Line a colander with a muslin cloth and put over a large saucepan or heatproof bowl.

6) Tip the quince into the lined colander, cover with a clean tea towel and leave to strain for 4-8 hours until all the juice has dripped out.

7) Discard the pulp (can go on the compost heap) and then measure out the strained juice and transfer into a large, deep saucepan, allowing room for the jelly to bubble up as it cooks.

8) Add 500g of sugar for every 600ml of juice.

9) Bring the mixture to the boil over a low heat, stirring to dissolve the sugar and skimming off any scum, then bring to a rapid boil so it bubbles. Once boiling start the ‘wrinkle test’ - drop a teaspoonful of the liquid onto a chilled plate and leave it for a few seconds. Then push the drop of jelly with your fingernail. If it wrinkles your quince jelly will set and can be transferred into the hot jars and sealed.

10) Remove from the heat and use a glass jug to pour the jelly into the hot sterilised jars and seal.

To sterilise jam jars place them on a baking tray in an oven at 1400C whilst making the jam.

In Season This Month

Fruits, Nuts & Fungi - Apples, Cranberries, Pears, Quince, Wild Mushrooms

Vegetables & Herbs - Artichoke, Beetroot, Butternut Squash, Cauliflower, Celeriac, Celery, Chicory, Horseradish, Jerusalem Artichoke, Kale, Kohlrabi, Leeks, Parsnips, Potatoes, Pumpkin, Salsify, Shallots, Swede, Truffles, Turnips, Watercress

Meat & Game - Beef, Duck, Goose, Grouse, Guinea Fowl, Hare, Lamb, Mallard, Partridge, Pheasant, Rabbit, Turkey, Venison, Wood Pigeon

Fish & Shellfish - Clams, Cod, Coley, Crab, Dab, Dover Sole, Gurnard, Haddock, Halibut, Hake, Lemon Sole, lobster, Mackerel, Monkfish, Mussels, Oysters, Plaice, Pollack, Red Mullet, Wild Sea Bass, Sea Bream, Skate, Squid, Turbot, Winkles

Getting out in Nature for our Health & Wellbeing Fitness tips with Leanne Spencer | www.bodyshotperformance.com

I’d like to elaborate on a point that is often made about Blue Monday, the day in January when people report feeling their lowest. In the past, I shared with you my top three ways to boost mood and energy in winter. To recap they were: 1) move in nature, 2) make a future plan and 3) interact with an animal (our dog and cat). In this article I wanted to go back and further discuss the first thing on that list: Move in Nature.

Back To Basics

Getting out into nature isn’t a new idea – in fact, it’s just going back to what our ancestors would do all the time when life was much simpler. In the past, you may remember I talked about phytoncides (medicinal oils released by trees), that can have a really positive effect on both our mental wellbeing and immune health. Long before the invention of prescribed medication and processed foods, nature was the sole provider, and I think it is important to refer back to that concept every once in a while.

Experience Nature

Try and get out – even just for five or ten minutes – look at the leaves and experience the crispness of the earth under your feet. It may not seem like much is going on this time of year, but there most certainly is – particularly underground – you just have to feel around for it with your mind. Sure enough, as you tune into your awareness, you’ll begin to notice the little buds on the trees and be able to see things that are happening in nature. I think this can really instil a sense of hope and optimism during times that for some of us can really feel quite blue.

Get Into Going Out

There are two books I’d like to recommend that will inspire you to get out, and though quite different, both are lovely reads that illustrate the powerful effects of nature therapy:

Everyday Nature by Andy Beer

This book features a very short paragraph for every day of the year, which tells you about

what’s thriving, growing, or starting to grow at that particular time. And the second book, I’d like to recommend is: Lost Connections: Uncovering the Real Causes of Depression – and the Unexpected Solutions by Johann Hari.

You’ve most probably heard me talk about this one before as Johann Hari is one of my favourite authors! In the book, Hari argues that one of the reasons we are experiencing more feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression is that we’ve lost our connection with nature and the natural world. Just take a look at Scotland, there some GP surgeries issue “nature prescriptions” to help treat mental illness, diabetes, heart disease, stress and other conditions.

So, I want to encourage you to get outside and ‘out of self’, to begin looking for things in nature, and learn to interact with something that’s much bigger than everything you know.

We invite you to come to West Dulwich in South London to discover just how we get the best out of our students and harness top talent within an ethos characterised by warmth, culture and care.The amazing popularity of the school is a reflection of our renowned academic achievements, inspirational award-winning learning environment and the unusually rare opportunities we provide.

Kingsdale is extremely proud of its special reputation and heritage in Music and Mathematics. We offer scholarships for new entrants to the school who show musical, mathematical, artistic or sporting talent. Scholars receive free individual or small group tuition provided by expert professionals, to the value of £1,000 per annum.There is equality of access for admission places irrespective of distance from the school or home locality.

Kingsdale offers private tours of the school during normal working hours throughout the academic year. Tours are arranged for prospective parents at a time that best suits them!

What's On - November

Sundays 6, 13, 20 & 27

November: Peckham Rye Junior parkrun

Monday 7 NovemberThursday 10 November: Cookery Demonstration:

Persiana Everyday by Sabrina Ghayour

9am -9:30am. A free, weekly, timed run for 4–14-year-olds at 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. Register on: www.parkrun.org.uk/peckhamrye-juniors/ Peckham Rye Park, Colyton Road, SE22 0NE.

Sundays 6, 13, 20 27 November: Horniman Market

7:30pm -8:30pm. Persiana Every day is a new collection of more than 100 fuss-free, crowdpleasing recipes for everyday eating. Sabrina will be demonstrating some recipes from this new book and will be chatting to Guardian journalist and author Felicity Cloake. This event will be followed by a book signing. The Great Hall at Alleyn’s School, Townley Road, SE22 8SU. Tickets: www.mct.alleyns.org.uk

Wednesday 9 November: Goose Green Coffee Morning - The Singing Geese

11am - 12:30pm. Do come and join us at Goose Green Coffee Morning for The Singing Geese, our wonderful community singing group led by Steve Barbe. All are welcome, even if you think you can’t sing! We will be open from 11 o’clock for tea or coffee and cake, with the singing starting at 11:30. St John’s Church, St John’s East Dulwich, 62A East Dulwich Road. If you would like to know more: goosegreencoffeemorning@gmail.com.

10am–3pm. 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. www.horniman.ac.uk.

100 London Road, Forest Hill, SE23 3PQ.

Thursday 10 November: The Lighthouse of Stalingrad:

The Hidden Truth at the Centre of WWII’s Greatest Battle by Iain MacGregor

7.30pm – 8:30pm. An enthralling, insightful look into the most decisive battle of the Second World War, shedding new light on the heroic work of those who fought and died as we mark the 80th anniversary of the famous Soviet counterattack at Stalingrad – Operation Uranus, the turning point in the war. The Lower School at Alleyn’s School, Townley Road, East Dulwich SE22 8SU.

Tickets: www.mct.alleyns.org.uk

What's On - November

Thursday 10 November:

Sorolla, The Master of Light

8pm – 9pm. Sorolla believed painters could never reproduce sunlight as it really is, and he could only “approach the truth of it”. He captured the light of the Mediterranean beaches he loved and the energy of Spanish life like no other artist. In this lecture we will look at Sorolla’s life and art, from having been almost forgotten to his rediscovery in the last few years. Also available to members and non-members live on Zoom. Lecturer: Arantxa Sardin. James Allen’s Girls’ School Sixth Form Centre, Green Dale. www.theartssocietydulwich.org.uk/programme/ lectures

Saturday 12, 19 & 26 November: Drawing from the Garden

10am -12:30pm. Join us for a drawing workshopall material provided. Working with the weather conditions, we will either sit and draw out in the garden or bring the garden inside and work from still life and photos to depict our interpretations of the seasonal changes occurring in the Bell House gardens. All materials provided, including paper and drawing boards. Bell House Dulwich, 21 College Road, London SE21 7BG, UK. Tickets www.bellhouse.co.uk/events

Saturday 12 November –Sunday 13 November: Sale of Original Prints & Etchings.

11:00am – 4.00pm. A pre-Christmas sale of lino prints and etchings, some framed, some in mounts, others unmounted, work by local artist Judith Robertson. Half proceeds to go to Peckham Food Bank. 76 Crawthew Grove, London SE22 9AB, UK

Sunday 13 November: Autumn Winds – Seasons of Mists & Mellow Flutefulness

3.00pm -5.00pm. Join us for a live performance of flute and recorder at Bell House this Autumn. Tickets are £15 each. Discounted tickets for students, children and OAPs are £10. Tickets www.eventbrite.co.uk. Bell House Dulwich, 21 College Road, Dulwich SE21 7BG, UK.

Monday 14 November: 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. https://dulwichwi.com

Tuesday 15 November: Entrepreneurs Circle Local Meeting: Dulwich

5:30pm-8pm (registration from 5.30pm). The Entrepreneurs Circle Local Meeting is a new type of Business Growth Meeting (with some networking) that’s guaranteed to help your business grow... If you have any questions, just let us know! Join your fellow Dulwich business owners for our Entrepreneurs Circle Local Meeting at The Clock House (Blakes) 198a Peckham Rye, East Dulwich, SE22 9QA. www.entrepreneurscircle.org

Thursday 17 November –Monday 2 January 2023:

Lightopia 2022 - Feel the Magic of Christmas

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.Crystal Palace Park, London, Thicket Road, London SE20, UK. Tickets : www.london.lightopiafestival.com

For listings contact: angela@semagazines.co.uk

Financial Matters

With Akwasi Duodu | akwasi@sterlingandlaw.com | www.sterlingandlaw.com

Should I Overpay My Mortgage?

Interest rates are on the up. Quite rightly, many people with mortgages are concerned about affordability. If you have extra money to spare each month, you could make overpayments on your mortgage. This would reduce both the mortgage amount and the overall mortgage term, thereby reducing the interest you’d pay overall. It would also reduce your loan to value, meaning you may be able to get a better deal next time around than if you hadn’t overpaid. Is this the right approach for you in the current climate? Well, it depends.

Saving V Overpaying Your Mortgage

Whilst there is a strong argument for overpaying your mortgage putting your extra cash or savings into your mortgage would tie up your capital. With inflation on the rise, some would argue that having liquid cash available was more important.

There are pros and cons for both approaches. This largely depends on the mortgage deal you’re currently on and how long it’s fixed for. Those with a low, fixed interest rate may be better off saving – especially if their rate was fixed for a long time. You are more likely to be on a higher rate if you took out a mortgage recently. Overpaying would therefore likely be the better option. If you were lucky enough to fix your mortgage before interest rates went up, it may be wiser to save the money in a savings vehicle with a higher potential rate of return.

Should You Use Your Savings To Pay Off Your Debts?

If your other debts are costing you more in interest than your mortgage, it would make sense to pay them off first before considering making overpayments on your mortgage. For example, paying off a credit card debt with an interest rate of over 15% would make much more sense than paying off mortgage debt with an interest rate of 4%. Although mortgage rates are on the up, mortgages are still likely to remain the cheapest form of credit. However, stress testing your mortgage would be a financially astute thing to consider.

The best way to do this would be to picture your mortgage on a particular interest rate and work out what your monthly repayments would be on that rate – a useful way of gauging the affordability of your mortgage at a future given interest rate.

Alternatives To Overpaying Your Mortgage

Arguably, your priority before considering overpaying your mortgage should be building an emergency cash surplus. This should be around 6 months net income.

If you decided against repaying your mortgage you could consider saving or investing for the longer term. The advantage here is that you could always use your savings to reduce your mortgage at a future date if it suited you.

Alternatively, you could consider putting the extra cash into your pension. Remember however that money invested in a pension would be tied up until your retirement age.

Ultimately, it comes down to the risk you’re willing to take. If you have a big mortgage and are worried about budgeting when interest rates rise, you might prioritise reducing your mortgage. If affordable, a clever combination of all options, (saving, investing, putting more into a pension and overpaying) may be the best option for most people. After all, you wouldn’t want to put all your eggs in one basket, would you?

What's On - November

Thursday 17 November: Talk on the history of Jazz (with music) - Dulwich & District u3a

2pm – 4pm. Introduction to the history of Jazz (with musical interludes). An intergenerational session from Pat Wright and her grandson Max, a professional jazz drummer.u3a members and non-members welcome. Tickets via: www.u3asites.org.uk/dulwich/events

Saturday 19 November:

The Illusioneer: Magic Mix

Sunday 20 NovemberMid-century Modern®

10am – 4pm. 65 top mid-century dealers and 28 contemporary designers come together at this celebrated interior show. Expect an eclectic mix of collectables with all you need for your home and more including furniture, ceramics, glassware, industrial, metal smalls, vintage posters, art, Danish silver jewellery, lighting, fabrics, rugs and more. Make a day of it with Dulwich Picture Gallery, Dulwich Park and village all within walking distance. Tickets via: www.modernshows.com. Dulwich College, Dulwich Common, Dulwich SE21 7LD.

Sunday 20 November: Classic Orchestral Concert

7.30pm-10pm. Puzzlements, Curiosities, Parlor, Street and Cabaret Magic from The Illusioneer team and guests in a fun and relaxed setting: A seated theatre style show back by popular demand. 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 special children's charity Breathe. Tickets via eventbrite. co.uk. Fison Fitness Centre 280 Milkwood Road, Herne Hill Railway Arches, Herne Hill, SE24 0EZ

Saturday 19 November: Smartphone Filmmaking

10am – 4pm. A one-day workshop, ‘Smartphone Filmmaking’ will introduce people to the fundamental concepts of filmmaking and provide them with the tools they need to be able to shoot their own films on their smartphone Places are £80 or £50 if you are in full-time education. Tickets: www.bellhouse.co.uk/events Bell House Dulwich, 21 College Road, SE21 7BG.

7.30pm – 9:00pm. Join us in the lovely surroundings of St Stephen’s Church for this beautiful concert, given by the local professional musicians of the Tamino Orchestra. The programme includes tuneful works by Purcell and Boyce and Finzi’s evocative Romance. Douglas Reith (as seen in Downton Abbey) will introduce dances from Stravinsky’s ballet Apollon Musagète and a new work by local composer Nicholas AnsdellEvans, who conducts, with mezzo-soprano Stephanie Marshall. Tickets £15 on the door and online: www.ststephensdulwich.org/concerts. St Stephen’s Church, College Road SE21 7HW.

Monday 21 November: Change your mindset to lead a happier, healthier lifeonline event

7pm – 8pm. It’s not what happens to us in life that really matters, it’s how we react to it. We can all learn from unwelcome challenges and, more often than not, become better as a result of them. By learning strategies to change our mindset we can build resilience, gratitude and humility. The session will include practical tools to utilise in your everyday life which can lead to lasting change. Tickets are £5. There are bursary places available. Email info@bellhouse.co.uk.

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

What's On - November

Thursday 24 November: An Evening with Hugh Bonneville

Friday 25 November: Granny’s Attic, Liam Cooper, Phil Stevens 7pm – 11pm

With exceptional musicianship and boundless energy, Granny’s Attic are going from strength to strength. Cohen Braithwaite-Kilcoyne (melodeon, anglo concertina, vocals), George Sansome (guitar, vocals) and Lewis Wood (violin, vocals) have honed their skills touring the UK and Europe since 2009. The Ivy House, 40 Stuart Road, Nunhead, SE15 3BE Tickets at: www.wegottickets.com/thegooseisout

Saturday 26 November: Love

West Dulwich Christmas Fair

7.30pm – 8.30pm. Village Books and The MCT at Alleyn’s are delighted to announce An Evening with Hugh Bonneville! Tickets can be purchased from https://mct.alleyns.org.uk. Alleyn’s School, Alleyn’s School, Townley Road, SE22 8SU, UK.

Friday 25 November: Creative Arts Club for Older Adults (60+): a Burst of Colour

10am -12pm Hanging tissue Pom Poms can transform a space for any occasion. Simple, effective and fun to make, it always feels like a party when making these so come and join in! Tickets: www.eventbrite.co.uk. Bell House Dulwich, 27 College Road, Dulwich SE21 7BG.

Friday 25 November:

Mark Evison Foundation Carol Concert @6pm

With the Dulwich College choir, celebrity readers Celia and Angus Imrie, Julian Ovenden, Iain Glen, and Lesley Sharp, and singers Kate Royal and Clare Presland (with help from Julian Ovenden). There will be a champagne reception afterwards in the Linley Room at Dulwich Picture Gallery. Tickets are £15 a head, under 16s free, book tickets at events@markevisonfoundation.org. www.markevisonfoundation.org/events. Christ’s Chapel, SE21 7AD

10am – 4pm Enjoy Santa’s grotto at Wigwam Toy Shop, the arts & crafts market, a kids Christmas trail, kids story time, face painting and much more! There will also be lots of offers and promotions at the West Dulwich shops and businesses. The fair takes place throughout West Dulwich on Croxted and Rosendale Roads, SE21. Wigwam, 109 Rosendale Road, SE21 8EZ.

Dulwich Christmas Market

11am – 4pm. SoLo Craft Fair is delighted to be back in the heart of beautiful Dulwich for their Christmas market this year. Start your Christmas shopping by supporting small businesses and finding unique gifts. St. Barnabas Parish Hall, 23 Dulwich Village, SE21 7BT. ww.solocraftfair.com

Saturday 26 November:

Dulwich Choral Society

7.30pm – 9:30pm - The Dulwich Choral Society is very pleased to bring you a performance of J.S. Bach’s wonderful and exuberant Christmas Oratorio, originally written for the yuletide of 1734. So come along and start the Christmas season with us in style with the abiding beauty of Bach. St. John the Evangelist Church, 1 Sylvan Road SE19 2RX. Tickets in advance via ticket source and: http://www.dulwichchoral.com

Wednesday 30 November: Cooking with Scissors

6.45pm-8pm. An opportunity for local business professionals to meet, make new contacts and gain new business. www.cookingwithscissors.co.uk.

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, Deptford) 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.uk

Surgeries

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 3489 2790

cllr_susan.wise@lewisham.gov.uk

Sakina Sheikh (Labour) 020 8314 7963

Cllr_Sakina.Sheikh@lewisham.gov.uk

Surgeries

Open advice surgery (no appointment needed) 2nd Saturday of the month (except August), 10:30am to 12noon, at Moon Lane Books, 300 Stanstead Road, SE23 1DE. Other times available by appointment, please phone or email one of us.

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 tba

cllr_carol.webley-brown@lewisham.gov.uk

Surgeries

2nd Saturday of every month, 11-12 am, Hattush Restaurant, Honor Oak Park, SE23 1DY.

3rd Saturday of the month, 10am - 11am

Crofton Park Library, 375 Brockley Road, Brockley SE4. 4th Tuesday of the month, 3pm-4pm

Crofton Park Library, 375 Brockley Rd, Brockley, SE4 2AG.

No surgeries during August.

Help Tessa MakeEvery Step Count!

Havelock Walk in Forest Hill is where you will find local Lewisham artist Tessa Holmes. Her workshop, eTCH STUDIO 23 sits halfway down this hidden cobbled mews. Recently, her print “Landscript’ was chosen as a prize winner at the Lovely Gallery as part of the Sydenham Artists Trail ‘I was thrilled to discover this’’ she says ‘at last some light at the end of a very long tunnel’ She as a lot to celebrate this year…

In the summer of 2010 Tessa was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia. After a gruelling five months of chemotherapy she went into remission but relapsed in 2012. Her only route to survival was a bone marrow transplant. ‘Things were pretty bleak’ she recalls. ‘I had to pack up my studio and put my life on hold for the second time in two years. But I knew this was going to be a much harder challenge. The day I started treatment, I remember thinking, “Will I ever unlock my studio doors again?”

Tessa underwent a Double Cord Blood Stem Cell Transplant (stem cells from placental blood) at Kings College Hospital in December 2012 - followed by over two years of exhausting treatments and painful procedures “I existed in another universe, one full of medical jargon, hospital wards and outpatient clinics. My world was made up of of blood transfusions, bone marrow biopsies, electrolyte tops ups and a lot of pills. The Haematology team

at Kings were miracle workers though; it was a long haul, but they saved my life.

This December Tessa will be celebrating the 10th anniversary of her successful transplant. “Now it’s time to give back” she smiles. She has set herself a challenge to raise money for Unit 6, the new Haematology Outpatients Centre being built at the Denmark Hill site. This new building will be an excellent resource providing essential treatments and services to patients suffering from blood cancers and other blood related disorders including sickle cell anaemia and multiple myeloma.

“My hope is to raise £10,000 which would be a great achievement - just like my ten years post transplant has been! My challenge is called Ten x 10: a series of ten 10 kilometre walks over 10 weeks between October and December. The final walk on Sunday December 11th is the actual anniversary of my transplant. Perfect timing!” You can support Tessa’s fundraising campaign by visiting: www.justgiving.com/tessa-holmes10years.

For a chance to win a copy of her limited edition print, “The Periodic Table” you can buy raffle tickets at Havelock Walk Winter Weekend Open Studios on December 3rd and 4th. All raffle proceeds will go to the Just Giving fund.

To read a candid account of her cancer experience go to her blog at: http://hairwegoagain-tch23.blogspot.com

Website: tessaholmes.com

Instagram: @etchstudio23

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.

Dogs & Sprogs Part 3

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

In the final part of our series on dogs and babies, we look at how to prepare the way for a lasting friendship between your dog and your toddlers.

Not all dogs instantly love children. From a pup perspective your little ’un may be more of a scary monster than new, best friend. Running, squeaking toddlers, smelling strongly of forbidden but delicious human grub, may also seem a novel, hunting-ready form of prey, ripe for chasing. Even well socialised pups, growing up surrounded by kids, may after one ill-judged encounter, develop a deep and lasting fear of them. Clumsy handling by a child, where the grip is too tight and the puppy is unceremoniously swooped up into the air, or where inquisitive little fingers accidently poke at eyes and ears, are often the reason why a hitherto friendly dog ‘suddenly bites for no reason’. Pups need to learn how to behave around children:

• First, kiddies are not littermates and biting games are verboten.

• Pups should not ‘jump up’ at humans or other dogs. If you have not taught your pup this golden rule, then get into training now.

• Razor sharp puppy teeth and claws can easily harm a toddler or frail adult.

• Kids need to learn that puppies and dogs are not cute toys, there is a right way to interact with a dog and other ways that may intimidate or frighten your pet, leading to a bite. Don’t put your dog in the position that it has to defend itself against unwanted attention. Follow these tips and educate yourself and your children about dog communication:

• Keep children away from the dog when he is eating and resting. Proof him against approaches to his bowl, chews and resting area. Read “The Perfect Puppy” by Gwen Bailey.

• Dogs may tolerate petting but they do not always enjoy it. Do not let children pull ears or give full body hugs.

• Toddlers approaching dogs at eye level may appear intimidating and challenging. Teach children to approach on a curve, without direct eye contact.

• Stand sideways to the dog and stroke the back, sides or chest.

• Many dogs dislike head touches, especially by people they do not know. The head is a doggy socially sensitive area, as is the neck, tail and paws. Repeated touching or pulling may result in a bite.

• Dogs that roll over and show their tummies are not necessarily inviting a tummy rub, this may be a plea to back off.

• Dogs that turn their head away from you, lick their lips, sniff the ground, or shake off, may be showing they have had enough contact for now.

• Pups should be proofed to approaches from behind, grabbing and looming (see Gwen Bailey) but this should be reserved for emergencies.

• Do not let children pick up puppies. They often hurt or drop them without meaning to.

• Pups on the receiving end of bad handling can develop a lifelong fear of human hands and become the classic ‘snappy’ dog.

• Consider the sort of breed you want to share your home. Dogs with strong guarding and watch dog traits, so-called ‘one-person’ breeds, are possibly not right for a home with small kids.

• Finally, if your dog growls never chastise them. This is an early warning system saying your dog is worried about something. Without that growl your dog is more likely to bite without warning.

• If you hear growling, especially around children, investigate, take note and take action.