General Store

School’s out for summer and I hope this glorious sunshine is too! I approach the end of every school year with mixed emotions. On one hand, I am happy to be free of the school routine and look forward to a long stretch of lazy mornings and afternoons playing outside in the sun.

On the other, it is a reminder of how fast the years are passing by. It seems like only yesterday I dropped my 4-year old off for his first day in reception and in a few short weeks, he will go into Year 3. I admit I had a little tear in my eye on his last day of term as we said goodbye to his wonderful teacher and the end of his infant school experience.

There were moments in July when it felt like November, but not a drop (or 300,000 buckets) of heavy rain could dampen the spirit of the school summer fairs! Families flocked in their hundreds to hook-a-duck, bounce on inflatable castles, or just hang out by the popular Prosecco bars.

Other highlights included a night with popular party band, The Hit Men, who performed at Aquarius Golf Club. You would be hard-pressed to find cheaper drinks, or better views, anywhere else in the area. The North Cross Road Experience had not happened before going to print, but this live music event held by local talent – with food and drinks provided by many of our favourite establishments – promised to be a huge hit.

Meanwhile, over in the village, Angela popped into Rocca to meet Lesley O’Mara from Link Age Southwark. Lesley has recently been appointed as trustee in charge of fund raising. Look out for some fab events in the autumn, raising funds for this much loved local charity.

While many of us may be flying off to warmer climes this month, there is still plenty to do for those opting to staycation at home. The outdoor Luna Cinema has a fun packed programme of films on at Dulwich Park – Dirty Dancing and The Breakfast Club to name but two. Both bring back many fond memories of my youth, as well as some not so fond ‘I carried a watermelon’ moments of my own.

The Horniman Museum and Gardens are holding various family activities over the summer, including a nature trail, butterfly count and pond dipping. These events are very popular, so booking is advised.

Finally, if you visited me on my Greek Dips stall at the Dulwich Festival Fair earlier this year, you may be interested to know that our homemade Yiayia’s Kouzina houmous is now available to buy in General Store on Bellenden Road. Today General Store, tomorrow…

As always, you can find details of all local news, events, and ticket information over on our listings page. You can also find us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @arounddulwich. See you on the other side!

This article first appeared in the August 2016 issue of SE22 magazine.