It is the hottest topic on the school run, in the playground, at home and in the pub. It has divided more opinion among our family than the time my husband ordered pineapple on his pizza. It has occupied most of my waking – and sleeping – thoughts. I also bravely went down the rabbit hole that is the East Dulwich Forum and surfaced days later feeling more confused than ever (but with some excellent new handyman recommendations, thank you!). However, it is done and now out of my hands. Yes, my son’s secondary school application is finally in and I don’t want to think about schools again until March 2020… *pours wine*
I did still manage to get out and about last month, although I can’t guarantee I didn’t bore my friends to tears with my obsessive school chat.
The Great Exhibition has reopened following a make-over and I recently enjoyed a lovely night out there with the Editor of this very mag! The Watson’s General Telegraph on Forest Hill Road is under new management and I have booked it for my husband’s upcoming big 5-0 celebrations – hopefully, the new menu will not feature pineapple as a topping on any foods!
There are some really interesting events happening in and around Dulwich this month.
Lindsay McCrae, an award-winning cameraman who spent an extraordinary year in the Antarctic filming emperor penguins for the BBC Documentary ‘Dynasties’ is hosting an event at James Allen’s Girls’ School (3 November). Lindsay will be discussing his extraordinary journey and sharing some stories and photographs of his expedition. Tickets are available from Village Books.
Visit Bell House to hear Michael Verde, founder of the Memory Bridge initiative, speak about a different way of thinking about dementia and communicating with those who have dementia (15 November).
PositivePause Talk Menopause with the Experts at Bell House (20 November). Hear menopause specialists talking about hormonal wellbeing, sharing solutions and empowering women to be healthier and happier.
It’s never too early to get a head start on your Christmas shopping. I am not one to leave it all until Christmas Eve (GASP), so these festive events are always welcome.
Kingsdale School is hosting a Christmas market in support of St Christopher’s Hospice (16 November). I know I said I wouldn’t mention schools again, but this doesn’t count!
Dulwich Books are hosting two Christmas Shopping Lates (20 & 21 November).
The SoLo Craft Fair is returning to St. Barnabas Parish Hall for its Dulwich Christmas Market (30 November); and the Love West Dulwich Christmas Fair is back with stalls, street food, mulled wine, carols, face painting and dancing (30 November).
Dulwich Village will be decked out in traditional Christmas style with natural Christmas trees and decorations for the Dulwich Village Christmas Stocking (1 December). Expect special offers in many of the independent shops; arts and crafts activities for children and much more.
The Dulwich Charity Lunch returns (5 December) and will be hosted at The Lordship pub this year. Please email angela@semagazines.co.uk for details.
If you fancy belting out a few Christmas tunes then head along to Live Band Karaoke at The Ivy House (20 December) and enjoy the thrill of fronting up a live band on stage!
And, of course, the festive season wouldn’t be complete without a trip to Catford Broadway to see the new Scummy Mummies Christmas Show (30 November). Expect new jokes, new catsuits and a lot of scummy parenting confessions!
Details of all local events including ticket and booking information can be found on our events page and Instagram @arounddulwich.