Image credit: Sophia Spring

We all adore our kids, but I always sense a collective sigh of relief around Dulwich when the summer holidays are over and our cherubs return back to school. We have had an amazing few weeks together, spending time with family and friends both here and in Greece, but it will be nice to get back to our usual routine.

We really are spoilt for choice with so many fantastic events for September. Village Books have an incredible line-up this month, starting with comedian and Strictly Come Dancing star Susan Calman (6 Sept), who will be talking about her new book Sunny Side Up and her mission to bring back joy, kindness and community to us all.

The literary giant, Sebastian Faulks, will chat about his writing, his loves and how his new book Paris Echo came about (12 Sept).

Six times Olympic Gold Medal winner, Sir Chris Hoy MBE, will be at Dulwich College talking about his career, all things bikes and cycling, answering questions from the audience and signing copies of his new book How to Ride a Bike (17 Sept).

Yotam Ottolenghi and Tara Wigley will host an evening of chat and food demonstration (18 Sept) to celebrate the launch of Yotam’s latest cookbook, Simple. Yotam and Tara will be demonstrating how easy the recipes are and will be chatting with Guardian Food journalist Felicity Cloake.

Take Nothing With You author Patrick Gale will be in conversation with Hannah Beckerman (26 Sept). Take Nothing With You is a sad-funny comedy of resilience and survival that is sure to appeal to fans of Rough Music as well as to readers newly drawn to his work from watching the BBC drama Man in an Orange Shirt.

An evening with Graham Norton (29 Sept) at JAGS Community Hall promises fun, laughter and chat with Graham as he discusses his new novel A Keeper and why he loves writing fiction.

Other highlights this month include the East Dulwich WI’s September meeting ‘An Evening with a Royal Butler’ (5 Sept). William French will recount his life as a butler to royalty and the stars. He has served the Royal Family on the royal yacht Britannia, Princess Diana at Kensington Palace and even Hollywood stars Nicole Kidman and Robert Redford. All welcome.

Pop along to Link Age Southwark’s Open Garden event on Court Lane (9 Sept) and raise money to support older people in the local community.

The East Dulwich Community Centre is hosting an Open Day (11 Sept) where you can meet the animals from Vauxhall City Farm and take part in a free taster session with Tippee Toes.

Bell House will host a series of Friday afternoon art lectures with Rosalind Whyte, an accredited Arts Society lecturer and guide and lecturer at Tate and the Royal Academy. Join Rosalind for a fascinating overview of the life and career of JMW Turner (14 Sept) and John Constable (5 Oct).

Grab your valuables and head over to St Barnabas Parish Hall in Dulwich Village for a free antique valuation with Hansons Auctioneers & Valuers (4 Sept).

Tart on Lordship Lane is hosting a Parent & Baby Gin event (26 Sept) for parents who love gin and want to learn about its history, perfect their G&T making skills and meet new people.

And, so much more, but I fear I may exceed my word count… However, details of all local events and ticket information can be found on our events page and on Instagram @arounddulwich.

This article first appeared in the September 2018 issue of SE22 magazine. The John Constable lecture at Bell House was printed in the magazine as being on 21 September, but this should have been 5 October.