After a month-long hibernation away from late nights, wine, red meat and sparkly outfits, I can honestly say that I missed the sequin skirts the most! I probably say this every year, but I really do enjoy January and all the quiet nights in that come with it. I love being back in a routine, making a start on new books, moving this tired old body a bit more and – after surviving on a diet of Quality Street for most of December – discovering the joy of eating vegetables again.
Although, the arrival of February comes with a few of my other favourite things; romance, pancakes, half-term and wine!
Link Age Southwark will be celebrating the end of Dry January with a Wine Tasting Fundraiser at fifty seven on North Cross Road (6 Feb). The theme of the evening is ‘Unusual Grape Varieties’ and will be led by Clare Hanson, a judge at the International Wine Challenge and member of the Dulwich Wine Society.
The Merry Nude is back this month with a friendly life drawing group at The Clock House (Tuesday evenings). The class is open to all abilities and beginners are often really impressed with what they can achieve.
I have been a huge fan of Melissa Hemsley since Gary Barlow mentioned in his autobiography (YES, YES, I read it from cover to cover OK) about how Melissa and her sister, Jasmine, changed his whole approach to food. I have tried many recipes from the HEMSLEY + HEMSLEY ‘The Art of Eating Well’ cookbook (the sausage stew is a firm family favourite), so I was very excited when Village Books announced an event with Melissa at Bell House (12 February) where she will talk about her new cookbook ‘Eat Green’. Sadly, the date clashes with my Film Club so I’m going to miss this event, but I am sure it will be very popular.
Raise the Roof is a not for profit, natural voice choir and all are welcome! The group meets at the Horniman Museum on Thursday evenings and there are no auditions – you learn by ear and sing from the soles of your feet!
The Dulwich Players present a new adaptation of Jane Austen’s much loved classic Pride and Prejudice to be performed at the Edward Alleyn Theatre, Dulwich College (19 February) and supporting The Alzheimer’s Society. Enjoy Elizabeth’s straight-talking, Mr Bennet’s dry wit, Darcy’s arrogance and Mr Collins’ pomposity – along with Mrs Bennet’s increasingly fragile nerves as she seeks to marry off her errant daughters.
The warmth of Spain arrives in Dulwich when Cancion Gitana present their Flamenco spectacular Al-Andalus at St Barnabas Parish Hall (29 February). In a 75-minute spectacular with many costume changes, narrations and dramatic poetry in Spanish and English, slide projections and striking lighting, Cancion Gitana create a Flamenco dance theatre performance of a kind rarely seen on UK stages as they explore the origins of Flamenco among the major Andalucian Flamenco cities.
And, for all the lovers out there – I am sure there will be many Valentine’s themed events in local shops, pubs and restaurants on 14 February… this could be my cue to slip back into hibernation!
Details of all local events including ticket and booking information can be found on our events page and Instagram @arounddulwich.