July is when many of our thoughts turn to summer holidays. Now the countdown to end of term is in full force, I find myself frantically trying to cram in a list of tasks that are much easier to complete without a young child in tow. Clothes that have spent 6-months in a bag in the hallway have been dropped off at the dry cleaners. Passports and driving licenses have been renewed; and work, well, work will continue over the summer but will happen between 5-7am and pick up again after 8pm. For all the flexibility that comes with working for yourself from home, keeping unsociable hours over the school holidays is arguably one of the pitfalls.
However, one of the more leisurely pursuits I am making the most of, are weekly golf lessons with Angela at the Aquarius Golf Club on Marmora Road. We have been learning to play with the club’s Pro, Fred Private, and can see much improvement in our swing already! We’ve even been sneaking out of Dulwich to hit a few balls at a driving range in Croydon; such is our new enthusiasm for the sport.
I ventured out of the area once again to represent the East Dulwich WI at the WI Centenary Garden Party at Buckingham Palace, hosted by the Duchess of Cornwall. I attended with fellow EDWI member, Mehreen Umar (pictured with me below), who in true WI style designed and made her own dress! The queue to get into the Palace trailed almost back to Victoria station, but it was an amazing experience. A selection of dainty crustless sandwiches and miniature cakes were served on white china trays with a royal cuppa. We even managed to find ourselves in the line-up to be officially presented to Princess Alexandra.
Back on home turf, I attended a VERY special birthday party for Queen of East Dulwich, Angela Burgess. Close friends and family gathered at The Palmerston to drink fizz on the roof deck and eat juicy burgers in the upstairs function room. A Manchester United themed cake made by local caterer, Dolce Vita Catering, stole the show at the end of the night. Although for many, this was when the party really got going…
Marking another big anniversary last month was the Peckham Rye parkrun, celebrating its first year.
This month we are looking forward to the third East Dulwich Literary Festival, organised by Harris Girls’ Academy. The festival theme this year is Women’s Voices and includes professional performances open to the public.
We’ll also be popping along to various school summer fairs, kicking off with the Goose Green Summer Carnival on 4th. Fairlawn School is hosting a Summer Seaside Spectacular on 11th where you’ll no doubt find me hanging out by the Pimms Bar.
But there’s so much more. Our events page has full listings of all the local news, events and ticket information. Just visit our website for more details www.arounddulwich.co.uk.