All posts filed under: People

Oakfield Prep School bids farewell to the wonderful Mrs Davey

Published by Ben Golden

You wouldn’t be blamed for thinking that after 40-plus-some years in a profession you’d more or less seen it all. What a strange time it is then for Oakfield Prep School to say goodbye, at the end of this term, to one of its most treasured and longest-serving staff, Jill Davey. She has been a teacher here for 42 years, and like Oakfield itself, has truly become part of the fabric of the community and Dulwich life. Even in the midst of this pandemic-interrupted swansong Jill remains as astute, child-focused and overwhelmingly positive as ever; “This has been the most unusual year but when the children came back after lockdown, they came in, washed their hands, stood for a while, looked around the classroom, re-engaged with their environment and then just got on with their activities.” They have clearly learned something from Jill who seems to blend non-stop enthusiasm with an insatiable work ethic: “This period has helped me to think about the next stage in my life. I’ve been on a crazy rollercoaster of …

The Last Word – Tarik Francis

Published by Around Dulwich

In the July issue of SE22, local resident and business owner Tarik Francis had the last word. See what he had to say: How long have you lived in the area? I am a newbie to East Dulwich. I was lucky enough to take over High Vibe Fitness Studio which has been keeping people healthy for 10 years, but I am a South Londoner born and breed. What brought you here? When I was looking for a place to call home East Dulwich was one of few places that ticked all the boxes; with the right business, strong community and a huge amount of diversity. I am very happy to have made that decision. What has changed most during that time? During these unpresented times it has been great to see what I thought was a strong community become even stronger with all local business and people pulling together. With great acts of unselfishness from heroes such as one of our High Vibe Tribe members Victoria #saveeastdulwich. The most famous person you’ve seen or …

Lockdown Has Changed My Exercise Routine. Here Is Why

Published by Leanne Spencer

How has the lockdown impacted your exercise routine? Some of you might have taken up running, signed up for online classes and others might have given exercise a total break for now – or at least until the gyms are opening up again. This month I want to talk to you a bit about how my exercise routine has changed and how I have tweaked my exercise sessions during this period while I have been working exclusively from home. This is a piece of advice I normally withhold, because many of us are office based and it becomes a bit of a moot point, but I’ve tweaked the timing of my exercise sessions. Our nervous system: Sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system I want to explain to you why I have tweaked the timing of my session. The optimal time to do a harder or more exerting exercise session is actually the afternoon. It is roughly between 2pm and 4pm or thereabouts. And the reasons for that are our nervous systems in the morning are already …

Local resident sets up new raffle

Published by Around Dulwich

Local resident Esme a.k.a East Dulwich Mummy, is raising money for two causes by running a local raffle. 50% to Nimble Arts Holiday Club and 50% to the London Air Ambulance charity. We caught up with Esme to find out more: I am a local mum raising money for a local business owner, Catherine Burgis (pictured) who owns Nimble Arts Holiday Club. I felt compelled to set up the raffle because Cath is an absolutely amazing individual. She is the eternal optimist and very selfless and kind. I have known her for six years (my sons attend Nimble Arts holiday club every school holiday and love it). Cath is the director of a limited company, so has had to rely on savings to get by throughout the Covid-19 lockdown period (as the face-to-face holiday club could not open over Easter or May half term, leading to a huge loss of income for her and her employees) and small donations from people doing the virtual holiday club. No government help has been available for Cath or her employees as …

The Last Word – Vivien Piercy

Published by Angela Burgess

In the July issue of SE21, local resident and business owner Vivien Piercy had the last word. See what she had to say: My name is Vivien Piercy. This is the 20th year I have been running a family law firm of solicitors in West Dulwich where I work from home with my partner, Mark Piercy. How long have you lived in the area and what has changed most during that time? When we were looking for more space for our growing family, nearby parks and a friendly neighbourhood, we found this in West Dulwich where to our surprise we have remained ever since. 30 years ago the area was a leafy family suburb and a touch dull. Unwelcoming pubs, unenterprising restaurants, and certainly no takers for hot pod yoga, clothes shops, a Sicilian deli or food stalls. Things have begun to change in West Dulwich. What do you value most about the street you live in? Do you know your neighbours? Carson Road is more a community than a street, where neighbours look out for one …