All posts tagged: the last word

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 …

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 …

The Last Word – Bercem Budak

Published by Angela Burgess

In the June issue of SE23, local student Bercem Budak had the last word. See what she had to say: I’m Bercem Budak, a student studying Media at Sussex University who is very interested in journalism. I also love music, I sing as well as play a Turkish instrument called the ‘baglama’. I’m the daughter and niece of the owners of the family run business Lazy Chef and currently manage their social media, create their menus and work part-time as a barista for additional income. How long have you lived in the area? I’ve lived in Forest Hill for my entire life; I was born here and grew up to be a part of the lovely community. What has changed most during that time? Growing up here I have seen some lovely changes, businesses have improved, there has been an addition of some lovely cafes, bars and pubs. What do you most value about the area? There is a lovely sense of community in Forest Hill, which I have found to be more important and …

The Last Word – Victoria Rennison

Published by Victoria Rennison

I am Victoria Rennison and I started the first Covid-19 community raffle – #SaveEastDulwich – to support local independent businesses during the pandemic. How long have you lived in the area? I have lived in East Dulwich for just over 3 years. What brought you here? I used to live elsewhere in South London but when I first came to East Dulwich, I fell in love with the village feel of it, with the green space and independent shops and cafes and the sense of community. It has the best bits of London whilst still feeling like its own little area that’s outside the hustle and bustle of the city. What has changed most during that time? It has retained its independent charm and embraced the idea of local shops, restaurants, bakeries etc., even more, which is what makes the area so wonderful. The onset of the pandemic has put a lot of that under threat and has been heartbreaking to see, and is what brought about my idea of creating a community raffle …

The Last Word – Mehreen Lodhi

Published by Angela Burgess

In the June issue of SE21, local artist Mehreen Lodhi had the last word. See what she had to say: I am an artist living in Dulwich, London. I have pursued my passion for art vigorously alongside practicing as a lawyer over the last decade. How long have you lived in the area? I grew up in Dulwich and love everything about it. I was born in Pakistan and attended a private school there before moving to Dulwich, London. I was 12 years old when we moved to Dulwich, it was in the height of the 80s when I used to see young people in Dr Martens and punk hairstyles walking along the streets and Madonna topped the music charts. I have lived in Dulwich for over three decades. What has changed most during that time? Not much but places like The Rosendale used to have smoky windows and you could never see what was going on inside. I was always curious and imagined trays full of cigarette butts next to empty bottles of wines …