Hester Vaizey is an award-winning author of four books, and a long time Dulwich resident. Her interest in stories about people, and their different experiences initially took Hester down the road of history. Three degrees from Cambridge later, and seven years working there as a professional historian, she is fully trained in bringing other people’s stories to life. Hester works as a ghostwriter, and as a celebrant for funerals, guiding families through the process of organizing a funeral that truly reflects their loved one. Hester also directs the literature events for the Dulwich Festival.
How long have you lived in the area?
I grew up in Dulwich in the 1980s and 90s, and my husband and I have since settled here, near my parents, to raise our four children.
What do you most value about the area you live in?
There are so many lovely things about living in Dulwich, from the huge number of parks and green spaces to the Brockwell lido, to the many, independent shops. Above all, I love its villagey feel, and the fact that I almost always bump into someone I know when I go out.
Where are you likely to be found on Saturday? In an ideal world, Saturday morning would start with Parkrun in Dulwich Park, brunch at Spinach on Lordship Lane, and then a mosey around the market on Northcross Road. The afternoon would then be spent reading the weekend papers. In reality, I am racing around on our cargo bike, fetching and dropping children doing various activities across Dulwich. Coffee and pain au chocolat from Christopher’s on Half Moon Lane sweetens the deal though!
The best kept secret…
I do love the Brockwell Greenhouses at the top of Brockwell Park. The gardens are a beautiful, peaceful oasis, which feel miles away from city living. I’ve enjoyed workshops doing Lino printing, wreath making and cooking, and my children have loved the pre-school Story Stompers sessions, as well as their nature-based activities in the school holidays.
I’ve also recently discovered Bell House, a volunteer led charity in the heart of Dulwich that provides creative learning for people of all ages and backgrounds. Not only have they just opened a new pottery barn, they also have an exciting, and growing events programme.
When I want to relax…
I go for a dip with a friend at Brockwell Lido, run a few laps around Dulwich Park or sit in a deckchair in the gardens of Dulwich Picture Gallery.
The book I’m reading at the moment..
Curling up with a good book is one of my favourite things, which is why I direct the literature events for the Dulwich Festival in May each year. I started a book group with a group of friends a year ago, which is a great opportunity to try books I wouldn’t normally choose. Our next book is Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin. I also regularly dip into The Little Book of Humanist Funerals by Alice Roberts and Andrew Copson as part of my work as a celebrant for funerals, helping families to create thoughtful and personal funeral services for their loved ones.