I’m Rev Raymond Baudon and I’m the curate (which is kind of like a trainee vicar) at St John’s East Dulwich on Goose Green. I have only just moved to the area from north London but I’ve been working at St John’s since 1stJuly.
What do you most value about the area you live in?
The sense of community. So many times I’ve bumped into someone I know in the street and I love that.
What one thing would you change?
A tube station at the end of my street.
What’s the one thing you couldn’t do without?
I have a bit of an addiction to kitchen gadgets and I love my Kitchenaid mixer. I use it to make cakes for our Wednesday coffee morning.
The most famous person you’ve seen or met?
I did meet someone who looked familiar recently and when I found out he was an actor I asked if he’d been in anything recently. He replied that he’d been in “a little thing called Downton”. That’s when I recognized him! It was all very awkward.
Describe your perfect weekend
My day off is on a Friday so my perfect “weekend” would start on a Thursday night with a film at the Picturehouse. Friday would start with a lie-in followed by pottering around my flat. Then going out to the theatre or somewhere nice for dinner in the evening. I love Forza Win on Copeland Park where they’ve dubbed me the “Pasta Pastor”! Then it’s back to work on Saturday preparing for Sunday.
Coffee or tea? Where?
After a detox juice cleanse (!) I stopped drinking tea or coffee in April. Not drinking tea raises a few eyebrows in my line of work but I’ll often have a herbal tea at Tart or Aneto.
The best meal I’ve ever had…
Not one specific meal but the best meals are leisurely ones with friends. The food doesn’t have to be complicated but something simple and prepared with love is the best (especially if there’s a cheese course).
When I want to relax…
I find a quiet spot and meditate. Being in St John’s alone when everyone has gone and the lights are out is very prayerful.
What is your favourite shop?
I have a few. Dulwich DIY has been a godsend while I’ve been moving in to my flat. I love Mons Cheesemonger and the Cheese Block. Chener Books and Rye Books are also favourites.
If money was no object…
I’d still do what I’m doing now. I wouldn’t give up this job even if I won the lottery! St John’s is an Inclusive Church and it is such a privilege to be able to meet and welcome everyone no matter who they are.
The book I’m reading at the moment…
’Fear’ by Bob Woodward.
My perfect holiday…
I’ve always wanted to go to India and, in fact, I’m going on a trip to India in February and I’m very excited about.
Twitter: @rbaudon
This article first appeared in the December 2018 issue of SE22 magazine.