Sandi Toksvig is well known for her television and radio work as a presenter, writer and actor. She has written more than twenty fiction and non-fiction books for both children and adults. She lives in South East London with her family. She will be talking about her new children’s book, A Slice of the Moon, at Dulwich Books on November 18 at 7pm.
How long have you lived in the area?
I moved here last November with my wife Debbie. She used to live in the area and always wanted to come back.
What has changed most during that time?
Our house. I thought we bought a place that didn’t need doing up but Debbie has had a very different view. I sometimes wish the people we bought it from would come back and look. They would not recognise the place.
What do you most value about the area/street you live in?
We have lovely neighbours. There is a really nice atmosphere of kindness. I have never met so many people taking in parcels for each other.
Describe your perfect weekend
It never happens but I would love two days in a row with nothing to do. On the Saturday I would stroll down Lordship Lane, pop to the market on North Cross Street and chat to Dave the carpet man, have lunch at Franklins and buy a lovely supper for later. Sunday would be at home roasting a duck from William Rose followed by a walk through Dulwich Park to the Picture Gallery for a cup of tea and a hint of culture. Perfect.
Where are you likely to be found on Saturday?
Working.
Coffee or tea? Where?
Spoilt for choice. Jade’s on Lordship Lane or Café G on Peckham Rye or the Blue Brick on Fellbrigg Road.
Where’s your favourite place to walk?
I love the Nunhead Cemetary. It’s a magnificent necropolis full of history where nature spends every day trying to take over.
The book I’m reading at the moment…
is research for the sequel I am writing to my novel ‘A Slice of the Moon’. It’s a book about the Oregon trail which is the route pioneers too in the 1840’s across the United States to the Pacific coast. It’s called ‘The Oregon Trail’ and it was written in 1846 by Francis Parkman who made the trip as a ‘summer juant’.
My perfect holiday is…
anywhere my wife wants to go. She is the nicest person I know and any place is improved by her presence.
My secret ambition…
I don’t think I really have any secrets. I would like the planet to be a kinder more equitable place but that makes me sound like a Miss World contestant.