My name is Fabienne Hanton and I am a volunteer at Bell House Dulwich. I am currently part of a team of volunteers organising the annual Bell House Dyslexia Fair which will be on Saturday 10th September.
How long have you lived in the area?
I have lived in the area most of my life having moved south of the river when I was a baby. Although I have family abroad in both Switzerland and Mauritius.
What has changed most during that time?
The emergence of the “super school”, the low traffic neighbourhood and increased cycling.
What do you most value about the area/street you live in?
I love engaging with locals who come to Bell House with ideas for new projects or who want to volunteer with us. Our Quilt Academy makes quilts for different communities such as premature babies, refugees and children leaving care. It was one of the first projects that started in this way and now has over 50 stitchers.
What’s the one thing you couldn’t do without?
My week-at-a-glance paper diary…without it I would risk being in three places at the same time.
Do you belong to any groups?
I am part of one of the oldest reading groups in Dulwich. We have been meeting for 35 years!And I’ve recently joined a French Film watching group.
Where are you likely to be found on Saturday?
Saturday is one of our busiest days at Bell House. I often join our volunteer gardeners, drop in on Simon Trewin who has set up the Garage Press at Bell House, and meet new volunteers. If there’s a filmmaking class or art class happening, I make sure that they have refreshments.
Coffee or tea? Where?
Coffee at Redemption Roasters if I’m in Dulwich Village or Perks & White if I’m grabbing a quick one before catching a train from Herne Hill
What’s your favourite place to go for a drink?
The Picture House in Lordship Lane or while watching a film at the Everyman cinema in Crystal Palace as there’s nothing that appeals to me more than doing two things at once.
When I want to relax…
I explore the Bell House garden which has everything: woodland, roses, vegetable beds, a new bog garden and more. And now the garden is open on the first Saturday of every month so anyone can watch it change with the seasons.
What is your favourite shop?
Village Books – where the smell of paper and Hazel’s smile entice me to buy
What was the last thing you bought there? ” Small Pleasures” by Clare Chambers after hearing her talk at Bell House during the Dulwich Festival
The book I’m reading at the moment.. Caitlin Moran’s “More than A Women” – a witty account of the challenges of being a middle-aged woman. It’s a pity it wasn’t written 20 years ago!
www.bellhouse.co.uk