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The Dulwich Players return to present another unusual evening at Bell House in December 2023 with four short plays, each about a well-known picture from the Dulwich Picture Gallery Collection which were stored at Bell House from 1946-47 after their return from evacuation to North Wales in WW2. In the rooms of Bell House each picture will come to life and tell its story, some humorous, some thought provoking.
Get into the Christmas spirit as the audience perambulates through the house, as if attending a 1940s cocktail party.
Friday 1 December – Saturday 2 December at 7.30pm for 7.45pm; Sunday 3 December 2.30pm for 2.45 & 7.30pm for 7.45pm. Saturday night is Gala Night when the audience are invited to wear black tie and cocktail dresses. Tickets £18 (includes a glass of mulled wine) available from Bell House. Numbers are limited so early booking is advisable.
Our latest local history talk is now up on YouTube. Calista Lucy, Keeper of the Archives at Dulwich College, gave us a fascinating insight into the life of Joan Woodward (1573-1623), wife of Edward Alleyn, the early modern actor, playhouse owner and founder of the educational charity Alleyn's College of God's Gift, here in Dulwich. We learnt how she was more than just the stepdaughter of theatrical manager Philip Henslowe and a trophy wife for Edward Alleyn. The talk also raised funds for St Christopher's Hospice. You can watch the talk on YouTube.
The Scheme of Management is designed to maintain the special character of the area for which Dulwich is renowned. It was approved by the High Court in January 1974 and has contributed to making Dulwich the much-loved neighbourhood it is today. Just over 6,000 properties are in the Scheme area. The Scheme is self-funding and is covered by an annual scheme charge, payable by all freehold households on the Estate. The Scheme is cost neutral and beneficiaries of the Estate do not receive any funds from it. The Dulwich Estate, as Freeholder of nearly 2,000 properties within the Estate, pays its share of the cost of maintaining the amenity areas.
A beautiful oak came down in Belair Park overnight on 25/26 September 2023. It does not seem to have been diseased and was at least 200 years old. It had fields to one side and on the other side a wide tarmac path with lots of competing trees beyond that, so all its roots had grown on the field side, making it unstable. The recent heavy rain may have loosened the roots causing it to fall. The tree will be made safe and the trunk will be left nearby. A replacement tree will be planted in due course.
Sydenham Hill Woods: the London Wildlife Trust has written to the Society outlining the impact our £5,000 donation for improved paths has made. The new paths protect wildlife habitats, ensure birds that nest in the shrub layer remain undisturbed during breeding season, protect plants from footfall, and allow visitors to access the woods more easily. You can read the letter here (PDF).
The Dulwich Society today unveiled its new solar-powered listening post in Cox’s Walk in Dulwich. It contains four recordings: two about the local history of the area around Cox’s Walk, including Dr Glennie’s Academy on the site of the Grove Tavern, and two about the trees and wildlife that may be seen or heard nearby, including birdsong to listen out for. President Kenneth Wolfe unveiled the post, which commemorates the Society’s 60th anniversary, before a group of members who then listened to the recordings which had been made by members Brian Green and Sharon O’Connor, and by Sam Taylor of the London Wildlife Trust.
The Rosendale pub on Rosendale Road is under new management. A pub quiz starts on 2 October 2023 for teams of up to 6 people; entry is £2.50 per person. There are various special offers being introduced including 2 pies & 2 pints for £30 on Mondays, 2 pizzas & a bottle of prosecco for £35 on Tuesdays, and 2 steaks & a bottle of Malbec for £40 on Wednesdays. All NHS staff get 33% off food. There are various rooms and outdoor spaces available for hire. More here: https://www.therosendale.co.uk/
Bell House Pottery Studio is now open at Bell House in College Rd. The purpose-built pottery offers a variety of classes and workshops for anyone from absolute beginners, who can learn the basics of throwing on a wheel or hand building, through to more seasoned potters who can extend their skills. For more details see the Bell House website here: https://www.bellhouse.co.uk/pottery
The Dulwich Players return to present another unusual evening at Bell House, 27 College Rd, this December with four short plays, each about a well-known picture from the Dulwich Picture Gallery Collection which were stored at Bell House from 1946-47 after their return from evacuation to North Wales in WW2. In the rooms of Bell House each picture will come to life and tell its story, some humorous, some thought provoking.
Get into the Christmas spirit as the audience perambulates through the house, as if attending a 1940s cocktail party.
Friday 1 December – Saturday 2 December at 7.30pm for 7.45pm. Sunday 3 December 2.30pm for 2.45 & 7.30pm for 7.45pm (Saturday night is Gala Night when the audience are invited to wear black tie and cocktail dresses) Tickets £18 (includes a glass of mulled wine), on sale at Eventbrite.
At the 2023 AGM in April, the Dulwich Society introduced a proposed new set of Rules, based on a Charity Commission template, for approval at the AGM in May 2024. A 6 month consultation period was set, which ends on 23 October.
The proposed new Rules can be found here. Any comments should be sent by email to:
Read more: Dulwich Society Rules Review: Last Chance to Comment
David Goode gave an organ recital at Christ's Chapel in Dulwich on 10 September 2023. His programme included a wide variety music from 16th- 21st centuries, including Byrd, Bach, Handel, Stanley, Mozart, Reger, Roxanna Panufnik and Simon Johnson. Every item was rhythmically charged, and displayed the entire range of all the organ’s colours. An outstanding feature of his playing is his ability to squeeze every emotional and expressive nuance from every piece.
Romeo Jones in Dulwich Village has a new electric cargo (delivery) bike available for hire. The scheme is run by OurBike, the community cargo bike share scheme, and they offer bike training for those who need it. Speak to Patrick at Romeo Jones for more details or visit the OurBike website here.