The Dulwich Society has been asked to help raise £10,000 towards transforming the infrastructure and conservation within Dulwich Wood, as part of the £1.5 million project to Reunite Sydenham Hill Wood and Dulwich Wood. This article sets out the background and how members of the Society can help. Photo credit London Wildlife Trust
The Reunite the Woods project
Reuniting Sydenham Hill Wood and Dulwich Wood will secure the long-term future of the largest remaining tract of the ancient Great North Wood landscape in South London, uniting the two woods under the management of the London Wildlife Trust. Over a three-year period, the project should transform some 27 hectares of urban woodland for visitors, volunteers and other users whilst ensuring that its ancient woodland habitat is protected.
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The Dulwich Society is looking for volunteers to fill two key roles: Secretary of the Society and Chair of our Gardens Group. If you love community work and want to help shape your neighbourhood, we need you! Email our Chair James Thompson at
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Wednesday 12 March 2025, 6.30pm for 7.00pm
Join the Mark Evison Foundation on Wednesday 12 March for a seated wine and champagne tasting at the Cavalry and Guards Club, 127 Piccadilly. Champagnes and wines supplied by Pol Roger, hosted by James Simpson, Master of Wine. Tickets £55 each, tables up to 12, phone 07789 765 867 or email
The Mark Evison Foundation’s mission is to promote the personal development of young people through the undertaking of challenges. They invite young people to create and plan projects which are personally challenging. Such projects develop confidence, strength, resilience and breadth, as applicants take independent ownership. Find out more at www.markevisonfoundation.org
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The Society’s Dulwich Volunteer Battalion information board was unveiled on Saturday 8 February by Brian Green and Hilary Devonshire, the granddaughter of battalion member William Gough Edwards. Attendees included Pilot Officer Mohassin Shah from 1475 (Dulwich) Squadron ATC, Revd Gemma Lau of St Clement’s, Cllr Andy Simmons, Martin Fraser, great-nephew of William Gough Edwards, Brian Green who led the project to install the board, Ian McInnes, Chair of the Local History Group, and members of the Society. The board is beside the war memorial of the Dulwich Volunteer Battalion, formerly the Dulwich & District Defence League.
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A night filled with delicious food, entertainment, and supporting a great cause.
Kingswood Arts are fundraising to finish the basement youth club and studio and need your help to continue this work. Opening up this space will have a huge impact on the local area, giving teenagers a much needed dedicated space, and vastly increasing the size and quality of the music sessions offered to local young people.
This gala will take the project to the next stage. Come dressed to impress or in whatever makes you feel your best! There will be a delicious 3-course meal and a welcome drink included in the price, a raffle, an auction with some incredible prizes, and entertainment throughout the night.
Book your tickets here.
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Read more: Kingswood Arts Gala Fundraiser Friday 21 March, 7-11pm
MGM UK Unscripted TV is making a new TV series for the BBC about lost, derelict or changed buildings that are meaningful to people. Examples in Dulwich include the Grove Tavern, the Concrete House, the Old Grammar School or Dulwich Hospital. Over the course of eight episodes, the series will highlight eight different buildings and the reasons they are special. As an example of the stories that might be followed, it could be a much-loved childhood home that has been sold; a now-derelict pub where a couple first met; a shut-down hospital where you first worked – any building that has personal emotional significance. The aim of the programme is to explore why each place is special to participants through personal stories and memories, and to look at some of the architectural and social history surrounding the building. A keepsake will then be created for each participant as a reminder of their special place.
Filming takes place during March-May 2025 and you would be needed for 3-4 days. If you are interested in taking part email
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On Saturday 8 February at 11am, the Dulwich Society will unveil an information board about the Dulwich Volunteer Battalion. Please join us at the war memorial at the junction of Lordship Lane and the South Circular (near the Grove Tavern).
The Dulwich Volunteer Battalion, the first of its kind, was formed almost immediately after the outbreak of war in 1914. Its two objects were to encourage recruiting for the Regular Army, and to train its own members to take part, if necessary, in the defence and protection of their country. It appears to have been started by members of the Dulwich and Sydenham Golf Club who formed a Training Corps affiliated to the National Defence League. It eventually had a roll of over 1000 local men, a number of whom died on active service.
The memorial was listed Grade II in 2017 by Historic England as part of their war memorial listing programme to mark the 100th anniversary of the First World War.
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7.30pm-9pm at Alleyn’s School, Townley Rd, SE22, Tuesday 4 March 2025. Tickets £8 for members, £13 for the public.
Join us for an engaging evening of thought-provoking discussion as we explore politics and equality with a distinguished panel of women leaders. Our panel features a lineup of influential speakers:
Baroness Harriet Harman: Britain’s longest-serving female MP and a trailblazer for women’s rights.
Baroness Caroline Pidgeon: Liberal Democrat peer and passionate advocate for gender equality in politics.
Helen Hayes: MP for Dulwich and West Norwood, known for her work on social justice and public policy.
Naima Ali: the Mayor of Southwark, bringing valuable experience in local government and community advocacy.
Resham Kotecha: of Women2Win, working to encourage more Conservative women to enter politics and make their voices heard.
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Online talk: Tuesday 4 February 2025, 8pm
Despite accumulating wealth and fame as an actor and later establishing his College of God's Gift in Dulwich, which brought him social status, Edward Alleyn could not let go of his first love for the stage and the company of fellow actors. Local historian Brian Green will give an illustrated account of the highs and lows of Alleyn’s Fortune Theatre situated just beyond the City wall at Cripplegate. Using original detailed theatrical plans, biographies of its actors and the historical accounts of plague, political interference and ultimately the London Blitz which destroyed it, the talk explores Dulwich's 350 year long connection.
Brian Green is a local shopkeeper and historian with a lifetime’s collection of images of past Dulwich together with first-hand memories, interviews with past residents and hours spent in the archives.
Tickets are £5, available here. Proceeds to London Wildlife Trust’s Sydenham Hill Woods project.
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Online talk: Tuesday 7 January 2025, 8pm
Uncover the hidden stories of Dulwich at West Norwood Cemetery in this online talk.
Join Dr Jane Jordan of the Friends of West Norwood Cemetery for a captivating journey through time, exploring the remarkable lives of Dulwich residents now resting in West Norwood's historic grounds. This fascinating online talk reveals the untold narratives of ordinary and extraordinary people who once walked Dulwich streets. Discover forgotten tales of local heroes, artists, entrepreneurs, and everyday citizens whose legacies are etched in stone. From poignant personal histories to broader community insights, this presentation brings history to life. All proceeds to the Friends of West Norwood Cemetery.
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Read more: From Dulwich Streets to Eternal Rest: Dulwich Residents in West Norwood Cemetery
Step into a magical Winter Wonderland with Once Upon a Kingswood Christmas. This December, Kingswood Arts transforms into a festive realm where enchanting stories come to life. Journey with your family through sparkling forests, meet whimsical characters and experience the true magic of Christmas throughout the mansion with a different festive theme in each room. With spell-binding performances, interactive adventures and plenty of surprises, this immersive show promises to delight children and parents alike. Suitable for all ages, but perfect for ages 3-11 and their families.
Tickets, including family and group tickets, available here.
Shows run at various times from Saturday 14 December until the 24 December 2024
At Kingswood House, Seeley Drive, Dulwich, SE21 8QN
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Sunday 1 December, 6pm
An Advent Carol Service (St Barnabas)
Sunday 22 December, 6pm
Nine Lessons & Carols (St Barnabas)
Tuesday 10 December, 7:30pm
Silent Night (St Barnabas)
A quiet, reflective service for those living with loss or bereavement during this season.
CHILDREN & FAMILIES
Sunday 1 December, 10am
Christingle Service with Dulwich Children's Choir (St Barnabas)
Sunday 15 December, 3:30pm
Messy Christmas! (St Barnabas)
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Read more: St Barnabas with Christ's Chapel Christmas Events 2024