Kingswood House has a very active group of Friends. They organised a very successful Victorian Day in 2009, and, in conjunction with Dulwich Helpline, a Tea Dance, which exceeded all expectations, was held this year. On 19th September the Friends of Kingswood House are hosting an Open Day in connection with ‘Open House Day’. The house will be open from 1pm-4.30pm and the Beckenham Concert Orchestra will be playing on the terrace. Cream Teas will be served in the Billiards Room. As far as regular events are concerned, the Library is open Monday & Thursday 10-2, Tuesday & Friday 2-6 and Saturday 10-5. Southwark Adult Education runs many of the other events. On Mondays there is an Under 5’s Group from 10-12 noon, a fitness and Pilates session from 9.45-11.15am. Tuesdays there is Sure Start for under 5’s and an Over 50’s Social Club from 2-4 pm. Wednesdays fitness Keep Fit-Feel Fine 1-.11.30am, health and fitness beginners Pilates 1-2.30pm. Dulwich Helpline reminiscence group 1-3pm. Paxton Green Time Bank IT workshop 2-4pm. Thursdays Dulwich Helpline befriending group 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month 10am-12noon. Rainbow Arts & Crafts (age 50 plus) 12.30-3.30pm, Bingo club 7-10pm. Fridays 2nd Friday each month Tessa Jowell MP surgery and Kingswood estate police surgery. Saturdays 1st Saturday of each month - Councillor Louise Robinson surgery 10-11am.
Other events include a farmers’ Market which held its first market in the grounds in July. If this was judged successful it will be hold monthly and will alternate with the market held at Dulwich College. The Carl Campbell Company has moved into Kingswood and specialises in contemporary Caribbean dance and has a project for older people called The Recycled Teenagers. The Company is applying for Heritage Lottery funding for a project on African people going back to the 17th century.
However, the Friends of Kingswood urgently need more help for tasks like applying for local authority and other grants to maintain the building, editorial staff for its newsletter and a secretary. New members to augment the social committee are also sought.
