You will have seen in the winter 2022 issue of the Journal that our editor, Brian Green, has decided to put away his editor’s pen and that this spring issue will be his last as editor.
Brian has been editor for 20 years, overseeing the publication of eighty editions. These statistics alone convey the importance of his role as editor for a generation. During his tenure, colour has been introduced and the Journal has become a “must read” magazine for many families in the area. Brian has also been a prolific writer for the Journal, has taken many of the current-day photographs and has a large and invaluable collection of images of old Dulwich. For many years, he has also managed the advertising which forms the foundation of the financial viability of the publication. He has towered over all aspects of the Journal, not just as editor.
Brian was brought up in Dulwich, attending Dulwich Hamlet and Alleyn’s schools, and joined the family business in 1957, a stationery shop in Dulwich Village, adding a toy shop. He still works part time in the business that is now run by his daughter. In his spare time, he has given so much to community groups such as the Boys’ Brigade, the Duke of Edinburgh Awards, the local Ramblers Club and the church. His community work has been recognised and recently he was awarded the Freedom of the Liberty of the Old Metropolitan Borough of Camberwell (the most prestigious civic award that Southwark Council can make), which ‘recognises excellence in active citizenship and exceptional achievement’. It would take the whole Journal to laud his many qualities and achievements, but I did just want to give you a snapshot of the man’s dedication and character to give you some context as to what he does in addition to his work as editor and why he is held in such high esteem by us all at the Society.
His passion and hobby has been local history. As well as his BA, he has an MA in London Studies and an M.Phil. on the history of Southwark & Bermondsey. He is steeped in knowledge of the history of Dulwich, is the undisputed “go-to” guru on anything to do with local history and is a mainstay of the Local History Group. He has put his knowledge to work not only as editor but also as a regular speaker for the Society’s talks in association with Bell House and the Dulwich Festival. Not to mention that he is also an accomplished writer, having published eight books. It is this love of local history, his involvement in Dulwich community life, his business and his home here in our beloved corner of London that have helped to serve him well as such a long-standing and effective editor of our flagship publication.
Many will be asking what will happen now both for Brian and for the future of the Journal. For Brian, I wish him a happy and relaxing retirement but I have no doubt that he will continue to be active in many aspects of Dulwich life for a long time to come, accompanied by his adored Rita. As for the Journal, Brian has a left a big pair of shoes to fill. You will be pleased to know that we have recruited a number of excellent volunteers, ready to take on the challenge of continuing his work and developing the Journal for it to maintain its role at the heart of life in Dulwich.