This month it’s Sharon’s turn to answer our questions. Sharon is involved in all sorts at Bell House – as part of the steering group, schools enrichment program and in fundraising activity for the new pond. She tells us more about that and more, and shares her favourite spots in Dulwich (for people and dogs!).
What is your focus as a volunteer?
Sharon and Sarah at the Southwark Stars award ceremony.
I am on the steering group but I began by researching the house’s history. At first we thought we might use the research for grant applications, but in fact it’s full of fascinating stories and people so we use it in our schools enrichment programme, where we widen learning opportunities for students at Southwark and Lambeth primary schools. I take pupils on a physical and historical tour of the house and get them exploring history through creative writing. We can’t wait to start doing that again, once it’s safe to do so.
I have found a real thread of philanthropy running through the house’s history. Thomas Wright, the man who built the house in 1767, was a stationer and gave both his time and his money to many charities, from schools to asylums to homes for former prostitutes, and what we would now call young offender rehabilitation centres. Lady Lucas, who lived here during WW1, set up and ran her own country house as a military hospital. She was a formidable woman, who I think would be running a multinational or a country today! We use the history I have uncovered for anything from a planning application to a tea-towel design.
I am also a general volunteer and I love to help with events: putting out chairs, making coffee or greeting visitors at the door.
How long have you been involved with Bell House?
Since 2016, just before the charity bought Bell House.
What do you do away from Bell House?
I love theatre, especially Shakespeare – I’m a big early modern literature fan. I am very involved in the Dulwich Society’s local history group: writing articles, answering enquiries, running their local history Twitter feed.
How long have you lived in the area and what drew you here?
We moved here in 2004. My daughter was at school here and I got a job locally so it seemed sensible to eliminate our commute. I am actually a North Londoner, though I crossed the river when I got married.
What is your favourite thing to do in and around Dulwich?
Meet friends at Romeo Jones for coffee and a chat. Walk in Dulwich Park. Take my dogs to Village Books (they keep dog treats out the back!).
What do you think you bring to Bell House as a volunteer and what do you get out of it?
I get so much out of it, it’s so rewarding! I have met so many lovely people: other volunteers and also the visitors. It’s a very open, welcoming place and you can get involved as much or as little as you want. I like to think I bring enthusiasm and a willingness to roll up my sleeves and muck in.
What is the best project or event you’ve been involved with at Bell House?
I love the Open Days when the house is full of people: the first Artists’ Open House was very special as we exhibited artists who worked with paper, as a nod to the house’s past (having been built by a paper merchant), and who themselves were dyslexic, as a nod to the house’s future. The weather was good, the house was crammed, everyone was happy. Also, in 2018 I was given a Southwark Council ‘Star’ award for my Bell House volunteering and the awards ceremony at Tate Modern was a lot of fun.
What have you been working on recently?
Just before lockdown we were about to celebrate 100 years of council housing in Dulwich with an exhibition, walks and a talk. That’s all been postponed but the talk is about to happen and has inspired me to think about a future series of ‘local’ talks: on history, architecture, nature, parks etc. Let me know if there’s a subject you’d like covered!
Are there any forthcoming projects, events or initiatives that you are particularly excited about?
I am always keen to see what the gardeners are doing. The difference they have made is incredible, not just in the physical garden but in the camaraderie and wellbeing they bring. I am helping to fundraise for a pond which will have a positive impact on wildlife diversity and also on schoolchildren and others who visit the Bell House garden.