This month it’s the turn of Graeme to answer our questions. Graeme is a member of Bell House’s Steering Group and does plenty more too, including running the Dyslexia After-School Club. He’s actively seeking new volunteer-teachers for when the programme starts up again in September. Find out more about what Graeme does by reading on.
Graeme mowing the lawn at Bell House
How long have you been involved with Bell House?
I have been a volunteer since Bell House was purchased, so have performed different roles over the years.
What is your current focus as a volunteer?
I am on the Steering Group, manage the After-School Dyslexia Club and do all the film shoot bookings, which raises funds for the charity. I seem to have become responsible for our Covid policy and arrangements too!
What do you do away from from Bell House?
I run a small charity called Willing and Abel which provides life-saving operations for children in Africa. I cycle quite a bit (mainly to a coffee destination) and get out to my house in Italy when Covid allows.
How long have you lived in the area and what drew you here?
I have lived in the Dulwich area since the early 80s. I like the open spaces we have and the good communications, which were more important when I worked in the City.
What is your favourite thing to do in and around Dulwich?
Cycle, coffee, parks.
What do you think you bring to Bell House as a volunteer and what do you get out of it?
It is good meeting people I would not normally come across – people with different skills and interests. I have willing hands and help in the running of Bell House when needed.
What is the best project or event you’ve been involved with at Bell House?
Lots of the film shoots have been interesting – one that stands out was the Fortnum & Mason Christmas Hamper shoot (in July a couple of years back), when they cooked lots of lovely food, but after filming gave it to our live-in Guardians. Otherwise we have done some black-tie events – lovely to see the Thomas Wright room laid out with beautiful decorations. The best is helping children who are dyslexic.
What are you working on now or what have you been working on recently?
A few film bookings are in the pipeline. We’re gearing up to re-open the Dyslexia Club in September – we’re looking to recruit 6 teacher-volunteers, provide training for them, liaise with the schools and parents about the children, etc., etc.! The children are a delight to work with and you just need to have the desire to help with reading, writing and spelling. If this sounds like something you’d be interested in and would like to learn more, please get in touch.
Are there any forthcoming projects, events or initiatives that you are particularly excited about?
Commissioning the heat-source system in May will be great as we will have more efficient heating for Bell House. The restoration of the kitchen garden is coming on with lots of volunteer help – it will be lovely when finished. And then there’s the Pottery building work … .