The Hot Water Bottle Project

The fun and creative Quilting Academy group at Bell House meets every week to work on both individual and group quilting activities. Led by Janis and Marianne, the Quilting Academy is currently working on a new important and challenging project: The Hot Water Bottle project. 

Hot watter bottles waiting to be covered.

A month ago, during a cold snap, food bank staff knew there were homes where residents could not afford to put the central heating on, particularly as we were all at home all day long, but they could boil a kettle so they asked for new hot water bottles. It’s natural that the first thing anyone thinks to donate to a food bank is food but in fact lots of other things are needed too, like toiletries, detergents, or hot water bottles for those in fuel poverty. As a response to the shout out from the local food banks, the idea of hot water bottles began to germinate. A group of keen knitters and stitchers from both the Quilt Academy at Bell House and Dulwich Quilters purchased well-priced ‘naked’ hot water bottles and used existing stocks of fabrics and yarns to ensure the cuddly bottles were ready to hand over.

However, some covers were still on the needles when the first snowflakes started to fall on the ground in February. The group has not given up yet, and the idea is now being proactive ahead of next winter. The Quilting Academy has made a bulk purchase of 100 bottles and will reach out to other stitching groups in the area. The ideal goal would be that each participant could quilt or knit a cover for two or three bottles. This will allow local food banks to receive supplies in the autumn and be prepared for the next winter. Watch this space!

The Cabinet of Curiosities

Wunderkammern, or cabinets of curiosities, arose in 16 th Century Europe as receptacles for all kinds of wondrous objects and in some ways were the first museums. At Bell House we are going to make our own Cabinet of Curiosities, to help tell the story of Bell House’s past, present and future. Bell House has a thousand stories, so the problem is going to be what to leave out rather than what to include! A group of volunteers are putting together objects, photos and information and are thinking about how best to display everything.

Previously a shoe shelve, now a display of Bell House Cabinet of Curiosity

There’s an obvious place to house our collection. In one of its many past lives, Bell House was a boarding house for around 35 boys and we still have the shelving where they kept their shoes. It’s beside what was their common room (and is now the kitchen) and is perfect, as each niche can display an object that can tell us something about Bell House. Some will be about the people who used to live in the house, like Thomas Wright the paper merchant who built Bell House in 1767. Or the kind of events happening here now, like the making of quilts for babies in King’s neonatal units. Some will illustrate the plans we are making for the future, like the ground source heat pump which will supply green energy.

Once the house is open again (not long now!) visitors will be able to see what the group has been up to. In the meantime, perhaps you have ideas for objects we could display? They need to fit in a space the size of a shoebox. We also have a wish list of items that we need, perhaps you have some that you would be willing to donate? If you think you can help, please email [email protected]

Volunteer profile - Dan

We meet Dan for this month’s volunteer profile. Dan is active with our Film Committee, which organises accessible and engaging events and workshops for filmmaking enthusiasts of all abilities and experience levels. Read on to find out what they have planned for the rest of the year!

How long have you been involved with Bell House and what is your focus as a volunteer?

I got started in 2017 and am heavily involved in the Film Committee.

What do you do away from from Bell House? 

I run my own filmmaking company, Perspective Films, which takes up a lot of my time. When I’m not doing that or being Dad, then I’m probably watching a movie or reading a books about movies. I’m fairly film-obsessed.

How long have you lived in the area and what drew you here?

I’ve lived in the area for around 15 years. My wife drew me here. Very glad she did too.

What is your favourite thing to do in and around Dulwich?

Run. I love running around Dulwich Park.

 What do you think you bring to Bell House as a volunteer and what do you get out of it?

I hopefully bring an enthusiasm and a sense of humour. As to what I get out of Bell House, well, I think Bell House has allowed me to discover the joy of sharing one’s passion with others. I think the commitment, dedication and generosity of spirit found at Bell House is infectious.

What is the best project or event you’ve been involved with at Bell House?

My good friend James Broadley (another Bell House Film Committee member) and I created Make a Film in a Weekend (MaFiaW for short), which pretty much does what it says on the tin – we and bunch of young adults get together and make a film over a weekend. The people, the energy, the camaraderie – it’s magical. MaFiaW is one of the best things I’ve ever done and we are hoping to get another one up and running at Bell House as soon as we are able to do so.

What are you working on now or what have you been working on recently?

I’ve been editing a number of cookery videos I shot at the end of last year. I’ve also been busy getting a series of Bell House online monthly film workshops up and running. It’s called ‘Filmmaking 101’ and will run throughout the year. The idea is that each month an industry professional will host a two-hour workshop, where they will discuss and dissect a particular discipline within the filmmaking process. We’ve got a lot of really great people lined up to talk (yes, I am one of them). It’s really exciting.

Are there any forthcoming projects, events or initiatives that you are particularly excited about?

Did I mention ‘Filmmaking 101’?! Our first four speakers are confirmed and, by the time you read this, the events should be up on the Bell House website and Eventbrite. We kick off on Thursday 18th March, when the fantastic Darren Rapier will host a screenwriting workshop. In April, on Thursday 15th, the brilliant Kaspar Kamu will explore lighting. On Thursday 13th May, yours truly will be looking at the camera, with particular attention paid to making films with your smartphone. And, on Thursday 17th June, the wonderful Aidan Largey will talk about directing. Further events covering acting, producing and editing will be announced soon. Watch this space!