Gay Camberwell

by Layla

Isn't it lovely when the sun shines! Camberwell has taken on a new glow: instead of people huddled under coats and umbrellas, rushing from place to place, Camberwellians are out in their drove, filling the parks and soaking up the warmth. Roz and I went for a walk in Burgess Park this morning: it was full of daffodils, and families and friends relaxing, playing football, cycling and generally enjoying themselves. We walked to Chumleigh Gardens, which is my favourite thing about the park. I hadn't been for a while, and though the themed gardens are looking a bit scruffy, and the ponds a tad murky, this is a lovely, serene little oasis and I love the cafe with a passion. We had tea and cupcakes in our first outside dining experience of the year, sun streaming down onto the patio of the cafe. Nice. One of my favourite things about Burgess Park is that everyone just does their own thing, and doesn't get too bothered by anyone else (such as two girls holding hands in a fairly amorous manner). Last night we were out at a friend's birthday party in Clerkenwell and were interested to realise that we felt far more comfortable holding hands in Burgess Park than we did last night on the streets of Clerkenwell, en route to a friend's birthday party, where the people around us felt homogenous and adverse to diversity.

Continuing the park theme, I later strolled through Camberwell Green, en route to Somerfield (which, rumours suggest, is about to turn into either Co-op or Morrisons - both good options, in my opinion!) and found the place heaving with people sprawled on the grass eating ice cream, and children teeming over the playground. I wonder whether we'll have much of an audience at this week's gay film screening when a sunny afternoon in the park is the alternative!

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