What does heritage mean to you?

Heritage tells the story of generations that went before us - their priorities, interests, visions and aspirations, innovation and technologies, talents and craftsmanship. It gives places their character and distinctiveness and helps to shape and form our communities today.

What’s the first thing that comes into your mind when you hear the word 'heritage'?

I think of London's Victorian high streets, rather than 'grand' heritage.

What's your favourite heritage in Dulwich and West Norwood? 

Dulwich and West Norwood is extraordinarily rich in heritage - from the 19th-century Herne Hill Velodrome which was the track cycling venue for the 1948 Olympics, to Dulwich Picture Gallery, the first public art gallery in England, to the fine Victorian shopping street of Electric Avenue, which was also home to one of the first Caribbean communities to arrive in the UK.

[quote]“Heritage gives places their character and distinctiveness and helps to shape and form our communities today.”[/quote]

I'm also proud that the Black Cultural Archive is now in beautiful modern premises on Windrush Square.

But my favourite heritage is probably our parks - Dulwich, Brockwell, Norwood and Ruskin parks are all wonderful examples of the foresight of our ancestors in providing green lungs for our city.

Why is your constituency historically important? 

Dulwich and West Norwood is a constituency of firsts: the first public art gallery in England, the first big teaching hospital in King's College Hospital and the first street to have lamps powered by electricity in Electric Avenue.

It also has fascinating history connected to Shakespearean actor Edward Alleyn's land ownership in the area and the school and almshouses he founded for the poor residents of Dulwich.

Is there a fact about Dulwich and West Norwood that not many people know? 

Victorian cookery writer Mrs Beeton is buried in West Norwood cemetery.

The Crystal Palace subway which runs under Crystal Palace Parade is the remains of the first class ticket hall for passengers travelling to and from the Crystal Palace. It is absolutely beautiful and gives a small insight into the grandeur of the Crystal Palace. Thanks to the work of a brilliant local community group it should soon be open to the public more frequently.

What's your favourite UK heritage? 

I grew up in the north west just outside Liverpool, and I love the cathedrals, docks and St George's Hall.

[quote]“I named my children after Rosa Parks and Millicent Fawcett, both women of steel who stood up for what they believed in.”[/quote]

Who is your favourite historical figure? 

I named my children after Rosa Parks and Millicent Fawcett, both women of steel who stood up for what they believed in because they knew it would make a difference to many other people.

Do you have a favourite bit of parliamentary heritage? 

I love Central Lobby, which is a grand and beautiful space but also the home of the essential principle of our democracy that anyone can come at any time to lobby their elected representative.

Where was the last heritage attraction you visited? 

Dover Castle.

Which heritage highlights should visitors to Dulwich and West Norwood make sure to see?

Walk down Brixton Road past Electric Avenue and the Black Cultural Archive, on to Brockwell Park with the wonderful historic Brockwell Lido, through Herne Hill and on to Dulwich Village with the Edward Alleyn Almshouses, Christ's Chapel and Dulwich Picture Gallery.

Walk along Gallery Road, past Dulwich College and on to the Kingswood Estate with Kingswood House, lived in by the man who invented Bovril, and up the hill to West Norwood Cemetery and St Luke's Church, one of the 'Waterloo' churches, built with money voted for by Parliament.

Find out more about Dulwich and West Norwood

• Since 1994, HLF has invested over £22.6million in Dulwich and West Norwood
• The Brockwell Park Restoration Project was awarded a £3.5m Parks for People grant, jointly supported by HLF and the Big Lottery Fund
• Thanks to National Lottery players, HLF was invested £5m in the refurbishment of Dulwich Picture Gallery