Cultural Cooking Tandoori, Eh!
She would often hear my footsteps coming down the stairs from our apartment, meeting me at the bottom to reveal or share with me some issue which she felt was important. So much of Irene Dewdney’s life has been overshadowed by the broad stroke of the work of her husband Selwyn. Sadly, there is little about Irene’s life online but a mention of her in regard to “London’s Renaissance family”. In his column in the London Free Press, author Herman Goodden stated on the event of her death: “Irene not only supported Selwyn’s reckless plunge into the occupational abyss at a time when they had three toddlers underfoot, she passed on the same artistic creed to all of their children. The distinguishing Dewdney characteristics that all the boys developed in their characters and careers, are a wicked sense of humour, a heightened social conscience, a love of the outdoors, an uncanny ability for letting science and art nourish and inform one another, and a marked facility with word – both poetic and persuasive.” We moved out of 49 Ridout St in 1993 but I kept in touch with Irene. Irene Dewdney went to spirit on March 8, 1999. I was invited by daughter-in-law, Pat Dewdney, to come to her apartment the night before her passing, at a time when her death was im- minent. My heart was full, my eyes wet with tears as I arrived on a rainy night. Irene was in bed, turned away from us, hopefully at peace in her last moments. Nothing much could be said, but being present was so important for me. On her passing, the London Free Press defined her as a “strong-willed advocate for arts, education, social services and other fields”. It was ironic that Irene Dewdney never lived into the 21st century, as she was so very far ahead of her time in the quality of her beliefs, values and virtues. It was also fitting that she passed on National Women’s Day, as she embodied the best and vibrant qualities of all women.
About two years ago, the family-owned Tandoori Eh restaurant opened at 405 Wharncliffe Road South (just south of Emery) to serve flavourful, authentic Pakistani / North Indian dishes. “Our most popular dishes are the BBQ Tandoori Chicken, Butter Chicken, Karahis and Biryanis, various Curry dishes and Masala,” says co-owner Huma. All freshly made, options of vegetables, rice, fries, salad or freshly clay oven-baked Naan bread are on the menu – available for sit-in (lots of free parking), take-out or delivery. Visit tandoorieh.ca to learn more.
Blanket Statement
Old South crafter Gloria Smith offers hand-tied quilt flannel blankets, that are super-soft and available in a variety of colourful patterns and sizes. Order information may be found at blanketstatement. ca, and if you’re interested in making your own tied-quilt blanket – a great personal gift idea – Gloria also offers workshops. “If you can TIE your shoes, you can TIE a quilt,” says Gloria.
London Animal Care Centre 121 Pine Valley Blvd. www.accpets.ca • (519) 685-1330 The Catty Shack 756 Windermere Rd. • (519) 432-4572 Dreaming of a Forever Home Adopt Today!
To advertise here, please contact Cathy@villagerpublications.com Photo: Irene at 49 Ridout Street South. Sketches: Left by Selwyn Dewdney, and right, by Paul James.
Wortley Villager July-August 2025 • Page 13
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