The North Downs Drummers have announced that they will be supporting the Clockwork, an Oxted charity which focuses on providing young people with essential mental health services, over the coming year.
Every year, the Warlingham-based community drumming group presents their chosen charity with a cheque for £500. This comes from generous donations by members of the public who attend the drummers’ performances, which are usually local events such as the annual ‘big switch on’ of Warlingham’s Christmas lights.
For the past three years, the North Downs Drummers have been supporting the Caterham Community First Responders, who have used the money to fund SECamb training for responders, as well as expand the team’s outreach by providing resuscitation training to schools and local community groups.
However, for 2023/24 the group has decided to select a new charity. Clockwork offers 14 to 24 year olds, who live in Oxted, free and confidential counselling, provided by qualified and experienced counsellors, and also ‘promotes and protects good mental health, through services such as peer listening, support groups and information provision’. For more information, or to make a donation, visit clockwork.org.uk.
The North Downs Drummers hold weekly drumming sessions that are open to all, whether you are a drumming enthusiast or beginner looking to pick up a new hobby. Sessions are held every Monday from 19:00 – 21:00, in St Christopher’s Church Hall, Warlingham. Your first session is free (then £3 per week) and there are spare drums, so you do not need to purchase expensive equipment beforehand.
Please note that sessions are free for under-16s, but they must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. For more information on how to get involved, please contact Fran Hall at fraceshall24@hotmail.co.uk.
