Aboriginal paintings, ceramic tiles and sculptures are among the colourful and creative items on display at DRUMWORKS, the latest exhibition by the Disability Recreation Unity Movement (DRUM), at Parkgate Youth and Community Centre this month.

DRUM provides day services and support to adults with physical and/or sensory disabilities and their carers and the exhibition showcases several of their latest projects, including ARTefacts – art projects inspired by Aboriginal art; impARTial – ceramic work from disability awareness sessions held in conjunction with neighbouring Parkgate Junior School, and DRUMBEAT – an art project inspired by the performances, musicians and musical instruments of the BBC Concert Orchestra.

Manager Sarah Sullivan has been with DRUM for the past eight years.

“It engrossed me,” says Sarah. “I started with just a couple of hours a week but now I run DRUM on behalf of the management, which is made up of carers and disabled members and volunteers. The group was set up in 1994 by a group of disabled people who were interested in doing arts and getting together.

“Most of our memberst have had either a stroke, multiple sclerosis, are amputees due to MRSA or had an accident at work. DRUM is more of an activity group than a day centre. Often those here are very active people who have suffered with depression because an accident or medical condition has turned their world upside down.”

Sarah tells me DRUM offers both relaxation and physical exercise through yoga or drama activities, plus arts and crafts sessions.

“It’s not just about the rehabilitation of motor skills. They can socialise with others in a similar situation, which helps with mental as well as physical health.”

Tutors are on hand to help with painting techniques and ceramics classes and, judging from the exhibits on display, the standard of work is very high.

“They never did art apart from when they were at school and it’s amazing what they achieve. They’re really an artistic bunch,” Sarah adds.

“For ARTefacts, people brought in cuttings and did some research on the internet into painting techniques.”

The ceramic tiles on show were created by DRUM member Parkgate Junior school.

“Our patio is right next to the school playground and the children would come over looking at people in wheelchairs and so we wanted to get them involved,” says Sarah. “The headteacher, Rachel White, was very keen. We received funding from Watford Borough Council and the theme was conservation of water. After the show, the tiles will be used for a school mural. What’s most important is the children now come into the playground and smile and wave at the members and we’ve been able to bring awareness of disability to them.”

DRUM operates four days a week (not Wednesdays or Thursdays), with a Saturday arts and craft day at Parkgate and there’s also a new Wednesday morning creative session at the Hartspring Community Centre, Park Avenue, Bushey.

The exhibition runs on Friday, October 31 from 5pm to 7pm and Saturday, November 1 from 1pm to 4pm at Parkgate Youth and Community Centre, Southwold Road, Watford.

Details: www.drum.ik.com