Watford based charity DRUM up support from everyone

A charity based in Watford are celebrating after their newly refurbished centre was officially opened on Friday. DRUM, which stands for Disability Recreation Unity Movement, was started in 1994 and their base at the Parkgate Community Centre on Southwold Road was declared open by MP Richard Harrington. Also in attendance was Mayor Dorothy Thornhill, Cllr Steve Johnson and many of the wonderful staff and volunteers who dedicate their time to those who attend the centre. Sarah Sullivan, manager at DRUM, told My News that there were plenty of people to thank for making the dream of a newly refurbished centre into reality. She said: “They are so many people and companies who have donated their money and time to help us open. “Clements, Décor Floors and Tiles, Travis Perkins, Benchmarx Floorings, Any Skips, the Glass and Window Company and LMD Plumbing have put in so much time and effort to be where we are today. “The Bert and Sarah Hooper Trust, Cllr Steve O’Brien, My News and children from the citizenship scheme in connection with Watford FC have all come down and supported us and helped us over the years. “And of course to the staff and volunteers who come down and give us their time and who make this such a wonderful place to be. “If there is anyone I have forgotten, I do apologise.” Mr Harrington praised Sarah and the staff for all their hard work at DRUM. He commented: “Sarah is an absolute fanatic. This is like an obsession for her and the team here do an incredible job. “It really is marvellous what they have done here and I love coming down every few weeks to see everyone.” The charity was started by a small group of volunteers with physical disabilities and one of the founder members, Malcolm Cracknell, is now chairman of DRUM. He told My News that the work done over the years has been amazing but there was still plenty to be done. Malcolm explained: “What Sarah and everyone has done is absolutely wonderful. It has been a remarkable transformation and all the staff and volunteers are brilliant. We are indebted to them. She has a great team but behind every great team is a great leader. “We get volunteers from the Duke of Edinburgh Scheme, West Herts college and Hertfordshire Fire Service who dedicate their time for us. “The next step for the centre is to get transport as the current minibus is on its last legs and a new vehicle is vitally important for everyone.” In addition to the opening, an art exhibition was held and paintings from the group were exhibited. Any artwork sold was donated back to DRUM. Sarah added: “Anyone that knows our group will appreciate that getting this art project started, let along finished, during our most stressful year ever, has been pure determination and hard work. “The dedication of our team is simply quite astonishing.” Picture courtesy of Hoss Photography