The things we do on a Summer's afternoon

The day did not begin as a warm Summer’s day. As I drove for my swim early yesterday morning, it felt rather Autumnal in all that mist.

Whilst I was in the pool, however, the sun came out and there was a happy blast of colour in the plants outside the supermarket. I would normally steer well clear of such a colour combination in the garden, but yesterday I was sorely tempted to bring a few of these echinaceas home with me.

After a spot of lunch, I joined a few friends for some fun, because it was Avening WI’s annual Summer meeting and so far, not a great deal had been said about what to expect. Plenty of tea and cakes, of course, but beyond that…well…the drums were a clue 😉

Andy, a teacher of African drumming had brought more than thirty drums on his van (how did they all fit in there? I have no idea!) and for the next hour or two, we learned a few beats and signals.

This was not the quietest place to be, I can tell you!

As the afternoon progressed, we learned of a different style of drumming with sticks, creating a noise by hitting the rim rather than the drumskin. Four of us were handed drumsticks and given a different rhythm to play, so by the close of the afternoon, we were rather proud of the “music” we made!

Well, perhaps “music” is stretching the definition rather, but our afternoon tea was enjoyed in good spirits and everyone tapped their feet all evening, I think!

What a fun activity to try!