The wonders of Drum

Around 50 people live in the tranquil village of Drum, some five miles from Cootehill, and there is also a large rural population in the hinterland, which boosts the number to near 300 people. A high percentage of the people have an Ulster Scots background and they are proud of their heritage. They are reaching out to other faiths and people from all walks of life in an enlightened manner and are glad to share their experiences in relation to enhancing their village for the good of everyone. Sean McMahon paid a visit to the village to discover the wonders of Drum for himself... The community has transformed the village of Drum by tapping into the wonders of nature and recycling various materials and objects to creative unique showcase features. If there are any villages of communities out there who want advice, they should take advantage of the considerable reservoir of knowledge built up over time in Drum. 'We are always delighted to share our learning with others. My advice is to start small and concentrate on the positive and not the negative,' said Angela Graham who is the dynamic treasurer of Drum Development. Angela Graham says they are thrilled to welcome people to the area and be a part of what they are doing. 'Come to our classes and events like the big band parade and picnic, which takes place in July.' Angela says this event is widely advertised and 'people from all creeds, and none, are welcome to come along and they have been turning up in increasing numbers and we are thrilled to have them here.' She pointed out that Cavan and Monaghan are two very diverse counties and the Orange tradition is very strong in the Drum area. 'We are delighted to share what we do and the music that we play with others.' Under Peace III, through Monaghan County Council, they have formed a partnership with Latton Resource Centre, who are the lead partner and also involved is Rockcorry Development. They are running a childcare project together for after-school care. 'It is called Wild for Peace, and again we are using the environment as a peace building tool, to bring children and young people and communities together and open up discussion and to learn from each other and to appreciate what we are doing together in the county.' They have also commenced an after-school service in the building, where children come in from 2pm to 5.30pm to do their homework and this is also operated by Tricia McAloon and Doreen Hall. Recently the children in the after school got involved in lots of other activities and they found fishing very exciting and rewarding. Their fishing tutor was Timothy Emmerson from Lisnaskea and he also sponsored fishing rods for all the children. Doreen Hall explained that the parents are delighted to have these facilities available in the village. She remarked that the village comes alive everyday with the happy energised sounds of children at play. Tricia McAloon explained that the pre-school runs a "learn through play" curriculum and there is a holistic approach to child development. The pre-school is called Wee Drummers, which is an affectionate term for the little children and has been operating since last September. The building in which the pre-school and after-school activities take place was a former Presbyterian school. Angela Graham fondly recalls going to school in the building. It was closed down 28 years ago and it is delightful to hear the children at play again in the building. They received the capital funding for the building and the equipment under the Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme, which was funded by the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform. Angela Graham says they receive their current funding to run the centre from the Department of Health and Children. Drum Village Development Association Ltd"s Childcare project is funded under the National Development Plan 2007 - 2013, called Transform Ireland. Angela Graham says that over the past number of years, Drum Development has organised various training programmes for both adults and young people. The chairman of Drum Development is Mervyn Reilly and the secretary is Barbara Stewart. 'For example we link with County Monaghan VEC to run computer classes and those are accredited at FETAC Level 3. In September we intend to progress onto FETAC Level 4 in conjunction with County Monaghan VEC and we have people on the waiting list already.' They all run fun activities such as social dancing, which will recommence in September with local tutor Frank Hurson. There are also plans to run courses in interior design and arts and crafts. Flowers blooming Another wonderful lady in Drum is Irene Wright and she works 19.5 hours a week on the Rural Social Scheme and keeps all the grass cut frequently and maintains all the farmyard implements that are on display around the village. Seats are painted in the winter time. All the beautiful flowers on display in the village are grown in a polytunnel by Barbara Stewart, behind her shop in the village. Old disused chicken feeders are not let go to waste in Drum. Flowers are planted in them and then strategically placed around the village to further enhance the great natural beauty of the area. Barbara was born in New Zealand and met her husband Arnott Stewart in Scotland and returned to Drum in 1977. A nature wonderland The expansive amenity area on the shores of the local lake is a haven of tranquillity. The various seating features are all made from recycled materials. Mallards have been released into the lake and they are now breeding and there is a current flock of nine thriving. Barbara Stewart revealed that they hold their annual barbeque in the fenced off amenity area and they also have a sponsored walk on the August bank holiday Monday. Drum lake is known for fine fishing and contains bream, perch, roche, pike and mink are also trapped there. On a visit one is likely to spot Herrons, Mallards and Canada geese in the Autumn. A specially constructed nesting station has been out in place on the little island in the middle of the lake and the Mallards and Geese make their nests there. 'We have a big emphasis on using the environment and educating people to think about the wonders of nature,' said Angela Graham. Wild Life Garden A walk into the wild life garden on the shore of Drum lake on a sunny afternoon is like experiencing a little bit of heaven on earth. Angela Graham says it was specifically planted to attract wild birds. 'It is also a safe play area and educational and we encourage local schools to come and take their nature walks here.' There is a large notice board at the entry to the garden, showcasing the wild flowers that grow in the area. The information is provided in three different languages, English, Irish and Ulster Scots. The Ulster Scots language is included as an indication of the fact that quite a high percentage of people in the area have an Ulster Scots background. Angela says that the funding for the garden was provided by Monaghan County Council and the work was all carried out by local volunteers and planted by children from Drumcorrin NS. There is a big emphasis on the use of recycled materials in the garden and Angela Graham hopes it will prove an inspiration to others to carry out similar work. A dozen nesting boxes have been placed in and around the village. If you are travelling in the Cootehill area in the near future, why not stop off in the village of Drum and have a chat with Barbara in Stewarts Shop and Post Office and experience a more relaxed take on life.