Drumming sessions, which are part of a calendar of great activities available to residents, are helping the Villagers to settle into the rhythm of life at the new Emmaus Village. 

Cathie Robinson, Activities and Events Coordinator at Emmaus Village, says she tries to select positive upbeat songs for the weekly drumming sessions to create an environment where everyone feels comfortable.  

“We drum along to a variety of songs that are familiar to our Villagers… For example, the other day we chose ‘Try a Little Kindness’ by Glen Campbell, which went down well,” says Cathie.

“Patrons of the Breaking Bread Café, who are a bit of a captive audience for us, often ask if we are the paid entertainment to which I usually respond, ‘We are taking this one on the road!’, much to the delight of the participants.”  

This photo shows (left to right) Cherry, Marie, Stella, Dolores, Cath (Activities and Events Coordinator) and Vonnie finding their groove at a session on 9 July.

Vonnie, who was a dance teacher in her younger years, joined Cathie for a jam on the conga drum.

Ninety-five-year-old Dolores, who had never tried drumming before, was surprised and delighted at how much she enjoyed herself, ‘I absolutely loved it!’ she said.

The activities calendar, which also includes opportunities for yoga, bingo, knitting, art and craft classes, bocce and garden club among other things, is an important part of the daily routine at Emmaus Village.