On Sunday July 21, Emma Cutler (who practices yoga, exercise and sports massage) arranged a wonderful event in East Guldeford, at St Mary’s church. She persuaded a friend, Jamie Moran, a seasoned musician who gives African drumming workshops in Seaford, to come to Rye and start something similar.
They had no idea if anyone would arrive but people kept coming until there was a circle of about 18, including Emma and Jamie who led the group. The church is a beautiful space and as it was a warm evening we were able to open the doors and let the sunshine in but also cool air which was just as well.
Two hours after starting everyone had warmed up, concentrating, learning and keeping up with the leaders rhythm. Jamie was a very good teacher and encouraged each to decide their individual rhythm but remain within his rhythm to make a unified sound but different beats. The circle was a lovely eclectic group who enjoyed the evening and got great satisfaction from the sound they produced, even though for quite a few people it was their first time. Jamie was excellent, encouraging and enthusiastic and able to get the circle to eventually create a collective sound.
Jamie Moran’s career spans over 25 years running rhythm events across the globe. With expert facilitation he uses hand drums, djembe, boomwhackers and percussion to create a warm welcome for the various groups.
It was a very uplifting experience. Emma as well as Jamie promised to continue the workshops, perhaps once a month, the next one hopefully to be in August, again on a Sunday evening in the Guldeford church.
It is a brick church which was consecrated in 1505. It shows the influence of the Low Countries though has much altered since that time while retaining good pre-Vctorian fittings. East Guldeford is the only marshland church in Sussex, part of the Walland Marsh not Romney Marsh though the terrains are similar.
The village has a few scattered houses with a farm shop and garden centre nearby. While small, it is close to Rye and Camber. The church has a private field in front where cars can park but only when pre-agreed with the owner or the church. Richard Guldeford was the originator of the church.
For more information please go to www.thesussexdrum.com or email thesussexdrum@gmail.com
Image Credits: Heidi Foster , Annie Thorne .