Flow Community Drumming is a Group Member of the WCA and regularly posts Events on Wimblecomm’s ‘What’s On’ pages.
Read on for an interview with Grant Lorimer: Founder of Flow Community Drumming CIC
Q: Can you tell us when Flow Community Drumming started and why?
Grant: Flow Community Drumming began in early 2022 as a voluntary project called ‘Wimbledrum’. I started it as a way to bring people together as we were coming out of lockdown. I’ve drummed in one way or another since I was a kid and I’ve experienced how useful drumming can be for building community, supporting mental wellbeing, and just having fun — so I decided to create a space where anyone could take part, no matter their background or experience. That’s when I first learned about the Wimbledon Community Association, using the Wimblecomm community hub to find a venue I could hire.
Q: What exactly is Flow Community Drumming?
Grant: It’s a not-for-profit Community Interest Company based in Merton. We run inclusive, friendly drumming sessions for people of all ages and abilities. Everything we do is about community, connection and wellbeing. There’s no pressure to perform—just a chance to participate, enjoy playing and connect with others.
Q: What happens in a typical session?
Grant: It depends on the group, but our drop-in community sessions which we run at North East Mitcham Community Association (NEMCA) start with a fun, loud and energetic drum ensemble — playing with sticks on drums we wear on slings. After a short tea break we then move into a more gentle and free-form drum circle. People can explore rhythms at their own pace, and we focus on listening and collaborating to create a whole. The relaxed, free form circle is also what we do at our daytime Wimbledon, South Park Gardens sessions.
Q: Do you only run sessions for the general public?
Grant: Not at all. We also run specialised sessions, like seated drumming for older adults and workshops for businesses and teams. The business sessions are great for team-building and communication. We offer sessions to businesses and organisations at a competitive commercial rate, the proceeds of which go towards running our community projects.
Q: How can people get involved?
Grant: We run regular community sessions in Merton. You can find the dates and locations on our website, and you can always drop me an email at contact@flowcommunitydrumming.org With the help of The Wimbledon Foundation we will shortly be starting a youth drumming group along with the youth project at NEMCA. This will be starting in the new school year, again for more information check out our website or drop us an email. We’ve got drums ready, you just need to bring yourself!
Q: Any final message for the community?
Grant: If you’ve ever tapped your fingers to a beat or felt moved by music, drumming might be for you. It’s uplifting, social, and really good for your mental health. Come give it a try!
contact@flowcommunitydrumming.org
Or check out the ‘What’s On pages’ on this website for details of upcoming Flow Community Drumming sessions:
https://wimbledoncommunity.org/events/united-kingdom/greater-london/mitcham/mitcham-drum-ensemble-free-form-drum-circle/
