The Kirkton Beat

Inspired by local Community Police Officer, Sandra Hutton, the Kirkton Beat children’s drumming group began in 2005. In Kirkton, an area of high unemployment and deprivation in Dundee, she noticed that younger children under age 13 had little to do, other than get up to mischief.

After some consultation with the children, parents and local community members, she decided to set up a drumming group to offer a diversion from mischief and crime.

Eighteen And Under had, for several years in the past, successfully run a children’s drumming group in another part of Dundee. With this in mind, Sandra contacted the Co-ordinator of Eighteen And Under and suggested some partnership working with children. At the same time, Sandra contacted Kirkton Community Support to see if they would come in on the partnership.

All agreed to help.

Eighteen And Under provided drumming expertise and some drums, Kirkton Community Support provided a venue and Tayside Police (in the shape of Sandra) provided leadership and direction. Kirkton and Ardler Youth Strategy group and The Community Regeneration Fund provided funds for equipment and t-shirts.

Finding the children to involve was easy….we went out into the streets and scooped them up! There were too many so some had to go on a waiting list.

The Kirkton Beat practises on a Monday evening at 4. 30pm at Kirkton Community Support in Beauly Avenue, Dundee. The group has now performed at gala days and events throughout Dundee and continues to be in great demand. As a diversionary activity to get under 13’s off the streets, it works. As an example of partnership working between very different organisations, it excels. For the children and parents who benefit from it, it is great fun and a great confidence builder for all the children who participate.

If you'd like to join the Kirkton Beat call Eighteen And Under on 01382 206222 or contact Kirkton Community Support on 01382 436310.