Andy has taken on his latest challenge; the act of learning and sharing through Creative Making and Crafts at Jack Drum Arts.

Leicester-born Andy is an inquisitive and driven person. Over the years he has been a soldier, rugby player, slaughterman, scout leader, foster carer, pub licensee, security manager, biker and house husband; a list that continues to grow.

Facing new challenges

In November 2016, Andy had heart failure, receiving open heart surgery where he said he “died twice on the table”.

He confesses to it being a culture shock, at the age of 50 forcing him into retirement much sooner than anticipated.

He is now medically retired and registered disabled, suffering diabetic neuropathy, restless leg syndrome and sleep apnea - struggling with his fitness, tiredness, memory and mobility.

Now Andy is no longer working, he has ambitions to share some of what he has learnt across his “busy and meaningful life”. He said:

            “I’m very lucky to be here, and I know that, so what I’m doing now is putting it back, because I can’t work I’m giving it back to society and to the community.”

Learning and sharing new skills

Andy has indirectly been involved with Jack Drum Arts for many years through his son Nathan and foster children, who attended Runaway Samba, Cree Connections and Jackass Youth Theatre.

He attended Runaway Samba with Nathan, but it was not for him. “[But] when I saw the opportunity to come and do [Creative Making and Crafts], absolutely.” He is very practical, and so he knew this programme would be perfect for him.

Andy has been attending Creative Making and Crafts with his wife Pam since February 2022 where they have been learning skills in wood craft, plaster casting, fabric dyeing and printing. He is currently building a willow structure for the Widows Sons Masonic Bikers Association’s motorbike rally in Durham.

Creative Making and Crafts has been an opportunity for Andy to continue to build upon his wide ranging skills, whilst enjoying the social and therapeutic nature of the programme.

He said:

“I suppose really, trying new things […] gives you a broader spectrum of what you can do.”

“It’s nice to get out. We’ve made some great friends whilst we’ve been here."

“[It’s] kept me calm as well a little bit, it’s kept me calm just sitting down and doing things that you wouldn’t do.”

Andy has recently formed a collaboration between Widows Sons and the Down Syndrome Association in Newton Aycliffe, where he is hoping to share some of the skills from the programme.

“With working in the community for me, I can give so much more back with the experience and knowledge that I have, it’s great to put that to some use.”

He was also excited to contribute to Jack Drum Arts’ Queen’s Jubilee Gala Event in Crook in June 2022 and Crook Winter Light Parade in December 2022.

Andy reflects:

‘When I look back at what I’ve done through the years, and I think I could write a book, and really I should write a book, but there’s so much to go in it.’

‘You find what your niche is in life, and I think I’ve found it here at Jack Drum Arts.’