UK Playshop VMC Training - Hosted by Drum 4UR Life
Date: April 21st - 23rd 2026
Intensive Facilitators' Training (3-day) - Non residential
Core Facilitation Skills
Drum Call • Stop Cuts • Sculpting
A very warm welcome to the UK Playshop.
Some of you attending this training have been here before and for some of you it is your first time. As with all the trainings we have hosted in the UK since 2002, your group will likely go through a process and come out the other side as a part of a new family and our wider global community.
We will gather at the Ardrossan Scout Hut on Tuesday 21st April . You may begin to arrive from 9am.
The training team is made up of Dr. Jane Bentley and Ray Watters who will be more than ably supported by the wonderful Michelle Connolly, all of whom have been working feverishly in the background to make this training happen.
Ardrossan Scout HQ
Kilmeny Terrace Ardrossan KA22 8DX
Ardrossan Scout Headquarters is only a short distance from Ardrossan South Beach Station, and the area is also well‑served by the No. 11 and 585 buses. The options below give you clear, simple ways to reach the hall depending on how you’re travelling.
Walking from Ardrossan South Beach Train Station
Distance: ~0.2 miles / 4–5 minutes on foot
Route:
Exit the station onto South Beach Road.
Walk west towards Kilmeny Terrace.
Turn right onto Kilmeny Terrace.
The Ardrossan Scout HQ (Kilmeny Terrace)
Bus Options (Both stop within easy walking distance)
Bus 11 (Stagecoach)
Runs through Ardrossan with frequent services connecting Saltcoats ↔ Stevenston ↔ Kilwinning ↔ Irvine ↔ Kilmarnock.
Nearest stops: South Beach Road
Walking time to HQ: 3–6 minutes depending on stop.
Bus 585 (Stagecoach)
Connects Largs ↔ Ardrossan ↔ Irvine.
Nearest stops:
South Beach Road
Ardrossan South Beach Station
Walking time to HQ: 4–7 minutes.
PLAN YOUR JOURNEY
WHAT TO BRING
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A couple of your favourite bits of percussion. It’s a wonderful chance to play them. You are also more than welcome to bring your own drum, but drums will also be provided.
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Earplugs: It can be helpful to have some earplugs during the training.
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A water bottle and or a cup with a lid on. Please note that no drinks or liquids will be allowed in the drum room unless they are in a container with a lid.
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The WorkBook. Please download the pre course reading materials, but most importantly The WorkBook. The WorkBook is a useful thing to have with you as we will be referring to it throughout the course.
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Notebook and pen you will doubtlessly want to take notes.
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A piece of string or ribbon - around 1 metre, your choice of colour, texture, etc - for the closing ceremony
You will find it really useful to also watch ‘ The Art of Drum Circle Facilitation ‘. Arthur Hull narrates an overview of the ‘ 4 - Step Village Music Circles Drum Facilitation ‘ protocol the model on which this weekend’s Playshop and the whole VMC ( Village Music Circle ) training is based.
Schedule Ayrshire 26
This is a provisional timetable for the training.
Tue 21st April
9.30am Registration
10am Drum Call - Training Session 1
11am Break
11.30am Training Session 2
12.30pm Lunch
1pm Training Session 3
2.30pm Break
3pm Training Session 4
5pm Finish
Wed 22nd April
9.30am Arrival
10am Drum Call / Training Session 1
11am Break
11.30am Training Session 2
12.30pm Lunch
1.30pm Community Drum Circle
2.30pm Break
3pm Training Session 4
5pm Finish
Thur 23rd April
9.30am Arrival
10am Drum Call / Training Session 1
11am Break
11.30am Training Session 2
1pm Lunch
2.30pm Closing Ceremony