Les Pughs’ Penarth Explorer scouts put their hands to good use on Friday. As part of their varied program of events, they were challenged with mastering the basics of rhythmic drumming.

Under the careful tuition of Dan Phelps and some initial reticence some bass and treble was heard. The simple African drums produced plenty of volume as slowly but surely confidence grew, after the initial "mashed potato" rhythm was mastered, a second then a third rhythm was tried and once mastered by all some bells and rattle were added.

Just as they had got too the stage where they all kept time with one rhythm they were then split into rhythm groups and had to play all three rhythms together. Concentrating on your own rhythm whilst hearing the other two going on at the same time took a while to get used too but eventually a coherent sound of the three rhythms was heard.

Just to keep them alert at frequent stages of the evening each were challenged to produce their own solo rhythm, which has to be said improved greatly during the evening. If you fancy a go at African drumming go along to Penarth Pier on Saturday mornings where Dan runs short taster sessions.