The sad death of Lucy

Saw the death of Lucy, an 18 year old heroin addict who was a regular visitor to the Drop Inn.
Pool match against the Police, we were out for revenge for last years performance but failed to make the grade – they won again – they must cheat something terrible.
Safeway asked us to make a giant spaceship to re-launch their extended store. With only a few days notice we made a GIANT spaceship which we couldn’t get out of our door! After carrying it down King Street and to Safeway, they told us it was too big!!

Connexions Help repair flood damage

Connexions Derbyshire made us a grant of £5000 to repair and re-fit after the earlier flood damage, Councillor Ben Millar also publically showed his support for the Drop Inn.
After the re-fit we re opened and launched as a training centre to add to our activities offered. This was supported by Belper School.

Closed regarding vandalism

After complaints of vandalism from DJ communications (next door) and Romac (across the road) we made the decision to close for 2 weeks to help the police tackle criminal activities. The vandalism was denied and defended by members of the Drop Inn and names of the culprits were passed to the police, showing responsibility by the majority of the young people.

Flooding

On reopening after the Christmas break we walked in to find the basement under water. All our equipment which had been stashed away for the Grotto was under water. The Belper News reporter arrived before the Fire Brigade! It took 3 hours to pump out the basement, Bingorama supported us again by bringing hot drinks over free of charge to all the people helping with the clean up operation. TVs, Computers and furniture were brought out soaking wet to be scrapped. The next morning Alan Benfield electrician came in and made the centre safe, we re opened the same night with half the space until the rest of the rooms could be mad safe.
We received £100 from the Police recovered property auction. Various items of furniture and equipment were donated after an appeal went out.

Santa's Grotto @ The Drop Inn /01

Once again we were asked to host Santa’s grotto for the town of Belper. A full story around this is to be released involving a 6’ tree and rock salt!!

Civic Impact Award

We were nominated and awarded the Belper Civic Impact Award for services to young people and the community of Belper.

1st Birthday

The Drop Inn hosted its 1st year birthday celebration, attended by council officials, members of the public, supporters and young people. Barrie Whittaker from Amber Valley Sports and Leisure presented us with a camera.

First Pool tournament against the Police

The Drop Inn held its first pool tournament against the local police helping to break down barriers. There was much cheating – that was just the police!! We lost 8 – 6. The police provided a shield which they had engraved – they were to keep it for the first year of winning.

Rotary donate £500

The Rotary showed support for the centre by making a donation of £500. This is a partnership which will grow over the future.

Derbyshire Building Society Donation

Derbyshire Building Society made a donation of £850 to pay the rent for a year.
The Drop Inn became a registered charity. We set up a board of Trustees and with the help of Amber Valley Borough Council wrote our Constitution,