The Drop Inn Football Team

Ready for summer 2005 the Drop Inn put together a football team to train and compete. Dave from the Welcome Tavern was the coach of the Football team.

Warehouse Move

Rotary Donation & Visit from Minister

Visit from Government Ministers (Government Office East Midlands) welcomed by our young people who answered questions from the officials.
Rotary Club make a donation of cash

The sad death of Rob (Buggy) Johnson

Young popular member Buggy died in a car crash. Rob Johnson – a young man liked by all members and staff at the Drop Inn, always a smile and a laugh. Tragically killed in a car crash on a night out with friends. Many young members from the Drop Inn attended the funeral, proceeds from the collection were given to the Drop Inn by Robs parents. Some of the money paid for a small memorial garden which his friends built outside the main door. Buggy – always remembered.
The Drop Inn was nominated and awarded the Maurice Heeley Award for services to young people in Belper. The award came with £400 and was presented at the Town Council meeting.

Bowling at Ilkeston

The Rotary Club took some of our young people 10 pin bowling at Ilkeston. It was a great opportunity and strengthened the friendships with the Rotary Club. The evening was funded by the Rotary Club – everyone had a wonderful time.
Local company Glow worm donated us a new boiler for the warehouse, John worked with some of our young people to install a heating system. One lad was working for a builder – he managed to scrounge some old radiators which helped tremendously.

Opening of the NEW Premises

The grand official opening of the new premises. I had to spend most of the day sorting a heroin addict out and taking her to Derby to get help. This is where I made contact with Jamie Bashir – the under 18s drug worker – there was no under 18s service in Belper. It was a struggle to get things sorted out in time, but the event went ahead with great interest and support.

Move to warehouse

The official move!!! 15 young people were released from Belper School for a week, they worked with us and Endeavour Training to move all furniture and equipment to the new premises – sofas were pushed down the main street! Instead of getting yet another black mark, these young people got recognition for working on a community project.
The Drop Inn official band ‘Patriot Combustion’ were asked to play at the Connexions conference at Makeney Hall. This is where I found out that one of them had tourettes.

Secured new premises

After attending a meeting at Belper Town Council at the request of the Police and Amber Valley Borough Council, I made contact with a property owner and secured new premises in Derwent Street, non residential area and large warehouse space. We take over the premises from January, the rent is very high but the space and location are perfect.

Donations including a computer

MP Patrick McGloughlin paid us a visit giving his approval.
BT Connexions donated us a computer ( internet ready).
Bargate neighbourhood watch donated £50

Performance about Drugs awareness

The whole month was dedicated to Drugs Awareness for all. It involved a performance of ‘Clean’ for the young people which was hard hitting. We held an open day for parents with SPODA, ADACTION, and POLICE in attendance with displays. The attendance from the public and parents was disappointing but at least we tried. A rock band came together made up of Laura Taylor (Drop Inn), Jake Gordan (Adaction) Gary Wilks (Spoda) and Steve Holme (Police).
The Rotary Club challenged us to a skittles match, hosted by the Imperial Vaults in King Street.
Belper Celebration committee made a donation of £100.