Patsy’s Story: Creativity, Connection and Finding Her Rhythm
Patsy is a lifelong storyteller and a creative spirit. For nearly 20 years, she was a storyteller at early childhood education centres, captivating children with her tales – sometimes using handmade props to bring them to life, other times sharing stories she wrote herself. Creativity has always been second nature to her, and when she’s caught up in a project, time flies by often leading to late nights. Though she recently stepped away from storytelling, she continues her creative pursuits, including a quilt project through Involve (stay tuned!).
Patsy joined Involve in search of a drumming group – something she’d wanted to try for a long time. She wasn’t sure if clubs were her thing, but decided to give the BEST Club a go as well. At first, she felt like an outsider, unsure where she fit in among many members who had been part of the group for years. But over time, she got to know a few people, and now she enjoys making some of the women laugh and share their stories.
Drumming has brought challenges and surprises. When the previous facilitator left, many participants followed, but Patsy stayed, determined to support the new instructor, Therese, who is not trained in drumming but whose warmth and enthusiasm Patsy admires. Wanting to help, she researched and found a drumming program the group could follow on TV. In stepping up, an unexpected change occurred – speaking out became easier, which she reflects is a new quality that was made possible by the group and her experiences within it.
At the BEST Club, Patsy feels a sense of connection, especially after giving two talks on storytelling. While not a creative pursuit in itself, the socialising and group activities have been a welcome addition. Patsy has always preferred working on her own, where her ideas take shape without distraction, but she also sees the value of stepping outside her comfort zone.
Recently, Patsy has found that her enthusiasm for the quilt project – where participants each create a square and share the story behind their design – has led to more and more storytelling within the group. This sense of collaboration and storytelling through creativity has deepened connections within the group.
What makes Patsy special is her deep sense of self. She knows what she loves and follows her passions unapologetically. Whether immersed in storytelling, crafting or drumming, she embraces what excites her, always staying true to herself while also making space for new experiences. Now, she’s finding a balance between creative solitude and community, shaping a life that reflects both her independence and her willingness to grow.
Recent News Stories
Following on from the signage placed around the Belconnen Community Centre and notices distributed to participants, we are sharing this update to confirm that the Swanson Court carpark has now permanently closed as of Tuesday 2 April 2025, due to a new development at the site by JWLand.
Young people in Belconnen now have easier access to free, confidential health and wellbeing support with the arrival of the T25 Clinic at Belconnen Youth Centre. Every Thursday from 2pm to 5pm the T25 Clinic van, Mini Pat, will be on-site offering a safe and welcoming space for young people aged 12 to 25. There’s no need for an appointment – just drop in when you need support.
The Canberra Day Appeal 2025 has wrapped up for another year and we are grateful to everyone who contributed, either by making a donation or helping to spread awareness. Thanks to the generosity of our community, employees and corporate supporters, we raised an amazing $6,736.40 – an increase from $5590 in 2024. These funds will go directly towards recruiting, training and supporting more volunteer transport drivers, ensuring people in our community can get to their essential medical appointments for chronic health conditions such as cancer and kidney disease.
Patsy is a lifelong storyteller and a creative spirit. For nearly 20 years, she was a storyteller at early childhood education centres, captivating children with her tales – sometimes using handmade props to bring them to life, other times sharing stories she wrote herself. Creativity has always been second nature to her, and when she’s caught up in a project, time flies by often leading to late nights. Though she recently stepped away from storytelling, she continues her creative pursuits, including a quilt project through Involve (stay tuned!).
For Therese Beckmann, sewing isn’t just about fabric and stitches – it’s a way of telling stories, bringing people together and creating something meaningful. After 30 years of working in sewing, dressmaking and teaching, she realised she wanted to take her skills beyond the retail space and into the community. She had always felt drawn to the senior age group, especially after hearing students in her art classes say, “This is better than therapy.” Hearing it over and over made her realise just how powerful creativity could be in bringing people together and improving wellbeing.
A poem about the drumming group written by Patsy Allan and edited by ChatGPT:
The Dance of the Drums by Patsy Allan and Chat GPT
In the heart of the circle, we gather ’round,
Where rhythms of djembe and dun dun resound.
Hands meet the drum-skins, a story unfolds,
In the language of beats, a unity bold.
Tensions dissolve as the first notes take flight,
We drum through the day and into the night.
In the dance of the drums, we break all our chains,
The rhythms of Africa pulse through our veins.
Chorus: Drumming is an amazing thing,
Restores the soul, makes you sing.
Where all else fades, the beat remains,
And only freedom fills your veins.
Each strike on the djembe, a heartbeat so true,
With the dun dun’s deep echoes, our spirits renew.
A unity forms in the beat’s steady flow,
Strength and release in each echo.
Though our instructor left and some players too,
The staff at the centre filled in, strong and true.
A new group is forming, with rhythm and grace,
Building a bond in this shared, sacred space.
Chorus: Drumming is an amazing thing,
Restores the soul, makes you sing.
Where all else fades, the beat remains,
And only freedom fills your veins.
Together we find what words cannot say,
In the music, our souls freely sway.
A community of drummers, bound by the beat,
In the centre we gather, where harmony meets.
Chorus: Drumming is an amazing thing,
Restores the soul, makes you sing.
Where all else fades, the beat remains,
And only freedom fills your veins.