Watercolours at Wentworth Castle Gardens

All good things must come to an end and so after a six-month bumper programme, the Green UPLIFT calendar closed with the final UPLIFT event, 'Watercolours at Wentworth Castle Gardens.'

In this special one-off event, UPLIFTER’s got the opportunity to work with super talented watercolour artist, Anna Connor.

Building on her love of nature, Anna paints plants and flowers in domestic settings. Anna's work can be viewed here: www.annaconnor.net

With the run of the Greenhouse and Community rooms at Wentworth Castle Gardens, UPLIFTER's enjoyed a chilled day of watercolour painting taking in the Autumn tones.

It really has been an amazing six months of Green UPLIFT events! We’d like to take this opportunity to thank all our fantastic artists, partners, participants and in particular our funders, we are hugely grateful. 

We really hope that this national pilot will demonstrate our hugely important outdoor ‘play’ and connecting with nature is for our souls, returning us to our most natural state - now more than ever and fingers crossed for more funding for this kind of work. Our outdoor work will continue with ‘Rewilding the Mind’, funded by Creative Minds, so watch this space.

We echo the thoughts of one of our fabulous UPLIFTER's, Sandra:

"Thank you. It’s been a lovely year with lots of great memories along the way."

 

Pit Heads and Poetry

Our penultimate Green UPLIFT took us to Barnsley Main for ‘Pit heads and Poetry, an event which included a tour of the site followed by a Rewilding Walk with Winston Plowes.

Barnsley Main Colliery is the remains of large deep mining site, known for being the site of the Oaks Disaster which sadly took the lives of 383 people. The remaining structures have been assigned Grade II Listed status due to their historical significance. The site is rich in industrial heritage and due to the personal connections that many UPLIFTER’s have with the mining industry it led to many poignant stories, memories and discussion.

Reflecting on the site Winston said:

“The whole of Barnsley main is so much like a church for the lost and fallen of the mining industry. The same imposing presence and solemn silence, a sealed tomb. Looking at the images of the 2016 service where crosses were planted in the grounds to represent the fallen then 'cremated' in a snap tin, for a time it even had its own cemetery.” 

No one can deny that the mining industry was an incredibly tough one with much bleakness. When exploring material to share with the group, Winston found that 8/10 poems, stories and songs about mining end in heartbreak, death or poverty - sometimes all three. Winston made a point of acknowledging this and balanced it with exploring the joys of autumn nature and looking at the poems about mining and coal which did strike a positive chord – one of which saw us singing a mining folk song in the woods!

With thanks to the wonderful Barnsley Main Volunteers for sharing their knowledge and giving us such an insightful tour and to Winston for always finding the words and providing the inspiration. Back at the Pit head, inspired by both parts of the day UPLIFTER’s gathered together and put their thoughts, feelings and responses to the site to paper to create a collaborative poem, penned in white on black (coal face) paper. It was titled, 'The Voice of Barnsley Main'...

Apple Day!

We’re casting our minds back to one of the fruiter events on the UPLIFT calendar and reflecting on the roseyness of ‘Apple Day’!

This UPLIFT really did what it said on the tin, the day was all things apples!

UPLIFTER’s hit the wonderful YMCA allotment where it was all systems go on the apple press with Dan the Apple press man (who came complete with numerous apple puns and all-round bad Dad jokes!) 

UPLIFTER’s got stuck in chopping, pressing, making and serving at the apple brunch bar where tasty treats were on offer, including homemade granola with natural yogurt and apple puree and hot spiced apple juice. Yum!

Gorgeous live music from Ralph Shaw provided the soundtrack for the day, meanwhile, poet 
and friend of the GREEN UPLIFT project, Winston Plowes, worked with UPLIFTER’s to create ‘Ode to the Apple’:

Ode to the Apple

A thing complete,

in is its own little world

red or yellow, sunset or dawn.

 

A beetle, two lungs, deep-seeded protection.

Pure heart

ruby red flash, sun glint

devoid of human character 

Love and life food.

 

A red admiral, outdoor pool, skeletal membrane.

 

Nature’s secret surprise

sandpaper skin, soft padded flesh

a magic trick

sharp, dry, sour or powder.

 

Local football strip

polished seamless cricket ball

regenerator of paths.

branches on a family tree.

 

A hammock, half barn owl face, womb of woman.

 

A school of happiness

juicing the brain

an orange from the teacher’s pet.

 

by Creative Recovery & YMCA Community

As the Autumn chill set in on Apple Day, this fabulous, fruity event certainly squeezed the juice out of a long, hot summer, bottling sweet memories to see us through. 

Final thought on Apple day...

How do you make an apple turnover?....Push it down a hill!...You can have that one Dan ;)

Folk Fires!

We can’t remember rain like this since…Folk Fires! And whilst that day was a wash out in terms of the weather it certainly didn’t dampen the spirits of our UPLIFTER’s who in true community style made the best of it!

In the weekend of the passing of her Majesty the Queen, like many events at the time there was thoughtful consideration as to whether the event would go ahead, however we know that in times of uncertainty we need to come together more than ever and so undeterred by the weather this Green UPLIFT was go.  

Due to the weather, plans were adapted but still the people came. Everyone mucked in and there was and a real sense of community spirit and a coming together in adverse circumstances. Taking time to look at the light falling through the trees, UPLIFTER’s shared stories and memories in a quiet moment of reflection in the beautiful outdoor church area of Silkstone Woods.

As well as the down pour, the sky threw up some incredible storms, the sense that nature was responding to shift in the world on that day. Tuning in to the environment, UPLIFTER’s took shelter and shared their experiences of nature in response to what was happening in the world and the wellbeing of the world.

We were joined by yoga teacher and sound therapist, Sarah Teal who led mindful movement and meditation around natural sounds. Many shared that they’d not experienced anything quite like it, but it had really made them listen and think about what they were listening to. UPLIFTER Gillian also delivered a Forest Schools exercise using materials from the landscape to create pagan stars.

The making continued with everyone mucking in to help make bonfire bbq beans and rocky road intended to be eaten around the campfire! Whilst the weather put out any fires it was lovely to come together and cook for the first-time post pandemic.  

As the Autumn evening drew in, we gathered to listen to folk music and stories from Rebecca and Nick. With the dark skies outside a real gig vibe was created, and whilst cold in temperature there was such warmth in the atmosphere.

It's become apparent to us throughout this programme the importance of planning but also the importance in following through on those plans and in Green UPLIFT we submit to the elements come what may! Folk Fires really was the epitome of the proverbial expression ‘best laid plans’ and yet it was one of the most soul enriching UPLIFT’s in the calendar with overarching themes of community and connection coming out of the day. It confirmed just how important community is, especially at a time when so much is changing and uncertainly lies. It showed how community can be created anywhere amongst any conditions and how it can ground you. And it reinforced that nature is always there, and we can always connect with it. 

'Precious Pigments' and 'Walking with Trees'

We feel very lucky to have the beautiful Cannon Hall on our doorstep and we’ve enjoyed some great Green UPLIFT’s there throughout the calendar. Here’s a look back at the latest ones, ‘Precious Pigments’ and ‘Walking with the Trees’

Precious Pigments

UPLIFTER’s had a great afternoon working alongside Cannon Hall’s artist in Residence, Louise Wright, in her onsite studio. 

UPLIFTER’s were introduced to Louise’s work which uses plants from the Walled Garden’s to create wonderful Prussian blues, dark inks and pigments. UPLIFTER’S worked alongside Louise to create beautiful little watercolour blocks which sat within acorn hats, which they were able to take away.

It was a highly interesting and informative afternoon that saw UPLIFTER’s try something new:

“It’s been very interesting learning about new natural processes, dyes and inks. It’s been a very relaxing atmosphere, good for the mind. I was surprised to see all the different colours you can produce out of a few ingredients. I’d have a go at this myself, it’s very interesting. Addictive!”

Walking with Tree's

Back on site but with a different activity, UPLIFTER’s were joined by Park Manager Sandra Sutton for a guided walk around the grounds exploring Cannon Hall’s ancient tree’s, learning about their heritage and discovering the reasons for their specific placement within the landscape. Poet, Winston Plowes joined the gang for a further ‘Rewilding Walk’, contemplating the greatness of these sentinels of the Parkland. 

With lots of walking and talking in the great fresh air, an UPLIFT-ing time was had by all!

Dandelions and Double Yellows - A Three Day Residency with Helen Thomas

We were so pleased to be joined by artist, Helen Thomas on our Green UPLIFT, ‘Dandelions and Double Yellows, a three-day residency with Helen Thomas.

Helen is Yorkshire based visual artist, working predominantly with painting and drawing, her work explores responses to plants in the environment.

Much of Helen’s work focuses on noticing nature that emerges through urban landscapes. Nature returning and reclaiming. Many plants are regarded as weeds, but if we take the time to really look at them, we can find the beauty within them. Being mindful of these beautiful little still lives in the cracks and the walls around urban environments, Helen's work encourages us to recognize the value in these scenes when we take the time to notice nature breaking through.

Helen’s 2021 project, Dandelions and Double Yellows is described as an art, nature and noticing project.

“The project is an invitation to take time to notice and reconsider the plants growing on pavements, and in our everyday surroundings. These plants, which are often overlooked or dismissed as weeds, can contribute to urban biodiversity as well as bringing colour and interest to our neighbourhoods, villages and towns.”

Inspired by Helen’s work we took to the streets and yards and also found ourselves in the calm of the graveyard which made for a serene setting for sketching wild plants. UPLIFTER’s enjoyed the peace and quiet this provided whilst still being very much in the middle of the Town. As well as finding poison ivy, the group researched various wild plants sharing their properties, an exchange of information.

The residency also featured mindful poetry; UPLIFTER’s were encouraged to find a word for the day and really tune into what was happening in the environment. Taking three words from each participant, the group created some very insightful and amusing poems.

The work that came out of this residency was really incredible. UPLIFTER’s learnt some great new techniques which included drawing with very fine sticks and dragging water and then dipping ink to create fine, beautiful lines that could be used for drawing the roots and the finer parts of flowers.

Helen also showed some of her pieces from the Dandelions and Double Yellows exhibition at Wakefield Cathedral. Long, thin pieces designed to hang from the pillars of the Cathedral. All were in agreement, extraordinary work!

A big thank you to Helen for a fantastic residency, a real highlight in the calendar.

You can read more about Helen’s work on her website: http://www.toastedorange.co.uk/

A look back at Tai Chi in the Park and Terrarium Workshop, allotment social!

It’s been a while since we’ve been on here! We’ve been so busy delivering the action-packed Green UPLIFT calendar, it's not left much time for blogging but as our Green UPLIFT sadly draws to a close, we reflect on the special days we’ve shared together.

Picking up from where we left off in Elsecar Park, our following Green UPLIFT saw another instalment of Tai Chi in the park (a different Park!) with local Tai Chi master, Rich Morley. As well as being great for physical health, Tai Chi is also recognized to promote mindfulness, a meditation tool that can be very positive for your mental health and wellbeing. A spot of midweek mindfulness certainly helps us to get through the week and seemingly had a very positive impact on UPLIFTER’s too:

“I feel very chilled. There’s something lovely about doing Tai Chi outside, with the birdsong and the sun coming out, doing it in nature is really good for you, very good for mindfulness.”

“It’s great for people to get back into nature, especially if you’re moving and breathing in it, just being in nature is calming. A dose of calm.”

We couldn't agree more!

In another return to the programme and back by popular demand was the allotment social 
featuring a terrarium workshop with DIY Terrariums. 

Terrarium's are self-sustaining eco systems, miniature landscapes in jars. They are created by layering pebbles, charcoals, soil and moss so each plant has all it needs. 

In this tactile and therapeutic workshop, UPLIFTER’s commented: 

“The workshop was very good, it was informative, they explained things and it was easy to follow. It was nice to do something different, to create something that you can take home and see it grow."

Here's Liz with one she made earlier!

 

 

Landart at Elsecar Park!

We love working with esteemed Land artist, James Brunt and so we joined forces with him once again to create some Land Art at Elsecar Park!

It was a glorious day for it with the sun beating down on us! Seeking out the shade we ventured under the tree’s and foraged for leaves, twigs and feathers to get to work on our group piece.

Speaking of the event, UPLIFTER's reported:

"It’s been invigorating. It's nice to chat with people, to be back outside. It’s made me feel calmer than I was. In the last couple of days I’ve been here, there and everywhere but coming out here has made me calm down and that’s down to the activity, the environment and being amongst friends."

"I wasn’t sure what to expect but I’ve really enjoyed it. I quite enjoyed just foraging and seeing it come to life."

"It’s been very interesting, we got to use lots of different materials, there’s quite a lot to pick from here, it’s a beautiful place. It’s definitely had a positive impact on my wellbeing, I feel a lot better than I did this morning."

"I like that this is an organised activity, left to my own devices I would probably stay at home all day. They say that coming into nature is good for you so I’m sure it will do me good. I feel it has had a positive impact on my mood today."

Working up an appetite we then made our way across to the delightful Pantry Café at Elsecar Heritage Centre for an alfresco cuppa and cake. 

With great weather, great company, creativity and cake, we can't think of a better way to spend a Monday afternoon! What a treat!

Barge Folk!

Our most recent Green UPLIFT took us to the blue waters of Swinton Lock for a barge trip filled with poetry and tunes from the wonderful Ray Hearne!  

On arrival at Swinton we were greeted by the social prescribing team who gave us as insight 
into the lock and activity centre and the kind of work they do. 

Swinton Lock Activity Centre is a registered charity providing learning, educational, support and social activities for children, young people and adults. They offer a range of activities including a programme for adults which features pottery and fine art, an after school activity club, which is currently funded by Children in Need for children aged 6 to 16 years supporting children and young people with a disability or learning need. This can also include children at risk of social isolation and young carers. There’s also a re-engagement programme for children and young people of secondary school age who are struggling to engage or have been excluded or are at risk of being excluded from mainstream education. A diverse programme of activities and qualifications are offered as an alternative learning provision. Much of their work relies on work from volunteers, and there are many great volunteering opportunities available.  

With the tour complete, it was time to board the narrowboat and head up the river! UPLIFTER’s were introduced to Phil, captain for the day and volunteers, Dave and Andrew who had brought their instruments along to join in with the tunes aboard alongside folk musician, Ray Hearne. There were laughs a plenty listening to some glorious folk songs, comedic in style with political undertones which made reference to some familiar spots including Leeds and Sheffield! Ray spoke about the Canals and how they offered up openings to new experiences. Musing on that, UPLIFTER’s then worked together as a group to create their our own lyrics about Swinton Locks, real, imagined and reimagined. Everyone really got stuck into this and had a lot of fun with it!

There’s something about being near water that has a calming effect, and this was evident as UPLIFTER’s sat on the hull of the barge looking out to the water in full relaxation mode. The vibrations of the engine and the movements of the water made for a very chilled afternoon, total zen, with some very happy barge folk!

Arty Alchemy

UPLIFTER’s enjoyed a great mix of heritage and art in our recent Green UPLIFT, ‘Arty alchemy’ at Worsbrough Mill.

The day began with a tour of the mill with the Miller Simon. This historic, grade two listed building is a working mill and produces flour which is available to buy in the on-site shop. It was great to see the mill in production, and we can’t wait to do a spot of baking with the flour!

Artist, Lee Sass then led a very special workshop giving UPLIFTER’s the chance to explore some delightful techniques using natural materials combined with amazing alchemy to create art!

 Three different techniques were used: soilograms, cyanotypes and photographic leaf prints. We began with leaf prints which uses sunshine to project a negative onto certain types of leaves. We gave it a good go but the sun sadly wasn’t massively in our favour for this one so we moved on to try cyanotypes. 

Cyanotypes uses a UV light to produce a blue tone to print. UPLIFTER’s took photos and manipulated the image using a variety of techniques with some fantastic results! The final technique we experimented with were soilograms, which are achieved by grinding soil, ash or any kind of earth in a pestle and mortar. The powdered soil is then distilled into a mixture of chemicals to create a beautiful round piece of chromatography. Another success! Everyone’s pieces were all so different and so beautiful!

The techniques explored in the workshop were really fascinating and something totally different to what many have experienced before, as such there was a great demand for more.

A big thanks to Lee Sass for sharing these processes with us. These processes are so dependent on the conditions which made for a very special atmosphere. There was complete joy in experimentation and unexpected results. “More please!” was the cry of the day!

Allotment Social - Round two!

The second half of Green UPLIFT is now underway with calendars making their way to UPLIFTER’S as we speak! 

Taking advantage of the good weather we kicked off the second instalment of events with an allotment social, with an afternoon of gardening, crafts, live music and good grub!

Artist Emma Condor introduced us to Japanese crafts, Dorodango and Hapazome. These techniques saw UPLIFTERS make beautiful smooth mud balls and bash plants and leaves onto fabric, creating some beautiful results! Meanwhile, Ryan provided the soundtrack with some chilled acoustic sounds while we munched on chip butties! Perfect!

It was a really busy session in the glorious sunshine, and it was lovely to see some new faces! Also a big shout out to the ‘Helpful Heathens’, a community group who came down and helped us dig over our plot, ready for planting!  Thank you!

'Rewilding the Mind'

‘Rewilding the Mind’ is what we call Creative Recovery’s our own breed of Poetry Ramble.  The name was coined by poet Winston Plowes who continues to develop this approach to walking in nature, with us. 

The project is currently funded by Creative Minds and sits neatly within our social perscribing project ‘Green UPLIFT’.

 Here are Winston’s thoughts on the subject….’

 

 

What is ‘Rewilding the Mind’ as a concept, and why do you think it’s important for our well-being right now?

Rewilding the Mind (RTM) is a chance to reconnect with nature. As humans we are all 'from nature' and by getting to know nature better, maybe we can know and understand ourselves better also.

It's a chance to 'take the slow way' and amble through our natural world to a backing track of poetry, spoken word and shared stories and tales. Everyone has an opportunity to speak voluntarily on the basis of honesty and acceptance.

RTM is not over planned and doesn't have a tight time table or particular goal and it's certainly not scripted in any way and that is one of its main strengths. Its success relies on the input of its participants, right down to the route we take, where we stop and for how long. Like the U.S. military, we look out for one another on our ramblings, go the speed of the slowest and 'leave no one behind'.

Each edition of RTM has its own theme according to the location. Bird life, railways, industrial heritage, the choir and 'park life' have all been covered.

How do you plan/or indeed not plan for an rewilding walk? 

I have lots of tricks in my black bag which has become synonymous with RTM events and have been compared to Felix the Cat and his "little bag-of-tricks" as he called it. In there, I have favourite nature poems, old poem and new poems, mystery objects and surprises.

I am no expert and am always happy to be wrong or not know an answer.

If you get nothing else from an event, just the chance to slow down and stop, to let your mind be filled with the joy of words and the natural world is a tonic.

 Is there anything you do personally that helps you to connect with nature and notice more deeply? 

I think back to the time my daughter and I sat either side of a shield bug and silently watched it delicately fold its wings under its elytra. We looked at each other, aware that we had been the only spectators of the scene, the little miracle that had just played out for us both. Neither said a word.

I believe we have taken about 10 rewilding strolls. Maybe you could share with us your own highlights?

I love how people's eyes light up when the penny drops or a random fact about nature stops us in our tracks, nature is amazing!

I also love how the participants' own experiences bring the poems I read to life. The more we talk, the more we discover we have in common.

There is something special and tangible about reading a poem about a particular tree whilst gathered under its boughs, about reading a poem about a kingfisher as, at that instant it paints a streak of blue across the water right in front of you. 

General...

This week Ada Limon was announced as the next US poet laureate and will begin her tenure in the autumn (I have used her poems in RTM). She said recently that "Poetry helps us remember that, we too are an imperfect animal, and we too are nature. Poetry can help the nation become whole again".

"Rewilding the Mind by digging down into nature to reveal surprises and revel in the things we pass by unnoticed everyday. Recognising the value in simply stopping, looking and listening. Mapping our place and time in the world as we celebrate the changing colours of autumn. Sharing the enjoyment of a journey through nature together and not knowing what we will find".

“Where will the path lead? What is the purpose of following it? The path IS the purpose, and that should be regarded as a secret to be revealed only when the path ends”.

William & Chris Yates (from Nightwalk)

 

'Take a Turn about the Garden' at Wentworth Woodhouse

We finish the first half of the UPLIFT calendar with a special out of hours event at the maginificent Wentworth Woodhouse in, ‘Take a Turn about the Garden’.

With the gardens closed to the public and our very own  VIP access, we worked with head gardener, Scott, who was very accommodating in directing us to some great spots to create land art with esteemed land artist, James Brunt. Seeking shelter from the wind we worked within the trees to form a nest. UPLIFTER's were keen to create something cozy that we would want to nestle into, rather symbolic of the day itself.

We also had the pleasure of working with artist, Jo Blaker. Jo is new to the UPLIFT programme and is a prolific sketcher who has done hundreds of sketch books over the last few years. She sketches all sorts of landscapes in different ways, using all sorts of different media, including, graphite, ink and pipext, as well as sticks and materials that she finds on the ground. With such a lovely technique, Jo gets very involved with her work, using hands and fingers to create texture and background. It was lovely to work with her and observe her craft.

Inspired by Jo's work, UPLIFTER's collected feathers and different materials to make tools for drawing, which were then used for mark making. UPLIFTER's also made a special concertina sketchbook. Some then took to the grounds with view finders to create little compositions they would later sketch; with an emphasis on really looking before drawing and really connecting with what you see to make the marks very real and very vivid.

There was was a great focus on relaxing into nature and with the use of the beautiful Wentworth Cabins this was certainly the case. From the cabins UPLIFTER's were able to take in the picturesque surroundings all the while feasting on a luscious Wentworth picnic as kindly supplied by the catering team.

Like something straight out of a Jane Austen novel, it was a fantastic day out, and a suitably splendid way to end the season!

We’re busy beavering away to bring you the next 3 months worth of UPLIFT’s and there’s some great events still to come!

If you’re feeling fed up and in need of a boost, if you'd like to connect with people and nature then Green UPLIFT is the programme for you. To receive this calendar of free events, simply text ‘UPLIFT’ to 07916 282 064 and one of our friendly team will be in touch to register you to the programme.

We’re looking forward to bringing you the second installment of Green UPLIFT’s very very soon!