Forest Skills & Crafts - Our Northern College Residential

 

Flash back to this time last week and a group of Green UPLIFTERS were day one into their two-day residential at the beautiful Northern College.

Giving Bear Grylls a run for his money, UPLIFTERS had a busy couple of days getting back to nature, learning Forest Skills!

The group learned how to make different types of shelters, one using tarpaulins and one using just natural materials, including sticks and grass. They also learned the safe use tools in addition to some expert survival techniques.

The Woodland provided a beautiful backdrop where the group observed lots of different types of flora and fauna including puffball mushrooms, as well as some speedy hares, which was all rather exciting!

As the day drew to a close, UPLIFTERS sketched into the evening, creating drawings from
pollen, charcoal, soil and all sorts of different, natural pigmnets. These were hung on the trees for all to enjoy. After which followed an epic round of charades ensuring laughter till bedtime!

Working in difficult terrain for two days and with some mobility issues and illnesses that could’ve restricted some, everyone did amazingly well and it was wonderful to see everyone coming together, looking out for each other and working as a team. Even more so, it was wonderful to see everyone having such fun!

A big thanks to Angela, our tutor who taught the gang so much. A lovely time was had by all!

Reflections on 'In Praise of Nature' and 'The Big Sing Picnic'!

As Bill Withers ‘Lovely Day’ plays on the radio we’re reminded of the very lovely day we had at our recent two-part Green UPLIFT, ‘In Praise of Nature’ and the ‘Big Sing Picnic.’

Poet, Winston Plowes led us on another glorious poetry walk around Locke Park, where a rather impromptu happening occurred. UPLIFTERS began writing positive words on laurel leaves to be left in the park for people to find and encouraged to read aloud. We hope those positive affirmations helped to brighten up someone’s day! 

Later into the afternoon we were treated to a wonderful performance by the UPLIFT choir and We Can Survive Singers whilst we enjoyed picnics in the park in the beautiful June Sunshine. We shared in the uplifting numbers whilst a young girl treated us to some fab dancing! We also shared in the poignant moments as special songs were dedicated to people who we’d lost during lockdown. Many members of the UPLIFT choir bravely took solo parts,  it was so great to see just how far people had come along in confidence.

It was also great to see so many people join us for this very special gathering, including many members of the public who’d heard about event and came to share in the joy. So many of you commented on how moving and joyful it was to be singing together outdoors. There was a great sense of unity and community.

Thanks and congratulations to the UPLIFT choir and We Can Survive Singers, as well as our brilliant Choir Master, Simon Grainger. It feels more important than ever to come together for these kinds of things and to put music at the heart of it. It was such a special day, our hearts were full.

Same time, same place next year?? We’re already checking the diary…

'In Praise of Nature' and 'Big Sing Picnic'!

This week we look forward to bringing together poetry, music and nature with our bumper Green UPLIFT, ‘In Praise of Nature / Big Sing Picnic’.

First up is the opportunity to ‘Rewild the Mind’ with Poet Winston Plowes as he leads UPLIFTERS on a poetry walk around Locke Park, connecting nature with verse, with time for reflection and writing.

Then grab your picnic rugs and join us at the Bandstand where we’ll be joined for a collaborative sing song with Barnsley’s ‘Uplift Choir’ (Creative Recovery) and ‘The We Can Survive Singers’ (Barnsley Hospital Charity). Both groups use singing and music to promote good mental and physical health all the while developing friendships, community resilience and pride.

Speaking of the impact that the choir has on group members, Choir master, Simon Grainger told us:

“We know from participants that the Uplift and WCSS Choir makes a huge difference to the lives of the people who take part. The inclusive and supportive nature of the group nurtures people's confidence and connections with others and the wider community. Singing is also a lot of fun!

After the difficulties of Lockdown and the Covid Pandemic, we are so excited to be back and performing in public again.”

Song sheets, hot drinks, rugs and sweet treats will be provided, so do come down and join us as we enjoy a rousing chorus or two. It’s set to be a wonderful day and we’d love to see you there!

 

When: Wednesday 8^th June 2022
Where: Locke Park, Barnsley

Activities:

• Poetry with Winston @ 2.30pm, meeting at Locke Park Café. (BOOKING REQUIRED. To book, text ‘Poetry’ to 07916282064.)
  
• Big Sing Picnic, 5.30 – 7.30pm at Bandstand @ Locke Park. (All welcome, just turn up.)