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!