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!