An Update from UPLIFT Central Area: Growing Creativity!

You’ll remember a little while ago we introduced you to a new project that we are very excited to be working on here at Creative Recovery - UPLIFT Central area: Growing Creativity! This is a project that sees us collaborating with residents of Summer Lane, Worsborough and Gilroyd to help build community and creativity. 

Since our last post we've been really busy out and about in all three areas  meeting local residents and finding out what they'd like to see happen on their estates. Here’s a run down of what we’ve been up to so far and the plans that are starting to take shape!

Summer Lane 

On the Summer Lane estate we've established a planning group who have shown great enthusiasm for the project and are very active in steering their ideas. Their aim for the estate is ‘To bring people together and help the community grow’ which they were keen to reinforce in a logo which they have brilliantly designed. This was printed onto eye catching postcards and hand delivered to every household on the estate inviting them to come along to UPLIFT events and activities.

We kicked off with the ‘Live Lounge’, a lovely session which saw people come together over cake and live music to chat and share their creative ideas. Residents were treated to some live music from Creative Recovery participant, Allan, a self taught musician who lives locally. Allan wowed residents with his keyboard skills, a real talent! 

Residents have also been busy at creative workshops where they've been preparing for their 'Virtual Campfire' event which will take place at the Creative Recovery Centre on Prospect Street Centre on Tuesday 10th October, 6-8.30pm. 

This free event will feature an evening of music and storytelling around the campfire with hot chocolates and treats. All Summer Lane residents will receive a warm welcome. We hope to see you there! 

On the sessions so far one resident from Summer Lane told us:

"I've been coming to the meet ups and sessions and I'm really enjoying it. It's so friendly and it's brilliant to get to know new people. We've all lived on the estate for so many years and didn't know anybody. You'd pass people by and not talk to each other. Now you'll see people and say hello and have a chat." 

Our final update from Summer Lane includes the set up of a new dog walking group where residents can meet up and have a chin wagging time with their neighbours and their dogs! You’ll be sure to spot the group who will be wearing illustrated high vis vests designed and made themselves! The group meets every Thursday at 5.30pm, outside Creative Recovery Centre on Prospect Street, with all resident's welcome to come along. 

A round of a paws for such a great initiative! We wish you all a pawsome time! 

Worsborough

From early work on the ground in Worsborough, the New England estate was identified as the focus area for our project, as it was felt that it is an area with the most need to connect people and spread some creative fun within the community.

At New England some residents have expressed a little apprehension in getting out and about and perhaps a wariness of 'artistic' endeavours. Bingo is a particular favourite of many residents and has proved a popular choice, therefore we’ve decided to combine bingo with creativity and will be running a series of sessions where people can come together socially, play some bingo and also get stuck into some creative crafting. Pieces of art will be created to share with neighbours who might feel isolated with a friendly message to show connectivity.

The Barrow Club have been incredibly generous and supportive of the project, spreading the word and offering their premises for free. The first session took place last week and was a great success. Special thanks to one of our Creative Recovery volunteers, Maxine who did a sterling job as bingo caller! The participants really enjoyed making autumnal ornaments and having the opportunity to talk about the activities they would like to see in the area, with the current forerunner being line dancing! Watch this space!

We hope to welcome along lots of lovely residents to the Barrow Club for our sessions every Monday 2.30 – 4.30pm and we hope that those who come along will enjoy getting to know new people and with a little direction from us, feel empowered to make plans for adventurous creative events going forward. 

Gilroyd

At Gilroyd we've been working with the local history group who are very keen to preserve the heritage and memory of the area by recording and sharing their stories about living on the estate.

Inspired by this, we are developing a large scale creative archiving project where we'll be capturing resident's stories in a variety of ways such as film, photography, audio recording, written word, poetry and performance. We are currently recruiting residents to share their stories, so please get in touch if you'd like to get involved. 

Watch this space for more exciting news on how we get on!

Thanks to our funders, Central Area Team and Arts Council England.

Our Rookhow Residential!

We’re casting our mind back to late Summer when Green UPLIFT hit the road for our weekend residential at Rookhow!

Twelve excited UPLIFTER’s boarded the minibus and headed towards Ulveston in the Lake District where a 17th century Quaker Chapel with connecting bunk barn set in acres of forest would be home for the weekend.

Set in the most beautiful scenery and very much away from technology, Rookhow provided the perfect space to be off grid for relaxation and creativity.

On arrival, UPLIFTER’S explored the surroundings with walks around the forest, which features campfire areas and yurts. Followed by a big al fresco community meal, making the most of the lovely August weather. 

The following day UPLIFTER’S took a trip to Grizedale, enjoying the sculpture trail, with an evening of art. Using charcoal from the fire  and taking inspiration from the landscape around them, the group worked together on a huge joint charcoal drawing which reflected the different textures and shapes of the landscape. The final day saw a trip to Hawkshead where UPLIFTER’s ventured into a chapel and had some fun around a very unique organ before heading back for a yummy bonfire beans tea!

Sharing the same space for the weekend created a wonderful sense of community spirit, the weekend menu ensured that everyone cooked together and shared in the cooking with everyone chipping in and helping to tidy up. Games were played and lots of chats were had around the fire and over meals and walks, with plenty of opportunities to chill too.

Huge thanks to the Quakers for their generosity in in providing us with the space at a heavily discounted rate and their support for mental health projects and the work we do. 

The building itself is fascinating with so much history and has a very special feeling to it, it is a place that has obviously been very loved, and now loved by us too!    

A Collection of our Rewilding Walks!

Some of the most popular UPLIFT’s on last year’s Green UPLIFT programme were the 'Rewilding the Mind' rambles with Poet, Winston Plowes. So, back by popular request, we secured Winston for a number of dates for yet more rewilding adventures!

Rewilding Walks are poetry rambles; they provide an opportunity to amble through our natural world to a backing track of poetry, spoken word, shared stories and tales.

As the person ‘leading’ these natural rambles, Winston says; 

“At the heart of what we’re about is the fact that we ourselves are living things, we are from nature and so by getting to know nature better we might be getting to know ourselves better too.

Each new edition provides surprises and another chance to listen and learn from each other, to feel renewed by being together and surrounded by nature. We have our regular features of poetry, art and mystery objects themed to our location, but the sessions are driven by your stories and memories and your choices of which path to take.

There are highlights each month but I especially liked it when one participant said he had passed a particular spot many times but never really opened his eyes or when another participant said that it seems impossible to stand next to something so ancient, huge and alive like a tree without feeling a connection.

We learn the names of things, we laugh, we listen and even get a little lost sometimes, but wet or dry, we always finish happier than we were at the start.”

Rewilding the Mind is well into its second year now and UPLIFTER’s have ventured out with Winston ten times so far. Here’s a round up of the rewilding we’ve recently done on this year’s UPLIFT calendar:

Rewilding @ Wentworth castle gardens: 
Rain and Rhododendrons! 

As creative partners of Wentworth Castle Gardens we are lucky enough to have special access to the beautiful rooms of the estate including the Blackburn room where UPLIFTER’S met and shared a lovely meal together before going out and wondering around the Union Jack garden. 

UPLIFTER’s were in full admiration of the rhododendrons which were out in full force as well as taking in the stunning view from the Earls seat. All the while, Winston was regaling the group with titbits and poetry. A particular highlight being the poem, ‘In praise of Rain’ which Winston recited from the bridge as the rain came down!

  

Rewilding @ Cannon Hall: Tree's, Pie's and Canada Geese!

Our Rewilding UPLIFT at Cannon Hall started with homemade roasted vegetable pie shared in the shadow of the trees by the dear shelter.

On a full stomach we then wandered through the tree walk with the ancient trees and Winston shared some beautiful poems about the Sentinels of the Parkland. 

We came across the felled tree that has been sculpted by Jason Turpin Thompson, a sculptor who carves wood and other materials. We took some time to rest here and wrote some poems based on a piece that Winston had brought.

Finally we wandered down to bird island where the Canada geese were out on mass and Winston shared stories of the comings and goings of the mischievous Canada geese that visit him on his on his narrowboat home! Winston’s well known ‘bag of tricks’ revealed a goose whistle which we tried to see if we could speak to the geese – as you do! 

All in all, a very fun and lovely day!

Rewilding @ Yorkshire Sculpture Park: A Perfect Blend!

Our Rewilding UPLIFT at the Yorkshire sculpture park was a beautiful blend of art and nature.

We took a slow walk through the Parklands taking in the beautiful views and connecting with the work of Andy Goldsworthy, an artist famous for creating work with nature. Winston took a moment to focus on Andy Goldsworthy's shadow stone fold which is located in the sheep fold at the sculpture park as a permanent piece of sculpture. Winston explained how the shadow stone fold works – that is to lay for hours on the stone and then the rain, wind and possibly the snow and ice create a shadow of the warmth of your body. 

Following on from this we went to visit the exhibition of Leonardo Drew at the Chapel which can only be described as astounding! Thank you to the wonderful staff at the YSP who gave us our own private tour and talk about the piece, it was amazing! 

The day really captured everyone’s imagination and from the very first exhibition of the day, a piece based on the famous 1990's Brookside storyline where domestic abuser, Trevor Jordache is murdered and buried under the patio, conversation amongst UPLIFTER's really centered on, 'What is art?'

It was a day that featured very different artists, inspiring thought provoking conversation, with beautiful moments in nature, and was certainly enjoyed by all!

Rewilding at Bolton upon Dearne - Tiny Forest!

Bolton Upon Dearne is home to one of Earth Watch’s 200 Tiny Forests. These densely planted tennis court sized forests are much more than just trees. This amazing phenomenon reconnects people with nature, enhances wellbeing, helps mitigate the impacts of climate change and provides a nature-rich habitat to support urban wildlife. 

Meeting with BMBC community development worker Jenni, our rewilding event began with 
UPLIFTER’s helping to monitor the forest, this included measuring trees, testing soil and checking for beasties. Jenni explained that the forest grows quickly due to the intense competition for light and we were all impressed by the growth after only 2 years.

Our Rewilding Walk continued with Winston who introduced UPLIFTER’s to a threaded Hag Stone that inspired the sun, a pike poem by Ted Hughes, cheeky plant names (don’t ask!), a zig zag to the waters edge and a pineapple plant! Not to mention barbecue Pringles and a selection of hounds- from the fierce to the frail! What a jam packed, gorgeously green day! 

We've enjoyed such varied and wonderful days out 'Rewilding the Mind'. Big thanks to Winston for leading the rambles and to the adventurous and curious UPLIFTER's who've come along and got involved! We hope you've had lots of magical moments along the way!  

Allotment Socials!

Did you know we use our allotment to host allotment socials?

Music amongst the Marrows! 

Our June allotment social began with a ukulele workshop which saw lots of UPLIFTER’s come along to use the multicoloured ukulele’s provided by the amazing Chris McShane who is just the most fantastic teacher and really puts the fun back into teaching! It was lots of giggles and lots of songs all in the theme of gardening and the weather!

Musician Ryan Lauder joined UPLIFTERS for more lovely sounds around the fire with lots of marshmallow action, lots of chip butties and even a little bit of gardening thrown in!

Berry Baskets! 

Of course we live in a country where we can never rely on the weather! Therefore our July allotment social sadly had to be moved indoors on account of the rain, however it didn’t stop UPLIFTER’s from enjoying a great social which involved a fabulous workshop with Karina from 'Whittle and Weave' who has been weaving baskets for over twenty years and has an astounding knowledge of all things Willow!

UPLIFTER’s learned that it's not easy to make a basket, it is in fact quite hard work! Strong hands are a must! It made for a real bonding experience amongst the group with blood sweat and tears going into the making of the baskets – quite literally – hands were cut and frustrations mounted, but it was totally worth it to see the finished articles! 

As the thundery forecast continued, the evenings music was also brought indoors where Craig and Luke from Undergroove entertained the crowds with funk, blues and rock music whilst pizza was being devoured! 

Never one to let the weather put us off, this alternative allotment social was far from a wash out!

With thanks to Barnsley YMCA for the generous use of their allotment, we look forward to lots of future fun on the patch!

Garden Gathering!

They say a picture paints a thousand words so for this particular entry we're going to let the pictures do the talking as we got such fabulous snaps from our Garden Gathering Green UPLIFT at the Carer’s Garden back in May!

It was a lovely Spring day for this relaxed and creative event which saw UPLIFTER’S come together for a chilled afternoon of sketching, mosaic making, picnics and music. 

There were smiles on the faces of all involved as they created beautiful mosaics, laughter and chat was a plenty over picnics and sweet treats and there were some very special mindful moments with Rachel Howden Massey from 'Other Ways to Walk'. As the afternoon drew into early evening, UPLIFTER's enjoyed signing and dancing to the samba beats of Latin band, Armando.

‘Garden Gathering’ was an event in the diary to celebrate creativity and well-being week, a national initiative that raises awareness of the positive impact that creativity can have on our wellbeing. And it certainly hit the nail on both, with the Creative Recovery community knowing full well that the two-go hand in hand. With special thanks to the hidden gem that is the Carer's Garden for hosting, creativity and wellbeing was on full display!

Of the day, our friends from the Carer’s Garden said: 

"Awesome day with you marvellous lot! The garden is a place for communities to come together to nurture our souls in the beauty of nature.  With music, colour and a collective, we raised the vibration! Thank you all for being there."

"Thank you to everyone that made this day absolutely perfect." - UPLIFT Participant

"Look at all those wonderfully happy faces."

- UPLIFT Participant

This Green UPLIFT project was funded and supported by South Yorkshire's Community Foundation, Creative Minds, South Yorkshire integrated care system an NHS partnership, Barnsley Healthcare Federation.

A Creative Collaboration with Chol Theatre

On this wet weekend we're casting our mind's back to sunnier times and an earlier event on this year's UPLIFT calendar which featured a fantastic two part UPLIFT with the brilliant Chol theatre!

The first part of this creative collaboration saw us head to one of our favourite spots, RSPB Old Moor, to watch Chol Theatre's ‘On the Coal Face’ story trail, the second instalment in their ‘Flock of Stories’ series which shares stories of the 1984 miner’s strike, inspired by local stories from the mining communities of Barnsley. 

In a promenade performance, the audience were led around the reserve meeting various character’s along the way. Early on the trail we hear from local lad, Eric, who tells us that like many others round here, he was always destined for a life in the pit, his family are all miners - coal runs through his blood. We meet miner Stanley who has also worked in the pit, man and boy, and tells us tales of the camaraderie and friendships forged deep underground. And lastly we meet Birdie, the wife of Stanley, at the forefront of the Women against pit closures movement as she joins the pickets and paves a new way for women of the era. With powerful monologues and a call to action, the story trail leads the audience back to the court yard where the audience was able to enjoy the rousing sounds of a local brass band in the Springtime sunshine. Glorious!

Inspired by the story trail, UPLIFTER’S then had an opportunity to work with the writer and director of the piece, Carly Ann-Clark, in a creative writing workshop that invited participants to explore their imagination and find their voice. The session began with writing warm up games encouraging participants to think about different words and their meaning and the implications of those words. Starting with their own individual names, the group looked at who called them their name and reason behind it, discussing what it means to them as well as looking at nicknames. This led to a wider discussion of What is in a name? Carly then introduced pictures of people and protests as a means to explore emotions. If a picture says a thousand words what would those words be? Different objects were also used a stimulus to dip into the fantastical, thinking about the places where these objects belong, the story behind them and the characters that connect with them. All of which helped work towards the group taking on some free writing. 

On the session Carly says;

"I think many of the participant’s felt really surprised to see where their imagination had them and what they had achieved from the start of the workshop to the end. Everyone had written a really effective monlogue and read aloud to the group. They were a total joy to work with, really playful and really creative.”

 

Hearing from participant's it appears the feeling was entirely mutual!:

"I loved this afternoon - well planned with a great flow. It was interactive and there was no right or wrong. Super fabulous! Please come back!"

"It's helped me to tap into my imagination. I've enjoyed sharing ideas and I've felt respected and listened to. I'd love to be involved in a play!"

"Thank you for a fantastic group. I've enjoyed every minute!" 

 

We couldn't have put it better! A great UPLIFT enjoyed by all and we look forward to working with the lovely Chol Theatre again very soon!

To find out more about Chol Theatre and the brilliant work they do in communities across Yorkshire, visit: wearechol.co.uk

UPLIFT Central Area: Growing Creativity!

Here at Creative Recovery we are in the early stages of an exciting new project, UPLIFT Central Area: Growing Creativity!

UPLIFT Central Area: Growing Creativity, is an 18 month project which follows a series of successful pilot UPLIFT takeovers across the Central Area between 2019 - 2022. It has been co-designed alongside the Central Area team to realise a collective vision of a more creative, connected and healthier community in the Central Area of Barnsley.

The project focuses on three neighbourhood's across the Central area all identified for the health challenges and barriers to culture that they face. Working on the Summer Lane estate, Gilroyd estate and areas within Worsborough, this is an artist led project headed up by Creative Recovery’s Artist Developer, Charlie Barnes and People Grower, Lorna Szkliniarz. Together they will be working in collaboration with local residents, responding to the creative visions of each community to support them in their ideas to build community and feed into Barnsley’s wider cultural scene. This will also see partnership working from key partners including the Central Area Team (Barnsley BMBC), Berneslai Homes and Barnsley Libraries.

Work on the ground has begun with Lorna and Charlie meeting residents of all three neighbourhoods in a bid to find out what they need from their area and how the project might best work for them. Lorna tells us that even in these early consultations there seems to be a collective response across the board - a call for community, a nostalgic echo for things to be how they used to be. Speaking to residents of the Gilroyd estate it is clear to see their passion for the neighbourhood and their community, they are keen to preserve its identity and memory whilst simultaneously they wish to see the area grow, thrive. This is echoed across Worsborough with resident’s calling for togetherness and a sense of community. Similarly, in conversation with residents of the Summer Lane estate there’s a real endeavour for the estate to come together to help the estate grow. 

These early conversations have offered up some valuable insights and we’ve seen great engagement and enthusiasm for the project so far. Meetings with local groups and residents are starting to see lots of creative ideas and exciting plans beginning to take shape and we’re looking forward to working with each community to realise their ambitions, all of which we’ll keep you posted on in a monthly blog!

So, if you’re a resident of Summer Lane, Gilroyd or Worsborough and would like to get involved or would like to hear more about the project, we’d love to hear from you! This is your community and your project!

To get in touch you can email, Lorna at: upliftpeoplegrower@gmail.com

or Charlie at: upliftartistdeveloper@gmail.com

We look forward to giving you an update in our next blog which will feature content from our creative open days and plans so far for each area.

 In the meantime, we share the thoughts of one of our lovely residents from the Summer Lane estate:

“I feel really optimistic about plans for the neighbourhood. It feels really positive.'”

UPLIFT Central Area: Growing Creativity is a Creative Recovery project. It is supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England and the Central Area Council (Barnsley MBC), with support from partners, Berneslai Homes and Barnsley Libraries.