The amazing movement and dance practitioner Hayley Beecher was chosen to deliver six outdoor sessions in Greasbrough Park. Good weather and curiosity encouraged a small but dedicated group of local women and one slightly less dedicated man to meet each week under the trees in the park to breath, move and dance and ‘Mindful Movement’ became a thing. Flux Mindful Movement sessions are now regular monthly sessions indoors at St. Mary's Church Hall in Greasbrough, and when the weather is fine outdoors in the surrounding green space. They have become a talked about and treasured part of the community.

Through supporting these sessions, the Flux Rotherham team had the opportunity to talk to the group and also to other park users not only about what was happening at the session but also about what else could happen at Greasbrough with us. Casual conversations and meetings are an important part of what the team do in community settings, a park or green space is especially useful, open to everyone, no invitations or doors to go through these are place where anyone can be. Over the six weeks of the sessions, each week we spoke with walkers, dog walkers, pram pushers, bowlers, newspaper readers, flower admirers, passers by curiosity seekers.

We were also fortunate to have a couple of friendly local councillors supporting and participating in the sessions when they could, so we could discuss with them about what sort of things might be welcome more widely in terms of creative activities locally. Greasbrough has the largest community of over 55’s in the Rotherham Borough with issues such as isolation and loneliness high on the agenda, so socialising through creative and cultural activity with Flux Rotherham was something they wanted to explore.

A plan was hatched and we decided on a ‘trip out’ to bring residents of three local sheltered housing schemes together. A coach was booked and 20 residents had a wonderful day out at Cannon Hall Country Park. During the day we discussed the type of creative activities they would like to try and three were chosen by the group, natural wreath making, lantern making and glass art. We booked a local church hall (St. Mary’s at Greasbrough, thank you!) and once a month a Flux artist delivered these sessions, these three sessions have now turned into a monthly session. They have become the second talked about and treasured part of Greasbrough Creates.

The original group has grown and changed with people dipping in and out but there are a regular 20 participants at each session. Discussions are had and decisions are made about what’s next in terms of creativity, and a wonderful atmosphere of support and friendship has grown over the months we’ve been supporting the Greasbrough Creates group. The social aspect of these sessions is probably as important to people who take part in them as the creative activity, a hot drink and a biscuit, a chat about the shared task and a laugh about it are all part of the couple of hours we’re there. Everyone helps tidy up and do the drinks, offers a lift or company for the journey home.

The Future

As the group has progressed we’ve found all the members have real creative talent and skills they can share with the other members and beyond if they choose to. Two members are now booked in to deliver future sessions with Greasbrough creates and there are others who possibly over time will do the same, as confidence grows and they are supported by their fellow group members to build on their own talent and skills.

Looking ahead, we hope to continue building on the success of Greasbrough Creates—nurturing creativity, connection, and confidence within the community. Our ambition is to grow the project further, reaching more people and expanding into other local green and community spaces. We're excited to see where Greasbrough Creates might grow next.

By Alison Somerset - Ward and Katie Matthews