Reconnect #66

The good living and community magazine for Exeter, Plymouth and across South Devon APR/MAY 20 ISSUE 66

produce k energy k land k homes k community k wellbeing k arts

beauty in self isolation

Pleas e tak e one

FREE !

Local hope for a county in shut down

emotional support See our extended wellbeing section

creativity for the future Events on hold until this is over

take me home & read me!

imperative rewilding Learning how to make a difference

Providing a local connection to your community during social isolation - powered by the people!

Visit us online at www.reconnectonline.co.uk

T HE NAUTILUS R OOMS

Upfront

WELCOME...

5 everyday superfoods

to what has been an extraordinarily difficult issue for us.

We have been caught in the middle of a pandemic and realise, as we go to press, that many of the events and happenings we feature this issue may very well not be happening once we have gone to press. There’s a chance some will be held online so please check their websites - we all have plenty of time to use the internet during this isolation period.

This is one of the biggest events for us to experience and we sincerely hope we all get through this in one piece.

It’s at times like these that community spirit comes to the fore. Please contact us if you would like those in Reconnectland to know of anyway you are helping our community in this most difficult of times. See www.pinpointdevon.co.uk We would like to thank you for your understanding during this difficult time and we look forward to sharing further details about those events that are rescheduled.

All the best

LIVING MADE SIMPLE 20

COVERSTORY...

IT'SWHAT WE'REABOUT

Broughttoyou by...

INTHISISSUE...

LEARNING OLD WAYS

Young people’s creativity EDITOR Scott Williams

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SOUTH WESTERLIES 9 We’ll get through this

TOTNES POUND 11

Learning old ways page 7

Time for community currency EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Karen Williams

GOING OUT

12

Actually it is staying in

ORGANIC GARDENING14 WELLBEING EDITOR Kate Philbin

Time to get planting

PERMACULTURE 16

For health & wellbeing

The Nautilus Rooms in Totnes specialises in talking and creative arts therapies. We have a team of highly trained and experienced coaches, counsellors, family therapists, psychotherapists, psychologists, relationship therapists, sand play and creative arts therapists.

These mental health professionals work across a range of different theoretical models and with all ages. All are professionally qualified and insured. Wonderfully supported by massage therapists and mindfulness practitioners.

We are in a secluded location just off Fore Street and attract clients from across the South West.

Check out The Nautilus Rooms website for more information. www.nautilusrooms.uk or email nautiluscentre@gmail.com

Sandplay and Creative Therapies The Nautilus Rooms are home to the West Country’s leading provider of Integrative Sandplay and Therapeutic Art trainings.

Our courses are awarded by The Association of Integrative Sandplay Therapists.

Check out our website for more information: www.sandplayuk.uk or contact Ruth Baker at sandplaytherapyuk@gmail.com Some of the courses are postponed due to uncertainty around Coronavirus please contact Ruth for information.

Sandplay Therapists Courses

Foundation in Integrative Sandplay Therapy (2 day course): 4th and 5th April 2020 24th and 25th October 2020 Diploma in Integrative Sandplay Therapy (4 3-day weekends): 20th - 2nd March 2020 1st - 3rd May 2020 26th - 28th June 2020 Advanced Diploma in Integrative Sandplay Therapy (5 3-day weekends): 17th - 19th April 2020 29th - 31st May 2020 Foundation in Therapeutic Art (2 day course): Enquire for a Spring 2020 date 26th-27th September 2020 Autumn 2020 diploma in therapeutic art and diploma in Integrative sandplay therapy

Mindfulness Courses Sand and Mindfulness

individual day and ongoing group – please enquire

Mindfulness in Nature please enquire

Continuing Professional Development Courses:

Introduction to the Archetypes in the Sand 2-day course If you are interested in a course however the dates don't work for you - do get in touch with Ruth to discuss further.

For more information email: ruthbaker1@gmail.com

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The Nautilus Rooms • 35a Fore Street • Totnes • TQ9 5HN www.nautilusrooms.uk • nautiluscentre@gmail.com Call Ruth on 07736 334454 or Peter on 07826 414404

Advertising: 01392 346342 adverts@reconnectonline.co.uk

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

COUNSELLOR WRITER Leigh Smith

GO WILD IN THE GARDEN 17 Soil and compost

Hill tribe - page 22

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NOURISHING FOOD

You couldn’t make it up

ON HALDON HILL

22

Happenings on the hill

CLIMATE CHANGE FUND 25 Carbon cutting projects

WELLBEING PAGES

26

Our holistic health guide

EMOTIONAL HEALTH 28

GARDENING EXPERT Joa Grower

Imposter syndrome

CLASSIFIED ADS 41

Reconnect’s small ads FOOD WRITER Jane Hutton

WEBSITE EDITORS www.doetsdesign.com

TECHNICAL AIDE Zelah Williams

STAY IN TOUCH...

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Please recycle this magazine by passing it on to someone else after you’ve read it COPYRIGHT © Reconnect Magazine. All rights reserved. No

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COVER IMAGES Main picture: Samjhana Moon (www. samjhanamoon.com) Top to bottom: Living with loss www.gaiahouse. co.uk; Rite of Passage - www. onthehill.camp; and Rewilding at Devon Sculpture Park - www. devonsculpturepark. org That’s a saving of £93.90.

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JUNE/JULY issue out end of May - the next deadline is May 4 PRINTED BY William Pollard & Co Ltd, Exeter www.pollardsprint.co.uk WEBSITE Visit our website at www.reconnectonline.co.uk.

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Editorial: 01392 346342 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

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news&views

NEWS&views Helping visitors to find their way around

H Sunday sessions

FOLLOWING a packed to the rafters Black Bird takeover at the very first Sunday Sessions at the New Lion Brewery, the collective return on Sunday April 12 with another free takeover featuring a live acoustic set from Kuki and The Bard (pictured).

The Black Bird Pop Up Shop takes over The New Lion Brewery for the day (2pm - 3pm) with playbacks from their amazing Vinyl collection plus music and merchandise for sale (every penny from sales goes directly back to the artist).

Tasty Vegan bar snacks will be available from The Hedgerow Hound, who will be serving up their delicious pies and bhajis.

Food showcase

EXETER Festival of South West Food & Drink Festival returns to Northernhay Gardens on the May VE Bank Holiday weekend over 3 days May 8-10.

OW well do you know the South West Coast?

Could you give visitors an accurate history of local attractions - where are the top museums or best places Are you an expert on our coastline. Do you know which South to spot Devon fishing village this is? wildlife?

When are hotelier, work in a bar, shop, café the best festivals or events held and or hair-dresser,” says Samantha where should art-lovers head to?

Richardson, Academy Director of the NCTA. If you’re in any doubt, now is the perfect time to put your skills to the There is a total of eight courses test with englandscoastambassador. covering every section of the coast co.uk - a free, online productof England; the course is free, can knowledge training course tailored be undertaken in stages, and on for everyone who interacts with successful completion users can visitors to our shores. download a personalised certificate.

Developed by the National Coastal Englandscoastambassador.co.uk Tourism Academy (NCTA), which features modules on nature, local is designed for anyone who comes towns and villages, top tips on face to face with tourists visiting our getting around the county, activities coastline. The course is packed with and more, and there’s a special information on South Devon, as well module on understanding how as Cornwall, North Devon, Exmoor to welcome international visitors, and Somerset. facts on the key markets and what “This free online training course businesses need to do to attract and is ideal for anyone working in retain these visitors. the hospitality industry or meeting international visitors in any capacity, whether you’re a restaurateur,

l For more information visit englandscoastambassador.co.uk.

Packaging solutions HAVE you thought up an ecoresponsible product or packaging solution to beat our plastic packaging problem? If you have then BeyondPlastic would like to hear from you and you could start a sustainable packaging renaissance.

BeyondPlastic is an initiative by German inventor and engineer Ulrich Krzyminski that aims to unite everyone to work together for a world with less plastic. To this end, they have launched the first ever BeyondPlastic Award where they are welcoming environmentalists, students, designers, entrepreneurs, artists, makers, businesses – or anyone with an idea – to enter their sustainable packaging idea.

Aside from making the world a better place, they are offering cash prizes up to € 1,000 in three categories: ‘Most Practical Impact’, ‘Most Innovative Approach’ and ‘Most Beautiful Solution’ with a Gold, Silver & Bronze award in each category.

The Awards are open until April 30 and will celebrate the most innovative and beautiful sustainable packaging solutions from across the world.

It could be an idea, concept, project, prototype or even a solution already in market which reduces plastic packaging. l For more information on how to enter, visit https://www. beyondplastic.net/award.

Craft sales online

ORGANISERS have decided to postpone Craft Festival Bovey Tracey that was due to take place June 12-14. Craft Festival Director,Sarah James said: “We exist to support contemporary makers of craft and we are very pleased that we were able to secure dates later in the year. Craft Festival Bovey Tracey has been re-scheduled for September 1820. We are working very hard to make sure the transition to September goes smoothly.”

As a small, non-profit making organisation, they’re also very mindful of their amazing ‘Makers’, all of whom are small businesses and have prepared stock. Many of these Makers also sell online, so we would like to encourage those that would normally have visited Craft Festival Bovey Tracey to show their support by visiting their platforms and support them if you can by buying something handmade.

You can find all Craft Festival Bovey Tracey Exhibitors details www.craftfestival. co.uk/Bovey-Tracey/ or via madebyhandonline.com

Protest songs

3 Acres and a Cow bring a history of land rights and protest in folk song and story to Totnes on Sunday April 26 at 3pm at St John’s Church in Bridgetown.

See threeacresandacow.co.uk for more.

Successful wellbeing show returns

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WELLBEING show is only as good as its exhibitors – and you can trust the Newton Abbot Wellbeing Show which hopes to return to Newton Abbot Racecourse on Saturday June 6, to have the best around with an eclectic mix of exhibitors, demonstrations and more.

Free to attend, this year’s show is a celebration of all things wellness and wellbeing related and is fast becoming a must-visit event in the region.

Running from 10am until 4pm, the show features around 60 exhibitors showcasing a range of products and services from reflexology and reiki through to life coaching, crystals and more.

Following their success in previous years, the 2020 show will once again feature a series of free workshops for visitors to gain a real sense of what the presenters have to offer. Alongside the workshops, visitors will be able to view the fantastic array of products and enjoy taster sessions from practitioners.

The show begins at 10am with free entry for all attendees and ample on-site free parking. A delicious menu of treats will also be on sale throughout the day from the racecourse – the perfect excuse to recharge during your visit.

Jenny Paton, Business Development Manager at Newton Abbot Racecourse, said: “Each year the Wellbeing Show grows into a bigger and better event. This year is set to be bigger again with a mix of indoor and outdoor exhibitors plus the new addition of a Tai Chi demonstration in the Parade Ring to bring the Wellbeing Show to life.

“It’s the perfect opportunity to learn more about different wellbeing and wellness practices and try some of the fantastic products and services on offer from our exhibitors.”

Applications are now open for wellbeing practitioners and suppliers to exhibit at the Wellbeing Show. For more information on the show, visit www.newtonabbotracing. com or email Jenny@newtonabbotracing.com

The Plot

PLYMOUTH based Nudge Community Builders next build is going to be an alternative shopping arcade. The Plot will bring new activity and opportunities into the community and create a link for local residents living behind on to Union Street.

eCommerce

Local charity Hospiscare are looking for volunteers to join their Ecommerce Team in Exeter. Based in Marsh Barton, the Ecommerce Team research, photograph, list, sell and dispatch unique items on eBay and Amazon to help raise as much money as possible for Hospiscare patients. If you are interested in giving volunteering a try, visit the volunteering section of the Hospiscare website or call 01392 428824 to find out more.

Reconnect online WE don’t know what will happen in the next few months, and have no idea if we will be able to publish the next issue at the moment, or be able to deliver it. We will let you know via our website, and if necessary publish an online version to ensure you are kept informed.

Exeter’s ‘brightest’ 5k run returns raising funds for Children’s Hospice

F Kitley Angels

LOCAL Artist Dan Wheatley has produced ‘Kitley Angels’ - two large scale oil paintings that have been painted in his studio in Totnes. After a year of work, the Angels are now complete and have been put on permanent display in Kitley House, Devon.

The theme of the paintings relates to Dan’s lifelong obsession with the work of the Italian painter Caravaggio. They were commissioned by the owners of Kitley House, Sarah and Spike, as a centre piece of the main Regency Room.

Dan Wheatley was the last protégé of Plymouth painter Robert Lenkiewicz, and worked in his Barbican studios where he was both inspired and encouraged by this great painter.

Lenkiewicz lodged within the Kitley Estate for a period of time and Dan honours this link through ‘Kitley Angels’. l More of Dan’s work can be seen at www.danwheatley.com

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ANCY a different kind of family fun day? How about taking the family to ‘Exeter’s brightest’ 5k charity fun run and raise funds for Children’s Hospice South West at the same time?

Registration for the Rainbow Run still hoping to take place at Westpoint this summer on Saturday June 20, is now open. More than 1,000 people walked, jogged or ran through a series of coloured paint stations at last year’s event, raising £55,000 for Children’s Hospice South West.

This year, the charity hopes even more people will take part in the colourful fun in support of hundreds of children with life-limiting conditions and their families.

Event fundraiser Jayne Jarrett said: “This is Exeter’s brightest sponsored 5K! It’s suitable for all abilities and a brilliant way to support your local children’s hospice.

Anyone aged five and above can take part – so gather friends and family or get colleagues together to enter a team and help make it a day to remember.”

The event village will be

Advertising: 01392 346342

open from 11am, with face painters, a bouncy castle, fun tents with games and tombolas, and music from Radio Exe. There will also be food and drink available.

“Entry covers your participation and by asking just a handful of people to sponsor you, or organising a rainbow dress down day at your school or work, you could raise £50 too,” added Jayne.

Children’s Hospice South West run three hospices in North Devon, North Somerset and Cornwall, and offer local families respite breaks and the chance to make the most of their precious time together.

This year’s event, which has been granted Plastic Free Coastlines status by Surfers Against Sewage, is sponsored by health insurance and income protection specialist The Exeter.

Tickets are priced at £20/£12, and £30/£15 on the day of the event. The suggested sponsorship target is £30 for adults and £20 for children. l To buy a ticket, or for more information, visit www.chsw. org.uk/rainbowexeter

Last year’s Rainbow Run at Westpoint, Exeter – photographer Eleanor Davis

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

Editorial: 01392 346342 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

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news&views

Grove School kids in the woods with tools.

The pathway to the stars

PLEASE contact us if you have a story to share with Reconnect readers. editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

DEVON scientist Dr Grahame Blackwell has written a radically new-style science fiction series The Vaikandor Trilogy introducing Consciousness Science alongside conventional Physics, using meditation and applied intention to achieve results unattainable by traditional means – such as fasterthan-light interstellar travel (without breaking any of the laws of Physics).

The first book Eden’s Children is set in South Devon and features Totnes, the River Dart, Dartmouth and the Yealm estuary, as well as various Plymouth landmarks. The action is set less than twenty years from now – so locals will feel very much at home!

Dr Blackwell was formerly a lecturer/researcher at Plymouth University and has published papers on Relativity and Particle Physics in a leading scientific journal.

Find out more at: www.vaikandor.com

Active transport day

AS part of Exmouth Town Council’s commitment to working with TrEx on climate action events, on April 18 an Active Transport day in the Strand was being planned with e-bike trials, public transport, cycling, Dr Bike, Sustrans, Stagecoach, GWR and more.

Go Green Fest Dawlish Dawlish Against Plastic group is holding their first ever Go Green Fest in Dawlish on July 26.

Planned to be a fun, free event for all ages, the day will be a celebration of sustainable living full of interactive, informative and inspirational activities.

Steering member Dave Hutton said: “In 2018, Dawlish Against Plastic achieved PlasticFree Community Status from Surfers Against Sewage for the communities of Dawlish, Dawlish Warren, Cockwood and Holcombe.

We see this is a springboard to broaden awareness of environmental issues in our area hence the Go Green Fest.”

Taking place on The Lawn, the free event will be organised by Dawlish Against Plastic, Dawlish Town Council and Sustainable Dawlish. Find out more at www. dawlishagainstplastic.org.uk/go-green-fest

New exhibitions

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ARBOUR House Centre for Arts and Yoga in Kingsbridge will be showcasing the exhibitions in the coming months.

Wildlife (until April 15) is the first of their two annual open art exhibitions featuring a wide range of works by local artists in response to the theme.

Photographer Emma Andrews presents atmospheric and compelling landscape and images of nature from South Devon and Dartmoor in My Camera and Eye (April 21-26).

Shirley Kirkcaldy and Jackie Gale’s collaboration Fusion (April 30-May 10) brings a

unique mix of landscape work and contemporary textile art.

The Drawn to the Valley network of artists based around the Tamar Valley bring a varied exhibition to Kingsbridge (May 12-17).

Regular exhibitors Cherry Lyons and Wendy Chudley show the whole process of creating works

Emma Andrews, Blue Dusk at South Milton of art in the exhibition From Start to Finish (May 19 - June 7). l Find out more at www. harbourhouse.org.uk

NEWS&views

Learning old ways

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evon Guild of Craftsmen at Bovey Tracey hopes to be home to a new exhibition which explores creativity with young people using traditional skills in the woods.

It focused on a project by curator and educator Raj Patel, who persuaded local schools to work outdoors with master craftspeople and learn old ways - using hand tools to work green wood. From this, the students un-earthed knowledge about sustainable woodland management, nature conservation, and the important affect of trees and replanting on climate change.

Since September 2018 six local craftspeople have worked with Devon schools - The Grove Primary School, KEVICCs in Totnes and Ashburton Primary School. The exhibition, Old Skills New Ways, re-tells the students’ journey of connecting with nature and exploring the heritage craft of greenwood working during the2018 project. They joined skilled makers in the wood camp and got hands-on with traditional techniques of woodcarving, shaving, whittling, joining and weaving.

Raj Patel, Curator of the exhibition

said: “The Old Skills New Ways project has been transformative for the students, teachers and makers involved. The exhibition at Devon Guild is a fantastic opportunity for students and craftspeople alike to show their talents in the context of one of the most prestigious craft galleries in the South West.”

Raj wants new generations to rediscover that you can use older ways - such as these practical wood craft skills – to successfully make a living, no matter what your age or gender, while also caring for the environment!

To help plant the seed, there may be a Meet the Future maker-space in the gallery, where visitors can interact with information about how trees grow and cultivating woodlands.

There might also be a programme of intergenerational workshops, Maker events and Tree Talks by forestry experts and woodworkers.

The Glade to host a history of spoken word

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E can think of no better setting than Dartington’s wonderful The Glade to enjoy an evening of poetry. On Sunday April 5 poet and performer Pete The Temp will be bringing to life some of the most iconic moments in the history of performance poetry, from ‘Homer to Hip Hop’, from ballad singers and Beat poets to the icons of dub, punk and hip hop, after the publication of Pete’s ground breaking new book Stage Invasion by Out-Spoken Press.

A former National Poetry Slam Champion, Pete (The Temp) Bearder is a spoken word poet, comic and musician whose work has been featured on BBC Radio 4, The World Service and Newsnight.

Support comes from Devon-born poet and provocateur T.S. IDIOT, presenting an excerpt from his

new show ‘I’m a Nobody, Get Me Out of Here’ with equal parts tenderness and humour. Also on the bill is nomadic poet Beryl The Feral and local performer Izabella Finch. There will also be an Open Mic section of the night, as well as a workshop during the day (more information coming soon). Tickets £7.89 via Eventbrite.

Mad Dog Mcrea’s gypsy caravan weekender EASTER Bank Holiday weekend, April 9-11 was hoping to see Exeter Phoenix host the inaugural Mad Dog Mcrea’s Gypsy Caravan Weekender.

In the Main Auditorium, Thursday sees Hands Off Gretel headlining with Black Water County (pictured) and Sick Love supporting. Friday sees Noble Jacks top the bill with The Hawkmen and Flats and Sharps supporting. Saturday will be headlined by none other than Mad Dog Mcrea themselves with support from Amy Montgomery

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Advertising: 01392 346342 adverts@reconnectonline.co.uk

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and Old Sea Legs, which is the new project from Ian Bermingham; songwriter, performer and former frontman of The Eskies.

Individual day or all three-day tickets are available..

Evolution, Exeter's Holistic and Ethnic Shop will very soon be moving again or maybe already by the time you read this.

It's only just across the road and down a bit to 157 Fore Street. We're making some changes and may include therapy rooms and a coffee shop eventually.

Hope to see you there soon!

Tel: 01392 410759 Mobile: 07773282861 Email: info@evolution-exeter.co.uk Website: www.evolution-exeter.co.uk Facebook: www.facebook.com/evolutionexeter Editorial: 01392 346342 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

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NEWS&views

Photo shows Jeff with his Mum, Peggy in 2018

Gemfest reaches a milestone

Reconnect can help to keep you young ‘AGE is mostly a matter of mind - if you don’t mind it doesn’t matter,’ as Mark Twain once famously wrote. What is less well known (and maybe not scientifically provable) is that reading Reconnect can help to keep you young – at least in spirit and your outlook on life. That, at any rate, is the belief of regular contributor Jeff Sleeman whose mother Peggy had been a keen reader of the magazine for many years until she regrettably died in January at the impressive age of 98.

Said Jeff: “Mum had a wonderfully optimistic attitude and a real joy for life right to the end. She was always interested to read about my various projects in the pages of Reconnect and

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got a lot of enjoyment and inspiration from all the articles. I will of course miss her (and the reassurance that I had at least one devoted reader!) but I will endeavour to keep alive her sense of optimism, interest in people and delightful sense of humour. I feel very fortunate to have had her as such a positive influence in my life.” l You can discover more about Jeff by visiting his website www.jeffsleeman.com

Climate Fair celebrates opportunities

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OUTH Brent Village Hall (due to be held on April18) has postponed until September 5.

The event will be home to a free, fun, inspiring, family-friendly Climate Fair - an initiative of Sustainable South Brent. Expect stalls, demonstrations and displays, a local producers’ mini-market, a café, films, talks, entertainment and workshops, all exploring the themes of EFFECTS on: Energy, Fashion, Food, Environment, Construction, Travel and Social.

People are encouraged to bring an old T-shirt, to restyle in a drop-in workshop; a bicycle, for a free bike check’; and energy bills, for energy saving/cost-cutting advice.

Climate Fair co-organiser Jane Nichols says: ”We all want to ‘do our bit’ to help cut waste, restore our countryside, support a thriving local community, save energy and reduce our bills.

Climate heating is undoubtedly a challenge, but this Fair is about the opportunities we have.

There will be lots of great ideas to help people make positive choices. And we’d love to hear any further suggestions people may like to contribute on the day.”

There will also be mini-bus tours of local community projects throughout the day including the community-owned wind turbine and various solar and water-powered generators, compost scheme, coppiced woodland, allotments, and in-town wildflower areas. www. sustainablesouthbrent.org.uk.

EMMA Wensley, a former pupil at Exeter College, has always been a live music fan and regularly attended festivals across the country. In 2009, Gemma fell seriously ill with an inoperable brain tumour and was given the devastating news that her condition was terminal.

Gemfest first took place in 2012; Gemma’s friends organised a surprise indoor festival to celebrate her 30th birthday, a milestone they feared she would never reach.

This year’s Gemfest was to be bigger and better than ever, originally set return to Exeter Phoenix in April ( to celebrate a very special tenth anniversary, and its sixth year of raising much-needed funds for The Brain Tumour Charity Trust and local hospice charity, Hospiscare.

After months of gruelling treatment, miraculously the tumour started to shrink and Gemma improved drastically.

2020 celebrates a very special tenth anniversary by marking ten years since Gemma’s treatment started. To date, over £25,000 has been raised for the two charities that supported Gemma through her illness - Hospiscare and The Brain Tumour charity.

Gemma’s family and friends cannot express how glad

south westerlies...

TORBAY herbalist Dawn Ireland of Green Wyse explains a little about medicinal uses of common seeds or herbs, taking us on a virtual Reconnect herb walk.

Don’t Panic! they are that Gemma is here to celebrate yet another miraculous milestone.

Gemma has also returned to work as a general nurse at the Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital, something she never anticipated doing in the early days of her diagnosis.

When it returns Gemfest will be a festival of two halves. The daytime (11am-4pm) would be a free, family-orientated event for children of all ages with arts and crafts, workshops, sports, games, competitions, live music and lots more attractions.

Music will be provided by local youth musicians and singers, Teenagers for Hospiscare.

The evening event is expected to run from 6pm until midnight with live music over two stages. A silent disco and other entertainment will also be available.

Gemfest has been postponed for now, with Gemma and her firends working for the NHS.

Our clocks show the day of the moon phase or menstrual cycle so you and your family are always aware of the energetics both within and around you. Making it easy to manage your diary in flow with the natural rhythm, whilst staying present to your energy levels and emotions.

www.innerseasons.com Order online with a 10% DISCOUNT enter code: reconnect2020 at checkout

"Choosing to live life in a cyclical way is an empowering adventure that leads you to your own true North."

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The Reconnect herb walk

TESTING times but Scott believes we will get through this together.

Living in harmony with the natural cycles is an easy way to reduce stress and enhance your wellbeing, even with a busy schedule.

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NEWS&views

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Y intention was for this piece to be the follow up to the festival one last issue, with suggestions for how our big outdoor events can get even more climate emergency proof with reference to travelling to events and the necessary circular thinking for future food systems at festivals. But circumstances have rather overtaken me.

We all now know about Covid-19, and I’ve left it as late as I can to write this, as the situation in regards to impacting on our lives is changing weekly, perhaps daily by the time you read this.

We are all aware of the dangerous pandemic we are in now, and worry about it what it will do to our community interactions. The enormous scale of what we face globally is now apparent. At the time of writing we have events listed in our Going Out Section, and most will be postponed. We are promoting events and retreats and it’s likely these will be put back in the calendar. But, with the print deadline here now I have little time to know what is still happening and what gets cancelled - I suspect it will be everything.

We at Reconnect are listening to government advice and are responding accordingly. Things are still fluid in regard to where we will distribute these issues, and whether we will be able to print the next issue, or perhaps gear up to publish online instead. That will depend upon futures advertisers and those that are still open to be able to stock copies.

We all still need to access wellbeing, to not panic, to help those in need in our community, to keep in touch with our community and come together at this difficult time.

At the time of writing we understand that many of our distribution points will remain open unless circumstances require otherwise.

Hopefully you have a copy in your hand right now.

There’s also a responsibility on us if we get ill to stay at home, to self isolate, to not spread the virus through the air or on surfaces. If between printing and delivering any of those who print or deliver the magazines show symptoms, we will have had to halt delivery.

The thing in our favour at the moment is time. If the measures we are now under manage to stop the spread of the virus, then we could be looking at a more positive outcome in a couple of months. We have to hope the viral spread is stemmed and that our health systems are able to manage the influx, and containment is possible.

In the words of Douglas Adams: “Don’t Panic.” We need understanding and compassion.

I know our elders are worried, because the fact is that this illness is particularly hard on the old and the vulnerable. We have a responsibility to them to do what we can to look

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after our community - and to show our huge appreciation to the efforts of the millions of medical staff around the world putting themselves on the line to help every single case at any age from any walk of life.

By next issue, we may have a clearer idea of how to help our communities, and already our wonderful community are organising support for the most vulnerable and isolated. There are many ‘help hubs’ being set up to help on a local level, and a national page (www.facebook. com/CovidAidUK) to coordinate the community support. There are now over 500 local groups listed online. Search Facebook for local ‘Help Hubs’ as I write this groups include Devon COVID-19 Mutual Aid, Covid-19 Mutual Aid Plymouth, Torbay Help Hub, Totnes Help Hub, Exeter - Covid-19 mutual aid, and Eden Project Communities’ Community Action Response www. edenprojectcommunities.com Community help groups and faith organisations (like Churches Together) are mobilising to channel the generosity and compassion of the community. Many are still developing strategy to support volunteering and providing help with the highest level of safeguarding possible, while attempting to bring everyone in the community together.

But hopefully by the time you read this they’ll already be benefitting our local communities and keeping safeguarding high.

We can be fairly certain that the pandemic will lead to a global recession of a magnitude that has not been experienced. We will need to hope that it will eventually allow humanity to reset its values.

For decades we have known we must make massive changes to the way we live, travel, consume and entertain. We are going to have to get used to living with fewer possessions and travelling less, slowing down the pace, work from our homes, become more selfsufficient and mindful.

The upside is we have stopped buying useless goods, and pollution rates are falling. Oilderived consumerist production has slowed. What David Fleming called Lean Logic can come to the fore, a new beginning to build a new economy with other values and ways of handling production, transport, distribution and retail. A new arts-and-crafts century, where wellbeing is cherished with a much lighter environmental footprint.

Reconnect remains optimistic that local industries and activities will gain momentum and people-based initiatives will take over - when we leave our isolation, cottage industry, improvisation skills and creativity will be our spark.

Scott

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AKE a stroll through any deciduous woodland at this time of year and you are likely to come across the shade loving plants Wild Garlic and the invasive Tricorn Leek, all potentially growing amongst the bluebells.

Both Tricorn Leek (Allium triquetrum) and Wild Garlic (Allium ursinum) are edible and have medicinal benefits.

Bluebells are poisonous.

This underlines the importance of accurate identification, double check everything.

Wild Garlic leaves are wide, flat leaves (similar in fact to tulip leaves which of course don’t grow in the wild here). The smell is unmistakable.

Tricorn Leek, sometimes known as Onion flowers, have spear shaped leaves that are almost identical to Bluebells, often growing side by side. It’s also not unknown for the white flowered Bluebell to grow next to the Tricorn Leek, and the flowers are so similar you need to really study them to see the difference. (see photos) Unlike

Tricorn Leek flower

Tricorn Leek the bluebell and wild garlic, the Tricorn Leek is an invasive species and very difficult to get rid of once it has a hold. So no worries on gathering that one to eat. Food is your medicine and your medicine is your food.

All of the Allium family have constituents which are highly anti-microbial. Most people know the domestic cultivated garlic has these benefits, and there are many supplements available. All of this family have varying amounts of allicin, and other thiosulfinates.

In 2011 a research paper (noted below) showed Alliums to be inhibitory against all tested microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites. Alliums have also been shown to inhibit multidrug-resistant microorganisms and often work synergistically with common antimicrobials.

Including these plants in your diet will increase your antioxidant intake, be delicious and give you plenty of these hidden benefits. (easily grown in pots or in the garden, though be aware of the invasive nature as mentioned above).

No need to restrict to internal use, a simple anti-fungal foot treatment can be made by soaking chopped leaves in cider vinegar for a few days, then straining off and using the infused vinegar on athletes foot daily.

Antimicrobial properties of allium species Kyu HangKyung Sejong University, Food Science, Kunja-dong, Gwangjin-ku, Seoul, Republic of Korea

White Flowered Bluebell

l Find out more about herbalism and Dawn at www. torbay-herbalist.co.uk

Editorial: 01392 346342 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

9

NEWS&views

news & views

Trees planted at permaculture site

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ITH the help of volunteers New Futures Academy have just planted 350 trees in Littlehempston. This is the first step in the development of an exciting new 25 acre permaculture site, which New Futures Academy will be collaborating on with a number of local sustainable enterprises, including Treelines and The Woodland Presents.

programme of events for people of all ages (with subsidised places available for under 18’s) which we are hoping to be able to run from May through to September, although this is dependent on what the risk levels from the coronavirus pandemic turn out to be.”

Visit http://www. newfuturesacademy.co.uk/Events. php for further details of both their events and for updates on their covid19 policy.

Chris added: “We have a range of different activities on offer in this event programme, which include compost toilet building, cob pizza oven building, campfire cookery and climate change solutions.”

lovers Respect reschedules Ocean THE UK’s biggest beach

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XETER Pride trustees are postponing the May event “to ensure the continued health and well-being of everyone in the community”.

Originally scheduled to take place on Saturday, May 2, trustees are now exploring the new date of Saturday, September 26, subject to approval from authorities.

Simon Bowkett, chair of Exeter Pride said: “We cannot justify risking any compromise to the health of our community.

“We are foremost about inclusion – and the fact that many

of our disabled, older and immunocompromised people may feel safest to stay away would mean the event would have been poorer.

“We hope to be back in September or October as a healthy, inclusive, proud and unashamed community ready to celebrate coming through this adversity.”

clean weekend; the Big Spring Beach Clean: Summit To Sea takes place April 18-26. The campaign will see up to 50,000 volunteers participate at beaches, rivers, streets and mountains across the UK. For ocean activists everywhere, there will be river, rural and urban events to tackle plastic pollution before it gets to the coastline. Plus #IsolationBeachCleans to counteract the pandemic anxiety with some Vitamin Sea. The events will also include the UK’s biggest Plastic Pollution Brand Audit, identifying the brands contributing the most plastic pollution to the UK’s environment.

See www.sas.org.uk

Project Director Chris Smith said: “We will be basing most of our teaching there, in our classroom and outdoor learning site. The land itself, and all of the growing projects on it, will create a fantastic learning resource for our students and workshop participants. We have a summer

CLIMATE FAIR 2020 Helping you make a difference ber 5 | 11am-5pm temApril Saturday 18th New Date: Sep South Brent Village Hall

FREE, FUN, FAMILY-FRIENDLY EVENT BRING:

T- shirts (for upcycling workshop) Bikes (for free bike check) Energy Bills (for energy/cost cutting ideas)

Stalls

Energy Advice

Storytelling

EVENTS:

Talks

Demos & Displays

Children’s Activities

Music & Films

Café

Tours

Workshops

Free Park & Ride

Further details

Palstone Park recreation ground, Exeter Road, South Brent TQ10 9JP and Rattery Village Hall (Limited parking near South Brent Village Hall)

Facebook (Climate Fair 2020) Programme (sustainablesouthbrent.org.uk)

The Climate Fair 2020 is an initiative of Sustainable South Brent, supported by South Brent and Rattery Parish Councils and South Brent Community Energy Society.

10

Addiction charity welcomes grant

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OCAL addiction recovery charity Write to Freedom (W2F) are celebrating their award of a 3 year grant of £211,637 by the National Lottery’s Reaching Community Fund. The charity support people in addiction recovery to change their lives through mentoring, self-empowerment, wilderness experiences and the power of community.

Funding will support delivery of all programmes and develop a sustainable future to support long term addiction and trauma recovery throughout Devon and the UK, and enable W2F to develop their groundbreaking programme of ‘Recovery Tribes’ residential courses for new participants across the region.

With the funding W2F will build their new creative and therapeutic ‘Creative Pathways to Healing and Meaning’ programmes in partnership with Exeter University and industry professionals, specifically working with developing personal skills and passions as pathways to volunteering, employment and long-term recovery.

Write to Freedom was founded in 2008 by recovering addict, and regular Reconnect contributor, Caspar Walsh (see his latest column on page 40). Their staff and volunteers have a background in addiction recovery.

Caspar said: “Everyone should have equal access to supportive communities; to learning healthy

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ways of expressing and untangling confusing pasts and behaviours; to accessing natural environments and to exciting, creative and inspirational experiences.”

Introductory days and residential courses are nature-based, combining physical activity, team-building, bushcraft skills, group sharing and storytelling as processes for inner change. These complement traditional treatments and their success has led to ongoing referrals and a growing recovery community.

The pilot project of the ‘Creative Pathways’ programme saw the production of a short film, We Seek the Teeth, completed in September 2019. The film focuses on long term participant and lead nature connection facilitator, Ali Chapman and involved three members of the Write to Freedom community in the production crew.

Participant in 2016, and trainee leader, Ali said: “Being involved in the film was adding another layer of healing and shedding a layer of hurt.

I had to explore how it felt to make myself vulnerable and to trust – trust myself, the creative process, the end result. I began to learn to trust again on my W2F residential in 2016.

My tribe has never let me down. I thank all involved for the passion and tenderness in making this beautiful film of hope and healing.” l For more information see the Write to Freedom website www. writetofreedom.org.uk.

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A licence to print money THE Corona virus has upended our everyday lives. Inez Aponte considers whether it will offer us an opportunity to rethink our relationship to money.

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HESE last few weeks I have been deeply moved by the outpouring of kindness and generosity in my local community and in communities around the world. Support hubs for the elderly and vulnerable are sprouting up everywhere, online courses are being offered for free, people are singing and applauding from their balconies and the internet is exploding with tips on how to manage physically, emotionally and spiritually during isolation. My fellow humans are, mostly, showing how much they are willing to share what they have to benefit the greater good.

At the same time I am aware that many people’s lives are becoming increasingly precarious with businesses closing, jobs being lost and rents and mortgages still to pay. A lot of these people will be the same ones that are able and willing to put their efforts towards making life more bearable and beautiful for all of us.

And yet because these efforts are not considered economically useful they do not have access to the means of exchange, to credit.

Credit comes from the word ‘credere’ meaning to trust. The US dollar is emblazoned with the words In God We Trust, inserted during the Civil war as a response to heightened religious sentiment. We have historically placed our trust in banks to manage the means of exchange.

What might happen if we began to build trust in our local communities and began rewarding people with credit of our own?

The miracle of Wörgl In 1933, during the Great Depression, Michael Unterguggenburger was mayor of a small town in Austria called Wörgl. Seeing the state his town was in with 1/3 of the work force unemployed, 200 families penniless and a crumbling infrastructure, he decided to experiment. He used the 40.000 Austrian shillings remaining in the town’s coffers to back a local currency called Stamp Scrip which required a monthly stamp to remain valid. This monthly stamp cost 1% of the note’s value. What this meant was that everyone who got the money wanted to spend it straight away to prevent it losing its worth. As expected the currency sped through the local economy, enabling a variety of projects to be completed, including building bridges, paving roads, fixing streetlights, planting trees along the streets and even building a ski ramp.

Once people paid their taxes in this currency it was used again, going through another cycle of enabling.

It was so successful it attracted the interest of two hundred Austrian townships, but was closed down by the Austrian central bank on September 1, 1933 to ensure their monopoly control over the money supply.

“As people we have a right to make credit and loan money. We mustn’t forget that. We mustn’t leave that to corporations and the state.” - Duncan McCann, New Economics Foundation Breaking the rules As this story shows, the values of a national or global monetary system are not necessarily aligned, and often misaligned, with the needs of local people. Yet we often experience money as a natural phenomenon, rather than the set of agreements it is, with the possibility of altering those agreements. What Mayor Unterguggenburger did was to break with the common assumptions about money and used the principle of demurrage (money that depreciates over time) to link the capabilities of his townsfolk with the needs of the town.

Our own money experiment, The Totnes pound, ended last year, but its legacy remains in the imaginative channels it has opened and an infrastructure of local support. Now is the time to build on those foundations to create ways of exchanging that will allow us to meet our needs and

grow our resiliency. Imagine, for example, if everyone received 30% of their income in a local benevolence currency that rewarded behaviour that benefitted the physical, social and spiritual life of our community? We would see increased social cohesion, have more money going into local businesses who in turn would hire local staff, who would be able to spend their local money in local theaters who employ local artists. We could start growing the real wealth our societies depend upon.

The current crisis is set to reshape our society. Let’s make sure we reshape our money system for the better world we want to inhabit when it’s over. l Inez is the author of a report in to the Totnes Pound and a consultant in the Human Scale Development approach. You can read the Totnes Pound report it’s here: shorturl.at/ erQ68

The region’s charity zoos close their gates

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HE three South West zoos run by regional conservation charity Wild Planet Trust have closed to the public because of the COVID-19 virus.

Executive Director Simon Tonge said: “Our Senior Management Team has been meeting every day to discuss how we respond to this rapidly-changing crisis. We had hoped we could carry on, but taking into account the latest Government advice on social distancing and the decisions taken by other zoos, botanic gardens and leisure parks, we have decided to close our zoos. It’s the responsible thing to do.

This decision is open ended – we have no idea how long the zoos will remain shut.”

The charity’s priority now is to make sure animals, staff and volunteers are all taken care of during this difficult time. The move means that all animal encounters, zoo events and education work have been suspended. Anyone with queries should refer to the Frequently Asked Questions page on the specific zoo websites.

“Our dedicated keepers, vets and other key staff will carry on caring for our amazing animals and plants. Thank you to everyone involved in the Trust – these are difficult times – please be patient and stay safe.”

Zoo spokesperson Phil Knowling added: “Wild Planet Trust relies on guests, annual pass holders, local businesses, donors and partners. I hope everyone can stay safe and well - we look forward to welcoming everyone back when we open again.”

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Penguins inspire novel

Wild Planet Trust is the charity that runs Paignton Zoo, Living Coasts in Torquay and Newquay Zoo in Cornwall, plus several nature reserves in Devon. Paignton Zoo is a registered charity. For more information go to www.paigntonzoo.org. uk or ring 01803 697500.

LOCAL penguins at Living Coasts, in Torquay, have helped inspire a novelist to write a book featuring penguins – published by Penguin.

The novel, by Exmoor-based writer Hazel Prior, is called Away With The Penguins. Living Coasts senior keeper, Jason Keller, helped Hazel with her research into hand-rearing baby penguins.

Hazel explained: “I paid several visits to Living Coasts while I was writing Away With The Penguins. Books and the internet were useful for research, of course, but nothing beats meeting real life penguins.

Away With The Penguins has an important underlying message about caring for our world. Hazel: “Living Coasts is dedicated to conservation, so we have a common purpose in supporting wildlife – especially penguins!”

Away With The Penguins can be bought in the Living Coasts shop, and in good bookshops.

Editorial: 01392 346342 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

11

Goingout

GOING OUT

APRIL/May 2020

OURBIGGUIDETO BIG LOCAL EVENTS

Please note:

ART EXHIBITIONS

I HOLISTIC Rainbow’s End WELLBEING AND NATURAL CRAFTS FESTIVALS

W OR FR KS EE H OP S

Civic Hall, High Street, Totnes May 16th and 17th and September 19th and 20th 2020 10am-5pm Free admission All-day programme of talks, workshops and demonstrations Wide variety of readers, healers and traders All-day café NEW WEBSITE!: www.rainbowsendholisticfestivals.co.uk

N order to get the magazine printed it takes a few weeks from the finishing of each issue’s content until we start distribution.

At the time of going to press it looks as though many social events will have to be cancelled at short notice - we are unable to know which events will be going ahead in this time of crisis. We publish here the events that at the time of going to press were still scheduled to take place.

Social distancing has been recommended, in which case we suggest you think carefully before deciding to attend any of the events we would normally have listed here. Some venues will be limiting capacity to allow users to space themselves. We are unable to guarantee our readers safety at events - and so have taken the difficult decision to not list our usual selection of local happenings. We continue to list those adverts who paid for advertising - but suspect some if not all of these events may be postponed.

The objective of social distancing is to reduce the probability of contact between persons carrying an infection and others who are not infected, so as to minimize disease transmission, morbidity and ultimately, mortality.

Chief medical adviser Prof Chris Whitty said the group of people who should take “particular care to minimise their social contact” were: People over the age of 70, other adults who would normally be advised to have the flu vaccine (such as those with chronic diseases), and pregnant women.

How to get YOUR events into Going Out...

FREE PARKING

10.00am - 4.00pm

STALLS • WORKSHOPS DEMONSTRATIONS • DELICIOUS FOOD Come along and join us and meet a wealth of like minded people who can support you to feel refreshed, with a complete holistic approach.

TAJA PORCELAIN FROM THE DEEP SEA EXHIBITION Until Apr 27, 45 Southside Gallery, Plymouth.

WILD LIFE - WILDLIFE

FROM START TO FINISH May 19-Jun 7, Harbour House, Kingsbridge.

CHILDREN/FAMILY

PADDLEBOAT THEATRE - HANSEL AND GRETEL

Until Apr 15, Harbour House, Kingsbridge.

Apr 8, Pavilions, Teignmouth.

MY CAMERA AND EYE

CHOIRS

Apr 21-26, Harbour House, Kingsbridge.

FUSION Apr 30-May 10, Harbour House, Kingsbridge.

DELAMORE ART 2020 May 1-31, Delamore Arts Exhibtition, Ivybridge.

DRAWN TO KINGSBRIDGE May 12-17, Harbour House, Kingsbridge

SING EXETER Every Tuesday, St Sidwell’s Community Centre, Exeter.

SING PLYMOUTH Every Thursday, Pomphlett Methodist Centre, Plymouth.

‘HOLD FAST; KEEP FAITH ‘ - SIR JOSHUA REYNOLDS CHOIR Apr 4, Sherwell United Church, Plymouth.

‘HOLD FAST; KEEP FAITH ‘ - SIR JOSHUA REYNOLDS CHOIR Apr 7, St Mary’s Church, Plymouth.

CLASSICAL MUSIC HAYDN NELSON MASS - EXETER CHAMBER CHOIR Apr 18, St. David’s Church , Exeter.

‘MUSIC IN THE CASTLE’ WELLS CATHEDRAL SCHOOL BRASS ENSEMBLE Apr 24, Powderham Castle, Exeter.

CARMINA BURANASOUTH DEVON CHOIR Apr 25, Central Church, Torquay.

CARMINA BURANASOUTH DEVON CHOIR May 2, Central Church, Torquay.

RAMM tells LGBTQ+ heritage

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XETER’s Royal Albert Memorial Museum & Art Gallery (RAMM) is to celebrate the LGBTQ+ heritage embedded in their collections as part of a major new collaboration, funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer history can be found in the museum’s collections in areas such as zoology, anthropology, fine art, and local and overseas archaeology, but it is not visible at the moment.

The 18-month long project, Queering the Museum: Creating, Uncovering and Sharing LGBTQ+ History at RAMM, builds on an existing collaboration with young LGBTQ+ people and RAMM, led by McGrath

and Dr Funke, which resulted in the launch of the Rainbow Trail at the museum last year. Inspired by this earlier work, the museum is now expanding its engagement with LGBTQ+ communities to reveal and share the important LGBTQ+ heritage in the collections.

During the project, curators and engagement specialists together with Dr Jana Funke and Natalie McGrath work to empower lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer communities in the South West to uncover, create and share existing and new LGBTQ+ heritage at the museum. l UPDATE: In light of the Prime Minister’s statement about COVID-19 on March 16, RAMM is closed to the public until further notice.

WELCOME to Reconnect’s out of this world GoingOut pages...

We connect all the hot stuff from across the region, categorised for easy access.

We have an EVEN MORE comprehensive online version at www.hubcast.co.uk/ reconnect - also available via our busy website at www.reconnectonline.co.uk.

To get YOUR event listed online (and when possible, have it listed here in the mag too), simply register at ReconnectHub and enter the info free of charge.

To advertise here or online, email adverts@ reconnectonline.co.uk or call 01392 346342.

FREE ENTRY

Saturday 6 June 2020

GOING out OUT going

NO FEATU W FREE RING O ENTR NLINE I E MOR S AND E IN EXPO -MAG SURE

Get YOUR event out there with Reconnect’s Going Out pages TO ADVERTISE your event on our diary website, Reconnecthub, simply visit www.hubcast.co.uk/reconnect and register - then you can enter your own events whenever you want.

AND many of them will appear in the next (June/July) issue of Reconnect magazine.

AND they will be viewed through other HUBCAST websites (across the SW).

www.newtonabbotracing.com Tel: 01626 353235 12

AND it’s all FREE! (There are some online advertisements available too and it’s first come, first served - so call Scott now on 01392 346342)

Advertising: 01392 346342 adverts@reconnectonline.co.uk

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Editorial: 01392 346342 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

13

SPRINGTIME is here and for our resident gardening expert, JOA GROWER, it’s time for planting all those tender fresh vegetables.

Time to try a little tenderness

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PRING at last! The clocks from the male flowers (that’s the have gone forward and I one at the top of the plant) to fall hope that by the time this down on to the female flowers goes to press it has stopped (that’s the tassel on the end of raining! What a wet winter! I the cobs) this then causes them would imagine that a few of you to start to fill out and produce maybe running a bit behind (due lovely sweetcorn on the cobs. to the ground being so wet) with Earlier planted broad beans (that preparing the ground ready for have survived the wet conditions) planting. Don’t panic, you’ve still may need checking for Blackfly. got plenty of time.

If they have Now is still a aggregated good time to in only 4 or 5 plants seed potatoes. If you flowers, the best were able to way to avoid get yours in the more is to pinch ground earlier, out the fleshy top then your first section where early potatoes the Blackfly will be coming like to gather. through. Don’t If they have forget that the already arrived Protecting seedlings more you mulch in numbers, and earth up, a spraying of soapy water usually the more potatoes you will harvest. gets rid of them.

Grass clippings, well rotted manure (at least a year old), or April and May are also ideal home produced compost will do months to sow root vegetables. the trick, and it’s always a good If you’ve not tasted freshly pulled idea to water first if the ground is carrots, you must give them a go. dry (probably not necessary this Choose an area of the garden year) so that the mulch will lock the that isn’t too stony and rake it moisture in. thoroughly. Carrot seed is very Once the frosts have all gone, small and it is very easy to over usually mid May onwards, it will sow. A tip, that I was given many be time to plant out the more years ago, is to mix it with some tender plants such as courgettes, very dry horticultural sand and outdoor cucumbers and tomatoes, then sow into trenches 1-2cm squashes, climbing beans and deep and 15cm apart. This will sweetcorn. We always give help to spread the seed a bit them a little bit of protection by covering them with their own little further apart. When the seedlings greenhouse, using old plastic start to appear and are large bottles that have had the bottom enough to handle you can thin and lid removed, just until the them out to about 7-9cm apart. plants get settled in, then remove To protect your carrot crop from and store for next year. the Carrot Root Fly, create a When planting your sweetcorn, barrier over or around the crop. choose a good sunny position This can be done various ways in the garden and work in a - probably the easiest is to cover general organic fertiliser such with horticultural fleece. These as chicken manure pellets or are just a few of the jobs that seaweed meal a week or two need doing at the moment. before planting. Always plant Whatever you get up to. Enjoy your corn in a block of at least 3 x 3 as this allows the pollen your veggie plot!

Joa’s A-Z of Organic Gardening

O is for organic gardening. The practice of gardening with nature and without the use of chemicals. This has become so much easier nowadays, as more and more organic products are available in the shops. Always check when purchasing that the items carry some form of organic certification, there are a lot out there that don’t!

Especially composts.

P is for poly tunnel. These structures are relatively cheap compared to greenhouses. Easy to erect, come in all different sizes and are amazing for extending the growing season. Do check though with your local council as you may need planning permission if you go too big.

Just a reminder that Growers Organics nursery in Yealmpton is now open and we are back in the market square in Totnes every Friday and Saturday. Happy Gardening!

Reconnect’s Organic Gardening column is written by Joa Grower of Growers Organics. Meet her at Totnes market on Fridays and Saturdays.

Visit www.growersorganics.com, or call 01752 881180.

14

The pocket-sized community farm

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UCKED away on the Dartington Hall Estate near Totnes, you will find School Farm Community Supported Agriculture (CSA), a threeacre certified organic community farm.

This pocket-sized farm is a beautiful space for people to engage with small-scale food production through volunteer days, community events, training opportunities, or by signing up for a weekly box of freshly-picked, organic, delicious, local vegetables.

The CSA model is a scheme where members sign up to the farm for an entire growing season, rather than buying a box each week. That way, the growers and members partner up to help one-another by sharing the risks and rewards. Our members get to feel more connected to how and where their food is grown, whilst also sharing in the abundance over the summer months.

Our produce is grown using approaches that minimise disturbance to the soil and provide habitats for local wildlife. We occasionally source staple crops from other local, organic farms, but the majority of our vegetables are grown on site, from seed. We source much of our seed from local suppliers, and this year some of our crops will be from Devonbased seed growers Vital Seeds.

As Spring approaches and the season is in full swing, we’re getting ready to harvest the first vegetables in June.

Yealm’s net zero future gets nearer

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Photos by Fern Leigh Albert @fernleighalbert

ORGANICGARDENING

news & views

MP Sir Gary Streeter and members of YCE at Creacombe Solar Farm

l If you want to sign up to receive a share of fresh, local, organic vegetables through our CSA, visit www.schoolfarmcsa.org.uk or email info@schoolfarmcsa.org.uk.

Instagram: @schoolfarmcsa

Holistic and therapeutic horticulture

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S THE growing year picks up pace at Foxhole Community Garden, they offer a number of courses and events aimed at educating, inspiring and connecting our community.

The Tuesday Practical Horticulture City and Guilds Level 1 course is now full with a waiting list, so they have arranged another to run concurrently on a Thursday. The course starts on April 23 and runs for 12 weeks with a one-week break for half term. You’ll learn a wide range of horticulture and grow your own skills. This course runs across Foxhole Garden and their neighbours School Farm Community Supported Agriculture (featured above).

Foxhole garden holistically using a range of organic, permaculture and natural agriculture techniques, growing organic vegetables, flowers and plants, and creating wildlife sanctuaries and resilient gardens that work with nature rather than against.

On May 22 they are running a one day workshop with horticulture therapy training organisation Thrive on connecting people with dementia to nature and to gardens.

This course will cover practical ways in which to ensure people with dementia can access outdoor space within dementia care services and engage in nature based and nature enhanced activity at an appropriate level to their current level of task engagement. It will look at how we can ensure anyone living with dementia can engage with nature. The cost is £135 and can be booked through Thrive on 0118 988 5688 or training@thrive.org.uk There are also a series of one day mushroom cultivation workshops with their neighbours Grocycle though April, May and June. Taught by experienced growers, these are aimed at teaching you to grow mushrooms at home on a small scale. You’ll learn the basics of mushroom cultivation theory and take home with you: an inoculated bag of straw ready to finish growing Oyster mushrooms at home, a tray of ​low tech stem-butt mushroom spawn that you’ll make on the day, an inoculated oak log ready to finish g​rowing Shiitake mushrooms at home, and a printed guide to growing mushrooms covering everything ​that you’ve learnt on the day. Priced at £97 and you’ll find everything you need to book at www.grocycle.com Finally, if you are interested in natural dyes and wild plants, you may wish to join The Magic of Plants - Spring Wild Plants on Saturday April 25 10-4pm (£60) This is a day connecting with wild spring plants, including wild plant identification, medicine making, wild food, crafts, and nature connection practices. l Sign up to their garden newsletter or follow them on social media to keep informed. For further details visit www.foxholecommunitygarden.org.uk or contact Zoe Jong 07505 805111 zoe@foxholecommunitygarden.org.uk

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HE UK’s first post-subsidy community solar farm, Creacombe Solar Farm near Yealmpton, has now been completed and was connected to the grid in February.

The 7.3MW solar farm will save approximately 2,000 tonnes of carbon per year and generate enough green electricity along with Newton Downs solar farm (completed in 2017) to power all the homes in the Yealm area (Newton & Noss, Holbeton, Yealmpton, Wembury and Brixton).

Developed in close cooperation with local group Yealm Community Energy (YCE), Gnaton Farms and the Lopes Family, the solar farm is on low-grade land, with construction beginning in September under the ownership of Community Owned Renewable Energy Partners (CORE), an initiative from charitable trust Power to Change.

The solar farm is split into two parts: 60 percent of the site is expected to receive a small subsidy in the form of one of the last Community Feed-in Tariffs for which it was pre-accredited, while the remaining 40 percent is subsidy-free, making it the first subsidy-free community ground-mount solar to be built in the UK. Peter Brown, YCE Chair, said: “It is over five years since Yealm Community Energy started to explore the idea of bringing a community solar farm to this part of Devon which is ideal for generating solar power. We are very pleased that Creacombe is now connected to the grid, although work will continue on the landscaping and creating wildflower meadows and wildlife habitats around the panels, and are excited about the next phase of the project – launching our share offer this summer.”

Once fully community-owned the profits will be spent locally to grow other initiatives to tackle the climate crisis such as energy efficiency, electric vehicles and more green power generation. l Visit: www.yealmenergy.co.uk for more information.

The government have launched a consultation on allowing ground-mount solar and onshore wind farms back into the Contracts for Difference scheme, which supports renewable energy projects by allowing them to compete in auctions for a guaranteed minimum price.

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Frustrating delay after so much progress TRANSITION Homes Community Land Trustee Ruth sends this update on the small charity run by volunteers and their housing scheme at Clay Park in Totnes.

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E are a Community Land Trust, a not-for-profit led by local trustees set up to build sustainable, affordable housing for local people in housing need, and we own a site in Dartington known as Clay Park.

For those of you who attended our consultation at the end of February a big appreciation for all the conversations, and the feedback you gave which is available online with some responses from our team to questions raised. All our consultation materials are available online showing what we’ve had to cut in the latest cost cutting rounds, the finances, the new site plan as well as lots of other resources about the project in general: www. transitionhomes.org.uk Since receiving planning permission we’ve been busy, but last summer our contractor costed the scheme, which came in over budget – we’d expected this due to inflation, but it was much higher than expected. A huge value engineering exercise followed to reduce costs, resulting in significant changes to materials and design, which was an extremely difficult compromise for the team to make, yet we’re still over budget by around £630,000.

We’ve been exploring a range of scenarios to solve this, and have

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two which we’re taking forward: building additional (6-8) market units to boost sales income or become a ‘Registered Provider’ in order to receive more grant.

We are pursuing both options in order that we have a backup. This isn’t what we wanted, and it’s frustrating to have made so much progress and to face yet another hurdle and delay.

At the consultation, we explained what has been cut, the finances, and addressed some common questions. It’s still a highly sustainable scheme, and we want to find ways to fund the community building as we believe it’s important to the scheme. New and existing site plans, information on the flats, and allocations were also available.

As a charity we are supported primarily by grants and donations, and would appreciate if you can give us a one off or regular donation. You can also join the CLT for £1.

A huge thank you to everyone who came, to our new members and donors, and for your words of support – it’s not been an easy journey. We rely on the community and want to be transparent about our plans so if you have feedback or queries, or would like offer a donation, please contact Nicola Lang on info@transitionhomes.org.uk.

Empowering families across Devon & Cornwall since 1999

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1 Cedar Units, Webber’s Way, Dartington, TQ9 6JY

Editorial: 01392 346342 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

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land matters

land matters

Holt Wood is a medicinal forest garden

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Embercombe Online Weekly offerings from our valley to your home

Storyfire Gather round, gather round, family stories for our times

Circles of Prayer Join our weekly ceremony and wisdom from the land From a diversity of traditions

In Conversation With Mac Macartney, Sharon Blackie, David Abram, Manda Scott Who else would you like to talk with?

embercombe.org 16

Free talks on permaculture for health and well-being ANNE Stobart, of skin ailments such as insect bites.

Holt Wood Herbs, Yarrow offers good ground cover writes about helping to prevent other weeds, and it permaculture design is resistant to drought too. and health.

You can find out more about permaculture and health at an ERMACULTURE afternoon of free talks and activity on design uses Sunday 26 April 2020 at Tapeley ideas from Park and Gardens, near Barnstaple nature. The Anne Stobart, in Devon. There will be expert concept of author of The speakers from permaculture projects permaculture Medicinal talking about strategies for healthier may be familiar Forest Garden and more sustainable living. The to some people.

Handbook afternoon programme includes a talk It is about

by Anne Stobart, co-founder of Holt planning with Wood Herbs, and her new book, The care for the planet alongside Medicinal Forest Garden Handbook, benefits for people, and sharing on growing and using medicinal trees of any surplus in a fair way. It is and shrubs. Also talking will be Iain frequently associated with forest and Wenderlynn Bagnall, co-founders of North Devon Permaculture CIC, an gardens which have multiple layers off-grid Permaculture demonstration of plants from ground cover herbs up to shrubs and trees. We all know project. Iain and Wenderlynn teach permaculture courses, and work with that being in a green environment the early years sector delivering the does you good. Research studies Children In Permaculture curriculum. support the view that a natural Included in the afternoon is a tour of environment can provide many the Permaculture Garden at Tapeley health benefits. These benefits Park, which is one of the oldest include improving mood and permaculture gardens in the UK. reductions in blood pressure. Many Everything in this well-established plants too, including trees, are permaculture garden is edible, beneficial for health. Permaculture medicinal or beneficial for wildlife. The talks are free, you only pay the usual provides a design system not only Tapeley Park entrance fee of £6/4/15 for growing plants and forest gardens but also for other aspects of (adult/child/family). No need to book in advance, just come along! health, lifestyle and work. l For further details of the Any new or existing growing project permaculture afternoon at Tapeley Park can benefit from the approach of see www.holtwoodherbs.com/events permaculture design. In the garden Anne Stobart’s new book we look at how all the elements of The Medicinal Forest Garden a project work together. A common Handbook is available at https:// feature is the inclusion of plants that permanentpublications.co.uk have more than one useful function.

A good example of a multifunctional You can learn more about permaculture plant is Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) by joining the Permaculture Association which has anti-inflammatory and at https://www.permaculture.org.uk antiseptic effects and is a ground layer plant.

It has bitter tonic properties and can be mixed in a tea with Mint and Elderflower, traditionally used for treating colds and flu. The leaves of this plant can also be made into a healing Learning to make a Yarrow poultice at Holt Wood poultice for

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OIL is fascinating and is the cornerstone of a healthy garden. Underneath our feet a whole world is teaming with life.

Unfortunately, this world can often go unnoticed. It is home to, and supports, a huge array of wildlife, bacteria and organisms. Did you know there is more life in one teaspoon of soil than humans on the planet?! I invite you to consider that for a moment.

Gardening practices, such as digging and using pesticides and chemicals, have a detrimental effect on the soil. Often, due to these practices, when I arrive in a client’s garden the soil can be fairly lifeless.

Fear not! The keys to success with healthy soil are actually quite simple: add organic matter (mulch, mulch, mulch); keep plants growing in the soil (to help keep soil structure); and don’t compact it (by walking on it).

Composting is an easy, fun and interactive way to add organic matter to your soil and it guarantees to bring more life into your garden.

It is rewarding to see food scraps transformed into something useful, not to mention provide a home to a myriad of life forms. It amazes me how worms just seem to appear in compost; a specific type of worm called the tiger worm. Children love looking at compost to see what’s wriggling around in it, so it’s a great

way to get them involved too!

Many people are confused by how to start composting. Here’s a straightforward guideline to begin composting in your garden: You will need a compost bin. Then add 50/50 mix of green things (uncooked fruit and veg scraps) and brown things (torn up egg boxes and paper). Then sit back and watch the magic happen. I aim to set up composting in every garden that I work in.

I offer a year-round gardening service – anything from basic maintenance (hedge-trimming, pruning, weeding, etc) to design and creating raised beds. I avoid the use of power tools, favouring the scythe over strimmers and mowers. l For more information have a look at his website abundantgardens. uk or feel free to contact him on 07811608359 or rossadams51@ gmail.com

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Tea lights post sparks recycling frenzy

Social and therapeutic horticulture training at Foxhole Community Garden.

A FACEBOOK post about recycling tealights has created quite a stir, with requests from people across the UK wanting to know more.

The Recycled Candle Company, based in Exeter’s Gandy Street, posted an image of founder Richard Hills-Ingyon holding a bag of tealights to illustrate that the business can recycle them.

Richard said: “Most people know that we recycle used candles, but we were getting asked more and more about tealights and the possibility of recycling leftover wax.

“We were absolutely amazed by the reaction, with hundreds of people liking and sharing the post, and asking for information.”

The Recycled Candle Company collects scrap candle wax from, for example, hospitality businesses and members of the public. The wax is melted down, cleaned, dyed, and scented then made into new candles.

The process requires the tealights to be shred and all the wax extracted and used to make new candles. Richard added: “We can’t reuse the aluminium ourselves so this is taken by recycling company binit to be recycled into other products, achieving a zero to waste target.”

Co-founder Sargon Latchin explained: “Obviously there’s a cost involved with posting, but there are other ways – for example we have customers from elsewhere in the country who visit Exeter every year, bringing their old candles with them specially to give to us.

“One local has set up her own recycling point for neighbours to use and we have collection points at Otter Furniture in Ottery St Mary and the Sid Valley Country House Hotel in Sidbury.

Currently The Recycled Candle Company estimates keeping up to 400kg of used wax from going into landfill each month. “But with all the interest we’ve had about recycling wax we see that figure rising all the time!” added Sargon. l For more information see therecycledcandlecompany.co.uk.

Connecting People with Dementia to Nature and Gardens – a one day horticulture therapy course. This course will cover practical ways in which to ensure people with dementia can access outdoor space within dementia care services, engage in nature based and nature enhanced activity at an appropriate level to their current level of task engagement and how we can ensure anyone living with dementia can engage with nature in a meaningful way in line with their own personal affinity. £135 Booking enquiries to www.thrive.org.uk 0118 988 5688 or training@thrive.org.uk.

City and Guilds Award in Practical Horticulture Skills Level 1 – This Level 1 course is suitable for those who want to grow on any scale, whether it is a small patio garden, an allotment or on a larger piece of land. The course runs from April to July for 12 weeks, 9am to 3pm on Thursdays. Booking enquiries to Cornwall College Group enquiries@cornwall.ac.uk 0330 123 2523 The Magic of Plants - Spring Wild Plants A day connecting with wild spring plants. Wild plant identification, medicine making, wild food, crafts, and nature connection practices. Saturday 25th April 10-4pm £60 www.floraarbuthnott.com/wildplantwalks floraarbuthnott@gmail.com Join our popular parent and toddler group Fox Tots may have places available. Carers and children aged 0-5 can get cosy around the fire and have fun as we explore being outdoors together. Enjoy seasonal garden & forest school activities such as sowing seeds, natural crafts, bug hunts, storytelling, cooking on the campfire, free play the mud kitchen, wildlife pond, willow dome, orchard, flower and veg beds. Drinks and snacks for all. Sign up is per term and works out at £7.50 per session.

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Venue: Foxhole Community Garden, Old School Farm, Dartington Estate, Totnes, South Devon TQ9 6EB For further details on the courses visit www.foxholecommunitygarden.org.uk or Zoe Jong 07505 805111 zoe@foxholecommunitygarden.org.uk

Editorial: 01392 346342 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

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LOCAL PRODUCE

Naturally nourishing OUR resident foodie, JANE HUTTON, reveals the second half of her top ten everyday superfoods.

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Another five everyday superfoods

Greenlife celebrates 30 years of trading

Making low impact sustainable pots using a sourdough mix STUDIO 45 visiting master potter Imogen Taylor-Noble explains the process of Obvara firing, a type of low-impact firing which is fun and produces pots that are sealed and can be used for domestic ware without costing the Earth. Studio 45 are hosting Imogen this summer for a weekend of hands on firing techniques, including Raku, Obvara and firing a tipi kiln.

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few years ago I came across Obvara firings for the first time. Also known as ‘Sourdough’ firing or ‘Baltic Raku’, Obvara is having a renewal of interest amongst potters who enjoy experimental firings. I found out about it quite by chance on social media and wanted to try it for myself. The method originates in the Baltic and has been used since medieval times to seal low fired pottery to make it suitable for domestic purposes. Now of course it is used for it’s unusual decorative effects.

The method is that you make a fermented brew of flour, yeast, sugar and warm water, and let it mature for about 3 days, keeping it warm. You have to stir it and look after it until you have your ‘brew’.

The previously bisque fired pots then go in the Raku kiln as usual, but without any glaze. When temperature is reached (about

850C), you take the pots from the kiln using long handled tongs, dip them into the brew briefly. Then, as they emerge into the air and colours begin to flash across the surface of the pot, you quickly douse it in water to fix them. The pots are then left to air cool.

I have had good success with Obvara firings, although quite a high failure rate for pots that have been built from slabs or sections.

Thrown pots do very well, as do pinch pots. Pots with textured surfaces provide an added layer of interest and interaction with the technique.

When I suggested to my students that they might like to include it in our regular summer Raku day, they agreed to try it, and we had some very lovely results. One student told the story of visiting her Roma grandmother in Romania as a young girl, and seeing her grandmother use the method to seal her cooking pots.

On a more personal note, my father’s family were refugees from the Baltic states 3 generations ago, and it feels exciting to encounter a practise which can provide links to a lost heritage.

I have exhibited Obvara fired pieces at ceramics fair and very few people, visitors and potters alike, have heard of it. As it is so accessible and easy to do, I think it deserves to be more widely known. l For more information about this workshop or to keep up to date with the latest developments at Studio 45 please visit www. studio45.uk.com or follow us on Instagram studio45uk

Exhibition showcases home town DARTINGTON’S Studio 20 is hoping to host a free exhibition showcasing for local, young photographers’ take on the theme ‘home town’. The people of Totnes will be able to see how the four women have used the town and surrounding countryside to inspire their narratives through experimental photography.’ Their diverse and intriguing exhibition with a focus on portraiture, and documentary photography happens May 8-10 from 10am – 5pm daily.

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OCATED at the top of town by the market square, Greenlife has been supplying Totnes with a choice of wholefoods, vitamins and herbal remedies for 30 years this June. ‘Plans are afoot for a big celebration in June’ said marketing manager Jon Inder, ‘but we will be advertising exactly what nearer the time.’ Greenlife is something of a Totnes success story.

The business started small - at a little premises on 55 Fore Street where it traded for the first four years of its existence before moving to a slightly larger shop further down the hill at 11-13 Fore Street in 1994. In 2010

the bold step was taken to expand into the large premises on the Market Square where it has flourished to this day. The mix of wholefoods, natural remedies and fresh organic produce was supplemented with natural body care products, green household products and eco and sustainable goods, and the business has gone from strength to strength.

Now one of the largest Health Food shops in the South West, Greenlife is an award winning store that offers a huge range of organic, Fairtrade, vegetarian, vegan and raw foods that is a draw to customers from all over the area. If you haven’t yet discovered them, be sure to visit when you are next in Totnes.

Erti Suli - Devon’s one soul gathering

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HIS August bank holiday (Thurs 27th to Mon 31st), Paloma Suarez and Anthony Johnston will be holding their annual gathering of ‘Erti Suli’. Anthony explained: “Set in a secluded part of Devon and surrounded by beautiful, ancient woodland, we will spend five days camping under the summer skies, away from the business of our everyday lives, re-connecting to ourselves, to each other and the natural world.

“We will hold a range of activities workshops in crafts, dance, music and song, with ceilidh, storytelling, village ceremony and men’s and women’s spaces too. On the last night we will hold a ritual feast in the style of a Georgian ‘Supra’. The gathering is for people of all ages and is drug and alcohol free.”

Echoing times past, when people would live together, attendees will live like a village for a few short days, young and old, sharing, dancing, singing, telling stories and honouring what needs to be honoured, remembering what needs to be remembered.

Anthony added: “This event was born out of our son’s death in 2017, which has spurned a longing to re-discover and explore ways of being together that might rekindle and clarify our vision for a more benign, compassionate and sustainable world, for our children, for our communities and those yet to be born.” l For more information see: www.ertisuli.com or contact Paloma Suarez or Anthony Johnston ertisuli@gmail.com

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O, how did you get on with the everyday superfoods I talked about in last issue’s article? Did you manage to adopt any into your everyday eating?

This issue, as promised, I go into the final 5 that can have a big beneficial impact when they are weaved into your diet regularly.

6. Green tea Green tea is very rich in Hemp seed oil flavonoids, which have immune enhancing protective properties. Studies have suggested that green tea can lower the risk of coronary artery disease, help promote fat loss, and even help protect against cancer. Kick your morning off to a healthy start by replacing your cappuccino with a cup of green tea, and drink throughout the day, but watch the caffeine and don’t go crazy!

7. Turmeric Turmeric has been used for centuries in China and India as an anti-inflammatory agent and can be helpful in cases of joint and muscle pain. A powerful anti-oxidant and a source of iron, manganese and vitamin B6, grate fresh turmeric into any savoury dish as well as the curries and lentils, or cook rice with a little powder in the water to give it a warm golden glow.

8. Hemp oil Hemp is a member of the Cannabaceae family, yielding an incredibly nutritious oil, very

high in essential fatty acids and especially good for skin conditions such as eczema, hormonal imbalances such as PMS, and brain and heart health. Take it straight off the spoon or drizzle onto salads and vegetables.

9. Seaweed Seaweed is generally more associated with our summer holidays than the kitchen, but this plant is an excellent source of energy-giving B vitamins and magnesium, a good source of iron and calcium, and very rich in iodine for good thyroid function and lignans, which have cancer protective properties.

Try nori (used in sushi), kelp, kombu and wakame. Sprinkle it on soups and salads or have a go at making your own sushi.

10. Quinoa Known for its nutritional value, it is not technically a grain but a grass belonging to the same family as spinach and chard. Quinoa is an excellent source of plant protein with good levels of calcium, magnesium, B vitamins, iron and some essential fats. Now widely available in the UK, quinoa is a great alternative to rice or potatoes and is delicious used in salads, such as this issue’s recipe.

This issue I’m giving you a versatile salad, eaten hot or cold, with whatever veg or ingredients take your fancy. Plant power at its best!

Quinoa Powerhouse Salad (hot or cold) 250g quinoa 250ml vegetable stock 250ml carrot juice minced or crushed garlic 1 bunch asparagus, chopped 2 medium carrots, cut into thin julienne strips 1 courgette, chopped rapeseed oil 375g baby spinach, chopped 250g chickpeas seasoning For added texture, toasted nuts or baked pitta shards could be added at the end. Chicken or beef strips, or bacon lardons, could also be added if you like. Adapt and experiment!

Place rinsed quinoa, vegetable broth, carrot juice, garlic, salt and pepper in a saucepan and bring to a boil.

Reduce to simmer, cover and cook until all water is absorbed, about 10 to 15 minutes. The quinoa should appear soft and translucent.

Meanwhile, coat the chopped asparagus, carrot and courgette in the rapeseed oil, and cook until slightly softened and lightly caramelised. Transfer the quinoa, caramelised vegetables, chopped spinach, and chickpeas to a large serving bowl and toss with the olive oil. Season and top with the pitta shards or toasted almonds.

Naturally Nourishing is written by nutritionist and “confirmed foodie” Jane Hutton. Visit her website, www.functionalfoodie.com, and sign up for programmes, recipes and advice.

Editorial: 01392 346342 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

19

news & views

Living made simple...

IN the latest instalment of his Living Made Simple series, MARTIN FOSTER’s creative juices are flowing…

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Take part in message to COP26

ROPER Job, one of Devon’s most successful community projects, has ambitious plans to rebuild and improve its popular reuse and recycling centre in Chagford. The charity, in association with local design team O’Brien Van der Steen Workshops Ltd, have submitted a planning application to Dartmoor National Park for permission to transform its site to make it more energy-efficient, more accessible and more effective in providing facilities for reuse, recycling and education on saving resources.

Trustee Nicky Scott, and one of the founders of Proper Job, said: “Proper job has done a brilliant job for 25 years, educating the community about recycling, composting and reuse and providing the facilities for people to take practical action to save resources. During that time we’ve patched and repaired our old buildings and they are now not in a fit state to meet the demands of the future and the important role that Proper Job will have to combat our climate emergency. We believe that our new plans will provide a longterm and sustainable solution and we look forward to the Dartmoor National Park approving the plans we’ve submitted.”

The proposal uses materials and construction methods that will minimize the impact on the environment to create a site that is energy-efficient, pleasant to work in and visit and provides facilities that

World leaders will be gathering at COP 26 in Glasgow this November, and Plymouth Energy Community want them to hear the voices and concerns of our community on the Climate Emergency. They are taking their fantastic partnership with Art and Energy CIC to the next level, to create a work of art that will send a message from the South West to decision makers meeting in Scotland.

The piece is called Moths to a Flame, and is an allegory for our behaviour around energy - that we are drawn to it, but are being harmed by it. The installation will feature 2,020 beautiful paper moths suspended in flight, each carrying a personal message urging more

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You couldn’t make it up

ACH time I sit down to write my next column, I first check the chapter headings of my plans for a book about finding a more sustainable way to live: the subject of each column is then inspired by, and subsequently forms a synopsis of, each future book chapter.

So when I finally get round to unblocking the creative tributary pipeline in which the book still currently resides, I’ll have at least a basic framework on which to hang it (if that’s not over-egging the metaphorical pudding).

On that basis, the subject of this offering is creativity – and to understand the significance of that, you first need to know what’s happening for me right now which, while I don’t want it to dominate this column, is definitely relevant.

Only this week I have applied for a place on September’s Fine Art degree (BA) course at Plymouth – just two years from collecting my pension and I’m planning to become a student! With fellow contributor Kate Philbin currently studying an MA in Writing for Children at Bath, it seems like something of a Reconnect trend…

In the course of discussions at open days and writing personal statements and the like, I have spent considerable time considering the nature of education, particularly when applied to creativity. For most of those who I hope will be my fellow students (as I write this, I haven’t yet attended my portfolio interview and so haven’t been offered a place) the degree course will be a significant early step in their careers. But for me, although I hope I might still be able to use it for employment (perhaps to teach) it is much more about the adventure of imagination; a way to give structure and space to the buzz of ideas that rattle my head but can’t otherwise find form in my life. To borrow a term popular in the wellbeing pages of Reconnect, the university course would facilitate my creativity.

And creativity seems to me to be a massively important, but underrated and too often unexplored, driving force in our lives.

Creativity transcends normal ‘doing’. It makes things be that would otherwise not and create ideas and concepts. It is the pure result of one individual’s unique imagination - or, in the case of collaboration, the wonderful alchemy of imaginations combined.

Project after project and study after study show that encouraging people to find their creativity can help them discover new meaning in their lives; whether in schools, prisons or among those who

Proper job

sometimes find mainstream society impenetrable.

It is the explosive formational element of every part of life; without it nothing new is ever produced and nothing even changes.

Although I might not have a traditional artist’s lifepath, over the course of my life I have: created magazines; written and designed all manner of promotional material for all manner of interesting people; co-created a community cinema; published a green living magazine; developed a portfolio of text-based artwork; and, more recently, designed an off-grid cabin and a whole more sustainable way of life.

As a freelancer, like many self-employed people, I create each day – starting with a blank diary page, like a blank canvas, and slowly filling and living it, prioritising as I go.

Transition co-founder Rob Hopkins, himself an endless human resource of inspiration, defines it as the power of imagination. In his wonderful new book, From What Is To What If, Rob quotes social reformer John Dewey, who described imagination is the ability to look at things as if they could be otherwise.

In his book, Rob argues that imagination is central to empathy, to creating better lives, to envisioning and then enacting a positive future.

But imagination is also in decline at precisely the moment when we need it most and he looks at why that is so, and what we must do to revive and reclaim it.

Once we do, he says, there is no end to what we might accomplish.

Without it we are literally hopeless - and sadly there are all too many unscrupulous, cynical politicians, and an entire capitalist system, that will not hesitate to take advantage of that hopelessness.

But we have the ability to turn things around. We can create better communities, more fulfilling work and richer, more sustainable, lives for ourselves and those we love and care for.

Back at the birth of consumerism, America was described as ‘the land of opportunity’, where dreams could be realised. Some decades later, many people in America and the rest of the capitalist Western world, are beginning to realise that particular dream was, like most of the products on which it was based, superficial, unfulfilling and ultimately self-destructive.

Today many of us have a new dream – and with imagination and the power of creativity we can make it real.

in

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were not feasible on the existing site and will include workshop space so the charity can host educational events.

The trustees aim to fundraise through a mixture of grant funding, donations and social investment.

The development proposal can be seen and commented on by accessing the planning section on Dartmoor National Park’s website, application reference: 0078/20. l Further information about Proper Job can be found at www.properjob.org

Seeking dragons for barnstorming revolution

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ITH a growing number of empty shops, few decent opportunities for our young people, and the pressing need to adapt to a changing climate, the Totnes REconomy Project, based in the co-working hub, REconomy Centre, thinks it’s time to come together, roll up our sleeves and work collectively to make some change. So, they’re planning two big opportunities to get involved.

Everyone’s invited to participate.

First, on April 15, the Local Economy Barnraising - an ‘open space’ event.

(Check ReconomyCentre.org for venue and start times.) REconomy Project’s Jay Tompt said: “This participatory event will focus on how we can transform our local economy. Everyone’s invited to bring their ideas and energy. We’ll self organise around the topics we deem most pressing and interesting.

“Some topics might be how to fill our empty shops with enterprises and projects that improve the quality of life; how to start up new solutions-oriented businesses, like more farms or electrics repair; how ‘the community’ can buy land and building on the High Street; how about an ecological youth hostel?

“Coming up with project and enterprise ideas is easy, the next step is taking them forward, so we’ll put some time on that, too. In fact, some project ideas developed here, might be ready to be pitched at the next Local Entrepreneur Forum.”

Second, The Local Entrepreneur Forum Community of Dragons event, takes place on May 14 at the Royal Seven Stars Hotel Ballroom. For the 9th year in a row the community will come together to support their friends and neighbours who are starting up or growing the kinds of local enterprises that we all really want to see. In past years, Dartington Mill, Huxham’s Cross Farm, School Farm, Dart Valley Timber, Argand Solutions, Gro Cycle, New Lion Brewery, Thought Box, and many more awesome local enterprises have pitched for support.

Each year, a couple of hundred people show up, offer support of whatever kind (from money to freshly baked cakes!) and it’s made a HUGE difference. So come along and play the role of investor with your hugs, your cakes, expertise, money – We at Reconnect are big fans, it’s all good! And there’s still time to express your interest to pitch. Get in touch. Send an email to reconomycentre@gmail.com l Find out more on the REconomy website at www.reconomycentre.org

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Re-discovering soulful community

ERTI SULI ONE SOUL GATHERING

action on the climate. The moths have laser cut wooden bodies that represent our native species, and parchment wings decorated in ink and UV paint, revealed under black light. Plymouth Energy Community have already helped residents to make some during the Illuminate Light Festival and they are beautiful.

They will be holding workshops and gathering recordings of your thoughts on the Climate Emergency to be played during the installation.

Can you help make the moths? Do you know a group or school that would like to take part? Let Plymouth Energy Community know. l For more information visit: www. plymouthenergycommunity.com

Thurs 27th to Mon 31st August 2020 - North Devon

Five days camping on the Devon/Somerset border, amongst ancient woodland.

Song, Story and Dance 1 Bushcraft Skills 1 Men’s and Women’s Circles Foraging 1 Woodland Walks 1 Youth and Children’s Spaces 1 Village Ceremony Ceilidh 1 Ritual Feast 1 ertisuli@gmail.com

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Wild teenagers join the Rebellion

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T’s shocking to think that just one in ten of today’s youngsters regularly play and roam in wild places. With the average British teen spending 37 hours a week looking at screens and only one in ten playing in wild places anymore, this is leading many of our children to suffer from what Richard Louv coined ‘Nature Deficit Disorder’.

Research shows that there are numerous benefits to children being immersed in nature. Children that regularly enjoy natural play spaces score higher in concentration and reasoning, and reading and writing, whilst consistently showing general overall behavioural improvement, as well as responsibility, better attitude and leadership.

Devon based WildWise have been enticing teenagers into the great outdoors for over 20 years, running day camps based on and inspired entirely by the trilogy of books and films The Hunger Games, which tell the story of the 16 year old girl Katniss Everdeen living in a post apocalyptic nation and surviving thanks to the bushcraft and wilderness skills she learnt from her father.

As well as the deep nature connection time and mentoring WildWise offers, they provide an experience where participants learn to test themselves, work as a team, make new friends and in the process help create a supportive and beautiful community village vibe for the week.

Robin Bowman and his team run two 5 day camps for 11-17 year olds to practice nature awareness skills such as sneaking, ambushing each other, and camouflage, as well as wilderness and bushcraft skills such as fire making, shelter building, and edible and medicinal food use.

Robin said: “Such is their popularity that the two camps normally fill up with kids and their friends returning each year. We have several 17 year olds who have been coming since they were 12. It warms my heart to leave you this quote from one: ‘I’m usually so competitive but when I come here it’s all about the experience.

All year I wait to come on this camp. It’s the best thing I have ever done. I just feel so accepted in who I am here, as well as happy and free’.”

WildWise hope to be running two camps this summer holidays: The Hunger Games Camp on Aug 20-24, and The Mockingjay Camp on Aug 26-30. The cost is £260. l See www.wildwisehungergames.co.uk

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Green

Bryant Gardening Services

Creating, beautiful, social outdoor spaces inspired by nature.

• Garden design with permaculture • Garden maintenance & clearances • Fencing, landscaping, patios & decking • Creative eco garden joinery • Composting systems 07968 596 406 ben@greenbryant.com facebook.com/greenbryant

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rewilding

Reducing that high anxiety

Learning from the land On the Hill

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N the Hill is a new Land-based learning social enterprise in the Teign Valley based at Oxen Park farm. We bought the farm three years ago and continued the work that colleagues and I had developed for 10 years at Embercombe just two miles up the road on another beautiful hill.

Six acres of this verdant, fertile southeast facing land is planted with soft fruit and veg in conversion to Organic and Biodynamic. We have created an orchard of 220 fruit trees and planted 2,500 native woodland trees with more planned.

Our flock of Shetland sheep and a small herd of South Devon cows, owned by Jerry who farmed this land before us, graze the rest of the 55 acres.

As nature becomes even more established around us, we’re now excited to offer a powerful new residential week for 12 to 16 year olds that distils the essence of years of land-based camps into a Rites of Passage program. Over six life-changing days on the land this summer, Hill Tribe will allow young people to explore ways in which they can meet the present and future with creativity, courage, and joy while living in community alongside our experienced On the Hill team. Hill Tribe is an antidote to our risk-averse culture, production-line schooling, and overstimulated but nature-deprived indoor lives.

After many years of doing this work, it has become clear that so much of what we have been offering to young people is meeting the need for a Rite of Passage.

Even without the content of the program, the opportunity for teenagers to spend a week without mobile technology has a profound effect. The continuous chatter and distraction of gadgets and everyday life all left behind, the young people very quickly develop a deeper relationship with their natural environment, each other and themselves, while discovering a real

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IGHT now you, like many of us, are bound to be feeling anxious. That anxiety is being driven by collective uncertainty over what will happen in the future. It is likely to manifest even though evidence so far shows the new virus causes mild symptoms in most cases, and there are public measures in place to try and halt the spread of the virus. Here’s Scott’s guide for those feeling fearful - the best treatment for anxiety is often positive action.

There are some simple steps you can take right now to feel better: 1. Take a media break Your fear of not having the answers will naturally lead you to seek them.

You are likely to find yourself drawn to social media and the news, but don’t immerse yourself in news about the coronavirus 24/7. If you feel you need to know the latest developments then decide to watch the news once a day at a set time. Decide to only use trusted sources, then step away.

Do not keep scouring social media and the internet for the latest twists and turns; you must let your anxiety subside.

2. Practice good self-care Don’t panic buy long life foods, fresh fruits and vegetables will ensure you get plenty of nutrients and less preservatives. Ensure you exercise regularly and get enough sleep.

Sleep has a direct impact on the immune system. So you can take all the vitamin C you want, but if you’re sleep deprived, your immune system will be compromised. There’s a thing called Hygge, a Scandinavian word for a mood of coziness and comfortable conviviality with feelings of wellness and contentment. Practice Hygge when you can.

4. Slow things down With food supplies possibly disrupted now is a good time to look out some new recipes and try your hand at some simple slow cooking using what fresh ingredients you have.

4. Practise mental health Postive thought might seem very benign — not as potent as putting on a face mask — but it will help keep you healthy. Our wellbeing practitioners may not be able to meet you fce to face but they are on the phone, and the internet, why not contact them and see how they can help? There also mindfulness apps like Calm and Headspace to quiet your thinking.

5. Go for a walk outside Time spent in nature is soothing for the mind and body. Sunlight may lower your blood pressure, research has found. If you can, get a little sunshine during your day. Take a stroll. Take a deep breath even if it’s in the garden. The National Trust

ON the Hill is a new land-based learning social enterprise in the Teign Valley based at Oxen Park farm. JO CLARK, the director of the On The Hill tells us more about the project that is providing land-based learning opportunities for young people, as well as adult learning. appreciation of some of the necessities of life such as food, shelter, warmth, community and what is required to make all this possible.

Our mission is to engage people in meaningful activity in service to the land, community, the self, and the future. Participants on all of our transformative residential camps become involved in building, gardening, cooking, making, playing, reflecting, dreaming, and caring for all things and beings that they are connecting to and in relationship with.

Our aim with all who come to this place is to cultivate a deeper relationship with all the elements. The earth needs tending, mud befriending, we build and sculpt with clay, and all that grows from the earth sustains us. There is always plenty of crystal clear water in the River Teign for swimming and rafting, our new well provides what we and the land need for sustenance and survival and the rain can fall all it likes when we are dressed well to go out and enjoy it. Time in this stunning landscape really helps everyone fully breathe the air, sleeping under the stars around a fire, playing music, singing, and watching the warm summer wind fan the flames of many fires. All who come to On the Hill learn to make fire and discover

On the hill offers camps for schools, families, students and teachers, volunteering opportunities and more.

that fire is our friend by cooking our food, keeping ourselves warm and sharing reflections and stories sitting together around it. It really is better than television.

We also learn that we must be respectful towards it and perhaps learn to do dangerous things safely with fire!

All the elements, experiences, interactions and challenges surely help to fan that inner fire in us all that cries out for some extra oxygen so we can build our resilience to face what lies ahead. l Please contact info@onthehill.camp or find them at www.onthehill.camp or on Facebook.

Fan the inner fire Although On The Hill began in early 2017, the land-based learning programmes at Oxen Park have been developed as a result of education programmes running at the nearby Embercombe.

On The Hill offers a distinct and different set of experiences to Embercombe, yet the pedagogical approaches and ethos of ‘learning through meaningful work’ are a result of many years of practice and experience there.

Why smaller-scale rewilding is the future

SEVERAL years ago PHILIP LETTS embarked corners, turned the lawns into wild grasses Sculpture Park - a wildlife haven and creative on an experiment: the rewilding of their and created scrub with bushes and plants. retreat. They are in their 7th year and have estate in Devon that’s home to Devon They developed a small landscape that quickly already seen the project fundamentally alter Sculpture Park and their Wilded Capability became an oasis for wildlife and natural plant bio-diversity, wildlife diversity and natural Brown gardens. Here Philip explains why life. The healthy soil rewarded them with plant growth. They have developed some he sees smaller-scale rewilding as vital. abundant free ranging nature, purer air and exciting wetlands where water voles roam. a carbon sink. They even developed a small They have had a number of previously HEN we imagine rewilding we wilded kitchen garden, sharing its produce unimaginable wins with some of the UK’s normally think about massive with nature’s visitors. They noticed that their most endangered birds, butterflies, bats national park projects like young children played differently and their and mammals colonising this place. They Yellowstone Park noted for reintroducing friends were more relaxed and liberated while have developed models and approaches for the wolf, or large private projects such as visiting. Something interesting was happening. gardens, parks, smallholdings and edges of the founder of CNN buying up ranches They asked artists they knew to work there and farms to implement smaller-scale rewilding for in Montana and reintroducing Bison. But help them develop this project and soon they themselves. They use environmental art and 15 years ago, hidden away on the East Coast of the U.S. started a very different were displaying some of the artistic outputs in artists to help communicate and challenge us kind of rewilding. this wild place. about climate issues.

Wind forward to today and the Letts family Today we can all help save the planet by turning The Letts family had a unique vision. They have scaled their idea up. The climate a piece of land, no matter how small, into a believed that the planet was in such poor shape that everyone would need to get industry has named what they do as ‘smallercarbon sink, mini-wetland, wildlife sanctuary involved in saving it. A people’s movement scale rewilding’ which means rewilding and natural plant oasis. Visit this unique centre not one driven solely by governments, large projects from garden scale up to 250 acres. of excellence for smaller-scale rewilding and landowners or big corporates. In the early In 2014 the Letts bought an old estate just learn how to make the difference. Don’t make 2000s they started rewilding a few acres south of Exeter and rewilded its historic the mistake of thinking that only large scale outside New York on Long Island. gardens and a further 100 acres of parkland natural climate projects can help us. This myth They planted groups of mixed trees in the and woodland. Last year they opened Devon has been well and truly debunked. l ONLINE UPDATE: The Letts have revealed DSP Online, a new virtual visitor platform. Starting at less than £3 or $3 per month you can enjoy visiting

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Devon Sculpture Park from your smartphone, tablet or laptop. Bring their wildlife haven and creative retreat into your life and your home. Learn all about smaller-scale rewilding and environmental art. Particularly relevant given the current lock down. Find out more go to https://devonsculpturepark. org/2020/03/25/dsp-online-your-virtual-visitor-platform/

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have opened parks for free to give people ‘access to space’. If you’re going out, remember to keep social distancing. If you can’t get out, then have you thought how you could access nature? Can you get some seeds and planting equipment, houseplants or living herbs? Make sure you take time to look out a window, the world is still going on outside.

6. Acknowledge your anxiety It’s generally unhelpful to tell a highly-anxious person to just stop feeling anxious, it is more useful to just acknowledge the anxiety and work through it. “Name it to tame it” is a mantra in mental health for big emotions.

7. Write down your worries Seeing the words on paper or on a screen may stop you from spinning yourself into a frenzy. Ask yourself; “What are you catastrophizing?

Write down the things you find yourself thinking and reflect on them.

Challenge your own thinking to get it more in balance and reasonable.

8. Send a little love to people who you care about Put together a WhatsApp group, a text message chain or email chain with family on it — that way you can have it set up before it feels like an emergency situation and easily communicate with your loved ones. There are lots of phone games out there you can perhaps play each other - traditional games like Scrabble, Yahtze, or Quizzes will be inclusive for all ages. You could perhaps play those ones you used to find on computers like Minesweeper or Patience.

9. Stick to a routine There’s nothing like routine to ease the mind, if you’re stuck indoors you should take the time to create a routine or timetable for yourself.

If you share your space with other people, most students will recommend you create a household schedule - you need to agree how the household will run with everyone at home.

10. Get creative We need to use our imaginations right now. Find materials so you can do something creative, such as paper and colouring pencils. Get creative about exercise. Is there any physical activity you can do inside your home, such as going up and down the stairs, using bean tins as weights, or exercises you can do in your chair?

Wash your hands frequently Not only is this something that will actually lower your risk of getting sick, but it’s also therapeutic. l Please follow all the latest NHS advice.

Showcasing local craftspeople

Devon Sculpture Park’s smaller-scale rewilding project protects endangered species and sees habitats returned to ancient times.

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LOCATED at Bickington in Teignbridge, The Husbandry School’s public courses share the ancient skills and knowledge of our countryside.

The courses run alongside the school’s ongoing therapeutic education programme and daily food production. Traditional upholstery, plant dye and wisdom, Devon hedge banking, leatherworking, wood workshops for young people, story medicine, creative writing and willow hare weaving are amongst the courses available. Carole Williams, the school’s co-founder, said: “We are offering brand new courses which showcase local craftspeople using local, natural materials in an environment which is beneficial to the mind, body and soul”. Gift vouchers are available to purchase on their website. Visit www.husbandry.co.uk to find out more.

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news & views

news & views Natural Burial Ground Open Day

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beautiful natural burial ground in South Devon is inviting people to visit this springtime.

The Sharpham Trust, which created and operates the natural burial ground, is inviting interested members of the public and funeral directors to an Open Day at Sharpham Meadow Natural Burial Ground, taking place from 11am on Saturday May 16.

Visitors on the Open Day can see the spectacular site and find out more about green burials and ashes interments there. Sharpham Trust staff will be on hand for the first two hours of the day to talk about natural burials and answer any questions.

There is no need to book for the Open Day. It will begin at 11am, with a short talk about the meadow at around 11.15am. After that, visitors are free to ask questions and explore the site in their own time. The site is open 24-hours a day.

Natural burials in a meadow

With stunning views to Dartmoor and the sea, and across the South Hams Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Sharpham Meadow offers an ecological alternative to traditional burial or cremation.

The site is cared for as a hay meadow, hence the grass is allowed to grow long and cut each summer. Only simple flat headstones are permitted.

“Sharpham Meadow is different to many natural burial sites because it is an open site with an incredible vista and setting,” said Margot Eliadis, the site’s administrator.

“It’s not woodland, nor are trees planted, and as its name suggests it’s a

wild-flower meadow, supporting a rich eco-system of flora and fauna, including skylarks and hares,” she said.

“Lots of people tell me how peaceful and beautiful the meadow is, and how different it is to other burial sites, churchyards or cemeteries.”

A ceremonial building has been constructed at the meadow, built using natural materials with cob walls and a green sedum roof. There is also a compost toilet nearby.

The Ancestors’ Fire circle is a focal point in the meadow. A brass fire surround, inscribed with the motto In My End Is My Beginning, was created

by Sharpham Trust artist-in-residence Robin Lacey to be a place at Sharpham Meadow where visitors could gather and be seated, communicate, light candles, leave messages or simply sit in meditative peace.

Sharpham Meadow Natural Burial Ground is open to all regardless of faith or local residency, and whether people are using a funeral director having a religious ceremony, a secular ceremony, or no ceremony at all.

Sharpham Meadow Natural Burial Ground is on the Sharpham Estate, about 3 miles out of Totnes on the Totnes Down Hill road towards the village of Ashprington. l There is more information and pictures at www. sharphamtrust.org/burials or email sharphammeadow@ sharphamtrust.org for further details

New carbon-cutting fund

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The open day is aimed at people interested in finding out how to reserve a burial or an ashes burial plot, or who are exploring alternative funeral ideas. Funeral directors and businesses who may be unfamiliar with Sharpham Meadow are also invited to the day.

The do’s and don’ts of nesting season

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T this time of year we get hundreds of calls from well-meaning members of the public about the seemingly helpless baby birds they’ve discovered on the ground. But it’s vital that people resist the urge to intervene – this is a natural part of the bird’s development, so keep calm and step away.

Just before baby birds are ready to tentatively extend a wing, wiggle a tail feather and take flight for the first time, they leave their nest – “fledge” as it’s called. Fledglings then spend a couple of days on the ground and around the nest developing their final flight feathers.

The fledglings will appear fully feathered and hop around your garden in broad daylight – hence why members of the public are convinced they need rescuing.

Another common fear is that the fledgling has been deserted by its parents. But fledglings are extremely unlikely to be abandoned. Mom and dad are probably off gathering food or hiding nearby with a beady eye on their young, waiting for you to leave. Parents know best and are the experts in rearing their young. Removing a fledgling from the wild significantly reduces its chances of long-term survival – so please don’t ‘kidnap’ the baby bird, even in a well meaning way.

There are only a couple of situations when the public should lend a friendly

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helping hand: Immediate Danger: If the baby bird is found on a busy road or path, we advise it is picked up and moved a short distance to a safer place - this must be within hearing distance of where the fledgling was found. Similarly, if you discover your cat or dog eyeing up a fledgling we recommend that you keep your domestic pet indoors for a couple of days – or at least around dawn and dusk.

Injury: If an injured fledgling is discovered this should be reported immediately to the RSPCA on: 0300 1234 999. Sometimes local vets treat wild birds for free, but please check with them first.

Nestlings: If a baby bird is discovered on the ground that is either unfeathered or covered only in its fluffy nestling down, it has likely fallen out of its cosy nest ahead of schedule. Very occasionally it is possible to put these babies back in their nest, but only if you are 100% sure of the nest it has fallen from.

However, sometimes a parent bird will intentionally eject a chick from the nest if they sense it has an underlying health problem or is dying. It’s a harsh truth to stomach, as humans we want to fix things, but sometimes we need to allow the law of nature to run its course. To find out how you can give nature a home in your garden, visit: www.rspb.org.uk/getinvolved/activities/give-nature-a-home-inyour-garden/

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UPPORTERS of Extinction Rebellion have thanked South Hams District Council for allocating £400,000 to emergency climate change projects in their budget meeting in February.

The money will be awarded to community groups, social enterprises and parish councils across the South Hams to fund carbon-cutting projects.

It could be spent on draughtproofing village halls and adding solar panels to roofs, supporting community-run bus services and renewable energy projects, or planting orchards and natural woodlands.

One time Reconnect regular contributor Peter Scott, an XR supporter from South Brent, said: “These projects have obvious and immediate benefits for our communities and help people save money and reduce their carbon emissions. We look forward to helping the council find projects across the South Hams that will help them deliver on their climate action plan.”

SHDC councillors voted unanimously to support the plan in February. XR campaigners thanked Cllr John Birch for making the original proposal and the Leader, Cllr Judy Pearce and her Executive Committee for recommending the full council support it.

The idea had received widespread support from both residents and the business community, Cllr Pearce said. The council’s climate action working group will now be advising the council on how best to use the fund.

The full text of the Executive Committee’s proposal reads: “That a fund of £400,000 be set up for Emergency Climate Change projects in order to give effect to the Action Plan being produced by the Council. It is proposed that part of the fund be open to bids from Community Groups with proposals for Climate Change projects. The mechanism for providing such funds to be established as well as the extent of the expenditure by

HILL TRIBE A new Rites of Passage programme for 12-16 year olds the Council and that awarded to Community Groups; Emergency Climate Change Projects Fund– there was widespread support expressed for this proposal which it was felt reflected the seriousness of the Climate Change agenda and the fact that the Council had declared a Climate Change and Biodiversity Emergency.

Whilst it was recognised that the mechanism to allocate monies from the Fund was still to be developed, it was noted that the Climate Change and Biodiversity Working Group would have a key role to play in this process.”

Extinction Rebellion campaigners are continuing to consider the very serious and ongoing threat that Coronavirus (Covid-19) poses to their activities, and are seeking a path which seeks to protect life, support the most vulnerable, and draws our communities together in a time of crisis.

The virus has been a warning of how ‘business as usual’ can be disrupted with a shocking jolt, and people everywhere are called on to do what we can to slow the progress of this pandemic.

The Waves of International Rebellion are scheduled to continue from April 13 with a rolling rebellion planned for the UK from May 23 with action set to take action in waves. However each wave of Rebellion will be dependent on local circumstances and national groups will be making their own call following health authority guidelines and the precautionary principle.

17-23 AUGUST 2020 ON THE HILL, DEVON Contact: 01647 252 643 or info@onthehill.camp For more info visit www.onthehill.camp

l Find out more about Extinction Rebellion at https://rebellion. earth or find them on Facebook Facebook covering Totnes & Area, Exeter, North Devon, and South West Britain.

Extinction Rebellion outside Follaton Photo by Robin Toogood

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wellbeing email: wellbeing@reconnectonline.co.uk

WELLBEING

THE natural health and personal development PAGES Inside wellbeing...

Finding Active Hope

Imposter syndrome 28 Shamanic uncertainty principle 31 How can we be resilient?

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Living with illness and loss retreat New stories and well-being

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Reasons to be cheerful

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A new era at Angel Hall 37 The disconnect of bereavement 38 Do you feel your music?

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The classified adverts

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And there’s lots more to read inside

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popular annual retreat for people whose lives have been touched by illness or loss is taking place once again in May at Gaia House near Totnes.

This unique retreat has been running at Gaia House since 2011.

Over the years it has received much positive feedback from participants.

One of them, Jenny Nicholson, said: “The retreat was a safe space for me to really be with my experience and face issues and feelings in a kind and supportive environment. I have come away with a clearer feeling of wholeness and strength.”

The teachers, Zohar Lavie and Nathan Glyde, have a wealth of experience in supporting people to find greater peace when facing the difficulties of illness and bereavement. Zohar said: “When we are facing illness and loss in our lives, it can be a time to slow down and look deeply into our experience. On the retreat, we will use the practice of Insight Meditation as a basis for exploring our relationship to the challenges we face. By developing

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greater mindfulness we can open ourselves up to the possibility for transformation. In this way, we hope to find new ways of relating to our daily lives.”

The retreat is limited to 25 places to ensure that every participant can be fully supported. The daily schedule is lighter than an average Gaia House retreat and meditation practices can be done lying down if necessary. One of the bedrooms and bathrooms at Gaia House has full wheelchair access.

The standard rate for this threenight retreat is £177. However, if the standard rate is too high, the retreat is offered at a supported rate of £150. Director, Devin Ashwood, added: “Further financial support is available, so please don’t let price be a barrier. Please check our website or give us a call to explore further funding options.

We really want to ensure that Gaia House is accessible to all.” l The Living with Illness and Loss Retreat may run from May 25-28.

For more information visit: www. gaiahouse.co.uk or call 01626 333613.

WELLBEING The impact of gambling on your life

A S T R O L O G Y R E A D I N G S , W O R K S H O P S , R E T R E AT S & C O U R S E S

“ Kate Philbin

The home of natural wellbeing WELLBEING is the home of natural health and personal development in South Devon - the perfect place to find your perfect therapy, retreat or workshop.

And if you work in natural health, it’s the perfect place to get your message out there.

A 1/8-page advertisement, like those below, can be yours for just £41.85 a month. A 1/4-page is only £66.60 a month.

And you can tell the story behind what you offer in our free editorial - with help from our Wellbeing editor, Kate Philbin.

Our designers will even put the artwork together for you at very affordable prices.

The Wellbeing deadline for the next (June/July) issue is May 4 so get in touch today and let’s get the ball rolling.

Call Scott on 01392 346342 or email editor@ reconnectonline. co.uk

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HOW has gambling impacted your life?” It is a question that personal and relationship counsellor Santella Siani asks clients who come to see her with gambling addiction at the start of their sessions together. The stories she hears are of lives brought close to ruin by the addiction.

One client, who we will call Jim, told her recently: “I am £60,000 in debt and the worst part is I have nothing to show for it.” Jim had been saving for a house with his wife. The discovery of his addiction was devastating to her and completely shaming for him.

Santella said: “The two of them sit in front of me, desperate for help to repair the damage that his compulsive gambling has caused.

She doesn’t know if she should stay or leave the relationship or whether she will ever trust him again. He has told her many times in the past that he was going to stop, and although many times in the past he has tried, his intention has been thwarted by his addiction.”

Santella explains that, while most of us are able to use slot machines, spend a day at the horse races or gamble on football results without a problem, people with a gambling addiction find these normally harmless diversions difficult to control and the impact can be devastating.

She said: “If you are addicted to gambling, this will prevent you from being able to make decisions about when to stop. The increasing accessibility of betting on smartphones and technology has brought gambling into our lives more readily than ever before. People with addiction believe their next ‘win’ is only a finger tap away.”

COLOUR AND ASTROLOGY WORKSHOPS O N E - T O - O N E R E T R E AT S D U R I N G TRANSITION

Santella Siani Santella worked with Jim and his wife to try and understand his addiction. They created a timeline of his life and talked for the first time about the trauma he experienced as a child and how slot machines in pubs provided a way to bond with his mostly absent father.

She said: “We try to understand his addiction; the consequences of his ever-growing debt and shame keeping him in a destructive cycle of secrecy and anxiety. I explain about the hormone dopamine and its part in driving his urges to seek pleasure via gambling, to the detriment of everything else. We take time to understand his triggers and the gambling habits that have informed his life up to this point.”

Santella works therapeutically from a biopsychosocial perspective - an approach that can successfully break embedded addictive behaviour. In Jim’s case, he has been free from gambling for 12 months, his debt is gradually reducing and he and his wife are planning to start a family. l For more information contact Santella on: 07966 241214

07548 076470 | AMANDA@AMANDABRADBURY.COM | WWW .AMANDABRADBURY.COM

Funded Shiatsu treatments and Qigong classes for women struggling with their health.

01803 862808 07930404124 kirsty@shiatsutotnes.co.uk

Shiatsu for healthy change

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HIATSU For Change has received Lottery funding to offer Shiatsu treatments and Qigong classes to women in South Devon who are struggling with their health.

The women will receive a series of six one-to-one Shiatsu treatments in return for a minimal donation. These will be followed by a fully-funded place on a five-week Qigong course. The aim is to support women’s health and equip them with useful self-help skills.

Shiatsu practitioner, Kirsty HurdThomas who is running the project said:“Many women come to Shiatsu with symptoms like insomnia, depression, anxiety, PMT, menopausal or other hormonal problems, joint pain, exhaustion and fatigue. Some may be having or recovering from cancer treatment or other long term health issues.

Symptoms which come along with these issues may lead to more long term health issues if they are not addressed as early as possible.

“This project aims to help women feel supported in their health. We hope to increase resilience and

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empower women with self-help skills that can have a positive impact on their long-term health.

One of Kirsty’s clients said: Receiving regular Shiatsu treatment has been an essential and transformative source of support for me, living with secondary cancer and the effects of ongoing cancer treatment.”

But through conversations with women over the years, it became clear to me that, although many women need and want treatment and to become more responsible for their health, some can’t afford it and their health suffers accordingly.

This project was born out of these conversations.”. l Any woman with health issues who wouldn’t normally be able to access these services and would like to participate in the project should email kirsty@shiatsutotnes. co.uk or call: 01803 862808/ 07930404124

Editorial: 01392 346342 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

27

WELLBEING

EMOTIONAL HEALTH Welcome back to our exploration into all things emotional. In this edition our Emotional Health columnist Leigh Smith explores a psychological phenomenon which effects many seemingly confident, successful high achievers, whilst lurking hidden in the background, like a silent assassin.

Exploring imposter syndrome

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AVE you ever had that feeling that sooner or later you’re going to get ‘found out’, that your cover will be blown, and the whole world will see you for the fake you really are? Do you cringe when someone praises you, feel like it’s all about to come tumbling down, and live with a feeling that you do not deserve your success?

Whilst these are normal feelings to have some of the time, if they are constantly in the background, and getting in the way of your wellbeing, then you may well be suffering from Imposter Syndrome.

What is Imposter Syndrome?

Imposter syndrome can affect anybody, regardless of gender, and can manifest as a persistent anxiety about not being good enough, and being found out to be a fraud.

It can cause you to doubt your own accomplishments with strong feelings of not being good enough, even in the face of strong evidence to the contrary. It can cause anxiety, and self-doubt, and a constant striving for perfection, which eats away at your self worth.

The term was coined by clinical psychologists Pauline Clance and Suzanne Imes in 1978, when they found that despite having plenty of evidence of accomplishments, people with imposter syndrome remain convinced that they don’t deserve their success, and would rather attribute it to good fortune, chance, and even believe that they have tricked people into seeing them as successful. Just like the great and powerful Wizard of Oz, behind the curtain, about to be revealed for nothing more than an old man, pretending to be something he is not.

I can really resonate with this syndrome, and have heard myself time and again diminish my own accomplishments. I will happily put the success of my college down to ‘great tutors’, a ‘wonderful venue’, ‘right time – right place’. When in reality I know how hard I have worked to create Heartwood, how often I’m in the office late into the evenings, weekends and early mornings. Excessively working, over preparing, and becoming exhausted from putting in way more than is expected. A sure sign of imposter syndrome.

The constant drive to make everything perfect, but never feeling it even comes close, creates a fragile facade, and this makes for a very vulnerable, and fragile person behind the mask.

“I have written eleven books, but each time I think: uh oh, they’re going to find me out now”- Maya Angelou Like others who suffer with this silent assassin, I can tell you it doesn’t take much to shatter my confidence.

On some occasions when I am criticised by a superior, or given negative feedback, it has the ability to completely diminish me. In that moment I can feel exposed, the truth is out, everyone can see how I have no right to be in this profession, should never be allowed to counsel anybody, teach anybody, organise anything, because clearly, I am a complete failure, and have no right to be here.

Ringing any bells?

When this happens, it can be a huge blow to my self-esteem and the ‘melt down’ can serve to strengthen the belief that I am clearly not up for the job, becoming a self-fulfilling prophecy.

So, what can be done to tackle this silent assassin?

Seeking some therapeutic support can help to get some perspective on the fraudulent feelings, and also help spot the negative thinking patterns which have taken root and become habitual, causing selflimiting beliefs which determine how we view our lives.

Remember: “you have worked hard to get where you are, it wasn’t down to luck or chance, it was down to YOU” Maybe it’s time to encourage your own inner groupies, and introduce them to that inner critic!

If you listen hard enough you will hear them chanting “go Leigh, go Leigh, go Leigh” oh, is that just me? But seriously, let the groupies give you credit for your hard work, preparation, long hours and dedication to making things work.

Does this make you want to cringe?

The thought of facing our success can be terrifying and very exposing.

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light not our darkness that frightens us most.

We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be?” - Marianne Williamson Straining hard to hear those groupies can help us focus on what they might be honoring with their chants. It can be empowering to give thought and attention to our credits, value to our achievements, name them, list them, validate them and breathe them into being.

Allowing the liberation of our true worthiness, freeing our brilliance from the shackles of doubt and shame, stilling the silent assassin, and shining like the brilliant and uniquely fabulous people we are.

We all have something of value to bring to the world, we all have a right to be here, and none of us are imposters in our own worlds!

Leigh Smith is director of studies, course designer and tutor at Heartwood Centre for Counselling and Psychotherapy Training.

Visit www.heartwoodcounselling.org or call 01803 865464.

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Finding your trauma resolutions

O Bringing the beauty of nature inside

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he practice of painting is more than mere creative expression for Katie Sarra of The Sea School Gallery in Dawlish. She said: “Painting helps me realign myself into feeling gratefully attuned with my raw naturalness.

When we are attuned in this way, we are more likely to make decisions in harmony with each other and the animals we share our planet with.

Animals can guide us with their specific attributes when we have lost our way. I hope my paintings resonate with other people in this way too.”

Katie believes our body is a biome of selforganising intelligence which has its own logic. She said: “Our emotional command systems activate a complex nervous system and hormonal responses, giving rise to sensations in our body. We experience unconscious and conscious reflections of these sensations. Jaak Panksepp, the world-famous neuroscientist, discovered that we share the same emotional command systems with all other animals. He said we are all the same under the skin.

“As humans, I believe we are in a collective crisis in an era of disconnection from care. Since I went to the Gabon last year, where I was initiated with the Bwiti, I have been learning the hard way about my own disconnections and how to deal with this.”

Katie explained how painting has helped her to manage her feelings: “Painting and attuning with animals and the sea has helped me find my strength to be with such intense feelings of vulnerability. I am understanding the need to create to transform the pain and shame I feel into beauty which can help to bridge loneliness.

“All of us are divorced to some extent from our true natures. This cuts us off from relaxation, health, happiness and harmony. But, when we learn to attune with who we really are, we can surrender to the dance of life and death.

“Our hearts are protected by the thymus gland, the centre of our immune system.

It is a mirror for us, protecting matters of the heart.

Animals can show us the way home to our hearts because they protect what matters to them. Some of them symbolically amplify this to us as humans, too.

“The sea and land are also mirrors for our inner emotional seas and the ground of our belonging. These parts of the landscape are a great comfort for me when my inner landscapes need acceptance and witness.”

Katie’s oil paintings are available to view by appointment at her home in Dawlish. To arrange, message Katie on 07540 571745 or email katie@ katiesarra.com

Big Sis mentoring project

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IG Sis, a female to female mentoring project to support adolescent girls to cope with stress and anxiety, has been established at Plymouth Science Park.

Female university students studying education will provide mentoring to younger girls who are about to enter secondary schools in Plymouth under the scheme. Big Sis will offer informal discussions in the safe environment of school to help address the younger women’s physical, emotional and practical needs. By enabling girls to address questions about their bodies and feelings to slightly older women, the hope is that they will start to feel more confident and, in turn, perform better in the classroom.

Friederike Kunze (fondly known as Friedel Fink), who founded the company said: “Big Sis aims to reduce levels of anxiety among young women and support carers and schools to address mental health concerns before they develop into a crisis. We provide a helping hand and avoid schools, parents and carers having to face these responsibilities by themselves.”

Friederike is a holistic menstrual educator and bodyworker. She explained that there is a need for a service of this type: “Youngsters might be embarrassed to ask teachers and parents certain questions, but we can provide the reassurance that physical changes and feelings are normal, and we can normalise those experiences within a supportive group setting.”

Big Sis will recruit high quality undergraduates and provide them with a DBS check and also the necessary training for the role itself, which will include safeguarding. The Big Sis Community Interest Company won the use of facilities in the Formation Zone as part of the science park’s Tech Stars programme. It is hoped the facilities can support the company to grow as it provides a muchneeded service for young women.

Friederike said: “It was fantastic to win the prize at Plymouth Science Park. It provides great facilities and networking opportunities which will enable us to have a bigger impact.” Big Sis launched a crowdfunding campaign until April 14 to help increase training opportunities for the university volunteers, you can support it at crowdfunder.co.uk/big-sis-girl-to-girl-mentoring l For more information contact hello@big-sis.co

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N our journey to heal trauma, we may tend to focus our attention on the problem and how we want it to be different. This is understandable as the desire to feel well is programmed within us at a cellular level. But focusing solely on the problem means we may lack sufficient resources to tackle what we meet on our healing journey.

Catherine Hale, trauma resolution practitioner and women’s sexuality coach, said: “Whether inside or outside of you, you can always access some level of health, stability, predictability or vitality. This can be especially important when you are dealing with trauma, helping you to weather the intensity that is often part of the journey to resolution.”

Catherine explained that these resources come in varying shapes, sizes and forms.

“You may want to picture the following and notice how your body, heart and emotions respond to them as possible resources,” said Catherine. “Imagine: l The supple resilient parts of your body l The stability and predictability of the floor beneath your feet, the earth beneath the floor l The powerful strong trees with their roots digging deep into the soil l A healing essential oil blend l The predictability of the four directions, the constellations above, the earth below, the journey of the sun from east to west l The soft fur of your beloved pet l A favourite piece of music that lifts your heart.”

Resources like these amplify feelings of health, vitality and wellness. They can be tuned into in either a tangible or imaginary way, giving both embodied and psychic support.

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Real health Classes Targeted advice Books Eating plans Free resources Online courses Healthy recipe blog 1-2-1, online, phone/Skype ME, gut disorders, mental health nutrition, cancer recovery & weight management.

Catherine suggests writing a list of the health resources you have available to you.

“This is called the Whole Body Exhale List,” she said. “It is a personal list of the very specific resources of health, safety and stability that give your body, heart and soul ease, solace or support when you are under stress or difficulty.

“I recommend you stick this list on your fridge or somewhere else equally visible and accessible, so it’s a constant reminder of things you can turn to in need.”

Catherine offers trauma resolution sessions both in person and online for women and couples.

She hopes to be delivering a Trauma Awareness Training in London on July 25-26 for practitioners looking to develop their understanding and practical application of trauma awareness in healing. It includes trauma and nervous system theory, developing boundaries, resourcing your client, informed consent, creating safety, and assessing your professional competence as a way to guide and inform your work from initial client contact to in-person sessions..

For more information visit: https:// catherinehale.co.uk/event/traumaawareness-training-london Email catherine@catherinehale.co.uk

email: enquiries@trinityholistics.co.uk more info: www.trinityholistics.co.uk

Jane Hutton The Functional Foodie

T: 07841 344934

ELL HOUSE

The source of your wellbeing

Touch for Health KINESIOLOGY Massage • TFH Kinesiology • Training 07971 106 572 liz@devonwellhouse.co.uk www.devonwellhouse.co.uk

Time for a more active pace of life

A

S we move out practice will deepen of winter months your relationship and witness the with your own body, slow awakening of the delivering multiple earth, so we, too, are benefits. I believe this propelled to get outside is the healthiest form a bit more and adopt of exercise/discipline a more active pace that you can do for the of life. holistic health of your body, mind and spirit.”

It is also like this with yoga practice, according Natalie encourages to Natalie Austin who students to work at their holds yoga classes at own pace, using their Chapel House Studios Natalie Austin own breath and body in Totnes. to guide them through their practice She said: “Now is a good time and build strength. to perhaps explore a more active She holds vinyasa yoga classes at style of yoga. Vinyasa yoga is a Chapel House studios on Tuesdays practice that will strengthen your at 9.30am and Thursdays at body and create more balance 6.30pm. If your preference is for within you. If done on a regular yin yoga, she holds yin classes basis, it can increase your fitness on Mondays at 6.30pm and levels, building strength in the web Wednesdays at 10.45am. of connective tissue that surrounds your muscles, increasing circulation l For more information on and improving bone health. either of these tutorials, please get in touch with Natalie at “And, as you become more stable natalie@loveyogatree.co.uk and balanced on the mat, so your or 0751672024 or see www. mind and emotions will also achieve greater balance. A regular yoga loveyogatree.co.uk for more details.

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Bell Bartlett PSYCHIC TAROT READER

www.conscious-tarot.co.uk 07796 900509

‘ridiculously helpful’

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WELLBEING

WELLBEING Kate does… Body Wisdom Coaching YOUR wellbeing editor Kate tries out a treatment or event or activity each issue this time she samples Body Wisdom Coaching.

A INSIGHT MEDITATION IN THE BUDDHIST TRADITION

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few weeks ago I went to see Fiona Montgomery, who runs Body Wisdom Coaching, to talk about her work with energy disorders like Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, ME and Fibromyalgia. I was inspired.

She shared her story of struggling for 12 years with the most extreme form of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, which left her unable to get out of bed or walk.

I don’t have an energy disorder but I do have depression and anxiety. I contacted Fiona after her talk to ask whether the approach she has developed, which is based on Mickel Therapy, might work with mental as well as physical health symptoms. Absolutely, she said.

Hence this article…

Fiona began the session by explaining the difference between our thinking brain and our emotional brain (so called gut instinct). Mickel Therapy distinguishes between primary emotions – those that come from our emotional brain, which we often feel as a sudden jolt – and secondary emotions, which are the result of thinking and analysing. The former are always reliable and true, whereas the latter can be unreliable.

When our bodies are functioning in a healthy way, our thinking brain pays attention and responds to the messages from our emotional brain. However, all too often, our thinking brain learns to ignore or suppress these messages. This can often be due to learned behaviour from childhood or as the result of societal constraints.

Ignoring our emotional brain causes the hypothalamus to become overactivated and the parasympathetic nervous system to cease to function correctly.

Our bodies may start to develop symptoms, as the emotional brain strives to get our attention in increasingly forceful ways. These might take the form of energy disorders, anxiety, depression or something else. If we continue to ignore our body’s messages, the symptoms may continue to worsen.

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Body Wisdom Coaching is based on the premise that the way to treat these symptoms is for us to start to notice what the body is trying to tell us and to start to act on these messages. This sounds simple and, of course, it isn’t, but the homework from my session was to notice when I experience unwanted symptoms and to note down what happened just before I felt them – who I was with, what I was doing, where I was. Next – and not always the easiest to decipher – is to name the emotion that I was feeling. There are then a number of “keys” that the coaching offers which can be used to act on that emotion. One of them might be setting clearer boundaries with other people, for example.

I have my notebook and I am geared up to start noticing my symptoms. No doubt there will be plenty of them in the weeks to come because I’m writing this at the start of the coronavirus lockdown and already I am finding the increased isolation difficult.

I like Fiona. She has warmth, empathy and above all experience of using this approach to overcome debilitating symptoms. Following on from this session, I intend to work with her for a period of weeks, or even months… as long as it takes. This approach is not merely reflective, it is also dynamic. It feels empowering. I like that. l For more information contact Fiona on 07920 461400 or www.bodywisdomcoaching.co.uk

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Shamanic uncertainty principal

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T IS a natural human urge to want to feel secure. Darwin’s theory of evolution by natural selection and Einstein’s theory of relativity help us make sense of the world around us and predict life’s twists and turns. However, as we all know, theory is not the same as fact.

A theory suggests that under the same conditions the same process and outcomes will occur. But quantum mechanics upsets this interpretation with the “uncertainty principle”, which suggests it’s not possible to predict the value of a quantity with certainty, even if all initial conditions are specified.

After all it does not matter how many times you see the sun rise it doesn’t mean it will definitely rise tomorrow!

Jim Brant runs Shamanic healing training in Totnes. He said: “With this uncertainty principle in mind, I was interested to hear from an elderly gentleman who told me that his regular dog walks helped him make sense of the world and keep his marriage together. He always walked to an old oak tree. Over the years, he started muttering/talking about his problems to the tree before returning home. One day he heard a quiet voice answer him. He said, at first it was like he was speaking to himself - giving himself some good advice that he had not thought of

previously. However, as the visits to the tree continued, he gradually realised it wasn’t him at all. In fact, it was the tree. The tree was talking to him.”

Jim explained that working with plant spirits – which is what the man was inadvertently doing - is an old Shamanic practice. It is part of recognising our sacred connection to all our relations, whether they be people, trees, stones, places etc.

He said: “It’s an area we cover on our Shamanic healers training. If you would like to try this connection to a tree for yourself than set a clear intention that for seven days you will spend 15 – 20 minutes with your chosen tree daily. Start by greeting the tree as a stranger, introduce yourself and your hopes.

On another visit, ask if there is anything you can do for the tree.

Another time, share something that you need to get off your chest. Keep a note of each visit and expect the unexpected. I would be interested in your experiences so please email me. My elderly gentleman still goes to the tree, which he considers a friend, only now the friendship is more two-way with him helping out the tree when he can.” l For more information about shamanic healer training, visit: www. shamanichealers.co.uk or call 07882 634522

Jenny Heaton BA RSHom Registered Homeopath and Massage Practitioner Natural, holistic healthcare

07794 288172 jennytheaton@gmail.com

Workshops to share enlightenment

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SCENSION is available to all who are ready. Rhiannon Ranger, who is launching a new six-week course to help people to connect to the Ascended Masters, explained how she was inspired to develop the new programme: “I visited Glastonbury late last year.

Every day I walked up Glastonbury Tor and once I reached the top, I prayed to the Angels of Light, saying “If this is all my life is meant to be then please take me now, but if I am still to be of service then please show me the way forward.”

“On the sixth day, I heard a voice say: “Look at the Tor”. A very bright star appeared around the sun, offering me the answer to my question. I was being guided by Great Spirit to run workshops around the UK to share enlightenment training for individuals who want to connect with the Ascended Masters.”

These workshops are designed to help people to experience conscious connection to the Higher Dimensions.

They focus on connecting with your

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Guides, Angels, and the Ascended Masters and gaining mastery of the power of Sacred Sound, when all your chakras are aligned and balanced so you feel in touch with your higher self.

Rhiannon said: “This opens the door to Path Working Meditation, a journey into the light of your higher self which encourages you to discover your spiritual potential.

Perception Training from the Warrior Arts teaches you how to use intuitive perceptive skills, called spiritual intuitive perception training.”

The programme also includes practical exercises to help people cope better in stressful situations, as well as guidance on diet and weekly routine to help people develop and maintain their connection to the Higher Powers. l For more information visit: www. youtube.com/user/SFGRRANGER Email: rhiannonranger@gmail.com Or call 07565 060631 after midday.

Editorial: 01392 346342 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

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WELLBEING Anxiety and the primal instinct

M May 23rd - 24th

ANY of us struggle with anxiety.

The problem is becoming more and more common… and it’s hardly surprising when you consider the world we live in.

Lou Henwood, who runs The Singing Zookeeper, said: “We are used to processing information and communicating at lightning speeds. We are hypnotised by our phones, our TVs, our addictions to consumerism, and social media. To understand why we are becoming more anxious we need to take things back to basics.”

Lou explained that anxiety is caused by living on our heads. “Our minds come up with a myriad of things that ‘might’ happen if we were to do X, Y and Z. though logically we know that nothing is likely to happen.

However, the feelings can become intense and, in some cases, unbearable. Then logic goes out of the window.”

Most of us do not understand our primal programming, making us more prone to anxiety. One of the programs that we are disconnected from is the polyvagal system - out primal, instinctive selves.

“We sometimes feel this program give us a kick and tend to overreact to it because we don’t recognise it for what it is. It is always on the alert to make sure we are safe. You know it is there when you feel that lurch in your tummy or a tightening in your throat or chest. These are just a few examples, but the polyvagal system always produces a physical feeling.”

By reconnecting with the primal self, it is possible to stop anxiety from escalating.

Lou advises next time you get anxious, firstly, notice where your breathing is. It will normally be high and shallow, or you might be holding your breath. Breathe out. Then lowly breathe in through your nose and breathe out with a hhhhaaahh sound - that sigh of satisfaction you’d make if you were taking off tight shoes or getting in a warm bath. Now, notice where the sensation of being anxious is held in your body. It will be moving in a direction and it will be creating a loop, if you study it for long enough. Make that sensation go faster and notice how your feeling changes. Then, spin the sensation in the opposite direction and you will notice that the sensations of being anxious has diminished considerably, if not completely. l For more information or to book an appointment with Lou, visit: www. thesingingzookeeper.com

One master key for healing

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HERE are countless routes to healing from intense life challenges.

Carmella B’Hahn has discovered this in the 28 years she has been holding an enquiry into how to thrive through grief. She has interviewed extraordinary people from all over the world who have survived and thrived following life tragedies.

Their wisdom – which she describes as a blueprint for healing – is featured in her book Mourning Has Broken; Learning from the Wisdom of Adversity, which is a collection of ‘phoenix rising’ stories.

When it comes to her own story, Carmella speaks of a master key in her healing process, the one thing that helped her most. She explains: “Since the shocking moment I heard that my son, Benjaya, had drowned in a local river, I have been practicing one thing above all else. I ask myself repeatedly, ‘Who are you?’ and my consistent answer is, ‘I am awareness itself consciousness watching the drama of life unfold.’ This instantly changes my perspective, allowing me to see a bigger picture and to hold my persona-self with compassion. I am no longer lost in identifying with what has happened to me and the roles my human self plays out.

“Staying in this awareness state while embracing and allowing grief and other feelings their

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Carmella B’Hahn

natural expression is an important and tricky balancing act. In my experience, our body intelligence knows exactly how to release grief and blocks, but as long as we are holding on to a contracted narrative of who we are, physical and emotional healing will remain elusive. My passion is helping others to live from an expanded sense of self so that they are no longer led by their wounds and unconscious patterning.”

Carmella offers grief support, heartful communication coaching and TRE (tension and trauma release). The latter triggers the body’s natural tremor mechanism, releasing patterns and imprints that have become stuck. TRE takes about four sessions to learn as a self-help tool for life, but longer if someone is deeply traumatised. l For information about personal sessions with Carmella, and details of her three books see: www.heartofrelating.com. Email carmella@heartofrelating.com or call 01803 867005. She offers a special discount for first sessions.

Book a series of ads this size and it will cost you just £41.85 a month - including free editorial. Regular advertiser Jason Burns can vouch for the success of advertising. He said, “I’m pleased to say that I have had a very good booking for my services, because of advertising with you, so I’m happy to commit to the full year.” You too could find customers through an advert in these pages, call Scott on 01392 346342.

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New stories and well-being

T How can we be resilient?

W

E are surrounded by media messages telling us the world is not safe and warning us that we need to fear what is happening to our environment and to our economy.

Now the news is full of reports of the coronavirus that is spreading from country to country, bringing more fear and uncertainty.

Many of us can feel powerless in the face of all this negativity. We may feel that our very survival is at stake.

Unfortunately, though, when we react with fear and anxiety our bodies produce stress hormones which affect us both physically and emotionally, weakening our immune system. This can often be compounded by a lack of sleep and the unhealthy addictions that we resort to in an attempt to make ourselves feel better. In this way, we literally make ourselves ill.

Is there a way to respond differently and be more resilient?

Coach and therapist, Katheryn Hope believes so. She said: “Firstly, to help put things in perspective we need to recognise that negativity is highly lucrative for the media and, actually, for every adverse story, there

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are positive ones too. By practicing self-responsibility, we can take steps that strengthen us both physically and mentally. We can build physical resilience through regular movement, exercise, fresh air and a good diet to strengthen our immune system.

Acupuncture, homeopathy and reflexology also help.

Then there are practices that build inner resilience. Scientist and author Gregg Braden calls this ‘resilience from the heart’. To practice this, we need to take a pause, come back to our self and listen to our inner needs. Slowing the breath helps us to relax and this produces positive hormones that support our immune system and our wellbeing. Meditation, mindfulness and positive thinking are good for us and learning to listen to what our heart wants helps create clarity and wisdom, which is the way forward for us all.

Katheryn offers group workshops and one-to-one sessions to encourage self-resilience and wellbeing during challenging times. l For more information contact Katheryn at katheryn@theseedcoach. co.uk

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HEMED, bespoke retreats to refresh and re-energise is how creators Steph Bradley (storyweaver) and Ben Chadwick (gardener and potter) describe Harmony Retreats The new venture is the realisation of a dream for the pair who piloted an eco-tourism retreat last year.

Steph said: “Harmony Retreats will be working with local artists, guides, and wellbeing practitioners to provide relaxing and inspiring experiences with different themes to inspire you. We will nourish body and soul, with organically grown local food and a range of wellbeing activities designed to (re)connect you to your passion. Whether you come for a weekend or a week, we will give you the time you need to relax and start to tell a new story about your life.”

Last year’s eco-tourism retreat took people from Europe and the USA to some of the most inspiring and ground-breaking growing projects in the UK. Carolyn Scott, an educator from California, described it as “a once in a lifetime experience”, saying: “Steph is an exquisite and thoughtful guide through the inner and outer transitions... through storytelling, real magic and deep wisdom.”

This year, Steph and Ben are adding Creativity Breaks, where local artists take participants on a journey to “bring out their most beautiful visions”.

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All retreats include a walk on Dartmoor led by experienced and passionate local guide Dartmoor’s Daughter. Days start and end with a yoga session and a relaxing meditation. Creativity retreats include morning workshops and creative afternoons and evenings in the art studio with local artist support. There is a shared exhibition on the final evening.

Yannick Dubois, Celtic visual artist, will be guest teacher on the next residential retreat which hopes to take place at Bala Brook Retreat Centre from May 18-22. There will be sumptuous organic local catering and word-art from award-winning poet Harula Ladd.

As well as the advertised retreat, you can request a personalised break, from individuals up to groups of 12. l For more information visit: www. harmonyretreats.co.uk or call: 01364 644978

Sexuality ~ Trauma ~ Pelvic Health A trauma informed approach for women and couples Return back to your aliveness, your turn-on, and connection to embodied life force Sessions ~ Workshops ~ Retreats

Editorial: 01392 346342 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

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WELLBEING

WELLBEING Moon Sisters go with the flow

M

Take a deep BREATH...

Learn how to use your breath to overcome stress and re-energise your body. Improve your health and help clear emotional blockages. Workshops and 1:1 sessions available.

Intro workshops in Paignton Sun 26 April 2020 10.30am to 1pm £25pp

Transformational Breathing

Les Elms • les@breathsouthwest.com www.breathsouthwest.com

07828 566553

OON Sisters is an annual group, starting in April. It will explore the question of whether a woman’s menstrual cycle can be a path of empowerment.

Nikki Chambers, who is running the group said: “I’ve spent years developing ways to share this feminine path.

If you feel like your cycle is running you, you never know when you’ll be moody and upset, or sociable and full of beans, if you have terrible cramps or feel flattened by your bleed, or if you simply want to deepen into your womanhood and sisterhood, then I’d love to hear from you.”

Over nine months Moon Sisters will weave Womb Yoga, Yoga Nidra, sharing circles, ceremony, song, nature connection, pelvic health, and work with the seasons of the cycle.

Nikki said: “Dropping into the heart, through the womb and into the earth leads to a beautiful secure, empowered womanhood, selfhonouring and love. We gradually deepen into menstruation as a spiritual practice, to love, honour and empower ourselves as women, reviving our birthright, this magical connection with the earth, moon and womb.

“I give such thanks for this path, which has transformed my experience of being alive

in this body. I feel more solid in myself, more deeply rooted in my womanhood and in this earth.”

The path began for Nikki through her work with Native American teachers. This introduced her to the idea that a woman’s monthly bleed is a time of innate ceremony, when her connection to earth and spirit is very strong.

She said: “Beginning to plan my life and work around the innate talents of each season was profound, and life began to flow in a new way.”

Moon Sisters is a closed group that hopes to start on April 25. l For more information visit: www.moonsisters.co.uk or call: 07541098865

Reasons to be cheerful

H

Exeter

l

Tiverton

l

Teignmouth

SUSAN HOLLINS Cou ns ellin g

Bereavement Counselling and Shamanic Healing susanhollinscounselling.co.uk susan@susanhollins.co 07918 671476 34 34

OW is your year going so far? Disruption, delight, confusion, surprise, despair, anxiety….. and, breathe!

Does any of this sound familiar?

Psychic and tarot card reader, Bell Bartlett who is based near Totnes, said: “All of those experiences and more have shaped the last few months, both in my life and in that of most of my tarot clients. We are all facing opportunities to do old things in new ways. And, as challenging as this might be, it is also a reason to be cheerful because it is an opportunity for growth.

“No one is exempt from challenging times, and when we are in them it can be difficult to access a detached perspective. So, when I hear myself asking, what on earth is going on?! It is definitely the time to do a reading for myself, so I can find out my best way forward. A reading can provide clarity, choices and information. It can show you how best to respond to situations and enable you to find some much-needed inner calm. After all, everyone handles challenging times much better when they are relaxed… which is another reason to be cheerful!”

Spring is time for the new. New life bursts out of the soil and unfurls on the trees, and new ideas bring inspiration and optimism for new adventures. Bell has spent the winter developing a new course, bringing together many strands of the knowledge she has gained over 40 years of professional practice.

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She has created a comprehensive support system for readers, teachers and healers called ‘Essential Skills for Professional Intuitives’.

The course is designed for people who wish to take their intuitive gifts out into the world as a professional. Bell said: “It brings together some of the fundamental skills and knowledge I’ve learned over a lifetime of work in this field.

Essential Skills for Professional Intuitives is designed for anyone who wants to practice their reading, channelling, teaching or healing abilities professionally. This five week course will offer you practical, strong foundational tools which will serve you well in your work and everyday life.

“As far as I know, this is the only course of its kind in the area, so if you aspire to become a professional intuitive, go to www.conscious-tarot. co.uk for more information. Or call 07796 900509. Reasons to be cheerful… one, two, woohoo!”

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The unfolding breath

Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) (Stimulates the immune system

T

HE breath is our constant companion.

Every day, we participate in an estimated 17 to 20 thousand breaths. We are connected to everything around us by the air we all breathe.

For many different reasons, our breath can feel inhibited. But it can easily happen that through trying to breathe well and more deeply, we create tension in our body and stress in our nervous system.

Caroline Lang of The Yoga House said: “Approached spaciously, yoga places us within the special discovery of the inside movements of the diaphragm and lungs and the potential fullness, rhythm and pleasure of the breath. It seems to respond well to less controlling and more comfort and kindness. The way we use our arms, legs, shoulders and hips profoundly affects our breath. And how we imagine we should - or could - be breathing changes the way we actually breathe. This influences our health and sense of wellbeing.”

She explained that there is a commonly absorbed idea that a deep breath is associated with the chest and upper body. “Actually, most of the significant gas exchange takes place in the lower part of the lungs. Central to each breath is the fluid movement of the diaphragm, a large dome-shaped muscle that sits over the abdominal organs and underneath the heart and lungs.”

“The natural breathing movements of a baby or animal appear to involve their whole being. When our body starts to relax we may begin to experience that our breath has a felt relationship with the back of the body, the base of our skull, spine, pelvic floor and even our feet. As we uncover its unfolding movements, every part of the body can renew itself and we release even the deepest holding patterns. Our whole system reorganises itself and we can come to rest.” l For more information visit: www.carolinelangyoga@yahoo.com

to function optimally)

The Bowen Technique Scar Tissue Release Chapel House Studios, Totnes Home Visits AMANDA MORRIS CLT – MLDUK – CertECBS

A journey of self transformation

www.reconnectonline.co.uk www.reconnectonline.co.uk

amanda@amandamorris.co.uk www.amandamorris.co.uk

Body Wisdom Coaching is a powerful therapy used to treat energy disorders such as M.E, Fibromyalgia and CFS. Using the messages from the body as our guide, we restore the mind/body connection allowing health to return.

“

As much a journey of personal transformation as a training” is how one participant on the Sandplay Advanced Diploma course described their experience recently.

The training is held at The Nautilus Rooms in Totnes. Ruth Baker, who facilitates it, said that sandplay therapy has seen a huge surge in interest over the last 12 months.

She told Reconnect: “Something in our cultural consciousness has embraced the power and potential of this type of work. As a group of trainees currently attending the advanced Diploma course checked in at the beginning of the latest weekend, we asked them to share their thoughts and feelings. One of them said they were “absolutely delighted to be home” and another one said how much they would like to repeat the fairy tales and myths weekend (the previous weekend workshop). Our trainings are designed to feed the heart and souls of therapists, as well as their minds, and this is evident in their feedback.”

Ruth explained that wherever we look there is symbolic meaning. She said: “To our ancient ancestors the natural world was an immense source of symbolic imagery. Humans have long created and experienced powerful connections between the world around them and cosmic power.

Gods and Godesses were (and are) seen everywhere – in animals, in thunder, in lightning, in rock forms.

“Consider the shell. Our ancient ancestors created necklaces and

For an appointment please call 07931 505 312

Fiona Montgomery Tel: 07920 461400 | Email: fionamonty1@gmail.com www.bodywisdomcoaching.co.uk

ornaments from shells, and caves that are miles from the sea have been found with shells placed within them.

The time and effort to transport these shells indicates the significance they had. Shells are used in rituals and ceremonies around the world: birth, marriage, death, times of transition.

“They have long been associated with creation – the power of fertility and birth - and in a number of creation myths humans are seen emerging from shells. The hollow interior of the shell symbolises the womb. Gods and goddesses came out of the shells, shells come from the sea, and the sea is the great womb and the source of life. In Hinduism, blowing the conch shell represents the word aum, the first sound of creation. As well as their mythological and symbolic qualities shells have been used as money, to barter and also played a role in the slave trade.”

Ruth explained that in sandplay therapy, when the therapist and the client examine the sandtray that the client has created, they look closely at the symbols.

“We look at what they are and what they might represent to us as individuals, across cultures and in mythology. It’s a deeply revealing process.” l There are several sandplay practitioners at The Nautilus Rooms, as well as regular courses for therapists. For more information email: ruthbaker1@gmail.com or call: 07736 334454 www.nautilusrooms.uk

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35 35

WELLBEING

WELLBEING TFH Kinesiology training

T

Holistic Health Centre

Visit our Professional Colonic Hydrotherapy Suite for The Ultimate in Gut Health & Detoxification

47 Fore Street Totnes . arcturusclinic.co.uk . 01803 868282

THE HOMOEOPATHIC PRACTICE of Mo Morrish RSHom & Ali Morrish RSHom

ESTABLISHED in 1990 Committed to restoring health 01364 661397 www.thehomoeopathicpractice.co.uk

“

HAVE you ever been mown down in a supermarket aisle?” asks Susan Hollins.

“I’m not talking about the odd minor physical collision with a basket or supermarket trolley, but a full-blown, mind-blowing, frozen-to-the-spot experience. An experience when your grief rises up within you like a giant wave, threatening your sanity, existence, purpose, and leaving you staring at jam, meat, milk, bread ..... (fill in the gaps here please....). It can leave you wondering how on earth you’re going to get home, never mind the bigger matter of ‘getting on’ with your life.”

Susan is a bereavement counsellor who is familiar with this type of intense experience. She describes it as “concentrated, like Whisky, or Vodka, at least 46% emotional proof, rendering us emotionally legless...incapable of almost anything, incoherent.” The feeling normally gives way to one of being out of sorts for the rest of the

Clinics held at: Exeter Natural Health Centre & Ilsington, Nr Newton Abbot

36

A

enhanced brain function, and supporting and improving coordination, balance and general performance.”

With a wealth of knowledge and experience in both Massage and TFH Kinesiology, Liz runs a busy practice as well as teaching and supporting her students throughout the academic year. The next set of courses are as follows: Kinesiology training Level 1: Oct 9-10 2020 Level 2: Nov 12-13 2020 Metaphors: Dec 11-12 2020 Level 3: Jan 22-23 2021 Level 4: Mar 5-6 2021 Proficiency: May 8-9 2021 Assessment: June 26 2021 l For more information call Liz on: 07971 106 572 or email: liz@ devonwellhouse.co.uk

Grief often isn’t polite and tidy

Photo: Echo Wang (Unsplash website)

Arcturus Clinic

OUCH for Health Kinesiology is a non-invasive approach to natural healthcare that is performed over clothes. It combines the principles of traditional Chinese medicine, Tibetan energy techniques, Nutrition and Western bodywork techniques.

Energy and body function are assessed using muscle monitoring.

This gives feedback regarding where energy imbalances lie and what the body needs to restore balance. This process empowers the person by releasing trauma and resistance and gaining insight and tools that help to align the mind, body and soul.

Liz Reddish was inspired to begin teaching TFH Kinesiology after her own life was transformed by the approach. She said: “The TFH Kinesiology training offers an educational model that not only teaches students how to work with TFH kinesiology to support others, but through its practical approach, it supports and facilitates students with their own personal health and wellbeing. Benefits include: increased energy and vitality; breaking down blocks, barriers and emotional triggers; increased confidence and personal motivation; improved posture and relief from physical pain and tension; stress relief and day-to-day stress management; setting and achieving personal goals; processing trauma;

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A welcome return back to practice

day… or far longer.

Susan said: “How is it that we’ve been beguiled into believing that grieving is a polite and tidy experience which will be done with fairly quickly? All around us - in the media, in the stories friends tell us, in books and film and now, in our own experience - we realise, with horror, that grief is anything but polite and tidy. It’s more like a wild and unwanted houseguest who doesn’t recognise, let alone abide by, our house rules.

Grief doesn’t fit easily within the boundaries of what we consider to be ‘acceptable’ behaviour. This may explain why those who grieve learn to keep their grief to themselves to avoid behaving ‘unacceptably’ in public. It may explain why those who grieve learn to behave as if they were on the one hand Dr Jekyll - polite, contained, acceptable. However, in private, their grief turns them into Mr. Hyde - overcome by wild grief so deep and alien that they struggle to recognise this ‘other’ as having any relation to their pre-grieving self.”

Do you recognise this? Perhaps it’s time to talk with Susan.

She is a Bereavement Counsellor - addressing all types of loss - offering Individual counselling as well as training for businesses to help them understand the impact of bereavement on staff wellbeing. She is also a Shamanic Healer. Susan invites you to contact her for an initial, free phone call. l For more information visit: www. susanhollinscounselling.co.uk Or call: 07918 671476

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

Homeopathy for babies and children

FTER 10 years some ways. For the as practice past few years, I’ve manager of specialised in this Exeter Natural Health area. Having been an Centre, Ali Morrish analysand of Julian relinquished that role in David for 18 years, October to focus on the I was grateful for Homoeopathic Practice his endorsement as she shares with her I brought my love of husband, Mo. Jung – dreams, stories, rituals -more and more Many people may into my work.” not even realise that Ali is a registered Julian David, who homeopath with 25 is a Senior Jungian years’ experience.

Ali Morrish Psychanalyst, said: “I She stepped back have known Ali since from her practice following the 2002 and have been impressed by tragic death of her eldest daughter, her natural skill with the soul and Anna, in 2008. its needs. I support her expansion Ali said: “Whilst one can never get from homeopathy into dream-work over such an event, I feel ready to and a broad intuitive therapeutic return to work. Indeed, in many approach.” ways surviving such a loss augments Sometimes people see Ali purely for my understanding and compassion homeopathy. Some people choose for anyone who is suffering with to have a few sessions with Ali to trauma, bereavement and general work with dreams, even if they are mental health issues.” an existing patient of husband, Mo. After qualifying in 1995, Ali had a Some come to focus purely on the busy practice. In 2005 she took up Jungian work, looking at a deeper the role of homeopath at St Luke’s more soulful exploration of the Hospice in Plymouth as part of the unconscious. palliative care team, working with One said: “My years with Ali as inpatients and in the busy outpatient a patient of her homoeopathic clinic. She undertook training in practice were unquestionably bereavement care. enhanced by her knowledge of Ali took her knowledge of working Jungian therapy. Her breadth of with cancer around the country as experience makes her a unique CPD for homoeopaths and other therapist.” clinicians. For many years she was Ali holds clinics from her home on also clinical director of the South Dartmoor and from Exeter Natural West College of Homeopathic Health Centre.

Medicine (formerly The British School). l For more information, to book an appointment or a free Alongside her homeopathy, Ali has introductory session call: 01364 always had an interest in Jungian 661397. Or email: enquiries@ psychology and working with thehomoeopathicpractice.co.uk dreams. She said: “People may not www.thehomoeopathicpractice. be aware that homeopathy and Jungian work are quite similar in co.uk

A new era for The Angel Hall AN inspirational new yoga studio, workshop and concert venue has been created at Bowden House near Totnes.

The Angel Hall – once the main hall of this magnificent 18th century stately home – has been given a new lease of life by a resident of Bowden, Joy Prater, who has taken on running it and fully equipped the hall as a yoga studio for her own classes and others.

Bowden House sits in beautiful, peaceful grounds high above the town. Joy said: “The Angel Hall faces due south and sunlight streams in through its large windows (when it’s not raining!). It is a beautiful space with highly ornate walls and a spectacular ceiling of gods and cherubs. An ideal venue for yoga and events.”

The hall can accommodate yoga classes of 20, workshops of up to 50 and gigs of up to 65. It is always warm and welcoming and there is a small kitchen available. Bowden House is one and a half miles outside Totnes and there is ample free parking on site.

The Angel Hall now offers a variety of morning and evening classes, led by inspiring and experienced teachers. Classes range from gentle to dynamic Hatha, Kundalini Yoga, Forrest Yoga, Astrological Yoga, Yin Yoga, Pregnancy and Post-natal Yoga, as well as Qi Gong, Mindfulness and Healing Gong Meditation.

The Angel Hall also hosts singing events, peace and circle dances, acoustic concerts, and a mix of spiritual, musical and wellness workshops. l For more information visit: https:// Photo: Lucywallacephotography www.totnesyoga.co.uk.

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

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ABIES and children are among the wide range of clients treated by Jenny Heaton, who practises as a homeopath in Totnes.

Jenny particularly enjoys working with children and said: “Each child is a unique individual with their own personality, pace, needs and susceptibilities. I treat your child as a whole. As well as addressing your reasons for coming and any physical complaints, I am interested in how they sleep, what they eat, how they are in new situations, and how they interact with other children. This helps me build up a picture of your child and enables me to tailor the treatment to their needs

and select a constitutional remedy for them.”

Homeopathy can be particularly helpful for babies who repeatedly get viruses and illnesses, or who are never totally well – those who are unable to shake off a cough, for example.

“My aim as a homeopath is to help strengthen your child’s vitality and resilience, building greater resistance to ill health and helping them to bounce back from the coughs and colds that get passed around at school or nursery,” said Jenny. “A healthy child recovers more quickly and, with regular treatment, their healthcare becomes more than crisis management and enables them to grow and thrive.”

Homeopathy can also be used to treat specific symptoms, such as skin complaints, digestive problems, fevers and so on. Homeopathic remedies are easy to give to babies and children as they dissolve quickly and do not have any unpleasant flavours, additives or side-effects.

Jenny is registered with the Society of Homeopaths. She is also a massage practitioner with over 20 years’ experience. Her practice is now based at the Ola Centre in Totnes. l For enquiries and appointments call Jenny on: 07794 288172 or email: jennytheaton@gmail.com

AYURVEDIC YOGA ASSOCIATION Offering courses

Online coaching course “Joyful life” How to master 10 habits of Ayurveda in your day-to-day life. Integrating Ayurveda, Behavioral science and evolutionary group dynamics.

Starts in May 2020

Ayurvedic yoga massage training course level 1 -12-15 March Retreat 22-24 May For workshops/yoga classes/free talks please call: Saghar on 07974470610 or email: saghar_amozgar@hotmail.com

www.ayurvedicyogamassage.org.uk

Editorial: 01392 346342 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

37

WELLBEING

WELLBEING SPREAD THE COST OF ADVERTISING I can't believe it's not expensive!

A 1/8-page advertisement like this will still cost you just £41.85 a month if you book three or more issues and pay by direct debit AND we can help you write and design your ad AND we’ll write an editorial for you

Now you know which side your bread is buttered!

Call Scott on 01392 346342 or email adverts@reconnectonline.co.uk

Shamanic Healer Training Accredited course Totnes, Devon Further details

www.shamanichealers.co.uk

07882 634522

38

The disconnect of bereavement

Sessions offered for free and by donation

T wasn’t until I had decided to become an undertaker at the age of twenty nine, that I realised I hadn’t ever actually seen a dead body. Clearly this rubicon needed to be crossed before I went any further, so, with the help of a Quaker funeral director, a woman whose quiet compassionate approach to funerals was to teach us all we needed to know, I came face to face with my first corpse.

I can see him now. An elderly man, dressed in his tweed suit with his cloth cap between his clasped hands. He was unembalmed, spared the make up and wax and fuss that shames and disfigures so many of our dead, dignified and peaceful and utterly natural.

At first I felt awe and fascination, the mind boggling fact of death, the uncompromising solidity of it all. Then empathy, for him and his family, then an unexpected and sudden upsurge of grief for myself, for my own dead that I had not witnessed, my father, my mother, my aunt, my grandparents, avoided out of fear or circumstance or because of well meaning advice to ‘remember them as they were,’ as if remembering them as they were could undo what they had become, gone forever from my sight, from my reach and touch.

There is a disconnect that can occur between the head and heart when someone we love dies. The head understands, or pretends to. That stuttering internal voice, repeating over and over ‘they’re gone.’ But the heart, oh, our hearts do not go so lightly. Faithful old war horse, angry with love and loyalty, it stamps and snorts with fierce disbelief. No, it beats again and again and again.

No, not true.

And if we’re lucky, someone takes us by the hand, we summon up all our courage and go into the room where our love lies, or rather, where

RINGING consciousness to our breathing and movement can be an incredibly simple and powerful resource that can help us to navigate our way through the many challenges of life.

However, like any resource, we need to know how to work with it effectively and responsibly. This is where breathwork and intentional movement practitioner, Ben can help.

He said: “My work focuses on how to use the gifts of breathing and movement to resource, release and restore. My job is to empower you to be your own healer, not to become reliant on me to heal you.

Initially my role is to teach and support you to use these modalities but ultimately it’s about creating freedom not dependency by learning powerful new skills.”

Ben is very aware of the intensity of the times we are living in and feels that inner work and world work are the same thing by virtue of everything being connected.

He said: “It seems that we are being called on to embrace a paradigm shift on all levels of human endeavour, both individually and collectively, and I am here to support people to do that.”

Ben offers one-to-one Regenerative Breathing sessions, group Regenerative Breathing Circles and Movement Medicine Intentional Dance journeys.

All of his work is offered on a sliding scale of charges as it is

I

The Green Funeral Company’s Claire and Rupert Callender’s work involves dealing with those who have departed. This issue Ru pauses to think about those sacred moments where we encounter the reality of death. what they used to be lies, that awful fascinating contradiction, the presence of an absence, the person we love so changed, so....departed.

And in that moment, the head and heart come together, are reset like a snapped bone, comforted and broken at the same time. Comforted, because this truth is what we knew inside all along; that we die, all of us, and there is a strange peace in knowing this, and broken because all we want in the world is for that person to open their eyes, to come back to us, and we can see so clearly that that will not happen, they have gone from our understanding.

These moments with our dead are precious, sacred moments outside of time. Take them, hold them tight. l Visit www. thegreenfuneralcompany. co.uk or email enquiry@ thegreenfuneralcompany.co.uk or call 07759 890 639.

Breath south west workshops

A

unique venue in Paignton is now playing host to Breath South West, run by Les Elms.

KindaPlace at Preston Sands Hotel on Marine Parade in Paignton is a unique and quirky community café and centre for respite, recovery and wellbeing.

Les said: “KindaPlace overlooks Torbay and is an ideal place for reflection, relaxation, inspiration and community connection. I’m going to be bringing my breathing workshops to the venue, starting in April.”

The following workshops are planned (subject to Covid19 updates): Introductory Breathing workshops, which include an explanation, demonstration and group breathing session: Sunday April 26 10.30am to 1pm £25pp (max 6 people) Friday June 12 6.30pm to 9pm £25pp (max 6 people) Breath and Sound

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B

Yoga with Natalie @ Chapel House Studios, Totnes Tuesdays 9.30am, Thursdays 6.30pm Vinyasa Monday 6.30pm and Wednesday 10.45am Yin ALL CLASSES NOW ONLINE 07516 720 246 | natalie@loveyogatree.co.uk | www.loveyogatree.co.uk

Find your inner knowing through play

H

ow many different parts live inside of you? What if you could play them and fill your life with aliveness and new insights?

That’s the question asked

by Christie Animas in her Introductions to Fool Expression Workshops and monthly play days held in mid Devon.

Christie said: “After the weekend you will feel moved, impressed by yourself and inspired by your inner player. You will have more ease in your inner world, you will feel supported by your connection with the audience and ready to play more.”

Christie invites participants to

The view from Kinda Place workshop, this is a combined event with Sally Free of ‘Sounds for the Soul’ and will include an introduction and group breathing session, a gong bath and a combined breath and sound session: Sunday June 28 10am to 4pm £60pp including lunch l For more information visit: www. breathsouthwest.com, email Les at les@breathsouthwest.com or call 07828566553

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

important to him for it to be as accessible as possible to people from all walks of life.

Due to the present national and global crisis, Ben has cancelled all his face to face sessions and will be offering them online instead.

The dates for his upcoming Movement Medicine Intentional Dance Journeys are: April 4th (PAST), April 25th (PRESENT), and May 16th (FUTURE).

The sessions all take place on Saturday mornings, from 10am to 12.30pm.

Regenerative Breathing Circles will also be held online as will one-toone sessions.

Please visit the website for more information and instructions on how to attend. l www.breathedancebe.com

deepen their relationship with the body, learn how to harness energies that are present to create, learn the basics of the Fool’s Way on stage, explore and learn to play with the different masks/ personalities in themselves as they step on a stage, and explore the relationship with an audience.

Her introduction weekends take place on October 5-6 in Glastonbury (taster on the 3rd), November 9-10 in Bristol (taster on the 7th ) and November 2324 in Hittisleigh Crediton. £125 full price, £110 Concession. l Contact Christie Animas 07980371335 or contact@ christieanimas.com find out more at www.christieanimas.com

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39 39

WELLBEING Like a Miracle

How love works and why love hurts

F

OR 12 years, Fiona Montgomery was bed bound and confined to a wheelchair.

At the age of 26, following a period of sustained stress and grief over the death of her father, she was diagnosed with Epstein Barr virus and adrenal fatigue.

Following a bout of flu, Fiona developed the most severe form of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. She went to bed with flu-like symptoms and it would be 12 years before she was well enough to get up again.

She became so ill she was unable to walk and barely able to eat. Her weight dropped to five stone.

Throughout her illness, Fiona tried many different therapies, as well as diet and herbs. Nothing made a significant difference until, 11 years after she first became ill, she discovered Mickel Therapy.

Founded by a medical doctor, Dr David Mickel, it’s a talking-based treatment for energy disorders like Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, M.E and Fibromyalgia as well as anxiety, depression and other chronic illnesses. Mickel Therapy seeks to regulate the Hypothalamus gland in the brain, which normally regulates everything in the body. If it becomes overactive it can create chronic symptoms.

This approach draws a distinction between the thinking brain and the emotional brain. It teaches clients to translate physical symptoms back into emotions and

I shows them how to take action to address the emotion, causing the symptoms to subside.

Fiona said: “It was like a miracle.

After just two sessions, my stomach problems were resolved.

The therapist helped me understand the message that my body was trying to communicate. My world had become so small by being so ill but what I needed was the opposite of what I felt like doing – to go out, live my life, follow my joy.”

Fiona made a full recovery within 12 months and has now been well for five years. Inspired by her own experience, she has taken everything she learned through Mickel Therapy, plus other skills, and created Body Wisdom Coaching. She works with people who have chronic energy conditions like ME, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and fibromyalgia. l For more information contact Fiona on 07920 461400 or www. bodywisdomcoaching.co.ukwww. bodywisdomcoaching.co.uk

S it inevitable that our relationships start off great and then gradually deteriorate? Or that the same things we used to love about our partner begin to annoy us?

It’s easy to think that some couples just have all the luck. But is that really the case or is there something else going on here?

Philip Jones, Emotionally Focused Couples Therapist, believes that lasting relationships are nothing to do with luck and everything to do with our understanding of human love. He has created a workshop called How Love Works and Why Love Hurts, which will explore some of the most important aspects of human relationships.

He said: “We all enter into new relationships with the best intentions, so why is it that often our hopes turn to disappointment? The truth is that it is not easy to maintain a loving relationship over the long term; if long term relationships were easy, we would all be having one. This workshop will explain the good, the bad and the ugly of our human love connections.”

Philip explained that there are predictable steps that take us from the good to the bad and then to the ugly. The basis of Emotionally Focused Couples’ Therapy is for couples to become aware of their place on that journey. If they are heading towards the bad or the ugly they can then learn to reverse this momentum and find their way back to the good. Once there they can learn how to thrive in that place together.”

Emotionally Focused Couples’ Therapy is about finding ways out of cycles of conflict back into loving and constructive ways of reconnecting.

Philip said: “The process is thorough, effective and kind. I have seen how it can resolve negative styles of communication between couples who may have become stuck in the same painful and frustrating conversations, which literally go round and round for months and even years. Emotionally Focused Couples’ Therapy is founded in empirical scientific research and is equally effective for all type of relationships regardless of sexual orientation or racial origin. When we can collaborate about our fundamental human need to love and be loved in return, we can thrive together.” l For more information visit: www.howloveworks.co.uk or call Philip Jones, Emotionally Focused Couples’ Therapist, on 07568 356695

Finding out where I belong REGULAR contributor and Write to Freedom founder CASPAR WALSH has been seeking English identity for many, many years.

I

went to film school in 1988.

Sounds grand but it was a grubby little place built without love, housing a rag and bone collection of students and eccentric lecturers.

The teaching was good. Much of how I see the worlds of art, culture, media etc, began in that red brick campus in Dorset.

One of our lecturers gave us an assignment to go out into Weymouth to find out what we thought made up English identity. Big question. I had no clue where to start. There’s a long history to England and being English, a lot of it dark, a lot of it extraordinary and a lot of it hidden just beneath the surface.

I heard the words of the Brexiteers in Parliament Square celebrating ‘getting our country back’ and thought, who took it from you? What did they take? A friend said it wasn’t to do with retrieving a country hijacked

by Europe. It was about a loss of identity, flailing around confused, angry and frightened, looking for someone, anyone to blame. This struck a chord. Ireland, Scotland and Wales seem less threatened by the idea of being connected to Europe.

They each clearly have a stronger sense of nation identity than England.

I don’t believe it has much to do with retrieving a stolen or lost country but about forgetting who we are and the richness of our history and culture and people along with the prospect of a future that could indeed be bright.

God. I hope I’m sounding more like Lou Reed than Boris Johnson.

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Natural healing – where it all started

N

ATURAL Healing dates back to the beginnings of recorded human history. But, what is it and how can we access it?

Martin Paine, who runs Well on the Way and is the current chairperson of the Westcountry Natural Healing Fellowship, shares his insights about this powerful healing practice.

“The practice of Natural Healing can be traced back to more than 5,000 years,” explained Martin. “Healers have always had the ability to channel and work with the natural, universal energy that surrounds and sustains us all. They use this to connect with the natural energy and self-healing impetus that is inside everyone.

“Natural Healing is a form of vibrational medicine, working with the subtle energies of the human energy field. A healer will work to restore

vitality and balance, harmonising Mind, Body and Spirit and promoting the body’s own regenerative self-healing power. Intuitively integrating physical, emotional, psychological and spiritual development, it can sometimes reach the parts that other healing modalities do not.”

Martin explained that all of us potentially have the ability to link with and channel this natural energy and connect with the body’s subtle healing power.

Martin said: “I am now introducing Touch for Health into my practice, which is a Natural Healing process. Touch for Health is a noninvasive, simple and safe form of kinesiology - a holistic therapy that aims to address imbalances, whether mental/emotional, physical/structural or physiological/biochemical, which can arise from

chronic conditions or from the wear and tear of everyday life. It combines modern Western techniques with knowledge of meridians and the five elements from Eastern health systems.

“The approach uses muscle testing as a way of monitoring the energy flow throughout the body on a very fine level. Significantly, Touch for Health is a partnership between practitioner and participant, in the process offering some useful self-help tools. In a therapy session, we aim to identify and relieve the stress which may be preventing an individual from enjoying good health.” l For more information about Well on the Way and Touch for Health sessions in Exeter and East Devon call Martin on: 07817 273396 , or email martin@wellontheway.net..

“A single massage can boost the immune system”

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EVOTEES of massage therapy know it’s relaxing and feels good, but massage is also an effective tool for maintaining good health. In the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, Dr Mark Rapaport reported that a single massage can boost the immune system.

Mirach of Deep Time Massage points out that there is a growing body of research showing how massage benefits immunity. She said: “Massage therapy increases the activity level of the body’s white blood cells that work to combat viruses and seasonal illnesses like colds and flu.

“The lymphatic system supports the body’s immunity function and involves several organs (adenoids, thymus, tonsils, spleen), hundreds of lymph nodes, and a network of vessels. A clear fluid called lymph flows through these vessels and filters outwastes, including bacteria, dead

cells, fats, fluids, proteins, and viruses. When a trained therapist gently stimulates lymph nodes, it helps correct swelling and stagnation in the nodes, stimulating local fluid flow, boosting the immune system, and providing healthful relaxation.”

She says that while people often see massage as part of a healthy lifestyle, there hadn’t been much physiological proof of the body’s heightened immune response following massage until the last decade.

Mirach comments: “Massage is needed now more than ever! I’m part of our local healthcare system and continue to provide treatments that will assist in keeping our community well. Using natural blends of anti-viral oils and maintaining strong levels of cleanliness I practice from my therapy room in central Totnes and also offer home visits in this period of reduced mobility.” l For more information visit: www.deeptimemassage. com or call 07746416526.

The 8 sneaky symptoms of anxiety

So, I thought about the question that I was sent out to find the answer to all those years ago.

It’s stayed with me. I looked for it everywhere. My three-decade long conclusion? England has a strong, positive identity, if you know where to look: in culture, the arts, music, literature, theatre, filmmaking, sport, community spirit. In our incredible landscape. The coastlines, rivers, mountains, fields. In each other.

After falling in love with Ireland in my twenties, I went to live in County Kerry. I was looking for a land that felt wild, that had a history I could connect to and feel proud of. I felt ashamed of my birth country. When I came back, my feet landed on the ground of England in a new way. Particularly my connection to Devon, the landscape and the many communities living and working here. It took leaving England for me to realise this is where I belong and want to be, in sickness and in health.

A place I love and connect to deeply, physically, intellectually, emotionally and spiritually. No one took England from me, or anyone. These loving, generous roots of English identity are not so easily lost. You’ll find all you need to convince you a few inches beneath the surface. l Caspar is founder of the awardwinning addiction and trauma recovery charity, Write to Freedom. www.writetofreedom.org.uk (See their news article on page 10)

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

F

ROM May 18 to 24 it is Mental Health Awareness Week, organised by the Mental Health Foundation. The theme for this year is sleep, with hundreds of events scheduled across the country to raise awareness of mental health and groups planning to raise money for the foundation.

Hypnotherapist Jessica Vassallo, based in Exeter, described the “eight sneaky symptoms of anxiety”, which she said can affect many of us.

She said: “If you struggle with anxiety you will probably be familiar with the usual ways that it appears in your life.

For example, you may find yourself often feeling fearful, worrying constantly or being nervous for much of the time. Maybe you have physical symptoms, shortness of breath or a pounding chest.

“But, there are some lesser known ways that anxiety can show up in your life too and you need to look out for these sneaky symptoms too. You may be suffering from anxiety if: you feel the need to be perfect and control every situation; you are stressed, overwhelmed, frantic and always busy; you have a tendency to procrastinate and put off things that need to be done; you have lots of unfinished projects left hanging; you experience social withdrawal avoiding situations and events that you would find enjoyable; you are snappy and irritable; you have become hypervigilant, constantly fearing the worst and overthinking every situation; or you are not sleeping well.”

Jessica explained that hypnotherapy has been shown to be effective in treating anxiety symptoms. She said: “Hypnotherapy increases your ability to take control of anxiety and can change the way you think and act. It is an effective way to refocus your thought process, helping you to feel safer and more secure. A study by D.C. Hammond in 2010 carried out an expert review of neurotherapeutics, including hypnotherapy. It found that “Self-hypnosis training represents a rapid, cost-effective, non-addictive and safe alternative to medication for the treatment of anxiety-related conditions.”” l For more information about using hypnotherapy to treat anxiety or to book a free discovery consultation call Jessica on 07957 556856 or email jess@ jessicavassallo.com

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C o pywriter

Content creation, writing advice, training and workshops for businesses and individuals.

The Cafe Copywriter Offering you specialist help with:

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Blogs – individual or blog bundles Website copy Monthly Features blog bundles Press releases Case studies from £60 Reports Editing Copy clinic – advice and recommendations Writing coaching

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Editorial: Editorial: 01392 01392346342 346342 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

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THE DIVINE FEMININE THERAPIST, facilitator and writer Sapphira de la Terre explores empowerment and awakening from a feminine perspective.

The last gasp of the patriarchy

L

IFE is fucking hard at the moment.

We have a sociopath at Number 10. Ditto in the White House, and likely to be there for another term. Corona virus. Brexit. Climate Change.

Species extinction. G5 and the attempt to turn us all into zombies. War. Racism. And the rapid encroachment on our human rights and even democracy.

And it’s not just out there.

The external world is always a mirror of what’s going on internally within us, both personally and collectively.

We’re all being pushed to deal with whatever is still lurking in our shadows: pain from the past, trauma, fears, negative beliefs…

Are things really getting worse though?

Of course, on one level they are, but they are simultaneously getting much much better. It may not look or feel like it, but this is a painful transition rather than a spiral downwards.

What is going on in the world is the last gasp of the patriarchy. And like any dying creature, it is thrashing around, fighting for its survival.

We have lived in a patriarchal society for thousands of years, and feminism has not yet sunk into the deeper levels of our collective consciousness. It’s not just that women are still second class citizens in so many ways, it’s that feminine qualities have also been denigrated. In a stand-off between science and intuition, for example, for most people, the former will win hands down.

Passion, creativity, intuition, sensuality, sexuality, the body, the heart… these have all been denigrated and dismissed for millennia. And the seismic shift that is going on right now, as the old patriarchal ways fall apart, is extremely uncomfortable for all of us.

The way to not only survive - but thrive - in these overwhelming times is to ensure that we have enough space and support to process whatever is being triggered in us. The more we do this, the more we uncover our authentic selves, and we then have more of a sense of who are and what we’ve come here to do.

sapphira

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Because it’s not just our painful shadow stuff that is coming to the surface at the moment - it’s also our golden shadows: our potential, our passion, our power, our gifts and talents and our capacity for pleasure and joy. Each of us has something unique to offer the world, and when we dissolve the gunk that keeps it hidden, we can actually get on with it!

This is the process of life. You pick something you want. You move towards it. Obstacles come up. Fear, inadequacy, lack of funds, time, support…

If you don’t have enough space and support to dissolve the obstacles then you get sucked under.

But if you do have enough space and support to deal what’s coming up, then not only do you move closer to your goal, but you simultaneously dissolve more of the psychological gunk that keeps you hiding out, small and frustrated.

The trick is to find safe places where you can share deeply, good tools to help you move through the gunk, and a community of people who are fully committed to their highest potential, and so can support you in doing the same. Rather than being jealous, cynical and subtly putting you down.

One of my visions is cocoaching, where we support each other in identifying our true goals - the ones that will genuinely fulfil us - and then together we work through and collapse whatever gets in the way of us achieving them.

The end result: we not only achieve our precious goals, but we become more authentic and connected in the process.

Happier, and more truly ourselves. l Sapphira offers one 1-21 sessions, courses and workshops, as well as a personal retreats in Totnes. She identifies as an EFT queen - ‘it’s the only thing I have found that works absolutely every time, without fail, dissolving whatever needs to be to let go of’. She is running a new Co-coaching with EFT group for both men and women starting in May in Totnes. See www.

Sapphira.com or call 01803 862628 for dates and taster events.

- HAVE A BROWSE THROUGH THE RECONNECT SMALL ADS FOR READERS... an at-a-glance guide to services and products - plus diary dates.

FOR ADVERTISERS... an affordable way to get your message across.

Boxes are £55 and £98 and the lineage ads cost just 90p a word, with a minimum of 20 words.

THE DEADLINE... for the June/July issue is May 4. Call Scott on 01392 346342 or email adverts@reconnectonline.co.uk.

WORKSHOPS & MEETINGS

MENTORING

Menstrual Empowerment Big Sis – girl to girl mentoring for tweens PLYMOUTH Body & emotional literacy skills Support our crowdfunder for great rewards : https://crowdfunder. co.uk/big-sis-girl-togirlmentoring Mail: hello@big-sis.co FB + IG: BigSis CIC

coaching

MOON Sisters 9 month closed group for womb yoga, earth and moon connection, menstrual empowerment and much more. 2020 groups starts end of April near Totnes. www.moonsisters.co.uk

Exeter Greenpeace Meeting for members/supporters in the Phoenix Arts Centre Cafe at 6.30pm, 2nd Wednesday of each month.

Safeguarding of children and same sex spaces Sat Apr 25 The Dartmouth Inn, Totnes Torquay Central WI Meet at Central Church, Tor Hill Road, Torquay. On the 2nd Tuesday of each month.

From 2-15 to 4pm. The first meeting is free. President Kathryn Hill on 01803/612658 or 07891975443.

INTRODUCTION to Fool Expression Weekends take place on October 5-6 in Glastonbury (taster on the 3rd), November 9-10 in Bristol (taster on the 7th ) and November 23-24 in Hittisleigh Crediton. £125 full price, £110 Concession. More info www.christieanimas.com Contact Christie Animas 07980371335 or contact@ christieanimas.com (Artist Emily Balivet)

SHAMANIC HEALING

Movement therapy

HEART aligned coaching / clutter clearing coaching offers a safe, dynamic container to support you to align with your natural wisdom & creative flow.

Individual & Groups / In Person & Online. Camilla Armstrong, Certified Coach, 07944 694210, heartalignedliving@ gmail.com, www. heartalignedliving.com

HOLISTIC counsellor specialising in trauma/abuse, and for those feelings/ emotions difficult to put into words working with art, sand and outside amongst nature. Annie, www. natureswaycounselling. co.uk, 07760 439760.

ECO-THERAPY on Dartmoor. Using a nature-based map of the psyche you will receive guidance for self-generated ceremony to claim Wholeness.

Rebecca@ naturewisdom.life http://naturewisdom.life

Nikki 07541 098865

PSYCHOTHERAPY

COUNSELLING

CREATIVE counsellor.

Heartful, Supportive Counselling. Creative Exercises with Art, Sandplay etc. Adults, Couples and Young People. Ruth Jenni MBACP. 07974097787 www.oakflower.co.uk - Dartington, Newton Abbot and on Skype

MELANIE Ward SHIATSU Sensitive, powerful bodywork.

SHADOW WORK Intensive experiential process work.

Transform unconscious patterns that hold you back. Chagford.

07581375988 www. melaniewardshiatsu. co.uk

YOU NEXT? YOU could advertise here for just 90p a word - a minimum of 20 words. Call Scott on 01392 346342 for more details.

Advertising: 01392 346342 adverts@reconnectonline.co.uk

EXPERIENCED Integrative Counsellor individuals and couples. Trained in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT) Totnes and Exeter.

Ingrid Koehler MBACP 07932-734387 www. ingridkoehler.co.uk.

DAVID OXLEY MA: Fully qualified Accredited BACP counsellor and psychotherapist.

Psychosynthesis and Core Process. Working with Relationship, Depth, Integrity and Soul.

Central Exeter, Totnes and Plymouth. www. thisbeingnow.co.uk, 07876051093

REFLEXOLOGY

END OF LIFE DOULA

‘FRIEND in Death’, supporting people living with life-limiting illness, and their families and friends.

Awi Frances 07733198607 Member of EOL Doula UK www.eol-doula.uk

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

YOGA & Movement Therapy: BODY oriented sessions integrating somatic movement, gentle yoga and embodied relaxation for mental health and wellbeing.

Trauma informed.

Hayley Price: 07832979038, www. integrativeembodiment.uk

DRAMATHERAPY

A dynamic approach to healing ‘Permission to explore the me I didn’t know existed - life enhancing’ Emma 2018 Step into Spring, release the old, embrace the new!

NEW GROUP bi weekly starts May 1st Totnes Contact Rachel 01803 473079

£18.00 rachel.perry59@googlemail.com www.dramatherapy.org.uk

You can advertise in this classified section for as little as £18 (therapists also get a free picture, while space allows - first come, first served). Call Scott now on 01392 346342 or email adverts@reconnectonline.co.uk.

Shiatsu

QIGONG & BUQI Bee Jacket

EXPERIENTIAL, energising Qigong & Buqi healing.

Profound, yet simple system for greater vitality and wellbeing.

Wednesdays 7 - 8.15 pm The Angel, Totnes. anitashen.uk

REFLEX points on feet for all body systems.

CLEANSE, balance, release inner energetic tension connected to the body. Deeply relaxing therapy. £35 - 75 mins treatment.

07522344291. nicolasuzanne@hotmail. co.uk. Based; Totnes Natural Health Centre, The Plains.

BELINDA BLUEBELL the voice of the bees DO YOU need to hear confirmation about your future direction, have you been suffering from a long term pain? Online Shamanic Journey Sessions, Shamanic Bodywork Sessions face to face. All guided by Bee Wisdom. www. thevoiceofthebees.com or call 07754 779 282.

4 Kittens looking for loving homes Wonderful characters, 17 weeks old. Naturally raised with love, by mum, uncles, grandparents, and along with ducks, hens and people! Would like to home in pairs for company. Ideally in countryside, and to someone who is open to animal listening. Must have an interest in healthy food and no busy road nearby. Text Katherine: 07546169563 (TQ7)

KATE Coombs DipShi MRSS TRANSFORMATIONAL SHIATSU Offers support for your nervous system to relax, ease for your aches and pains and welcome for the deepest level of your being.

Ashburton and Exeter www.katecoombs.co.uk 07928731246

Scaravelli Yoga And Deep Rest Meditation

With Caroline Lang at The Yoga House, Harberton, near Totnes Classes, one-to-one, days, retreats that are profoundly nourishing and transformative.

http://www.carolinelangyoga.com 01803 865252

A wonderful Bee jacket I did espy, in the aquarium in Monterey, A sister, eyes a gleaming, Our faces beaming, At each other, She spoke of concern for the Winged ones,

I spoke of the bee spirit connection As maybe the answer,

And she opened like a flower.

Belinda Bluebell www.thevoiceofthebees.com