ReConnect Magazine #68 Oct/Nov 2020

The good living and community magazine for Exeter, Plymouth and across South Devon OCT/NOV 20 ISSUE 68

produce ❋ energy ❋ land ❋ homes ❋ community ❋ wellbeing ❋ arts

Pleas e tak e one

FREE !

patterns in the landscape Unlocking our limitless natural creativity

land eco-restoration Local restoration and rewilding

OUr wellbeing pages

stories that surround us

Feel good physically and mentally

Finding tales of beauty in the wild

Your local community life living magazine full of hope and inspiration during these times of change

Visit us online at www.reconnectonline.co.uk

T HE NAUTILUS R OOMS

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 range of different theoretical models and with all ages. All are professionally qualified and insured. Massage therapists, body therapists and mindfulness practitioners also enjoy the particular qualities of these beautiful rooms. 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

2

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.

For more information about courses and therapy contact Ruth Baker at: Email: ruthbaker1@gmail.com Sandplay and Therapeutic Art training dates are currently being put in place for 2021 they will be listed at www.nautilusrooms.uk and http://sandplaytherapy.co.uk.

SPACE AT THE NAUTILUS ROOMS During lockdown we took the opportunity to have a bit of a refresh at Nautilus.

Its lovely being back in this tranquil space.

The rooms are large and airy and the building has a sense of peace. They have been described as ‘the best therapy rooms in Totnes’.

Therapists are beginning to return to a mix of online and face to face working.

We have measures in place to protect from the risks presented by Covid.

If you are fed up with working from home and would like the experience of 'going to work' again, or you would like a lovely space to work from either face to face or online do contact us at The Nautilus Rooms.

We currently have space for new therapists and would love to welcome you.

Our contact details are: Email: nautiluscentre@gmail.com www.nautilusrooms.uk

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

S

Upfront IT'SWHAT WE'REABOUT

Broughttoyou by...

EDITOR Scott Williams

sts

ECO-RESTORATION 7

Pioneering at Embercombe

HEAR THE MUSIC 10 EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Karen Williams

WELLBEING EDITOR Kate Philbin

COUNSELLOR WRITER Leigh Smith

Bringing us together

REWILDING SHARPHAM 12 A snapshot in time

HELPING VETERANS

16

GREENLIFE

22

An extraordinary year

Reconnect with nature

JOY OF GROWING

CLIMATE CHANGE 18 10 steps to tackling it

COVID LESSONS

NATURE CONNECTION 20

WELLBEING PAGES

Call of the wild

23

Naturally nourishing

COVERSTORY...

24

The three disconnections

25

Our holistic health guide Page 37

EMOTIONAL HEALTH 27 Elemental benefits

GARDENING EXPERT Joa Grower

KATE DOES...

FOOD WRITER Jane Hutton

WEBSITE EDITORS www.doetsdesign.com

TECHNICAL AIDE Zelah Croft

STAY IN TOUCH...

EDITORIAL: 01392 346342 ADVERTISING: 01392 346342 SCOTT’S MOBILE: 07751 214656 EMAIL US: editor@reconnectonline.co.uk or adverts@reconnectonline.co.uk SEND US STUFF BY POST: 18 Millin Way, Dawlish Warren EX7 0EP FOLLOW US AND READ US ONLINE: www.reconnectonline.co.uk facebook.com/reconnectmagazine twitter.com/reconnectmag www.reconnectonline.co.uk

28

Tension and trauma release - Seasonal mandalas

he

ork' ork

Forest school - page 10

6

BORROW DON’T BUY

Now offering delivery

g ibed

f

INTHISISSUE...

WELCOME...

to the October/November issue of Reconnect.

It’s been a year few of us will forget in a hurry. It’s resulted in changes to many of our lives that are still ongoing and there is still uncertainty where the winter months will lead us.

For now there’s some degree of new normal, and we have been resilient in our adaptation.

Inside this issue we celebrate that resilience with a few tales from lockdown. The stories of how advertisers, regular contributors and local businesses have navigated through this year.

Reconnect has been lucky that most of our distribution points have remained open. We do now offer a subscription service - so we will email out online copies to our readers if another lockdown prevents us from printing again. Make sure you are signed up! See page 15 for details.

I’m sad to say that we still have no Going Out section. As someone who for decades spent his summers on the festival circuit, and winters at live gigs, this year has been unplugged. I really feel for all those events, suppliers, and acts who have been unable to reopen or perform. A year of lost culture. The celebration of carnival must return.

Stay safe, be kind, and all the best.

CLASSIFIED ADS 39

Reconnect’s small ads And if you book six, you pay for just five - a saving of 16%

howtoadvertise...

PLACE an advertisement in Reconnect and we’ll put your message out across South Devon 8500 copies every other month.

We do everything we can to keep down the cost of advertising and to help in every way we can to make the process simple and effective.

Our 1/8-page advertisements These cost £93 for one issue.

If you book three, you get a 10% discount, so you pay £251.10.

That’s a saving of £27.90.

Or book at least three issues and pay £41.85 a month by direct debit.

Our 1/4-page advertisements

If you are new to advertising, or want a new advertisement to better reflect your business, we can help with the content and design - just call us and we’ll talk it through with you.

These cost £148 for one issue. If you book three, you get a 10% discount, so you pay £399.60.

That’s a saving of £44.40.

Or book at least three issues and pay £66.60 a month by direct debit.

If you book a series of three adverts, you get a discount of 10% - and the chance to pay monthly by direct debit.

Our 1/2-page advertisements These cost £313 for one issue.

If you book three, you get a 10% discount, so you pay £845.10.

PUBLISHED BY Reconnect Magazine, 18 Millin Way, Dawlish Warren EX7 0EP

sustainable sources. It is printed using vegetablebased inks and the paper used has been carbon balanced with an area of land preserved in perpetuity with the World Land Trust (WLT) - an international conservation charity that protects the world’s most biologically significant and threatened habitats acre by acre. To learn more about them see www.worldlandtrust.org and carbonbalancedpaper.com.

All by-products of the production and printing processes are recycled.

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

Scott x

COVER IMAGES Main picture: “Limitless” Mandala

by Samjhana Moon www.innerseasons. com.

Left to right: Shiatsu for Change - www. shiatsutotnes.co.uk; Embercombe the UK’s first ecorestoration camp; and Brigit-Anna McNeill author of Bloom & Thrive That’s a saving of £93.90.

Or book at least three issues and pay £140 a month.

Our full-page advertisements These cost £522 for one issue. If you book three, you get a 10% discount, so you pay £1409.40 That’s a saving of £156.60.

Or book at least three issues and pay £234.90 a month.

All that and editorial too!

Editorial is free for advertisers and is written by our team of professional journalists who will get your message across without compromising your ethos.

Like you, we are a small, ethical, independent business doing what we love. And we’d love to help you.

Call us now for a chat.

DEC/JAN issue out end of November - the next deadline is Nov 5 PRINTED BY William Pollard & Co Ltd, Exeter www.pollardsprint.co.uk WEBSITE Visit our website at www.reconnectonline.co.uk.

Visit our Facebook page at www.facebook. com/reconnectmagazine ECO ETHOS Reconnect is written, designed, printed and distributed locally, using materials from

part of Reconnect can be reproduced in any form without permission of the publisher. But do ask – if you’re genuinely spreading the word, we’ll try to help. The publishers, editor and authors accept no responsibility in respect of any products, goods or services advertised or referred to in this issue, or any errors, omissions, mis-statements or mistakes in any advertisements or references.

Editorial: 01392 346342 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

3

news&views Crux cancelled

Covid help

FOR Coronavirus advice in Devon and latest updates see www. devon.gov.uk/coronavirus-advicein-devon/

Borrow it

THE Share Shed is the world’s first mobile library of things!

Currently serving Totnes, Ashburton, South Brent and Buckfastleigh on a weekly basis, the project offers a variety of useful items like tools, household appliances, bicycles, camping and gardening equipment and much more to be borrowed at a nominal fee.

You can become a member online and reserve your items straight away by going to www.shareshed.org.uk.

For further information, contact info@shareshed.org. uk or 07516 90823.

Wildflower funding PLYMOUTH City Council are asking for financial support to help them to create more wildflower areas across the city to help encourage more insects and give more people access to nature. Find out how to donate and more at bit.ly/2XKRzxr

South Brent’s dedicated arts space

W

AY back in February a small group of artists and makers met at the Old School Centre in South Brent to discuss the possibility of creating a dedicated arts space in the building. A large, light and airy room, plus a small barn and a further room which was formerly the school kitchen were becoming available for the first time since the building was bought for community use in 1997, and are now being prepared for a host of new activities.

The journey from that initial meeting has obviously been complicated by Covid19, but despite that the core group have managed to meet regularly, sometimes outdoors in person, or via Zoom. Plans are in place to open the building for creative activities in October, initially with an open day and an exhibition of work by the tutors, plus local artists and makers. All measures necessary will be taken to comply with current Covid regulations.

The group have exciting future plans for regular Printmaking, Ceramics (with a resident ceramicist), Life-drawing and Bookbinding sessions, and ideas for many other activities – some will be regular, some occasional. There will be an emphasis on recycling and repurposing, making and mending, with an emphasis on ‘have a go’ in an inclusive and welcoming space.

Project member Jane Wellens said: “There will be activities for people of all ages, and many opportunities to get involved, get messy (or not) and help clear up afterwards. We will be delighted to see you when we open in October – keep an eye out for updates.”

Art House is now registered as a CIC (Community Interest Company). l To find out more about Art House email arthousesouthbrent@gmail.com and you can follow Art House South Brent on Facebook and Instagram

FOR the last quarter of a century Crux Craft Fair has been a much looked- forward to, and greatly enjoyed, event. This year sadly, due to the uncertainty of Covid19, the organisers have decided to cancel the fair. “The decision was not an easy one to make, but it felt like the right thing to do for all concerned”, said Amanda Critchlow, who has been involved with Crux since the beginning.

“We are looking forward to Crux 2021, which will take place in Rattery Village Hall, and we will celebrate our 25th anniversary then.” Crux will be supporting the South Brent-based charity Moor Trees - www.moortrees.org Anyone wishing to contact the craftspeople who would have been taking part in this year’s fair can find the details by visiting the website – www.cruxcraftfair. co.uk...... and following the links to the makers. Many of the makers will be very happy to take sales directly via their own websites.

Christmas can still be hand-made, and many makers will be relying on direct sales at this difficult time for all.

Christmas Fair

TALKING of a hand-made Christmas Manaton Makers and Friends will be holding their Christmas Fair at Manaton Village Hall for a long weekend on November 27-30.

Serenity gallery

TEIGNMOUTH’s Serenity Centre has been closed due to the social distancing requirements and will be resuming service as soon as it is safe to do so. In the meantime they have invited the Teignmouth Art Society to use the Centre as an art gallery.

#saveourtheatres

Arts cinema films

PLYMOUTH Arts Cinema reopened their doors last month (September) having made some changes to keep their customers safe and confident to visit the cinema.

Located inside Plymouth College of Art’s main campus at Tavistock Place the Arts Cinema Films they will be showing in October including Military Wives (Oct 1), Portrait of a Lady on Fire (Oct 30, Make Up (Oct 2, 3), Les Misérables (Oct 6, 8, 10), Rocks (Oct 7, 9), La Haine (Oct 10), The Lady in the Portrait (Oct 13, 15, 17), Talking About Trees (Oct 14, 16, 17), Ava (Oct 21, 23, 24), and Summerland (Oct 27, 29, 31). Find out more and book online at www. plymouthartscentre.org

4

Thomas, one of the first Bike Bank Trainee Mechanics this year, with his mentor Sam at Ride On

The Bike Bank is back, with Ride On

B

IKE Bank has re-opened in partnership with Exeter Charity, Ride On, who refurbish donated bikes. Ride On are passionate about bikes and cycling and have great facilities. Bike Bank began in 2013 and is a highly valued project around sharing practical skills. The trainee mechanics gain a huge amount from working on a bike and it doesn’t matter what their level of education is or what has gone on in their lives. Bike Bank will be working with a variety of

Advertising: 01392 346342

people who need the opportunity to do something constructive with their time. Angus, a past trainee with mental health issues, found that the course helped increase his confidence and that the emphasis on practical skills helped improve his focus and concentration. l Ride On always need more bikes to work on so If you have a bike that you would like to donate to the project please contact Ride On at: info@ rideoncycling.org.

LIKE many of our local Theatres, Exeter’s Cygnet Theatre is struggling in the wake of the pandemic. They are running a #SaveOurTheatres Crowdfunder as part of the national campaign to help save theatres across the UK. Cygnet Theatre is at the heart of our community: it is a place to come together, to be entertained and to be inspired. Training theatres like Cygnet are where our best-loved actors learn their craft. Cygnet has a long history of training ‘swans’ who go on to work in the West End, the National Theatre and in Film. Theatres still don’t know when they will be able to reopen fully. Visit www. crowdfunder.co.uk/save-cygnettheatre before October 9 to claim their special rewards.

Action on planning FRIENDS of South Hams are hoping to breathe new life into a number of community spaces, ranging from traditional parks to strategic green corridors.

They are also campaigning to stop the government from deregulating planning, sign the petition go to www. friendsofsouthhams.com and scroll down to Action today!

NEWS&views Digital craft fest

THE Digital Craft Festival will be returning November 27-29 with Keith Brymer Jones, Jim Parkyn and James Otter all hosting live Q&A sessions. As well as being a free virtual festival where you can meet and buy from 120 of the finest UK craft makers, there will be content rich interviews with the makers, workshops and demonstrations, taking place at digitalcraftfestival. co.uk.

Open market

BRIXHAM’s local Pannier Market has reopened to the public. The market is located in Scala Hall, in Brixham’s central iconic Town Hall.

Currently open on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays between 9.30am and 4pm.

Local network

CALLING all social enterprises in Devon, Exeter, Torbay and Plymouth – join the Enhance Social Enterprise Network and benefit from peer support, learning opportunities, events & more. Visit bit.ly/3jqexmy

Virtual marathon

DARTINGTON Trust is hosting a month-long Virtual Marathon in October. To participate commit to walking or running 26 miles per week for four weeks.

Register at bit.ly/3myoWho

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

Exeter welcomes a new dawn

A

‘New Dawn’ will soon be breaking over Fore Street in Exeter as Evolution, Exeter’s long standing Mind, Body, Spirit shop is joined by a “sister” shop just across the road. Mike Davies, the owner of Evolution has told us that before the lockdown they were planning to relocate Evolution to the new premises. Mike said: “We had agreed to pass the lease of the present shop on to somebody else but the lockdown caused their plans to change. The good news is that resulting Government grants and loans have helped us. So now we have two premises and we have decided to run the new shop as a totally new business called ‘New Dawn’.

“I think it’s an appropriate name because I believe that recent events are causing us to look at ourselves in a more enlightened way. Although times have been and still are difficult and challenging, I personally feel very positive about it all and the lessons we learn will eventually change society for the better and we will come to understand our true spiritual purpose in life.”

New Dawn will be different to Evolution although there will be similarities. One difference is that there will be a lot more books including a range of books at highly discounted prices and a good range of 2nd hand books. There will also be a Therapy Room which can be rented by practitioners. There is also a possibility that there will eventually be a small tea/coffee shop there.

The address is 157 Fore Street, Exeter EX4 3HY and they plan to open some time in October. Mike added: “Look forward to seeing you there!”

A musical recommendation

WE rather liked Lila Tristram’s debut EP Our Friends Pt. I which was released in March. The singersongwriter described as “The female Bon Iver” by BBC Producer Claire Slevin, has now released her latest single Anymore and we’ve been enjoying listening to it here at Reconnect Towers.

Although she lives in London now, Lila grew up in Devon and the area means a lot to her. The single is out now digitally via all streaming platforms and co-produced by herself and Michael Burrows, and was mastered by Tim Debney (Sufjan Stevens, Thom Yorke, Mumford & Sons). Find out more at her website: www.lilatristram.co.uk or connect via Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter @lilatristram

Two Moors live

THE Two Moors Festival brings live music back to the Moors over Exmoor Weekend October 2-4 with 3 Celebratory Concerts from world class artists, some of whom will be returning to the concert stage for the first time since March. For more information visit www. twomoorsfestival.co.uk

Share your values

OCTOBER 15 is World Values Day and this year’s core theme is values in action.

To get involved select a value that is most important to you, one that motivates and guides you through life.

Do something simple and practical to put that value into action and make a difference in the world. Share what you have done (or plan to do) by sharing it as a social media post at 9:30am using the #WorldValuesDay hashtag.

Great food

THE next monthly Good Food Sunday Food Fair takes place on October 18 at Newton Abbot Racecourse, showcasing some of Devon’s finest food & drink producers on a large socially distanced site. Free entry, free parking, and lots of good food!

Editorial: 01392 346342 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

5

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

Borrow don’t buy is back AFTER months of being closed due to the Covid-19 lockdown, Borrow Don’t Buy is open again and offering delivery.

Borrow Don’t Buy is Plymouth’s Library of Things, a place where you can borrow items that you need to use, but might not need to own. They have a diverse inventory with items from camping equipment to power tools and more.

Borrow Don’t Buy helps their members save money, reduce clutter, and reduce their carbon footprint while strengthening their community. Their mission is for everyone to have access to the stuff they need, without it costing the earth.

Borrow Don’t Buy, was shut down over the Covid19 period but has continued to push the sharing agenda in other ways by partnering up with local community builders Nudge to bring upcycled tech to people who really need it in Plymouth.

Plymouth community helpers have been collecting up unused and dusty laptops, smartphones, and tablets from kind people around Plymouth and delivering them to the fixer elves at Borrow Don’t Buy, so they can be given a new lease of life. Over a hundred devices were refurbished and donated back to families to tackle technology poverty in Plymouth. One of Borrow Don’t Buy’s Directors said: “We already have loads of resources, knowledge, and skills in Plymouth, we just need to share them more! A Library of Things is a place to bring people together and encourage everyone to do so.” l For more information visit www.borrowdontbuy. co.uk. Borrow Don’t Buy is open on Wednesdays from 11 am- 6 pm by appointment only.

6

Counselling and wellbeing hub sets up in Ivybridge

A

SK anyone who has participated in counselling training what the long term benefits are, and they will say that learning about listening, really listening, showing empathy, not judging others and being genuine in your interactions are fantastic skills to have. Plus there’s the benefit of applying counselling skills to your own life, your working life, and your community life.

The Devon Counselling and Wellbeing Hub have been running accredited counselling training in Plymouth and Cornwall since it was set up by Course Director Mark Hartshorn in 2015. The organisation has gone from strength to strength and has managed to work through the Covid19 crisis by offering it’s courses online with great results.

Although the online delivery of it’s courses went well, Mark and team recognised that counselling training is best delivered in person in a training room and so wanted to be able to continue with this way of delivering training. With this in mind a new home for the hub was found at The Clay Factory on the edge of Ivybridge.

Mark Hartshorn said: “At the Clay Factory, we have two training rooms, a breakout room, kitchen and a fantastic balcony with far reaching views over south Devon.

“It is great to be part of the community at the Clay Factory and to be able to return to the classroom for our courses this autumn. Our vast new space enables us to meet in a socially distanced and safe way and it has enabled us to continue with our highly acclaimed courses in a training room, rather than online”.

Mark added: “If the need arises, we can easily switch back to online provision, but we are committed delivering our training in person as relationships are central to effective counselling work and so we want to provide an environment where meeting in person is possible.”

The hub delivers counselling training from beginner right up to post qualifying courses for counsellors who are already qualified and this year, and will be offering the new BACP (British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy) Approved Practitioner Qualification, which provides an easier progression route onto a recognised register of counsellors, post qualifying and the recognition of one of the country’s biggest counselling membership organisations.

The hub also plans to branch out into offering courses and workshops on a range of wellbeing services during the coming months. l If you are interested in learning more about what the hub has to offer, visit the website www.devonandcornwallcounsellinghub.org or call 01752 492174.

Advertising: 01392 346342 adverts@reconnectonline.co.uk

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

NEWS&views

Embercombe becomes first ecorestoration camp in the UK

E

MBERCOMBE is delighted to announce a new partnership with Ecosystem Restoration Camps (ERC), a global grassroots movement that aspires to get people from all walks of life volunteering, learning and working together to restore and rewild land around the world.

The purpose of the collaboration is to rewild the Embercombe valley and become a pioneering site of inspiration here in the South West of the UK. And for people to be involved in the transformation of the land through a series of 4 practical learning camps to match the seasons, weaving together the strands of how to go about rewilding the land as well as rewilding the person.

Since 2006 Embercombe has been delivering inspiring and innovative residential programmes on leadership, youth mentoring, nature connection and environmental education on the 50 acre site in Higher Ashton and this new partnership is a next step in their rewilding efforts that will explore the link between human and ecological communities and how best to contribute to a new regenerative culture together, one which benefits both people and planet.

Rachel Fleming, Director at Embercombe said: “This is a great opportunity to support and work with a network of similar places around the world, so we can do our bit to inspire people to rewild and restore as much land as possible.

After the lock-down there will be people needing to get their hands and feet back on the land and we’d like to provide the opportunity to do this, whilst knowing there are others out there doing the same, from all kinds of backgrounds, traditions, beliefs and places – many that we can innovate and learn from.

“As the network of ERC camps

By Niusia Winczewska

is growing, we are thrilled to be connecting to many other people aligned with the mission of regeneration, and we are proud to be part of a network of members from over 30 countries around the world. This worldwide network of regenerative communities has been playing a crucial role in ecosystem restoration for many years, the most notable example being the Loess Plateau, documented in a film titled Hope in a Changing Climate by director John Liu, ERC’s founder.

“As the first and currently the only camp in the UK we are looking forward to welcoming people from all walks of life to future camps we have planned in 2021, who will be helping us to rewild our land, and lead by example for other projects in the country to explore what it means for people to rewild themselves alongside their environment. Are you interested to come and work and learn on our land?” l Keep an eye out on Embercombe’s website for 2021 dates, and sign up to the mailing list to be first to know when you can join them to reimagine a better future for all species. https://embercombe.org/

Loess Plateau Restoration before and after, an area the size of Belgium Photograph from www.resilience.org

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

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

Editorial: 01392 346342 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

7

news&views Morning drama in Paignton

A

Jeff with his improv group participants in Paignton

Some things are hard to put into words…

I can write effective copy for your website, press releases, leaflets, social media, etc.

Get in touch for a friendly chat.

Martin Foster (Former Reconnect editor with 40 years’experience in journalism and publishing) T. 07837 003962 E. martinfoster4242@gmail.com

S we reported in the last edition of Reconnect, after a short break at the start of the Coronavirus outbreak, our regular contributor, actor/ facilitator Jeff Sleeman, has been able to resume his Saturday morning drama improvisation classes over the summer by holding them outdoors and with appropriate social distancing. With the onset of autumn and the ongoing requirement to maintain suitable health precautions, Jeff has now come up with a means to continue the classes as the weather becomes more unsettled.

Using a ‘pop up’ gazebo shelter and a wood fired chimenea he hopes that the participants will be able to carry on benefitting from the Saturday morning drop in sessions in comfort and safety over the coming months.

Said Jeff: “Having a regular social activity which connects people, helps them to relax and have a good laugh together has been more important than ever since the virus struck. The outdoor sessions have worked really well and I’m pleased to have found a way to carry on running them in the open air which feels safe, while we stay warm and dry.” l The group meets every Saturday morning at 11am outside the Preston Sands Hotel in Paignton. For more details of the classes which are open to anyone - with or without performance experience - contact Jeff on 07977 272174 or email contact@jeffsleeman.com

Solar group-buying scheme

L

OCAL householders have the chance to help the county become net-zero by joining Devon Climate Emergency’s (DCE) solar panel group-buying scheme.

DCE is made up of Devon’s principle public and private sector organisations, and they have joined forces to draw up a Carbon Plan, the county’s roadmap to carbon neutrality.

The DCE’s latest project is Solar Together and, with group buying experts iChoosr Ltd, they are offering homeowners the chance to buy high quality solar PV more cheaply than if they were buying alone. A ‘reverse’ auction involving

Image copyright of Wayne Knight at Sunflower Electrical pre-vetted suppliers will take place this autumn and the winning bid will be the most cost-effective one. l If you are interested, the first step is to register for free www. solartogether.co.uk/devon/home – by registering, there is no obligation to install panels.

Living in harmony with the natural cycles helps reduce stress and enhance your wellbeing. It’s so easy to be in tune when you have a daily reminder.

With a quick glance at a menstrual cycle or moon phase clock you’ll be up-to-date with what phase you’re in.

You and your family will always know where you are in relation to the cycles both within and around you. Helping to manage your energy, emotions and schedule with greater ease and in flow with the sacred cycles.

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

“I love my menstrual cycle clock! It’s so useful and pretty as well. I love how it supports me on my path as a cyclical woman and how much easier the clock makes it to integrate my menstrual wisdom in my daily life.” Josianne

8

Advertising: 01392 346342 adverts@reconnectonline.co.uk

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

NEWS&views The Reconnect herb walk

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.

This issue is the last of our transition period before we leave the EU. Scott is worried about shortages...

Horseradish – Armoracia rusticana This edible root is well known as a condiment, most often made into a hot pungent sauce, blended with dairy or plant style cream or vinegar. Like many traditional sauces the origins come from a use for aiding digestion, reducing spoilage of food before modern refrigeration, and to add flavour to more bland foods.

The heat produced as the root is chopped or crushed result from the broken cell structure of the isothiocyanate constituents.

Studies support traditional use of horseradish for improving digestion, combatting bacteria in the digestive system and respiratory system, reducing fungal skin complaints such as athletes foot and showing activity against oral bacteria. (Horseradish mouthwash anyone?)

This useful plant can be seen occasionally in the wild, with large green leaves similar to dock but thicker and with toothed leaf edges. You need the land owner’s permission to harvest any plants from the wild, and then must never take more than about a third of the plant, allowing enough to regrow and maintain stocks. The odour produced when a leaf is crushed makes it unmistakable. The leaf can be used, however, the root is much stronger and traditionally this is used in our kitchens and herbal dispensaries. A word of caution when preparing, if you think onions make your eyes water, multiply that by ten for horseradish.

The fumes from the plant are very strong, and it’s advisable to prepare it outdoors if you can or use an electric processor and close the lid and leave the room! Once you have your nicely ground plant material you can preserve it by keeping in a jar topped up with vinegar and kept in the fridge. Use a small amount on food, or in salad dressings.

For medicinal use traditionally the root is made into a cough syrup by chopping roughly and boiling in sugar water. The usual 50/50 blend of water/sugar works well.

Valerian – Valeriana officinalis Not to be confused with the very commonly seen wall valerian which flowers in profusion in red, pink or

Farming in the tube station at midnight

T

HIS article was going to be about my fear of no deal Brexit and fuel shortages and one of our unsung heroes British inventor, Harold Bate. I found out about him recently, he was a pig farmer from Totnes who in the 1950s found using methane from farm animals’ poo would make his Hillman car run faster, cleaner, and better than petrol. Thanks to a homemade small conversion unit he knocked up himself, his vehicle was also virtually pollution-free.

His whole story is readable online bit.ly/3kseMx9 it’s fascinating that had his idea taken root with just manure and straw he could have curbed vehicle pollution with his methane alternative.

This article didn’t become that story because I got emailed The Broken Plate report. This got me thinking about food shortages. We are lucky to live in a rural community where food is fairly plentiful.

The report lifts the lid on our country’s food system revealing metrics that clearly show England has high levels of inequality which are damaging our health - and is published in line with footballer Marcus Rashford’s #EndChildFoodPoverty campaign.

The report highlights a continuing divergence between the cost of healthy and unhealthy foods - average cost of more healthy foods in 2019 being £7.68 (per 1000 kilocalories) compared to £2.48 for less than healthy food.

That’s shocking! Healthy foods are three times as expensive as unhealthy food per kilocalorie. We need a plan to make homegrown healthy food so plentiful, that for those poorest 20% of UK households the fast food option is not the cheapest option.

The report reveals that those 20% of households would have to spend 39% of their disposable income in order to eat a healthy diet (as defined by Government’s recommended Eatwell Guide).

This demonstrates a failing food system where the poorest simply cannot afford to feed their families a balanced and nutritious diet.

Since lockdown, public interest in growing fruit and vegetables at home has soared. I did think it may be because of a fear of food shortages, but apparently most were motivated by the chance to relieve stress doing a wholesome family activity when they had more time on their hands at home. That would suggest this explosion in growing had happened dependent on economic background.

Home-grown food in towns and cities isn’t so accessible to those most in need of healthy eating.

Where there is growing space gardens are often concreted over for easy maintenance or

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

unmanaged and overgrown. It’s predicted in 20 years 9 out of 10 people are expected to live in towns and cities and weaving food growing into the fabric of their urban lives would bring greenery and wildlife closer to home. Diversifying where and how we grow our food would also help spread the risk of disruption to food supplies.

We need a programme of urban farming helping whole communities boost the resilience of their fresh fruit and vegetable supplies, improve the health of our kids and help them lead more sustainable lifestyles in the future.

The report paints some rather grim statistics otherwise for our future generation’s life chances.

While eating well remains neither affordable nor accessible for everyone over half of children born this year will experience dietrelated disease which will affect their quality of life.

Over 10% of households in the UK have no access to a garden but urban farming could see rooftops, walls, empty offices, even underground spaces, such as abandoned tunnels or air raid shelters, used to expand food production in cities while creatively redeveloping the urban environment. Edible rooftops,and vertically planted walls could also help reduce flood risk, provide natural cooling for buildings and streets, and clean our air.

Growing crops indoors, vertically or underground would make them more resilient to extreme weather (climate breakdown) or pests. Indoor growing environments are easier to control than those in the field, and temperature and humidity is more stable underground.

Growing food in towns and cities would boost the biodiversity of wildlife and pollinators, as well as protect their habitats. Barren inner city spaces could be converted into green and productive plots.

But it’s not just wildlife that would benefit. Urban farmers and their kids would be immersed in nature improving their mental health and fitness, and getting involved in urban food growing would lead to healthier diets. Urban food growing would change attitudes towards food, so that people place more value in produce that’s sustainable, healthy and ethically sourced.

Government should be facilitating the scaling up food production in our towns in cities. The opportunity is here for urban planners and developers to bringing more fruit and veggies to those spaces urban landscapes could offer.

We need to start thinking out of the (window) box. Read The broken plate report here: bit.ly/3kywEGP

Scott

Valerian

Horseradish white, feeds our bees and brightens forgotten corners, medicinal Valerian has toothed leaves, smaller clusters of white flower than the dome shaped wall valerian and has an intoxicating perfume from the blossoms. The roots are usually used for medicinal purposes and although it is occasionally seen in the wild, it’s a rarity, perhaps from overharvesting in days gone by. Once the roots are used, the plant is gone, highlighting the importance of never taking more than a third of any plant. It is however, very easy to grow in a garden, or a pot, and will spread seed happily. To process it, dig up the roots in Autumn, clean off, and either chop to use dry for teas, or you can make a tincture using any spirit alcohol or vinegar.

Cover the chopped herb with the fluid in a jar. Shake daily and keep for approximately a month or two. Strain off and keep the fluid for use at a teaspoon or two diluted in water dosed once or twice in 24 hours.

The flowers may smell divine, but the same can’t be said for the roots which have a unique odour some say is reminiscent of old socks and very musty! Some people don’t mind the smell, and you do get used to it when you gain the benefits it offers. If not, then it’s available in capsule form too. Cats however, will go daft over it the same way they do with cat mint.

I’ve known a cat hook it’s claw round a valerian teabag and drag it from a mug of hot water to drag around and then when cool enough, rip it to bits.

Used by doctors during WW1 to try and ease the shell shock suffered by soldiers, Valerian has sedative, antianxiety and anti-spasmodic effects.

Research shows the constituents attach to benzodiazepine receptors in the brain. Useful to help sleep when the brain won’t stop whirring, acting like a soothing velvet curtain to cut off the chatter. However, very occasionally there are people who find it doesn’t do that but acts in an opposite way, a bit like caffeine might. The only way to be sure is to try it and find out.

As with many herbal medicines, they should not be mixed with orthodox medication unless you have professional advice to avoid interactions. Stay well! l Find out more about herbalism and Dawn at www.torbayherbalist.co.uk

Editorial: 01392 346342 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

9

the new normal

The Holly Ebony Band Great Lawn Sessions on September 3 photo by Craig Whyte

Live music brings us all together

Forest school for young people

T

HE benefits of outdoor play are well known, Reconnect has been extolling the virtues of inspiring in young people a fascination, understanding and empathy for the natural world.

Due to these turbulent times organising outdoor activities has been made more complicated, which is why Richard Scofield of Totnes’ Wild Embers has seen his team change how they usually run their forest school to meet government guidelines.

Wild Embers has been running a successful holiday Forest School for the past three years. Richard founded the school in 2017 after he graduated from Dartington’s School for Social Entrepreneurs and completing his Level 3 Forest School Leader qualification at Bridgwater College.

Richard, who also has 14 years experience working in care, support and intervention, has been running smaller groups with a maximum of 6 children (usually it is 8-10).

The changes have meant Wild Embers are able continue their mission to hold a creative and safe outdoor space, where people can connect to nature, themselves and each other so they can boldly journey into life.

Wild Embers are at present running their third round of Boys Fires. A project that was set up to support boys journeying through adolescence; this has been made possible by a strong group of local men volunteering their time and energy.

Richard said: “Along with the holiday Forest School this summer Wild Embers ran an Outdoor Provision bringing nature connection and education, in partnership with Inspire Interventions, a Buckfastleigh based company who do amazing work supporting vulnerable young people across Devon.

“Wild Embers is very excited to be starting its Outdoor Experimental Learning (OEL) days this autumn! We will be running these in collaboration with Cedarwood Montessori.”

The Wild Embers boss is also proud to be launching their Outdoor Intervention Service this year that will bring Nature Connection and positive role modelling, using the Forest School ethos to inform these sessions supporting struggling young people.

The Forest School has been well received with Kerry, a parent of one of the children saying: “Wild Embers was a wonderful experience for my child. He was ecstatically happy each time I collected him and felt so safe and included in the group. I felt very reassured leaving him with such warm, caring people too. We look forward to more Wild Embers in the near future (please!).”

The team at Wild Embers is working hard to help build its growing network of volunteers, local connections and partnerships that will aid in delivering more Community Days, Men’s Fire Circles and the bigger vision. l Stay in touch and subscribe to their newsletter to find out the latest news at www.wildembers.org and join them in “putting the fire back into the heart of community.”

10

CHRISTIAN Murison founder of The Black Bird Collective who organise local handcrafted alternative-music gigs tells us about finally putting on live music after lockdown.

RINGING people together to enjoy live music and each other’s company is what I love doing most. It’s what I’ve been doing for over 20 years. It’s in my blood.

Music brings us all together and there is nothing in this world we need more than unity.

So, what happened when I was forced to postpone and cancel shows back in March of this year when lockdown kicked in? No gigs, no festivals, no gatherings... An unplanned pause, one that gave me time to rest, reflect, recharge and rethink everything.

After months of no live music, a glimmer of hope came in the form of an email from the team at Dartington asking if myself and my amazing friend and fellow live music promoter Katie Whitehouse could help curate a series of outdoor live gigs. We soon had four dates in August booked with amazing bands eager to play and The Great Lawn Sessions were born.

Almost 5 months to the day after their last live gig, Harbottle and Jonas opened the Great Lawn Sessions at Dartington on Thursday August 6. Katie recalls “People sat, spellbound - on rugs and camping chairs - while Devon’s emerging folk stars the Harbottle & Jonas Trio played their unique mix of concertina, harmonium, banjo, stomp box, acoustic guitar, fiddle and cittern with their beautiful and closely intertwined vocal harmonies, telling stories in song from the demise of Hallsands to love in Liverpool.”

Working alongside Katie

B

Whitehouse on these shows has been amazing and we’ve been working closely with Dartington to fine tune everything about these outdoor gigs as we’ve gone along.

There is plenty of space on the lawn for people to space themselves out as much as they need to, the bar is open and delicious menus are dreamed up by the team at the White Hart and served from 6pm. Every event has been very well attended and locals have given some great feedback: “It was a magical event, impeccably organised, by people whose concern is to rescue the arts where possible for the benefit of others.”

Katie explained: “The next step for local live music will be to move back indoors. There are clear guidelines for indoor gigs; the main problem going forwards is of course that operating with a limited capacity means that artists, technicians and everyone involved in the live music industry is receiving less money, after a long stretch of little to no income.”

Katie: “I’m excited to see how it goes. We’ve all missed live music so much. It’s such an important part of our community, it’s been a joy to help bring it back, alongside Christian. We plan to do everything we can to keep this going and build it until it’s thriving again.” l Christian Murison runs The Black Bird Collective, who have also started putting on live bands outdoors at The New Lion Brewery at Shinners Bridge, Webbers Yard, Dartington. l Katie Whitehouse runs FromtheWhitehouse and has also started organising live indoor gigs for the first time in months at the fabulous Ashburton Arts Centre. l Check out www.blackbirdcollective. co.uk and www.fromthewhitehouse. com and for the Great Lawn Sessions and more events at Dartington see https://www.dartington.org/whats-on/

Harbottle & Jonas Trio at the opening Great Lawn Sessions on August 6 photo by Rupert Davies

Advertising: 01392 346342 adverts@reconnectonline.co.uk

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

NEWS&views

Exhibition of moor and river art

A

RTWORKS Gallery, in South Brent, is to host an exhibition of paintings by Sue Ifould, who lives in the village, and takes her inspiration from the nearby moors and coast.

A while ago now Sue Ifould ‘blew-in’ from the flat lands of East Anglia. She likes it here in South Brent and has noticed little roots are nosing through the red Devon earth.

Sue told us: “I love to draw and paint, write and play the sax and to walk on the moor and by the river.

“I’m lucky enough to live in a beautiful place. All I have to do is get out and start walking and immerse myself in the outdoors.

This exhibition at artworks includes paintings inspired by lockdown rambles by the river in Penstave Copse and a little further afield up on the moor.

“I enjoy the portability (and flexibility) of a concertina sketchbook - working simply in pencil or ink. I also like to work more messily with charcoal, paint and crayon on different types and sizes of paper. I want to capture the energy and the spirit of a place. I arrive home with a stack of work and mull it over - sometimes developing these raw ideas through collage.

“I love the immediacy of working in watercolour - it’s such an absorbing challenge. But then I also like to experiment on larger pieces of work - working freely and using a variety of media.” l The exhibition, ‘Sing to the Land’ – paintings of moor and river, opens on September 29 and runs to October 25. Artworks is open Tuesday to Saturday 10am – 2pm, other times by appointment. Phone 01364 649424 sue@ifould.co.uk

Fresh. Organic.

Dairy Free.

Delivered To Your Door.

Reinventing how people drink milk. Our dairy-free drinks will always be organic, will always be in returnable, refillable glass bottles and will never come from a cow. It’s the milkman of the future, and it’s made here, in Devon!

Check our website to see if we deliver to you. www.rerootedorganic.co.uk

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

Editorial: 01392 346342 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

11

ORGANICGARDENING OUR gardening expert JOA GROWER offers advice for many you who have been growing veg for the first time.

Protect your soil with green manure

W

to use, just scatter the seed quite ELL we have had a thick over the surface and then very different year this gently rake approx. 3cm of soil year what with the over the seed. You may need to pandemic. But for some of you probably one of the best growing put up a few bird scarers (old CDs or foil trays dangling from years you may have had in a bamboo canes works well). Cut long time and for some of you, your first experience of vegetable the rye grass down to the ground in late winter growing, so or early spring welcome to you. and add to the Now is your last compost bin. The chance to lift any roots can then be maincrop potatoes dug into the soil. that are still in Leave the bed the ground. Store at least a month these in hessian before sowing any or paper sacks, seeds into it. But it ensuring you will be okay to plant don’t keep any larger things in. damaged ones as Get planting they will rot and winter brassicas also cause the (cabbages) now rest to rot as well.

Creative bird scarers before October All autumn leeks should be pulled and used before is out. Firm them in really well as they don’t like to be blown about any hard frosts arrive as they in the wind. Taller varieties such are not as hardy as winter leeks.

Squashes and pumpkins should be as brussels sprouts, broccoli and kales may even need a cane to gathered and stored somewhere support them. Broad beans can dry to be used throughout the also be sown now direct into the winter. Carry on picking any ground or started off in pots or spinach and chards that you may seed trays. These will be ready still have, and kale that will also to harvest in the late spring. The now be ready. advantage of an Autumn sowing You will now probably have lots is that the beans will be ready of empty spaces. Rather than slightly earlier and the tips of the leaving them empty why not sow plants are that bit tougher that some green manures? Green Blackfly (which they are prone to) manures play an important role tend to leave them alone! in sustainable annual crops and increase soil fertility. There are lots Growers Organics is now closed for the winter, but we will reopen to chose from Clovers, Vetches mid February 2021 for a new and Tares but the one we tend growing season. A big thank you to use at Growers Organics is to all our customers and looking Rye grain, its cheap, easy to get forward to seeing you all again hold of (your local health food next year. shop will probably stock it), easy

Joa’s A-Z of Organic Gardening S is for Soil. Soil is made up of topsoil, subsoil, clay and bedrock.

Topsoil contains earthworms and many essential micro-organisms and as this slowly gets stripped away by constant weeding and harvesting you would be left with lifeless, sticky mess with poor drainage. To stop this from happening we need to add bulky organic material such as well rotted manure, garden or purchased compost and leafmould back in to the soil. In nature leaves, annual weeds and wild animal droppings do this naturally!

T is for Time. This is something that most people feel they never have enough of. And they would be right! As there is always something to do on the veggie plot and even more so with an organic vegetable garden or allotment. Usually weeding and lots of it (no weed killers for us). Gardening is very time consuming but I think you would agree it can be so very rewarding especially when you return home with all your lovely produce.

Reconnect’s Organic Gardening column is written by Joa Grower of Growers Organics. Visit www.growersorganics.com for the online shop, or call 01752 881180.

12

Surveying the land and its wildlife as Sharpham’s rewilding project begins

A

NIMALS and plants on the Sharpham Estate near Totnes have been measured, counted and filmed this year – to build a picture of what the land is like before a rewilding project starts.

Sharpham Wild for People is a £177k National Lottery Heritage Fund project developed by the charity The Sharpham Trust, which operates the Estate. The project will turn 50 acres of farmland alongside the River Dart on the Estate back to nature, whilst offering people the chance to learn about & experience the process through events and volunteering.

But as the project begins, the partners in the project need to see what is happening now – so that they can measure the progress of their rewilding efforts.

Ambios Ltd, a company based on the Estate providing nature conservation training, is partnering The Trust in the project. Ambios employees and students carry out activities including mapping the biodiversity of the land and species and habitat identification.

These activities have produced findings that tell the story of what the land earmarked for rewilding is like in Spring/Summer 2020: l 30 farmland bird species were recorded, including three species on the British Trust for Ornithology’s UK Red List for birds increasingly at risk of extinction in Britain: song thrush, herring gull and linnet. Birds on the Amber list were also registered at Sharpham – the dunnock & the swift. l 7 different bats were recorded, including our most common, the Pipistrelle, and some of the UK’s rarest bats, the Greater Horseshoes – which hear through their U-shaped noses and are known to forage for food on The Sharpham Estate. l 10 different common butterflies were counted, including Meadow Browns the Peacock & Green-Veined Whites, feeding in hedgerow habitats and dense vegetation. l The hedges & edges of the rewilding land are varied and include broadleaved woodland, plantation woodland, willow, scrub, reedbed and saltmarsh, providing a rich biodiversity. l Grassland surveys show that the land to be rewilded is not as affected by the use of chemicals and intensive agriculture as first thought, making it more favourable for rewilding.

The findings are contained in baseline reports that will be used to chart developments against as Sharpham Wild for People progresses.

How the land was measured The baseline reports were prepared by supervised trainees at Ambios – including one paid for by the National Lottery Heritage Fund award. Wildlife survey skills are a cornerstone of many careers in nature conservation.

From April to June, they surveyed the 50 acres of farmland to be rewilded, working at different times of the day to identify & record species of plant and animal.

“Being able to identify stuff is really important,” said Jack Skuse, Ambios Director. “It gives us base-line information to which we can compare

Advertising: 01392 346342 adverts@reconnectonline.co.uk

future findings. In preparing these reports for us, the trainees are learning the disciplines of wildlife survey work that are the bread & butter of the conservation world.”

The land has also been photographed and filmed from above, with drone footage by Devon film-makers Fresh Ground Films.

“We’re going to be collecting a visual record of the land so that we can see how it develops over time – that’s going to be really fascinating to see,” said Jack.

The current picture and future hopes The land to be rewilded is home to some species of plants and animals but that biodiversity can be significantly increased, says Ambios Director Simon Roper.

“We have the potential here to reverse some of the declines we are seeing elsewhere,” he said. “We have a good base from which to start. Our future hope is that we will now see a dramatic increase in both species abundance – actual numbers of individuals - and diversity – the range of species present. Further repeat surveys with new trainees will give us this information.

Time will tell.

“For example, as we move to become organic with no pesticides being used, we should see an increase in the insect populations found in the dung produced by our livestock – more dung beetles means more potential food for Horseshoe bats. It’s a wonderful illustration of the interconnected world of nature,” he added.

Reconnect will keep you updated on the rewilding project as it progresses. l Find out more about Sharpham Wild for People at www. sharphamtrust.org/outdoors/wildfor-people l Ambios Ltd is organisation based at Lower Sharpham Farm on the Sharpham Estate running conservation training schemes which help people develop new skills and understanding about the heritage and biodiversity there. www.ambios.net l The National Lottery Heritage Fund inspires, leads and resources the UK’s heritage to create positive and lasting change for people and communities, now and in the future www.heritagefund.org.uk

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

£41.85 news & views

as ns

ning rk

ed

ual ee

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.

e,”

s

The Kitchen Table

but

order online

Wild for People aerial of Sharpham Estate taken by drone, students on grassland survey, Ellie Parker & student on Ambios butterfly count in August, and Meadow Brown butterfly on land to be rewilded at The Sharpham Trust,

The Kitchen Table, adapting for Covid now has a pantry shop at their kitchen unit open Mon - Fri 10 - 3 and a Persian inspired takeaway open for hot food collection Thurs & Fri 5-8.30 To order the takeaway please visit the website

Sima Cutting

www.thekitchentable.org.uk

07583400998

Sharpham Trust forager’s book

G

OOD news for fans of foraging, Sharpham Trust’s resident forager has her first book out.

Brigit-Anna McNeill, who leads nature-connection retreats and foraging days on the Sharpham Estate, has penned Bloom & Thrive. The book helps people to understand and experience the benefits that plants give us.

Her book is an extension of her outdoor work and is aimed at people at the beginning of a relationship with plants, flowers and herbs.

Brigit-Anna said: “Bloom & Thrive is for the person yearning for a connection with the power of nature and a different way to care for themselves that is more at one with the natural world.”

She adds: “This book is an invitation to see again the beauty of the wild.

To reconnect with the plants that once were our medicines and to notice the weeds and the tiny flowers growing so strongly yet tenderly in the hedgerows, gardens, forests and riversides, from the cracks in the concrete, beside the roads; growing, blooming and thriving, offering remedy and recovery.”

There are chapters on using plants to help with focus, energy, good skin, sleep, happiness and first aid. She combines recipes too and instructions on making easy home herbal tinctures, oils and balms.

“I want to inspire you to revive the medicine of the common people, to

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

Empowering families across Devon & Cornwall since 1999

embrace the way of folk medicine - for health, for fun and for life. All over the world, plant stories have been whispered and spoken from heart to ear to heart, and used to support, care and comfort….But this knowledge has faded, no longer being passed on through families and generations.

“I believe, however, that more and more people are searching for simple, natural ways to care for and support their well-being, both physically and mentally. And that is where this book comes in.”

Brigit-Anna’s knowledge includes a good deal of health and safety, with warnings about plants that could have bad consequences if picked and eaten. l Bloom & Thrive is out on Penguin-Random House books and will be stocked in the library within Sharpham House and is also available from major bookstores.

It can be ordered from Totnes independent bookstore Arcturus Books on 01803 864363 and mail@arcturusbooks.co.uk

07759 890639

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

Editorial: 01392 346342 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

13

Mel Lamb

news & views Author’s charitable mission

R

EGULAR readers will be familiar Rachel Bolton, she has featured in Reconnect before as a remote healer of people and animals.

Now Rachel has added another string to her bow as a children’s author.

Rachel said: “I was inspired to start writing this book when my son was very young, and he is now 17!

“The book has evolved over the years, but a few months ago I felt moved to self publish Sam And The Magic Tree and to donate half the profits to charities. It took a leap of faith as I have never published a book, but I believe the message conveyed is now more important than ever. We all need to become consciously aware of the importance of loving Mother Earth as it is essential for the future of everybody and everything.”

Rachel has set herself a mission to sell a million copies of her self published book and donate 50% of the profits to charities including the Tree Nation, Whale & Dolphin Conservation, Forgotten Women, Water Aid, Hope For Life, International Animal Rescue and smaller animal rescue centres.

Rachel said: “My resolve to sell one million books goes hand in hand with a saying that has been with me for some time: Many drops make a mighty lake. So with one book at a time, my book will be a voice for nature.

I trust the charities of my choice, help Mother Earth, those who live upon her and within her.”

Sam And The Magic Tree is for children and adults and set in a beautiful land called Amazonia which has suffered an ecological and emotional demise after being invaded by the Mopheads. Seigfreid, the dwarf from underground crystal caves and friends who live upon the land devise a plan to restore love and light to their world.

There are encounters with walking and talking trees, inter-dimensional unicorns, Primrose the fairy, and much more. Find out how love and light are so important for the health and wellbeing of everyone and everything. l To buy a copy and read a thousand word excerpt visit rachelbolton.life/sam-and-the-magic-tree/

A tribute to Mel Lamb REGULAR contributor and Write to Freedom founder CASPAR WALSH remembers the life of Mel Lamb.

M

EL Lamb’s life was lived on the edge of the known world. She was a no holds barred, non stop warrior of the high moor, protecting the planet and all the people that came into her fierce, big hearted orbit. She never stopped, rarely rested and found it hard to put her needs first.

It took some years to realise how much the High Heathercombe retreat centre was Mel and Mel was Heathercombe. They evolved together in a tangled web of activity, growth, change and wild, wild weather. Over the many years Mel was custodian of this of stunning site and the landscape it nestles in, she was incredibly focussed and dedicated.

The success and profile of High Heathercombe today is largely born out of her passion and commitment. She rarely spoke of her many achievements.

Her endless worry and grief was for the pain and loss she saw throughout the world.

Heathercombe was an expression of the love and passion she felt as a protector of the landscape and all beings from all walks of life. So much of the healing that unfolded at Heathercombe over the years, for myself and the many we have worked with, leave us in debt to her generosity and vision.

A vision that flowered into thousands of transformed lives over her time as manager of High Heathercombe. Made possible by the compassion and generosity of the Pike family who own the surrounding land and deeply support the work. I’m hoping and praying Mel’s legacy will live on.

In her typical, quiet way, Mel championed

Write to Freedom from its first incarnation working with young men in the prison system right through to our current work with mixed gender, addiction recovery. I’m beginning to realise now, just how much she loved and championed what we do.

The last time we spoke was in June 2020 when she told me about her illness. She sounded tired but strong. Determined at last, as Mary Oliver wrote, ‘to save the only life she could save.’ It was a real shock to hear how quickly she went. And it hit me how much my experience of Heathercombe, the experience of all our participants and staff over so many years, are connected root and branch to the life force of Mel Lamb.

I choose to believe that she’s out there in the elements, the landscape and the abundant life of the high moor. I have faith and love in the legacy of her work, in the spirit of her being, her ferocious, mother bear love for all the souls who have stood on the Heathercombe veranda looking out across the stunning landscape. Who choose to believe, as Mel did, that change, healing and reconciliation are possible for all beings, in this world and the next.

Melanie Lamb. High Heathercombe Centre Manager. Born 1965 died 13th July 2020. l Caspar is founder of the award-winning addiction and trauma recovery charity, Write to Freedom. www.writetofreedom.org.uk

ReFURNISH

Helping People & Reducing Waste ReFURNISH your home with furniture and appliances at prices you can afford* *Discounts on proof of benefit entitlement

SHOPS AT NEWTON ABBOT, TOTNES, BUCKFASTLEIGH, CREDITON & TAVISTOCK

+THE RESTORE @DARTINGTON SHOPS +3 SHOPS IN NORTH DEVON.

SOUTH MOLTON, BARNSTAPLE & BIDEFORD

FREE COLLECTION of reusable furniture, appliances & other household goods.

www.refurnish.org.uk

03333 237528

Charity No. 1129455

14

The gift aid emergency relief campaign

S

PARE a thought for charities who face an unprecedented drop in fundraising income caused by the Covid19 crisis. Dame Hannah Rogers Trust has added their name to the growing list of supporters calling for a temporary increase in Gift Aid. Backed by hundreds of charities, a boost in Gift Aid could mean up to an additional £450m to help charities continue their vital work – a true lifeline when the services they provide have never been more needed.

Research shows that charities are on average having to plan for a 24% loss to their total income for the year ahead that would mean a £12.4bn

Advertising: 01392 346342 adverts@reconnectonline.co.uk

loss of income if the average was applied to the sector as a whole.

The proposed two-year Gift Aid Emergency Relief increase will help ease the biggest financial crisis the sector has ever faced.

The change would mean that a £100 donation from a UK taxpayer would increase to £133.33 for the charity once Gift Aid had been claimed. This compares to £125.00 as is currently the case. As a result, the Gift Aid claimed on every eligible donation would increase by one-third, up from the current one-quarter. l To find out more, please visit the Gift Aid Emergency Relief campaign page https://bit.ly/32CljPE

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

news & views Beautiful song and eco clothing range

T

HESE days we all know that cheap clothing has a hidden cost to the environment and to workers that we can no longer ignore. We know we need to make purchasing choices that help support new more ethical fashion producing methods and change the clothing industry for the better.

Totnes is home to Natural Earth Eco Clothing a new eco clothing label which is taking a lighter footstep on the Earth. The new label founded by designer H. Louise Ashley have unveiled their first collection called Heather and Jasmine that features clothing for ‘the way we want to live and to help support bettering the clothing industry’.

The new label is also set to help make its small contribution towards encouraging an upturn in British Garment Production, supporting and promoting a revival in small scale skilled garment making. Skills that have dwindled,due to the decline of the British Clothing Manufacturing Industry.

Natural Earth Eco Clothing is connected to a small local hub of makers, pattern cutters and teachers encouraging cottage style making, networking and support for sewers, makers and designers.

Natural Earth Eco Clothing use fabrics that support sustainable agriculture helping to reduce the toxic chemical load being put into the environment by using organic or low impact fabrics without synthetic fibres causing plastic micro fibres being released and ending up in oceans and food chain. All the garments are Made in Britain.

Founder and designer H. Louise Ashley previously worked as a designer but left the clothing industry some years ago setting up Natural Earth Eco Clothing with a commitment to helping establish a clothing

industry that we can all be really be proud of, instead of an industry that is one the most polluting industries on the planet.

Changing a reputation of poor pay and poor conditions for the majority of its workers.

Louise said: “I love designing clothing, I love making eco clothing that helps support a better ethos for clothes production.

“At Natural Earth Eco Clothing we believe in the Slow Fashion Ethos, using eco fabrics along with supporting small scale ethical production making in this country. We love to bring you great designs that not only take a lighter ethical footprint on the earth but also offer to you beautiful clothes you’ll love to wear.”

Her new range consists of over thirty pieces, and the chance to make purchasing choices that are ethical as well as buying clothes that are beautiful and on trend to wear.

Louise is also singer song writer for Loula Lain - you can see her new song - Beautiful at youtube.com/ watch?v=M1rZAF4EIjk and her other songs can be found on Bandcamp. l For more information visit www. naturalearthecoclothing.com or email hello@ naturalearthecoclothing.com

Health crisis won’t deter social enterprise network

N

OVEMBER will see social enterprises take over Plymouth (and the internet) for the Social Enterprise City Festival 2020.

Plymouth was the flagship Social Enterprise City as part of the Places programme from SEUK seven years ago and Plymouth Social Enterprise Network (PSEN) travel across the UK and Europe to speak at conferences about the incredible community working to create a kinder, fairer way of doing business in the city.

You may be wondering what social enterprise is, simply put – social enterprise is business with a social conscience. A way of doing business that allows entrepreneurs and organizations to give back to the community and causes that are important to them, working for a purpose not just a profit. For the past ten years PSEN has hosted a festival celebrating these amazing businesses.

What started as a half -day event in 2010 is now one of the UK’s leading weeklong celebrations of ethical business.

Jessica Holliland, Communications and Membership Manager at PSEN said: “Last year’s 10th annual event was the biggest yet.

It focussed on the Climate emergency and how social enterprises could lead the way to a more environmentally conscious way of doing business.

Working together, entrepreneurs and organizations held 28 events all over Plymouth – from quiz nights to conferences, casual to corporate. With a unified aim - to help raise the public understanding of social enterprise in your high street and to support the enterprises working hard to make Plymouth a more caring place to do business.”

This year obviously faces a different set of challenges in light of the current health crisis and uncertain social guidelines but PSEN aren’t letting that stop them. They are planning a blend of online and face-to-face events, running from November 16 to coincide with Social Enterprise day 2020.

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

Couldn’t get your hands on a copy of Reconnect during lockdown?

Sign up to the Mailing List Subscribe to our mailing list and never miss an issue.

Go to reconnectonline.co.uk

The 5 minute guide to a better website

Y

OUR website is your shop window, more so in these times of increasing online interactions. But, how often do you stop to take a look in your window as if you were standing in your client’s shoes?

Jessica said: “The theme this year follows on from last year’s impressive youth action for the climate, recognizing the potential and power of young people to rebuild our economy in a fairer, more inclusive and compassionate way. The festival is very much in the planning stages still but we can absolutely expect online seminars with inspiring speakers, practical sessions for young people on making their business visions reality, think-tank’s on how to support up and coming entrepreneurs, social enterprises showing us how they make it work and we’re pretty sure there will be a quiz squeezed in there somewhere too!

“PSEN believe in collaboration and communication, they believe that working together we can create a future for Plymouth, and the UK, where business and community can work together to become a stronger, healthier place to live and work. They believe that the future of business is social.” l You can find out more about the festival, learn about running a social enterprise and host your own event for the festival on their website at www. plymsocent.org.uk. l The festival is run as a free event in the city and relies on the generosity of sponsors and the hard work of volunteers to make it happen. If you are interested in supporting the festival financially or otherwise then the team would love to hear from you.

You can reach them via hello@plymsocent.org.uk.

Our own Wellbeing editor Kate Philbin gives you her five minute guide to having a better website.

Kate said: “I look at a lot of websites and it surprises me how many of them don’t actually tell you what you really want to know. If you’ve got five minutes today, take a look at your own website and ask yourself a few questions.”

Kate suggests answering the following five questions and improve the website experience you offer your clients. l Does it clearly explain on the home page what I/we do? l Is it easy for people to contact me if they want to? l Have I told them everything they need to know – where I practice, the things I can help with, how much I charge?

l How does my website compare with my competitors’ websites? l Have I used language that a nonspecialist would understand? Have I explained acronyms and avoided jargon?

For advice about your website and help with content visit www.cafecopywriter.com

Editorial: 01392 346342 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

15

news & views Sarahjane Nutrition

NUTRITIONAL THERAPY, TOPSHAM, DEVON

Sarah Mansell Nutrition Dip NT CNM, BSc (Hons) m BANT.

Hi, my name is Sarah.

As a nutritionist I look at the underlying causes of health problems rather than just the symptoms.

Making it more likely that you stay healthy in the long term!

I deal with chronic conditions such as pain and inflammation, anxiety and depression, poor digestion, weight issues and gaining optimal control of blood sugars to name but a few. Ultimately giving you the knowledge and tools to help yourself.

Online consultations are also available www.sarahmansellnutrition.co.uk Tel: 07897 382338 | Email: sarahmansell@live.co.uk Covering Devon, Somerset, Cornwall and the South West.

Sing to the Land paintings of moor and river by Sue Ifould

artworks gallery

Station Road, South Brent, TQ10 9BE 01364 649424

September 29th - 25th October open Tuesday - Saturday, 10 am - 2 pm other times by appointment sue@ifould.co.uk

16

Helping veterans reconnect with nature

L

EAVING a life of service for some veterans can be challenging. Whilst physical wounds are most often visible, recognisable and treatable, trauma related symptoms can be almost invisible sometimes leaving individuals and their families struggling with many wellbeing, mental health or social issues.

Nature has been used to help veterans for centuries. During World War I (WWI), a specific therapy, often referred to as horticultural therapy, was established and offered to soldiers who were traumatized during combat, this later led to the development of a horticultural therapy. Rachel Phillips said: “At the Apricot Centre we know that spending time with nature reduces stress, lowers anxiety and reduces cortisol levels having worked within nature with young people and families both in woodlands and on the farm. But there is increasing research suggesting that connecting to nature can dramatically reduce symptoms of trauma and post traumatic stress disorder, improving mental health and general wellbeing. “ The Apricot Centre at Huxhams Cross Farm and Farmable started to work together in August this year. Farmable (see issue 62) is an innovative charity who support Veterans, Emergency Service Personnel and their families to resettle after suffering trauma by providing a therapeutic programme of rural and craft skills.

Rachel said: “We were excited to partner with Farmable and help another part of our local community to reconnect with nature whilst improving their emotional and mental health whilst sharing our rural skills and agricultural skill knowledge in return we have some much needed support and help.

“One project that the Veterans from Farm able have helped

Advertising: 01392 346342 adverts@reconnectonline.co.uk

us with is our Farm Club and Woodland area. Since lockdown started in March, many of our wilder areas of the farm that we use for our Woodland Wellbeing days and our Farm Club became even more wilder. Although fabulous for biodiversity and our wildlife - we needed to tame the wild areas a little so that little ones didn’t have to tackle the sky high nettles and swarm of brambles to get to their mud kitchens and bushcraft areas. The Veterans from Farmable stepped in to help.“ On the wettest day of August, complete with thunderstorms, a group of veteran men and women met underneath the hazel trees to clear some of the wild areas to make space for little ones as well as sensitively managing the woodland so that it encourages native woodland plants to grow.

The Farmable team worked hard to clear small cubby holes for a mud kitchen, a den building area and a large therapy tree to be accessible as well as making a path to the all important hand washing and compost toilet area all the while respecting the woodland and it inhabitants, learning about the uses of the plants for wellbeing or crafting. The site was transformed and ready for toddlers to attend the following week in super quick time.

One of the Veterans wrote about the day: “We absolutely loved every minute of it!... We really hope that we can work with you in the future, even if it is just digging holes and clearing brambles!”

Rachel hopes that the team will join them again for some harvesting and growing in the coming weeks and looks forward to continuing the partnership with Farmable. l For more information about Farmable check out www.farmable. co.uk for more information about volunteer opportunities or wellbeing workshops please contact rachelphillips@apricotcentre.co.uk or check out our website www. apricotcentre.co.uk

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

land matters Five Plymouth Potters THE Plymouth Art Weekender returned this September with 45 Southside Gallery showing new work from 5 potters living in Plymouth all creating ceramics in their individual style and technique.

John Pollex’s bright, colourful and very collectable pots, Helen Harrison’s fine functional and decorative porcelain pieces, Tim Welbourne’s wheel-thrown tableware, Mathias Landwehr’s

slab-built pots and Christina Peters’ raku and stoneware vessels.

Now entering its fifth year, the Art Weekender is going from strength to strength thanks to the fantastic community of artists that live and work in the city. There was plenty to see and take part the weekend of September 25-27.

If you missed it 45 Southside Gallery will be displaying the potters’ work throughout October. www.45southside.co.uk

ECO CLOTHING 7A Sparrow Road Totnes Devon TQ9 5PR

www.naturalearthecoclothing.com hello@naturalearthecoclothing.com

Kingsbridge harbours art exhibitions

Natural Wood

KINGSBRIDGE’s Harbour House has been opening gradually and carefully. The expected programme of exhibitions in the art gallery has been confirmed for October and November. Opening times may vary and latest information will be on their website www.harbourhouse.org.uk Sept 29– Oct 4: Body Language ii Members of the Friday Life Drawing Group present an exhibition of life drawing and paintings. Open daily from 10 am.

Pictured: Clare Pumfrey – untitled life study.

Oct 6 – 18: Changing Coastlines Temporary exhibition of photographs and artefacts from the vast archives of the Kingsbridge Cookworthy Museum.

Oct 20 – Nov 1: Island Artist Coastal paintings by Emma Carter Bromfield.

Nov 17 – 29: Press Gang Printmakers Seven members of the Salcombe workshop present a wide range of printmaking.

100% Local & Sustainable from Dartmoor FIREWOOD

£75 per m3 - Free delivery within 7 miles

ROCKET LOGS

Garden log candles - £25 plus delivery

QUALITY TIMBER

Planks, cladding, rocket-logs, raised beds and timber for all your needs.

Call Doug on 07976589927 or visit www.thehillyfield.co.uk

Unique eco-affordable housing scheme

S

OUTH Dartmoor Community Energy (SDCE) are aiming to submit a planning application for a ground breaking ecoaffordable housing scheme on the edge of Ivybridge in the Autumn.

As far as they know the scheme is unique in the UK, and is a blue-print for ‘2050 ready housing’ benefitting people and planet.

In summary the application includes: 30 passivhaus level homes, on a site designed to enhance biodiversity and encourage community, with highly innovate energy systems including on site solar PV, renewable heating, shared electric vehicles and a micro-grid to minimise energy imported from the grid. The tenants who will live on the site will receive one monthly bill

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

for housing, energy and mobility (if they want access to one of the EVs) enabling them to keep costs down and manage finances more easily.

SDCE has received positive responses from the local community so far and are progressing with the ecological and site surveys.

The project has to date been funded by Homes England to get to the planning submission, and funding is being sought from SHDC through their Community Housing programme. SDCE are applying to the Rural Community Energy Fund for the energy modelling needed for the site. l More info about the scheme is on their website at https://www.sdce. org.uk/community-housing.html

Editorial: 01392 346342 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

17

news & views

Living made simple...

IN his latest instalment of Living Made Simple, MARTIN FOSTER plugs us into his off-grid life - but from a very on-grid perspective.

The lost cord… unplugged

I

N an ironic twist of fate, I am writing this column about living off-grid from an oh-so-on-grid flat in London. The deadline just happens to coincide with me visiting my daughter in Lambeth and the (now more widely experienced) joys of working from home - or from someone else’s - mean I’m sat on her sofa, surrounded by technology and looking down on a busy London street. I’m hoping it will give me a heightened level of objectivity. I’m also hoping I won’t be too distracted by a planned trip to Tate Modern this afternoon.

I thought I’d say a little about why I live off-grid and then briefly explore the practicalities of everyday life unplugged.

The reasons why are best explained by a short list of its merits: low-impact and sustainable; simple and inexpensive; self-sufficient and consciousness-raising.

Okay, so that last one might sound a little too deep and cosmic for some tastes, but actually it’s a very grounded consequence - simply, I no longer take for granted the provision of light, heat or refrigeration at the flick of a switch.

And when you don’t take something for granted, when you do something more consciously, you are also more aware of the consequences of its creation and use.

The low-impact bit is self-evident, I think; its simplicity will become evident in a moment (and, as is often the case with simpler living, should not be confused with ease or convenience); the cost is determined mainly by the sophistication of the system you install (mine is very simple); and the level of self-sufficiency clearly depends on how many individual services (electricity, water, gas…) you are able to provide for yourself.

My electricity is generated by four solar panels, mounted on the roof of my heavily insulated wooden cabin, which feed, via an inverter, into two meaty lead/acid batteries. The system is simple, high quality and effective. The four secondhand panels I originally fitted as a cost-saving exercise have now been replaced with new, more efficient ones, and I have adequate power for all I need: low-watt lights, phone and laptop recharging and running a small fridge.

Whether the system will sustain the latter over the winter remains to be seen and while there will certainly be a calculation to work it out, it is beyond me so I’ll wait and see. And that makes a relevant point (apart from proving my ineptitude at arithmetic and physics) - if you get the right system installed in the first place, you aren’t tempted to plug in some energyhungry equipment and you keep an eye on things (ie, checking the battery condition meter when we have a few dull days), it really is easy to live with.

In the event of any problems, I contact Chris Rudge (rudgeenergy.co.uk), who

18

Plymouth’s museum for the future specialises in off-grid solar systems and always has the answers (although he didn’t do the original installation that company went bust).

I am also off the water grid. The freshwater supply for the whole smallholding comes from a borehole, created by a specialist company when the owners first moved onto the land.

It’s worth saying here, though, that the pump which brings the water up out of the ground and into the tank, where it is filtered and UV-treated before supplying our homes and outside taps (for poultry, animals and crops) is very, very power-hungry and consumes a disproportionate amount of the electricity generated by even their much bigger solar panel array.

I also have a compost toilet, which separates wee and poo - the former into a simple, underground soakaway, the latter into a large receptacle, where you cover it with a sprinkling of sawdust.

Unlike conventional mains loos, it does not use gallons of drinking-quality water to wash it away, and the composted ‘humanure’ is returned to the land.

Heating is courtesy of a small (it’s a one-room cabin, remember) woodburning stove and we buy firewood collectively in unsawn, unsplit chunks (probably not the correct, industryrecognised term), and then come together to cut, split and stack them in late-summer sessions.

A brief sidebar here regarding the importance of properly seasoned logs: if you buy or cut wood which is not seasoned (ie, which has not been left out for a long period of time to allow its moisture to evaporate), you will literally be trying to burn water and sap, which even my limited knowledge of physics rings alarm bells. It will create less heat, of course, but also more emissions and messy, and potentially dangerous, tar deposits in the chimney. Depending on the wood, seasoning can take one, two, or even more, years, so either buy it ready seasoned, or be prepared, and have space, to stack it for a good while. Kiln-dried logs are one answer but have a larger carbon footprint because of the heat required - and carry a higher price as a consequence.

My strongest link with mainstream energy supplies is the propane gas I have delivered in large (47kg) bottles and which I use for hot water and cooking. There is, however, something about the fact that when one bottle is empty, you need to switch it over to the spare and then order a replacement, that keeps one aware of consumption.

On-grid life here at my daughter’s is easy and convenient. But my conscience will sit more comfortably when I return home to my cabin even if it is a seriously long walk from the Tate…

in

Mart

Advertising: 01392 346342 adverts@reconnectonline.co.uk

F

INALLY the ambitious multi-million pound gallery and museum complex on Plymouth’s North Hill housing Plymouth’s most important heritage collections is open.

The contemporary extension on the back of the former Museum and Art Gallery and Central Library has ensured that visitors will have a safe and inspiring experience, capacity on site has been reduced to allow for social distancing. That’s an advantage as those visiting who have pre-booked their free tickets can feel like they’re getting a private view!

Opening Tuesday to Sunday and bank holidays, from 10am-5pm, The Box currently houses the Mayflower 400 commemorations, and a programme of high profile exhibitions, artist commissions and events are planned to run alongside the permanent gallery displays, making The Box a key cultural attraction for the city and region. l To find out more and book free tickets and a time slot visit www.theboxplymouth.com

Devon children seeking families

T

HE #YouCanAdopt campaign has launched in Devon to coincide with National Adoption Week, on October 14-20, to dispel the myths of adoption and highlight that during the Covid19 pandemic, there are still children out there who are looking for their new family.

Across Devon 37 children are looking for a new family, which includes 14 sibling groups of two or more children.

Some of the biggest misconceptions around eligibility are that single people, older people, and those who are LGBTQ+ are not allowed to

adopt, which is not the case.

The #YouCanAdopt campaign also aims to target potential parents from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, as these children traditionally wait longer to be matched with a new adoptive family. The campaign aims to encourage potential adoptive parents to also consider adopting older children, sibling groups and those with complex health needs or a disability. l To finding out more, please get in touch with Adopt South West: www.adoptsouthwest. org.uk or Families for Children: familiesforchildren.org.uk

Support from lottery heritage fund

S

HARPHAM Trust (see page 12) has received £50,000 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to help the charity weather the current Covid19 crisis.

Since the pandemic and lockdown began, The Trust lost almost 50% of their income from having to close. The charity had to stop its programme of mindfulness retreats, nature events and volunteering schemes, postpone weddings and venue hires of Sharpham House, it had to limit mourners at its natural burial ground Sharpham Meadow and furlough staff.

Post-lockdown, the funding helped with some of the extra costs of reopening under the government guidelines. The Trust halved numbers on retreat and introduced a range of measures including additional cleaning and use of PPE in order to make its Sharpham House, Woodland retreat & Barn venues Covid-secure. They have so far managed to retain all staff and hope to avoid any redundancies.

The funding, was made possible by National Lottery players, and supports those most in need across the heritage sector. The UK-wide fund addresses both immediate emergency actions and help heritage organisations to start thinking about recovery, supporting longer-term resilience and economic regeneration and benefiting our personal wellbeing. l The National Lottery Heritage Fund is currently open to applications for its Heritage Emergency Fund. To find out more visit: www. heritagefund.org.uk/responding-coronavirus-covid-19 l To find out more about the National Lottery Good Causes, visit: www. lotterygoodcauses.org.uk/coronavirus-pandemic-response

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

Visit us at www.reconnectonline.co.uk

10 steps to help tackle climate change OVER the last year or so Devon Sculpture Park and the Letts family have been working with a number of experts to create a simple, actionable plan for individuals and households to do something about solving the climate crisis. Here are DSP’s 10 step plan edited by Allegra Letts.

We’ve tried to keep this 10 step plan as simple and achievable as possible.

Each step is backed by science and each one has been selected to make the biggest difference possible to reducing global warming. None of these steps is hard for us to do.

1. Eliminate waste - eliminate all unnecessary waste with the ultimate goal achieving zero waste. This includes food waste, plastics and energy waste.

Shop locally and try to shop at stores that allow you to pack your own food so you take the minimum amount of single use plastic home with you. Try to shop more diligently and frugally, eating everything you buy and getting better at freezing, composting wasted food, recycling metals, clothing and other materials. To remove household energy waste add heavier curtains over windows, all LED lighting and improved insulation.

2. Shift to more of a plant based diet - move to a plant based diet and at a minimum try to become a flexitarian eating meat only in the evening at dinner. Make your own little kitchen garden, indoors or outdoors, so that you can enjoy some home produced fruit, vegetables and herbs. It’s cheaper, more fun, it’s convenient and reduces your travel emission footprint. As much as possible try to buy locally sourced food and pasture fed livestock.

3. Use renewable energy - switch to renewable energy sources including electric, solar, wind and possibly biomass boilers. In the short term transition to electric heating, water and cookers plus outdoor solar lights then start looking into solar panels or roof tiles and mini-wind turbines for your garden. The UK electric grid has made good progress shifting to predominantly renewable energy sources and away from fossil fuels - particularly coal, so electric energy from the grid in the UK is cleaner than most fossil fuel heating systems.

4. Shop differently - how we shop and what we shop for dictates how products and services are designed. By shopping differently we dictate whether manufacturers and service providers adapt their offerings to become more environmentally friendly. So insist on eco-friendly products and services whether it’s eco-friendly clothes, shoes, food (whether in shops or restaurants), contractors and repair services. There are already plenty of them. For example look for gardening services that utilise rewilding/wildlife gardening techniques and electric gardening tools.

5. Rewilding your garden - rewild your garden, terrace, courtyard, verges and more. Lobby your school, neighbours, churchyard, office green spaces, commons and local parks to rewild their green spaces. Learn about wildlife gardening techniques. Rewilding is the most holistic, proven method for making your soil a more effective carbon sink, for restoring habitats for wildlife and to nurture natural, diverse plant growth.

6. Change your approach to travel and transport - try and travel less post lockdown. Do you really need to shop by car for food or other essentials more than once a week? Try to walk or cycle to the local shops, to work or school. Home work as much as you can while insisting on virtual meetings wherever possible. When you change your car, buy an electric vehicle or an electric hybrid at a minimum. Try to reduce flying for leisure to just one flight a year and holiday locally, wherever possible at eco-resorts.

7. Elect environmentally responsible politicians - choose politicians and leaders in general that make solving the climate crisis their top priority. There is no longer much excuse for a government, business or farm not having a clear, deliverable net zero carbon plan to be achieved ideally by 2030.

Hitting zero carbon by 2040 could be too late. We have also developed a 10 step climate change plan for businesses.

8. Become more frugal and balanced - consume less, exercise more, spend time in nature, read more, spend more quality time with family, friends and in your local community. Make things that are eco-friendly whether it’s DIY, hobbies, projects, community initiatives or the arts. Support environmental art and artists.

9. Work for an environmentally friendly company - you get to choose who you work for so choose companies that have clear, achievable net zero carbon plans and that let you work from home unless you are in walking or cycling distance of the office. Push them to provide more environmentally friendly products and services, workplaces, warehousing and supply chains.

Help your employer to rewild their green spaces.

10. Stay healthy and adapt your lifestyle - with Coronavirus lockdown we have had a unique opportunity to change the way we live and work. We have already been forced to do a number of the things required to reduce global warming and to solve the climate crisis. We’ve seen a short term reduction in global emissions. So just keep doing much of what you’ve been doing but in a more sustainable way. And if you go beyond this and become more of a pro-environment citizen you will not only do your bit to save the planet but you will also develop skills and experiences that could qualify you for the next big global industry - the climate solution industry.

We hope you’ve found this 10 step plan useful. Sadly, it will only make the necessary impact on climate change if enough of us follow it. If you think it makes sense please try it out for yourself and share it with your family and friends. l To find out more about natural climate solutions go to www. devonsculpturepark.org.

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

MAKE A BIGGER IMPACT WITH YOUR DESIGN & PRINT ...WITH YOUR LOCAL PRINTER!

Make your organisation stand out!

It all starts with vision…

Make your brand recognisable, eye catching and distinct from your competitors.

Get ready to ruffle some feathers! @pollardsprint

Get in touch to see how Pollards can make your design and print stand out! pollardsprint.co.uk | DouglasM@pollardsprint.co.uk | 01392 445 333

Editorial: 01392 346342 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

19

wild wise

WildWise Director Chris Salisbury.

The gift of nature connection

A postcard

PAY it forward bursary fund is created for Call of the Wild 2021 programme

W

ILDWISE’s Call of the Wild year-programme is an extraordinary call to adventure and deep connection with the natural world that has been running at Schumacher College since 2013. The programme is a rich mix of activities and enquiries into mentoring nature connection for others.

The community of students experience an immersive experience of learning bushcraft skills, creative interpretation and narrative skills, Fieldcraft and outdoor leadership and facilitation skills. The programme is the brainchild of WildWise Director Chris Salisbury, and has been phenomenally successful with waiting lists for places a tribute to the depth and meaning experienced in the journey.

“I’d spent my whole career in outdoor education and training, and I wanted to offer a programme to introduce all the processes and practices that are required to broker a

meaningful connection to nature”, says Chris. “I’d gathered so many skills and experiences from here, there and everywhere and curating a programme that could introduce these in a structured learning journey made a lot of sense.”

Perhaps the most eloquent statement about the value of the programme is a new bursary fund that has been raised by past alumni of Call of the Wild to support applicants with less Finance at their disposal to be able to apply for the programme.

“In a post-Covid economy, it felt very important to open the door wider to those who are more financially challenged, and the generosity of our community is inspiring. They believe so much in what this programme can achieve, they have dug into their own pockets to raise £5000 to offer a number of subsidised places.

It speaks volumes about the quality of this experience if past students are willing to do that, and I am very

S

moved and humbled by this.”

Another new and exciting development is that after a frustrating Covid-induced year out, this nationally acclaimed programme is shifting its centre of gravity to Embercombe, near Exeter along with various locations on Dartmoor and will begin again in March 2021.

“Apart from partnering with an amazing team of people at Embercombe, what has been particularly pleasing in this shift, is a reduction of the course fees by nearly a third, even though we’ve added more content, making the course even more substantial.”

Call of the Wild graduates range in age from 21 to 61, and come from all walks of life. Some have professional interests, to develop a whole new skill-set to integrate into their working life. Some arrive in a deep enquiry about a career change, others simply because they aspire to deepen their personal connection to the natural world. Most have gone on to engage more purposefully in all sorts of ways, in all aspects of their lives. There’s no doubt that the programme prompts and provokes deep questions in a time of change, and we are proud of our alumni for meeting the challenges of

today with many inspiring initiatives, projects and lifestyle changes.

The door is now open at Embercombe for 2021 applications, and a warm and wild welcome awaits you and your journey back to the natural world. l For more information see wildwise.co.uk and embercombe.org/call-of-thewild.

INCE writing for Reconnect la like the whole world has chan And my own world has chang because I view it from the perspect little Andalucian village in Spain’s province where I now live.

This summer, after spending severa in the pleasant tourist town of Nerj decided to move onto the land bes next village, Maro, and went off-gr had a finca (country property) to lo as well as a wonderful dog, Mia. W comes from the spring, power from and food - tomatoes, peppers, aub figs, lemons, papaya and bananas - from the garden.

But paradise comes at a cost. Ants, mosquitoes, lizards, spiders, rats, and even a wild boar late one night have been amongst my visitors, whilst temperatures in the high 30’s (without the benefit of a fridge, air-con, or even a fan) has meant adjusting my lifestyle, slowing down, finding shade, and taking long siestas.

Of course, life here is not just abo relaxing. Spain has been hit hard Covid19 and whilst most rural reg the south in general have been sp the worst of the pandemic, many p are facing hardship and uncertain asking serious questions about the live. Here on the Costa del Sol, th questioning the sustainability of th model which is such an important Spain’s economy. The issue is par relevant for Nerja and Maro as th lives from seasonal tourism, the se from agriculture.

When it became apparent during o lockdown that demand on the loca bank was massively outstripping su a few of us decided to take matters our own hands. I rounded up some farmers while a friend launched a

The scientific history of our red sandstone HOW often do you consider the dynamics and physical history of the county we live in? To tie-in with Sidmouth Science Festival GRANT SHERMAN founder of Hartstongue, the Green directory for Devon, creates a ‘Dao of Geology’ perspective of Reconnectland.

T

HE Earth lives as a statue, poised mid-step, hand upraised. The whole course of human history - vast empires, slow in their growth and demise - are but a blink to her.

She breathes out and in, climates change, climates return.

Lands and oceans move, joining and separating.

The red soils around Exeter are a testament to these cycles of change. These soils are formed from desert sandstones dating from the Permian and Triassic periods.

Devon was close to the equator during the Permian (300250 million years ago). All of the continents had collided to form the supercontinent Pangaea. One part of this collision had raised mountains in Devon and Cornwall. The granite of Dartmoor and Cornwall solidified under the mountains and

20

Advertising: 01392 346342 adverts@reconnectonline.co.uk

volcanoes erupted around Exeter.

Around this single continent was one “Panthalassa” the universal sea. The experienced extreme variations of he were monsoon conditions and flash-f rainforests of the preceding Carbonif leaving behind vast regions of desert favoured conifers, ginkgoes and cyca which could better cope with these d dominance in place of their amphibia Rocks weathered, rusted and redden into angular fragments that were car the ‘breccia’ cliffs Teignmouth. Smalle vast drifts of windblown sand which Dawlish.

The Earth’s most severe extinction eve the Great Dying, formed the bounda and the Triassic. Up to 96% of all ma of terrestrial vertebrate species becam this extinction? We have many theori may have played their parts.

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

off grid

card from Andalucia

Reconnect last I feel orld has changed. rld has changed the perspective of a e in Spain’s Malaga live. nding several years town of Nerja, I the land beside the nd went off-grid. I property) to look after, l dog, Mia. Water , power from the sun, peppers, aubergines,

Jon (front row to left) alongside other students on the recent Solidaridad Internacional ecofacilitation course.

Jon and doggy friend, Mia, living on the land in Maro (Basil the electric bike also making an appearance).

Pictures taken by Karen Binopia.

LONG time readers will remember, JON STEIN who used to regularly contribute to the magazine before he upped sticks for a Spanish adventure.

With the pandemic being a global issue we caught up with him to see how life is in a country hit hard by the virus.

e

ta s,

een

, ) my n, king

not just about een hit hard by most rural regions and ave been spared emic, many people nd uncertainty and ons about the way we a del Sol, that means nability of the tourist an important part of issue is particularly d Maro as the first urism, the second

arent during our d on the local food utstripping supply, o take matters into ded up some local launched a successful

crowdfunder and now each Monday we deliver quantities of fresh produce – some of it organic – to Nerja for distribution.

The ‘Via Comida’ (food way) is not only meeting the immediate need of a population struggling to feed itself, but is showing the importance of local food sovereignty.

This issue is under the spotlight as the land around Maro has been earmarked for a development scheme based around a 5-star hotel, 680 luxury homes and an 18-hole golf course. Unsurprisingly the so-called ‘Larios Plan’ (the Larios family – of gin fame - are the main landowners in the region) is arousing passion and polarising public opinion. I write a monthly bulletin for the campaign against the plan, and have had no shortage of juicy material, much of it related to that particularly Spanish (or is it everywhere?) cocktail of corrupt politicians and environmental abuse. I have also been

studying group facilitation and was one of a handful of students from Malaga province to take part in an Andalucia-wide training for ‘ecosocial’ changemakers. Later in the year I’m hoping, alongside colleagues, to generate some local community-building activities to help coordinate efforts to preserve our beautiful, but threatened environment.

To balance all this outward activity and activism, I’ve continued working on my own wellbeing and nurturing my personal vision of being part of a conscious living community in nature. I’m building my network of contacts and resources and although, sadly, the trip I’ve been planning to the national conference of Spanish ecovillages has been derailed by new measures against the virus, I’m still hoping to get on my electric bike, Basil, and see a bit more of this fascinating, beautiful and sometimes contradictory country. Until next time ¡hasta luego! l We may well return to find out how Jon is getting on in a future issue.

stone soil and the dao of geology

nd Exeter. nent was one great ocean rsal sea. The interior of Pangaea riations of heat and cold. There ns and flash-floods. The vast tree-fern ing Carboniferous period were dead ons of desert. Such dry conditions oes and cycads, over ferns. Reptiles, with these drier conditions, rose to heir amphibian ancestors. and reddened. Mountains broke hat were carried by floods to create mouth. Smaller fragments formed sand which are now the red cliffs of

extinction event, sometimes known as d the boundary between the Permian 96% of all marine species and 70% pecies became extinct. What caused e many theories, and many factors parts.

Devon was close to the Tropic of Cancer during the Triassic (250-200 million years ago). The red cliffs of Sidmouth show that there were still great sand dunes. The Budleigh Salterton Pebble Beds show that there were seasonal rivers that could polish pebbles.

Pangaea started to break up into two continents, Laurasia and Gondwana. With these smaller continents the climate was not as extreme. By the start the Jurassic period the mountains of Cornwall and Dartmoor had become the island of Cornubia. The shallow seas of Dorset teemed with life.

The red soils of Devon remind me that desert can return to fertile earth again. Had we but world enough and time, our children would enjoy a fruitful planet. But in our current Yang we are taking more than the Earth can give. In our current Yang we might turn the Earth into desert again. The Earth will survive but will there be a place for us? For all our faults I still love humans. At our best we can be amazing.

It is time for Yin to return and balance the Yang. Time to act and support our neighbours. Time to find common ground with our enemies. Time to accept and embrace our imperfections. Time to heal.

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

l The 2020 Science Festival takes place online from Friday October 9 to Sunday October 18 and aims to excite curiosity in people to explore Science in their lives. There will be family friendly events which are educational as well as fun about fossils, dinosaurs, stars, energy, light, weather, brains, rockets and much more.

Race a rubber band car. Visit the gallery of schools’ art.

Celebrate Ada Lovelace Day with female speakers. Something for all abilities and all ages. Something for everyone. And all free. http://sidmouthsciencefestival.org l Find out more about Hartstongue - the green business, group, and events directory for Devon at www.hartstongue.co.uk

Editorial: 01392 346342 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

21

local produce

Learn to grow your own mushrooms lik

W

Oxen Park Farm

Organic Veg Bags Delicious bags of organic and biodynamic veg grown in harmony

Email: veg@onthehill.camp

with nature here in the Teign Valley

Phone: 07939575364

Collection in Ashton each Tuesday.

Facebook: @OxenParkDevon

Wholesale produce also available.

E all have realised over lockdown that the idea of growing our own food has become more tempting. But in many cases we lack the knowledge of how to successfully grow our own produce and very often it takes months to enjoy the fruits of our labour. For those wanting faster results, growing mushrooms could be the answer. Mushrooms are important in our day to day lives, not just because they are used as food but there is growing evidence of their medicinal value and they look captivating as well.

Compared to most fruits and vegetables, fungi like mushrooms have a much faster growth cycle. However it’s a well-known fact that mushrooms are not easy to grow or to find when compared to plants. Which is why the Dawlish Warren based family business Forest Fungi are offering a ‘Grow Your Own Tour’ to teach us how to grow our own mushrooms successfully.

Owner Scott Marshall said: “The tours around our farm trail last approximately half an hour are priced at £20 and include a guided tour of our greenhouse shroom room where you can ask questions and pick up growing hints and tips from one of our team of growing experts.

Those on the tour also receive a Forest fungi organic grow kit (normally £15). Ready to fruit at home, the kits are exactly the same growing blocks as we use here on our mushroom farm.”

The farm shop and cafe, which opened 7 years ago, is a popular Devon destination these days, offering real Barista coffee and a wide range of home-made, gourmet dishes offering examples of the culinary uses of

Small - suitable for an individual or couple £9.50 Medium - suitable for a couple or small family £12 Large - suitable for a family £16 *Oxen Park Farm is in conversion to Organic and Biodynamic with Demeter

WWW.ONTHEHILL.CAMP/OXENPARKFARM

Greenlife during lockdown

H

By Jamie

OW could we have imagined at the dawn of 2020 what an extraordinary year this would be? How the life we were then leading now seems like the distant past. In February we began hearing about this strange virus that was causing a city in China to be shut down. Watching from seemingly “afar”, we wondered how people were willing to comply with such a draconian measure. “That could never happen here. No one would comply!” we said. Little did we know that within a month we would be in exactly the same situation, and not just a city but our whole nation.

As coronavirus crept ominously nearer, Greenlife began sourcing hand sanitisers only to discover they were already in short supply! In no time everything escalated dramatically. Customers began to bulk buy and invest in immune supporting supplements (we outdid Christmas sales in one week).

Then, in early March, a case of Covid19 was confirmed at a Devon school.

The virus, which had seemed so far away, was now at our doorstep On a personal level, March 15 was my daughter’s 50th birthday and a family celebration in Surrey was planned. We began to question whether we should risk going, but decided we might just about slip under the virus’s radar. So we went and had a lovely time, made all the more special because we knew it could be the last gathering for some time. At that stage there had been under 50 deaths. A week later there were over 200 per day. On March 23, we heard the news. Lockdown!

Would Greenlife, as a health food shop, be allowed to remain open?

Thankfully the government saw sense. Health foods were considered to be essential! So there we were, one lonely shop with open doors, among just a few others permitted to serve our now eerily silent community.

We were suddenly faced with having to provide PPE for staff, mark up the floor for social distancing, put up Perspex screens at the tills, limit the number of customers and marshall the queuing, and finally to create a delivery service.

Social distancing being impossible with so many staff, we had to put many on furlough. The safety measures seemed endless and very challenging to manage.

It’s been the strangest of times. But we’ve aimed at Greenlife to provide an oasis of calm where customers can shop in a safe and peaceful environment. Our staff have pulled out all the stops to make the atmosphere as normal as possible. In their turn, customers have been wonderfully patient and cooperative. Luckily the gods have blessed us with months of lovely weather and plenty of immune boosting sunshine.

We all began to see light at the end of the tunnel when lockdown was eased, but with the rule of six now being imposed, and the days getting shorter, the weather colder and wetter, it is impossible to predict how things will go, even by the time the next issue of Reconnect is published. Will we be in another lockdown? How many more jobs will be lost and how many more retail businesses will fail, especially with the inevitable growth of online competition. We, at Greenlife, are so grateful that our loyal customers have continued to support us. Our future is in your hands. We in our turn will continue to do our best to serve you throughout 2020 and beyond.

22

Advertising: 01392 346342 adverts@reconnectonline.co.uk

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

Naturally nourishing OUR resident foodie, JANE HUTTON, explores the health benefits of the humble home grown courgette.

ms like a pro their own speciality mushrooms.

Grown and prepared on site, their mushrooms are some of the most sought after throughout the county and used regularly by chefs across the region.

Their cafe and shop are also open for drinks, cakes and cream teas for those on the ‘Grow Your Own Tour. Due to social distancing, Forest Fungi are limiting each tour to 12 people, and at the time of writing had to temporarily close the bungalow visitor centre. Scott and his team do have plans underway to change the layout so it is Covidsecure - and one way and then rejoin it to their farm trail. l For more information and to book a ‘Grow Your Own Tour’ visit forestfungi.co.uk or telephone 01626 864111.

The joys of growing your own food

A

Healing diabetes the macrobiotic way

T

HE UK government recently extended a pilot programme to help people with recently diagnosed type 2 diabetes make changes to their diets and take up exercise. This NHS programme puts people on a restricted diet and exercise plan for 3 months, followed by recommended longer term changes including eating a plant-based diet. What’s exciting about this for Oliver Cowmeadow is that it shows that principles he has been working with in macrobiotics not only work, but they are at last beginning to gain momentum in mainstream medicine.

Over Four Decades Of Macrobiotic Experience For the last forty years macrobiotic practitioners have been gaining similar results with type 2 diabetes and obesity. By adopting a balanced diet, making changes emotionally and practising simple exercises such as Doin or Makko-ho (Japanese exercises to help energy flow in the body) it’s possible not only to heal newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes but also to make significant progress with longer-term diabetes and obesity.

Oliver said: “Us human beings do have a tendency to only change when we really have to - when our pain is great enough we then feel ready to make changes! But it’s good to see how both nationally and globally we are beginning to wake up and see the connection between our diet, lifestyle, emotional and spiritual health.” At this time of global pandemic, it’s also sobering to look at some of the statistics: l Around 33% of those who have died from coronavirus had type 2 diabetes l Compare this to around 8% of the population that have the condition l People who are obese face a 40-90% higher risk of dying from coronavirus If You Have Diabetes Now Is The Time To Make a Change Oliver, founder of the International Macrobiotic School said: “Right now, there’s no doubt that it’s a good time for those with type 2 diabetes (and obesity) to look at their diet and lifestyle. The NHS programme is encouraging, but only available in some areas of the UK and the diet is very restrictive including mainly shakes and soups. No doubt for many it will be effective, but with macrobiotics we take a different approach and use a less restrictive diet plan whilst also looking at emotional patterns that need healing and holistic exercise such as Do-In or Qigong.”

Oliver added: “If this speaks to you then get in touch. We have many courses that can help. Many people have come to International Macrobiotic School and turned around a whole range of health issues. The rewards of making such a change are truly priceless.” l For more information please visit The International Macrobiotic School at macroschool.co.uk or call them on 01803 762598.

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

S summer ends and autumn approaches, courgettes really come into their own.

I’m still waiting for my yellow courgette plants to really kick in. In spite of all the sun we’ve had, and the fact that they’re in the greenhouse, they are very late. After an array of delicate flowers that I’d have stuffed if I’d had time, a mass of developing babies have appeared, so although I’ve had one very sweet sunny wonder, I just know that the others will all be ready at once. The joys of growing your own food!

Yellow Whether green courgettes or yellow, these members of the squash family have a mild flavour, but with an array of health benefits, give them a starring role while they are so fresh and juicy. They might not seem like the natural stars of any meal, but there are lots of ways to make them a feature. With so many nutrients, and seasonally still front and centre, perhaps it’s time to reconsider them if you’ve tended to leave them out of your shopping basket in the past.

Chock full of vitamins K, C, manganese and potassium, courgettes don’t just offer a great combination of conventional antioxidant nutrients, they also contain an unusual amount of other antioxidant nutrients, including lutein and zeaxanthin.

These antioxidants are especially helpful in protecting eye health,

including age-related macular degeneration and cataracts.

Having the nutrients to protect against cardiovascular and digestive inflammation makes courgettes potentially useful in keeping blood vessels strong and soothing ulcers, but they also guard against type 2 diabetes by maintaining healthy blood sugar regulation with their profile of B vitamins, zinc, magnesium, and omega 3 fatty acids, plus, of course, beneficial polysaccharide fibres like pectin.

They boast a good range of amino acids too, so if you are veggie or vegan, courgettes should be a major feature on your summer plate.

If nothing else, they are one of those seasonal parts of the greengrocery display that scream summer. Yellow courgettes even more so – such a beautiful colour!

Delicious sautéed simply with garlic, julienned in salads, or spiralised to create spaghetti-like noodles. What about something sweet? Courgettes in cake is definitely a thing, especially the yellow varieties. This harvest time of the year brings us to preserving excess produce after we enjoy the end of another cycle of growth and freshness, heading into autumn and winter.

This issue’s recipe is a great way to get courgette benefits into the whole family, and use up any home grown glut in as many ways as possible!

Jane’s courgette and carrot muffins You will need: 120g sugar 2 tablespoons oil 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 large egg 120g grated courgette 120g grated carrots 50g chopped pecans, toasted 250g flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg Squeeze the moisture out of the grated courgette and carrot in a sieve over a bowl, then spread on kitchen paper or a tea towel to drain out the last drops. Whisk the sugar, oil, salt, and egg. Add the pecans,

courgette and carrots, and combine.

Combine the remaining ingredients in a separate bowl, then add to the batter. Stir until just combined. Divide the batter evenly among muffin cases, and allow to rest for 10 minutes before baking at 190C. Bake the muffins until the edges are lightly browned and they feel firm if gently pressed, about 18 to 25 minutes. A cocktail stick inserted into the centre of a muffin should come out clean. Cool muffins in the pan for 10 minutes; transfer to a rack, and cool completely.

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

23

news & views Sometimes you have to get ill before you can be well RACHEL MUSSON the Director of Education at ThoughtBox takes a look at some of the lessons that Coronavirus is teaching us.

“

CORONACOASTER” is how Rachel Musson describes what we are currently experiencing. Rachel is Founding Director of ThoughtBox Education CIC, which works with schools to offer a range of triple wellbeing programmes supporting whole-child, whole-system wellness.

She says: “Covid19 has a lot of lessons to teach us. The sudden arrival of the pandemic invited the entire world to pull on the handbrake. Whilst an illness like Covid may appear random, such illnesses often arrive as the result of something malignant lingering that is making us sick. This virus is inviting us to live a lot more care-fully (sic) because let’s face it, we’re really not feeling very well and haven’t been for some time.”

Rachel believes our collective illness is a consequence of what many leading thinkers call the three disconnections - a slow-growing fragmentation over time that has transformed the basis of society and the relationships within it, seen in the following ways: 1. We are not well Many illnesses have been exacerbated by the virus, from obesity and diabetes to cancer. Added to this, a mental health pandemic threatens, with stress, anxiety, overwhelm and depression levels soaring.

2. Society is not well We’re seeing mass protests across the world - from Black Lives Matter to socialinequality to climate justice. These highlight the ever-growing problems in our societies and how ill some of our social systems have become.

3. Our planet is not well We are in the midst of the sixth mass extinction, filled with changing climates, rising sea levels, species depletion and eco-system collapse. The natural world is showing so many symptoms of illness, we should be dialling 999.

Three stages of illness – in ourselves, in our societies and across the natural world – whose symptoms have been growing more malignant for years, caused through the slow-growing separation from ourselves, from people around us and from the natural world.

So, how do we heal?

Rachel explains: “When Covid arrived, we yearned for a cure and lamented the good old days when we could wander freely, hang out in the crowd, hug.

Yet, we could all do with looking a bit deeper at some of the real causes of our symptoms.

C afe

“Lockdown gave many of us the time and space to step back from our daily lives and look at some of the behaviours and habits that are making us all ill (such as our work-life balance, commuting habits, diets etc.) We need to start thinking about long-term wellness.”

Rachel believes that lockdown also helped us to see ways to put ourselves back together again in three crucial ways: l 1. It offered an unspoken invitation towards social responsibility. Values of kindness, care and compassion abounded in our communities, with people helping those around them in need and rising up for the common good. We recognised the revitalising effect of this in creating healthy communities. l 2. Wildlife tiptoed tentatively back into the spaces we’d so noisily inhabited.

We welcomed the taste of clean air, how quiet the days were, how amazing it was to hear the birdsong again. And we all appreciated how good this felt – even if just for a moment. l 3. Many of us were given the opportunity to slow down a little and look at our lives more objectively and reflect on where we were finding meaning in our life. Whether it was the feeling of peace that emerged from those quieter days, the appreciation of more time with loved ones each day, the joy of having more autonomy over our working lives, many of us found neglected parts of ourselves that we’d love to nourish.

Rachel concludes: “This virus is inviting us all – the whole world - to slow down, take stock, stop running from (or into) what will keep making us ill, and instead focus on wellness. And whilst waiting around for vaccines and antidotes is one way to defeat this current illness, a daily dose of triple wellbeing sounds like a pretty good medicine to me.” l You can explore ThoughtBox’s new online teacher training and programmes helping bring wellbeing into the heart of learning at www. thoughtboxeducation.com.

C o pywriter

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

The Cafe Copywriter Offering you specialist help with:

• • • • • • • • •

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

Fancy a chat over a cup of coffee?

Give me a call on 07970 107123 Email: kate@katephilbin.com www.cafecopywriter.com twitter.com/cafecopywriter

24

RAMM’s lockdown legends

O

UR communities’ own ‘Lockdown Legends’ are being honoured in a new photographic exhibition celebrating our communities’ responses to the coronavirus.

Exeter’s Royal Albert Memorial Museum & Art Gallery (RAMM), alongside Liveable Exeter and Exeter City Council, have announced the dates of their photographic exhibition, Lockdown Legends - a celebration of local people who have shown particular kindness, courage, humanity or ingenuity during the coronavirus pandemic.

Over the summer, members of the public were invited to nominate their coronavirus champions, submitting both their stories and photographs to illustrate inspirational accounts of hard work, compassion and selflessness. Those nominated ranged from refuse collectors to face mask creators, fundraising heroes to taxi drivers-turned-delivery men, parents, grandparents, young people and many more. Lockdown Legends celebrates the resilience of the people of Devon, showcasing those who have given so much during the coronavirus crisis, helping some of Devon’s most vulnerable populations. It brings their stories together to be shared with everyone. l The exhibition is hosted on RAMM’s digital exhibition venue Showcase online at: showcase.rammuseum.org.uk/lockdown-legends and open to visitors at venues including Exeter Guildhall, Exeter Library, and Exeter Princesshay (window display).

Advertising: 01392 346342 adverts@reconnectonline.co.uk

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

wellbeing email: wellbeing@reconnectonline.co.uk

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

Finding Active Hope

An open ended retreat Jungian Therapy with Ali Naturally healthy October

26 27 29

Welcoming clients back in Totnes

T

Women’s mental health Initiation of our time

31 32

Creating opportunity Awareness with horses

33 36

Creating mandalas

37

The classified adverts

39

And there’s lots more to read inside

deeply nourishing HERE has never been experience.” a more For many years appropriate time Natalie has been than now for selfhosting yoga care. This is a time classes in Totnes when all of us need and she is now also to feel nurtured able to offer and nourished one-to-one yoga and Natalie Austin sessions at her new is very happy premises, alongside to be resuming her online Yin and her massage Vinyasa Flow yoga Natalie Austin practice and classes. enjoying welcoming She is particularly pleased to clients back to her beautiful be able to offer her massage healing space in the heart of space for hire to fellow therapists.

Totnes.

Natalie said: “It is in a quiet Natalie has been a holistic corner of Totnes and would suit therapist and wellbeing specialist bodywork therapists, yoga one-tofor more than 18 years and is ones and counselling therapists. continuing to offer therapeutic The room is cosy, warm and fullymassage, reflexology, Indian head serviced and has a comfortable, massage and reiki. As a qualified light and airy waiting area. The aromatherapist, she also enjoys space is available on a flexible making oils and ointments for her rental basis, ad hoc or half day clients, on request. and full day blocks.”

She said: “I like to think that I l For more information about not only massage and treat your treatments, yoga or room hire call body with my treatments but also Natalie on 07516 720246 or email natalie@loveyogatree.co.uk. your soul. I offer a relaxing and a

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 (December/ January) issue is November 5 so get in touch today and let’s get the ball rolling.

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

Therapy Space for Hire Light, spacious and cosy therapy room available for hire.

Flexible rental, ad hoc, half or full day blocks available for counsellors and therapists in the heart of Totnes.

Please contact: Natalie Austin | 07516 720 246 | natalie@loveyogatree.co.uk All Natalie’s yoga classes are online. Please visit www.loveyogatree.co.uk for details

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

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

25 25

WELLBEING

Gathering the harvest

P

SYCHOTHERAPIST, Counsellor and Supervisor, Ruth Baker asks whether there were some elements of the early part of lockdown that you enjoyed and, if so, whether this might prompt us all to reflect on the changes we might like to see in our lives…

“At the beginning of lockdown, peace descended on the countryside.

The birds seemed less afraid of people and there was this incredible stillness as the human world paused. The skies cleared and cities which hadn’t been seen from space for years were revealed. Alongside this, of course, there was fear and uncertainty about health and finances and, for some, deep loneliness.

“As summer moves into autumn, there are strong messages about returning to work and picking up our lives in the midst of continuing uncertainty and changing rules.

“All of this led me to thinking about how we find spaciousness in our lives. Now is a good time to reflect. Did you notice the quietness in lockdown, appreciate the slower pace? Are there things in your life you’ve always wanted to do or wanted to change but never given yourself permission for?

“How would it be to give yourself five minutes a day to check in with

yourself and see how you are?

Notice what your thoughts are busy with, notice where you’re holding tension in your body.

Allow yourself to feel what your heart most desires. Breathe space into your mind and body and just hold the possibility that you can do things differently. The smallest changes can have a profound effect on our beings. Starting with a couple of minutes of tuning into ourselves is a really great beginning.”

Ruth will be leading mindfulnessbased courses next year which will focus on our connection with ourselves, our environment and breathing space into our daily lives. For more information email: ruthbaker1@gmail.com Meanwhile, The Nautilus Rooms underwent a bit of a facelift during lockdown. Ruth, who manages the centre alongside her therapeutic work, said: “It’s lovely being back in this tranquil space, which is looking great after a bit of a refresh. Our rooms are large and airy and the building has a sense of peace, which is conducive to therapy work. We mostly offer talking therapies including sand therapy, therapeutic art and play therapy, massage and mindfulness. Andy West is using the space to run his online pilates classes and Catherine Hale offers embodied female empowerment.”

Therapists are beginning to return to a mix of online and face-to-face working at the centre, which has put in place Covid precautionary measures.

Ruth said: “If you’re fed up with working from home and would like the experience of ‘going to work’ again, or would like a lovely space to work from, either face-to-face or online, do contact us. We currently have space for new therapists and would love to welcome you. In addition, sand play and therapeutic art training dates are currently being put in place for 2021. We look forward to seeing you.” l For more information visit: www.nautilusrooms.uk or email nautiluscentre@gmail.com

Fancy an open-ended retreat?

H

AVE you ever been on a retreat and thought “if only I could stay here for a couple of weeks rather than just a few days, I could transform my life”?

Well, Cat Nightingale who runs Feast and Fast retreats in Totnes understands this feeling and has responded by creating an open-ended retreat that offers people support to make a sustained and lasting change.

Cat explained: “Currently, you can attend one of our retreats for a weekend or a week and I’ll be your experienced guide to help you initiate healing. But, from the beginning of January, you can book yourself in for an Cat Nightingale open-ended retreat. The idea is to stay as long as you need to get past those pesky transition symptoms, which can last up to two weeks or longer in some rare cases.”

Cat is passionate about helping people to shift to keto, paleo and carnivore ways of eating and fasting in order to heal themselves from chronic and autoimmune disorders. Her own journey back to health was the inspiration for starting the retreats. She said: “It’s been a profound healing journey for me and I want to ensure that other people taking their health into their own hands get all the support they need for as long as they need it. It’s super important to me that it’s affordable too. For much of my working life, I’ve struggled to do anything more than be there for my kids in between bouts of pain and fatigue. Now that I’m no longer in pain and my energy is rebounding, I want to do everything I can to help others find their health and vitality. I’m offering all of my retreats for a donation so that anyone can afford to come initially and maybe re-find their material wealth and vitality.” l To find out more visit www. feastandfast.org or call 07842 722053

26

Advertising: Advertising: 01392 01392 346342 346342 adverts@reconnectonline.co.uk adverts@reconnectonline.co.uk

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

EMOTIONAL HEALTH WELCOME back to our exploration into all things emotional. In this edition our Emotional Health columnist Leigh Smith, explores harnessing the mental health benefits from within the natural elements.

“It’s elemental my dear Watson”

I

Jungian Therapy with Ali Morrish

W

ORKING with our dreams is possibly one of the most intimate and individual journeys that we can make.

Most of us dream and, indeed, it is a topic that fascinates a lot of us.

Imagine the typical conversation around the breakfast table, “You’ll never guess what I dreamed last night…”

However, there is more to it than just a casual topic of conversation. A lot of people appreciate that dreams have a deeper, symbolic nature that holds something far more revealing about our psyche.

For people who might wish to discover more about their dreams, Ali Morrish RSHom is now offering Jungian psychology and work with dreams. Alongside her homeopathy, Ali has always had a fascination for this work.

She said: “Some people may not be aware that homeopathy and Jungian work are quite similar in some ways and, for several years now, I’ve chosen to specialise in this area.

“Many people who come to this work are at some kind of crossroads in their lives - maybe they’ve reached midlife, or they have a certain knowing that they wish to change things on a soulful level.

Unlike regular counselling and psychotherapy, which of course are immensely valuable, Jungian work enables people to work not only with their dreams but also with stories and images that most will connect with. These insights can be fascinating.”

Ali was particularly delighted to receive an endorsement from Senior Jungian Psychoanalyst, Julian David for her work. He said: “I have known Ali since 2002 and have been impressed by her natural skill with the soul and its needs. I support her expansion from homeopathy into dream-

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

work and a broad intuitive therapeutic approach.”

And what of her clients? One recently summed up their experience by saying: “Exploring dreams and their images is exploring the depths, complexity and wisdom of your own psyche. To me, it has been the most challenging and yet rewarding journey I have ever taken towards harmony and personal growth. Some people call this journey ‘soul-making’ and I’m very grateful to Ali for holding a safe and sacred space for my soul-making process. Her deep understanding of Jungian psychology, dream work, stories and symbolism, her intuitive guidance and soulful presence have been the greatest support I could ever wish for my journey. I find our work rich in insight and integration, and our exploration full of courage, compassion and humour!”

Sometimes people choose to see Ali for homeopathy alone and sometimes patients of her husband, Mo, opt to have a few sessions with Ali to work with dreams.

Others come to focus purely on the Jungian work, looking at a deeper more soulful exploration of the unconscious.

One said: “My years with Ali as a patient of her homoeopathic practice were unquestionably enhanced by her knowledge of Jungian therapy. Her breadth of experience makes her a unique therapist.” l Ali holds clinics from her home on Dartmoor, and from Exeter Natural Health Centre. For more information, to book an appointment or a free introductory session: 01364 661397 enquiries@ thehomoeopathicpractice.co.uk www.thehomoeopathicpractice. co.uk

think Sherlock Holmes may well have hit the nail on the head!

When looking for answers to our ailments, we may well find what we are searching for embedded deep in the oldest understanding of medicine.

As early as 460 B.C. Hippocrates and Galen taught us that the four elements, or ‘humors’ of air, water, fire, and earth, each had a direct relationship and effect on our mind and bodies. And although medical science has come a long way since these rudimentary beginnings, it is still widely believed that the natural elements contain potentially health enhancing benefits.

So how can Air, Water, Fire and Earth, play a part in my emotional well-being?

If you think of each of the elements as separate ingredients, each one bringing a vital aspect of the meal, and all four contributing in different ways to create a well balanced and nutritious banquet. When you look at the spread of food laid out before you you might well notice that there is too much of one elements, and a lack of another, thus the meal lacks harmony, and something feels out of kilter, until a balance is created.

Now think of your own connection and personal relationship to each of these elements, and consider: which do you absorb in abundance, and which do you lack. Each element has something to offer, a way to enhance our wellbeing, and can provide us with therapeutic benefits in the most simplistic of ways.

Air When I consider the therapeutic effects of the lack of air, I see pollution and constricted breathing, I see a heavily burdened chest, weighed down with despair. Embracing this element encourages us to focus on effective breathing, to resource ourselves with clean, fresh air, and to utilise focused breath work (pranayama in yoga) to reduce anxiety and stress. There are some very simple mindful breathing techniques which can greatly enhance our day to day ability to regulate our nervous system and become centred and calm.

Fire A lack of fire in my life results in lethargy, an unfocused, pointless and passionless existence. Bringing the element of fire makes me

consider the power of the Native American sweat lodge, I recall casting many despairs, and long held grief into the fire pit, the heat of the steaming stones cleansing my heart and soul as Carlos would share prayers to the ancestors, and I would emerge feeling reborn and unburdened.

The positive effects of a sunny day on mood is tangible, and recently the sunshine throughout lockdown helped massively to stave off the dark moods and made the situation more bearable.

Water When I imagine removing this element from my life I realise how much I take for granted living so close to the river Dart. The Dart snakes around me at home and at work, I travel along side her as I journey around doing my day to day chores. The serotonin boosting negative ions effecting my wellbeing, and the background sound of water against stone is a constant backing track to my days.

Water is fundamental to our physical health, and results from experiments to monitor the effects of dehydration, report that along with the physical symptoms such as headaches, dehydration was also found to produce a degradation in mood.

Earth Time spent in nature, connecting to the earth beneath our feet, forest bathing, and becoming aware of our natural environment, are all so rich with therapeutic benefit.

During lockdown I was lucky enough to be able to spend time walking the lanes and exploring the local hedgerows, and I believe that focusing on the life in the hedges helped me to maintain a good balance of mental health.

When I feel I am becoming anxious I sit or stand with my feet firmly on the ground, and allow myself to reconnect, sending roots down into the earth and anchoring to the very core. If I lack energy I can draw resources from deep in the earth’s core.

The therapeutic possibilities of working with the natural elements are endless, free, and readily available.

So perhaps it’s time to get your elemental fix, whether that be squeezing clay between your fingers, wiggling your toes in the freezing river, lighting an autumn fire, or filling your lungs with pure, fresh air…. Enjoy.

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.

Editorial: 01392 346342 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

27

WELLBEING Kate does… TRE (Tension And Trauma Release) YOUR wellbeing editor Kate tries out a treatment or event or activity each issue this time shaking to release trauma through TRE.

I

must confess to feeling a bit apprehensive about this issue’s Kate Does… I’ve been following Carmella B’Hahn’s journey into TRE (Tension and Trauma Release) with interest. It fascinates me the idea that humans share the same shaking/tremoring reflex that animals use in the wild to release trauma.

At the start of our session, Carmella explained that the body shows “a startling intelligence about what needs to be released and how” but that “we have pathologized the shaking reflex to make it into something wrong”.

She described shaking as “the completion of the trauma cycle” and said that in her 25 years as a grief guide, she has noticed that for some people there are places in grief that words cannot reach, and neither can symbology or deep inner work.

Trauma can become lodged in the body.

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.

1:1 sessions now available again ( face to face and online ).

Introductory workshops will recommence when it is safe to do so, please check the website.

Transformational Breathing

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

07828 566553

Rough Diamonds School of Autobiographical Theatre

Be transformed by telling your story When our stories are received, we come home.

We guide people to craft living theatre from the raw experience of their lives; using drama, writing, improvisation and play.

www.roughdiamonstheatre.co.uk Agata Krajewska 0779 500 2816 Phil Barber 0775 9588 071 28

I have certainly experienced that for myself – a frozen shoulder that has occurred twice at times of prolonged stress, deep aching inside my hips that I associate with loss and grief and a tendency to lose my voice when I don’t feel heard. The idea that my body knows how to let go of trapped emotion feels appealing but I went along to the session wondering how on earth Carmella would get me to trigger my own tremor reflex. I envisioned myself lying on the floor, immobile as a statue, apologising profusely for not being able to do it. Or, worse still, I imagined feeling embarrassed as my body twitched and shook beyond my control.

Carmella’s warm, calming demeanour helped to dispel these fears almost immediately and her assertion that “you can’t get this wrong” put me at my ease. She explained that we would begin with some exercises designed to fatigue the muscles a little before lying on the mat to induce tremoring.

I told her that, as much as I was fascinated by this therapy and keen to try it, I couldn’t really cope with the idea of a huge release of trauma at this point in my life. I needed to be able to hold things together and not “fall apart” just now.

Advertising: 01392 01392 346342 346342 adverts@reconnectonline.co.uk adverts@reconnectonline.co.uk Advertising:

My body seemed to hear and respond to my request. As I lay on the mat, I began to experience a gentle kind of fluttering in the tops of my legs, like the beating of butterfly wings. It built slowly and gently, never feeling unpleasant or out of control.

Carmella, who was there to provide support and reassurance throughout, suggested I move my hands around to different parts of my body to see what would happen. At various points – particularly when my hands were on my throat and abdomen – the tremoring became stronger and more pronounced.

Each short session of tremoring (there were three) was interspersed with a period of rest and integration. That evening when I went home, I felt profoundly tired and slept better than I have done for some time.

As someone who lives almost entirely inside her head and takes her body very much for granted, I’m not really accustomed to thinking of my body as having its own intelligence and knowing what it needs to do to heal itself. However, I really like the idea of supporting it to do that.

Carmella explained that TRE is a self-help tool that people can use throughout their life. She recommends four sessions to fully understand the process and how to use it to the best effect. I have already booked my next session.

l Carmella practices at Heartwood, Bowden House Community near Totnes. For more information about TRE contact her on 01803 867005 or email: carmella@heartofrelating.com and visit www.heartofrelating.com

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

WELLBEING Real food, Real life,

Real health

Naturally healthy October

N

ATURALLY Healthy is a month-long campaign that encourages people to feel happier and healthier by getting outside and connecting with nature.

It normally happens in May but this year, due to the pandemic, it has been rescheduled to October and Active Devon is hoping that more people than ever will participate.

A spokesperson said: “Now more than ever we’re recognising the importance of accessing outdoor spaces and connecting to nature. Being Naturally Healthy is all about getting outside and enjoying Devon’s amazing natural environment and feeling happier and healthier for it.

“As we get older, many of us tend to get outdoors less. Maybe we’re juggling work and family commitments, or perhaps we have health conditions or limited mobility that makes it harder. Naturally Healthy October reminds people to make time to head outside. There is clear evidence that connecting to nature can offer huge benefits to our physical health, mental health and wellbeing.”

Devon’s natural environment offers a variety of ways for us all to be Naturally Healthy, including activities like walking, cycling, gardening, wild swimming or even bird watching.

During October, Active Devon and Devon County Council on behalf of the Devon Local Nature Partnership (DLNP) will be sharing lots of Naturally Healthy ideas and activities to join in with.

Keep an eye on social media @ activedevon @Devon_LNP and use the hashtag #naturallyhealthy #DevonCAN to encourage others to take part. You can find details of activities at: https://devon. sportsuite.co.uk/activities/activities and you can also use the website to promote your own activities.

A spokesperson said: “If you are delivering Naturally Healthy activities during October, this is a great way to promote what you’re doing. It’s completely free to you and provides an easy way for the people of Devon to find your activities, when they’re happening and where.”

Find out more about promoting activities, the free A-Z Directory and Activity Finder at: https://www.

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.

activedevon.org/all-you-need-toknow-about-the-activity-finder-anddirectory/ Devon’s Naturally Healthy initiative is led by the Devon Local Nature Partnership. It brings together a wide range of partners from health, wellbeing, community and environment sectors to ensure that everyone in Devon is happier and healthier through increased connection to nature. If you are interested in getting involved, you are encouraged to get in touch.

You might also be interested in finding out more about the Connecting Actively to Nature programme which aims to inspire people over the age of 55 who are relatively inactive to become more active in nature.

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

Jane Hutton The Functional Foodie

T: 07841 344934

Bell Bartlett PSYCHIC TAROT READER

www.conscious-tarot.co.uk 07796 900509

‘ridiculously helpful’ Dr James Szymankiewicz, a Devon GP and Chair of the Devon Local Nature Partnership said: “It is not a pill or potion but consider connecting with nature as a prescription. One that works, costs nothing and has no side effects.

It is so easy to do, just take that step outside to start with. The most important thing is you enjoy it.

Think of it as an opportunity to invest a bit of time in looking after yourself, your family and this place we call home.”

While the team passionately believes that being active is more important than ever, safety is paramount and it is urging people to follow government guidance when leaving the home to exercise and access open spaces. l Its website includes guidance on being active outdoors and you can also find information here: https://www.activedevon. org/how-to-stay-active-outdoors/ #StayActiveStaySafe.

Jeff Sleeman Life Coaching, Personal Development and Wellbeing

“Simple and profound techniques to get you to where you want and need to go” T: 01395 443474 | M: 07977 272 174 contact@jeffsleeman.com | www.jeffsleeman.com

let nature be your ally flower essences to improve your emotional wellbeing www.alliesofnature.co.uk

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

Editorial: 01392 346342 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

29

WELLBEING How flower essences can help overcome bullying

W

HEN someone is being bullied, the message they get – whether consciously or subconsciously - is that they’re not acceptable in some way for who they really are.

Essential parts of their soul are not deemed to be “appropriate” by their family, peers or society.

As a consequence, these qualities may then be hidden away for safe keeping and may not be rediscovered until later in life.

Simon Blackler understands how it feels to be Simon Blackler bullied, it took him until the age of 33 to first seek help from a counsellor, to begin to bring himself back into balance.

Little did he know, that this was the start of a 17-year journey of personal development that would enable him to find more effective ways of dealing with the debilitating effects of bullying.

Simon said: “Ultimately, establishing a greater connection to nature was the key for me. Transformation really started to happen when I found my way to the shamanic path and began to communicate with the spirits of the animals and plants, in particular flowers and their essences.”

Simon explained that when somebody is bullied, essentially they are allowing other people to rule their life.

“They can become lost, unsure of their direction and suffer a lack of purpose, due to not having a strong centre or sense of self, giving their power away to others, being continually undermined.”

Last October, Simon began gathering the Hedge Bindweed essence to use in his Allies of Nature range.

He said: “This plant grows very close to the house I grew up in, when the bullying was at its height. It is a very persistent plant - every time it is cut down it comes back that much stronger and is an absolute nuisance to any gardener.

“The Hedge Bindweed crawls all over the other plants, stretching its long tentacles for yards away from its main root. It has to have a very strong centre in order to balance its far-reaching blooms. Hence, this particular plant brings with it the restorative quality of resilience and a message that ‘persistence pays’.

Therefore, it is a great essence to use to counteract bullying.”

All of the Allies of Nature range of flower essences can be used to help individuals overcome bullying to discover their true identity. Simon is happy to advise on which ones might be most suitable for you. l For more information contact Simon on 07929 312675, email simon@alliesofnature.co.uk, or visit www. alliesofnature.co.uk

Part Time Retreat Centre Manager Bala Brook South Brent £45,760 pro rata Deadline 1st November Interview 14th November We are looking for a part-time manager who will be responsible for the day-to-day running of the retreat centre. They will implement and manage a wide range of mid-week residential courses and contribute to the strategic planning for the retreat centre (particularly the use of the land).

They must have personal skills when communicating face to face and via emails. The ability to work independently and as part of an team. They should have experience organising community based adult education courses and be confident in using computer management systems and social media.

We expect the manager to demonstrate an understanding of retreat centres and charity law/guidance. They will report regularly to the Board of Trustees.

The manager will work 12 hours per week.

To apply please send a CV and covering letter charleskemp@spandatrust.org.uk For full Job spec – www.balabrook.org.uk

30

Be touched, be held, be human...

R

IGHT now, we’re being told we need to stay safe, protect ourselves, keep healthy. And, there are plenty of rules telling us what we can’t do.

But what can we do to help our bodies be strong, sound and resilient in the face of this invisible threat and others like it?

“Well...massage, to put it simply,” says Mira of Deep Time Massage in Totnes.

“Massage therapy increases the activity level of white blood cells that support the body’s immune functions working to combat viruses and other nasties.

“That’s the science-y bit, On top of that, the joyful physiological response we have to the supportive touch of another helps us to be grounded and centred in our body, to celebrate its sensuousness, and to inhabit it as if it were a temple – all vital ingredients for a naturally healthy system.”

Using blends of anti-viral essential oils, providing natural sanitiser,

Advertising: Advertising: 01392 01392 346342 346342 adverts@reconnectonline.co.uk adverts@reconnectonline.co.uk

and adhering to government guidelines for close contact professions, Mira is continuing to provide massage treatments. She believes massage is an important part of our local healthcare system and a way to keep our community well.

Mira said: “Be reminded of the reassuring warmth and pressure of human contact. To be human is to be in connection and massage is needed now more than ever!” l Visit www.deeptimemassage. com or call 07746416526 to book.

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

WELLBEING Latest events: October 16 -23

Fasting Plus Carnivore Retreat

November 9 - 12

Dry Fasting Retreat

November 20 - 27

Fasting With Electrolytes

December 4 - 11

Carnivore Christmas Retreat

Supporting Women’s health

E

ARLIER in the year, we reported on Shiatsu For Change, a Community Interest Company set up to provide affordable Shiatsu, Qigong and self-healing techniques across the community. Its aim is to help people take more responsibility for their own physical and mental health and wellbeing.

The project secured National Lottery Funding and Groundworks (Comic Relief) funding for its “Supporting Women” initiative, aimed at local women with health problems who wouldn’t usually be able to afford Shiatsu treatment or Qigong classes. It began the first phase of the treatments, but then had to halt due to lockdown. Some of the funding was redirected to offering services online, including Qigong classes and self-help massage techniques.

Kirsty Hurd-Thomas, who set up the project, explained “We’ve worked with women with endometriosis, women recovering from cancer treatment, those with prolapse, fatigue, menopausal or peri-menopausal problems and women with anxiety. Shiatsu and Qigong can be effective for people with a wide range of conditions. It brings relief from symptoms, considers what may be causing the problem and begins to address this in a holistic way.”

One woman who participated in Shiatsu for Change commented: “The combination of emotional/ spiritual enquiry, self-massage and the flow of the physical movements have benefited me on every level of my being - all powerfully yet gently held by Kirsty, so that I can just let go and be.”

Another said: “These are practices I could easily integrate into my life, which is empowering.”

As a result of the online classes

Healing retreats using keto/paleo/carnivore ways of eating, electrolytes, and fasting

Care Comfort Compassion

A carefully curated collection of music and spoken word for everyone who is or has been affected by dementia or who is working to find a cure for this terrible disease.

“Thank you to everyone who has so kindly contributed to this CD and offered their support and encouragement In particular I would like to thank Julie for being my inspiration and for all the happy times. I hope you enjoy my choice of music and words”

some women have developed their own daily Qigong practice which has helped them to feel more in control of their health.

Although the project is fully booked for its next phase of treatments starting in September, there is another phase starting mid-October, and a further phase in the new year.

Kirsty said: “If you, or any women you know are suffering from health issues please get in touch to see if we can offer you a place. We need positive touch in our lives now more than ever as we begin to re- connect with our communities and the world around us, and we can practice safely in line with government guidelines.”

If you don’t fit the criteria for Shiatsu For Change, Kirsty also offers private treatments and classes. l Anyone who wants to read more about Shiatsu for Change or support the project by giving a donation can do so at shiatsuforchange.co.uk To book a private treatment with Kirsty visit: www.shiatsutotnes. co.uk or Contact Kirsty/ Shiatsu For Change on 01803 862808 /07930 404124

Bob Crowley

A Tribute to Julie Anne Alexis McCreadie

The album is available to download here: carecomfortcompassion.bandcamp.com/releases. Limited hard copies of the CD are available by emailing info@carecomfortcompassion.org

Yes I sense your pain and the mistaken beliefs that are keeping you stuck But I also see you in all your SPLENDOUR The glorious being that you truly are Hello, my name is Melissa Irace and I am an INTUITIVE HEALER, empath and HOLISTIC LIFE COACH I help people like you

UNCOVER, HEAL and RELEASE trauma, negative energies and intergenerational patterns Together we reconnect you to your inner wisdom and give you the tools to be the CONSCIOUS CREATOR of a life you love I work globally online

www.melissairace.com /melissaloveliving me@melissairace.com 0750 622 1487

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

Editorial: 01392 346342 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

31

WELLBEING Fool expression taster workshops return

W

Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) (Stimulates the immune system to function optimally)

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

For an appointment please call 07931 505 312

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.

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

32 32

ITH some careful planning to respect the Covid regulation, soulful play is able to start again with a 2½ hour Fool Expression taster workshop (for over 18s) at Totnes’ Angel Studio from 7pm.

Priced at £12 the workshop limited to 20 players takes place on October 20.

In this taster, Christie Animas will invite the participants to deepen their relation with the body, learn the basics of the Fool’s Way on stage. Christie said: “We will explore and learn how to play with the different masks/ personalities in ourselves as we step on a stage, and explore the relationship with an audience.

“After the taster you will feel nourished and inspired by your Inner Player. You will feel supported by your connection with the audience and will be ready to play more. This work comes from

the lineage of Franki Anderson.”

The taster session is followed by a weekend introduction to Fool Expression December 5-6 in mid Devon. More info www. christieanimas.com

l Contact Christie Animas 07980371335 or contact@ christieanimas.com

The initiation of our time

W

E are in a strange, in-between time says Agata Krajewska from The Rough Diamonds School of Autobiographical Theatre.

She explained: “Our external life has resumed, to some extent, but we all know the challenge is not over. At this time, it is more important than ever to nourish our souls and bodies. Our own wellbeing becomes a collective responsibility, so that we can meet the challenges ahead with heart and presence. At Rough Diamonds, we believe that creativity is our lifeline to sanity and wellbeing.”

This autumn and winter, as part of their Stories for Change Project, Totnes based School will be running small distanced groups and online courses, some subsidised by The National Lottery Community Fund, to help people to integrate their experience in challenging times.

From late September, Agata will be running women’s groups called “Harnessing the Power of Archetypes for Personal and Collective Initiation”.

She said: “What is happening in the world calls for us to harness new resources. Recent events have touched our inner shadow at the same time as limiting our ways to transform it. In this five-week series, we will play with the raw energy of our embodied emotion, meet inner “shadowy characters” and explore their gifts. Each shadow is an “unripe archetype” and we need those on our side so we will seek to recognise and befriend these mature archetypal forces within.

“As well as nurturing our wholeness, this programme will extract gold from the darkness, bringing humour, curiosity and acceptance to it. As always, we will be working with embodiment, play, personal story and improvisation.”

For men, a new programme will

Advertising: 01392 346342 adverts@reconnectonline.

Advertising: 01392 346342 adverts@reconnectonline.co.uk co.uk

begin in early October focusing on the themes of “Initiation and Renewal”.

Phil Barber, who runs The Rough Diamonds School with Agata, said: “We see the challenges of our times as collective as well as personal initiations, a call to come out of the old order and step onto new ground. Our natural way is to continually renew, yet there is also a collective energy that resists meaningful change.

“In these workshops we will be asking ‘What sources of renewal sit in the unconscious waiting to be retrieved to foster good mental and emotional health?’ And ‘How do we keep warm our wild creative responses while building a bridge to home?’

“With a small group of like-minded men, we will be playing, writing, improvising, reflecting, moving, and validating each other’s contributions.”

No experience is necessary.

Courses funded by Coronavirus Community Support Fund will be open to all impacted by the pandemic, but priority will be given to those with long-term health conditions or mental health challenges. l Find out more at www. roughdiamonstheatre.co.uk and www.theatreofawakening.co.uk

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

WELLBEING Creating opportunity!

Devon Counselling and Wellbeing Hub

PSYCHIC Tarot Readings with Bell Bartlett.

M

AY I ask: “What do you want now ?” Now that we know life is unlikely to snap back to the old, familiar normal.

Over the last few months I have done many readings for clients who want to use this period of disrupted normality to make changes in their everyday lives. For some this may be a simple choice to continue to work from home, for others it is an opportunity to make sweeping changes to work, family or personal life. To make a leap towards what they really want, a dream, a vision, perhaps an idea they have been nurturing for a long time.

When I was meditating on what themes to write about for this piece I was repeatedly drawn to vision and creativity. I feel the opportunities lurking within this crisis are for radical ideas, real creative thinking and courageous, imaginative leaps, for all of us in our everyday lives.

However, deciding to make big changes is nearly always experienced as very exciting and equally anxiety provoking! I should know. Five years ago I chose to offer psychic readings full time and give up my day job. Intuitively I knew it was the right thing to do, nevertheless, it was a huge leap of

Now based at The Clay Factory on the edge of Ivybridge faith. Needless to say, I asked the Tarot for guidance, to check I was doing the right thing at the right time. Five years later, I am so glad I made the leap as my life is so much more joyful!

If you are facing changes, either chosen by you or imposed upon you, I can help. A reading with me will provide answers to questions, it will also enable you to see the bigger picture, providing helpful context. Answers such as, when, where and how you can best proceed, either in adapting to changing times, or to making the courageous leap you have been dreaming of. l If you would like to feel more confident and relaxed about making important decisions, you can contact Bell on 07796 900509 or www.conscious-tarot.co.uk

Healing to nourish the mind, body and soul during the pandemic

S

TRESS levels have increased enormously for many people over the last few months. Routines have been disrupted and activities restricted to our homes and local areas. Most people’s lives have been changed dramatically by the pandemic and finding the right kind of support locally is of the upmost importance right now.

Chinese medicine could be the healing practice you are looking for, according to Sally Daynes who practices as an acupuncturist in Arcturus Clinic, Totnes. She said: “Acupuncture has proved to be highly effective for a multitude of conditions, especially pain and stress relief. It is also an amazing way to boost your immune system.

“There are three elegant and powerful tools in Chinese Medicine to help promote healing. The most familiar for most people is Chinese needles, but I also use Moxa therapy and Cupping. The needles used in acupuncture are very fine and, for most part, completely painless.

They are used on specific points on the body to stimulate your own natural healing process.

You might feel a slight tingling or dull ache as the energy starts to move.

“Moxa is the application of a specialised herb that emits gentle heat. It is used to tone the organs and immune system, while cupping involves using glass cups to create a suction on the skin, helping to improve blood flow and promote cell repair and detoxification. l For further information or to book an appointment call: 07368 320792 or visit: www. acupuncture-health.com

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

Offering counselling courses accredited by CPCAB (Counselling and Psychotherapy Central Awarding Body) Counselling and Psychotherapy Central Awarding Body

Vegan, organic, zero waste packaging, handmade in Torquay

07962 664294

www.greenwyse.co.uk

www.torbay-herbalist.co.uk

THE HOMOEOPATHIC PRACTICE of Mo Morrish RSHom & Ali Morrish RSHom

ESTABLISHED in 1990 Committed to restoring health 01364 661397 www.thehomoeopathicpractice.co.uk Clinics held at: Exeter Natural Health Centre & Ilsington, Nr Newton Abbot

Editorial: 01392 346342 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

33

WELLBEING There but for the grace...

I

T has been nearly eight years since we buried Michael Gething.

Michael was a homeless man, a Plymouthian who lived on the streets of Totnes. He died outside the Methodist church, after a bitter hailstorm.

We decided to help Michael’s family, partly because we knew Michael a little, he was a distinctive character that we met, in a terrible piece of irony, actually inside the church he died in front of, but also because we were shocked to learn that Michael was possibly the third homeless person to die in Totnes that year. We had heard nothing.

If Michael hadn’t died in such a public space, we probably wouldn’t have heard about him either. We didn’t want him to just disappear from the consciousness of the town, so we decided to make his funeral as public as we could.

The difference between Michael and the rest of us is luck. His problems, issues with drink, self esteem, depression, a mild gambling habit are shared by a good deal of people I know, only they are safe under their roofs in the warmth of their family, people with jobs and security and love. We wanted to show that Michael wasn’t where he was through fault, or moral failing, but through a fall of the dice, and there but for the grace.

So we put the word out that we would be carrying his coffin up the hill that is our high street, and that all would be welcome. On the morning of his funeral when we arrived, there were only film crews and journalists waiting. My heart sunk. I did a few pieces to camera, talked into microphones, but when I turned around, there were two hundred people gathered.

www.awarenesswithhorses.co.uk

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

07908 402348 jennytheaton@gmail.com

The Green Funeral Company’s Claire and Rupert Callender offer an ecological alternative to traditional funerals, and here Ru recalls the community funeral they held for a homeless man whose life and death were on the streets.

Over eighty people took it in turns to bear him up the hill. Off duty policemen, teenagers, the homeless, worried parents who saw their children’s future, grandmothers, some of the most fragile people in our town were there, looking more present than I had ever seen them.

All for Michael. I have never been prouder of the town we live in.

Let’s raise our vision and look our homeless brothers and sisters in the eyes. Giving them money is controversial, but giving them the respect and dignity of really seeing them, of witnessing them as fellow citizens, well, we can all afford that. l Visit www. thegreenfuneralcompany. co.uk or email enquiry@ thegreenfuneralcompany.co.uk or call 07759 890 639.

Walking alongside people at death

E

c

t ka

Ba

34

rk

wo

OL Doulas support people facing their death, also their families and friends, holding space and easing some of the stresses. Doulas can help people to have the kind of death that they choose, meeting person’s individual needs with empathic listening and compassionate companioning. They can support emotionally, practically, spiritually with the writing of Advance Plans at any time, being an advocate, being with a dying person, keeping vigil, caring for the body after death, help with funerals, making the tea or walking the dog. Doulas can provide support and signposting for issues like anxiety, grief or bereavement from any point including from initial diagnosis of a terminal illness.

EOL Doula members of EOL Doula UK are non-medical, have certificated training with Living Well Dying Well, are DBS checked and insured.

For more information, to find a doula or contact the telephone support line: www.eol-doula.uk l For Information on training see www.lwdwtraining.uk Contact South Devon Doula Awi Frances 07733198607

Advertising: 01392 346342 adverts@reconnectonline.co.uk

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

WELLBEING What is an intuitive healer?

W

HO better to ask than Melissa Irace, who is an intuitive healer and guide.

She explained: “In my experience, people find themselves drawn to an intuitive healer because they know there is something more to life than the everyday humdrum of work, rest, play.

“Maybe they’re frustrated because they know they are here to make a difference in the world, yet time and again they find themselves stuck in the same old negative patterns. Or maybe they have a sense that there’s something deeper and more magical to the world but they haven’t worked out how to tap into it. That’s how I can help.

When someone decides they’re ready for transformation and to take responsibility for their own lives – that’s when the magic can start to happen.”

Some people who come to Melissa are completely drained so her first task might be to help them clear and re-energise. After just one session, clients learn how to do this for themselves.

“Next, I support them to let go of all the unnecessary gumph that they’ve been carrying around – not just in this life but probably for many lifetimes and indeed for many generations,” explained Melissa.

“They might be repeating the same patterns of their mother or father and so on, down the line. By healing the present, they can repaint the past and the future – and that includes the future of their children.”

Melissa is able to sense emotional and physical pain, the unconscious patterns people are holding onto and where in their body or energy field this is sitting.

“Sometimes it’s a memory and we connect with their inner child or higher self - but we never have to

relive the trauma. I am told by spirit what is ready to be uncovered and released and how it can be let go.

After we help break free of fear and any limiting beliefs that come up, we then consciously create the life they are here for.”

As well as being an intuitive guide and energy healer, Melissa is also an empath and holistic life coach who works globally, online. She uses “Quantum Essences of New Zealand” which are powerful vibrational medicines that she used in New Zealand where she spent the last 18 years.

Melissa said: “No two sessions are the same, as powerful processes are revealed through channeled guidance. There is laughter, tears, a-ha moments and ultimately a sense that you can finally live life to its fullest potential.” l For more information visit: www. melissairace.com, email me@melissairace. com or call 07506 221 487.

AYURVEDIC TREATMENTS & CLASSES

Certified Ayurvedic Therapist and Herbologist offering Ayurvedic Treatments: l Indian head massage l Foot and lower leg massage l Face massage l Full body massage Plus private classes in: Principles of Ayurveda Health Promotion and Personal Care Ayurvedic Diagnosis and Treatment Principles Diseases and cures in Ayurveda Women and Childcare in Ayurveda

The language of yoga practice

I

N our culture, most of our education is about being given information with less focus on inner listening.

Caroline Lang of The Yoga House described how sharing yoga practice is not about instructing but about encouraging people to trust their inner knowing. She said: “Finding the words to share yoga practice can feel like an adventure. Most of us lack a basic sense of trust and can be very hard on ourselves. Much of our education was about information rather than inner listening.

Described in the right way, yoga practice can, potentially, heal those wounds.

“Used wisely language can suggest rather than instruct and create openings, discoveries and explorations so that students can become their own inner authority rather than being told what to do.

Speaking to non-habitual, creative and easeful ways of approaching practice, the pushing and pulling and trying to get things right can drop away. Images sometimes arise at just the right moment.

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

Treatments include full Ayurvedic consultation to determine your Dosha type followed by bespoke treatment plan including Diet plan, Yoga asana and recommended Ayurvedic Herbs.

Contact Emily on 07951 941206 emily.essence@icloud.com

Vigouroots Kombucha-Jun

Products and advice to help you maintain a healthy immune system Kombucha-Jun is a refreshingly fermented green tea and honey drink. Medicinal herbs are included in the range of flavours Sauerkraut & Kimchi are fermented cabbage side dishes Fermented foods provide beneficial acids & enzymes for optimum gut health.

Caroline Lang “For those of us who teach, it’s within our own transformation, our own gentling and our willingness to become more awake that we can find a new voice, one that flows naturally out of our care for ourselves, for our students, for this life.” l Caroline teaches at The Yoga in Harberton and online, wwwcarolinelangyoga.com.

Due to low levels of alcohol in the brew (less than 0.3% on bottling) this tea is not recommended for pregnant women, children, or people highly sensitive to alcohol

Culture that Cares

www.vigouroots.co.uk

vigourootskombucha

m.me/vigourootskombucha

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

35 35

,

WELLBEING Never a dull moment in the practice room

I

the weeks, these N the West we talk about morphed into “holding it substantial leg together” as a and pelvic tremors positive thing. It’s and then full body part of our culture tremors. These and most of us were were accompanied taught to do it. by new feelings of safety about It is rare to witness inhabiting his body. a spontaneous Carmella said: physical release of “When an stress, anxiety and anguished woman, trauma. But that is Carmella B’Hahn jilted in love, lay exactly what Carmella down after having first paced B’Hahn, a TRE (Tension and Trauma about in tears of rage, a clearing Release) provider, encourages process unfolded all by itself. Every people to do. She gives us a peak muscle seemed to be expelling inside her practice room and some emotional pain from the inside out of the innate body intelligence that as she shook, writhed and gyrated she observes. wildly. Finally, she was perfectly Carmella said: “There’s never a still and calm.” dull moment in my TRE space!

She explained that these involuntary After guiding clients through simple movements can’t be forced. They exercises to induce their innate arise and migrate to the places tremor mechanism, they lie on the that need to be freed in their own floor on a mat and let their bodies time. Everyone’s response is unique, do the talking. depending on what they’re ready to “One client’s body showed her a release and how strong the holding traumatic motorbike accident that patterns have become over time. occurred decades before. She Carmella is once again holding smelled the burning tyres on the face-to-face sessions at Bowden road and knew intuitively that her House near Totnes. She also offers neck had been twisted in the crash. grief support, inner life mentoring This trauma was not addressed and heartful communication at the time because the focus had coaching. There is a special deal been on saving her leg. Her neck for all 1.5 hour trial sessions. knew what to do.” l For more information call Carmella describes the almost 01803 867005 or email imperceptible tremors in the legs carmella@heartofrelating.com of a sexually abused man who www.heartofrelating.com wasn’t yet ready to release. Over

Taking therapy outdoors, a new normal for these times

W

HAT are the consequences and impacts of Covid19 and what interventions are most helpful in these times?

These are the questions that funding organisation Necessity is interested in exploring and it is offering various funds to support community investigation and research, communities, community interest companies and social enterprises.

Sue Blagburn, who runs Awareness with Horses CIC- Equine Assisted Counselling, Coaching and Experiential Learning, is looking at how equine-assisted sessions, programmes and interventions can help in these unprecedented times.

She explained: “Science is proving that simply being with horses in nature can bring about calmness and self-awareness. And, on top of this, professionally facilitated equine assisted counselling and coaching interventions can help our mental health and wellbeing, helping us develop resilience and coping strategies, teaching us how to develop co-creative leadership skills, and supporting us to deal with our grief and trauma in these unprecedented times.”

The idea is to develop a new process of enquiry where we explore how to enter a relationship with the horse that is equal, not based on “power over”.

By engaging with horses in this way, participants learn about themselves, about others and about the world at large. Participants work with the horses as guides, either loose or by leading them in a safe space, connecting with them and reflecting with them.

Sue said: “These facilitative interventions can be cathartic, catalytic and supportive, including letting go of emotions, wonderful aha moments or feelings of calm, peace and joy. Our work is rooted in Ecopsychology and Gestalt and in the way we work the only objective is awareness, rooted in reciprocity between human and other than human.”

Due to Covid, Awareness with Horses is only working one-to-one with clients at the moment, rather than holding any group sessions.

Sue is available for equine coaching and counselling sessions, online counselling/coaching and eco counselling in a private space in nature. l Following a recent move, Awareness with Horses is now based between Ashburton and Buckland in the Moor. For further information visit: www. awarenesswithhorses.co.uk

A stall for your wellbeing and more

A

new stall has appeared at Totnes market on Saturdays offering Ayurvedic oils, herbs, medicine, teas and traditional Indian head massage. It is run jointly by Michelle Brown and Emily Hall.

Michelle’s background is in catering, and is passionate about health and wellbeing, combining them to grow her own food and study herbs and natural medicines. After discovering Jun Tea, a type of Kombucha, at a conscious festival she has been making, and learning more about how fermenting contributes to gut health and sharing her knowledge of diet, nutrition and exercise alongside Kombucha, Sauerkraut, Kimchi, and cakes.

Emily trained as an Ayurvedic therapist, travelled to India to continue her studies, training in herbology, and runs Ayurveda courses as well as working as a Ayurvedic therapist in Totnes. She also runs therapeutic art workshops designed to guide creativity and help others facilitate art workshops of their own.

Right now, Emily is using her skills to make up the 4 Thieves essential oil blend - a powerful combination of clove, lemon, cinnamon bark, eucalyptus and rosemary that is a natural antibacterial, anti-viral, antifungal, and anti-parasitical mix that can be used to cleanse the hands. It is available on their market stall every Saturday, along with Michelle’s variety of delicious chutneys, jams and nut-butters, produced in small batches in the UK and fermented foods, vegan cakes and Kombucha. Emily also sells a range of hemp products from Nepal and is eager to promote these as a more environmentally-friendly alternative to cotton and synthetic materials.

Emily said: “Please come along to Totnes market on Saturdays, enjoy an Ayurvedic consultation and learn about the Indian approach to our wellbeing and natural medicines. You can then purchase natural herbs, drinks and foods to support your health and wellbeing.”

36 36

Advertising: 346342 adverts@reconnectonline.co.uk Advertising: 01392 346342 adverts@reconnectonline.co.uk

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

Creating mandalas as earth offerings is deeply rewarding

O

UR Sacred Earth is a wonderful listener, explains Samjhana Moon, artist, photographer and modern wise woman. She has developed a mindfulness practice of creating mandalas as earth offerings. As well as being deeply rewarding, it brings an element of sacred ritual into her life.

She believes that, performed regularly, such a practice can restore our relationship with the land and the wisdom of the natural cycles.

“My mandala-making journey began many moons ago with the intention of connecting my womb cycle to the earth cycle,” said Samjhana.

“Through my dedicated practice, a deep relationship has emerged, one that enriches my life and helps me to grow, heal, manifest and let go with more ease.

“Showing up for a conversation with our Sacred Earth is something I look forward to, like meeting up with a good friend. Every month, on day three or four of my menstrual cycle, I take a mindful walk in nature to honour the seasons by making a mandala. Every leaf, flower, berry, twig and stone is collected from the land in a practice of gratitude. I gather intuitively and only take what’s living in abundance.

“The creation of the mandala is an intuitive dance as my fingertips meet the foliage and I allow myself to be guided. There’s no plan or design in my mind as I begin, only a statement as I lay my hands upon the earth; “I am here.

I am listening. Show me what you want to express.” I get lost in the creative process and I’m often surprised by what emerges.

“Once the mandala feels complete, I pause to reflect, give thanks, receive guidance and offer prayers. I look forward with hope in my heart for myself, my beloveds and all beings of this sacred earth. I send ripples of love and healing to people of the world, to the winged ones, the four leggeds and the water dwellers. Sometimes I sing, dance or drum, it’s different every time.

“To close the ritual, I offer my menstrual blood to the heart of the mandala. Honouring our exchange and deepening my connection with the earth’s cyclical wisdom. The mandala is then photographed for further meditation and left to return to the earth.”

Samjhana believes our Sacred Earth welcomes our prayers, transmutes our pain and elevates our spirit.

She said: “Invite her into conversation in a ritualist way, the medicine way. Make an offering with the new or full moon, or if you’re a menstruating woman with your moontime. Tell her how grateful you are for all the blessings in your life. Ask her what she wants to express and manifest through you, for the greater good of all.” l Samjhana helps people live in harmony with the natural cycles and offers products to deepen our nature connection. For more information, along with mandala prints visit: www. innerseasons.com

Get healthy with nutritional therapy

S

TAYING immunity. She healthy explained: and well in “A Registered the long term is Nutritional about identifying Therapist uses and addressing a wide range the underlying of tools to causes of illassess and health rather than identify potential simply treating nutritional the symptoms. imbalances This is the basis and help you of nutritional to understand therapy, which how these may uses key contribute to your principles of symptoms and nutrition science health issues. to promote Ultimately, it is health, and about giving support optimum you the tools care and peak you need to help performance. yourself.”

Sarah Mansell is In addition a highly qualified to nutritional nutritionist, based support and Sarah Mansell in Topsham near advice, Sarah Exeter. She sees practices Reiki which she clients across the South West describes as “a beautifully, and works online as well as non-invasive and pampering face-to-face. therapy which leaves you feeling Sarah treats chronic conditions peaceful, relaxed and nurtured.” like pain and inflammation, She is currently offering wellness anxiety, depression and packages, including nutrition stress, digestive problems, and Reiki, and there are special weight issues, sleep problems, offers on individual treatments. autoimmune disorders, gut l For more information visit: health, hormone imbalances, www.sarahmansellnutrition.co.uk as well as supporting overall

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

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

37

WELLBEING

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

01803 862808 07930404124 kirsty@shiatsutotnes.co.uk

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

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

COLOUR AND ASTROLOGY GROUP SUPPORT SESSIONS BY ZOOM ASTROLOGY READINGS

BY SKYPE & ZOOM

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

TERESA WICKSTEED Member of UK College of Sound Healing MA, BA Hons, PGCE

Sound Healing and Distant Healing Free Taster Appointment!

07968 941854 www.teresawicksteed.co.uk teresa@teresawicksteed.co.uk

38

THERAPIST, facilitator and writer Sapphira de la Terre explores the objectification of women that’s become so normal we often find ourselves objectifying ourselves.

Becoming the star of your own movie

W

HICH is more important to you, to look good or to feel good? Do you automatically put others’ needs before your own? Which do you value more - your relationship with yourself or your relationships with others?

Objectification is so pervasive as to be almost invisible.

For millennia women have been objectified. It’s so normal that often we don’t even notice it happening.

Even more pernicious is the way that it’s also become normal for women to objectify ourselves.

It seems that this objectification started when hunter gatherers began to settle down, and women became commodities, along with land and cattle. It was then reinforced by patriarchal religion, shaming women by telling us we brought evil into the world and even that women have no souls.

Much of our remaining sovereignty was then stamped out by the witch hunts - hanging, burning or drowning any women who didn’t toe the line. For centuries.

So reclaiming our sovereignty - our identity as subjects of our own lives, rather than as objects in the lives of others - is an uphill struggle.

Since the dawn of feminism in the 1850’s - yes, it really was that long ago! - women have been trying to dis-identify with this objectification: to consciously name our own experience, our feelings and our needs, and to dare to express them.

One of the major challenges on this journey is in our relationships with men.

Because it’s not just women who have stereotypically been conditioned in a particular way - to be second-class citizens. Men have been similarly brainwashed for millennia, except in precisely the opposite way.

Stereotypically men have been conditioned to believe that they are superior to women, and that their own feelings, needs and experience come first.

Indeed the brainwashing that affects men and women dovetails so perfectly together that it’s difficult to even notice it happening, never mind overcome it.

To make matters even harder, most of this conditioning operates below the level of consciousness, so we’re not even aware of it.

Some people - like me, for example! - would argue that the reason that the world is in such a mess at the moment is because heterosexual men have been running amok for far too long, unchecked by the feminine. Both women - and the feminine side of men - have been suppressed and

Advertising: 01392 346342 adverts@reconnectonline.co.uk

silenced for thousands of years, and as a result the world is way out of balance.

But consciousness is always on our side, always edging us forward.

Right now, Covid is turning the world into a pressure cooker, forcing change.

We’re being pushed into our homes much more, and there aren’t so many social situations to dilute our experience. Plus, most of us are also under much more pressure around work, money and health.

As a result cracks are appearing in places that we might not have noticed before. Situations that were tolerable in the past are no longer bearable. Women especially are finding ourselves standing our ground much more. And not even out of choice - just because we can no longer stomach being pushed around, patronised or objectified.

I walked out of a health appointment the other day because it was meant to be for me - my body, me paying - and yet it felt like it was all about the male practitioner’s needs.

And in other areas of my life as well, especially with men, things are edgy. If I feel objectified, patronised or pushed around, I can no longer put up with it.

In my opinion, it’s not personal - it’s part of a much bigger picture: a necessary re-calibration between the masculine and the feminine, both within each of us internally and in our relationships with each other.

Another aspect of this shift is the increasingly wide spectrum of possibilities around gender and sexuality, and more awareness that each of us has both masculine and feminine within us.

What seems increasingly clear - whether you identify as male, female or somewhere between the two - is that it’s no longer enough to be a satellite in someone else’s existence. It’s time for each of us to be the star of our own movies, rather than allowing ourselves to be cast in a supporting role. l Sapphira de la Terre is a therapist, writer and workshop facilitator. In addition to seeing clients, and running workshops (www.sapphira.com) she is also launching a free online micro life coaching programme called Sacred Inquiry.

In these social-media-dominated times, we’re constantly objectifying ourselves and comparing ourselves to others. It’s time for each of us to look within and to ask ourselves what truly matters to us and what we really want. This is what Sacred Inquiry is about.’ Search for Sacred Inquiry on Facebook. (Apologies to the people who checked out the page last month - like everything else right now, it’s taken slightly longer than expected.)

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

classifiedads - HAVE A BROWSE THROUGH THE RECONNECT WELLBEING SECTION SMALL ADS -

coaching

COUNSELLING

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 October/November issue is September 4. Call Scott on 01392 346342 or email adverts@reconnectonline.co.uk.

END OF LIFE DOULA

mental empowerment SYSTEMIC Embodied Coaching: Change begins with you!

Reclaim your inner truth, gain clarity and build confidence to walk your unique path.

Nature-based sessions or via zoom/ phone. marenfreeland@gmail. com; 07906 399990

COUNSELLING

CREATIVE counsellor.

Heartful, Supportive Counselling Creative Exercises including Art, Sandplay etc. Ruth Jenni Adv Dip Couns 07974097787 www.oakflower.co.uk 10 yrs Experience Dartington, nr Ivybridge and on video call

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.

COUNSELLING

SUE Blagburn Advanced diploma humanistic Integrative counsellor Counsellor and equine assisted counsellor One to one sessions from £45. Sessions on line £30 Based between Ashburton and Buckland in the Moor Email awarenesswithhorses@ btconnect.com 07831 865259

‘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

SARAH Richards: Holistic homecare, support with life-limiting illness and Sound Healing and Reiki treatments. www.sarahsoulcare. co.uk / 07858262213 Registered Soul Midwife, Sound Healing Practitioner and Reiki Level Three.

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

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

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

PSYCHOTHERAPY

FROM JUST

£18.00 Small ads with BIG impact!

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.

HOMECARE AND HEALING

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

Now you know which side your bread is buttered!

LAW of Vibrational Energy: Learn to remove feelings, thoughts of negativity and low selfworth, with this spiritual thinking pattern. Special offer to Reconnect readers. Call or Facetime Emet 07941852830.

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

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.

SHAMANIC HEALING

workshops & courses

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.

INTRODUCTION to Fool Expression Weekends: Bake place on December 5-6 in Hittisleigh Crediton. £130 Early bird (ends 24th of October 2020), £160 full price, £145 Concession. More info www.christieanimas. com Contact Christie Animas 07980371335 or contact@christieanimas. com (Picture by Emily Balivet)

Scaravelli Yoga And Deep Rest Meditation

With Caroline Lang at The Yoga House, near Totnes and online.

Classes, one-to-one, days, retreats that are profoundly nourishing and transformative.

http://www.carolinelangyoga.com 01803 865252

Editorial: 01392 346342 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

39