19 minute read
HELPING VETERANS
Sarahjane Nutrition NUTRITIONAL THERAPY, TOPSHAM, DEVON Sarah Mansell Nutrition Dip NT CNM, BSc (Hons) m BANT.
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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.
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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
Helping veterans reconnect with nature
LEAVING 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 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
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
Kingsbridge harbours art exhibitions
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.
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Unique eco-affordable housing scheme
SOUTH Dartmoor Community for housing, energy and mobility (if Energy (SDCE) are aiming to they want access to one of the EVs) submit a planning application enabling them to keep costs down for a ground breaking ecoand manage finances more easily. affordable 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. 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 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 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 electric vehicles and a micro-grid to the site. minimise energy imported from the l More info about the scheme is on grid. The tenants who will live on their website at https://www.sdce. the site will receive one monthly bill org.uk/community-housing.html
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
IN an ironic twist of fate, I am specialises in off-grid solar systems writing this column about living and always has the answers (although off-grid from an oh-so-on-grid flat in he didn’t do the original installation -
London. The deadline just happens to that company went bust). 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 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
I thought I’d say a little about why I live crops) is very, very power-hungry and off-grid and then briefly explore the consumes a disproportionate amount practicalities of everyday life unplugged. of the electricity generated by even
The reasons why are best explained by their much bigger solar panel array. a short list of its merits: low-impact and I also have a compost toilet, which sustainable; simple and inexpensive; separates wee and poo - the former into self-sufficient and consciousness-raising. a simple, underground soakaway, the
Okay, so that last one might sound a latter into a large receptacle, where you little too deep and cosmic for some cover it with a sprinkling of sawdust. tastes, but actually it’s a very grounded Unlike conventional mains loos, it does consequence - simply, I no longer take not use gallons of drinking-quality water for granted the provision of light, heat to wash it away, and the composted or refrigeration at the flick of a switch. ‘humanure’ is returned to the land.
And when you don’t take something for Heating is courtesy of a small (it’s a granted, when you do something more one-room cabin, remember) woodconsciously, you are also more aware of burning stove and we buy firewood the consequences of its creation and use. collectively in unsawn, unsplit chunks
The low-impact bit is self-evident, I (probably not the correct, industrythink; its simplicity will become evident recognised term), and then come in a moment (and, as is often the case together to cut, split and stack them in with simpler living, should not be late-summer sessions. confused with ease or convenience); A brief sidebar here regarding the the cost is determined mainly by the importance of properly seasoned sophistication of the system you install logs: if you buy or cut wood which is (mine is very simple); and the level of not seasoned (ie, which has not been self-sufficiency clearly depends on how left out for a long period of time to many individual services (electricity, allow its moisture to evaporate), you water, gas…) you are able to provide will literally be trying to burn water for yourself. and sap, which even my limited
My electricity is generated by four knowledge of physics rings alarm solar panels, mounted on the roof of bells. It will create less heat, of my heavily insulated wooden cabin, course, but also more emissions and which feed, via an inverter, into messy, and potentially dangerous, tar two meaty lead/acid batteries. The deposits in the chimney. Depending system is simple, high quality and on the wood, seasoning can take effective. The four secondhand panels one, two, or even more, years, so
I originally fitted as a cost-saving either buy it ready seasoned, or be exercise have now been replaced prepared, and have space, to stack with new, more efficient ones, and I it for a good while. Kiln-dried logs have adequate power for all I need: are one answer but have a larger low-watt lights, phone and laptop recharging and running a small fridge. Whether the system will sustain the carbon footprint because of the heat required - and carry a higher price as a consequence. latter over the winter remains to be My strongest link with mainstream seen and while there will certainly energy supplies is the propane gas I be a calculation to work it out, it is have delivered in large (47kg) bottles beyond me so I’ll wait and see. And and which I use for hot water and that makes a relevant point (apart from cooking. There is, however, something proving my ineptitude at arithmetic about the fact that when one bottle is and physics) - if you get the right empty, you need to switch it over to the system installed in the first place, you spare and then order a replacement, aren’t tempted to plug in some energythat keeps one aware of consumption. hungry 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. 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 -
In the event of any problems, I contact Chris Rudge (rudgeenergy.co.uk), who even if it is a seriously long walk from the Tate… Martin 18 Plymouth’s museum for the future
FINALLY 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
THE #YouCanAdopt adopt, which is not the case. campaign has launched The #YouCanAdopt campaign in Devon to coincide with also aims to target potential
National Adoption Week, parents from Black, Asian and on October 14-20, to dispel Minority Ethnic backgrounds, the myths of adoption and as these children traditionally highlight that during the wait longer to be matched with
Covid19 pandemic, there are a new adoptive family. The still children out there who are campaign aims to encourage looking for their new family. potential adoptive parents to
Across Devon 37 children are also consider adopting older looking for a new family, which children, sibling groups and includes 14 sibling groups of those with complex health needs two or more children. or a disability.
Some of the biggest l To finding out more, please misconceptions around eligibility get in touch with Adopt South are that single people, older West: www.adoptsouthwest. people, and those who are org.uk or Families for Children:
LGBTQ+ are not allowed to familiesforchildren.org.uk Support from lottery heritage fund
SHARPHAM 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
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.
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