Reconnect 26 aug 2013

l The BIG OUTDOORS special issue - not to be read in a confined space! l AUG/SEPT 2013 ISSUE 26

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

the green living magazine for Exeter, Plymouth and South Devon

Wild swimming

Splashing out at the bank

Kids' kompost

Learning how to make it better

FREE please take one and pass it on

! d l i w Go

Electric dreams

The Quadracycle just got funky

All-terrain mobility Disabled go cross-country

Growing for it

Produce. projects and Polypods

ALSO INSIDE : The Wellbeing pages l Local energy l Events diary l Transition news

Explore the new Reconnect archive www.reconnectonline.co.uk... local people local events local foodat local health local environment HOLISTIC MEDICINE

EXPERIENCED PRACTITIONERS

WIDE RANGE OF TREATMENTS

PROFESSIONAL TRAINING

THE PRACTITIONERS: MO MORRISH RSHom Homoeopathic medicine www.thehomoeopathicpractice.co.uk

Exeter Natural Health Centre Holistic healthcare in the heart of the city Here at ENHC we offer a wide range of complementary therapies provided by experienced and highly professional practitioners. The centre, which has been established for over 10 years, is also renowned for its excellence in training courses. Conveniently situated in the city centre, we have full reception cover and beautiful spacious treatment rooms for therapists to hire or, for bigger workshops, courses and classes, we have a well appointed large training room.

Please call for more details.

MO MORRISH INDEPENDENT FUNERAL CELEBRANT Authentic Ceremonies www.authenticceremonies.co.uk ANNA PARIS Ac.M.MBAC Traditional acupuncture, Toyohari 5 element & Manaka styles. email: amparis1@btinternet.com LISA TATE Remedial, pregnancy and therapeutic massage, Myofascial release. www.lisatatetherapies.co.uk KATHERINE JENKINS BSc(Hons)Psych, MNCH(Acc), CNHC. Counselling Hypnotherapist, www.hypnosisexeter.com KATHERINE UKLEJA DO RCST Craniosacral therapy www.katherineukleja.co.uk LESLEY HARPER Nutritional Therapy www.lesleyharper.co.uk SUSAN QUAYLE Maternity reflexologist, fertility, ante natal, labour, post natal & baby, aromatherapy, massage Tel: 01626 862469 KARIN AND PATRICIA Pregnancy yoga & active birth www.birthwise.net SAMANTHA GODDARD Reiki Rascals & The Reiki Institute. Training and sessions in Reiki, Baby Massage, Baby Yoga & Stress Management. www.reikirascals.com LOUISA SHORNEY MBSCH Clinical Hypnotherapy & life coaching lshorney@gmail.com THE DEVON SCHOOL OF REFLEXOLOGY Level 3 Diploma Spring/Autumn courses 2013 www.devonreflexology.com HARRIET HOLLINGWORTH Sports Massage, Emotional Freedom Technique, Reiki Attunements. www.the-Hollingworth-touch.co.uk GEOFF GREEN Energy healing and Person-Centred Counselling www.innerknowing.co.uk SUE VAUGHAN DHH Kinesiology, Allergy Testing, Clinical Nutrition, Hypnotherapy, NLP. www.svaughan.co.uk

BRITISH SCHOOL OF HOMOEOPATHY

Winners of the 2013 Teaching Innovation Award Come and learn dynamic, patient-centred homoeopathy with our award-winning team!

Now interviewing for September Call 01392 422555 & visit www.britishschoolofhomoeopathy.co.uk

SCHOOL OF BODYWORK Professional Massage Training. All diploma courses APNT accredited.

Fantastic range of CPD workshops available including: Myofascial Release Deep Tissue Massage Advanced Techniques

Hands Free Techniques Special Needs Massage Energy Worker & Body Reading

www.schoolofbodywork.com info@schoolofbodywork.com 07711 656 011

01392 422555 Centre Manager: Ali Morrish

MARION BEAUREGARD Sophrology Practitioner 07929 056 135 info@vie-tality.com www.vie-tality.com RUTH BAKER BSC HONS PSYCHOLOGY, MA, Dip SW, Adv Dip Couns, Psychotherapist, Counsellor, Coach, Facilitator & Supervisor. www.ruthbaker-psychotherapy.co.uk HANNAH MAKIN MSc, MBPsS, NLP Prac. GQHP Hypnotherapist, NLP Practitioner & Psychologist. www.hmakin.com.

DAVID R COTTERILL Dip Hyp Psych MSNLP, Integrative Therapist, Hypnotic Practitioner and NLP Life and Business Coach.

07841 437951.

LIZZIE WOOLRYCH ABNLP ABH PTSD and Severe Trauma Specialist. Trainer and Master Practitioner of NLP, Time Line Therapy and Hypnosis. email: lizziewoolrych@hotmail. co.uk DEIRDRE RICHARDS Massage and Reiki Tel: 075400 47482

Exeter Natural Health Centre, Queens Walk, 83/84 Queen Street, Exeter, EX4 3RP e: info@enhc.org w: www.enhc.org

Find out more about us on facebook and follow us on twitter @ExeterNaturalHC 2

Advertising: 01392 346342 adverts@reconnectonline.co.uk

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...and the latest news at

Magazine

Local produce 6-11 Community food projects

Inside this issue

Brought to you by...

EDITOR editor@reconnectonline.co.uk Martin Foster 01803 868455 45 Punchards Down, Follaton Totnes TQ9 5FD

www.facebook.com/Reconnect

Welcome...

Seasonal eating 9 Flavours of August and September Organic grdening 11 Top tips from Joa and Charlie Transition noticeboard 12 News from groups across the region

Photo competition page 4

Local energy 14-17 Electric vehicles and seagull poo

COMMERCIAL EDITOR ADVERTISEMENT SALES adverts@reconnectonline.co.uk Pete Hardy 01392 346342 2 Withall’s Gardens Lympstone EX8 5JH

AD SALES ASSISTANT heather@reconnectonline.co.uk Heather Nicholson

Eco homes and building 18-20 Updates on eco build projects Lessons in compost 21 Kids learn how to make it good Wild swimming 22-23 Remove chlorine, add fish...

Going out diary 24-25 Gigs and events you’ll just love

BAYcycle - page 14

The Wellbeing section 30-40 Natural health news and views Living on less 41 Local land projects need YOU! The small ads 42 Reconnect classifieds start here...

Workshops and courses Diary of wellbeing events

THE DEADLINE The deadline for the October/ November issue is Friday, September 6 - but get in touch and let’s talk!

Cover images Anti-clockwise from the main pic: wild swimming (see page 22); the PolyPod (page 20); the electric BAYcycle (page 14); the Tramper crosscountry scooter for the disabled (page 4); and compost making in schools (page 21).

THE RATES 1/8-page - £93; 1/4-page - £148; 1/2-page £313; full page £522.

THE DISCOUNTS Book three issues, get 10% off.

Pay for a series of six, get one free.

PAY MONTHLY Book six issues and pay monthly by direct debit (and you get 10% discount). So a 1/8-page is just £41.85 a month; a 1/4-page is £66.60 a month; a 1/2-page is £140.85 a month; and a full page is £234.90 a month.

AD DESIGN Just call and we’ll help with words (free of charge) and design (for between £10-£50).

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENTS See page 41 for details.

Call Pete or Martin NOW!

43

The small print PUBLISHED BY Reconnect Publishing, 2 Withall’s Gardens, Lympstone, EX8 5JH PRINTED BY Kingfisher Print, Wills Rd, Totnes www.kingfisherprint.co.uk WEBSITE Visit our website at www. reconnectonline.co.uk. And visit our Facebook page at www.facebook. com/reconnectmagazine

Wild swimming page 22 Wellbeing section page 30

How to advertise...

REMEMBER when we used to have rubbish wet Summers? No, me neither.

As I write this we’ve got to the point where we’re all just assuming it will be hot and sunny again tomorrow.

But it is, of course, wholly possible that things will have changed completely by the time you read this issue.

But this is our Big Outdoors issue, dedicated to enjoying life out in the wild (or even the notso-wild) and wonderful countryside.

And that means getting out there and doing stuff whatever the weather.

So get stuck into an article on wild swimming, a veritable crop of tales about working and growing on the land and news of open air cinema, off-road scooters for disabled adventurers and a film-making business run from a solar-powered tent.

And if you want us to tell your story in the next issue of Reconnect (out at the end of September), you know where we are - probably out enjoying some of that sun/rain, but we will get back to you when we pick up your message!

Martin

ECO ETHOS Reconnect is written, designed, printed and distributed locally, using materials from sustainable sources.

It is printed using vegetable-based inks and biodegradable fount solution. The paper is 75 per cent post-consumer waste and 25 per cent virgin fibre (from a sustainable source), chlorine-free and FSCaccredited (www.fsc-uk.org). 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 Publishing.

All rights reserved. No 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

green fuse funeral directors Good Funeral Guide Joint Funeral Directors of the Year 2012 “Green Fuse are relaxed and unstuffy - ideal at a sensitive time. Their knowledge and suggestions gave confidence that nothing would be overlooked. They were open to our wishes and transparent with costs.

We were delighted with the funeral for our mother.” Matthew Cushen.

For cremation or burial, individual and traditional funerals.

Please visit us at 7 High Street, Totnes, TQ9 5NN or Riverstone, 18 Dart Mills, Buckfastleigh TQ11 0NF or visit our highly informative website www.greenfuse.co.uk or call us on 01803 840779 (24/7)

funerals with heart and soul www.reconnectonline.co.uk

Editorial: 01392 346204 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

3

Have you got news for us?

Trail explores city indie stores BEING a small trader in a big city, part of the struggle for business is getting customers past your door, particularly if you’re off the beaten track.

Which is where the new Exeter Trail comes in. An idea that was sparked by a simple Tweet has given birth to leaflets and a website devoted to promoting some of the city’s finest independent shops and businesses.

It was back in October last year that some Tweets were going around about an independent shopping crawl.

A core group then combined their talents to produce a map (below), a website, arranged printing and signed up 30 shops, not to mention agreeing funding from the local authority.

After the success of the Exeter Indies Christmas Trail the Federation of Small Businesses became involved aiming to build on the achievement.

Another core group was formed and in July this year the maps were printed and the website went live.

To view the map and details go to www.exetertrails.co.uk.

Tramper scooters, provided by Exeter charity Living Options Devon, are giving disabled people the chance to go exploring

Bird song gig THE Barn Owl Trust is celebrating 25 years of conserving the barn owl with an acoustic music evening at The Dartmoor Lodge Hotel in Ashburton on August 2, starting at 8pm.

Performers include Rebecca Maze, Jasmin Ramsden, Owly Dave, Alistair J Pearson and others, and all proceeds will go to their conservation work.

For more details and tickets, call 01364 653026 or visit www.barnowltrust.org.uk.

Meanwhile, if you spot a barn owl, or barn owl pellets, you are asked to report it online for this year’s survey – details on the website.

Call for builders

All-terrain mobility for disabled IT’S all very well us ranting on about getting out there and exploring the wilder parts of Reconnectland – but what if you have difficulty walking?

Well, things have been made a little easier by the introduction of off-road mobility scooters at 30 sites across the South West, including half a dozen here in South Devon.

The special all-terrain Tramper scooters have been provided by Exeter-based charity Living Options Devon as part of Countryside Mobility South West, a scheme to open up the countryside to people with limited mobility.

In South Devon, Trampers can be found at Buckland Abbey, Haldon Forest Park, Saltram Estate, Seale Hayne and Stover Country Park.

And the most recent arrival is at the National Trust’s Arlington Court Estate, near Barnstaple in North Devon, where it’s already making a difference to people of all ages.

Rosamund Osbourn from Combe Martin said: “My own scooter was unable to cope with the rough tracks and steep gradients at Arlington Court, but the Tramper

enables me to ride beside my husband throughout the park, to the distant lake and up and down the winding tracks.

“It was the next best thing to being able to do the walk yourself and gave a wonderful sense of freedom and independence. I recommend it to any disabled person with a hint of adventure and a desire to get out into the real countryside.”

The Trampers can go up and down slopes, over bumps and tree roots, through shallow puddles, mud and soft ground and are for use by anyone aged 14 or over who has a permanent or temporary condition that affects their ability to walk.

With a top speed of four miles an hour they can keep pace with the briskest walking companion.

To use the Trampers, people simply choose a site and arrange their first visit, joining as members of Countryside Mobility on arrival. It costs £10 per year or £2.50 for four weeks.

Find out more at www.countrysidemobility. org, call 01392 459222, or follow them on Twitter @CMSouthWest or Facebook CountrysideMobility.

SHARPHAM Outdoors Project is looking for skilled hands to contribute to a worthwhile community build project based at the Farm at Lower Sharpham.

“We need help with woodwork, plumbing and internal fitting of a communal space to be used by adults with learning disabilities and young people suffering mental health distress,” said the project’s Jack Skuse.

Contact outdoors@ sharphamtrust.org or call 01803732747.

Quirky Hive HIVE is a group of artist friends drawn together by their mutual love of the quirky and numinous.

Their third exhibition, Luminous Zoo, features paintings,drawings and prints and runs at the Birdwood House Gallery in Totnes during the Totnes Festival from August 26-31st.

Call 01363 877667 or email harrison_sam@hotmail.com.

Funeral parlour hosts festival WHEN funeral directors Green Fuse first moved into their new Riverstone premises near Buckfastleigh, they could see the building would be perfect for hosting other events.

And when they heard Mo Cohen was looking for a venue for The Totnes Soulo Theatre Festival, they knew their stone, wood and glass funeral parlour on the banks of the River Dart would be ideal.

Mo admits his co-producer, Tracey Erin Smith, who came over from Canada to work on the festival, was a little shocked.

“She didn’t know whether to take me seriously or not!” he said. “But by the end of the festival, she also agreed that linking Soulo with funerals with heart and soul was the perfect fit.”

4

Over the course of a week, Soulo included over 20 performances, many of which at some point touched on themes of loss and grief, illness and health, living and dying, laughter and tears, pain and joy, said Mo. He added: “The building seemed to radiate caring, concern and compassion.

It soaked up the pain and poured back light and love.”

Simon Smith of Green Fuse agreed: “It was all about personal stories - and creating funerals appropriate to people’s lives is all about personal stories too. It fitted in perfectly with our ethos.”

Find out more about Green Fuse funeral services at www.greenfuse.co.uk, and discover more about Soulo at www.soulo. org.uk.

Advertising: 01392 346342 adverts@reconnectonline.co.uk

Green Fuse’s new premises near Buckfastleigh

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

...email details to us now at

editor@reconnectonli

ne.co.uk

ESTABLISH YOUR CLINIC HERE • • •

Town Centre Location Near Station & Easy Parking All inclusive Rental Charge

ROOM TO LET (FULL TIME) Friend of Reconnect Phil Hemsley won the 2010 Living the View section with this dramatic image entitled ‘Boof’

Could your pic pick up a prize?

IT is timely (but no coincidence, of course - these things are carefully planned) that we have in this, our Big Outdoors issue, news of two big landscape/natural world photographic competitions.

The 2013 South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty photo competition has three sections and themes include living and working, active pursuits and views from remote wild locations.

“We’d love to know more about the way individuals and communities spend their time whether working, playing or exploring,” say the organisers.

One lucky photographer will win a

short break courtesy of Coast and Country Cottages. The closing date is August 31 – find out more at www. sdaonb-comp.org.uk.

The Royal Horticultural Society’s photographer of the year competition has six adult categories with subjects including seasons, wildlife and people in the garden, and two categories specifically for under-18s.

Prizes will be awarded to 1st, 2nd and 3rd in each category from an overall prize fund of £5500. The competition is open until November 1, 2013.

Find out more at www.rhs.org.uk/ photocomp.

A reflective view of Dittisham

by Nick Shepherd

Applications are invited from Practitioners looking for a professional space for their business Station Road Totnes TQ9 5HW 01803 866 461

www.chapelhousestudios.com Find a job you love and you’ll never work a day in your life Career coaching, courses and events to set you free For details please ring 01392 811168 / 07977 272174 or visit www.happymondays.org.uk

The Contemporar y College of Homeopathy

Homeopathy

-

Getting others better Free courses on offer at CVS MANY people already know about the wide range of courses on offer at Exeter CVS - but did you know most of them are free?

Dave Lacey at Exeter CVS said: “Our personal development courses and many of our computer courses are offered free of charge. Most of these are accredited programmes which are ideal for gaining a qualification to add to your CV.” CVS courses are delivered to small groups in a relaxed atmosphere.

“Our learning is highly regarded by external agencies and referrals to our programmes are common,” said Dave.

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

Exeter CVS supports a large network of local charities and community groups and is this year launching its Associate Scheme, a new network for consultants and trainers looking to work within the local voluntary and community sector.

“The scheme offers the voluntary and community sector in Devon access to high quality expertise and support from professionals,” said Dave. “Exeter CVS will act as a shop window for consultants and trainers to advertise their services to this dynamic sector.”

Find out more at www.exetercvs. org.uk or call 01392 202055.

•Free open days •A four year part-time practitioner training Weekend introductory courses • The four year course is ideal for those A one year foundation course • either looking for a vocation, or those

in homeopathic medicine •A free clinic for patients (either GP referred or independent bookings)

considering changing their existing one. The course runs ten weekends a year with directed home study

Courses run at Engineers House, Clifton, Bristol For more information please phone Kate on 01275 877083 or visit www.conhom.com The College is accredited by the Society of Homeopaths and all major homeopathic organisations

Editorial: 01392 346204 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

5

Local, seasonal and organic...

Local produce SOMETHING of a bumper Local Food section this time, as you would expect in a Big Outdoors themed issue. From community growing projects to new local produce suppliers and markets - the message is local, in season and organic...

Unlocking the growing power of agroforestry

HOME MADE PICKLES & CHUTNEYS Produced in St. Marychurch, Torquay using top quality ingredients with no artificial additives of any kind.

5 Babbacombe Road, St Marychurch, Torquay, Devon TQ1 3SB Tel: 07751 156325 inapickle1@hotmail.co.uk

Now online at www.inapickle-torquay.co.uk

A stunning place to eat!

Set like a jewel in the heart of The English Riviera, away from the hustle and bustle of the town centre is One World Cafe & Bistro.

A licensed Cafe with great coffee, award winning gardens and the perfect destination for drinks, dining and live music with an emphasis on honest, home-cooked food, a fantastic range of meat, fish and vegetarian dishes.

THE next time you’re stuck in traffic, reflecting on what a mess we humans have made of the world, you might find it reassuring (or perhaps more worrying if it’s a really bad day) to know that without the activities of people, the UK would be covered in trees – many of them oaks.

In fact, these days just 12% of Britain’s land surface is wooded, but it is steadily growing (as trees do) from an all-time low of less than 5% in 1919 when the country’s timber supply was seriously depleted for the war effort.

Thankfully today we value the more positive aspects of trees and one notfor-profit organisation in South Devon is working to revitalise our use and knowledge of woodland.

Growing trees and agricultural/ horticultural crops on the same land is called agroforestry and Discover Forest Foods, at Beeson near Kingsbridge, is a living example of this, utilising forest gardening and alley cropping.

But this is not some isolated growing experiment conducted to provide information for scientific papers. It is a living, breathing community project and, like the healthy eco system at its core, it is built on the relationship between thriving lifeforms - individual volunteers, schools and any organisation/group who want to get involved.

An independent, family friendly destination for something different in the Bay.

www.oneworldcafe.org.uk Abbey Park, Belgrave Road, Torquay, TQ2 5HP

Telephone: 01803 297797

Email: oneworldcafe.torquay@gmail.com

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Advertising: 01392 346342 adverts@reconnectonline.co.uk

Liz Turner of Trees for Health with farmer Mike Rogers

The two main driving forces behind the project are Liz Turner, chair of Trees for Health (whose duties include coordinating the field work, fundraising and organising volunteers), and farmer Mike Rogers, on whose land the three-acre site is situated and who also gets involved in cultivation work, particularly when a tractor is required.

Explains Liz: “I first came to the farm when I was looking for a base for my green woodworking workshop and courses. It soon became obvious my skills fitted in with what Mike was doing and that there was the opportunity here to develop ways of introducing more trees to the landscape. First a nut orchard, edible hedge and native trees, then enhancing hedges with food/fuel trees and now the agroforestry project.”

Mike’s 160-acre, organic (he prefers the word ‘holistic’) mixed farm was already part of the Environmental Stewardship Scheme and had introduced hundreds of visitors to traditional farming through tours and the Underwood Discovery Centre, which promotes a more sustainable way of living and working the land.

Trees for Health and the Underwood Discovery Centre were a perfect fit and in 2011, Discover Forest Foods was born.

The forest garden occupies around an acre at the lower, more sheltered end of the site (the Easterly wind off the sea was keen even on the summer day

... email us your local food stories at

editor@reconnectonli

ne.co.uk

Volunteers scything and mulching in the forest garden and, below left, the apple and pear alley with currant bushes on each side

...welcoming the opening of has been reborn!

Cafe Oasis is a new cafe bar restaurant in the heart of central Totnes, which is now licensed to serve alcohol, host evening events and offer a full lunch and restaurant service.

Reconnect visited). The idea is that many different perennial crops are grown together, based on the natural layers found in a forest, the taller trees providing shelter, the smaller plants creating ground-cover – each benefiting from the characteristics and insect life of the plants around them.

Trees are, of course, slow-growing, but already a more natural, sustainable pattern of cultivation is establishing itself, with strawberries providing ground cover and raspberries and wild garlic also establishing themselves.

The alley cropping area at the top of the site is closer to conventional farming, with larger beds of annual or perennial crops (in this case purple sprouting broccoli), each separated by rows of trees to provide shelter, disease buffering, moisture retention, plant interactions and, ultimately, higher yields.

This being an holistic growing system, the trees are themselves productive, with ‘themed’ rows: trees for crafts (dogwood, willow and ‘dye trees’ – false indigo, dyers’ greenwood and broom); nut trees (almond, bladder nuts and varieties of hazel); trees for wood (chestnut, eucalyptus, rowan, lime, black locust); and fruit trees (varieties of apple and pear).

Also in the alleys, to help create a thick hedge, are fruit bushes, including jostaberries (a cross between blackcurrant and gooseberries), currants, wineberries and blueberries.

In a triangular corner plot there are raised beds of perennials, like Egyptian walking onions, perennial

kale and artichokes, and a herb spiral raised in the centre creates different microclimates to meet the requirements of different herbs.

Currently the Discover Forest Foods project is grant funded, helped along with a small income from selling some early produce and doing tours. It’s run by a small committee with Liz at the helm, and has a long-term aim of providing local employment and local food.

But the project will always be very much about community involvement and volunteers are welcome on the first Monday of the month and on other days by arrangement. Groups wanting to experience some healthy outdoor work are also welcome.

Says Liz: “It’s a chance to learn about agroforestry and unusual plants – and to work as a team and simply enjoy being outside in wonderful countryside.

“Volunteers can also discuss ways of becoming more involved, such as local food enterprises, growing innovative crops or even utilising our green woodworking area.”

On Saturday, August 31, 10.30am4pm, Trees for Health invites you to ‘Discover Autumn’ by spending the morning on the farm at Beeson, helping with jobs and getting an introduction to the agroforestry project.

Then you can gather produce and wild food on a walk to the sea where the harvest will be cooked for a late lunch.

Find out more about volunteering, and the whole project, at www. treesforhealth.org.

Come and enjoy our rich Moroccan Oasis style decor, warm hospitality and feast on our delicious Organic coffee, cakes, flapjacks, salads,quiches, soups, falafels, pittas and deli ! We specialise in glutenand sugar free food, offer take away and aim to provide excellent nutritionally optimised food which looks great, tastes awesome and really does you good !

With the Arcturus Complementary Health Clinic and Oasis Float and Massage Centre upstairs there is a wealth of knowledge and professional support. Come for advice on holistic treatments and optimal nutrition and to choose from our inspiring range of high quality supplements and natural health products.

Our sunny south facing terrace has just been extended and integrated with Shady Garden Park. This new community project is creating a beautiful new town centre with alfresco seating and dining and a fresh filtered drinking water fountain - a real Oasis !

Please visit us on the web at www.cafeoasis.co or on facebook seasonal menus, promotional offers and loyalty benefits Cafe Oasis, 47 Fore Street, Totnes, Devon TQ9 6NJ 01803 840202

SackS wholefoods

• Organic fruit and vegetables • Large range of herbs and spices • Green Lane herbal tinctures

• Bulk and case discounts • Special orders catered for • Established in Totnes 35 years

SackS SackS Too

80 High Street Totnes TQ9 5SN 01803 863263

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

The Plains Shopping Centre Totnes TQ9 5DR shop@sackswholefoods.co.uk

Editorial: 01392 346204 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

7

Local produce

Growers’ co-op looks back over fruitful first five years on the land MEMBERS of Exeter Growers Cooperative are celebrating having reached a milestone in their efforts to help city folk work the land.

This September is the fifth birthday of the group, formerly known as Exeter Community Agriculture, (ECA) which has survived despite tough challenges from the unpredictable weather and fluctuating membership.

The group strives to promote understanding, enjoyment and sustainable use of the land, especially through food production. The seed for ECA was planted in September 2008 during a launch meeting at Alphington School. About 20-30 members met monthly to discuss, plan and agree a vision and finally in March 2009 they registered as an Industrial and Provident Society. They agreed a contract for the use of four acres of organic land in Shillingford near Exeter, and growing started.

The group currently manages two acres of grazed grassland, half an acre of mixed rotational vegetables, a quarter of an acre of orchard and a quarter of an acre of mixed garden and perennial planting.

In the five years since 2008 the group has also planted a Devon hedge and built a polytunnel and storage and meeting sheds.

The group changed its name this year to better reflect what they do. Current chairman Jan Tuckers Page 1 Howe said: ad “It’s2not30/4/13 agriculture16:52 in the traditional

sense – it’s more about the process of learning about growing and how to manage a piece of land.

“Members do not need to have growing experience. They need to want to be on the field a few days a month and be willing to learn and work alongside other folk. It’s beautifully beneficial.

We talk, we listen, we learn, we grow. It’s a place where skills are shared.”

The co-operative welcomes new members at any time - either as a Full Member, or as a Friend. Full members are expected to involve themselves in all aspects of managing the field - but the rewards are great! Delicious organic vegetables, free of charge and the opportunity to enjoy nature, just a few miles outside Exeter.

Friends pay a reduced membership fee and can enjoy visiting the field and joining in on social activities, but are not asked to commit regularly.

If you are interested, but unsure, Friends membership is an ideal first step, says Jan. The co-operative also runs other activities, such as scything workshops and wildlife walks.

Added Jan: “The group has come a long way in five years and its achievements are reflected in the great variety of activity and the potential for more.”

Visit Exetergrowerscooperative.wordpress.com or call 01392 274628 or 01392 660332.

Full membership requires a couple of days’ work on the land - but the rewards are plentiful, with all manner of organic veg.

Great company too, and all just outside Exeter.

By popular demand!

WE ARE OPENING ON MONDAYS! from Monday 13 MAY

By popular demand, our well-established, under - cover Local Produce Market is now opening

6 DAYS A WEEK, 9.30am to 5.00pm, MONDAY TO SATURDAY in Tuckers Yard, Chuley Road, Ashburton TQ13 7DG. We’ve a host of award winning locally produced meat, organic vegetables, cakes, bread, cheese, flowers, preserves, ice cream, fresh fish, Fairtrade goods, Fisherman smocks for adults and children, handmade baskets, jewellery, textiles, greetings cards and much more at Tuckers Local Produce Market.

Teas and coffees with free biscuits are available every day; freshly cooked BARBEQUE LUNCHES on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

Honest Local Food at a Fair Price 8

Advertising: 01392 346342 adverts@reconnectonline.co.uk

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edit or@reco nnec More local food online at... local tonline.co.uk local people localstories events local food health local environment

Seasonal eating OUR seasonal food expert Carol Lee says the “splendid and fruitful” months of August and September each have a distinct feel

Liz and Sefton with baby Khumbi outside the shop before work began

Community helps plant the seed A NEW community wholefood shop and café in South Devon is doing everything it can to ensure as many people as possible can enjoy wholefood and local, seasonal and organic produce.

The Seed in Buckfastleigh is the brainchild of Liz Parker and Sefton Paine and will sell wholefoods and healthy food options as well as nonfood items such as ethical household and babycare products.

Fruit and vegetables, grown locally and organically, will be supplied by Nature’s Round Co-op.

Said Liz: “As this is a community interest company, prices will be kept as low as possible, with an emphasis on locally sourced items where possible.

Any profit made will be reinvested.”

The café will offer a dish of the day and simple and alternative refreshments. A minimum donation will be suggested to cover the costs of ingredients but it will be up to the

customer to decide how much they feel they can pay.

“Customers also have the option of joining a buying group to get even lower prices,” said Liz. “And we will run informal workshops giving simple and creative cooking tips.”

Liz and Sefton hope The Seed will be used by other community groups and become a place to find out what’s going on in their community.

To keep costs down, they are asking for any kitchen equipment, crockery and cutlery, timber (for shelving), paint, furniture (tables, chairs, rugs, lamps and any quirky furnishings) books or indoor plants.

Help with getting the premises completed, or the lending of tools and advice, would also be gratefully received, they say. Monetary donations can be made at www. crowdfunder.co.uk/theseed.

Call 07810 710677 or email Liz at lizjparker@hotmail.com.

AUGUST and September each have a very different and distinctive feel.

There is the blazing heat (hopefully) of August, the height of British Summer, followed by the dewy, late Summer harvest time of September, lush with ripeness, roundness and (again hopefully) prolific amounts of produce.

So in celebration of two splendid and fruitful months, here are two recipes to try and enjoy.

The first is for strawberry and mint infused water.

Fruit and vegetable-infused water are my latest favourite things: as well as being delicious and nutritious, they are excellent for keeping body and mind hydrated in the Summer heat, staving off that wilting feeling.

They only take a matter of minutes to make and once you get the principle there is no end to the number of combinations you can experiment with.

The measurements are approximate so be creative – you could start with 8-10 large strawberries, a quarter of a cup of mint leaves, two cups of ice and filtered water.

Clean and hull the strawberries, cut into halves or quarters, depending on your preference and the size of the strawberries. Cover the bottom of a jug with the ice cubes and cover them with the strawberries and mint leaves. Fill the jug with filtered water and place in the fridge for at least an hour for the flavour to infuse and then find a shady spot in the garden and enjoy.

Now, literally on the down side, with the arrival of September and the

With a hint of...

Autumn equinox we begin to feel the slide towards the darker Autumn and Winter months.

In Traditional Chinese medicine late Summer is the time to celebrate our own harvest and what we have achieved in the year, as well as feasting on, and celebrating, a successful harvest from our window boxes, gardens and allotments.

Gathering and pickling is all part of this celebration and can bring with it a deep feeling of satisfaction and contentment as we fill our pantries with stored goodies. Runner bean chutney is one of my favourites and is perfect for dealing with a glut. This version below is from Riverford Farm.

Finally, if you are interested in celebrating your personal harvest, my Late Summer Reboot workshop, called Reaping the Rewards and run with kinesiologist Sarah-Jayne HaydenBinder, will be in September. Check out my website for details.

Runner bean chutney

Helen Wakeham at Tuckers, the local produce market in Ashburton

Shoppers discover the joy of six GOOD news for fans of Tuckers, the excellent local produce market in Ashburton – it’s now open six days a week, Monday to Saturday.

If you haven’t been there before, you need to know it sells an amazing range of local produce, including award-winning meat, organic veg, cakes, bread, cheese, ice cream, fish and preserves.

And there are local crafts too, from

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fisherman’s smocks and baskets to jewellery, textiles and greeting cards.

You can even eat there – tea and coffee (with free biscuits – these details are important) every day, and freshly cooked barbeque lunches on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

And it’s all in the car park at Tuckers in Chuley Road, so there’s loads of parking right outside.

Ingredients: 1.6kg runner beans, trimmed; 1.2kg onions, finely chopped;1 litre malt vinegar; 6 tablespoons cornflour; 2 tablespoons mustard powder; 2 tablespoons ground turmeric; 2 tablespoons mustard seeds; 2 tablespoons sesame seeds, lightly toasted in a dry frying pan; 400g light soft brown sugar; 800g Demerara sugar.

Method: Blanch the runner beans for two minutes in plenty of boiling salted water and drain well. Refresh in cold water and drain again before chopping finely and setting aside. Put the onions in a large, heavy-based pan with half the vinegar and simmer for 20 minutes, then add the beans. Mix the cornflour, mustard powder, turmeric, mustard seeds and sesame seeds with a little of the remaining vinegar and then stir them into the onion and bean mix. Add the rest of the vinegar and cook gently for 10 minutes. Add both the sugars and stir until dissolved. Bring back to the boil, stirring constantly. Reduce the heat and simmer gently for about an hour until slightly thickened, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Transfer to warm sterilised jars, seal and allow to mature for 6–8 weeks… if you can wait that long!

Reconnect’s Seasonal Eating is written by Carol Lee, who runs workshops and courses in nutrition, health and wellbeing. Call her on 01363 82794 or visit www.naturalfoodschool.co.uk . You can also join her on Facebook for seasonal tips, recipes and nutritional information www.facebook.co/naturalfoodschool

Editorial: 01392 346204 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

9

Local produce

Producing more than veg...

AS its name suggests, Broadclyst Community Farm has a role wider than simply growing veg.

Since it began three years ago the farm has developed strong links with the local and wider community, including visits to 10 schools to cook seasonal dishes as part of the national curriculum.

Jon Smye, the farm’s Horticultural Lead, said they were developing links with the Love Local Food deliveries, the new Whimple Food hub and local restaurants.

In its third growing year, Broadclyst Community Farm has invested time and resources into infrastructure and building the basics such as soil fertility, training and developing markets and links with other local food organisations/businesses.

The farm now has two large

polytunnels, irrigation, ponds, bees, chickens and a herd of Dexter cattle with calves.

Said Jon: “We are improving the soil with Eco Sci compost and hope to make more use of our Lucerne (alfalfa) green manure/compost. A successful apple tree pruning course was held in February.

“Our future plans are to look at the possibility of share farming with people wanting to start or develop a vegetable/fruit growing enterprise.”

More on that in the next issue!

The farm is open most Saturday mornings from 10.30am for a visit and chat and the farm’s Apple Day is on October 12.

Visit www.farm.broadclyst.org, email jon at jonsmye@gmail.com or call 07976 536996.

The Little Patch of Ground team. Pic by Gem Ward, for Take a Part

Residents grow one better OVER the last few months an unused area of land in Efford, Plymouth, has been transformed into a productive vegetable garden.

The project, at St Paul’s Court on Torridge Way, is part of the Little Patch of Ground scheme which aims to involve neighbourhoods in growing their own food and learning about the natural world.

Twenty participants - ranging from kids to pensioners - have met each week since the Spring to garden, cook and share food together. Now, as Reconnect goes to press, the team of volunteers will be celebrating the successful conclusion of the project with a multi-media performance at High View School on July 17.

Patch is just one of the innovative activities promoted by Totnes-based Encounters Arts, set up in 2003 by creative director Ruth Ben-Tovim to “harness the transformational power of the arts”.

“It has been a really creative and exciting process,” says Ruth. “The participants have been asked to think about their relationship with the natural world and what it’s like to live now in this time of shrinking resources,

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economic challenge and climate change and at the same time to imagine the kind of world they would like to pass on to their children.”

Jayne, who lives in Efford and participated in the programme, said: “Me and my girls have really looked forward to Patch each week - the suspense of not knowing what will come has been exciting. It has been great for us to learn about gardening and for my girls to understand more about how they can help plants and bugs in our world.”

Patch is just one of a number of urban regeneration projects brought to Efford by the Take A Part group. Its curator, Kim Wide, says: “A Little Patch of Ground has given residents in Efford the opportunity to cement their already keen interest in growing and green spaces. It is inspirational to see how transformative the process has been for the group.”

If there’s a patch of ground ready to be transformed in your neighbourhood contact: info@ encounters-arts.org.uk. For more info about Take a Part and the Efford scheme see effordtakeapart.org.uk John Stein

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ne.co.uk

Organic gardening SO, it was an excellent Summer after all - just as the Grower family knew back at the beginning of May. Read on for weather prediction tips and a bunch of jobs to be getting on with...

Steve Williams on the Good Game stall at Topsham Food Fayre

Foodies serious about game A TRIO of young foodies from Topsham have been creating dishes and curing meats for years, but their hobby has grown into a business called Good Game.

The business started seven years ago when the trio were taking part in a rally involving a drive from Topsham to Casablanca using a car worth no more than £100.

Enroute the three, Steve Williams, Jim Kingston and Pete WoodhamKay, discovered their mutual love of cooking and speciality meats. They started home curing meats for their own use but production has stepped up and they now supply local shops and restaurants.

All their pork is sourced within a five mile radius of their base and everything is cured by hand using only

salt and natural Exe estuary air.

Said Steve: “Our mission is to make the best tasting game and cured meat in the world. We have a long way to go to beat the likes of Iberico but the journey has started.”

What they cook depends on what is available at the time and they try to exploit seasonal gluts. Ingredients include, rabbit, duck, pheasant and venison.

They make tasty sausages from game and pork sausages with a difference including Chorizo, black pudding and spicy Italian.

The three are planning to launch their new Chorizo on August 10 at Pebblebed Vineyards. Contact pete@ good-game.co.uk or search Facebook for GoodGameTopsham.

Try these two courses for scyth TWO scything courses coming up will cater for absolute beginners and those looking for more advanced scyth action.

The introductory course is at Exeter Growers’ Cooperative (formerly Exeter Community Agriculture - see page 8)) on Saturday, September 21, 10am4.30pm (ish), and costs £45.

“All equipment is provided,” says Alastair Inglis, who is running the course.

“By the end of the day you will have learnt the basics of an efficient and comfortable technique.”

Alastair’s other course, Managing Row Crops with a Scythe, is aimed at experienced scythesfolk who want to use the tools in horticultural or market gardening. It will be hosted

by Shillingford Organics, just outside Exeter, where Alastair was part-time scythesman last year “rescuing crops from rampant weeds, topping off

Dig those spuds... growing because they are all in the same family - especially if your onions have suffered from white rot, which causes onions to wither and die. If your onions were infected, I would recommend you plant anything but onions in that area for at least four years.

And don’t put the affected plants in the compost bin – burn them or dump them in the general waste rubbish bin.

Before planting, the ground will probably benefit from a bit of a feed. Use a general fertiliser, such as seaweed meal or chicken manure pellets, taking care to follow the manufacturer’s instructions (it is possible to over do it and kill young plants this way).

Leave a good distance between the plants - approximately 30-44cm (12-18”) for the larger varieties and 25-30cm (10-12”) for cabbages.

That might seem quite a big distance but when fully grown they will need it! I like to interplant so that the space isn’t wasted; lettuces and quick growing salad leaves are always good for this.

It’s still not too late for beans and peas! bolting crops and mowing grass.”

He added: “This will be a practical hands-on day, with a tour of the farm and an exploration of how scythe use can be applied to orchard, row crop and agroforestry settings.”

It’s on Saturday August 17, 10am4pm, and costs £40.

Email al.inglis@yahoo.co.uk, call 07796 805 453 and search Facebook for Rural Skills & Scything South West.

Edible gardens open their gates to public THE Gardening for Health team in Totnes will join hundreds of gardens across the UK for the Big Dig Open Edible Gardens event on September 21.

Find out more at www.gardeningforhealth.org.uk.

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I JUST knew we would have a better Summer this year.

The Grower family have a tradition which is to get up early on May Day morning to see the sunrise and if it’s a clear sky and the sun actually appears, that’s nature’s promise that we will have a good Summer.

Last year’s Mayday morning was dull and raining and, as we know, the Summer was nowhere to be seen.

So now it feels like we have finally caught up with ourselves and the beginning of harvest time is here at last.

By now you will have enjoyed a few of your new potatoes - keep digging and using them because they will not store over winter.

If any of your onion crop are starting to go to seed, pull them up and use them straight away.

The rest of the crop can also now be pulled up but leave them on top of the soil to dry out in the sunshine for a few days and then move them to somewhere dryer, like a shed or greenhouse, to carry on drying before being stored for use over winter.

As beds or rows are cleared, you may want to plant up with some Winter vegetables such as leeks and brassicas (that’s anything in the cabbage family like kale, Brussels, cauliflowers and, of course, everybody’s favourite and a best seller at Growers Organics, purple sprouting broccoli!).

It’s important to rotate your crops so don’t plant your leeks in the same area as the onions were

AUGUST is still ok for a late sowing of main crop peas and French beans. Or better still, plant some small transplants to give them a head start (available from Growers Organics at our nursery in Yealmpton or on Totnes market on Fridays and Saturdays). To prepare your bed, add some homemade compost or a bag of soil improver with a small amount of fertiliser. If you don’t have bean sticks go for a dwarf (or tepee) French bean variety. Don’t forget that with peas and beans (just like sweet peas), the more you pick the more you get. You could be getting fresh beans and peas right up until October or early November.

Whatever jobs you get up to in the garden, enjoy the last of the late Summer sun!

Reconnect’s Organic Gardening column is written

by Joa and Charlie Grower of Growers Organics.

Meet them in person at Totnes market on Fridays and Saturdays. Visit www.growersorganics.com, or call 01752 881180.

Editorial: 01392 346204 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

11

Spreading the local wordevents for Transition groups local people local food local health local environment

Transition noticeboard

YES, Transition Noticeboard is back by popular demand, with news and views from Transition groups across South Devon. Please send your Oct/Nov Transition news (and pictures) to editor@ reconnectonline. co.uk - by Friday, September 6

A bug’s life BOVEY Climate Action is going on safari – into an insect’s world.

BCA’s big summer event, at Deer Park Farm, near Chudleigh, is called Inside an Insect’s World Pollinators, Predators and Parasites!

“We will explore our wild flower meadows on a mini-beast safari and find out how to help bumblebees, butterflies and beetles,” said BCA’s Audrey Compton.

The event is on Sunday, August 18, 11am1pm or 2-4pm. Book on 01626 852775 or email audrey@ boveyclimateaction. org.uk.

Mukti Mitchell, right, and on his six-month round-Britain low carbon trip.

Tales of the eco mariner ONE of the speakers at Sustainable Crediton’s energy efficiency evening will be Mukti Mitchell, who will talk about insulation – but only after he’s told the story of his six-month roundBritain voyage to promote the benefits of low carbon living.

Cutting Heating Bills This Winter will start with a talk by Brian Harper who runs a company called Energy Tracers that uses thermal imaging inside people’s homes to identify draughts and areas of heat loss.

Mukti’s company, CosyHome, concentrates on reducing that heat loss, paying special attention to loft insulation, draught proofing and secondary glazing, but also looking at wall and floor insulation.

But Mukti will also be talking about his trip around Britain. His epic six-month voyage, in the revolutionary zeroemission Explorer Microyacht, visited 40 ports including Swansea, Liverpool,

Glasgow, Edinburgh, Newcastle, London and Southampton, liaising with regional and national media to reach an audience of 12 million.

His message is that low carbon lifestyles are easy, fun, save money and improve your quality of life – as he explains in his book, The Guide to Low Carbon Lifestyles, which is downloadable free of charge (visit www.lowcarbonlifestyle.org).

Cutting Heating Bills This Winter is at the Boniface Centre in Crediton on September 25, 7-9.30pm.

Book your free place by emailing info@sustainablecrediton.org.uk, or call Charles Mossman 01363 866106. Find out more at www. sustainablecrediton.org.uk/5123.aspx Sustainable Crediton are also planning to have DARE, the Devon Association of Renewable Energy, present to offer general advice on energy efficiency.

Expert’s local view of climate change IF you want to keep up to speed on the latest news about climate change, Exmouth transition group has the answer.

Transition Town Exmouth (TTE) is hosting a presentation by an expert on the subject from Exeter University.

Mathematics professor Peter Challenor, right, will be at the Telfer Centre at Exmouth Community College in Gipsy Lane on Monday, September 30, from 7.30pm giving a talk entitled Climate Change: from Global to Local.

He will be discussing current scientific evidence and predictions for climate change from a global towards a more local perspective. Professor Challenor believes that, as individuals, we can all have a positive influence on climate change.

Entrance is by donation - £3 suggested.

TTE is celebrating its fifth birthday this year and has elected a new chairman at its annual meeting.

Recent activities have included tree planting, hedge laying along the cycle path, talks on sustainable living and water conservation and skill sharing at Exmouth Festival.

TTE was founded in 2008 by Chris White from Totnes, then a student at the former Rolle College. At the AGM in June, retiring chairman Sam Forder gave an account of the growing success of TTE and handed over to incoming chair Derek Smithers who brings valuable experience from working with organisations in Hampshire, and has recently gained an Open University degree in environmental studies.

To find out more about TTE, contact secretary Noel Harrower, email n.harrower@btinternet.com or visit www. transitiontownexmouth.co.uk.

Annie gives away the secret of Skillshare

Recent Skillshares included felt-making, top, and Indian cooking, above.

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THE Skillshare project run by Transition Town Totnes, in which people simply share their skills in free workshops, is about to go through its third reincarnation.

It was originally the brainchild of Asha Bee before being taken on

by Annie Leymarie, who has run it for the last two years and is about to hand on the baton again.

“My original inspiration came from modern gift culture pioneers like Charles Eisenstein and Mark Boyle, who are trying to reverse the trend of monetarisation of our lives,” said Annie.

More than 200 Skillshares have taken place during her time at the helm, with a massive range of subjects. Recent sessions have included: nutrition and home-made almond milk; a poetry picnic; forage walks; wool spinning; natural fitness; basic

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first aid; the art of fermenting food; bud grafting to create fruit trees… and many, many more.

Says Annie: “It has been an immense joy for me to witness the contagious effect of generosity as more and more people have felt inspired to come forward with ideas for their own gifts.

“Some of the most lovely sessions have been in people’s homes, where in a warm atmosphere people got to share a common interest, or just curiosity.

“It’s also been a delight to notice how more and more events are taking place on a gift or donation basis all around us – like Dr Bike, who offers his cycle repair/ maintenance services at the Totnes market (for a cake or a hug). I have been listing these in my Skillshare update emails and the list gets longer every week!”

Annie is now moving on to other volunteering work at Schumacher College in September and is passing the baton to the very lovely Sophia Wildman-Gurung, who has recently arrived in Totnes and who will also work in other capacities in the office at TTT. “She is going to need help with Skillshares and would love others to come forward to make up a team,” says Annie, “and offers or just suggestions for Skillshares are of course very welcome.”

Please contact sophia@ transitiontowntotnes.org or call the TTT offices on a Wednesday on 01803 867358.

To celebrate the past two years and to welcome Sophia there will be a Skillshares party at the Civic Hall on Saturday, August 31.

See www.transitiontowntotnes.org for more details.

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ed

or@recolocal nnecenvironment tonline.co.uk ..Send your news tolocalithealth local people local events local food

Cancer Lifeline South West A local charity working to help you move forward following treatment.

We provide three-day residential breaks in the beautiful surroundings of Sharpham.

Our breaks are designed to help you reflect on where you are now and how you want to move forward.

With the support of Sharpham Trust, breaks are provided at no charge.

SOME of the Hillyfield hens - water from the spring, grit from the river, perches and rustic climbing frame from the surrounding woodland...

For information about our August and November breaks call Jane on 01392 432984 www.cancer-lifeline.org or email: info@cancer-lifeline.org

With help from Hillyfield THERE’S something deeply satisfying about making connections in nature; taking a leaf from Mother nature’s richly illustrated book and joining the dots between elements to create one organic system.

It’s the thinking at the heart of permaculture, of course, and it’s behind every decision made at The Hillyfield, the woodland farm on the edge of Dartmoor.

As regular readers will know, it’s the home of the Hillyfield Hens, the pasture-range chickens kept by Hillyfield owners Doug and Claire and Reconnect editor Martin and his wife Jenny.

“Ideally we would grow and make everything we need for the poultry here on the land,” said Martin. “It makes practical sense, cutting down on road miles, and it’s right for the environment and the chickens themselves.

“It’s still early days, and we’ll always need to buy some things in, but we are gradually making connections.”

There is a steady supply of wood from the managed woodland and the longterm plan is to make Hillyfield hen (and other livestock) houses – for use on-site and to sell.

So far, it is being used for smaller jobs – to make posts for a new (hopefully) fox-proof perimeter fence; to create a bridge over a stream that runs through the centre of the chicken area; for shelving in the store shed and for perches and chicken ‘climbing frames’. The sawdust makes excellent bedding too.

Grass cut around the pens has been dried and used as bedding, and parttime woodsman Nigel’s partner Kerry has produced herbal treatments to

deter mites and fight infections. Again the plan is to grow the necessary herbs on-site – on land fed by Hillyfield compost made using grass cuttings and chicken muck from the houses.

The chickens’ drinking water comes from the Hillyfield’s own spring (tested and approved) and the sand for the their dust bath comes from the nearby river’s edge – as does the grit which chickens need for their digestive systems to work.

So Hillyfield Hens are established and growing (other rare breeds will soon be added to the Orpingtons and Light Sussex currently being bred) and there are plans for more livestock in the future.

Said Doug: “The Hillyfield has always been a home for all kinds of wildlife but the chickens have brought the farming operation alive.

“We’re looking forward to working with Martin and Jenny to introduce ducks, geese and eventually sheep and pigs.”

Find out more about The Hillyfield, and about volunteering there, on page 41 and at www.thehillyfield.co.uk.

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Chicken muck goes onto the compost heap and will eventually feed the herb beds.

thinking outside the box The Leafcocoon is a soft coffin made of wood and wool, for a gentle and comforting return to nature.

Regionally sourced materials, natural dyes, affordable and hand-made in Chagford

New Torquay home for Therapia ONE of Reconnect’s distributors, and a long time supporter, has moved from its home in the Pavilion on Torquay seafront.

Therapia now occupies a unit in the Fleet Walk Shopping Centre close by.

Jonathan Abery, who runs Therapia, specialises in massage cushions, cannabis joint cream,

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snoring cures and essential oils and lavender. You will find him on the first floor gallery of Fleet Walk adjacent to TKMaxx.

All visitors to the shop will receive a free velvet sachet of lavender flower seeds by subscribing to their e-newsletter (no purchase required).

Go to www.therapiaonline.com

info@bellacouche.com

01647 432155

www.bellacouche.com

Editorial: 01392 346204 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

13

Power to the people...

Local energy

LOCAL company creates a quadracycle for the 21st century, plus the latest of PV solar, South Devon Energy Centre launch, electric car recharging point, energy Q&A and renewable heat tariffs are revealed - at last!

Could this be the future of our local transport?

THIS is the BAYcycle. And while it’s easy to get swept along by the enthusiasm and ambition behind a project like this, if things go according to (very carefully considered) plan, this electric vehicle could just change the face of local transport. With particular emphasis on the ‘local’.

The two brains behind the project are Torbay councillor, former engineer and “green champion of the Bay” Andrew Baldrey and car designer Steve Harper, who until 2008 was part of the design team at Volvo where he was responsible for, among many other things, their C70.

Today Steve works on a range of design projects from his studio in Paignton and met Andrew through a Torbay networking group.

Steve values the car’s contribution to personal freedom but believes today’s models are massively overengineered for what most of us need them to do most of the time (he drives a Smart which is left-handdrive, so he can “get out onto the

14

The BAYcycle has large, tinted side doors and sits on double bicycle wheels. pavement – who wants to get out into vehicle – the light quadracycle. traffic?”).

Steve explained: “To be classified as a light quadracycle, it must have Andrew too wants to see people using a maximum weight of 350kgs, a personal transport more appropriate maximum speed of 28mph and a to their needs – and those of the motor of not more than 4Kw – and environment (he drives an electric then, although it has four wheels, it’s Peugeot Ion). classified as a moped, so 16-year-olds Their collective vision was simple: can drive it.” to design and market a small, light He said it is not intended to be a vehicle with all the environmental, replacement for the car: “We see it economic and health attributes of more like a support vehicle for the car a bicycle plus at least some of the – for local journeys when a car is not comforts of a car – with an electric necessary but you want more comfort motor powered by batteries that could than a bike.” be assisted/recharged by pedals, a PV panel on the roof and by plugging it Creating a four-wheel vehicle that into the mains at home. would meet those strict power and weight restrictions and still be able to The BAYcycle is the result. reach 28mph was quite a challenge “We wanted to create something that and the solution was found in a car drivers would be happy with,” central, alloy ‘tub’ chassis (which also explained Andrew. “And something provides crash protection) and simple that would appeal to the young.” body panels – glassfibre in the shortThat last objective was given a boost by term but ultimately probably injectiongetting newly qualified car designers, moulded plastic. who seek work experience with Steve At the time of our visit, the BAYcycle while they search for jobs in the motor existed as a rolling design prototype industry, to help create the styling. (as shown in the photos), a number of “There’s very little that’s truly new foam and clay models, a rough seating created by the motor industry these model (to get the all-important seating/ days,” said Steve, “and a lot of really controls/body panels dimensions great ideas get thrown aside and right) and a whole stack of beautifully abandoned. rendered drawings produced by Steve “The ‘people’s car’ is the perfect and his students. example. The original Mini, Citroen The next stage will be a drivable 2CV and Fiat 500 were all simple, low-cost cars designed to get the masses mobile. But most cars today are designed for long, fast journeys – journeys few of us want or need to make.”

Andrew added: “The majority of car journeys are now less than 10 miles – that’s not even enough to warm up the catalytic converter to operating temperature.

“We believe there is a demand for a car/bicycle hybrid that requires the driver to put some effort into getting around – it’s like going to work or popping to the shops and getting a work-out at the same time.”

Steve Harper demonstrates the Steve’s first big breakthrough was BAYcycle’s driving position. rediscovering a forgotten class of

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...more on the Reconnect website at ‘bedstead’ chassis to prove the drive, controls, steering and suspension all work before making a full working version. – we’ve been promised a roadtest.

The electric motor will be powered by four acid/lead batteries (mounted low, one at each corner, to create a low centre of gravity) on the more affordable version (around £9-10k initially, though it is hoped to reduce as the production volume increases) - and by a hi-tech lithium ion battery on the next generation model. A hydrogen fuel cell could also be a future option.

But the BAYcycle green credentials don’t stop at its energy source – this will truly be a local vehicle.

“All our main suppliers, providing around 70% of the components, are within the 50-mile range of the BAYcycle,” says Andrew.

“And once we have set up manufacturing and assembly units here, we see it being sold as a franchise, so they can be built and sold locally across the UK.” Look a little closer at the BAYcycle and you can see a top designer’s expert hand has played a part in its development. It will be a singleseater, to comply with those moped regs, but to free up the legs for pedaling (to recharge and extend the life of the batteries), the steering and go/stop controls will be on a joystick to the left or right of that single seat.

Huge, conventionally hinged, tinted polycarbonate doors will allow easy

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access, and small hinged flaps (a la 2CV) will provide ventilation. To open the door from the inside, you’ll pull on a retro horizontal cord, as last seen in early Sixties Minis.

Each of the four wheels uses TWO conventional bicycle tyres, creating the right proportions aesthetically, keeping down cost and providing a built-in ‘get-you-home’ function in case of a puncture (avoiding the need to carry a spare).

Future plans include open-top and commercial delivery van models and a larger, two-seater version, which will be closer to a conventional electric car.

To make all that happen, they need funding, of course, and they’d love to hear from any green-minded local entrepreneurs who’d like to get involved.

We’ve seen ‘the next generation of personal transport’ before, but the BAYcycle could just offer the right mix of practicality, technology and style to tempt some of us out of our cars. Let us know what you think – editor@ reconnectonline.co.uk.

Find out more about Bay Light Vehicles at www.bay-llev.co.uk, email Andrew.baldrey@bay-llev.co.uk, or call 01803 555514.

www.reconnectonlin

e.co.uk

DECC turns up the heat tariffs

Andrew Baldrey and below, Steve again with a clay mock-up in the studio.

THE Government is hoping to persuade more businesses to use renewable sources of heating by increasing the tariffs on offer.

Proposed new tariffs were announced in May at the start of a consultation on the non-domestic renewable heat incentives. This consultation ended in June this year and the Government is now considering the responses to its proposed changes.

The Government says it has been disappointed with the take-up which has been lower than forecast - although the South West has the highest uptake in the UK. The Department for Energy and Climate Change has suggested an increase in the tariffs for ground source heat pumps (GSHP) and large biomass boilers but to keep those for small and medium biomass boilers the same.

The increases mean a large biomass boiler (1MW and above) would double to a tariff of 2p per KwH and the large GSHPs (100kW and above) would go from 3.5p to between 7.2 and 8.2p with small GSHPs (up to 100kW) attracting the same rate having previously been 4.8p.

Solar Thermal (up to 200kW) is up from 9.2 to between 10-11.3p.

Editorial: 01392 346204 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

15

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THE furious fight to latch on to government tariffs for renewables has finally died down, according to renewables expert Chris Rudge.

Now the reasoning behind a move away from the grid is back to what it was in the pretariff days, he says.

The change has obviously been brought about by the reduction in tariffs from 45p to around 15p per kWh. Even so the financial incentives of investing in a photovoltaic system on your home are still worth considering - percentage return is still better than the stock market.

But now, Chris says customers are less motivated by money and more keen to produce their own power and reduce their reliance on the big power companies. They also want to make their homes more energy efficient.

A survey from the government has also shown that energy efficient homes are fetching more on the open market because of their low running costs.

Although the tariffs have fallen, so has the cost of installation.

Said Chris: “With all-black panel options now available to visually blend

into the roof, this Summer is definitely the best time to look into having a solar PV system.

“To help you use as much of the generated power from your roof, there are a number of power management devices on the market such as the ImmerSun, which diverts all the surplus power that your system would send back onto the grid right into the immersion heater on your hot water tank.

“Summer users of this device are reporting they have a tank full of hot water by the afternoon and their gas boiler never had to come on!

“Make sure of course you use a local MCS approved company otherwise you won’t be entitled to the tariffs.”

For advice call Chris Rudge on 01392 368724, or visit www. rudgerenewables.co.uk

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16

SO you’ve had shiny new PV panels strapped to your roof – now all you have to do is watch the meter spin and calculate the money you’re saving and making, right?

Well, not quite.

Stuck up there on the roof, they are obviously exposed to the elements (sort of the point of gdfgdfg PV) and wildlife too.

And while PV panels are designed and built to withstand most that Mother Nature can throw at them, they do need the sun’s rays to be able to get through to the PV cells.

Leaves and pine needles can stick and lodge on the panels but the biggest problem is bird mess. Because the panels are wired in series, seagull poo over even a relatively small area will compromise the whole panel’s productivity.

“It can result in a 30% reduction in efficiency,” says Alex Lyons of Cooks Energy in Newton Abbot and Totnes.

“We recommend an annual clean around Easter time, just before the peak generation months. And for systems where there is obvious excessive dirt, or which are installed at less than 20 degrees, we suggest

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a second clean in late Summer.

Even a general coating of dust can cause problems.”

Panels mounted near the ridge of the roof can also create a neat little valley – just perfect for a seagull nest! Alex says they’ve fitted small plates to some installations to prevent this unwanted avian home building.

Reconnect’s very own Pete Hardy has now had his PV system for three years and has himself experienced a few teething problems – including unwanted bird action and a loose connection that lost him substantial output. Read more in our next issue.

Meanwhile, if you want help and advice about PV maintenance (and DIY work is not recommended given the height and voltages involved), call Alex at Cooks Energy on 01626 873455, or visit www.cooksenergy. co.uk.

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... email us your news at editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

Launch day at the new SDEC THERE’S a perfect opportunity to find out more about energy and sustainable living and have a great day out when the new South West Energy Centre (pictured right nearing completion) opens its doors for the first time on Saturday, August 31.

The new purpose-built centre, until now housed at South Devon College, is on White Rock Business Park in Paignton, just behind the Beefeater and Premier Inn. And to mark its opening, there’s a busy launch day planned, with displays and games for all the family, 10am-3pm.

Stands and demonstrations already confirmed as we go to press include the amazing BAYcycle electric vehicle featured in this issue (see page 12); strawbale building by the

Q

A company recently told me they could fit a 4 KW PV system on my house at no cost. How can they do this?

A

land Society, whose eco self-build project is a regular in our eco build section (see page 18); external wall insulation demonstration, plus many other local green living companies.

There will also be tours of the centre, including the sedum roof, plant room, PV panels and the Kier Living Passivhaus for sustainable living.

And the Solar Café will be open for refreshments.

For more information on the Energy Centre, visit www. southwestenergycentre.com, email info@southwestenergycentre.com or call 01803 540725.

RHI tariffs revealed at last THE long-awaited tariffs for renewable heat in the home have finally been announced.

The figures come from the Department of Energy and Climate Change and cover installations going back as far as July 15, 2009 providing they meet the strict eligibility criteria.

The tariffs will allow home owners who have installed or are planning to install a variety of renewable heating systems, to receive payments from the Government to compensate them for their investment - see the Q&A, right.

The tariffs have been set at: 7.3p per kilowatt hour (kWh) for air source heat pumps; 12.2p/kWh for biomass boilers; 18.8p/kWh for ground source heat pumps and at least 19.2p/kWh for solar thermal.

The tariffs for non-domestic properties have been running since November 2011 and have recently been revised upwards. See the story on page 15.

Local energy Q&A

The announcement follows consultations on how a financial incentive would work best for householders and takes into account lessons learned from the RHI nondomestic scheme and the Renewable Heat Premium Payment grant.

The scheme will be open to homeowners, private and social landlords, third party owners of heating systems and self-builders.

Tariff payments will be made quarterly for seven years - rather than the 25 years for PV electric installations.

A further payment of £230 can be made to customers who install meters for heat pumps and £200 for biomass boilers.

All homeowners will have to fill out a Green Deal assessment before submitting their applications and will have to meet minimum requirements for loft insulation. The installation company must also be MCS accredited.

Find out more on on 0300 123 1234.

Q

What funding schemes are available to help me with the cost of installing a biomass boiler?

A

THERE are companies now The Renewable Heat offering to fit photo-voltaic Incentive (RHI) is a UK systems free of charge Government scheme set up to on customer’s roofs. But this does encourage uptake of renewable heat come at a price in that while you technologies among householders, will be able to use the communities and free clean electricity businesses through the as it’s produced, the provision of financial company will claim the incentives. It is the first Feed in Tariff set by of its kind in the world the Government. This and pays consumers to is a financial incentive generate energy using a given to consumers renewable technology. who use environmental There are two phases to technologies to produce the introduction of the RHI: power. The income was • Phase 1: RHI for nonset recently at 15p for domestic installations in every KW exported back the industrial, business to the grid, but is revised and public sectors. every three months • Phase 2: the domestic by the department of SWEC director Patrick energy and climate McNevin answers your element of the RHI, is expected to be change. I would always energy questions introduced in Spring recommend, when 2014 following the consultation possible, that householders finance the published in September 2012 and project themselves, because they will more recently the UK Government then receive all the benefits.

Heat Strategy - the rates have just been The cost of installing a PV system has revealed and detailed in the story left. come down dramatically over the If you don’t want to wait for the RHI last 3-4 years - for example, a 4KW scheme The Renewable Heat Premium system which would have cost you Payment is a one-off grant designed £12,500 four years ago now will to help towards meeting the costs cost you around £4,000. Energy of installing renewable technologies costs have risen around 23% in the in your home, until the Renewable last three years and are estimated to Heat Incentive (RHI) is introduced for rise by about 60% over the next five domestic customers. Phase 2 has been years, so generating your own clean extended until March 2014 and the energy is an ideal option for future payment is made through a voucher proofing your energy requirements scheme, managed by the Energy and is a great way of managing high Saving Trust (EST). electricity bills. Community groups Typical grants available are Biomass can also attract funding to install P.V. systems on a large scale, driving down Boiler - £2,000; Solar Thermal Hot Water - £600; Air to Water Heat the costs. Speak to your neighbours Pump - £1,300; Ground or Water about getting together to look at these source heat pumps - £2,300 opportunities and call South West Energy Centre at South Devon College For more info, get in touch with the for more information.

South West Energy Centre - see below.

IF you have a question for the experts at the South West Energy Centre, email it (with your name and phone number) to Patrick.mcnevin@southdevon.ac.uk. They will answer you personally and the pick of the questions will feature in Reconnect. Or call them on 01803 540725 for help and guidance.

ASK THE EXPERTS

Plug in your car - free of charge!

Alan Langmaid of the Totnes Museum charges his electric motor scooter at the Beco charging point.

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FANCY charging up your electric car free of charge while you shop in Totnes?

PV specialist Beco Ltd is now an approved installer of Charging Solutions electric vehicle (EV) charging points and it’s offering free EC charging at its on-site point in Babbage Road.

“And while your vehicle is charging, why not come in and have a word with one of our staff about a charging point for your home?” says Beco’s Hilary White.

To encourage the use of electric vehicles, the Department of Transport is currently offering 75% (up to £1000) towards the installation of a domestic charging point - so if you use

an electric vehicle, or have been considering the switchover, now is the time! say Beco.

Charging Solutions Charging Points have been approved by Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Renault, Smart and many more, and can connect to Type 1 or Type 2 sockets, so can charge almost any electric car on the market.

“Beco has a long history in PV installations, so we could connect your charging point to a PV system, making both your car and your home eco-friendly and renewable, as well as greatly reducing your electricity bills,” says Hilary.

Visit www.becouk.com, call 01803 866329.

Editorial: 01392 346204 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

17

Inspiration for a greener way to live...

Eco homes & building

Eco home projects, traditional techniques, furniture recycling, compost loos - and more

It’s a family affair YOUR home is probably going to be the biggest investment you make in life - so creating your own is a huge responsibility.

At Broadhempston a group of young families are just about to start climbing their steep learning curve as they begin a self-build project with a difference.

As they progress through the various stages they will have been to college to learn what they have to do. While one of their number is in construction, other professions include a child minder, a crane driver, a physiotherapist and a college lecturer in media.

The straw bale construction houses are very eco friendly and all the techniques will be covered during a one-evening-a-week course at South Devon College - a course arranged through the Land Society.

The group had originally planned to start work on the six houses on two acres of land back in May, but the discovery of Crested Newts on the site has delayed the project.

As Reconnect went to press the

families were hoping to hear very soon about the findings of a newt survey. They may have to erect newt fencing and apply to DEFRA for a licence.

One of the mums, Serena Bedford, said they would be carrying out the project during their spare time, mainly at weekends.

She added: “People are coming in to do the foundations and then we will work as a group on all six houses. It is a complete project with stage payments for each section so each house will have to reach the same stage for the payments to be made. The project has to be completed in 12 months because of the way the loan money has been structured.”

Each of the families had to apply and meet a strict allocation policy.

They have to have family ties with the village and live and work in the area.

The same criteria will apply when the houses are sold in order to prevent owners from profiteering.

The families will own 75% of the

On the site of the Broadhempston self-build project, Serena and Gavin Bedford, right, and their boys Daniel and Dominique, with fellow builders Sarah and Andreas Westhauser-Ruttinger, with their children, Gretl and Amelie. equity the remaining portion will be retained by the Land Society.

Said Serena: “It represents a real chance for these families to have their own home. My family has lived in the village for about 100 years. There has been a member of my family living here for ever but we could never afford to buy here.”

Currently Serena and her husband

and two young sons live in Ipplepen where they rent their home.

She added: “The prospect of building is daunting but the end result will all be worth it.”

For more information about the project go to www.teignbridge. gov.uk/selfbuild or read articles in Reconnect back issues at www. reconnectonline.co.uk.

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LOCAL craftsman Jon Bayes has been immersing himself in Seventeenth century woodworking techniques with his new venture Rivers Joinery.

One of the first projects to emerge from the doors of his new workshop just outside Totnes is this stunning Jon’s oak chest - authentic carved chest.

17th century reproduction “It’s completely authentic,” said get in Jon, “exactly as chests produced touch,” he at that time would have appeared said. when new.”

Although He started with a local hedgerow Jon loves using handtools and oak tree, which was split and rived, woodcraft of yesterday, he’s also side-axed and handplaned. The happy to use modern techniques to green oak frame was then carved, speed up the creative process and jointed and drawbored to create is about to start framing a garden the chest, which will probably still room for a Totnes home using larch be here 300 years from now, said from The Hillyfield, a few miles Jon. away.

“How’s that for carbon To talk about commissions on joined sequestration? I’ve already got chests or timber frames, call 01364 another local tree for the next four 642730 or 07729 589 986, or visit chests so if you want a bit of local www.riversjoinery.co.uk. history produced today, do please

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... send your eco building news to editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

Permaculture designer goes underground THE past few months have been a busy time for Transition Homes.

On June 15 the eco homes project was introduced to local people at an open event in Dartington Village Hall, giving people the chance to find out what is being proposed and voice their opinions.

Immediate neighbours of the site, particularly those in Clay Lane, were able to discuss their concerns and potential residents talk about what they would like from the site.

One person commented: “We have been waiting for this kind of development for years! So many people are choosing this way of living.

It needs to be done.”

The following week saw a meeting on site with Richard Boyt, the planning officer from South Hams District Council and Richard Jackson from Devon Highways. After a lot of debate and detailed studies of the A385 adjacent to the site it is now accepted that a safe access is possible - an important step forward.

Early July saw a site visit by Patrick Whitefield - the UK’s foremost permaculture designer and the author of The Earth Care Manual - to assess the options for developing the whole site along permaculture principles.

This was followed by a visit from Jay Abrams, a permaculture designer who specialises in water systems

Permaculture designer Jay Abrams examines soil types on the Transition Homes site in Dartington. (take a look at www.biologicdesign. co.uk for examples of the beautiful and productive wet systems that Jay designs). Holes dug to assess the soil types around the site revealed some good and some bad news: the clay in Clay Park may be useful for plastering but it isn’t good enough for lining ponds; although the shillet stone below the clay is a great material for paths and tracks on site.

On the same day, eight Belgians looking at cohousing and community land trust developments in the UK visited to see what lessons they could take home, so Transition Homes

is already attracting international attention.

What else? Meetings with the architect, the initial ecology survey is completed, discussions with South Hams officers about the allocations policy, numerous meetings of the design, communications, allocations and finance groups and lots, lots more – a heavy workload for volunteers with working lives to fit in as well!

For further details or to contact Transition Homes visit www. transitionhomes.org.uk Chris Bird

Beautiful sense of compost loos HOW weird is it that we use gallons and gallons of clean drinking water (a third of all the water we use) to flush our loos?

And while we’re all pretending that none of us actually wee or poo, and quickly flushing it all away, we’re also losing a valuable compost resource.

The answer is the compost loo, the bog of choice on most land projects where there’s no mains drainage, but increasingly popular in eco homes too.

To give the issue the exposure it deserves, Transition Town Totnes (TTT) have launched the Halle-LOO-jah Compost Loo Competition to find the best, most beautiful, functional and fun compost loos in all the land.

Compost Loos will also feature in the Totnes area Open Eco-Homes weekend (September 28-29) and there will be a compost loo display at the Totnes Eco-Homes Fair (October 5 – see page 20).

Send your entries to tttan@ transitiontowntotnes.org and find out more at www. transitiontowntotnes.org.

And watch out for more (including some photos, we hope) in the next issue.

Recycling group’s volunteer plea MANY charitable organisations rely on the tireless effort of volunteers to support them in meeting their objectives.

Refurnish, the South and West Devon furniture and electrical goods reuse organisation, says that without the hard work and dedication of their volunteers, they would never be able to supply their furniture, appliances and household goods at low costs.

But some Refurnish volunteers are long-term unemployed and/or have support needs and they too benefit hugely from the experience.

Karen Price, volunteer training and support manager, explained: “Refurnish works alongside volunteers faced with social anxiety and low self-esteem and provides a safe environment to interact with others, be part of a group and take the first steps towards employability.

“Volunteers are also able to combine their own skills and inspiration with our retail outlet facilities and workshop space to generate extra income for the charity – one new idea is to upcycle furniture by breathing new life into tired or damaged stock and reducing the amount going to landfill.”

Other volunteers have gained valuable post-qualification experience in lorry and forklift truck driving, portable appliance testing and administration.

For those whose lives have gone off the rails, leaving them on the

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An example of furniture upcycled by Refurnish volunteers. wrong side of the law, volunteering at Refurnish has provided a second chance to prove their trustworthiness, and gain skills and a reference in a risk managed environment.

And there is always a place too for people whose skills and expertise are lying dormant or under-used.

“Volunteering in specific roles that require expert knowledge, such as a trustee position, has given many volunteers the ability to pass on their skills while helping others,” said Karen.

To volunteer at Refurnish (they are particularly keen to hear from anyone with management or self-employed experience in training or retail), call Karen on 01752 897311, or visit www.refurnish.org.uk.

Editorial: 01392 346204 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

19

Eco homes & building

The oh-so-lovely PolyPod

The polytunnel goes organic

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20

REMEMBER the Pod story we ran back in 2011? It looked like a tear-shaped yurt that hung from a tree branch with just one, central resting foot?

Well, now Rowan Stickland, the genius who created the Pod has turned his attention to the humble polytunnel and this wooden-framed alternative is the result.

Built from locally-sourced, strong and durable larch in an off-grid workshop on the outskirts of Totnes, the PolyPod is a bespoke structure adjustable to your needs and space and “adds an element of architectural interest to your garden,” says Rowan.

“From a small cloche-sized version to a full-sized PolyPod containing multiple beds, you can now protect your more delicate plants from our sometimes inclement weather without compromising your garden’s aesthetics.”

Quite apart from the amazing concept of the design, what sets Rowan’s work apart is the amazing attention to detail and sheer quality of work, from the beautifully worked wood to the copper, brass and stainless steel hardware.

On a practical level, the fittings mean you can dismantle and move it to

another site – although it only has to move a short distance, you can get someone at each corner and lift it.

Prices depend on exactly what you want (they’re all built to punters’ individual requirements), but Rowan says the prices are “comparable to similar sized steel tunnels”.

And if you want to get really excited, consider for a moment that Rowan has Chicken Pods, rabbit hutches and Kiddie Pods/wendy houses in the pipeline “all with natural organic lines to nestle into your plot harmoniously,” he says.

Garden buildings just got beautiful and very cool indeed.

Find out more at rowanstickland. co.uk, email rowanstickland@ googlemail.com or call 07724 449 539.

Eco fair adds water to mix FOR LOW IMPACT LIVING NOW in it’s fourth year, the Totnes Eco Fair, organised by Transition Town Totnes, will again bring together all the latest ways of making your life more energy efficient.

Exhibitors’ stands will include solar PV, solar thermal water heating, ground and air source heat pumps and biomass boilers.

And this year the fair will also focus on another crucial resource – water. There will be rainwater collection and grey water recycling systems, compost loos (including a competition for the best compost loos around the country – see page 19) and short talks from local architects,

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builders, renewable energy installers and suppliers, and energy efficiency experts.

The Eco Fair is in Totnes Civic Hall 10am-3pm on October 5, a week after the Totnes Open Eco Homes weekend (September 28 and 29), when householders showcase the energy efficiency improvements they’ve made.

This event is a great way for people to learn what works and what doesn’t from people who really know.

Good chance you might find a copy or two of Reconnect too...

Visit www.transitiontowntotnes. org.

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

All Reconnect back issues can be read at... www.reconnectonline.co.uk Holiday classes in natural world WHEN the schools close, there’s still plenty of learning going on during the holidays in the forests at Buckfastleigh.

Neil Martin will be teaching children from as young as two all about the natural world through games, craft activities and exploration.

Neil runs the Forest School on Dartmoor at Waycotts Orchard which specialises in inspiring classes for children, families and adults.

Neil trained at the Duchy of Cornwall College in Forest School leader skills and he also has an outdoor first aid certificate and is enhanced CRB checked.

After teaching part-time at Buckfastleigh Primary School, Neil has been running private sessions at Waycotts Orchard since July last year.

Neil has a wealth of practical knowledge and a love of the outdoor environment. As a father of three and as a trained forest school leader, Neil has the patience and understanding of children’s needs and requirements and is able to help them fulfil their true potential.

Summer holiday sessions run from the end of July to the end of August.

Visit www.waycotts.org.uk for details of days and times or call or text Neil on 07974 414323.

Kids make top class compost BACK in 2005, compost guru Nicky Scott attended a conference in Plymouth and was struck by one school’s attempt to compost waste fruit.

“We were shown pictures of a bin oozing gunk and full of flies and wasps,” said Nicky, co-ordinator of Devon Community Compost Network.

“I said that if anyone wanted to discuss how to compost without these problems I would be happy to talk over lunch – and then had lunch with around half the delegates there!”

There began a mission to get Devon’s schools composting all their food waste and today, after much trial and error, around 150 of the county’s schools have set up systems to compost all their food waste.

“Schools vary enormously in size,” said Nicky. “The smallest I’ve visited had 24 pupils and at the other end of the scale we have schools with 2,000 pupils.

“We use a range of turning or tumbling composters, all of which are vermin proof, coupled with secure maturation bins.”

Nicky says convincing children that composting is a good idea is simple.

“We give assemblies and show how alive the compost is by projecting live ‘compost cam’ from our USB microscopes,” he says. “It’s amazing

Coastal art ALREADY well known for it’s educational work through it’s popular rockpool rambles, Wembury Marine Centre is this year running a programme of art workshops to “bring a new dimension to discovering the coast”.

Working with a group of local artists, workshops include seashore jewellery, learning to draw still life and making driftwood hearts, taking inspiration from the coastal environment. Visit www. wemburymarinecentre.org or call 01752 862538.

Thousands of children across the region have got to grips with compost making - they don’t need convincing it’s a good idea says Nicky Scott. how much is going on in there!

Composting is a pretty simple activity really. It does take some time but with the support of the headteacher and the Little Rotters eco club the work can be done during break times.

“At occasional longer sessions we dig out a bin of finished compost to use in the garden or empty a tumbler bin. In a well organised school that puts food and wellbeing at the centre of the school this is no chore.”

If your local school is not composting find out more (including how to get funding for the scheme) at www.dccn. org.uk.

The dance of inner and outer worlds A NEW dance show touring the region draws on references in ancient Vedic texts to the ties that link inner and outer worlds. Called Antara (Sanskrit for ‘between’), it reaches between science and spirituality and between cultures, say the creators.

Antara combines the extraordinary talents of Ajeesh K Balakrishnan, fresh from the Attakkalari Centre for Movement Arts in Bangalore, and Exeter-based dancer Kay Crook, with the words of local writer JoJo Spinks and urban poet Steve Duncan.

Says JoJo: “In a truly inter-cultural collaboration, Antara celebrates diversity, bringing together influences from all over the globe to create a visually stunning performance that interweaves dance and poetry to powerful effect.”

As part of a Westcountry tour, Anatara will be at Exeter Phoenix on Thursday, August 15, 8pm. Call 01392 667080 for tickets.

Rain fails to dampen spirits at burial ground launch IT was an unseasonably cruel midsummer’s day up at Sharpham Meadow, considering the sweltering heat wave that arrived soon after, but that didn’t stop over 150 people turning up for the ceremonial opening of Sharpham Meadow Natural Burial.

The land is part of The Sharpham Estate, but the day-to-day running of the burial ground is in the hands of husband and wife undertaking team Claire and Rupert Callender of The Green Funeral Company.

The weather put paid to many of their plans for the day but Rupert and Claire

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said this was an unexpected blessing.

“It concentrated the ceremony down to its ritual essence,” said Rupert.

“We had invited many of the families we had helped with funerals over the past 14 years, with the express purpose of thanking them. We had no previous experience in the funeral trade and everything we learnt about our approach to undertaking and holding ceremonies we learnt from the families who engaged us.

“This was our chance to thank them, and they took it.”

Everyone gathered around the ceremonial heart of the burial ground - a firepit dedicated to all ancestors. After speeches from the Callender’s, Sharpham Trust director Chris Nicholls, chair of the board of Trustees William Lana and moving recitals from Alice and Peter Oswald from their own poetry, the fire was lit for the first time.

Said Claire: “The crowd stood in silence around the crackling flames, many in tears, lost in their own memories of their dead.”

Visit www.thegreenfuneralcompany.co.uk, or call 01803 863923.

Benefits for volunteers at Pride TOTNES Pride comes to town on Saturday, September 14 – and the organisers are looking for your help.

They need help with all sorts of stuff, from setting up and welcoming people to supporting planned activities and stalls.

The organisers promise you’ll have a great time, meet new people and make new friends and feel “part of the family”.

And, if you need any more incentive, all volunteers will get a free T-shirt, free wristbands giving you discounts in local shops and free tea and coffee for the day!

Email volunteer coordinator Julie at julie@ proud2beproject. org or call/text 07581050296.

Editorial: 01392 346204 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

21

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Getting treatment at the WellWoman Extravaganza

S African school fund on target REMEMBER back in the April/May issue we ran a story about Donna McCheyne organising events to raise funds for a South African primary school?

We did our bit to spread the word about the Well-Woman Extravaganza in Marlborough which attracted over 200 people.

“Visitors sampled a fusion of well woman treats, including shopping, holistic and beauty treatments and well-being workshops,” said Donna. “Alan Denbigh provided relaxing background music, which helped set the scene, and the day raised £1,600.”

The campaign target is £5,000 and the total already stands at £3,000, which will go to the children of Kommandantsdrift Eco-Primary School in the Western Cape of South Africa.

Samhain retreat STAND-UP poet Jackie Juno also organises events to mark the big festivals and is running Land and Vision, a women’s weekend in Dorset over Lunar Samhain, November 1-3.

Says Jackie: “Lunar Samhain occurs during the dark moon nearest to Hallowe’en and this year the New Moon of the New Year happens around midday on Sunday November 3 - a great time for new beginnings.”

Expect a beautiful venue, organic food, creativity, journeying, sacred sites and sisterhood.

The cost is £255 (concessions available) email jackiejuno@ yahoo.co.uk, or call 01626 835802.

A wilder splash WILD swimming, taking a dip in rivers and lakes, is the perfect way to immerse yourself in the countryside. And South Devon has some of the best wild swimming sites in the UK. Chris Bird is your guide...

MANY years ago I read Roger Deakin’s wonderful Waterlog where he recounts his experiences of wild swimming. I’d had a few wild swims of my own but it wasn’t until I spent a day on, and in, the Dart that I really appreciated what a wonderful experience swimming in our rivers can be.

It was a long hot Summer’s day (remember those?) when I set out to walk from Newbridge to Dartmeet and back. Every hour, and then half-hour and finally, every 15 minutes, I’d slide into a deep slow pool, or the natural jacuzzi below a waterfall, or sometimes just drift in the shallows, gently nudging water smooth rocks.

It was exhilarating, nourishing, purifying, great fun – and completely free!

Wild swimming is increasingly popular. A recent Earth Talk at Schumacher College brought together Daniel Start, author of Wild Swimming, Matt Newbury and Sophie Pierce, who wrote Beyond the Beach – The secret wild swims of Torbay and Kari Furre, a local swimming guru credited with giving many people the confidence and skill to swim in the wild. The fact that many people swam in a very dark, cold and starlit River Dart after the meeting tells you how enthusiastic wild swimmers can be! I joined them and, after the initial shock,

Some of the wildest places in Devon are perfect for wild

was exhilarated. A head count before we went in and an experienced person watching from the bank meant we stayed safe - and warm clothes to change into were very welcome.

Try it some time.

The new edition of Daniel Start’s Wild Swimming starts with an introduction and history to wild swimming in the rivers and lakes of Britain and offers a brief guide to staying safe (wild needn’t be dangerous) and then details almost 400 swimming sites with short descriptions and location.

The good news is that around 80 of them are in the SouthWest with many on Dartmoor.

Closest to Totnes is popular Staverton, and a walk upstream from Newbridge or down from Dartmeet will spoil you with choices for secluded spots where you are unlikely to be disturbed

MS Society grant THE South Devon branch of the Multiple Sclerosis Society has received a £1000 grant from Devon Community Foundation Trust and BBC Radio Devon’s Give A Gift appeal.

It will mean they can continue to provide exercise classes to “keep the participants supple and active”.

To find out more, call 0845 602 0805 or email mssouthdevon@ hotmail.co.uk.

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while skinny-dipping.

The Teign and Barle also offer great choices.

Wild Swimming also suggests the best spots for paddling, picnics, access by train or cycling and places with literary connections – for example, the Dart near Holne is acknowledged as the inspiration for Charles Kingsley’s Water Babies (although Alice Oswald’s Dart doesn’t get a mention).

Daniel ends with a guide to other river-based activities, including an impromptu sauna constructed from fire-heated rocks buried below a ‘bender’ tent. Squeeze in with friends until you are all hot and sweaty and then jump into the refreshing water!

Beyond the Beach covers 15 coastal swims around Torbay.

You’ll be amazed by the splendour of the places that Matt and Sophie lead you into – caves, rock arches, amazing sea-life – all within sight of Torquay and Paignton. Woven into the descriptions are nuggets of Torbay history; wartime defences, cliffs where divers practiced for the Olympics and smugglers caves – a delightful book even

if you never intend to e water.

If you want to improve swimming technique o confident about wild sw maybe a few lessons w Furre could help. Kari, sculptor, will be runnin twice a week in Ashbu Take a look at her blo wildwomanswimming. com.

I have mixed feelings a guidebooks leading m to some of my favourit

Learning about balance of fishing ind PUPILS from five Brixham primary schools took part in a one-day project to learn about the fishing industry, sustainable fishing and the marine environment of Tor Bay. The Fishstock Brixham schools project has run since 2008 and involves 175 pupils in activities looking at the fishing industry, sustainable fishing and marine environment of Tor Bay. They started their day at Brixham fishing harbour where they learnt about the different methods of fishing.

Then they moved up to Occombe Farm

where they were given a presenta on sustainable fishing and made t own fishcakes with fish picked up earlier at the market.

The children also created a marine themed art piece for display at Fishstock on September 7 in Brixha

Heather Dutton, Sea Green Project Officer for Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust, said: “Fishstock Brixham is such a fantastic opport for the children to learn about the fishing industry works and Tor Bay marine environment.

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rts@reconnectonline. ...email us food at local health co.uk local people local events local local environment

Don’t be afraid of those equity release plans Cris Iles-Wright, of green investment specialists Barchester Green, looks at a source of income for ‘property-rich, income-restricted’ pensioners

swimming - just treat them with respect.

enter the

e your or don’t feel wimming with Kari , also a ng lessons urton. og – www. .wordpress.

about more people te places

and, almost inevitably, changing them. But, while ‘guides to wild swimming’ is almost an oxymoron, there is a lot to be said for encouraging people to enjoy our wild places in a respectful way. Certainly better for our planet than jetting off to Spain! l Wild Swimming 2nd Edition by David Start, 272pp, £16.99, Wild Things Publishing. l Beyond the Beach Matt Newbury & Sophie Pierce, 100pp, £12, Shoal Projects Ltd.

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“The project aims to ensure sustainability is the key message for the preservation of the marine environment and to ensure a healthy fishing industry for years to come.”

The children are encouraged to ask parents and guardians to buy fish locally, ask where it has come from, and ultimately try a variety of fish instead of sticking to the old favourites.

All the children and staff thoroughly enjoyed the day and we hope to run the project again next year.”

Visit www.countryside-trust.org.uk.

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

TIMES are hard and economic conditions have conspired to create a perfect storm for pensioners.

The market crash of 2008 made holes in pensions for people who could not wait for a recovery, while falling annuity rates also reduced their income. Many of those already retired relied on income from investments or savings, which also fell.

For many of the retiring and the retired, timing has been unfortunate.

However, many retired people have value in their property and no remaining mortgage. For the ‘property rich, income restricted’, there are further options for releasing equity from the property without the requirement to pay interest and without risking the home.

Equity release is the process where a mortgage, which you may not plan to repay in your lifetime, is raised against your home.

Other options include sale of part of your property to a company who will not claim repayment during your lifetime.

Commonly equity release customers choose to borrow a lump sum to replace depleted savings or cover costs that cannot be covered by income.

Interest is not repayable in the homeowner’s lifetime and rolls over (often at a fixed rate) until they pass away.

Unlike some awful plans that were arranged in bygone years, most modern equity release schemes guarantee your rate of interest, the right to stay in the home and against negative equity - so you will not lose your home or be presented with demands to repay debts.

Most also provide the option of taking a series of lump sums over time to supplement an income which may not be keeping pace with inflation.

While these plans are well protected, it is still a big decision to enter into such an arrangement.

It is also a thoroughly regulated area. Barchester have several advisers who are qualified in this specialist area and would be pleased to assist with any enquiries you may have.

End of

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artworks Editorial: 01392 346204 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

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Sidmouth Folk Festival - August 2

AUGUST Thursday 1 Until September 15 Recent Bookworks - Maddy Pethick’s artworks made from secondhand books, Tues-Sat 10am-8.30pm, Sun 4-8.30pm, Plymouth Arts Centre, 38 Looe Street, Plymouth, info@ plymouthartscentre.org, 01752 206114, www. plymouthartscentre.org Friday 2 Transition Walk - visit Transition Town Totnes projects on guided tour, suggested £10 donation for locals, 2-6pm, meet TTT office, 43 Fore Street, www. transitiontowntotnes.org, info@biggreencanoe.org.

British Firework Championships August 13

Black Uhuru August 23

Events diary

Check outlocal our environment diary online... local people local events local food local health

Midnight’s Children September 28

Acoustic music evening - the Barn Owl Trust celebrates 25 years, The Dartmoor Lodge Hotel in Ashburton, 7.30pm, tickets £7.50 from 01364 653026 or visit www.barnowltrust.org.uk.

Experiencing Dartmoor’s magic - day’s walk in Drizzlecombe/Down Tor area, led by Inga Page in company of Satish Kumar, Earth Pilgrim, raising funds for Devon Wildlife Trust, 10am, booking essential - 01364 654471, inga@ dartmoorwalksthisway.co.uk, www.devonwildlifetrust.org.

Sidmouth Folk Week - a week of folk music, singing, dancing, pub sessions, concerts and cream teas, across Sidmouth, www. sidmouthfolkweek.co.uk.

Saturday 3 Earth Beats - Lammas celebration, Staverton Village Hall, 8-10.30pm, 01822 880 278/07960 235 442.

Sunday 4 Men Dancing - dance event for men only, 7.30-10pm, Eden Rise, Sandwell Barns, Totnes, 01364 643 100.

Tuesday 6 Until September 7 Simon Hopkinson exhibition of paintings depicting British urban scenery, Phoenix Exeter,

Your event not included?

WELL, that’s only because YOU didn’t tell us about it? Don’t miss out next time - email your October/ November events to us at editor@reconnectonline. co.uk by September 6!

01392 667080, www. exeterphoenix.org.uk.

Wembury Marine Festival - free seashore fun, 10am-4pm, beachcombing, guided rockpool ramble, beach sculpture competition, etc, Wembury Marine Centre, near Plymouth, 01752 862538, contact us@devonwildlifetrust.org.

Friday 9 Dartmoor Folk Festival - folk performers plus morris and dance teams, South Zeal, near Okehampton, 01837 840102, www. dartmoorfolkfestival.co.uk.

Saturday 10 Until September 15 Platform - exhibition by Hand in Glove, a nomadic group of artists and curators, Plymouth Arts Centre, 38 Looe Street, Plymouth, info@plymouthartscentre. org, 01752 206114, www. plymouthartscentre.org.

Seafood wild food walk free Transition Town Totnes Skillshare with Ffyona Campbell, meet East Prawle village green, 1.30-4.30pm, free but booking required, wildfoodwalks@btinternet. com or 01364 644671.

Tuesday 13 British Firework Championships - firework companies compete for 2013 title, www. britishfireworks.co.uk.

Bangalore, Exeter-based dancer Kay Crook, writer JoJo Spinks and urban poet Steve Duncan, Exeter Phoenix, 8pm, 01392 667080.

Open air cinema - Exeter Phoenix’s Big Screen in the Park screens Skyfall, Northernhay Gardens, Exeter, gates open 7.30pm, film starts 9pm, £3, www. exeterphoenix.org.uk, 01392 667080.

Andrew’s Wood Family Activity Day - a day in the woods, with nature quiz trail, wildlifespotting competition and craft activities, Andrew’s Wood DWT nature reserve, near Kingsbridge, 01392 279244, www. devonwildlifetrust.org.

Friday 16 Beautiful Days - festival at Escot Park, near Honiton, www.beautifuldays.org Open air cinema - Exeter Phoenix’s Big Screen in the Park screens Life of Pi, Northernhay Gardens, Exeter, gates open 7.30pm, film starts 9pm, £3, www. exeterphoenix.org.uk, 01392 667080.

Transition walk - visit Transition Town Totnes projects on guided tour, suggested £10 donation for locals, 2-6pm, meet TTT office, 43 Fore Street, www. transitiontowntotnes.org, info@biggreencanoe.org.

Wednesday 14

Saturday 17

Open air cinema - Exeter Phoenix’s Big Screen in the Park screens The Goonies, Northernhay Gardens, Exeter, gates open 7.30pm, film starts 9pm, £3, www. exeterphoenix.org.uk, 01392 667080.

Open air cinema - Exeter Phoenix’s Big Screen in the Park screens The Great Gatsby, Northernhay Gardens, Exeter, gates open 7.30pm, film starts 9pm, £3, www.exeterphoenix.org. uk, 01392 667080.

Thursday 15

Sunday 18

Antara - multicultural dance show featuring Ajeesh K Balakrishnan from

Insect’s World - Pollinators, Predators and Parasites!

Bovey Climate Action event,

Deer Park Farm, Chudleigh, 11am-1pm and 2-4pm, book free place on 01626 852775 or email audrey@ boveyclimateaction.org.uk.

Good Food Market - 50+ traders selling produce and street food, Totnes Market Square, 10am-3pm, www. totnesgoodfood.co.uk.

Tuesday 20 Summer Explorers - wild play and events for 8-12-year-olds, Sharpham Estate, www.sharphamtrust. org/Outdoors-Project, 01803 732542.

Friday 23 Black Uhuru - reggae legends, Phoenix Exeter, Gandy Street, 8pm, 01392 667080, www. exeterphoenix.org.uk.

Sunday 25 Hothouse Band - Hannah’s at Seale Hayne, Howton Lane, Newton Abbot, 8-9.30pm, www. discoverhannahs.org, 07900 245 312.

The Pink Tree Fair - see page 27, 10am-4.30pm, Delamore House, Cornwood, near Ivybridge, www.pinktreewoodfair. co.uk.

Monday 26 Staverton Fair - stalls, games and refreshments, Staverton Village.

Wednesday 28 Summer Star Gaze at Sharpham Meadow - with Mike Cooke, £8 adults, £4 10-16-year-olds, 8.30pm11.30pm, Sharpham Estate, www.sharphamtrust.org/ Outdoors-Project.

Thursday 29 Public Service Broadcasting, Exeter Phoenix, Gandy Street, 8pm, 01392 667080, www. exeterphoenix.org.uk.

Friday 30 Lower Sharpham Barton Barn Dance - live music from Mrs Crotty’s Ceilidh band, plus barbecue. £5 in advance online, £6 on the door (children under 12 free), Sharpham Barton

The weird and the wonderful...

Take a journey through the strange and magical ceramic world of Robin Currie.

Don’t Miss his exhibition at Dame Hannah’s, from Sept 7th to 22nd. Seale Hayne, Newton Abbot - In conjunction with Unearth Studio, Exeter.

Check out the details online at: http://unearthlings.weebly.com/the-event.html

24

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www.

facebook.com/ReconnectMagaz ...visit us atlocal food ine local people local events local health local environment Farm, www.sharphamtrust. org/Outdoors-Project, 01803 732747.

Transition walk - visit Transition Town Totnes projects on guided tour, suggested £10 donation for locals, 2-6pm, meet TTT office, 43 Fore Street, www.transitiontowntotnes. org, info@biggreencanoe. org.

Maddy Prior with Giles Lewin and Hannah James Exeter Corn Exchange, 01392 665938, www.exeter.gov.uk/ cornexchange.

Saturday 31 South West Energy Centre launch day - see page 17, 10am-3pm, www. southwestenergy centre.com, info@ southwestenergycentre. com, 01803 540725.

SEPTEMBER Sunday 1 Lost in Paradise community reading of the whole of Paradise Lost, 10am-10pm, The Guildhall, Totnes, no booking required.

Tuesday 3 Poetry Conversation - Civil War. Hosted by Alice Oswald, Octagonal Room,

Sharpham House, 7.30pm, no booking required, suggested donation £5, www.sharphamtrust.org/ Outdoors-Project Saturday 7 Until September 29 Heathercombe Edge Sculpture Trail - bi-annual arts event in Fairy Wood, Heathercombe Woodlands, Manaton, Dartmoor, 07791601737, high@ heathercombe.com, highheathercombecentre. org.uk.

Stone Walling - Devon Rural Skills Trust course at Higher Badworthy, South Brent, Dave Dingle on 07815 189911, www. devonruralskillstrust.co.uk.

Friday 13 Milling at Cricklepit volunteer millers grind wheat in traditional way at Devon Wildlife Trust HQ, 10am-12noon, Cricklepit Mill, Exeter, 01392 279244, www. devonwildlifetrust.org.

suggested £10 donation for locals, 2-6pm, meet TTT office, 43 Fore Street, www.transitiontowntotnes. org, info@biggreencanoe. org.

Saturday 14 Totnes Pride - LGBT festival with events across town, www.proud2beproject.org.

Into Lace - exhibition of work by artists and makers who reference lace, Devon Guild of Craftsmen, Riverside Mill, Bovey Tracey, Newton Abbot, 01626 832223, www.crafts.org. uk.

Ashburton Food and Drink Festival - more than 45 stalls, St Lawrence Lane, Ashburton, 10am-5pm, www.ashburtonfoodfestival. co.uk.

Sunday 15 Good Food Market - 50+ traders selling produce and street food, Totnes Market Square, 10am-3pm, www. totnesgoodfood.co.uk.

Friday 20

The Drum Gathering drum-related workshops, jams, performances and merry making, Tapeley Park, Barnstaple, www. thedrumgathering.info.

Until September 22 Abbfest - celebration of local food & drink, arts & crafts, Fermoys, Ipplepen, Newton Abbot, 01803 813504.

Transition walk - visit Transition Town Totnes projects on guided tour,

Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival - including Melvyn Bragg, PD James, Peter

Snow, Hilary Mantel, Edna O’Brien and lots more, ww.budlitfest.org.uk.

Saturday 21 Sheelanagig - festival favourites, 8pm, The Barrel House, Totnes, 01803 849290, www. barrelhousetotnes.co.uk, www.wegottickets.com/ event/225456.

Tool sharpening - Devon Rural Skills Trust course at Rudolph Steiner School, Dartington, Mick Godfrey on 01548 821156, www. devonruralskillstrust.co.uk.

Exeter LETS 20th anniversary event - trading, dancing, singing and a ‘bring and share’ supper, Southernhay United Reformed Church Hall, Exeter, 5-9pm, info@ exeter.letslink.org, www. exeterlets.org.uk Lucifer Saved - two-hour verse drama by Peter Oswald, “full of dark clown-like humour, circus tricks and flights of superb poetic language”, Flavel Arts Centre, Dartmouth, 01803 839530, www. theflavel.org.uk.

Sunday 22 National beach clean day sociable beach clean, plus recording as part of Marine Conservation Society’s

national monitoring, 1-4pm, Dawlish Warren, National Nature Reserve, 07972 175340, alislade@aol.com, www. devonwildlifetrust.org.

Wednesday 25 Until September 28 Educating Rita - classic Willy Russell play staged

by The Uncommon Players in association with Exeter Northcott Theatre, 10am6pm Monday to Friday, Stocker Road, Exeter, 01392 223999, www. exeternorthcott.co.uk.

Cutting Heating Bills This Winter - see page 12, Boniface Centre, Crediton, 7-9.30pm, book free place at info@ sustainablecrediton. org.uk, or call Charles Mossman on 01363 866106, www. sustainablecrediton.org. uk.

Thursday 26 Until October 12 Fight NIght - Belgium’s multiple Fringe Firstwinning company Ontroerend Goed and Australia’s The Border Project in election drama, Theatre Royal, Royal Parade, Plymouth, 01752 267222, boxoffice@ theatreroyal.com, www.

theatreroyal.com.

New Autumn Fungi Course with naturalist Nigel Pinhorn, Stoke Woods, Exeter, 10.30am-12.30pm, 01392 211247.

Friday 27 Transition walk - visit Transition Town Totnes projects on guided tour, suggested £10 donation for locals, 2-6pm, meet TTT office, 43 Fore Street, www.transitiontowntotnes. org, info@biggreencanoe. org.

Saturday 28 The Damned - punk legends, Phoenix Exeter, 8pm, Gandy Street, 01392 667080, www. exeterphoenix.org.uk.

Brunch Cafe in aid of Child Assault Prevention Project, local produce, local musicians, Methodist Hall, Totnes, 10am-2pm, hollytiffen@yahoo.co.uk Midnight’s Children Follaton Community Cinema screening of film based on the Booker Prize winning novel by Salman Rushdie, Follaton Community Centre, Totnes, 7pm for cuppa and cake, 7.30pm for movie (+short), watch the trailer at www. follatoncommunitycinema. co.uk, 01803 868455.

l Turn to page 43 in Wellbeing to check out our workshops and events listings l

We are Kingfisher Print & Design.

No matter what the job, big or small, we’ll work closely with you, understanding and treating each project with individual care and attention. Working in an environmentally responsible way, we are FSC certified and this drives everything we do. Combined with our wealth of knowledge and experience, this allows us to deliver what we do best - beautiful print of the highest standard…

If you would like to speak to us about a project please feel free to drop us a line 01803 867087.

We take our business seriously…

Wills Road, Totnes, Devon TQ9 5XN 01803 867087 sales@kingfisherprint.co.uk www.kingfisherprint.co.uk

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Meet Stevie from production

Editorial: 01392 346204 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

25

Telllocal us about eventslocal - email now! local people local events food YOUR local health environment

Things get in tents for film-maker Emma

Fancy a movie? Let’s take this outside...

FANCY a movie but don’t want to sit indoors on a balmy Summer night? No problem – what you need is open air cinema!

Exeter Phoenix’s Big Screen in the Park returns to Northernhay Gardens with four classic films: The Goonies (Wed Aug 14); Skyfall (Thurs Aug 15); Life of Pi (Fri Aug 16); The Great Gatsby (Sat Aug 17).

All movies start at 9pm (gates open 7.30) and are shown on a big 10 metre screen with Exeter at night as the backdrop. Tickets are £3.

To find out more and book tickets, visit www. exeterphoenix.org.uk or call 01392 667080.

And Dartington’s Barn Cinema is running a whole festival of outdoor movies that runs until September 3. New titles include Bling Ring and Alan Partridge: Alpha Papa, plus classics like Vertigo and The Rocky Horror Show - full details at www.dartington.org/ barn-cinema/outdoor-film-festival-2013

Call of the Wild

NEVER let it be said we don’t know how to follow a theme – next up in our Big Outdoors issue we have Emma Goude, who is running her film production company from a tent!

Emma recently moved onto a campsite by the River Dart when she had to move out of a flat in Totnes. She says the main attractions were the spring water and being able to take a dip in the river first thing in the morning instead of having a shower.

“Being out in the fresh air all the time is invigorating and I just couldn’t face drinking the Totnes water any more - it’s full of chlorine and tastes like a swimming pool!” says Emma.

An 80w solar panel powers Emma’s laptop and charges her mobile phone which she uses as a wifi hub.

Emma set up Green Lane Films in 2009 after making In Transition 1.0, a full length documentary for the Transition Network.

“People kept asking me to do some filming for them and I realised my skills were needed,” said Emma.

Green Lane Films now provides top quality videos for local ethical organisations with an important message to get out into the world.

She’s made films for Dartington Promoting environmental awareness through education & training

WILDWISE BUSHCRAFT NATURE AWARENESS KIDS & FAMILY EVENTS PROFESSIONAL TRAINING BEAUTIFUL WILD DEVON AS SEEN ON BBC TV

For further information on our courses & events please call 01803 868269

www.wildwise.co.uk

Tai Chi Momentum

Enhance your energy, health & balance

Hall Trust, Emma Goude at work Schumacher outside her tent.

College Pic: Melanie Eclare and Totnes Development Trust to name a few – “films that promote the important work happening in the local area,” says Emma.

“I’ve just completed a promo for Rob Hopkins’ latest book The Power Of Just Doing Stuff which was launched earlier in June - what’s happening in Totnes today influences what happens After years of being behind the elsewhere camera Emma is now finally tomorrow and online videos help turning the spotlight on herself, spread these ideas globally.” developing ways to tell her own So how does it work running story through writing, theatre, things from a tent? documentary and screenplay and is exploring ideas to present Filming happens wherever it TV programmes that explore the needs to happen, and she holds subjects she’s most interested in. meetings in local cafes, so that just leaves the editing - which is In the meantime she’s available where the solar panel comes in. to get your message out - with the help of this Summer’s sunshine.

“The whole set up couldn’t be more green,” says Emma.

Visit www.greenlanefilms.co.uk.

School holidays are fun in the woods IF your kids are getting bored in the Summer holidays, the Woodland Adventure Club is a holiday club with a twist.

Your 6-13 year-old can get up to all sorts of adventure, learning woodland skills, getting muddy, making new friends, exploring the woods, building dens, lighting campfires, discovering wildlife… you get the idea.

It’s based at a camp deep in the woods at Haldon Forest Park, just 15 mins from central Exeter, and is run by qualified and experienced staff in a safe and

supported environment. The club runs 9-3.30pm with an extended day option. Visit www.atouchofthewild. co.uk or call 07929 613284.

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Call Pete on 01392 346342 or Martin 01803 868455 Or email adverts@reconnectonline.co.uk

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editor@reconnectonli Send all your local newsevents and events ne.co.uk local people local to... food local health local environment

Steiner moves into ancient hall NEWS that the Steiner Academy has found its future home is good for Exeter on two counts.

Apart from bringing free Steiner education to the city, it also means that an old part of city history, very much in need of investment, has been saved from falling into disuse.

Thomas Hall, once known as Great Duryard, dates back to around 1690 and, after it ceased to be used as Exeter University student accommodation, had been linked to a plan for a hotel and conference centre that never materialised.

Now the team behind plans for the city’s Steiner Academy say they have reached agreement with the Department for Education and the owners of Thomas Hall.

The hall and grounds will be the location for the all-through (4-16) school which will eventually house over 600 pupils.

The refurbishment of the main hall and additional accommodation will be completed in time for the school’s relocation in September 2015.

Alan Swindell, the principal designate, said: “We are delighted to have this opportunity to breathe new life into this beautiful building and site. It will be a wonderful environment for children, with tremendous scope for us to develop those aspects of our curriculum that really come alive in the great outdoors. Experiential and practical education are an essential part of who we are. Gardening, green-wood turning, meteorology, food science and surveying are just some of the subjects that will thrive at Thomas Hall.”

The school intends to return the hall’s extensive walled garden to its former glory and will be able to pursue a garden-to-table approach, endeavouring to feed pupils and staff from its own produce.

Before moving in to Thomas Hall the Academy is hoping to use a temporary location in Exwick on the site of the former Foxhayes Infants School. It plans to open in September with 130 pupils in reception, years 1, 2, 3 and 7.

Learning and training opportunities for individuals and groups A range of free personal development courses employability courses and computer training events, plus teacher training & organisational 1-day courses and more.

www.exetercvs.org.uk Call 01392 202055

A Golden Eagle by Tom Smith - see more of his work at The Pink Tree Fair

Fair spreads the word about wood ANY event that promotes artists and craftspeople who work in wood can be sure of space in Reconnect.

But with so much of our woodland under threat from disease, The Pink Tree Fair at Delamore Estate near Kingsbridge has an even more powerful and urgent message.

The event takes its name from a 21 metre high 300-year-old oak in the grounds.

Artist Henry Bruce spent two weeks transforming it into the now iconic Pink Tree to raise awareness of sudden oak death, ash dieback and the devastating fungus, Phytophthora Ramorum, that’s infected so many larch.

The tree was suffering from decay and prior to being painted fluorescent pink, the top of the tree was pollarded by ring barking it, so that it will continue to grow from lower down giving it a new lease of life.

As well as raising public awareness, The Pink Tree Fair seeks to celebrate

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wood-based art, traditional rural crafts and forestry industries, as well as locally-produced food and drink, interspersed with demonstrations and activities for all the family.

Exhibitors will include artist Isobel Coulton, wood turner and sculptor George Foweraker, Peter Lanyon Dan Best running children’s craft activities, guitar maker Pete Beer, wood carver Jenny Distin, plus The Forestry Commission, Dartmoor National Park Authority and Devon Wildlife Trust.

Look out too for the team (including editor Foster and maybe a few chickens!) from The Hillyfield, which features elsewhere in this issue – and which, like so much local woodland, has itself fallen victim to Phytophthora Ramorum.

The Pink Tree Fair is in the grounds of Delamore House at Cornwood, near Ivybridge, on August 25.

Find out more at www. pinktreewoodfair.co.uk.

Editorial: 01392 346204 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

27

Do you have local a story for Reconnect local people events local foodreaders? local health local environment

Plymouth Holistic Doctor Practising integrative whole-person medicine More than 25 years clinical experience Comprehensive assessment integrating mind and body

Common problems: • Stress

• Overweight

• Chronic pain

• Fatigue

• IBS

• Depression

• Anxiety

• Not wishing to take tablets

• Tried everything

Possible solutions:

• Better nutrition - what you eat and how much • Exercise - getting body and mind moving • Education - learning what makes YOU tick, what works for YOU • Using your mind - guided imagery, hypnosis, dealing with the past, creating the future • Environment - understanding the role of your environment in creating illness and what to do about it • Relationships - understanding how interactions with family, spouse, colleagues can harm or heal • Therapies - including acupuncture, healing touch, hypnotherapy

Peverell Clinic, 202 Peverell Park Road, Plymouth, PL3 4QE www.plymouthholisticdoctor.co.uk email: rmcgill@doctors.org.uk tel: 07709 110579.

embercombe

inspiring committed action for a truly sustainable world

The Journey “Finding Earth, Finding Soul

September and November

Speaking Out “find your authentic voice”

November

18-25s: Catalyst “Shape your future”

September

Parents and children: “Natural learning” Every Tuesday a.m.

Schools and Teachers: “The outdoor classroom” all year round

www.embercombe.co.uk 01647 252 983 To find out more and to book your place: clare@embercombe.co.uk embercombe

28

| inspiring committed action for a truly sustainable world

People and Organisational Development

Garden facelift and relaunch of new cafe A SMALL part of Totnes is about to undergo a transformation – and the change will impact on a recently opened business too.

A public space, currently known as Shady Garden, next to the Arcturus building on An artist’s impression of how Fore Street, is to the new garden and seating be redesigned – area could look. probably with paved, seating and planted areas, although the final details are currently being decided following a public consultation.

Phase one, which will start almost immediately, has been financed by Rebecca and Rob Muddeman, whose family traded in Totnes High Street for 40 years: it will involve opening up the front of the area, removing the wall separating it from the neighbouring café, and creating a new stepped area in stone.

Phase two will completely redesign the garden area itself and the Totnes Public Space Forum – set up to make the most of town centre public spaces – is currently considering ideas given by the public at a recent exhibition in the nearby United Reformed Church hall.

The artist’s impressions and information displayed there can still be seen at the adjoining café, which opened recently as Thrive Café but which will now be rechristened Cafe Oasis.

“We feel Cafe Oasis will better reflect what the café is about – creating an oasis of calm and nourishment in the middle of the busy town,” said the café’s owner, Steve Hopwood.

The café is also contributing a drinking fountain to the scheme.

“In the short term it will be a simple, conventional drinking fountain, but we hope to raise some money to commission an artist to create a sculpture which incorporates the fountain – again tying in with the oasis theme.”

The second phase of the project is expected to be completed around this time next year.

Find out more about the Shady Garden plans at Café Oasis, 47 Fores Street, Totnes, 01803 840202.

City pub opens as co-op A PLYMOUTH pub has re-opened as a community owned-and-managed venue.

The Bread and Roses (previously known as Trafalgar Inn, Ebs Bar and Reds on Ebrington Street) is now run as a co-operative featuring live music, visual arts, film nights and other creative offerings – plus “a decent pint of local ale and lovely tea and cake!”

The driving force behind the project is a group of committed people including former researcher Justin Pollard, who manages the co-op; well-known Plymouth jazz vocalist Louise Parker, who will help curate the arts and music and Steve Berry, a senior lecturer at Plymouth College of Arts and brings his artistic expertise to the project.

Said Justin: “We’re also lucky to have the dynamic Catherine Wilcox as front-of-house to welcome you and make sure all is as it should be.”

To find out more, visit Twitter: @infobread or Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheBreadandRoses.

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Mindfulness at Sharpham THE lovely people at Sharpham are known for all manner of wonderful activities and events, many of which feature in Reconnect.

But one thing we’ve never touched on is their mindfulness classes, workshops and retreats.

September 5-8 Sarah Delfont and Duncan Moss will host Sustaining Ourselves Through Mindfulness, providing a residential break for those working in the voluntary and healthcare professions.

Booking essential.

On Sunday, September 8, there’s Mindfulness in Daily Life with Shahin Popple, 10am - 4pm, which is suitable both for those new to mindfulness and anyone wanting to refresh their skills.

An eight-week course, Mindfulness for Health & Well Being, starts on Wednesday, September 18 (7.30-9.30pm). And from Sunday September 15 to Friday 20, the Creative Vegetarian Cookery Retreat, with Linda Vincent, links vegetarian cookery with meditation and mindfulness.

To find out more and book, email bookings@ sharphamtrust.org or call 01803 732542.

Support for health links A NEW project brings together people from a community to look after each other and create a safer environment.

Neighbourhood Health Watch (NHW) helps communities support each other’s health needs by “connecting statutory, charitable and local business organisations and promoting links and trust between neighbours and communities to help them to make use of resources already available to them.”

The Network of Wellbeing, in partnership with Transition Town Totnes, is hosting a NHW event on August 3, from 10-11.30am, at the Methodist Church Hall, in Totnes.

Visit www.neighbour hoodhealthwatch.org.

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editor@reconnectonli ...email at local ne.co.uk local people local events local us food health local environment Drums and bard at Dartington

In the afterglow...

TWO events coming up over the next few weeks reflect the diverse mix you can expect at Dartington Hall.

On Friday, August 2, there’s Gamelan and African Drumming on the Great Lawn (or in Studio 3 if wet) – it’s free and starts at 4pm Then on Thursday, September 26, The Barn Cinema is showing Othello, live from the National Theatre. It starts at 7pm and costs £17.50.

Find out more at www. dartington.org/whats-on or call 01803 847070.

On the arts trail

WE really couldn’t put together a Big Outdoors issue without including an image from friend of Reconnect photographer Phil Hemsley (eagleeyed readers might also have spotted his prize winning shot Boof! on page 5).

So this stunner is called Eventide and

features his friend and fellow climber Jonathan Hawker looking out across the Vale of Widecombe, towards Hamel Down, in the lingering postsunset afterglow, says Phil.

“He’s sitting on one of the bouldering routes on the west face of Bonehill Rocks on Dartmoor,” says Phil.

City takes action to keep lights on in event of crisis IF the recent Ofgem predictions of power cuts as early as 2015 are to be believed, our towns and cities would do well to take urgent action now to ensure they can keep the lights on.

In Plymouth, environmental management consultant Jackie Young believes the city is well placed to act in the event of a power crisis.

Jackie, a specialist in the impact of climate change on businesses, says Plymouth’s low carbon economy is already inspirational and growing in confidence.

For example, the Marine Energy Park at the University combines a number of significant and well-funded renewable energy projects and manufacturing innovation includes the groundbreaking development of new LED lightbulbs.

The city will soon see the opening of the Energy from Waste Plant which will contribute large savings to the city’s carbon footprint and a solution to local waste disposal, regardless of its controversial development - a theme continued with the less controversial but equally innovative anaerobic food waste plant at Langage, already producing viable power supplies.

The City Council has recently launched Plymouth Community Energy - a co-operative aiming to support

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improved deals on energy costs for householders and an initiative that is closely driven by the need to reduce local fuel poverty.

And Plymouth has also been celebrating the award of a £70 million, ECO funded project with British Gas that will see both Plymouth Community Homes and the council encouraging insulation and renewable energy options for over 10,000 homes. Both options for efficient energy use.

Elsewhere, the city’s 186 Low Carbon Network of over 300 businesses has focused on the value of carbon as a commodity and the impact of the Carbon Reduction Commitment, or ‘carbon tax’, which has inspired many firms to made savings by better managing their resources.

Said Jackie: “There is little doubt that local commitments made in the mid-2000s have resulted in clearly defined ‘strategies’ for tackling climate change; with Plymouth’s Climate Change Framework highlighting the potential of a low-carbon economy as early as 2008 and with both the 2009 Action Plan and 2012 Local Carbon Framework setting out the first steps for its delivery….steps that already have supporting evidence.” l See also Local Energy on page 14.

To find out more about Phil’s work (he sells prints in all sizes and also runs photography courses), checkout the gallery on his website, www. morpheus71photography.co.uk, email morpheus71photography@ hotmail.com or call 07973 538857.

MORE than 50 artists and crafts people will open the doors of their studios and venues as part of the South Hams Arts Forum (SHAF) Arts Trail.

This rare chance to see behind the scenes of the creative process runs October 1927 and includes painting, printmaking, weaving, sculpture, jewellery and textiles.

Brochures are available from tourist information, libraries and other shops, or visit www. shaf.org.uk.

Dartmoor Centre CIC Counselling & Psychotherapy In Newton Abbot

Not for Profit - Community Interest

September Courses Advanced Diploma in Counselling

Professional qualification to be a counsellor

Diploma Supervision - career enhancing Diploma Children Young People Therapist super-hero training camp

Diploma Creative CBT Compassion Focused Skills

For details of all courses and the full programme of CPD to include Sandplay and first courses www.safespaceforcounselling.com Email : office@safespaceforcounselling.com or speak to Ken Rabone Director of Training tel 01803 867744

Editorial: 01392 346204 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

29

Check out thelocal Wellbeing in past local people events stories local food localReconnects... health local environment WELCOME to Wellbeing.

WELCOME to Wellbeing, the one big truly local guide to natural therapies and personal development across South Devon.

If you’re a practitioner and want to spread the word, get in touch.

An 1/8-page in the Wellbeing section, like those at the bottom of this page, can cost just £41.85 a month when you book six issues and pay by direct debit.

And there’s free editorial too to ensure you get the full message out there.

We’ve got a small but perfectly formed team of journalists and designers who will help you every step of the way.

Reconnect does NOT do the hard sell we simply believe in helping you to do what you WANT to do.

Call Pete on 01392 346342 or Martin on 01803 868455.

School takes top training award - for second year THE British School of Homoeopathy in Exeter has carried off the first prize for the second year running in the National Teaching Innovation Awards organised by the Society of Homoeopaths.

They took this year’s award for a paediatrics day in which students learnt the specific skills involved in working with children.

Turn to page 36 for the full story.

Try meditating in a sacred pyramid THERE’S a chance to experience meditation within a specially created pyramid listening to Buddha Maitreya Invocation meditation blessing music.

The Shambhala Ascension Meditation Pyramid is built to the precise 51-degree angle found in the Great Pyramid, and its creator, Buddha Maitreya, says it awakens “the connection between you and God.” “The pyramid is a very divine, sacred, geometric design,” he says. “Everything is based upon this design. Inside this system, inside this soul therapy, your telepathy of love, the quieting of your mind and the connection between you and God in previous lives becomes awakened.”

There is a suggested minimum donation of £10.

To find out more about meditating in the pyramid, in tranquil surroundings near Totnes, call 01803868676 or email Soul2massage@gmail.com.

To find out more of the work of Buddha Maitreya, visit www. buddhamaitreya.org.

Feeling good about yoga and the Earth

Nikki Chambers - donating 25% of proceeds to Earth charities

WHEN long time yoga student Nikki Chambers first came across Dru Yoga, she was struck by its graceful, flowing style, beautiful dance – like sequences, energy work, and its capacity to increase feelings of positivity and joy.

“But what I really fell in love with, “says Nikki, “was the way Dru uses natural imagery and links to the elements, connecting us to nature and universal energy. It left me feeling so wonderful I trained to teach it so I could share this gift with others.”

But Nikki decided to take the earth link one stage further.

“We will be practising outside whenever possible, and I will be donating 25% of proceeds to charities working to help the earth.”

Her first two recipients will be Pachamama Alliance (www.Pachamama.org), which is run in partnership with the Achuar tribe to protect the Forests of Ecuador, and, closer to home, Landmatters Co-op Permaculture Project ( www. Landmatters.org.uk), who are working with ways of living more lightly on the earth.

“So you can enjoy a relaxing and uplifting yoga class at the same time supporting the earth – how good does that feel?” says Nikki.

Yoga for the Earth classes will be held on Tuesday evenings at a venue to be confirmed, £6. To find out more, email earth_sky_yoga@yahoo.co.uk or call 01803 840138.

Norwegian Wood

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30

FREE Open Day

Complimentary and Sports Therapies Discover a hidden gem tucked away within Old Station Yard, Kingsbridge.

Saturday, September 14, 11am-3pm.

Free taster treatments and classes BBQ & refreshments Raffle with great prizes Children’s games & face painting Help us celebrate our 10th anniversary Pop along to find out what we have to offer.

We think you will be surprised!

• Norwegian Wood, Hollicombe Lane, Preston, Paignton TQ3 2DT

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• •

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10th anniversary

01548 853700 www.mayberrycentre.co.uk www.reconnectonline.co.uk

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Sporty side of reflexology WE all know reflexology is great for relaxation, but one South Devon practitioner says it can also be very helpful for sportspeople.

“Sports reflexology can help energise muscles, remove toxins and reduce muscle fatigue, inflammation and stiffness,” says Donna McCheyne, who’s based at The Mayberry Centre in Old Station Yard in Kingsbridge.

“Reflexology can also speed up injury recovery time, ease sports-related physical and emotional stress and enhance relaxation and sporting potential.

“It offers a safe, natural, drug-free option for all sport enthusiasts!”

Call Donna, below, on 07941 508004.

Peppermint fights off bugs IF, as this Big Outdoors Issue is suggesting, you set off in search of open air fun (or even if you just sit in the garden in the evening), you will almost certainly also encounter biting insects such as midges and mosquitoes.

Medical herbalist Dawn Ireland says she always turns to peppermint for both prevention, and when she forgets to put it on in advance, post-bite relief and anti-itching effect.

“Cooling to the skin,” says Dawn, “and repellent to most insects, peppermint is a good all-rounder and is easily accessible to everyone, even if you can only get a peppermint teabag and use cooled mint tea as a wash.

“To make a cooling, anti-itch and insect repelling spray add about six drops of peppermint essential oil to a 100ml spray bottle of witch hazel or plain water, shake and use as required (avoiding the eye area).

“The essential oil can also be used in an oil burner to good effect as a repellent.”

Visit www.torbay-herbalist.co.uk or call 07962 664294.

Lifecoaching over one weekend A NEW course offers you the chance to refresh your life and set it in a new direction.

Srimati (Maggie Kay), right, from Thrivecraft is offering Set Your Life Free, a complete life coaching programme in weekend format this September.

During the weekend, you will be guided to review your current situation - including relationships, career and finances - and visualise your ideal life. Having learned valuable tools to melt through doubts and obstacles, you will be shown how to make a clear plan that feels do-able.

“This uplifting and inspiring weekend will be laced with powerful teachings and meditations on the art of manifestation,” says Srimati. “It’s a rapid and affordable way to experience Thrivecraft’s unique

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lifecoaching programme.”

Srimati is also currently recruiting for six more candidates to train as certified Thrivecraft Coaches on a year long course.

Trainees attend monthly weekend Thrivecraft workshops throughout the year at Glazebrook Country House Hotel near South Brent, as well as receiving mentoring and tutorials.

There are also still a few places left to train as a certified Thrivecraft meditation teacher, starting September 20 at the Totnes Natural Health Centre. The course is suitable for experienced meditators who want training and accreditation as meditation teachers.

To find out more, call 07905 628905, visit www.srimati.com or see the events diary on page 43 for more details.

MBBS MNIMH

Natural healthcare for all the family Effective in the treatment of a variety of conditions including: • Anxiety, depression and stress • Digestive problems such as IBS, heartburn and colitis • Menopausal & prostate problems • Blood pressure & circulation issues The Herbal Clinic at Heavitree Osteopathic Clinic 5 North Street, Heavitree, Exeter EX1 2RH

www.dranitaclay.co.uk

Phone to see if Herbal Medicine could help you 01647 25 33 22

It’s Thyme!

Is it time to give yourself an opportunity to recover from childhood trauma such as sexual abuse, bullying, cruelty, abandonment etc?

For more than 25 years, I have worked with clients on the effects these experiences can continue to have in their adult lives.

I have particularly worked with many cases of sexual abuse, working both within NHS services and privately.

I am UKCP Accredited in Core Process Psychotherapy and work in Exeter.

Initial meetings are free of charge.

I also offer supervision to trained/trainee counsellors and therapists.

Morning Smith UKCP, Dip IDHP. 07739388962.

Editorial: 01392 346204 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

31

Do you want to advertise in Wellbeing?

Strength through gentleness

Acupuncture -

integrated method Mark Edlund Plater Totnes area 01803 862803 07506 179808 mark.edlundplater@gmail.com

Sue Vaughan

GQHP, DHH, DCN, RMANM

Kinesiology, Allergy Testing, Clinical Nutrition, Hypnotherapy, NLP. Treatments for: Allergies, Eczema, Panic Attacks, Depression, Candida, Hay fever, IBS, Chronic Fatigue, Blushing, Phobias, Anxiety, Menopause, Weight Loss and much more…Sue Vaughan, DHH, DCN, SQHP, RMANM clinics in Exeter and Kingsbridge Ring 07980 903733 for appointments and enquiries or contact me through my website. www.svaughan.co.uk

Reconnect to the wonder of childhood AS a small child, Hélène Demetriades lived in a beautiful village nestled in the Alps.

“A few years ago,” she said, “I looked at a picture of an alpine flower and felt a remembrance wash over me, as I re-experienced a vibrant global connectedness to this flower.

“The intense loss I had felt in leaving the Alps then made even greater sense to me.”

A similar connection to the wonder of childhood has been expressed by clients receiving the Metamorphic Technique from her.

“It’s a sense of deep sensitivity and open tenderness,” says Hélène, “a connection to a time before, as they put it, superimposed ideas of how they should be took hold.”

On receiving the Metamorphic

Technique other clients, some with long standing illness or deep-seated anxiety, have felt significant burdens lift from them, says Hélène.

“As their minds have stilled, fear has dropped away. They have marvelled at the wonder of synchronicities arising for them, calling them to a re-engagement with life, and demonstrating the sacred interconnectedness at its core.”

Hélène’s next workshop on the Metamorphic Technique is in Totnes on October 5 and 6, 10am-5pm each day.

Hélène also offers half-day Metamorphic Technique workshops on demand.

Find out more at www. helenedemetriades.co.uk, or call 01803 868655.

Create the perfect retreat WHEN lifecoach and therapist Kate Harris was given a juicer just before her 50th birthday, it literally changed her life.

“At the end of a seven-day detox programme I had lost 7 lbs in weight, given up caffeine and felt healthier and happier.

“I started to offer juices as an alternative breakfast for my B&B guests and was soon sharing information and my story with guests.”

This inspired Kate to train as a juice therapist and she is now running, three, five and seven-day juice detox retreats at her farmhouse B&B just outside of Totnes.

“The emphasis is very much on allowing the participants to create the experience they want,” said Kate. “We only take individuals and small groups and offer a bespoke service.

“Clients can also choose from a range of therapies from expert local practitioners, a wide choice of exercise facilities, including an indoor swimming pool, plus a sauna and lovely local walks.

“And if a full juice diet doesn’t appeal,

we also offer, juices, soups and salad, based on the alkaline diet principles.”

The accommodation is in Kate’s beautifully restored farmhouse “with family life going on around us”, so a warm welcome is assured.

Visit the New Detox page at www. sandwellfarmhouse.co.uk or call 01803 847674 or 0777 949 6240.

OFFICE OR THERAPY ROOMS TO RENT CENTRAL NEWTON ABBOT

• Fully furnished • Central locations • Friendly staff • Available immediately • Competitive rates • Rooms to let on half-day, daily or contract basis

39 Devon Square, Newton Abbot, TQ12 2HH • Tel: 01803 814 329 align.limited@gmail.com • www.alignyourhealth.co.uk For futher details or to arrange a viewing please contact the Clinic

We look forward to seeing you at ALIGN! 32

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A mirror in which to see yourself more clearly Experienced psychotherapist and counsellor for individuals and couples

A collaboration in which your experience is honoured and explored, allowing you to relax into a sense of safety and wholeness beyond any struggles or challenges.

Mayberry Centre owner, middle, with just some of the therapists who work there.

Centre celebrates its 10th year TUCKED away in Old Station Yard in Kingsbridge is The Mayberry Centre, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary this Summer.

And if that’s news to you, there’s the perfect opportunity to check it out when they celebrate with an open day on Saturday, September 14 (11am3pm).

The centre is home to eight therapists – Becki (centre owner), Sam, Ross, Irene, Donna, Tonia, Adam and Emma.

“We are fortunate to have such dedicated and knowledgeable therapists,” says Becki. “Their passion and commitment to their work is

clear to see and as a newly expanded team of professionals their strengths and skills complement each other perfectly.”

Treatments include sports therapy, injury management, acupuncture, kinesiology, massage, aromatherapy, Alexander technique, manual lymphatic drainage, non-surgical face lift, Reiki, Hopi ear candles and reflexology.

The open day will include free treatments, class taster sessions, barbecue, children’s games, face painting and raffle.

Find out more at www.mayberrycentre. co.uk or call 01548 853700.

How to get the competitive edge IF you’re active in a sporting activity – anything from running or swimming to horse riding or gym workouts – there’s one basic thing you need to get right for maximum performance and that competitive edge: your posture.

“Our brain controls every physical movement we make,” explains Catherine Crane Sarah Whitaker Catherine Crane of the Align Chiropractic, inhibiting neural function and Posture and Wellness Clinic in Newton sporting performance.

Abbot.

“Prevention of sporting injuries is “And all those messages are sent from much better than cure. If you are our brain down the spinal cord and conscientious about your health, want out through our peripheral nerves to to give yourself the best opportunity our muscles and organs. in your chosen sports field and want to improve and maintain the health “Your spinal cord is like a telephone you have, come in for an initial wire, constantly sending nerve consultation.” messages between dialler and Align offer a lower limb and gait receiver, brain and organs.” consultation for £25.

That spinal cord is of course housed Visit www.alignyourhealth.co.uk or and protected by the spine, a 24 call 01803 814329. vertebral joint complex, which moves in several directions to permit flexibility l Align and its team have been and movement. nominated for three business awards organised by the Herald Express.

“When the spine is in optimal posture,” says Catherine, “it allows Catherine has been nominated free flowing neural (nerve) messages for the Woman of Achievement between brain and organs. If Business Award, organised by the you have a trauma; a knock or Herald Express; Sarah Whitaker a fall, sporting injury or chronic has been shortlisted for Rising Star bad posture, then the spinal joints of the Year; and the Align practice will lock. This can sever the nerve itself has been shortlisted for New messages between brain and organs, Business of the Year.

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

Hélène Demetriades MBACP Senior Accredited Dartington, Totnes info@helenedemetriades.co.uk www.helenedemetriades.co.uk

01803 868655

Issues may include: depression, bereavement, trauma, anxiety, selfesteem, parenting, relationships, illness, purpose and life direction.

I also offer supervision to both trainees and experienced therapists.

sensitivity, kindness, and calm, combined with “ Hélène’s her non-judgemental insight have enabled me to make immensely significant and positive personal changes. ” THE GENTLE BUT POWERFUL METAMORPHIC TECHNIQUE IS ALSO AVAILABLE.

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Editorial: 01392 346204 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

33

Read past Wellbeing stories in our back issues...

Academy success at County Show SHOWS and events are great places to catch up with old friends and colleagues as well as meeting new ones, and past qualified students joined Gail and Derek Lowe to offer sample treatments on the Devon Academy’s stand at the Devon County Show.

Said Gail: “Over the three days we raised a total of £352 for Balloons who specialise in working with bereaved children and their families.”

Devon Academy will be back at the show next year but Gail says they’ll need a bigger stand due to demand.

Meanwhile, the academy is still looking for people to practice on at Marsh Barton in Exeter.

“We charge £7 a session at the academy for the general public to receive supervised treatments from our mature students,” said Derek. “ The standard of treatments is very high, there is free parking and we offer treatments during the week days as well as at weekends.

“We offer mainly holistic massage, including aromatherapy, reflexology and sports massage.”

Visit www.devonacademy.co.uk or call 01392 826033.

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34 34

Kaz Langley believes disabled people should be in control of their own lives.

Kaz helps disabled people find PA KAZ Langley has had a career so full and varied most people would have spent an entire lifetime fitting it all in.

Most of her career so far has been as an internationally renowned performance artist, travelling the world collaborating with and working for companies such as Graeae Theatre, Candoco Dance Company, Jess Curtis/Gravity and many others.

Kaz also featured in a short film as part of Channel 4’s Three Minute Wonder series.

As well as performing she has been active in the advancement of rights for disabled people, and has been a Regional Mentor for the Leonard Cheshire Disabled People’s Forum.

She was also the manager of Equality Associates.

With the birth of her son her direction in life changed and she now wants

to be settled in Devon. With her experience, and a lifelong knowledge of hiring personal assistants (PAs), Kaz has started a new business called Fascination of Endurance. Taking its title from one of her more recent performance creations, Fascination of Endurance aims to make hiring personal assistants (sometimes known as Support Workers) much easier for disabled people.

She said: “I want to make the task of finding the right PA easier and less stressful by giving disabled people a range of options over how they want to employ PAs.” Kaz believes that disabled people should be completely in control of their lives and helping them find the right PA is a big part of living autonomously as an independent individual.

Visit www.fascinationofendurance.co.uk

Drawing on her rich experience LEARNING and Development practitioner Gill Coombs, right, draws on broad experience of life and work to help others fulfil their potential.

Three years ago she toured the UK on foot and using public transport. She stayed with communities and ran workshops on living in harmony with our environment, other species, each other and ourselves.

Gill originally trained as a riding instructor and then as a therapeutic counsellor using gestalt thinking for facilitation and coaching work.

Her Learning and Development career began in large corporates but she chose to move into the public sector to work for organisations whose values and aims were more in line with her own.

She has worked with charities, the

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prison service, in higher education and most recently with housing associations.

In 2011 she came to Devon to do an MSc in Holistic Science at Schumacher College, and decided to stay.

She said: “At Schumacher I did my dissertation on people’s choice of work, drawing on learning from the natural world to understand how we come to do the work we do, and suggesting how we can use our work to give back to the natural world, particularly at this time of global crises.

“I’m currently working on a book about this topic, about which I’m passionate.”

Gill plans to begin working with ethical organisations in Devon.

Visit www.gillcoombs.co.uk or call Gill on 01803 762840 or 07729 331676.

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Dance classes to stir soul CLASSES described as “dance exploration that opens the mind, relaxes the body and stirs the soul” have come to the UK from California.

Leela Wendy Fisk, right, says “following dance as a path led to my feet living in the most curious corners of the world” - including Esalen Institute in California where she taught Soul Motion.

Now her feet have brought her to Totnes where she is running classes open to all beginners and dancers.

She says: “I share Soul Motion’s key teachings within a palette of inspirations from studies of many movement forms including Halprin and the fluid body work of Continuum.

“Each class offers a fresh physical, spatial and expressive theme to explore movement alone and together.”

Leela believes everyone can take some of the self-expression and relational awareness they experience on the dancefloor into the rest of their lives. “‘The dance floor magnifies how we engage with our everyday lives,” says Leela. “It offers space to move with awareness. When we step back into the everyday dance, we may notice a wider view on what is happening and an increased sense of awareness and

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www.trinityholistics.co.uk take control of your health & happiness playful options to move with life.”

Leela says she weaves movement awareness and expression through her work as a classroom and homeschool curriculum teacher and a writer.

She takes her classes to visit younger/ older populations and groups wide and far and also offers KS2 curriculum tutoring and mentoring.

For more information email leeladance@gmail.com, call 07940 523270, visit www.soulmotion.com or www.leeladance.com, or follow her at facebook.com/leeladance.

Alternatively, “just turn up” at one of her weekly Soul Motion classes at Keviccs Ariel Centre – on Wednesdays 7-9pm from September 11 throughout term-time.

Leela’s other dance events include: a women’s movement exploration at Landmatters on August 28, 7-9pm; and Entering the Dance, a day workshop on September 29.

Trinity Holistics offers a wide range of mind body & spirit therapies & classes.

Consultations in person, online, or by email/phone: 07841 344934

Psychotherapy Counselling & Supervision

Jackie spreads word on Deeksha FOR Jackie Watson the life-long search for awakening and enlightenment has ended with the discovery of Deeksha during a month-long visit to a spiritual university in India. Now she wants to spread the word.

The Oneness University near Chennai aims to awaken people into their natural state of being.

No matter what their path, religion or spiritual practice, everyone is welcome there. The course is intensive and designed to release all the charges and layers of experience that have been stored as pain.

“When these charges are fully experienced, the pain is released, resutling in freedom,” says Jackie. “A physiological change actually takes place within the brain.”

The energy that facilitates this shift is a divine transmission known as Deeksha or Oneness Blessing, says Jackie. It’s a simple but profound transfer of energy which is given by the laying- on of hands to the head.

Jackie has been so uplifted by her experiences she wants to share them together with fellow oneness blessing giver Hilary Bee. Said Jackie: “The changes in me since returning have really surprised and delighted me. I have shed the old heavy overcoat lined with pain and sorrow, and now have a ground state of happiness in which unhappiness struggles to arise, and if it does the mind cannot hold it for long, and it soon collapses.

“I and others are now able to help many people. By laying our hands on their head, the process of awakening will begin, a process which is now accelerating at an even faster pace, with more people awakening daily all over the world.”

Call Jackie Watson on 01626 854367, email info@jackiewatson.co.uk, or call Hilary Bee on 07414 625146, or email her at hilary@flowerofgrace. com to find out about groups in your area. One to One sessions and talks can also be arranged.

Plan to set up Exeter Shamanic group A CALL has gone out to anyone interested in forming a new shamanic drumming circle, to meet near Exeter and/or Dartmoor.

Gill Westcott. The circle would be open to anyone who can journey, with the first meeting proposed for September.

“We would like to meet on a regular basis, to journey, share skills, and support our shamanic practice,” says

Call Gill on 01647 24789 (gillwest42@yahoo.co.uk), or Jan on 01647 40759.

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trinity holistics

with Lucia Capaldi (UKCP) BA Hons

Experienced and qualified psychotherapist currently offering: Confidential sessions for individuals and couples experiencing:

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Relationship difficulties Anxiety Depression Low self-esteem Addictions Bereavement Stress

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Building A Successful Practice

Workshops for psychotherapists, counsellors and complimentary therapists Book now for the next workshop on July 13th

Working with clients who misuse alcohol One-day CPD workshop for counsellors and therapists.

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Please get in touch to arrange a free initial meeting or for dates of upcoming workshops and groups

Bridge Farm Offices, Harberton, Totnes. Tel: 07809 441 519 or 01803 840424 luciacapaldi@yahoo.co.uk www.luciacapaldi-psychotherapy-devon.co.uk

Editorial: 01392 346204 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

35

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Mo Morrish, centre, and Ali Morrish, second from left, with students at the British School of Homoeopathy in Exeter.

School wins teaching innovation title Singing Wild

Sunday 21st July - £65

3 Day Voice Development small group 15/16/17 August - £250

Medicine Singing Weekend 23/24 August - £120

Visit www.thesingingpath.com or call 01364 621227

Singing to Inspire Your Life

ICAN Counselling and Psychotherapy

You don’t need to suffer alone Andrea Nemcova

Dip.PC MNCS(acc). Dip.Hyp.Cs. MHS

Qualified counsellor and psychotherapist

FINDING new ways to teach is proving rewarding for Exeter homoeopaths Mo and Ali Morrish.

The couple, who run the British School of Homoeopathy, have won first prize for the second year running in the National Teaching Innovation Awards organised by the Society of Homoeopaths.

In 2011 the school, based at the Exeter Natural Health Centre in Queen Street, was runner-up with their hay fever clinic when fourth year students ran their own seasonal clinic for the public.

Last year’s win came with a teaching session for students in which an actress played differing scenarios as a simulated patient so that students could safely explore case taking techniques.

This year the winning entry was for a paediatrics’ day in which students learnt the specific skills involved in working with children.

As well as studying common ailments, students were also given the chance to ask questions of three guest patients who represented various stages of development from toddler through to teens and to have a presentation about play therapy – working with children in traumatic circumstances.

As well as current students, the day was open to the school’s postgraduate and associate members, who are increasingly

With over 25 years of experience in healthcare provides compassionate and confidential counselling for individuals and couples • stress • anxiety • anger • self-sabotage • low self-esteem • loss and bereavement • relationship issues

becoming more involved with the school, inspired by its patientcentred learning approach which puts the patient at the heart of the learning process. This enables students to observe patient consultations from day one of their training and to take learning tools from these sessions which, along with regular curriculum study, leads students to be better prepared to run their own practice.

Associate member Sarah Dewar said: “The most significant thing I took from the day was how to incorporate what I learnt into every day practice.

I have studied, read books, have a good understanding of homoeopathy but this seemed to give me a wake up call. The patient-centered approach and practical application of homoeopathy are what really matter in every day practice.

Fourth year student Julie Tamblyn, said: “For me, the day exemplified what the school does so well. It was truly inspirational and innovative and I learnt such a lot.”

Established in 1985, the School is fully accredited with the Society of Homoeopaths and has a long history of teaching sound, professional ‘real’ homoeopathy.

The school is now holding informal interviews for the new academic year starting in September.

Call 01392 422555, email bsh@enhc.org or visit www. britishschoolofhomoeopathy.co.uk.

“

The choice is yours

call on 01392 430115 or visit www.ican-counselling.org.uk 07738 228 654 - 01626 368 216

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...email us at

Euro therapy is growing in UK SOPHROLOGY brings together a number of body-mind techniques, including breathing exercises, body movements and positive visualisations, and although it is relatively new to the UK, and still growing, it is already hugely popular in Europe.

Practitioner Marion Beauregard is based in South Devon and sees clients on a one-to-one basis, facilitates group sessions and delivers workshops in the UK and in France.

She says: “Sophrology aims to develop a new state of consciousness in which we explore our values, our inner positive resources, discover our potential and experience a new quality of presence.”

The method can be used for therapeutic purposes (stress and anxiety, sleep problems, chronic fatique, weight problems, etc), personal development (low selfconfidence, adapting to change, developing positive thinking, etc) and mental preparation (for surgery, birth, exams, etc).

Marion has recently launched a variety of stress management and wellbeing programmes using Sophrology, ranging from oneday training to a course of short sessions.

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Marion Beauregard “The programmes are tailored to the organisation’s needs,” says Marion. “I can work with medical and caring professions, with business personnel and with teaching and admin staff within educational establishments.

“The programmes are adapted to our modern hectic lifestyle, providing quick, easy techniques they can use in their personal and professional lives.”

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THERE are dreams – and there are dreams…

There are those things we think we want and then the deeper, more authentic dreams buried underneath – what Sapphira de la Terre, right, calls “soul dreams”.

“Unearthing these soul dreams,” says Sapphira, “is partly a question of dissolving old conditioning – who we have been led to believe we are and what we should want – and partly about having the courage to explore what we truly yearn for.”

Sapphira says she can provide support with both through a series of four workshops, which have already proved hugely popular with attendees.

The first weekend, which people can attend as a taster, is called Dare to Dream, and focuses on dissolving beliefs such as, ‘there’s no point even asking myself what I want because I’ll never get it anyway.’

The second, The Power of Knowing What You Want, explores both what you might want to manifest externally, as well as how you want to be feeling on a daily basis - for example, peaceful, joyful, or quietly energised.

The next workshop, Overcoming Self Sabotage, is an opportunity to examine and break through the ways in which we sabotage ourselves.

And the last, Living the Dream,

includes making a visionboard to anchor your dreams, as well as looking at what support you might need to make them a reality.

“Life can then increasingly become a blessed circle,” says Sapphira. “The more you move towards your dreams, the more you are living from your authentic essence… and the more you intuitively know what it is you truly want and need.”

Sapphira also offers support between workshops with the fortnightly EFT group (see listings on page 43) and works with people individually in a similar vein.

For a leaflet or more information email her at sourceress@hotmail. co.uk, or call 01803 862628.

Train in Massage at Devon Academy

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UK & Ireland Oneness Tour Exeter: 28 Sept 7 - 10pm, 29 Sept 10am - 6.30pm Sat AND Sun early bird price £65; £75 after 20 Sept For more information contact: Hilary Bee 01803 840490 hilary.flowerofgrace@gmail.com www.onenessuk.org/anette.htm

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Editorial: 01392 346204 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

37

You can still read Wellbeing stories in past Reconnects...

Project offers £10 acupuncture THE People’s Acupuncture Project is celebrating its first year of providing affordable acupuncture to Exeter.

Eleanor Breen and Charlotte Johnston, who run the community acupuncture project, say their work has been very well received.

Charlotte said: “The People’s Acupuncture Project offers low cost treatment by taking Eleanor Breen (left) and Charlotte Johnston several people together such as back pain, neck and shoulder in one room. Patients are tension, and frozen shoulder. offered a sliding fee scale from £15£30 per treatment and pay whatever Eleanor says: “People are often they feel they can afford - no questions unaware of the conditions acupuncture asked.” can treat so it’s worth chatting to us to see if acupuncture could help.”

Eleanor and Charlotte started the project to make acupuncture The multi-bed setting can seem accessible to everyone, whatever their unusual, but Charlotte says: “In China, financial means. the home of acupuncture, it is normal to treat people together in this way Eleanor says: “People with health and is therefore more authentic.” problems often have lower incomes so cannot afford private treatment.

To celebrate their birthday The Community acupuncture allows People’s Acupuncture Project is people to come for as long as they offering Reconnect readers their first need to feel better.” treatment for just £10. Just mention the Reconnect offer when booking.

Charlotte and Eleanor treat people with conditions including insomnia, The People’s Acupuncture Project is at headaches, digestive disorders, Exeter Community Centre on St David’s menopausal symptoms, emotional Hill. Call 07834 160906 or visit www. problems and physical conditions peoplesacupunctureproject.com.

Singing the song of connection

MEDITATION PYRAMID Buddha Maitreya Ascension Meditation Pyramid available for meditation sessions in tranquil surroundings near Totnes

Call 01803 868676

or email Soul2massage@gmail.com

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FOR Sarah Patterson, singing is more than a pastime - it’s a way of life and a means of connecting with the world around her.

As a creative visionary and sound and energy pioneer, Sarah loves to explore new ways of singing and relating, whether co-creating with musicians from around the world, recording in the studio, singing wild in nature or travelling to meet with different communities to share spontaneous songs.

Sarah lives down a track on Dartmoor, overlooking a beautiful valley just down from one of the tors in a house built of granite and crystal. Singing is a way of life for Sarah Patterson Surrounded by wild nature and clear, supportive energy, About her workshop Sarah said: “The she enjoys “communicating with the Singing Path includes co-creative ponies, foals, sheep, buzzards, gorse, inspiring workshops where we rocks, land and much else”. nourish each other, the evolution of our singing and the pathways we are Sarah has a background in traditional acupuncture which informed her exploring in our lives.” development of sound, breath and All workshops include breath and energy techniques and bodywork. Her bodywork and some have guest Singing Medicine workshops include teachers. some of that experience and direct Visit www.thesingingpath.com or call work with Medicine Buddha in the Tibetan tradition.

01364 621227.

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Time to make real contact ARE we losing the ability to make valuable human contact?

We have a myriad of ways to ‘keep in touch’, including Facebook, smartphones, iPads and many more.

And yet people are feeling more isolated and lonely than ever.

Psychologists say around 85% of communication is down to the more subtle nuances of body language, eye contact and tone – all of which is lost when we send a text or ‘like’ a comment on Facebook. We’re saying: “I am here.” But are we really?

Counselling can provide a deeper more intimate connection, so what can counsellors do to promote the profession in a way that reaches more people and opens doors to therapeutic possibilities available?

Leigh Smith, director of studies at Heartwood Ltd in Dartington, says the counselling profession needs to address the changing needs of both client and counsellor.

“We need to move away from some of the stigma and stereotypes surrounding therapy and look more closely at the creative, lively and powerful work taking place in the therapy room,” she says.

“A good starting place for these changes is in the way counsellors are trained. A counselling student needs more than just theory to become proficient, and a bag full of fancy interventions and skills is useless unless

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the counsellor has the confidence and robustness to meet each client with an open mind and a strong sense of their own value and worth.

“These qualities are often not addressed on a training programme but for me they are fundamental to the training of any counsellor.”

And what about those that do not seek counselling?

“Perhaps we can all learn to offer a little more real communication and a little less ‘screen’ talk,” suggests Leigh.

“Offering time to listen face-to-face over a cuppa, offering a warm silence rather than a judgement, an empathic connection rather than advice, eye contact and a warmth which communicates compassion rather than reaching for a distraction.

“The value of being truly seen and heard for who we intrinsically are without judgement has the potential to heal at the deepest and most fundamental level.”

Anyone interested in learning more about counselling, or wanting to speak to a counsellor, can call Heartwood on 01803 865464.

“We are based on the beautiful Dartington Hall Estate,” says Leigh, “ and run courses which are professionally accredited, nurturing and creative. It is never too late to start a career in counselling.”

Visit www.heartwood counselling.org.

Dartington estate - home to Heartwood Counselling

devon

the

schoolof

shiatsu

www.devonshiatsu.co.uk

Shiatsu Discovery Weekend

Price: £120 with full course notes & lunch You will learn:

Buckyette Farm,Totnes TQ9 6ND Tel 01803 762593 Email: info@devonshiatsu.co.uk

About Five Element Shiatsu and how to give a simple full body shiatsu treatment for friends and family.

It is also a great taster for a new career!

Next Course: 31st August - 1st September

Editorial: 01392 346204 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

39

Contact us now to advertise in Wellbeing VOUCHER

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We look forward to seeing you at ALIGN! Deep and sensitive massage to ease tensions and help you relax deeply …

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On a Friday. Bring this voucher to your session. Reductions for block bookings also possible.

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Yogafest organisers Maite, Karamroop and Nikki.

Festival returns with all things yoga YOGAFEST Totnes returns on September 14 to again explore all things yoga and introduce local teachers and the styles they offer.

Again organised by Karamroop, Maite and Nikki, Yogafest aims to “offer the joys of yoga to everyone.”

Nikki says: “You don’t necessarily need to be super strong, fit and bendy to join a class - some classes can be physically demanding, but other styles are very gentle.”

And yoga is about far more than physical wellness, says Nikki.

“Yoga also includes a moral/ethical code, posture work, breathing, concentration and meditation practices and, ultimately, connection with universal consciousness.

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“So whether you desire a stronger, more flexible body, to increase vitality, reduce stress, gain clarity of mind, self-acceptance and compassion, to be more present, feel more joy, or to develop a connection with the divine (or all the above), yoga is for you!”

Yogafest Totnes classes run from 9am-6pm at Birdwood and Bogan House, followed by Kirtan (chanting) 6.30-7pm. Catering is by Café Om. Day tickets are £30 (£25 concs), dropin is £6 a class and the chanting alone is £3. 10% of ticket sales and all of chanting ticket sales go to charity.

To find out more visit www.yogafesttotnes.co.uk or call 07894 444 506 and to book email kaurkaramroop@ gmail.com.

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40

Providing Counselling, psychotherapy, and training in our community.

COMPLEMENTARY THERAPIES FOR HEALTH AND WELLBEING • Acupuncture • Reflexology and Reiki • Aromatherapy Massage

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KEEP CALM AND CARRY ON BEING MINDFUL MINDFULNESS MEDITATION (Drop-in) OPEN TO ALL

Tues evening 7pm – 8.15pm Thurs evening 7.15pm - 8.15pm

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ww.reconnectonline. past Living on Less at whealth co.uk localRead people local events localpages food local local environment

Living on less...

Volunteer and make a difference IF you’ve read this issue in the conventional way, from front to back, you will already have ingested a great many words about getting outside and doing stuff (and if you have turned to this page first, thank you, I love you – but then you’re probably a member of my family, so you already know that).

So by way of drawing things to a neatly rounded conclusion, if we set off to explore The Big Outdoors from a Living On Less perspective, what do we see? Well, the natural world is generally a very welcoming place for those of us looking to enjoy a richer life without spending (and therefore having to earn) lots of dosh.

Moor walking, wild swimming (see page 22), beachcombing, cycling – all wonderful open-air, closed-wallet pursuits.

You will need a bike for cycling (you probably got there without my help), but if you’re prepared to resist the allure of high-brand logos and components made from the aeronautic industry’s latest alloy, you can pick up some real bargains from those who couldn’t.

All those surveys insist we’re a nation of anglers, but I can’t pretend to know the first thing about fishing. I get the impression that it can be pretty expensive but that again you can buy perfectly adequate gear secondhand if you just want to get to the water’s edge and catch dinner.

Likewise, gardening can cost you a Barbour-clad-arm and a Hunterwellied-leg if you shop in those horticultural supermarkets called garden centres. But if you talk to the people who actually grow things in nurseries, there are still bargains to be had – and there are seed and plant swap groups all over the area.

STAYING with our Big Outdoors theme, Martin Foster looks at the joys of getting involved as a volunteer on local land-based projects - give a little time and get so much back...

With a little help...

But for the ultimate, free, rewarding, nourishing, fun and sharing outdoor experience, I recommend volunteering at one of any number of local land projects.

Now I must first declare an interest here because, as you will already have read on page 17, we are involved in The Hillyfield, which runs regular monthly volunteer days. But which ever project you get involved in, they really are a great way to do something worthwhile and at the same time meet other really interesting volunteers (from a hugely varied range of backgrounds) and have a great time.

Check out the individual projects to find out exactly what they offer and what they need from you (I’ll run through a few local ones in a mo), but generally turn up wearing sensible boots and clothing, take a pair of heavyweight gloves if you have them, and food to share.

Detox retreat for health and happiness Bespoke detox retreats for individuals and small groups.

Choose from juicing, soups and salads, and a range of therapies, to create the experience you want – including indoor swimming pool and sauna!

Sandwell Farmhouse Detox Retreat, Totnes www.sandwellfarmhouse.co.uk

01803 847674

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First on our list of great places to volunteer is (had to be, really)...

The Hillyfield… a wonderful woodland farm on the edge of Dartmoor, as well as being home to the now famous Hillyfield Hens, with 27 acres of woodland and 17 of pasture – all of it pure magic (ok, so I’m a little biased but really, you will love the place).

Doug King-Smith manages the forestry, and all the events and activities associated with it, with just the help of part-time woodspeople (and full-time lovely couple) Nigel and Kerry, plus a team of volunteers, so you know that when you turn up on the second weekend of the month to get involved, you really are making a difference.

Doug’s keen to remind people of a time when the community worked together, “before industrial agricultural methods stripped back working to one man with a chainsaw and a tractor.”

Jobs vary through the seasons but include stacking wood, clearing brambles (remember I said to take gloves?), clearing paths, restoring springs… all so much more enjoyable when you’re part of a team.

Find out more at www.thehillyfield. co.uk.

Next up is Embercombe, which “invites people and organisations on a journey to discover their potential as leaders.”

There are always between 2-8 volunteers living on site, working five days a week in exchange for yurt accommodation, food from the Embercombe gardens and food store and opportunities to learn and grow.

You can also volunteer for one or several days a week on a regular basis, working on a specific project in

the garden, forest or estate, or helping with whatever is happening on the day.

Find out more at www.embercombe. co.uk.

Moor Trees plant trees across the region, grown from locally collected seeds and nurtured by volunteers – around 200 a year.

Work ranges from collecting seeds and creating new beds in the Moor Trees nursery to planting natural woodland on and around Dartmoor.

They run regular activities on Tuesday afternoons and Sundays, when a minibus is available from Plymouth.

Find out more at www.moortrees.org.

Trees for Health run an agroforestry project in South Devon and are also featured in this issue. They hold regular volunteer days on the first Monday of every month and other days based around specific events.

Find out more on page 6 and visit www.treesforhealth.org.

Devon Wildlife Trust is working hard to ensure Devon is a “living landscape in which wildlife on land and in the sea is varied, plentiful and widespread” – and they too rely heavily on volunteers with over 400 on the books.

DWT say the best way to get involved is to register with them and they will get back to you with details of tasks available.

Find out more at www.devonwildlife trust.org.

There are many other groups looking for help - if you’re part of one of them, get in touch and we’ll happily run a shout out in the next issue.

And the rest of you, get out there there’s work to be done!

are you a therapist?

If so, you are invited to a FREE Open session at Exeter Mind and Body Clinic includes: • Mini - meditation with Jacqueline Kareh • Talk on heart-centred business by Venus Award nominee Cathy Towers • Networking, room viewing, refreshments

“An oasis of calm in the centre of the city” Pre-registration required 07989 564660 http://www.exetermindandbody.com/for-therapists Monday 24th June 6pm to 7.30pm Sunday 4th August 5pm to 6.30pm

Cathy Towers BACP Senior Accredited Practitioner

01395 278437 07989 564660 Exeter Mind & Body Clinic, Choristers House, Chapel Street, Exeter EX1 1AJ ClInIC: www.exetermindandbody.com ThErAPy: www.cathytowers.com CPD TrAInIng: www.pppsouthwest.co.uk

Editorial: 01392 346204 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

41

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You can read pasttoLiving on Less columns in our online archive...

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENTS OUR single and double column advertisements on these pages are £55 and £98. Lineage ads, like those on page 43, are 90p a word, with a minimum of 20 words. Plus a FREE photo!

Just email your ad to adverts@reconnectonline. co.uk (with a phone number) and we’ll contact you about payment.

The next deadline is Friday, September 6.

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Courses in Exeter 2013 ART IN HEALTH: Practical Applications ART IN MENTAL HEALTH: A Foundation Course in Art Therapy Short courses in Sandtray Therapy - Practical Applications; Art, Conflict & Anger Management.

Also supervision/mentoring for arts and health practitioners.

For information see www.insiderart.org.uk or e-mail info@insiderart.org.uk

Pat Hoare

Therapeutic Counselling Supervision Hypnotherapy and Stress Management 24a Gandy Street Exeter EX4 3LS Tel: 01392 410090 Email: pat@pathoare.eclipse.co.uk Web: www.caseconfidential.com

PAT HOARE. DIP. COUNS. B.A.C.P. ACCREDITED

required for disabled woman and her son.

• No experience necessary, must be open minded.

• Driver essential.

• Shifts 2-4 days including sleep-ins.

• 8-10 days pm, average wage £1,300 pm. t: 01392 832232 e: kaz@fascinationofendurance.co.uk w: www.fascinationofendurance.co.uk FOREST SCHOOL

COUNSELLING

Over 32 years’ experience - offers confidential therapeutic counselling for individuals and couples.

Female Personal assistant

JOURNEYING

MEDITATION

Waycotts Orchard Forest School

Waycotts Orchard Forest School welcomes you to experience exciting and inspiring classes for children, families and adults.

Encouraging you to learn about the natural world, through playing games, craft activities and exploration. See workshops for dates.

Call Neil on 07974 414323 www.waycotts.org.uk MASSAGE

REIKI

RETREATS/SHOWS

RETREATS

Rainbow’s End is a pretty cottage near the sea in Branscombe. Individual/group retreats are on the basis of a suggested donation of £25 p.p www.rainbowsendcottage.co.uk

MIND, BODY AND SPIRIT SHOWS 29th & 30th June, Seaton Town Hall, 10am-5pm 19th October, Axminster Guildhall, 10am-5pm 22nd February 2014, Torquay Town Hall, 10am-5pm

Phone Sandi Clark 07900 824089 for details, to book a retreat or to take part in the shows.

WEB SERVICES

Yoga in your home YOGA

One-to-One & Two-to-One Sessions Small groups (3-8) All abilities catered for Tailored to your needs REASONABLE RATES

Call Mel Evans 07590 073377 42

Website www.heartwoodyoga.co.uk

Advertising: 01392 346342 adverts@reconnectonline.co.uk

YOGA

holistic yoga for health, happiness and wellbeing

Yoga, Meditation, Relaxation Classes, workshops Daytimes, evenings and weekends Suitable for all levels of ability Everyone welcome!

Yoga Torbay, Second Floor, 45 Fleet Street, Torquay, TQ2 5DW Contact Virginia 07875217970

www.yogatorbay.com

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

adverts@reconnecto

nline.co.uk

...email Pete at Counselling

DAVID AGASEE BA (Hons) BACP Member, Diploma in Counselling and CBT - experienced Person Centred Counsellor, practising in Crediton and Exeter.

Call 07964714172.

E-mail dagasee@ gmail.com

AFFORDABLE Creative Counselling: Depressed or Anxious? Reconnect with your life force.

First session free, thereafter £25-40.

Totnes & Newton Abbot. Ruth Jenni, above, 079740977877 oakflowercounselling @yahoo.co.uk.

Herbal Medicine

ANYONE interested in shaman/shamanic practitioner gathering in Exeter and/or Dartmoor? Contact me to talk about a possible September get together - Gill 01647 24789 gillwest42@yahoo. co.uk Woodworking

TRADITIONAL woodwork, domestic-kitchens; bathrooms; doors & more. furniturefitted & freestanding.

Qualified marine carpenter. Totnes based. Ring Max on 07772570025.

WORKSHOPS& COURSESDIARY

McAdams, £48, 10am4.30pm, Growers Organics, Yealmpton, www.growersorganics. com, 01752 881180.

To advertise your workshops or courses here, simply email us the words, along with your name, address and phone number and we will invoice you. The cost is just 90p a word, with a minimum of 20 words. Email adverts@reconnectonline.co.uk, or call Pete on 01392 346342.

AUGUST

Sat 7 & Sun 8

Wed 7 & Wed 21

HERBAL Medicine Weekend – Learn the practical skills of herbal medicine at the Althea Herbal Healing Garden two miles from Totnes. £150 including lunch and herbal products. www.greenlaneherbs. co.uk

EFT SUPPORT GROUP: turn challenges into transformation in a safe supportive group, using Emotional Freedom Technique.

6.45-9.15pm, central Totnes. Sapphira at sourceress@hotmail. co.uk/01803 862628 Wednesday 28

WOMEN’S movement exploration with Leela, 7-9pm with tea and fire, Landmatters, Totnes, £10, www. leeladance.com, 07940 523270.

Saturday 31

SHIATSU DISCOVERY Weekend, with full course notes and lunch. Price £120.

The Devon School of Shiatsu, Totnes. Tel 01803 762593. Email: info@devonshiatsu. co.uk.

SEPTEMBER Wed 4 & Wed 18

EFT SUPPORT GROUP: turn challenges into transformation in a safe supportive environment, using Emotional Freedom Technique. 6.459.15pm, central Totnes. Sapphira at sourceress@hotmail. co.uk/01803 862628

Wednesday 11

MOSAIC Making Course, with tutor Jane Stevens, £48 + £10, 10am-4.30pm, Growers Organics, Yealmpton, www. growersorganics.com or 01752 881180.

SOUL MOTION dance exploration with Leela, Keviccs Ariel Center, 7-9pm, £10, www. leeladance.com, 07940 523270.

Sunday 15

JEWELLERY Making for Beginners with tutor Fiona Cocks, £48 + £5, 10am-4.30pm, Growers Organics, Yealmpton, www. growersorganics.com or 01752 881180.

Thursday 12

BUDDHISM & Meditation. Introductory Course with Vidyadasi at Exeter Natural Health Centre, 6 x Thursdays, Sept 12-Oct 10 , 7.30pm, £40/£35 low-income. 12 places.

Practical, hands-on, friendly, lots of space for questions. Email Vidyadasi to book: jess. vidya@gmail.com. See www.triratnadevon.org for more info.

Wednesday 18

SOUL Motion dance exploration with Leela, Keviccs Ariel Center, 7-9pm, £10, www. leeladance.com, 07940 523270.

l Traditional Light Sussex l Blue/Black/Splash Orpington l Hatching eggs, chicks and point-of-lay hens l Friendly help and advice

Call Jenny on 01803 868455 or Doug on 07976 589 927

www.thehillyfield.co.uk

DETOX & DREAM: a safe space to explore your heart’s desire over two Sundays, plus a Tuesday evening supporting you with a physical detox in between. Totnes. £95 (£75 if paid by Sep 4), sourceress@hotmail. co.uk or 01803 862628 for more info.

Monday 23

Until Thursday 26.

GREEN Woodworking Course - make a child’s chair with tutor Peter Lanyon, £240 + £5 for materials, 10am-4.30pm each day, Growers Organics, Yealmpton, www.growersorganics. com or 01752 881180.

Sunday 29

ENTERING the Dance ~ a Soul Motion workshop with Leela.

Inquiries into our personal and relational movement, with music.

10am-4pm, £35, www. leeladance.com/07940 523270 to book.

OCTOBER Saturday 5/Sunday 6

METAMORPHIC Technique workshop, for both general public and people wishing to train as practitioners.

Get in touch for more details – info@ helenedemetriades. co.uk, 01803 868655.

NOVEMBER FRI 1 – SUN 3

LAND AND VISION - Women’s Weekend in Dorset with Jackie Juno, Lunar Samhain, beautiful venue, organic food. Creativity, journeying, sacred sites, sisterhood... £255, concessions available. jackiejuno@ yahoo.co.uk or 01626 835802.

Friday 20

Saturday 14

Organically kept, pasture-range poultry

Sun 22/Tues 24/ Sun 29

Wednesday 25

SOUL Motion dance exploration with Leela, Keviccs Ariel Center, 7-9pm, £10, www. leeladance.com, 07940 523270.

Until October 25 THRIVECRAFT Meditation Teacher Training (for experienced meditators) with Srimati, Fridays 2.305pm, Totnes Natural

STONE Walling Course, with tutor Maxine

Hillyfield Hens

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

Sat 14 & Sun 15

DARE TO DREAM: A safe space to explore your heart’s desire, and to dissolve what gets in the way of even dreaming - a weekend with Sapphira in Totnes. £80 (£60 if paid by Sep 4), sourceress@ hotmail.co.uk OR 01803 862628 for more info.

SET Your Life Free: Discover Your Purpose and Create Your Dreams, Thrivecraft Life Coaching workshop with Srimati, 10am5pm,Glazebrook Country House Hotel, £149 (inc lunch), www. srimati.com.

CERTIFIED Thrivecraft Coach Training with Srimati, 10am-5pm, one year x monthly w/e workshops, www. srimati.com.

Health Centre, £75, www.srimati.com.

ENVIRONMENTAL expressive arts programme, Bicton College, East Devon.

Deepening our creative relationship with the Earth and each other.

For more info - www. bicton.ac.uk INTRODUCTION to Pottery Course with tutor Tim Gee, £48 + £2, 10am-4.30pm, Growers Organics, Yealmpton, www. growersorganics.com or 01752 881180.

Becoming who you truly are The more you let go of old ideas about who you think you are, the more you become your authentic self… and the more you intuitively know your heart’s desire

Dare to Dream Sep 14/15 or 22 & 29 The Power of Knowing What You Want Oct 12/13 Overcoming Self Sabotage Nov 16/17 Living the Dream Dec 7/8 For a leaflet/info: sourceress@hotmail.co.uk/01803 862628

Editorial: 01392 346204 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

43

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