Read ALL our back issues at www.reconnectonline.co.uk FEBRUARY/MARCH 2014 ISSUE 29
Pleas
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the green living magazine for Exeter, Plymouth and South Devon
redstar - lifestyle Festival MF guide 2014! Your BIG seven-page guide
FREE please take one and pass it on
Ways of wellbeing
Our unique 13-page guide
Giving quads a plug Power at the flick of a switch
Making a meal of it
Local, seasonal, organic - and raw ALSO INSIDE: Organic gardening
Round the houses School builds on tradition
l PV pump project l Events diary l Hillyfield hens
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:
Exeter Natural Health Centre Holistic healthcare in the heart of the city
MO MORRISH RSHom Homoeopathic medicine www.thehomoeopathicpractice.co.uk MO MORRISH INDEPENDENT FUNERAL CELEBRANT Authentic Ceremonies www.authenticceremonies.co.uk
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.
ANNA PARIS Ac.M.MBAC Traditional acupuncture, Toyohari 5 element & Manaka styles. email: amparis1@btinternet.com
Please call for more details.
SUSAN QUAYLE Maternity reflexologist, fertility, ante natal, labour, post natal & baby, aromatherapy, massage Tel: 01626 862469
LISA TATE Remedial, pregnancy and therapeutic massage, Myofascial release. www.lisatatetherapies.co.uk KATHERINE UKLEJA DO RCST Craniosacral therapy www.katherineukleja.co.uk LESLEY HARPER Nutritional Therapy www.lesleyharper.co.uk
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 GEOFF GREEN Energy healing and Person-Centred Counselling www.innerknowing.co.uk
THE SOUTH WEST COLLEGE OF HOMOEOPATHIC MEDICINE
(Formerly known as the British School of Homoeopathy) Winners of the 2013 Teaching Innovation Award Low cost student clinic available Come and learn dynamic, patient-centred homoeopathy with our award-winning team! Call 01392 422555 & visit www.southwestcollegeofhomeopathy.co.uk
SCHOOL OF BODYWORK Professional Massage Training. All diploma courses APNT accredited.
Fantastic range of CPD workshops available www.schoolofbodywork.com info@schoolofbodywork.com 07711 656 011
01392 422555 Centre Manager: Ali Morrish
RUTH BAKER BSC HONS PSYCHOLOGY, MA, Dip SW, Adv Dip Couns, Psychotherapist, Counsellor, Coach, Facilitator & Supervisor. http://ruthbakerpsychotherapy.co.uk
The Devon School of Reflexology Training in Professionalism and Excellence. Spring & Autumn courses 2014. For more details: www.devonreflexology.com Email: devonreflexology@hotmail.com
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
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COMMERCIAL EDITOR ADVERTISEMENT SALES adverts@reconnectonline.co.uk Pete Hardy 01392 346342 Withall’s Gardens Lympstone EX8 5JH
How to advertise... THE DEADLINE The deadline for the April/May issue is Friday, March 7 - but call us now and let’s get the ball rolling! THE RATES 1/8-page - £93; 1/4-page - £148; 1/2-page £313; full page £522.
Helping hand for business 4 How everyone can do their bit
Organic gardening 11 Joa Grower is talking spuds Local energy 12-14 Silent power of electric quads
CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENTS See page 42 for details. Call Pete or Martin NOW!
A visit to Mim’s page 8
Energy Q&A 14 Your chance to ask the experts Eco homes and building 16-17 Brixham school’s roundhouse Festivals and shows 19-25 Your BIG 2014 guide Living on a little land 26 Latest gossip on the Hillyfield hens Seasonal eating 27 The diet that REALLY works!
Brixham roundhouse page 17
Events diary 28-29 Sell the TV and get out there!
Devon Yoga Festival page 31
Wellbeing 31-41 Reconnect’s BIG natural health section Classified dept. 42-43 Everyone reads the small ads... Living on less ? Foster’s page is back in the next issue Cover images Anti-clockwise from the main pic: 2000 Trees festival - see Festival Guide on page 19; Brixham Primary School’s roundhouse - page 17; EcoCharger electric quads - page 12; Gabriela Lerner page 34; Devon Yoga Festival - page 31.
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Brought to you by... EDITOR editor@reconnectonline.co.uk Martin Foster 01803 868455 45 Punchards Down, Follaton Totnes TQ9 5FD
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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
Animated Exeter page 19
to the February/March issue. Is it really time for our regular annual festivals guide already? Well, the calenday says yes but given the Winter’s weather extremes, this could just be the first time you have a snowball fight while you wait for the next band... But no, we predict that the Summer will be as wonderful as the Winter has been wet - or perhaps we are putting rather more faith in the laws of attraction than the accuracy of forecasts. But whatever the weather, there is a feast of events to enjoy over the coming months - why not send us a picture or two and we’ll run a few postcards from Reconnect readers? Also in this issue we’ve got all the regular features powerful energy pages, scrumptious food pages and desirable eco building pages... but what we don’t have is my Living on Less page. It got squeezed out this time, but I’ll be back next time - be warned! In fact, the next issue is a very special one for us - our fifth birthday. So we hope we can make it a special one for you too, with a few surprises and... well, why don’t you tell us what you’d like to see in our bumper anniversary issue?
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 FSC Certified (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 Totnes, Buckfastleigh and Moretonhampstead Visit our highly informative website www.greenfuse.co.uk or call us on 01803 840779 (24/7)
Rivertstone’s beautiful space for ceremony and vigils
heart and soul funerals www.reconnectonline.co.uk
Editorial: 01803 868455 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk
3
CanzArt collective ELEMENTS of Colour is the title of an exhibition running at The Gallery in Birdwood House on Totnes High Street. The work is all from members of the 15-strong CanzArt collective and runs for a week from April 13-19, 10am-4.45pm. CanzArt, established 12 years ago, is made up of contemporary artists who live and work on Dartmoor and in West Devon and East Cornwall. Their work ranges from the abstract to the illustrative, encompassing sea and landscape, portraiture and still life. The exhibition explores the range of colours found in the individual colour palettes of each of the 15 artists. Members of CanzArt include professional and semi-professional artists Pat Bates, James Burton, Felicite Darwell, Vera Johns, Paddy Langworthy, Jane Leitch, Christine Linfield, Gaye Martin, Clark Nicol, Ian Pethers, David Puttock, Ron Pyatt, Scott Russell, Philippa Smith, Sally O’Neill and Derek Stirland. Email James Burton at james@lewisburton. com or call 07596 257744. Seven Stars Hotel by David Puttock
Have you got news for us?
Centre helps build stronger economy... ...and how you can play a part
SINCE its launch in September last year, the REconomy Centre in Totnes has played a vital part in supporting the local economy generally and a number of young businesses specifically. The REconomy Centre is a loose partnership project between South Hams District Council and Transition Town Totnes. Its roles are various and include a ‘drop-in’ incubator for new business ideas, a workplace for ‘start-ups’ and a meeting place for groups that support the sustainable economy. Already more than 25 young companies, catalyst organisations and entrepreneurs are getting some form of support from the centre – and include names that will be familiar to all Reconnect readers: Food in Community, School Farm,
Tresoc, Atmos Project, Totnes Pound, E-Co Cars, Big Green Canoe, Encounters Arts, Totnes Arts Hub, Network of Wellbeing, Transition Homes, Bread & Roses. At the foundation of the REconomy Centre, and many of those working towards a stronger and more sustainable economy across the area, is the Local Economic Blueprint, which makes the case (with well-researched evidence) for strengthening key sectors such as food, retrofitting, renewable energy and health & care. The centre is also home of the Local Entrepreneur Forum – see right. To find out more about the REconomy Centre, how it might help your business and how you might be able to help the local economy, visit www.reconomycentre.org.
THE REconomy Centre is also home to the Local Entrepreneur Forum, an annual event that connects entrepreneurs with supporters of all kinds, including community-based investors, ‘in-kind’ supporters, consultants, catalysts, and more - including support from your very own Reconnect. An exciting part of the Forum is the Community of Green Dragons Den, where new and would-be businesses pitch to an audience of investors and ‘in-kind’ supporters, who offer whatever they can, including (in 2013): two tonnes of mulch, 25 fruit trees and a horse paddock for the School Farm in Dartington; storage for Mosaic Totnes; landscape architecture services and video for Transition Homes; and lots of offers of massages. For the 2014 event, we intend to offer free exposure in the mag - what could you offer? The 2014 Local Entrepreneur Forum will be held at the Totnes Civic Hall on May 13. If you want to make a pitch, or you have something supportive to offer, contact Jay Tompt at info@reconomycentre.org.
5RHYTHMS™DANCESPACE DROP IN CLASS - WITH JO HARDY - IN EXETER AND TOTNES - ALL WELCOME
EXETER: TOTNES: Mondays - 7.30 - 9.45 £10/£8 Two Fridays a month 7.30 - 9.45 £10 Southernhay United Reformed The Civic Hall, Totnes Church, Exeter EX1 1QA TQ9 5SF johardy@freeuk.com / 01803 849199 / 07905 493956 consciousdancespace.com
Are you interested in healing yourself and helping others?
Macrobiotic Professional Training Year One Foundation in Macrobiotic Healing Arts Year Two Qualification as: Macrobiotic Cook & Health Adviser Year Three Qualification as: Macrobiotic & Life Counsellor Macrobiotic Specialist Cook & Healing Guide Self Healing and Qualifications in Macrobiotic Healing Arts to work with people offering healing cooking, food coaching and health consultations.
Next Year One starts: April 2014
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Fleeces in Yuli’s workshop in Moretonheampstead.
Yuli has a feeling you’ll love her felt FELT maker Yuli Somme now has a window into her work with the opening of her online shop. At www.bellacouche.com there are any number of items which will make an ideal gift, ranging from woollen necklaces to shoe insoles, from tea cosies to hot water bottle covers. Bellacouche means beautiful resting place, the old name for the ancient granite building where Yuli started designing and making her Leafcocoon wool felt coffins. The workshop has recently moved into bigger premises, a beautiful and airy chapel in Mortonhampstead on Dartmoor. Said Yuli: “Wool is my raw material, which is made into felt and from this is crafted a unique range of
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lovingly handmade products.” Pictured above are some chickens reared on fluff in Moretonhampstead who are desperate to find new homes for the New Year. You can help by visiting Yuli’s new online shop. You can also visit Yuli’s actual shop - Bellacouche is open Monday to Friday 10am to 5pm. Call 01647 441405 or 07763 935 897.
www.reconnectonline.co.uk
...email details to us now at
editor@reconnectonli
ne.co.uk
Soft on your skin. Soft on the planet.
The Nesbitt brothers on their stand at the Totnes Christmas market.
Brothers go back to their routes THERE’S so much more to buying clothing these days than simply checking its quality. Consumers are now more conscious about the provenance of their clothes rather than just its value for money. So when Mark and Matthew Nesbitt launched their online clothing store Scattered Sands around 12 months ago, they wanted to be able to answer a series of questions for consumers. Firstly did the people who made the garment receive a fair wage for their work? What is the product made from? Where did it come from and how did it arrive here? Scattered Sands specialises in Fair Wear Foundation audited organic cotton, bamboo and eucalyptus clothing. Their focus is on supply chain transparency and informed
consumer choice and they believe every purchase should be made with a full understanding of where and how a product is made - all the way back to source. On their website you can see interactive traceability maps that follow the item’s supply route from where the raw materials are grown, where they are turned into fabrics and garments and how they reach their final destination. Said Mark: “The end of a year is a good time to reflect on what we have achieved so far and where we would like to go next.” Reconnect readers can claim a 10% discount online by using the code “reconnect” at the checkout. Go to www.scatteredsands.co.uk or call 01803 467 891.
The natural place for friendly fibres WOMEN looking for the luxury and health benefits of lingerie made from natural fibres will have been heartened to find more and more choice over recent years. But they will only have found it after a great deal of research and hunting. Now there’s a website that brings it all together in one place, the South Devon-based Lingerie Naturally. “Lingerie includes the most intimate items in our wardrobes,” said business partner Julia PenhaligonTodd. “Surely if we buy any natural fibre garments it should be the ones we wear closest to our bodies.” Lingerie Naturally stock a wide range of lingerie - everyday, maternity, mastectomy, bridal, sporty, yoga - plus nightwear and some pieces for children (nightwear) and men (underwear and dressing gowns). And their fabrics include organic cotton, hemp, bamboo, soy and even pine.
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“Organic cotton and hemp are now widely known and accepted,” says Julia, “and bamboo too is increasingly wellknown to people – it can be spun into a super-soft jersey, which is ideal for socks and vests, and also into silky satins for lingerie that feels as good as it looks.” Soy and pine are less familiar but they too have wonderful qualities. “Soy is sometimes called ‘vegetable cashmere’ and is wonderful for lingerie. It was actually used quite widely earlier in the last century until it was superceded by manmade fibres around the time of the Second World War.” Pine is perhaps the least likely base material for soft fabrics, but again it produces a super-soft material. “It is manufactured in France from the branches of White Pine trees,” explained Julia. “It is guaranteed not to contain carcinogenic compounds and has been awarded the Oekotex eco label.” Visit www.lingerienaturally.com.
FOR SPECIAL DAYS AND EVERY DAY
A unique collection of stylish underwear made from organic cotton, hemp, bamboo, silk and eco textiles. Affordable everyday basics • Intimate lingerie Nightwear • Yoga wear • Bridal lingerie • and more w w w. l i n g e r i e n a t u r a l l y. c o m
The Contemporar y College of Homeopathy
Homeopathy
-
Getting others better
•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: 01803 868455 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk
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Have you got news for us?
Take a deep BREATH...
Learn how to use the power of your own breath to overcome stress and re-energise your body. Improve your health and help clear emotional blockages. Workshops and 1:1 sessions available. Exeter intro workshop - March
Transformational Breathing Les Elms • les@breathsouthwest.com www.breathsouthwest.com
07828 566553
Green Fuse runs one of only two accredited celebrant courses in the UK.
Could you be a celebrant? Empowering families across Devon & Cornwall since 1999
STUDENTS from all over the world are travelling to the South West to learn how to become funeral celebrants. The course is one of only two accredited courses in the UK and is based at Green Fuse in the South Hams. Last year one of the Green Fuse graduates – Barbara Millar from Edinburgh - won the title Funeral Celebrant of the Year at the Funeral Awards in Bournemouth. The five-day courses have been run by Green Fuse owners Simon Smith and Jane Morrell since 2008, assisted by Basira Ward Davis and Pete Joscelyn. Green Fuse has a number of graduates throughout the South West who lead individual and unaffiliated funeral ceremonies. Green Fuse unaffiliated celebrants will meet with you in the comfort of your
own home and take the time to listen to you in order to get a true sense of the person you have lost and make sure that he or she takes centre stage for the last time. Said Simon: “The celebrants will help to create a beautiful, individual ceremony that will be both the celebration of a distinctive life and the tender mourning of a loss, reflecting the life, values and beliefs of the person who has died. “Readings, music and ritual help to make the funeral special, something to cherish always.” If you are thinking of planning your own funeral, Green Fuse celebrants are available to discuss all the details. For further information please call Jane Morrell on 01803 840779 or visit www.greenfuse.co.uk/funeralcelebrants-uk.htm.
Make your business work know-how and TEN years after her aim to support first popular Mind participants take Your Own Business powerful strides course began, forward. Maggie Kay (then known as Srimati) At the February is back in Totnes 15/16 workshop running an updated (at the Royal Seven series of Thrivecraft Stars Hotel) the business coaching focus is on defining workshops. brand and attracting ideal clients. And “Creating enough on March 15/16 (at income from your the Totnes Natural ‘soul’ business can Health Centre), on be a challenge”, publicity, creating says Maggie. products and “Many of us are Maggie Kay services, and social motivated by love of media. the product or service we are offering, rather than a quest The cost is £149 or £125 to make money or a knack for concession, including lunches. business. But lack of commercial Maggie is keen that price is not an skill and confidence can prevent us obstacle to attending, so talk to her reaching those we want to serve if £125 is still out of reach. and making a good enough living.” More details in the workshops and The Thrivecraft business booster courses diary on page 43 and at workshops combine spiritual www.maggiekaywisdom.com or intelligence with practical business phone Maggie on 07905 628905.
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... just email us at
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Trading as a Pathway to Consciousness: Trader Andy Greening invites you to join him on his upcoming webinars and information day.
“Becoming a trader can transform your life“ Most people share the belief that you can either have a high income or raise your consciousness, and that they are mutually exclusive. My experience is that trading can provide you with an income stream, build your nest egg and, most importantly, bring abundance and presence into all areas of your life. Something I refer to as a Pathway to Freedom. Still sceptical? I invite you to join me for an informal day of presentations, discussion and questions in late March 2014. However, I don’t want to waste your time, so first of all sign up for one of my free Sunday evening webinars and hear a different perspective on trading.
Learn more at thetranquiltrader.com/reconnect
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Editorial: 01803 868455 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk
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Please support small independent food stores
Local produce
THE tastiest food pages around with a tempting spread of local, raw, organic, vegan and seasonal fare. To tell us your foodie story, email editor@ reconnectonline.co.uk
Foods for ALL special diets
Purveyors of the finest speciality goods Gluten free - Diabetic - Vegan - Coeliac Stall 5, Market Food Hall, Market Street, Newton Abbot. TQ12 2RJ. Proprietors Su and James Stewart Tel: 01626 332539 • www.facebook.com/MimsEmporium
www.mimsemporium.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.
THINGS have improved over recent years for those of us with specific dietary requirements but even now, and even in this part of the country, it is still difficult to source exactly what you want. Things get trickier still if you have two factors to take into account – like Su Stewart, who is vegan AND gluten intolerant, for example. Su found she could get most things she wanted – but only after lots of research and shopping around, so she could never get even the bulk of Su and James Stewart on their stall. her shopping in one place. though,” says James. “There are But Su and her hasband James saw also massive health benefits from a this inconvenience as a business vegan diet and the UN have now opportunity and the Mim’s Emporium said that the world will face a massive website was born, bringing together ecological catastrophe unless the West fine foods for people who are glutenmoves towards a vegetable-based intolerant, diabetic, or coeliac – and diet - which experts say could almost for everyone who is vegan. eliminate world hunger.” Now they are offering the same wide Mim’s Emporium is also keeping pace range of speciality foods on their stall with the growing awareness of glutenat the Market Food Hall in Newton intolerance and Su, who is qualified Abbot. to give nutritional advice, is constantly “We always wanted a high street sourcing new gluten-free products. presence,” explained James. “A stall in “It’s important to us that we can this busy market was just too good an provide up-to-date information opportunity to miss.” and advice to back up the specialist Sue and James are both active vegan products we stock,” says James. campaigners and everything they Mim’s Emporium is Stall 5 in the stock meets cruelty-free criteria. Newton Abbot Market Food Hall and “It’s not just about animal welfare, online at www.mimsemporium.co.uk.
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. 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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www.growersorganics.com next to Riverford, Yealmpton, Devon PL8 2LT
Advertising: 01392 346342 adverts@reconnectonline.co.uk
Tel. 01752 881180
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edit
or@reconnectonline. co.uk local people local events local food local health local environment
Now open 8.30am daily for delicious organic breakfast menu with Organic Coffee & Croissant continental special @ £3. The cafe, above and below, at the Oats Healthy Living Store in Brixham.
A hidden lunchtime location HIDDEN at the back of Brixham’s Oats Healthy Living Store is a gem of a lunchtime location. Sally Fisher and her husband Alan have just celebrated the first anniversary of their new health food store in the town’s Bolton Street and are looking forward to the opening of their cafe garden. The enclosed sun trap behind the store is likely to be just the spot to spend your lunchtime and is expected to be ready for when the sun finally returns this coming Easter. Oats specialises in locally-sourced organic fresh products, eggs, bread, dairy and vegetables. The cafe has home-made dishes including Alan’s popular spicy bean soup known as the Mexican Mule, because of its kick. The menu easily accommodates gluten free and other special diets. There are organic salads using Riverford produce and toasted sandwiches plus Clive’s pies and cakes and Wellbread made by local baker Richard Dockett.
We specialise in super healthy food, gluten, wheat, dairy and sugar free, created by Nils, our nutritionally trained chef, with stunningly good cakes, salads and a lunch to thrive for ! Offering a comprehensive range of premium organic health foods & high grade nutritional supplements. Thrive Cafe Organic Wine Bist opening Bar and Bistro early in 2014 offering special evening menus with live entertainment, weekly lms, talks and community events.
Thrive Cafe - The Totnes Health Oasis In the store herbs and spices can be weighed to suit and there are remedies, toiletries, cosmetics and eco household products with a refill service. Oats supports local artists, crafters and producers and holds events in unison with local therapists / practitioners. Contact them by phone on 01803 858 542 or email oats.brixham@ hotmail.co.uk.
47 Fore Street Totnes TQ9 5NJ 01803 840202
SackS wholefoods
Help for all would-be vegans EXETER Friends For Animals (EFFA) is again offering a helping hand to anyone who fancies trying a vegan diet. Over the past two years it has helped a large number of people switch to an animal-free diet through its highly successful Vegan Pledge month. This year the group plans to extend the scheme, providing advice and support to all those wishing to reduce their “cruelty footprint”. EFFA coordinator Martin Fox said: “The best thing you can do is go vegan because of the cruelty inherent in an industry in which dairy cows are worn down by a continuous cycle of pregnancy to produce unnaturally high milk yields, and 50% of day-old chicks are crushed or gassed simply because they are male and hence surplus to egg production. “That said, every step towards a cruelty-free lifestyle is valuable and to be welcomed. So whether you’re a meat-eater looking to go vegetarian or a vegetarian transitioning to veganism – we can help! You’ll be amazed at
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how easy it is nowadays – and how delicious animal-free foods can be.” The Go Veg*n scheme starts in March with a programme of events throughout Exeter, including street stalls, film nights, food tastings, meals out at local restaurants and potluck suppers. It will culminate in a vegan bake sale and food fair at the Palace Gate Centre on Saturday April 12. Visit www.effa-uk.org, call 01395 579353 or email mail@effa-uk.org.
• 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
The Plains Shopping Centre Totnes TQ9 5DR shop@sackswholefoods.co.uk
Editorial: 01803 868455 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk
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Local produce
How ethical are your purchases?
Learn the secret of charcuterie IF you have ever fancied making your own bacon or curing a chorizo or two, West Town Farm has the course for you, taught by Steve Williams and Pete Woodham-Kay of Good Game. Harriet from West Town Farm explained: “This is an introductory course and you will leave having done the prep and made some charcuterie. This will not cover advanced techniques but there will be plenty of opportunities to discuss these skills with the Good Game team. “There will be future courses to cover more advanced smoking and charcuterie/salumeria. You my even find out the difference between salami, saucisson and chorizo!” The course runs on Sunday February 2 and Sunday March 9 from 9.30am - 5pm and costs £115. On Saturday, February 1, from 10am-4pm, the farm is running a Medlar Syrup and Chutney Making Day. Medlars are not a very well known fruit and although not tasting great raw, they do make delicious jellies, chutneys and desserts. The cost is £45. For more info and to book, visit www.westtownfarm.co.uk, email events@westtownfarm.co.uk or call 01392 811 257.
WE can all do our bit to ensure workers in the developing world are not treated like slaves. And what better time than during Fairtrade Fortnight which runs from February 24 to March 9? In the many years since the Fairtrade movement began it has built up a multibillion pound annual turnover. However, this is mainly on fresh produce and on other goods that don’t have a lot of processes involved. According to Graham Martin, chairman of the Exeter Anti-Slavery Group, products such as clothing can have many processes, performed by different companies making it difficult to check everyone involved. A man’s suit, for example, has 50 different processes in its production cycle. So most Fairtrade products currently tend to be fruit, vegetables, flowers, chocolate, tea, coffee, sugar, wine and a few other product groups. Likewise, durable goods such as electronics, footwear, white goods are not often Fairtrade. Said Graham: “You may recall the Bangaladesh clothing factory disaster in April last year which claimed the lives of over 1100 people who were making clothing for leading stores in the UK and elsewhere. “These workers were being paid £38 per month which made Pope Francis describe it is “slave labour”. Graham said that research had shown there
were 29 countries involved with 50 product groups where slavery is partially or totally involved. So what can we do? Said Graham: “There is an organisation called the Ethical Trading Alliance which is formed by governments, trade unions, NGOs and companies who police the supply chains to ensure slavery is not involved. “Readers may like to write to the managing director of the stores they regularly use and ask if that store is a member, and if not why not? Recently, for example, the Austin Reed clothing group declined to join. If readers would like a free world map showing the 29 countries and 50 product groups where slavery is partially or totally involved they can call Graham on 01395 274485.
GOOD, HONEST, LOCAL FOOD AT A FAIR PRICE
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IF you haven’t already bought your seed potatoes, the first job is to decide the ratio of ‘earlies’ and ‘main crop’. As always, Joa of Growers has some good advice... HURRAY - the start of a new growing season and if it’s as good as last year’s, we’re in for a treat! Now then there are a few jobs to do before we get our boots on and get out into the vegetable garden or onto the allotment. Have you bought your seed potatoes yet? If not, now is the time to start thinking about it. There are so many different varieties to choose from - just remember that if they are labelled ‘first earlies’ that means that when they are grown they will be new potatoes and won’t keep very long. So dig them as and when you need them. If, however, they are labelled ‘maincrop’ they will store right through the winter, providing they were not damaged when you dug them out and have not been attacked by slugs. So I would recommend you buy about 25% ‘firsts’ and 75% ‘maincrop’. Before planting it’s a good idea to get them chitting (or sprouting). This is not essential but does help them get off to a good start. Place them in seed trays or egg boxes for a few weeks in the greenhouse or on the window sill - the growing shoots should be nice and short and stocky, not tall pale and spindly because they will probably get damaged while being planted out. Also, when planting don’t forget to label which are your earlies and which are your main crop. We will have a good selection of certified organic varieties at our nursery in Yealmpton (which re-opens mid-February 2014) and also on our
A Culinary Delight of Herbs and Spices Health Foods • Organic Local Produce Baking & Cooking • Remedies Natural Cleaning • Toiletries • Cosmetics Small Vegetarian Cafe
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The eyes have it... market stall at Totnes Fridays and Saturdays. Ok, boots on and out we go! Time for a bit of tidying up and TLC for all your winter vegetables. Some of it may need clearing away into the compost bin but other things, like purple sprouting broccoli, will probably only just have started to produce its spears and may be getting a little bit top heavy and would benefit from being tied to a stake. Beds can be prepared ready for sowing or planting out in about a month’s time. If the soil is dry, rake the soil down into a fine tilth and cover with ground cover or black polythene to warm the soil up and get your seeds off to a flying start. Onion sets and shallots will also be available now. Do keep an eye on them after you have planted them, though, because the birds absolutely love to pull them back up. Something shiny or noisy usually keeps them at bay.
Sow your seeds - but not all at once! IT’S seed sowing time, but remember, most packets have far more seeds than you need and you don’t have to sow them all at once. Most seeds will last two or three years providing you store them properly in a cool dry place (a sweet tin or plastic container placed in the shed is ideal). When sowing, you could try covering the seeds with fine vermiculte instead of compost. It works really well! Keep an eye on the weather forecast for frosts because plants in an unheated green house may still need just a little more extra protection. And for those of you growing your seeds on window sills in the house don’t forget that as soon as your seedlings start to come through the compost or vermiculite turn the pots or trays every day - this will help to stop them becoming tall and straggly. Prick out or pot on when the plants are big enough to handle. Enjoy! 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.
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You’ll find alllocal our past issues www.reconnectonline.co.uk local people events localatfood local health local environment
Local energy
IF you’re involved in renewable energy, lowcarbon transport and any other local energy project, we’d love to hear about it. Email Martin at editor@reconnectonline.co.uk.
Strong silent type seeks relationship with land
Renewable Energy Specialists Eco Trades are a friendly, family run, Electrical, Plumbing & Renewable Energy Company. It is our mission to provide every customer with quality workmanship and an honest and cost efficient service.
Design, consultancy and project work We don't just design the systems we can also install them so it is vital to us that we work with you to ensure that individual needs/concerns are addressed and provided for.
ANYONE who’s worked on the land for any length of time will know just how useful a quad can be, particularly over hilly terrain. But what if you don’t feel comfortable about the inevitable pollution (noise as well as carbon-heavy exhaust gasses)? Enter the electricpowered EcoCharger quad bike, hand-built in a solar-powered factory in Devon. EcoChargers come in two, four and six-wheel-drive form and the manufacturers claim they will match any other working quad. And if you, or your business, have PV panels or a wind turbine, the fuel costs run out the same as the pollution levels – nil. And even if you have to recharge them from the national grid (no need to fetch or store fuel – all you need is a 13amp socket), they should cost you just 1.1p a mile, depending on your tariff. Importantly, though, this low-carbon tyreprint (not to mention the silent running) doesn’t come with a compromise on performance. There are three models in the EcoCharger range. The gearbox of the 2WD Dominator has a low range option to give it offroad and towing capability, but in the high range setting it has a top speed of 36mph, so it could also be used for commuting (it can be supplied
fully road equipped). It has a range of around 38 miles, depending on usage and severity of terrain. The 4WD Eliminator is the company’s 72-volt flagship bike and has a fourspeed gearbox, ranging from a superlow towing gear with a top speed of 9mph to a 35mph road-going gear. Its pulling power can be seen in the company’s promotional video where it bump-starts a seven-tonne tractor. The 6WD Terminator is the latest addition to the range and includes an electronically controlled hydraulic tipping body. Says company spokesman Gary Cook: “The low centre of gravity ensures the bike stays stable over uneven terrain, even when the trailer unit is filled to capacity. And the driven trailer unit can be easily removed so the bike can be used as a 4x4.” All EcoCharger Quads come with an internal 12amp charging unit, which will charge from empty to full in around 8-9 hours. There is also a 25amp fast-charge system available which will charge from flat to 80% in around two hours and to full in 4-5. And you should be able to recharge
The 6WD Terminator and above, the 4WD version bump-starts a tractor.
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the batteries – a mixture of AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) and Valve regulated, sealed lead-acid – around 700-900 times. Engine braking, using the engine and gearbox to hold back the vehicle on a steep descent, is an important part of driving conventional off-road vehicles and the EcoCharger designers have ensured their electric versions offer the same function. Says Gary: “Taking your thumb off the accelerator puts the motor into regeneration mode which puts power back into the batteries - and creates its own ‘hill decent control’ so the bike won’t run away down hills. “Instead, it takes the bike and rider slowly and safely down, with no locking wheels or loss of traction.” EcoCharger says that if you work with a petrol quad on a regular basis you can expect to use around £1500 of fuel over a year – for their electric version the recharges will cost around £70. Or nothing at all if you generate your own energy with PV or wind turbine. There are savings to be had on the maintenance bills too. “Servicing costs for a conventional
quad will be around £250 a year,” says Gary, “but fewer moving parts mean servicing an EcoCharger will cost around £80.” And if you use it on the road, you won’t need to pay for your road fund licence – electric vehicles are exempt. You will have to pay a little more to buy the thing in the first place (the 4WD Eliminator is £8,995 plus VAT and a comparative petrol quad would be £7,665 plus VAT), but those reduced running costs will soon shift the balance – and you have all the eco/socio advantages of running an electric vehicle. And EcoCharger quads are hand-built in a completely solar-powered factory on a farm in North Devon. Some farmers might prefer to stay with petrol quads, being a little suspicious of the new technology and having to recharge them each night – although attitudes will shift as solar panels continue to pop on farm roofs, producing ‘free’ fuel. And electric quads are just perfect for anyone working in and around the public and/or livestock. Visit www.electric-quad-bikes.com.
Fifth of all renewables in West HOUSEHOLDS in the South West are showing the rest of the country the way forward when it comes to renewables. Amazingly, the region can boast over a fifth of all the renewable projects in the UK installed by home owners, landowners and businesses under the government’s Feed-in-Tariff scheme, says Regen SW. Regen is holding the South West’s biggest energy event, Renewable Energy Marketplace, on March 8 at Westpoint Arena, Exeter, to showcase renewables South West businesses and households. Regional breakdown of share of installations.
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You can read more local energy stories in our archive...
Local energy Q&A
How can we help you? REE Advice and support for community -F groups and businesses - FREE energy audits with expert staff - Green Deal - how it can help you - Training courses and packages - bespoke and off the shelf - Research and development assistance - Stunning new state of the art Energy Centre and Passivhaus for demonstrations and testing new products and technologies - Available for letting
oPen! w o n e Centr
Our Q&A expert for this issue is John Fiske, above, a technical business engagement officer at the South West Energy Centre. His role is to support local businesses in the renewable energy sector.
Q
Q
In last issue of Reconnect I noticed the South West Energy Centre has a Passivhaus. What is this?
I have heard there have been some recent changes to the government’s Green Deal. What are they?
The term passive house (Passivhaus in German) is an internationally recognised standard for ultra-low energy buildings. The high level of comfort and low heating costs has meant interest in this style of construction has increased significantly in the UK over the past few years. The standard does not only apply to homes but can also be applied to non-domestic premises such as schools, offices and hospitals. The design principles that are vital to new Passivhaus buildings can also be applied to refurbishment projects. These design principles are super-insulated building fabric and glazing, airtightness, low heating demand with over 80% of the heat demand recovered from the air ventilated from the building.
The Green Deal is a government loan scheme that can help make energysaving improvements to your home or business. This includes insulation, draught-proofing, efficient heating and renewable energy generation such as heat pumps and solar panels. In December the Government announced proposals to make the scheme simpler. Advice Reports will be made clearer and easier to understand. Consumers, if they wish, can move from quote to a Green Deal Plan in a single day. This is to reduce the number of visits currently required. Energy Performance Certificate data will be more accessible to supply companies allowing them to identify properties that will benefit from energy efficiency improvements.
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- Funding sources and applications
IF you have a question for the experts at the
ASK THE EXPERTS 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.
South West Energy Centre, South Devon College, White Rock, Long Road, Paignton TQ4 7BL T: 01803 540725 E: info@southwestenergycentre.com W: www.southwestenergycentre.com
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Of all the s in which n publicatio verts d I placed a last year, itorials d e r o / d n a rated the e n e g t c e Reconn s by far! e i r i u q n e most earing Dogs eril - H
Georgia Rom
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Car sharers Kids take over the gallery could win THE ever-industrious Harbour House gallery at tank of fuel Kingsbridge explodes with colour this month
Camp for conscious parenting
DRIVERS in Devon who are keen to reduce their mileage this year have another chance to win a free tank of fuel. Commuters who register with the www. carsharedevon.com website by March 31 will be entered into a prize draw to win a tank of fuel up to the value of £100. Carsharedevon. com is a free service that allows people in Devon and across the South West to find others to share their journey, either taking turns with the driving, or giving someone a lift in exchange for a contribution to the fuel costs. It is commissioned by Devon County Council, in partnership with Plymouth and Torbay councils. More than 340 people signed up to the website between September 1 and November 30 last year. Among them was Louise Harris, who registered her journey from Plymouth to Exeter University, and was randomly selected as the winner of the tank of fuel for registering during that period. She is saving, on average, £145 on fuel each month. Devon County Council is also offering free, one-to-one, two-hour cycle confidence sessions for adults living or working in Devon. Visit www.cycledevon. info for more info.
IF you want to take a deeper look at your life and skills as a parent in a beautiful and safe environment, then Embercombe, the South Devon social enterprise, may just have the answer. The Family Summer Camp at Embercombe this August offers a unique experience to people seeking to parent their children more consciously, free of the constraints of the past. Camp facilitator and local families practitioner Joanna Watters has also won EU funding to help develop ‘soft skills for empowered parents’ and is using the grant to further develop the camp into a week that offers the depth of transformation experienced by people who participate in The Journey at Embercombe, while still serving the needs of the whole family. This August, as well as the camp, there will be a dedicated training session in the Hand-inHand parenting approach, promoting connection and parent-to-parent support for families. To register your interest in the training or Summer Camp email clare@ embercombe.co.uk. www.embercombe. co.uk/summercamp
(February 8-26, closed Sundays) when it hosts Primary Colours, an exhibition of work by 12 local primary schools. Harbour House is grateful to Kingsbridge Town Council for its contribution towards the cost of staging this exhibition, and to the many volunteers who help by stewarding in the gallery. From March 4-8, Kingsbridge Community College students take over the gallery with their ninth annual exhibition of Fine Art, Photography and Art Textiles. And creative members of the wider community move in for an open art exhibition, March 22 – April 21. Visit www.harbourhouse.org.uk.
Last year’s Primary Colour exhibition at Harbour House gallery.
Free Steiner plan for Newton Abbot IN May this year an application to open a state-funded Steiner Academy in Newton Abbot will be made to the government. Teign Steiner Academy (formerly Steiner Academy South Hams) says it is responding to the increasing interest shown by parents and to the local need for more school places. Kate Amphlett, the project coordinator, said: “The free schools policy requires we respond both to parental interest and to a local need for more school places. “When more and more parents began registering interest on our website from the Newton Abbot area, we began to look more closely at the possibilities of locating
A memory of words THE current show at the Devon Guild of Craftsmen’s gallery in Bovey Tracey, Narrative Remains, features work imprinted with “things left behind”. From an alphabet soup of letters on 3-D printed bowls by Clare Goddard to a walk-through towering maze of more than 2000 “given a new lease of life” by Tina Hill, all the works hold the remains of ideas and thoughts. The show runs until March 23. Visit www.crafts.org.uk.
the project there. We are really excited to be part of a growing and evolving town and hope our project will be a positive contribution to the area.” The Teign Steiner Academy hopes to eventually offer 600 places across primary and secondary education to local children. It will be a through school (416) using the same model as Frome, Bristol and Exeter Steiner Academies and offer GCSEs alongside the Steiner curriculum. Teign Steiner Academy hosted a very successful family drop in morning in Newton Abbot library in December. Jeff van Zyl, the proposed principal designate for Teign
Steiner Academy, said: “The response from local families was overwhelming. It was wonderful to meet such enthusiasm for our project and to meet so many lively children! “It reminds us that this is what it is really about - providing a new option for children in the area.” Teign Steiner Academy plans to run more drop-in sessions before the May deadline. Look out for dates on its Facebook page and in the local press. For more information about the project and to register interest, visit the website: www.teignsteineracademy. org.uk or email Kate at teignsteineracademy@gmail.com
Sound bite ETHICAL, organic and eco architect Gordon Clark will be chatting about the ultrasustainable houses of nomadic people from Africa and Siberia, at Seale Hayne, near Newton Abbot, on Thursday March 13. Booking essential tickets (£15 including supper) on 01626 325822.
Right: Bald dogs by Alex Valentine.
www.macroschool.co.uk
Shiatsu Discovery weekend Next course: 1 & 2 March Learn to use your hands to heal, relax and de-stress and give a healing full body shiatsu to friends and family. These weekends are great to reconnect with yourself. Come on your own or with your partner. Buckyette Farm,Totnes TQ9 6ND Tel 01803 762598 Email: info@macroschool.co.uk
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Price: £120 (includes wholefood lunch and full course notes)
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PROJECT, DARTINGTON.
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IF you’re involved in an eco or traditional build project, we’d love to hear from you - email editor@ reconnectonline.co.uk, or call Martin on 01803 86845
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PV AND SOLAR THERMAL PANELS
For your project, please contact: Andrew R Kirby RIBA (Totnes) 01803 867377 info@ledarchitects.co.uk www.LEDarchitects.co.uk NATURAL PASSIVE STACK VENTILATION AND MVHR
BIO-MASS HEATING
Powering life in a shepherd’s hut
(PASSIVE SOLAR) SUN SPACE
COMPOST LOOS/ REED BED SYSTEM
High performance timber frame glazing.
RAINWATER HARVESTING
Super Insulated timber frame construction using natural insulation. Lithotherm (recycled brick) underfloor heating tiles to ground and first floor for thermal mass.
ENVIRONMENTAL SITE SECTION
Rammed earth 'Thermal Wall' acting as Ecological building feature and as thermal mass to passive solar strategy.
The embercombe
the embercombe
OT H E R E B C P RO J E C T S
M E N TO R I N G A former Apprentice under the watchful eye of one of our Master Craftsmen
IN the last issue of Reconnect we ran a story in the Eco Homes and Building section about a shepherd’s hut built by Duncan Passmore at his Dartington Estate workshop. Just as we were going to press with that issue, we heard (and managed to mention in the picture caption) that Totnes-based solar specialists had installed a PV system to provide power for occupants of the hut. So we thought we’d follow it up this time with more information on that system and a similar one Beco installed in another shepherd’s hut for Jenny Quick, who has also featured in Reconnect in the past. “Running an off-grid power supply is an operator-unique experience!” says Beco’s off-grid specialist Dan Bayley. “It would be impossible to design a system that would suit everyone – it’s critical to know what the expected user demand will be.” Dartington Estate said the hut would be used mainly in the Summer, extending into the Spring and Autumn, so Dan calculated the size c COPYRIGHT RESERVED
Tel: 01647 253403 Email: info@embercombebuild.co.uk G I V I N G B AC K
As well as being professional surfers and qualified electricians, former colleagues such as Rich Sills act in a mentoring capacity for the Embercombe Building Company Ltd. These individuals are all people who Phill Ireland helped to succeed, and give their time for free.
www.embercombebuild.co.uk PROJECT MANAGEMENT . DESIGN & BUILD . ENVIRONMENTAL BUILDING . RENOVATIONS . CONVERSIONS . BESPOKE TIMBER FRAME CONSTRUCTION
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of the components required, bearing in mind likely weather (he uses data from a 10-year average in Totnes). An externally mounted PV panel charges a battery (so there is still power available when the PV panels are not generating), and a charge controller, or inverter, regulates the charge current to the battery, preventing it becoming over-charged, and disconnects the battery if its voltage falls to a level that would be detrimental for the battery. The Dartington system features a DC supply only and powers LED lights and a socket that incorporates a cigarette lighter adaptor and USB. Jenny’s inverter is rated at 350W at 230V ac, which Dan says is ample to run low-energy lighting, mobile phone and tablet chargers, and audio equipment like radios and CD players. “An installation of this size costs around £800 plus VAT,” says Dan, “but the DC-only system eliminates the need for an inverter which reduces the cost.” Find out more at www.becouk.com.
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The Linh Learning Worksho Emberco Ltd’s fla main Co Design Managem and Con intensive up-skillin www.reconnectonline.co.uk
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MY SHIRE HOUSES
The school’s roundhouse forest school classroom under construction.
Bespoke camping pods and Shire Houses hand-crafted and delivered on-site If you need more space to accommodate extra friends...
A classy place of learning WHEN Brixham C of E Primary School went on the hunt for a new home for their forest school classes, it was clear a conventional building just wouldn’t do. “I started my research by looking at conventional prefabricated school buildings,” said forest school leader Jeff Hanniford. “But then I saw Adrian Leaman’s website (www.wholewoods. co.uk) and I knew it had to be a woodframe roundhouse.” Each half-term, two of the school’s classes spend one day a week in forest school classes, and spend as much time as possible outside on the school’s dedicated patch of land, a 15-minute walk from the main school. The new building will mean the whole day can be spent on the site, whatever the weather. Adrian designed and cut and shaped the timbers for the roundhouse in his workshop from larch felled at The Hillyfield, near South Brent (www.thehillyfield. co.uk). They were then taken to the Brixham site, where Adrian and Jeff worked on the build with help from past attendees of Adrian’s
...or somewhere for that quiet time... ...there are no limits. We offer a wide range of functions for our shire houses with many people using them for a home office or putting them on a plot of land to rent .
roundwood building courses. As we go to press, the main structure is up and Jeff is waiting for a break in the weather to complete the green roof, a multi-layer construction of carpet/pond liner membrane/more carpet/earth/turf. “The basic structure of the roundhouse will allow us to be creative and use it for exciting crosscurricular themes linked to learning outdoors,” said Jeff. Adrian, who worked with Kevin McCloud on his Channel 4 series Man-made Homes, said: “It was important to the school that the classroom should sit gently into the landscape, and that we use local, sustainable materials. The roundhouse will work really well for them.” Visit www.wholewoods.co.uk.
Visit www.myshirehouses.co.uk Call James on 07817856999 Email myshirehouses@gmail.com
College trials low water flush loo SOUTH Devon College is trialling a new loo which uses only a fraction of the water in a standard toilet and reduces its carbon footprint by 80% on average. The Propelair toilet uses just 1.5 litres of water per flush compared with the nine litres of a normal loo. The toilet operates by having the lid closed during flushing creating an air-tight seal. This results in a powerful, high performance.
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The sealed lid removes almost all waterborne particles and reduces the risk of contamination thus making it more hygienic for users. The college in Paignton has installed the loos in the busiest toilet block on campus and will monitor their effectiveness and water efficiency for 12 weeks and will then consider adopting them. Visit www. southdevon.ac.uk.
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Tell us YOUR news - email editor@reconnectonline.co.uk Dancers add to charities
Love Health Love Cooking 5 mornings in March £295 Long Weekend 9 to 11 May £295 Learn to create delicious, colourful, nourishing dishes using wholesome ingredients: soups, wholegrains, vegetarian protein, vegetables, sugar and dairy free desserts.
Looking After Your Health
5 day course Price: £550
4-8 February or 25-29 June Learn how: Oriental Medical principles, Yin and Yang and the Five Elements can unlock old eating and emotional patterns AND develop your cooking skills in the two daily cooking classes.
insight meditation in the buddhist tradition
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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
DANCERS in Totnes have helped raise money for two charities. Just before Christmas a charity Biodanza event the Dance of Life - was held at The Mansion Hall and organiser Julia Brightwell says it was a great success. A total of £120 was raised which was split between CALM - the campaign against living miserably - and Autism Directory’s Charlie’s Trailer Fund. CALM is a charity that supports men and exists to prevent male suicide in the UK. The trailer fund is aimed at buying a horse trailer for an autistic man who wants to travel the country teaching horsemanship. You can still donate by going to www. thecalmzone.net/ donate/ and www. gofundme.com/ CharliesTrailer Biodanza originated in South America. ‘Bio’ translates as ‘life’ and ‘danza’ translates as dance. Biodanza is a series of dance/ movement exercises to music and there are no steps or routines to learn.
An evening of mantras THE soothing music of Dev Premal and Miten has become the soundtrack for yoga studios around the world. Their world-wide concerts and best selling albums have introduced millions in the West to the joy and deep relaxation of ancient Sanskrit mantras. Now there is the chance to spend an unforgettable evening with Deva Premal and Miten with Manose in Bath at the Pavilion on Saturday, June 7. Absorb the love of a very special evening while listening to the blissful journey of music, mantra and meditation singing ancient chants in modern ways. During the evening you will be able to chill out in breaks with raw chocolate and herb teas. For a chance to WIN a pair of front rows seats to the Deva Premal and Miten Concert just sign up for their newsletter at www.seedidea.net and ‘like’ them at www.facebook.com/growseedidea. For more information call Victoria Whelan on 01364 661 561 or 07734 711 378.
Mind the gap IF you’re looking to do a DIY draught-busting job on your home, Transition Town Totnes can provide materials including draught-proofing strips for windows and doors, brushes for the bottom of doors, letterbox covers and radiator panels. They can also give fitting advice, or put you in touch with handypeople who have experience of installing these materials. Call Mary Popham on 07815 799996 or email marypopham@ btinternet.com
Open day PUT on some warm clothes and wellies and get stuck in at Lower Sharpham Barton Farm’s Winter open day. Help plant an orchard and enjoy tasty hot soup around the camp fire, 10.30am-3pm on Sunday February 2. Find out more at www. sharphamtrust.org.
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Deva Premal and Miten with Manose.
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Bee Denning in full song.
Bee shares her passion BEE Denning has a passion for singing – but her real enthusiasm is for hearing others using their voices. Bee, who lives in Ashburton, is a trained natural voice practitioner who teaches groups around the region. She writes and teaches her own songs and also uses gospel, old pop song arrangements, African and anything inspiring she can find. Said Bee: “I teach my groups with passion and enthusiasm because I love getting people singing together in harmony and seeing them light up. Sessions are relaxed and fun with lots of laughing and everyone can end up radiant from the joy of the singing – it’s amazing!” The groups are in Ashburton on Mondays, Bovey Tracey Tuesdays and Moretonhampstead Thursdays. Visit www.harmonybee.co.uk, email bee. harmony2@gmail.com or call 07958083493.
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Festivals & shows '14
A guide to the 2014 Westcountry events we know you’ll LOVE!
Inside our seven-page festie guide
EVERY new year sees exciting new additions to the festivals and shows calendar – and while we might be a little biased, we do seem to have some of the best of them here in the Westcountry. So welcome to our annual, and ever-bigger, guide to events and shows we think you’ll want to check out. Get out those diaries…
The Heart Body Mind Spirit Festival
Three early-season festivals showcase comedy, animation and music in city THE Westcountry festival season starts with three big-name events right on our doorstep – the Laugh Out Loud comedy festival, Animated Exeter and Vibraphonic. Laugh Out Loud opened on January 25 so even if you jumped straight on this issue of Reconnect, you’ll have missed some real gems at venues across Exeter, including the genius Rob Newman, who’s current tour is exploring that old comedy chestnut, the theory of evolution. But it does run through until February 7, so if you’re quick, you might still catch an improv group called Improperly, Mitch Benn (he of Radio 4’s Now Show fame), Sean Hughes, Alex Horne, a couple of comedy club nights and others. Get on their website without delay – www.lolfestival.co.uk. Animated Exeter, now in what the organisers call its “15th edition”, runs February 10-22 and will be celebrating its new status as an international animation festival, screening competitive films from around the globe and welcoming top animators and artists.
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Executive producer Michael Fukushima will mark the 75th anniversary of the National Film Board of Canada with some real gems, and animated filmlovers can see some of the best of the new stuff around, picked from the festival’s five competitions which this year received over 300 entries. Other festival highlights will include Lightstream, transforming an Exeter street with animations, projections and lighting over two magical evenings starting on Valentine’s night, and featuring work by Bafta award-winning artist/ filmmaker Tal Rosner and a group of Westcountry animation and media arts students. And there will be a variety of screenings, exhibitions, talks, masterclasses, and careers information – we could fill the magazine with info from this festival, but if you check out the website (www.animatedexeter. co.uk ) for more info we can also mention… Exeter’s Vibraphonic Festival, from Friday March 14 – Saturday March 29, brings together reggae, soul, urban, jazz, funk, blues, hip hop, drum & bass, electronica and experimental music. And it really is city-wide, with gigs at around 20 venues, including Exeter Phoenix, the Cavern and the Barnfield Theatre. The line-up includes Dreadzone, Lee Scratch Perry and the Craig Charles Funk and Soul Show. Find out more at www.exeterphoenix. org.uk. So that’s just three big festivals coming up in Exeter over the next two months – turn the page for lots, lots more across the Westcountry and through the year. Now where did I put that rucksack?
A gig-by-gig guide to 2014 events
A WORKSHOP at Animated Exeter, above, and comedian Sean Hughes, left, who is appearing at the Laugh Out Loud comedy festival.
Quest - MB&S plus music and dance
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Festivals & shows '14
Nawang Khechog
New festival celebrates a master’s 40 healing years
A NEW festival in Ashburton will bring together teachers, speakers and musicians in a celebration of the organiser’s 40 years in healing work. The first Heart Body Mind Spirit Weekend Festival of Healing Arts will be held at the Chi Self Healing Fountain Centre, home of Rainbow Tai Chi, on Saturday and Sunday April 26/27 and Tuesday April 29. The centre’s founder and festival organiser Master Choy said: “The energy and need for self-healing and global healing is accelerating since the Mayan prophecy of the alignment of our Solar system with the Milky Galactic Centre. “We are co-creating a new civilisation. and this new ‘happlization’ is
connected to the Earth’s Polarity shift, the floods, the environment, the jobs, the relationships, money, health - it now requires a new way of feeling and thinking, an upsidedown gut-centred way of flowing with the changes to find a happier and healthier lifestyle. “Welcome to an upside down, self-humorous, healing and happier lifestyle! “Thanks to all the amazing innerwork of all Rainbow Tai Chi students generating healing chi, we are able to attract so many inspiring, talented and gifted teachers, intuitive speakers and musicians to join us in this edutainment festival.” Nawang Khechog, a former Buddhist
monk and renowned Tibetan flutist, will perform a one-off concert of his healing music. “We warmly welcome the healing, peaceful, compassionate and harmonious energies of Nawang Khechog, who was personally guided by His Holiness the Dalai Lama,” says Master Choy. Music will also come from inspirational singer Lucinda Drayton, Dartmoor-based musician Nigel Shaw
and guitarist Rajan Spoila. Speakers will include Giles Hutchins, Dr Alan Rayner and William Murtha. “We are lucky also to have Jane Cobbald,” says Master Choy, “who brings over 40 years of research by Viktor Schauberger, The Water Wizard.” There will also be free chi healing sessions given by Master Choy and Chi Healers and Christine’s Rainbow Health Café with home cooked vegetarian meals and raw and living food snacks, juices and green smoothies. All profits will go to a local food bank charity, Greenpeace and The Potimarron Project for Soup Kitchens. One-day passes and weekend tickets are £33 (£27 early bird price until February 10) and £57 (£45 early bird), respectively.
Lucinda Drayton
Nigel Shaw
Peter Chin Choy
Giles Hutchins
For more details, see the full-page advertisement, visit www.rainbowtaichi.org.uk or call 01364 653810.
Laugh Out Loud
Exeter January 25 - February 7 EXETER comedy festival at venues across the city - be quick to catch it! See page 19. www.lolfestival.co.uk
Winter Festival
Steiner School, Dartington February 1 IF you picked up your copy of Reconnect promptly, you have this amazing storytelling festival to go to as a reward. As well as storytelling for all ages, you will also find music, talks, poetry, procession, giant puppets, crafts, workshops and dance. A wonderful, warming start to the festival season. Reconnect will be there too so stop and say hi. www.woodsisterswinterfestival.co.uk
Animated Exeter
Yumé’s studio, shop and gallery showcasing her own work and the work of other carefully selected designer makers. 26a North Street, Ashburton, Devon, TQ13 7QD www.yumemartin.co.uk . 07772005261
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February 10-22 TOP animators and their work at this international festival. See page 19. www.animatedexeter.co.uk.
Vibraphonic Festival
Exeter March 14-29 REGGAE, soul, urban, jazz, funk, blues, hip hop, drum & bass, electronica and experimental music – see page 19. www.exeterphoenix.org.uk
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Exeter Festival of Food and Drink
April 25-27 THIS one’s a must for foodies – three days of every type of foodrelated event you can imagine, plus three after-dark party nights (April 24-26). This annual festival of feasting takes over the courtyard of Exeter Castle and the surrounding Northenhay Gardens. Celebrity chefs, tastings, demonstrations – even theatre, arts and crafts. Visit www.exeterfoodanddrink festival.co.uk CONTINUED ON PAGE 22
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Festivals & shows '14 JOIN THE 2014 HEART BODY MIND SPIRIT FESTIVAL SMILING CHI HEALING ARTS AND MUSIC PROGRAMME
RELAXING MUSIC, ART EXHIBITION, INSPIRING TALKS, CHI HEALINGS, CHRISTINE’S RAINBOW HEALTH CAFE SAT & SUN 26/27 APRIL & TUE 29 APRIL 2014 PROFITS TO GO TO FOOD BANK CHARITY, GREENPEACE, POTIMARRON PROJECT (GROW & SHARE FOOD WITH SOUP KITCHENS)
AT THE CHI SELF HEALING CENTRE , WOODLAND, ASHBURTON, DEVON, UK
NAWANG KHECHOG TIBETAN MUSICIAN NIGEL SHAW 7TH WAVE MUSIC LUCINDA DRAYTON, BLISS RAJAN SPOLIA, WILLIAM MURTHA DR ALAN RAYNER, GILES HUTCHINS JANE ON VIKTOR SCHAUBERGER MASTER CHOY CHI HEALER HEART BODY MIND SPIRIT FESTIVAL (MAXIMUM 200 PARTICIPANTS) In Celebration of 40 years of Chi Self Healing Work, Master Choy has organised a special weekend of “Edu-tainment” and invited International Leaders, Educators and Musicians to help educate and heal our relationship with ourselves, the earth and nature. 26 April Sat 2014 10am-9.30pm 27 April Sun 2014 9am-9.30pm 29 April Tue 2014 7pm-9.00pm
Master Choy, Dr Alan Rayner, Giles Hutchins, Rajan Spolia & FTT Musicians William Murtha, Jane Cobbald, Nigel Shaw, Lucinda Drayton SPECIAL EVENT WITH TIBETAN MUSICIAN NAWANG KHECHOG
ONLY ONE NIGHT PERFORMANCE AT THE RAINBOW TAI CHI SCHOOL!! TICKETS: £25 or £18 (Early bird price before 10 February 2014. ).
Mini workshop Option on Sunday 27 April 4-5.30pm - “How to Make Your Own Flute” with Nigel Shaw - £10 (Maximum 20 places) Food - Delicious Home Cooked Food and Healthy Snacks, including Juice and Smoothie Bar HOW TO ENROL You can choose a ONE DAY PASS or a WEEKEND PASS that includes all chi healings, lectures and performances with the exception of “HOW TO MAKE A FLUTE” with Nigel Shaw on 27 April. Book separately for the Special Event with Nawang Khechog 7-9pm on 30 April 2014. Food is available for purchase at Christine’s Rainbow Health Cafe at the Rainbow Tai Chi School.
Early Bird One Day Pass £27 before 10 February/ £33. Early Bird Weekend Pass £45 before 10 February/ £57. Send name and motivation letter with cheque to Chi Self Healing Centre, Creek Farm, Woodland, Ashburton, NEWTON ABBOT, DEVON TQ13 7JY UK Contact Christine Chin 01364 653 810 www.rainbow-taichi.org.uk
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Festivals & shows '14 North Devon and Exmoor Walking Festival
April 26 – May 5 PROFESSIONALLY guided walks through truly beautiful countryside and following dramatic coastlines on the North Devon coast. To ensure a change of view, the festival changes venue every few days. www.exmoorwalkingfestival.co.uk
Bristol Folk Festival
A farrier at work at Devon County Show and, below, dough twists at The Wilderness Gathering.
May 3-4 THE BFF has a new home this year – St George’s and Bristol Folk House, two of the city’s most popular venues and almost next door to each other. Artists confirmed as we go to press include Fairport Convention and Martha Tilston (worth going for her alone). www.bristolfolkfestival.co.uk
Exeter Pride
May 10 THE city’s celebration of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community, with a parade through the city and much merry-making. www.exeterpride.co.uk
Crediton Folk weekend
Cheriton Fitzpaine May 9-11 A REAL grass roots folk event, with concerts, sessions, sing-arounds and Morris dancing (and possibly a pint or two of real ale). www.creditonfolkweekend.co.uk
A guide to the 2014 Westcoun Dart Music Festival
Dartmouth May 16-18 RUN by the Dart Music Festival Foundation, this showcase for local talent is open to all genres of music (the 2013 event included a gypsy tango, classical and gospel) and all ages, but particularly welcomes younger performers. The gigs and workshops are staged at venues across the town. www.dartmusicfestival.co.uk.
Devon County Show
Exeter May 22-24 WE all know about this one – an enormous showground full of all the things that make Devon countryside what it is. There’s an increasing emphasis on traditional crafts and local food these days, plus stands from traditional build and renewable energy companies. An almost compulsory day out. www.devoncountyshow.co.uk
Plymouth Volksfest
May 23 YES, primarily a car show, so not obviously green, but there will be a whole load of VW campers there (and who doesn’t like them?), plus music, dance and cabaret. www.plymouthvolksfest.co.uk
Ashburton Blues Festival
Seale Hayne May 23-25 WE’VE got limited information on this one as we go to press, but the organisers promise something for everyone, from acoustic and blues/ rock to 60s R ‘a’ B and country blues. www.discoverhannahs.org
Bristol Vegfest
1ST - 3RD AUGUST 2014
SEALE HAYNE, NEWTON ABBOT. • A choice of over 40 workshops over 3 days • A wide variety of yoga styles & teachers • Early morning silent meditation practice • Evening Kirtan (chanting) • Residential & camping available
May 23-25 THE Vegfests are the biggest veggie events in Europe (they also run events at London and Brighton) and include stalls, campaign and lifestyle talks, cookery demos, kids’ area, cinema and evening entertainment. www.bristol.vegfest.co.uk
Lemonfest
May 31 Newton Abbot racecourse ONE-DAY festival at Newton Abbot racecourse – line-up tba as we go to press. Oh, and it’s lemon. www.lemonfest.co.uk
The Scythe Festival
Full price £245. ‘Early Bird’ discounts available! Visit www.devonyogafestival.co.uk for more details or call 01392 420573. Email: info@devonyogafestival.co.uk IN ASSOCIATION WITH THE DEVON SCHOOL OF YOGA
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Muchelney, Somerset June 15 EVERYTHING you need to know about scything and the lifestyle that goes with it – team mowing, scythe v strimmer, workshops, crafts, tools plus music (including ceilidh). www.thescytheshop.co.uk/festival
Tagore Festival Dartington Estate June 20-24 A MULTI-cultural, multi-arts event inspired by Rabindranath Tagore, the Nobel Prize winner whose passion for the arts, education and ecology shaped the Dartington Estate that’s hosting it. Expect eco/ spiritual speakers and top world music concerts. www.dartington.org/tagore-festival
Teignmouth Folk Festival
June 20-22 FOLK’S Teignmouth takeover (now in its 16th year), with up-close-andpersonal music and dance (Morris, Border and Appalachian) gigs at venues across the town. Confirmed as we go to press: Vin Gatbutt, The Old Dance School and Barron Brady. www.teignmouthfolk.co.uk
Gold Coast Oceanfest
Croyde June 20-22 A BUZZING mix of sports events (surfing, skateboarding, beach soccer, etc) and music (more than 20 bands over the three days – details to be released soon), plus some serious partying. I’ve got sand in my keyboard just writing about it… www.goldcoastoceanfest.co.uk
Glastonbury Festival
June 25-29 SOME bands playing on a farm. It’ll never catch on. www.glastonburyfestivals.co.uk
Ways with Words
Dartington July 4-14 NOT to be missed by anyone who can read. Top authors from all fields of literature talk about their work in their glorious surroundings of Dartington Hall. What’s not to like? www.wayswithwords.co.uk
Turn to our regular events diary on page 28
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ntry events we thinklocal you’llevents LOVE! local foodFestivals local people local health local & environment shows '14 The Treehouse Stage at the 2000 Trees festival.
Budleigh Music Festival
July 11-19 A WEEK of high quality classical music. The 2014 line-up includes The Pleyel Ensemble, Yuanfan Yang, Trio con Brio and Sara Trickey. www.budleighmusicfestival.co.uk
ethical dating since 1985
Larmer Tree Festival
Near Salisbury July 16-20 WE hear great things about this festival – a relatively intimate crowd of 4000 or so and five familyfriendly days of quality music against the spectacular backdrop of Larmer Tree Gardens, complete with peacocks and macaws. 2014 lineup still tba as we go to press but you can be sure of some big names. www.larmertreefestival.co.uk
Riviera Fringe Festival
Torbay July 5-12 A NEW event on the local festival calendar. The organisers promise comedy, drama, music, dance, magic, street theatre, jugglers, family shows, art shows, pageants and more. Watch the website for news of artists, etc. www.rivierafringe.co.uk
2000 Trees
Gloucestershire July 10-12 THE 2000 Trees festival strapline is ‘new and underground British music’ so while you won’t get the mega names, you don’t get that multi-national corporate feel either. Line-up is tba as we go to press but last year included Frank Turner, Stornoway, and Mystery Jets, so expect similar indie fare this year. www.twothousandtreesfestival.co.uk
Tiverton Balloon Festival
July 11-13 WHO doesn’t like hot air balloons? Plenty of them here, plus music – the organisers promise a good mix of folk, rock, hip-hop, samba, gospel and jazz. And they’re not full of hot air, apparently. www.tivertonballoonfestival.co.uk
Green Earth Awakening Camp
July 17-20 WE love the sound of this – organised by the lovely Buddhafield people and straplined ‘Engage now, change the future’. Expect what they call “a skill-share orientated workshop programme”, acoustic music and lovely people – perfect for anyone missing the Buddhafield Festival, which is taking a sabbatical for 2014 and returns next year. www.buddhafield.com
Chagstock
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Whiddon Down July 18-19 ORIGINALLY a private micro-festival in someone’s garden, Chagstock has grown into an annual, properly organised (but still not too big – around 5000 people) festival. Very family-friendly and glorious 70-acre farm setting. All your friends will be there. Watch the website for N o t f o r P r o f i t - C o m m u n i t y I n t e r e s t announcements of line-up. www.chagstock.info
D a r t m o o r C e n t r e C I C C o u n s e l l i n g & P s y c h o t h e r a p y I n N e w t o n A b b o t
A d v a n c e d D i p l o m a i n C o u n s e l l i n g B e g i n A p r i l - T h e p r o f e s s i o n a l q u a l i f i c a t i o n July 24-27 f o r a n e w c a r e e r . A l s o S e p t e m b e r o p t i o n s . A WONDERFUL blend of mind, body, spirit, music and dance – and all on an all-weather site in the middle of C e r t i f i c a t e N e u r o D i v e r s i t y Reconnectland. See page 24. B e g i n M a y - S u p p o r t i n g y o u n g p e o p l e a n d a d u l t s www.questuk.co.uk w i t h A u t i s m , D y s l e x i a a n d A D H D . P r a c t i c a l CONTINUED ON PAGE 25 s k i l l s t h a t e n h a n c e l i v i n g f o r t h i s i m p o r t a n t g r o u p . D i p l o m a S u p e r v i s i o n B e g i n A p r i l - I n s i g h t f u l p r a c t i c e f o r c a r i n g p r o f e s s i o n a l s t o m a n a g e s a f e l y a n d c r e a t i v e l y . F i r s t C e r t i f i c a t e C o u n s e l l i n g C a r e e r e n h a n c i n g i n t r o d u c t i o n t o s u p p o r t s k i l l s E m a i l : o f f i c e @ s a f e s p a c e f o r c o u n s e l l i n g . c o m o r s p e a k t o K e n R a b o n e D i r e c t o r o f T r a i n i n g t e l 0 7 8 0 1 2 4 8 4 2 1 F o r d e t a i l s o f a l l c o u r s e s s e e t h e w e b s i t e w w w . s a f e s p a c e f o r c o u n s e l l i n g . c o m Quest
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Festivals & shows '14
Quest plans to build on last year’s stunning event THERE’S nothing quite like Quest – a unique blend of mind, body & spirit show, with music and dance festival. We thought last year’s was the best yet. The dance programme grew into its own little festival within a festival (and there’s more of the same this year) and the line-up of music artists was amazing. Add a couple of bustling halls full of stalls promoting all manner of therapists and new age goodies and you’ll understand why the attendance was the highest in recent history. This year, Quest promises all the above and more. Big names already confirmed include Sarah Rozenthuker, Peter Owen Jones, Jewels Wingfield, Tim Freke, Ian Tucker (author of Your Simple Path) and laughter meditation sessions with Joe Hoare. Grammy Award-winning Jamie Catto is offering two workshops: What About Intimacy? - a deeper connection with everyone and everything in your life; and Full Body Listening, “the tools to lift off into the next chapter with power and passion.” The Barefoot Doctor will be back too, this time hosting a Conscious Clubbing night that promises
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Quest 2014 - July 24-27 Newton Abbot racecourse
“intoxicating beats and warm seductive moods to allow you to drift off, let go, feel the flow and dance in a trance until all your worries and concerns feel like a whole world away…” Another new feature last year was The Village Green, which will return to again be filled with “street performance and theatre and fun activities” all weekend. And the ever-popular Amy HoopLovin will once again return to give her free hula hooping classes! Lots more names are yet to be announced. Early bird tickets are on sale now so don’t delay - www. questuk.co.uk.
Quest brings together mind, body and spirit (with stalls, talks and practical therapy sessions) and music and dance.
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local people local events local foodFestivals local health local & environment shows '14 WOMAD
Near Swindon July 24-27 SINCE the first WOMAD (world of music and dance) festival was held in the UK in 1982, the organisers have run more than 160 around the world, bringing together music and dance from around the globe in a family-friendly, peaceful but vibrant atmosphere. www.womad.co.uk
Totnes Show
July 27 A TRADITIONAL country show, complete with livestock and arena fun and games – but with a Totnes twist. Reconnect readers will love it – we’ll be on the Hillyfield stand. www.totnesshow.com
Green Gathering
Chepstow July 31-August 3 PRETTY much what you’d expect from the name – music, storytelling, green energy, speakers, crafts, campaigning, dancing, composting, real cider and real music. This is as far as you can get from the bigname, corporate gigs – and all the better for it. www.greengathering.org.uk
Devon Yoga Festival
Seale Hayne August 1-3 A BUSTLING not-for-profit event to
promote and celebrate all things yoga. See page 30. www.devonyogafestival.co.uk
knife sharpening, falconry… you get the idea. www.wildernessgathering.co.uk
Sidmouth Folk Week
Beautiful Days
Boardmasters
Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival
August 1-8 THIS is the one folk fans can’t miss – more than 700 events, from big gigs to intimate sessions, from ceilidhs to roots parties, from displays to masterclasses and including the big names too Oysterband, Steve Knightley, Martin and Eliza Carthy and Cara Dillon have already been announced for 2014. It’s the holiday venue of choice for thousands of folk fans. www.sidmouthfolkweek.co.uk Newquay August 6-10 SURF (plus BMX and skate) and music. 2014 line-up tba, but 2013 included The Vaccines, Basement Jaxx and Ben Howard so you can bet it’ll be big. Load up the VW camper and cruise on down… www.boardmasters.co.uk
Wilderness Gathering
Shaftsbury August 14-17 DESCRIBED as ‘the original bushcraft show’, it brings together workshops on every rural skill you could imagine (and some you probably couldn’t), including herbal medicine, wildfood cookery, friction firelighting, leatherwork,
Escot Park August 15-17 ANOTHER laid-back, anti-corporate, family-friendly gathering (surely no coincidence we have so many of them around here) – this one was shortlisted for The Grass Roots Festival Award in 2013. Too early for 2014 line-up but 2013 included Primal Scream, Arrested Development and Sinead O’Connor. www.beautifuldays.org
September 18-21 THE Budlitfest has already earned itself deserved high praise on the literary festival circuit and attracts some big names – including Hilary Mantel, Melvyn Bragg and PD James last year. www.budlitfest.org.uk
The Two Moors Festival
The Tagore Festival and, below, the Sidmouth Folk Festival.
October 16-25 ORIGINALLY launched to attract people back to the Exmoor and Dartmoor areas after the foot and mouth disease outbreak, it has developed into a week of stunning classical music in beautiful churches across the area. www.thetwomoorsfestival.com
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Living on a little land
One of the speckled Sussex local people local events local food local health local hens at The Hillyfield. environment
WELCOME to our new regular feature looking at land projects across the area, from allotments to organic farms. If you’d like to be part of it, email Martin at editor@ reconnectonline .co.uk
The barred Plymouth Rocks - so smart.
Hillyfield hens ready for Spring TIME for an update on The Hillyfield Hens, the poultry editor Martin and his wife Jenny keep at The Hillyfield with Doug King-Smith. The Hillyfield is an organic woodland farm on the edge of Dartmoor, and the river Harbourne runs within a few yards of the chicken houses, so just getting to them for daily feeding and maintenance has been a challenge over the Winter. But we’re looking forward now to a productive Spring. Our girls are producing a
good supply of eggs (you can buy them at Ola Chiropractic Clinic in Totnes), and we’re planning now to breed more for next season by crossing Rhode Island Reds, which make up a branch in the family tree of many hybrid layers, with one of our favourite breeds, Light Sussex. We’ll call the resultant birds Hillyfield Gingers (Rhode Island Lights sounded too much like a brand of American cigarettes). Meanwhile, we’ve been concentrating on setting up small groups of the traditional breeds we’ll be selling as fertile eggs, chicks and point-of-lay hens. It’s worth saying all our birds are dual-purpose breeds, which mean they are good layers and (brace yourself, vegans) good meat birds too. We raise all our cockerels for our own consumption – a subject we’ll look at in some detail in a future issue of Reconnect. Don’t worry, we’ll give you plenty of warning. The Light Sussex (white with smart black collars – think
clergy in negative) never cease to amaze us: they’re good mothers, good layers and don’t seem at all worried by anything the Dartmoor weather can throw at them. We’re hoping our Speckled Sussex (same shape as their Light cousins but brown with white spots – like they’ve just whitewashed the inside of their henhouse and haven’t yet changed their overalls) will have the same characteristics. Moving from spots to stripes (so slimming for the heavier hen), we have our Barred Plymouth Rocks, which are as hardy and productive as they are striking to look at. Finally we have black Copper Maran hens in with a Splash (light grey with darker grey splashes) cockerel, and they should produce blue and occasionally splash chicks. They all have feathery legs and a very gentle temperament – always a bonus, particularly in a cockerel. If you’re thinking of keeping chickens, look out for news
of beginners’ courses at The Hillyfield (send us your email if you’re interested and we’ll keep you posted) and if you’re looking for pasture-raised, organically-fed, lovingly cared-for traditional breeds (from fertile eggs to point-oflay), contact Jenny on 07976 504918 (jennyfoster58@ googlemail.com), or Doug on 07976 589927. And check out www. thehillyfield.co.uk for updates.
PV power keeps allotments’ taps running A GOOD water supply is crucial to any successful land project and even when a main connection is a possibility, an alternative supply can be favourable. When the Totnes Allotments Association signed the lease for their third site at Copland Field, below Copland Lane, in April 2013, they knew they were spoilt for choice – mains water was definitely an option, but there was also a stream running across the bottom of the field. Committee member Mike Jeffries said: “We knew from our experiences at the other two Totnes sites that mains connection was expensive – and there are then on-going water charges. “I researched the feasibility of a PVpowered water pump and it seemed cost-effective so we spoke to Dan Bayley at Beco, who calculated that it
would pay for itself in less than three years.” The system Dan designed and installed pumps up to 4,000 litres a day from the stream up to header tanks (IBCs – Intermediate Bulk Containers, originally used to transport fruit juice), which then gravity feed taps across the allotments. “The pump is driven by the solar panel,” Dan explained, “which means it can deliver water during daylight hours – especially during longer sunny days. And that is the perfect supply and demand match!” The system also features a sensor to switch off the pump if the water source becomes dry and a float switch to turn the pump on or off when the tanks are full or start to empty. Currently there are four IBCs connected in series, with another two
Call of the Wild
Promoting environmental awareness through education & training
WILDWISE
due to go onstream for the next growing season. And the cost? “Beco’s bill for the PV panel and pump installation was around £1500,” said Mike, “and the tanks were £400. That compares with a South West Water connection charge of around £900, plus annual water charges.” The PV panel powers a pump which fills the water tanks The quality of the from a stream at the bottom of the hill. stream’s water was checked at Find out more at www. the beginning of the project and the totnesallotments.org.uk and www. supply was strong right through the becouk.com. hottest part of the Summer.
Hauling timber with Will power
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
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IS there a more magnificent sight than a heavy horse at work? Rhetorical question - there isn’t. This is William, an Ardennes stallion that works with Will Hampton (www. dartmoorhorse loggers.co.uk), helping to move felled larch at The Hillyfield. Full story in the next issue - you’ll love it.
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More for charities to consider CHARITY trustees have a lot on their plate. They are ultimately responsible for the difficult decisions a charity makes about which vulnerable person or needy cause should receive support. They need significant expertise and experience to make those decisions - and usually do so on limited resources. On top of this, charity trustees are increasingly being asked to make tough decisions about how a charity invests its pension, endowment or other funds. A recent survey found that 78% of the public think worse of a charity if it invests in funds contrary to its values. For a busy trustee, aligning a charity’s assets with its charitable mission can seem like another item on an already full agenda. Worse still, it involves entering the highly-complex and fraught world of investment. From property to private equity, impact investing to infrastructure, common investments to commodities – investment unfortunately remains an industry that is short on good factual information and long on jargon and strong opinions. So what are the real facts that trustees and charity managers need to consider if they want to invest in a more responsible or ethical way, or a way that more clearly aligns with their charitable mission? First, trustees do need to consider professional advice from a suitably qualified individual. The Trustees Act of 2000 introduced a clear statutory obligation for all UK trustees (with the exception of trustees of very
ETHICAL investment advisor John Ditchfield of Barchester Green explains why life is tricky for charities...
IF you want to eat more healthily for 2014, the first thing to do is forget denial, says CAROL LEE...
small organisations) to consult with an investment professional before making an investment. Second, the law requires a charity’s trustees to be able to justify the adoption of an ethical or responsible investment policy based on one or all of three criteria laid out in the CC14 guidance from the Charity Commission. And third, trustees need to be clear about exactly what the charity is trying to achieve by investing its funds. For example, the objective may be to maximize income, ensure a stable future income or to further the charity’s mission. In the complex world of investment, with the myriad of options and products on offer, trustees may find that using the values and principles of their charity as a guide actually helps make investment decisions a lot more straightforward than they otherwise might be. It could take at least one item off their plate. A fuller report and more information is available on our website, www. barchestergreen.co.uk
Is trading your way to freedom? IN mid-2013 Guernsey-born financial markets trader, trading coach and transformational guide Andy Greening arrived back in the UK. After 11 years in New Zealand he was unsure what lay ahead for his young family. Eight months later he is thoroughly enjoying life in the South West. Said Andy: “During the past few months I have met some wonderful people – most of them from either the Totnes area, readers of Reconnect magazine or both. “Being a full-time trader always raises some eyebrows. I think they expect me to be some kind of money-obsessed materialist. “I work in an industry which has a relatively unsavoury reputation. This has been magnified by the events of the global financial crisis in 2008.” Andy says that most people are highly sceptical, perhaps even cynical, about the financial markets and trading. He added: “Slowly, over the course of a few discussions, those with open hearts and minds have begun to understand why becoming a trader can be a transformational experience.” Andy refers to the trading journey as a Pathway to Freedom. Reflecting the fact that if you avoid the “getrich-quick schemes,” work with a
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Seasonal eating
Andy Greening professional trading coach and focus on the process not the outcome, learning to trade can, over time, bring abundance to all areas of your life. During February and March Andy is running webinars to introduce people to his concept of “trading as a pathway to consciousness.” And towards the end of March he is organising a relaxing, informal day of presentations and discussions near Totnes for people who wish to get a better understanding of why trading the financial markets really can be “a pathway to freedom.” Find out more at www. thetranquiltrader.com/reconnect
HAPPY late Winter! We are now truly into 2014 and no doubt some of your New Year resolutions have been washed away with the huge amount of rain that has fallen in recent weeks. Perhaps some of those resolutions were about food; maybe to lose a few pounds, drink less alcohol, give up sugar… But somehow the resolve seems so strong after the excesses of Christmas and New Year and once day-to-day life returns, so do our old habits. So here are some simple tips to help you to eat more seasonally and healthily in 2014. First off, FORGET denial, it only makes you want those foods more. I have long been an advocate of focusing only on adding the good stuff in and it feels completely liberating and positive. So everyday try and add something from the list below to each meal, even if you are eating processed foods or food you are trying to eat less of. By only thinking of ‘adding in’ you are changing your perspective and in time you and your body will forget about the food you are not focusing on. Of course old habits can die hard but if it does take a while you are continuing to add huge nutritional benefits to your diet. I also like the word ‘more’ - simply add more than you have been eating. That’s enough to make your body, mind and emotions jump for joy. So try to add: more seasonal vegetables, especially greens; more beans and pulses; more fruit; more water; more home-cooked meals; more raw (especially in Spring and Summer); more oily fish; more natural wholefoods; more nuts and seeds; more natural flavourings like herbs and spices. Secondly, If you can’t grow your own fruit and veg, order a local veg box so
Soiled goods... you can start to feel the rhythm of the seasons - there is something about seeing soil on vegetables that (literally) connects us to the earth. If you shop in a supermarket (where seasons don’t exist), have a look at this great seasonal fruit and vegetable calendar at www.eatseasonably.co.uk/ what-to-eat-now/calendar/ and find out what is in season. So what is in season in late Winter? Well, those delicious brassicas take centre stage during February and March (in fact they pretty much stand alone) - Brussels sprouts, savoy and Spring green cabbage, cauliflower and kale. All have amazing nutrient value being high in fibre, rich in B vitamins and vitamin A, making them anti-inflammatory, rich in anti-oxidants and perfect for alkalising and detoxing if that is your ‘thing’. There aren’t many vegetables that have such a wide and varied nutrient profile. Personally I love the rich bitterness of savoy cabbage and kale, perfect with a bit of butter and some black pepper - or you could try this simple ‘salad’ recipe…ENJOY! l For a seasonal soul feast join me and kinesiologist Sarah-Jayne in Crediton, see website for details.
Warm cauliflower salad Ingredients; one cauliflower, broken into florets; 2 tbsp olive oil; one red onion, thinly sliced; 3 tbsp sherry vinegar; 1½ tbsp honey; 3 tbsp raisins; small bunch dill, snipped; 3 tbsp toasted, flaked almonds; 50g baby spinach. Method; Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Toss the cauliflower with the olive oil, season and roast for 15 mins. Stir in the red onion and carry on roasting for another 15-20 mins until tender. While the cauliflower is roasting, mix the vinegar, honey and raisins with some seasoning. When the cauliflower is done, stir in the dressing, dill, almonds and spinach, and serve. 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: 01803 868455 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk
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FEBRUARY
Your event not included?
Saturday 1
Until Feb 7 Laugh Out Loud - Exeter comedy festival, see page 19, www.lolfestival.co.uk. Winter Festival storytelling, music, talks, poetry, procession, giant puppets, crafts, workshops and dance, Steiner School, Dartington, www. woodsisterswinter festival.co.uk. Hummingbirds and Ryn - acappella trio plus singer/songwriter Ryn, 7.30pm, £7/£5conc, The Kingsbridge Inn, Totnes, www.kingsbridge-inn.com. Dry stone walling - Devon Rural Skills Trust course, Higher Badworthy Farm, South Brent, Dave Pringle on 07815 189911, www. devonruralskillstrust.co.uk
Amour - February 22
Events diary
local people local events local food local health local environment ...email us at
Seth Lakeman - February 7
Sunday 2
Chartwell Dutiro - March 28
Orchard planting - help plant new orchard and care for trees with TTT Fruit and Nut Project, Sharpham Estate, 10.30am-3pm, wendystt997@gmail.com, www.sharphamtrust.org. Basic butchery & charcuterie course, 9.30am-5pm, £115, West Town Farm, Ide, Exeter, kate@westtownfarm. co.uk, www.westtownfarm. co.uk. Imbolc gathering and tree planting - shared lunch and TTT Skillshare, Follaton Arboretum, Totnes, 10am-1pm, 01803 867358, www. transitiontowntotnes.org.
This Events Diary is primarily for arts and crafts events across the region. For therapy and personal development events, please turn to the Workshops & Courses Diary on page 43. To advertise there costs just 90p a word - email adverts@ reconnectonline.co.uk.
Monday 3
Verses, plus Crooks, bands at Cavern Club, Exeter, www.exetercavern.com. Tuesday 4
Incredible Edible session - work/lunch, Steamer Quay, Totnes, 1-2pm, 01803 867358, www. transitiontowntotnes.org.
WELL, that’s only because YOU didn’t tell us about it! Don’t miss out next time - email your April/May events to us at editor@ reconnectonline.co.uk by March 7. minimum £5 donation, Waterleat, Ashburton, 01364 653026, info@ barnowltrust.org.uk, www. barnowltrust.org.uk. Friday 7
Seth Lakeman - folk and roots gig, Exeter Cathedral, www.exetercathedral.org.uk. Show in Google mapEX1 1HS Saturday 8
Until Feb 26 (closed Sun) Primary Colours Exhibition of work from 12 local primary schools, Harbour House gallery, Kingsbridge, 01548 854708, www. harbourhouse.org.uk. And Sunday 9 Volunteer weekend - The Hillyfield, woodland farm on Dartmoor, share good work, tasty food and excellent company, www. thehillyfield.co.uk Hedge Laying - Devon Rural Skills Trust course, Well Field, Old Totnes Road, Broadhempston, with Maxine McAdams, 01752 863342, www. devonruralskillstrust.co.uk. Sound Bites: Robert Lenkiewicz - Nahem Shoa explores each of the paintings in the Lenkiewicz exhibition, Seale Hayne, Newton Abbot, 7pm, £15, 01626 325822, www. discoverhannahs.org. Sunday 9
Until March 23 Robert Lenkiewicz exhibition - Private collection never before seen in public, Seale Hayne, Newton Abbot, 10am-6pm, free, 01626 325822, www. discoverhannahs.org. Monday 10
Wednesday 5
Card making workshop - Barn Owl Trust, 2-4pm,
Until Feb 22 Animated Exeter -
International animation festival, screenings, workshops, talks, see page 19, www.animatedexeter. co.uk Tuesday 11
TTT film night - regular Transition Town Totnes screening of film on subject of transition, climate change, personal development, etc, Totnes Methodist Church, www. transitiontowntotnes.org. Wednesday 12
Fairport Convention - folk rock icons, Exeter Corn Exchange, George St, Exeter, www.exeter.gov.uk/ cornexchange. Thursday 13
Restoring the Balance - ecology talk, Barn Owl Trust, 3pm, minimum £5 donation, Waterleat, Ashburton, 01364 653026, www. barnowltrust.org.uk. Friday 14
And Feb 15,19-22 Strawberries in January - comedy from Cygnet Company, Cygnet Theatre, Friars Gate, Exeter, 01392 277189, www. cygnettheatre.co.uk. Saturday 15
And Sunday 16 Friends’ working weekend - join the life of Embercombe for a weekend, www. embercombe.co.uk Tree planting and care, Bridgetown, Totnes, 10.30am-4pm, 01803 867358, roy_wilkinson@ btinternet.com, www. transitiontowntotnes.org. Love Bites - poetry and prose for St Valentine, with Ruth Bettesworth, Richard Clark, Sarah Scoble and Leon Winston, 7.30pm,
£10, Seale Hayne, Newton Abbot, 01626 325822 for tickets, www. discoverhannahs.org. Royal Blood - rock gig, Cavern Club, Queen St, Exeter, www.exetercavern. com. Monday 17
Until Friday 21 Linhay community build - learn new skills, meet new people, www. embercombe.co.uk/ communitybuild. Until Feb 23 Hannahs Adventurers’ Club - activities every day through half-term, from archery to mountain biking, £3, 10am-12pm, Seale Hayne, Newton Abbot, 01626 325822, www.discoverhannahs.org. Thursday 20
The Legendary Ten Seconds - The Picture House, Exeter, 8pm, fundraiser for SAUK, a UK registered scoliosis charity, www.facebook.com/ thelegendarytenseconds Saturday 22
Amour (PG) - screening of award-winning film, 7pm, Follaton Community Centre, Totnes, watch the trailer at www.follaton communitycinema.co.uk. Hedge Laying - Devon Rural Skills Trust course, Little Orcheton, Modbury, with Maxine McAdams 01752 863342, www. devonruralskillstrust.co.uk. Monday 24
Until March 9 Fairtrade Fortnight promotions across area supporting Fairtrade, www. fairtrade.org.uk. Wednesday 26
And Feb 27-28 Alice Through The Looking Glass - Lewis Carroll’s classic from the Cygnet Company, Cygnet Theatre, Friars Gate, Exeter, 01392 277189, www. cygnettheatre.co.uk. Thursday 27
Mindfulness Practice dropin evening with Shahin
The weird and the wonderful...
Robin would be delighted for you to check out his ceramics - and buy one if you really like it! You can see the ‘Weird and wonderful’ ones on his website at www.robincurrie.co.uk - and some aren’t even terribly ‘weird’!
Tel: 01392 221076.
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ed itorpeople @reconnlocal ectonevents local local line.co.u k food local health local environment Popple, 7-8.45pm, £7, Sharpham House, www. sharphamtrust.org. Friday 28
Acoustic Haven - Cate Ferris, Susie Ro & Ayla, plus organic soup, homemade cakes and locally brewed ale, St John’s Church, Totnes. Doors open 6.30pm, tickets £10 on the door or £8 from Harlequin bookshop and www. wegottickets.com. Comedy night - live stand-up, Yellow Room, 8pm, £10, Seale Hayne, Newton Abbot, 01626 325822, www. discoverhannahs.org. Transition Walk - visit TTT projects for insight into overall project, 2pm, meet TTT office, Totnes, www.transitiontowntotnes. org. Saturday 1
Tree care session Follaton Arboretum, Totnes, 10am-5pm, 01803 868305, www. transitiontowntotnes.org. Mirandas Sykes & Rex Preston - folk duo, Brampford Speke village hall, Exeter, 01392 840 072, www.sykespreston. com.
Hedge Laying - Devon Rural Skills Trust, Rattery, near South Brent, with Bruce Baker 01364 72172, www. devonruralskillstrust.co.uk. Sunday 2
Martin Harley - folk/ blues, Exeter Phoenix, 01392 667080, www. exeterphoenix.org.uk Tuesday 4
Until March 8 Visions - Kingsbridge Community College presents exhibition of fine art, photography and art textiles at Harbour House gallery, Kingsbridge, 01548 854708, www. harbourhouse.org.uk. Incredible Edible session - work/lunch, Steamer Quay, Totnes, 1-2pm, 01803 867358, www. transitiontowntotnes.org. Poetry Conversation poems at Candlemas, hosted by Alice Oswald, 7.30-9.15pm Donation, suggested £5, Sharpham House, www. sharphamtrust.org. Wednesday 5
Oysterband - folk/ rock icons, Exeter Corn Exchange, 01392 665938, www.exeter.gov. uk/cornexchange.
Thursday 6
Supper with Jane Baxter - former Riverford Field Kitchen chef shares her favourite seasonal dishes, £32.50 for three courses, The Bistro, Seale Hayne, Newton Abbot, 01626 325817, www. discoverhannahs.org. Friday 7
Newton Faulkner acoustic indie singer/ songwriter, Great Hall, Exeter University, www. exeter.ac.uk Free healing sessions with Devon Healers, 12noon2pm, The Quaker House, Ticklemore St, Totnes, 01803 862788, jpearl@ btinternet.com. Saturday 8
And Sunday 9 Volunteer weekend at The Hillyfield, woodland farm on Dartmoor, share good work, tasty food and excellent company, www. thehillyfield.co.uk Hazel Hurdles - Devon Rural Skills Trust course, Rudolf Steiner School, Dartington, with Don Gaskins 01752 336049, www.devonruralskillstrust. co.uk. Amnesty International Regency Ball - fundraiser
organised by Amnesty South Devon Group, Sharpham House, www. amnesty.org.uk. Sunday 9
Basic butchery & charcuterie course 9.30am-5pm, £115, West Town Farm, Ide, Exeter, kate@ westtownfarm.co.uk, www.westtownfarm.co.uk. BHHA Competition & Skills of the Hills Day - Sheldon Equestrian Centre, Higher Northcott Farm, Sheldon, Cullompton. Tuesday 11
TTT Film Club - regular Transition Town Totnes screening of film on subject of transition, climate change, personal development, etc, Totnes Methodist Church, www. transitiontowntotnes.org. Thursday 13
Sound Bites: Gordon Clarke - ethical, organic and eco architect Gordon Clark talks about houses of nomadic people from Africa and Siberia, 7pm, £15 including supper, The Bistro, Seale Hayne, Newton Abbot, 01626 325822, www. discoverhannahs.
Friday 14
And Sat and Sun 15/17. Friends’ working weekend - join the life of Embercombe for a weekend, www. embercombe.co.uk Until March 29 Vibraphonic - Exeter music festival, gigs across the city, see page 19, exeterphoenix.org.uk. Transition Walk - visit TTT projects for insight into project, 2pm, meet TTT office, Totnes, www. transitiontowntotnes.org. Divertimento String Quartet - concert at Sharpham House, 7.30pm, £7.50 on the door, www. sharphamtrust.org Sunday 16
Embercombe open day - free entry, food, games, crafts, talks, www. embercombe.co.uk. Monday 17
Until Friday 21 Linhay community build - learn new skills, meet new people, www. embercombe.co.uk/ communitybuild. Saturday 22
Until April 21 Open art exhibition -
work on theme of Near and Far, Harbour House gallery, Kingsbridge, 01548 854708, www. harbourhouse.org.uk. Tree planting weekend - weekend of mixed tree planting, mulching and aftercare, Landmatters Permaculture Project, 07884 033103, www. landmatters.org.uk. Hedge Laying - Devon Rural Skills Trust course, Dryhill Farm, Stoodleigh, Tiverton, with Nick Dawe 01884 254953, www. devonruralskillstrust. co.uk. Friday 28
Acoustic Haven Collectress and Chartwell Dutiro, plus organic soup, homemade cakes and locally brewed ale, St John’s Church, Totnes. Doors open 6.30pm, tickets £10 on the door or £8 from Harlequin bookshop and www. wegottickets.com. Saturday 29
Mud (15) - screening of Matthew McConaughey movie, 7pm, Follaton Community Centre, Totnes, watch the trailer at www.follatoncommunity cinema.co.uk.
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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Talk to us about - call 01392 346342 local people localadvertising events local food local health local environment
Art show draws on excellence AN exhibition of work exploring and celebrating the diversity, excellence and range of current drawing practice will open at two Plymouth galleries in February. The Jerwood Drawing Prize is the largest and longest running annual open exhibition for drawing in the UK. The 76 artists were selected from over 3,000 entries and Plymouth College of Art and Plymouth Arts Centre have collaborated to bring the exhibition to Plymouth for the first time and the works will be exhibited across both venues
– at the college from February 10-March 8 and at the arts centre from February 12-March 9. Throughout the exhibition, the arts centre and college will also be hosting talks by some of the artists. The exhibition and talks are free (unless specified) but booking on 01752 206114 is recommended. To find out more about the prize, exhibitions and talks visit www. jerwoodvisualarts.org, www. plymouthartscentre.org and www.plymouthart.ac.uk.
Bellacouche...
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 Moretonhampstead
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Let Reconnect spread the word for YOU Call 01803 868455 Email adverts@reconnectonline.co.uk
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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Dominic fills new MD post at Embercombe EMBERCOMBE, the centre near Exeter dedicated to inspiring committed action for a truly sustainable world, has appointed a new managing director. Dominic Acland is well known in the region having been director of the Torbay Coast and Dominic Acland Countryside Trust (which manages Occombe Farm among other things) and he is a founding Director of Exeter Local Food. Embercombe is a very successful social enterprise in her seventh year and they say the establishment of this new position of MD is a recognition of its continued growth. The centre currently works with over 4000 people annually and this number is set to increase once its new Linhay, the Centre for Land Based Learning, opens in September this year. David Mann, chair of the Board of Trustees said: “We exist to inspire people to appreciate just how much they have to give to the world. We are facing exciting times and already work with businesses and people from a diverse range of backgrounds in Devon and internationally - from young people at risk of exclusion from school to pensioners. Dominic will make an invaluable contribution to our team.” To get involved at Embercombe, you can join Friends Working Weekends every month, Linhay build weeks in February and March or, if you regularly have time to spare, as a regular day volunteer. Delicious home grown food is assured at all events, but booking is essential. www.embercombe.co.uk Call 01647 252 983 or email Clare@embercombe.co.uk
Love to listen at the Haven ACOUSTIC Haven, the community-run music event in Totnes, continues to go from strength to strength, attracting some amazing musicians. And while enjoying the music and home-made refreshments, the audience is also fundraising towards the care of ancient woodland at The Hillyfield (see page 26). On Friday February 28 the Haven welcomes Cate Ferris (cateferris.bandcamp.com), a one-woman orchestra who organiser Doug King-Smith says creates “a smorgasbord of sound, from trombone to keyboards, layering beats over sweet vocal melodies”. Also on the bill that night are Susie Ro (www.susiero.co.uk) and Ayla, who Doug assures us will “win your hearts with their divine harmony and brilliant guitar.” Friday March 28 is a double bill of Collectress (www.collectress.co.uk) - “a string ensemble like no other who weave stories of sound” - and master Mbira player Chartwell Dutiro (www. chartwelldutiro.com), who is back from a world tour to call in the ancestors on this ancient and beautiful thumb piano. On a sad note, Doug says the Haven lost “a playful and generous helper and friend” when Harry Swordy, who helped run the bar at the Haven, died in a tragic accident on New Year’s Day. “Harry and his partner Helen would ride to the Haven from Ashburton on their tandem,” says Doug. “We are grateful for all the beauty he shared, and offer sincere heartfelt love to his family and friends and loved ones who will miss him so deeply.” Visit www.thehillyfield.co.uk.
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The pilgrims of Transition THE Big Green Canoe team, who host groups that visit Transition Town Totnes, have handed out Most Valiant Pilgrim awards to those who made particularly inspirational low carbon journeys to visit the project in 2013. Worthy winners were Damien and Isabelle, who sailed their boat, Neutron Rapide, from France to Ireland to visit Transition Town Kinsale and then to Totnes to join a TTT Transition Walk. Other Transition pilgrims included some young Belgian men who cycled across Belgium and Britain for a Transition study programme. Visit www. biggreencanoe.org
Staying on air DARTINGTON-based Soundart Radio (102.5FM) has had its community radio licence extended a further five years, keeping them on air until 2019. Soundart celebrates diversity with idiosyncratic scheduling that can leap from gardening to hiphop, classical music to performance poetry, or from programmes made by children to sonic art works. Visit www. soundartradio.org.uk.
Potluck meals LOOK out for regular Community Potluck meals (just take a plate of food to share), organised by Totnesbased charity Network of Wellbeing in the town’s Methodist Church Hall. NOW project manager Dr Larch Maxey, explains: “Many people told us they wanted somewhere to go on a Friday or Saturday evening without having to spend any money or buy alcohol and which was relaxed, fun and open to all.” Check www. networkofwellbeing.org/ events/ for dates.
New director THE Sharpham Trust has appointed Julian Carnell, formerly community manager at Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust, as its new director.
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Checkout past Wellbeing stories online at www.reconnectonline.co.uk WELCOME to Wellbeing. WELCOME to Wellbeing, the unique 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 ad in the Wellbeing section, like those at the bottom of this page, can cost just £41.85 a month when you book three issues and pay by direct debit.
Raw retreat goes deep A RAW food chef, teacher and health coach Gabriela Lerner is teaming up with a lifecoach, counsellor and trainer Hilary Martin to run a raw food and “deep nutrition” retreat called Ripe For Radiance. The three-day retreat, at Brimpts Farm on Dartmoor, runs from March 2730. For more information visit www. ripe-for-radiance.com or contact Gabriela on 07545 501124 or gabriela@ radiantonraw.co.uk Find out more on page 34. Right: Hilary Martin and Gabriela Lerner.
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.
Lunchtime meditation
Yoga festival’s back with winning formula
THE Thrivecraft meditation drop-in class led by Maggie Kay and team (and mentioned in editor Foster’s Living On Less page in the last issue) meets every Friday, at 1-2.30pm at the Totnes Natural Health Centre. The class welcomes experienced meditators and newcomers alike (£8/£5). Covering the four key Thrivecraft meditation topics - mindfulness, loving kindness, manifestation and inner-wisdom - the friendly, easy-going class provides guidance, support and practice. And a good natter at tea break! For more information, call Maggie on 07905 628905 or visit www. maggiekaywisdom. com.
THE second Devon Yoga Festival has been announced, with the organisers predicting a similar sell-out success to the first event. The festival will be held from August 1-3 at the same location - Seale Hayne, near Newton Abbot. On offer will be a chance for festival goers to immerse themselves in eight workshops out of a choice of over 40 on offer. Duncan Hulin, founder of the Devon School of Yoga, who is organising the festival, said: “The 2012 event was a huge success. “As we received lots of positive feedback, we are aiming to recreate the same success again including the stunning location, delicious local food and wonderful sense of community.” Features include a Yoga DJ Dance on Saturday evening, traditional Kirtan (chanting) on Friday evening and a wide range of yoga teaching styles. The festival is a non-commercial and not-for-profit event, with proceeds going to the Ganga Prem Hospice, India. Prices start from £205 (camping),
£230 (residential) for the whole weekend, including access to the entire workshop programme. Accommodation is in twin rooms, with single rooms available. Tickets include, two nights accommodation, breakfasts, lunches, dinners, all drinks & snacks, access to the full programme of workshops, Devon Yoga Festival - August 1-3 at Seale Hayne. early morning meditations, March 31, are £190. Non-discounted evening Kirtan and Yoga DJ Dance. ticket April 1 onwards, £205. Limited camping is available (earlybird £205, Adults’ (twin rooms, sharing) earlybird non-discounted ticket £220). tickets until March 31, £230. Nondiscounted ticket: April 1 – onwards, For more information visit www. £245. Children under 5 go free. devonyogafestival.co.uk, or call Children aged 5-12, earlybird until 01392 420573.
what kind of man Strength through gentleness are you anyway? Acupuncture Monthly themed inquiry days for men Heartful and spirited exploration of the joys, difficulties, pitfalls and tremendous potentials of maleness with Sebastian Kelly saturdays: 15th february; 15th march old craft ed, dartington 10 – 5 £40
www.sebastiankelly.com 07914 762941
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integrated method
Mark Edlund Plater Totnes area 01803 862803 07506 179808 mark.edlundplater@gmail.com
Editorial: 01803 868455 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk
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Using art to process emotion Child & Family Psychotherapy Clinic in Totnes “I am an experienced child, adolescent and family psychotherapist offering a new private service in Totnes. It is difficult to get access to the right kind of help for children, young people and families from the NHS. Services are very limited and access criteria often rule you out.”
Contact Richard Buckland on:
07887 916 190
e-mail: richardbuc@mac.com for an initial assessment meeting at The Plains, Totnes.
Richard Buckland has a long experience both within the NHS, and privately, providing psychotherapeutic help for children and adolescents. Modern family life takes place within an increasingly complex society which places huge demands upon parents who receive much conflicting advice. Despite the best of intentions of parents we can all face life events, or experience psychological pressures which can cause stresses in our children.
www.therapeutic-childcare-consultancy.co.uk
PERFORMER and facilitator Joyaa has combined the powerful effects of family constellations work with creative artforms – the result is Joyflow, a new way to release emotional blockages and “enliven your life!” Joyaa has 25 years’ experience in the arts, working in music, song, dance and multi-media. Five years ago, after becoming a mum, she trained in family constellations work. Joyaa - creator of Joyflow “For all time people beautifully held in love. From this have used art to process new inspired space, you can now and communicate their deepest step out into life in all your colours.” feelings,” says Joyaa. Joyaa’s next Joyflow workshop is in “Joyflow is a new type of art therapy Totnes on Saturday, March 1 (a new with deep roots that unwind patterns moon), 10am-5pm. in family systems, restoring goodness. The cost is £30 (normally £40) if “I use artistic passion as a you quote ‘Reconnect’ and booking springboard and resource to dive is essential – call 01364 661561. deep and reveal core truths – all
Open day to show off therapies BEAUTY and cosmetic specialist Radiance MediSpa in Exeter is also home to a whole range of therapies and is opening its doors to highlight what they have on offer. The Therapist Taster Day, on Saturday February 8, is a chance to enjoy a free short one-toone session or a 30-minute group workshop. Radiance owner Dr Ros Debenham said: “The day is a chance for people to really understand what we do. We have a range of different treatments and therapies to offer including
reflexology, lifecoaching, thermalogica health screening, breathwork and even laughter yoga. “Love is in the air with Valentine’s Day fast approaching and we want to help people to love themselves, both on the inside as well as the outside and that’s what all our therapists are trained to do.” The day will begin at 10am and is open for anyone to attend. To book your free one-to-one session please call 01392 277799. Visit www.radiancemedispa.com.
Herbal Medicine Practitioners’ Course at the Althaea Herbal Healing Garden, Nr Totnes The only ‘earth based’ practitioner course, focused on growing, wild harvesting and making medicines l Taught by registered Herbal URHP and NIMH practitioners. l Rolling programme. Start when you like. l Accredited by the Complementary Medicines Association l Distance learning combined with seminars, tutorials and practical sessions. Learn at your own pace over 3-7 years. Affordable; pay per module.
For prospectus, email: greenlaneherbalist@hotmail.co.uk
Try a weekend workshop 3rd-4th May www.greenlaneherbs.co.uk
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The Kindseat in its carrying case.
Angelic Guidance and Healing Given by Neil and Zena Angelic Reiki Usui Reiki Crystal Therapy Atlantean Healing Angel Card Readings Retreats
Are you sitting comfortably? INCREASINGLY people are turning to meditation as a way of finding some peace and direction in their hectic lives. Editor Foster’s recent ramblings on the subject (see Reconnect Jan/Feb issue – you can read it now online) prompted a big response, one of the more unusual of them from meditator and teacher Viramitra. “I read that you suggest a chair is good for meditation,” he said. “Perhaps you would be interested in trying a Kindseat for a while?” Meditation seats are nothing new and those who attended meditation retreats might have tried one of the simple, small benches with fold-down legs. The Kindseat, though, takes it to a whole new level. Or to an adjustable range of levels, actually. The idea is that the seat can be adjusted to suit each meditator’s size and flexibility. Not everyone is the same size, so just like having the right size shoes to walk in, you need a seat that is the right size for you. – (even having the right height chair makes a difference! ) As well as having some 30 years of experience in the practice and teaching of meditation, Viramitra has a background as an engineer. “It’s good to be able to vary the height of one’s sitting position, which can bring a freshness to their practice,” said Viramitra. “And many people like to vary between sitting cross-legged and kneeling.
“It can also be useful to be able to vary the height of one’s sitting position to bring a freshness to their practice during a long retreat,” said Viramitra. “And some people like to alternate between sitting cross-legged and kneeling. “I saw this as a design challenge there was a definite need for a bench that was fully adjustable and also lightweight. “On the way back from a retreat I saw a pedestrian suspension bridge across the road and wondered if it would be possible to use the same principles to design a seat. Elegant structure appeals to the engineer in me and aesthetics to the amateur sculptor.” The result, after a great deal of thought and numerous prototype designs, was the Kindseat, which Martin has been trying out since before Christmas. “It really is impressive,” says Martin. “The shape of the wooden base is as beautiful as it is comfortable and the adjustable straps work perfectly – and again look good too. “And it all comes apart and stashes in a neat carrying case you simply sling across your back.” The Kindseat, which is manufactured in South Devon, is now selling around the UK and internationally from Viramitra’s website. “It’s the perfect solution for people who meditate and realise the importance of good posture,” he said. Visit www.kindseat.com.
Interested In Angels? Would you like to learn how to meet your Guardian Angel? Would you like some Healing? Or would you like to become a Qualified Healer? Are you interested in Crystals and how they can be used to benefit you in everyday life? We run regular Meetings, Workshops, Courses and Events from our base in South Brent. If you are interested in meeting like minded people in a relaxed enjoyable atmosphere, then contact us, or look at our website for more information
www.crystalheaven.co.uk Email: Healing@crystalheaven.co.uk Tel: 07887 404440 What if you could GET RID of
BACK PAIN, WHIPLASH, NECK PAIN, MIGRAINES, DIZZINESS, TMJ,
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AtlasPROfilax®
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For details call: Marie-Agnes Casalini 07828 954 304 01342 303 279 marie.atlas@yahoo.co.uk www.marieatlas.co.uk Bi-Monthly Clinics in Totnes, at Arcturus Clinic – TQ9 5NJ
A strategic and non-chiropractic massage is applied to the short musculature of the neck, in only one application, safely and permanently, the atlas bone returns to its correct position. l Nothing I have experienced nor performed has given the benefits and results that this onetime treatment has. The experience to date with the AtlasPROfilax treatment is that my atlas has maintained proper alignment and function. I have felt GREAT ! The chronic pain at the base of my skull is gone. I am more balanced and empowered in my life.” - Dr. Robert A. Pope, Chiropractic Physician l In no more than 25 minutes, nearly all my tensions in my back went. The feeling of relaxation was intense. Now I can watch TV in my bed without any pain in my neck.” - R.B, West Sussex l “I feel like an owl and can now see virtually 360 degrees…” - M.H. Forest Row l “I‘ve had no back pain or migraine, this is phenomenal.” - C.H, 41yrs old l “Vertigo has disappered… my hearing has drastically improved… I can now move my head normally… I used to zigzag and struggled walking straight. I now have a perfect balance and I can walk straight.” P.C, London l “That was until I woke up the next morning with my back pain completely gone, it has never returned and it’s all down to the adjustment of my atlas.” - Lynsey, UK
Fully adjustable for the ultimate choice of meditation posture and comfort
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www.kindseat.com
For more happy clients and chiropractors’ feedback see:
www.marieatlas.co.uk Editorial: 01803 868455 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk
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Read past Wellbeing stories in our back issues...
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.
2014 breaks: 30th March - 3rd April, 28th April - 1st May 7th August - 10th August, 13th November - 16th November call Jane on 01392 432984 www.cancer-lifeline.org or email: info@cancer-lifeline.org
C r y s t a l
Nourishing the whole you IF you’re a woman over 45 you need a break and some time to yourself, you would like to have more energy and you want to learn about raw food… there’s a retreat coming up just perfect for you. Ripe for Radiance is a raw food and “deep nutrition” retreat which will be run at a venue on Dartmoor by raw food chef, teacher and health coach Gabriela Lerner and lifecoach, counsellor and trainer Hilary Martin. “Deep Nutrition means nourishment of the whole person,” says Gabriela. “Not only body but mind, emotions and spirit. Your body will experience the radiance that comes from three days of eating raw plant-based foods and learning to prepare and integrate this energy-giving and nutritionally-loaded diet into your life.” Raw food chef and coach Gabrila Lener. Deep Nutrition also recognises that health listening, exploring, opening, safe and happiness are not created by place to bring yourself and your diet alone - if the rest of our being life to.” is not nourished then it is likely And there’s no need to feel anxious we will experience ‘un-wellness’, about the raw food. whatever we choose to eat. “Fear not!” says Gabriela. “Raw Said Hilary: “You will also have time food, prepared correctly is to address life transitions, wherever extremely tasty and it doesn’t mean you currently find yourself - pre-, it’s all cold or in any way restrictive. peri- or post-menopausal, coping Our menu will include warming with family and career post-40s, and warm dishes, such as chocolate ‘empty nest’, retirement, change in chai pudding for breakfast or relationships, bereavement, ageing, courgette lasagne for dinner. And or with caring responsibilities.” there will be yummy deserts too.” “We have years of experience in The three-day retreat, at Brimpts facilitating positive change. We Farm on Dartmoor, runs from will tailor our skills to address March 27-30. For more your unique group and you as an information visit www.ripe-forindividual. radiance.com or contact Gabriela on 07545 501124 or gabriela@ “This will not be a hard-hitting, radiantonraw.co.uk goal-oriented programme, but a
R i v e r s !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Embrace your Wholeness !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Offers: Quality Crystals, Salt Crystal Lamps, Tarots, Aroma Oils, Crystal bracelets-Necklaces, Books, Ouija boards... MASSAGE Treatments, Reflexology, TAROT Readings 2 Hyde Road, Paignton, TQ4 5BN
07564 353 279
07706 455 964
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. 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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...all on our website us at
Duo’s life more spiritual FOR years healers Neil and Zena Hammond had longed to make the jump to a more spiritual life from their busy business in Essex. A year ago they finally cut their ties with the South East and moved to Devon to practice full time. The couple have had a house in South Brent for the last 10 years but their printing business kept them in Essex until last July when they sold up. Now they have found premises in Paignton which will allow them to run workshops and hold regular healing sessions. The couple set up Crystal Heaven in 2009 and their aim has always been to offer the best in quality and service to their clients in healing, workshops and retreats. Over the last year they have found themselves needing to travel all over the country running their workshops and providing healing at a large number of spiritual and wellbeing fayres. Last Summer they moved their base to South Brent and have set up a healing and workshop space in their home. However it has become evident that to offer healing to as many people as possible another
e.co.uk
Eat Yourself Well! - natural ways to treat health and well-being problems -
We specialise in mental health nutrition, digestive conditions and weight management! One to one consultations, in person, online or by phone, are available for short or longer term treatment. Advice and information packs are now available - targeted, user-friendly, and easily put into practise. A perfect place to start your natural health journey! Call with no obligation if you’d like to see how we can help.
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location was needed. So when they had the opportunity to have a therapy base in the heart of Paignton they jumped at the option. They will continue to travel but will have a permanent base at 100% Health in Torbay Road where they will be offering a range of therapies. Said Neil: “Both Heather and Mark who run 100% Health clearly work with the same ethics and morals as we do and this is very important as our number one goal is to offer our clients the best.” Neil and Zena are Usui Masters, Angelic Reiki Master Teachers, Crystal Healing Master Teachers and Atlantean Healing Masters. They Neal and Zena are also Angel Certified Hammond practitioners and Angelic Lightworkers. If you would like more information you can call in to the shop or contact Neil and Zena on 07887 404440 or by email healing@crystalheaven. co.uk. Take a look at their website www.crystalhealing .co.uk
Ripe for Radiance
A raw food and deep nutrition 3-day retreat for women over 45 Led by Hilary Martin and Gabriela Lerner 3 days of nurturing body, mind and spirit, exceptional food, and leave feeling radiant! March 27-30th 2014 Brimpts Farm, Dartmoor www.ripe-for-radiance.com or call 07545 501124
www.reconnectonline.co.uk
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www.trinityholistics.co.uk
Psychotherapy Counselling & Supervision
with Lucia Capaldi (UKCP) BA Hons
Experienced and qualified psychotherapist currently offering: Confidential sessions for individuals and couples experiencing:
• Relationship difficulties • Anxiety • Depression • Low self-esteem • Addictions • Bereavement • Stress Supervision at reduced rates for counsellors and psychotherapists
Building A Successful Practice
Workshops for psychotherapists, counsellors and complimentary therapists Book now for the next workshop
Working with clients who misuse alcohol One-day CPD workshop for counsellors and therapists.
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: 01803 868455 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk
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Do you want to advertise in Wellbeing? “If I‘d come on the workshop earlier it would have saved me a lot of heartache.”
Events with Paul Hayward Making sense of our intimate relationships using journeying and meditation. Weekend Residential: 7 - 9 March 2014 Poulston Court, Herefordshire • From £249
Book now: www.beautifulrelationships.com info@beautifulrelationships.com | 01803 864160
Facials with a lighter touch WOMEN looking for facials want to know they are safe, effective and affordable - and Light Touch Facials in Littlehempston say their combination of treatments scores on all three points. “The Natural Rejuvenating Facial enhances your appearance and leaves you feeling relaxed and pampered - all for the affordable price of £35,” says Charlotte Taylor of Light Touch Facials. “The “luxurious aromatherapy facial” combines high quality organic ingredients with massage and microcurrent for facial toning - the results are a lifted and nourished complexion without redness or irritation - perfect before a night out.” “Microcurrent technology is a nonsurgical facelift treatment that is safe and painless. “Backed up by clinical studies, microcurrent treatments increase collagen and elastin production and improve blood circulation - facial
muscles are gently re-educated to produce a natural lifted look.” Other facials offered include The Holistic Bliss in which marma points are massaged and the “deep violet healing light” of sapphire-filled gemstone mineral lamps are used. Visit www.lighttouchfacials.co.uk.
What really matters at funerals SO many traditional funerals follow the same formula, and often the pomp and ceremony can get in the way of what really matters concentrating on the person who has died and on those left behind. But families often believe they have no choice but to follow this time honoured tradition. Rupert and Claire Callender of the Green Funeral Company have been offering their unique take on modern funeral directing for the past 14 years. They call it ceremonial undertaking. Said Claire: “Traditional funerals are still largely based on how things look rather than how things are. You can spend lots of money on flowers, and a hearse and limousines, fancy order of service, an expensive coffin, but if the ceremonial heart of the funeral is cold, meaningless and formulaic, presenting a picture of the dead person that is the equivalent of a historical airbrushing, then nobody is
served, not the dead nor the living.” Claire and Rupert say that often there is a misalignment between the funeral a family is expecting and the funeral they actually need. They say the key is to work with the family to reach a place that is emotionally reassuring and therapeutically beneficial. Another difficult area the couple like to tackle is that of embalming. Said Rupert: “Embalming is the ideological ground zero for us. The psychological concept of it is flawed. The idea of trying to make someone look like they have just fallen asleep is confusing, for adults as well as children. It is at the heart of an antiquated system that still believes we need protecting from the reality of life, that artifice is better than the truth. We believe humans deserve the truth, about who we really are, the lives we lead and the deaths we die.” Call Rupert and Claire on 01803 863 923 www.greenfuneralcompany.co.uk
Marie Oxley
Ayurvedic Therapist Traditional Ayurvedic Massage & Warm Oil Body Treatments
telephone: email:
07834 354151 marie@aliatherapy.co.uk
For appointments in your area and information about all available treatments please visit w w w. a l i at h e r apy. c o. u k 36
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Movement can make you more flexible in body and mind.
Moving towards healthier living DANCE, whether it’s Zumba, ballet or tap, can be an enjoyable, invigorating and nourishing way of working out. At Chapel House Studios in Station Road, Totnes, the courses aim to get you on the road to feeling healthier and stronger. Said instructor Victoria Rogers: “Whether it’s dance, yoga or pilates, classes can make you more flexible in body and mind and more open both physically and emotionally.
“Our teachers are highly trained, professional and dedicated to helping you. “We also welcome hearing from new teachers who want to join the movement.” If you are looking for a central venue to host workshops and training, Chapel House Studios has full day studio space available to hire during weekends and holiday periods. Call 01803 866 461 or go to www. chapelhousestudios.com
ICAN Counselling and Psychotherapy
You don’t need to suffer alone Andrea Nemcova
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Deep and sensitive massage to ease tensions and help you relax deeply … To nourish yourself, care for your precious body, and expand the wellbeing throughout your life … If you choose, we can also work together through massage … to help you find more awareness in your body, to allow you fuller access to your inner wisdom, or to open to feelings or aspects of yourself which are ready to emerge …
1¼hr introductory massage session £35 £25
On a Friday. Bring this voucher to your session. Reductions for block bookings also possible.
Ailsa Lucas - Holistic Massage MTI, Dip Couns, BSc (Hons)
Ola Chiropractic Centre, Totnes 01803 849039 - 07999 486059 - ailsa.clare.lucas@gmail.com
O n l i n e L e a r n i n g i n yo u r H o m e L e ve l 3 D i p l o m a i n A n a t o m y P hy s i o l o g y & Pa t h o l o g y
Dip.PC MNCS(acc). Dip.Hyp.Cs. MHS
Qualified counsellor and psychotherapist
Study in your own time at your own pace “A Recognised and Accredited course”
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
The choice is yours
call on 01392 430115 or visit www.ican-counselling.org.uk 07738 228 654 - 01626 368 216
www.reconnectonline.co.uk
Study this Unit on its own or as part of the ITEC Body Massage, Reflexology or Aromatherapy Diploma
Pay & Start Today Ring us on 01392 826033 Devon Academy, Basepoint Business Centre Yeoford Way, Marsh Barton, Exeter, EX2 8LB www.devonacademy.co.uk Tel: 01392 826033 Email: info@devonacademy.co.uk
Editorial: 01803 868455 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk
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You can still read Wellbeing stories in past Reconnects... Handmade, Herbal, Vegan, Natural, and Eco-friendly, Body Care Products
Most people experience Ayurvedic massage on holiday in India or Sri Lanka.
• Natural toothpaste • Luxury face and hand creams • Pure vegetable soaps and much more.... We use plant-based ingredients only. No synthetic colours, fragrances or preservatives just pure essential oils, natural clays, plant oils and waxes. See websites for product ordering information, and details on workshops, herb walks and events. Hand-made with care by medical herbalist Dawn Ireland www.torbay-herbalist.co.uk www.greenwyse.co.uk info@greenwyse.co.uk - 07962 664294
2014
Passionate Presence events with
Katheryn Trenshaw
“The Earth delights to feel your bare feet.” - K Gibran
Sessions rooted in expressive arts and movement of being work. Come move, splash about with colour/word/connection and reveal your heart’s desire. One-to-one and group sessions in Totnes and London via Skype and internationally In Your Own Skin Sourcing continues www.inyourownskin.org
01803 863552 • info@ktrenshaw.com www.passionatepresence.org
A treat for mind, body and soul... AYURVEDIC massage was developed in India and most people’s experience of it comes from holidays there or in Sri Lanka. It involves the use of warm oil and flowing techniques that work with the body’s natural rhythms to release tension and relieve aches and pains. Its appeal is now growing worldwide, but there are still few trained practitioners in the UK. Marie Oxley offers Ayurvedic massage at the Totnes Natural Health Centre and will soon be able to offer appointments in Plymouth.
Ethical agency for ethical dates NATURAL Friends started 29 years ago as the first ‘green’ dating and friendship site. It has since become the preferred online dating service for environmentally-sensitive, countryloving, health-conscious, spirituallyaware single people. So, if you are looking for love or just friendship, directors Ally Moates and David may have the perfect partner for you. As Ally explained, Natural Friends attracts members with a diverse range of backgrounds and interests. “Unique individuals looking for a compatible partner to share their passion for outdoors activities, musical and creative events, human and
Ruth Baker counselling and psychotherapy
Call now 07736334454 ruthbaker1@gmail.com
ruthbakerpsychotherapy.co.uk
Ruth Baker BSc Hons Psychology, MA, Dip SW, Adv Dip Couns, Dip Supervision Integrative Psychotherapist • Counsellor • Supervisor & Mentor • Coach & Consultant Areas: Exeter, Totnes, Torquay, Teignmouth, Newton Abbot, Plymouth Individuals, Couples and Groups • Mindfulness Courses
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She said: “It is a wonderful treat for the body, mind and soul, and regular treatments result in great benefits to health, including increased energy levels, better circulation, improved immunity and reduced stress. “Whether you simply want a relaxing massage, or have a health problem that needs treatment, I tailor your treatment session to use the most appropriate oil and massage techniques to suit your needs.” Call Marie on 07834 354151, email marie@aliatherapy.co.uk, or visit www.aliatherapy.co.uk.
animal welfare, conservation and personal development,” she said. Natural Friends has been successfully linking kind, caring, kindred spirits in love and friendship for 29 years. Said Ally: “We care passionately about the service we offer to our members and strive to find new ways to attract and bring like-minded people together in love and friendship.” Their ethical approach has helped thousands of people to find their perfect partner. Full membership starts at £30 and early bird subscription discounts are available but joining is free and its free to search members online. Join up at www.naturalfriends.co.uk.
Successful private practice. Build confidence in marketing yourself ethically, including: l Through the Client’s Eyes l Safe Social Media l No to Networking l Advertising - the Where, the How, the Scams l Speaking and Writing your Truth l Selling without the Pitch
Advertising: 01392 346342 adverts@reconnectonline.co.uk
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.cpdfortherapists.co.uk
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Take your yoga a little deeper A NEW course starting in March at Kingsbridge is aimed at those who already practice yoga and who want to deepen their understanding of this vast and ancient subject. The one-year non-vocational Foundation Course in Classical Yoga will be taught by Sheila Coombes, who has been practising and teaching yoga for more than 40 years. And although the course is ideal for personal development, it is accredited through Friends of Yoga (FRYOG) and successful Shelia Coombes, teacher of the foundational completion enables course in classical yoga. entry onto the twoand an afternoon of study. year FRYOG teacher Participants are also required training programme. to write nine essays for external The course includes nine fullassessment. day workshops (one per month Call Sheila on 01803 732012 March-November) comprising or 07837203602. a morning of yoga practise
www.reconnectonline.co.uk
Rediscover Your ROAR! Answer The Call To Adventure! Are you lost and in need of direction? Why not turn your life around in just 1 day. Sharpham House, Sunday 23rd March, 9.30am - 5.30pm. Cost: £115 Corporates, £95 Individuals, £75 Concessions. To book: call 01752 698703, email simon@setyourspiritfree.com or visit www.setyourspiritfree.com/transformation.htm Discover where your life is truly headed or get your money back guaranteed!
See Courses For Meditation Evenings, Coaching Clubs & People’s Circles Too!
live your life , more true to your nature!
Editorial: 01803 868455 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk
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Contact us now to advertise in Wellbeing
Waterloo Wellbeing Centre Providing Counselling, Psychotherapy and Training in our community.
We are a dedicated team of practitioners with a wide range of experience and specialities. Here at the WWC we provide a professional counselling, psychotherapy and supervision service. Each practitioner has completed a high standard of professional training, is fully insured and appropriately registered. We offer a wide range of therapeutic approaches including CBT, DBT, EMDR, couples counselling, in-depth psychotherapy, integrative counselling, child & adolescent psychotherapy and family therapy. The Centre is well appointed and has plenty of natural light. We have a range of therapy rooms, available to hire, including weekends & evenings. There is plenty of free parking close by.
Weekly Drop-in sessions @ Waterloo Wellbeing Centre Mindfulness Meditation (All welcome) Tues Eves, 7pm – 8.15pm Thurs Eves, 7pm – 8.30pm
Lotus Training @ Crownhill Fort, Plymouth CPD and Professional Training Courses Friday 28th Feb, 10am – 4pm An Intro to Mindfulness based Counselling Skills Fri/Sat 7th & 8th March A two day practical introduction: ‘Working therapeutically with couples.’
Lotus Training for Counselling and Mindfulness
Sat 15th Mar, 10am – 4pm ‘A space for Mindfulness’.
(In association with Waterloo Wellbeing Centre) Due to the expansion of the centre we have recently opened a brand new training facility @ The Crownhill Fort. Officers’ Quarters 1 and 2 provides a spacious and tranquil environment for undertaking professional counselling training, mindfulness courses/events, CPD and retreats.
Fri/Sat 28th & 29th March A two day practical introduction: ‘Working therapeutically with couples.’ Saturday 5th April, 10am – 4pm An Intro to Mindfulness based Counselling Skills NOW RECRUITING for Sept 2014 Two year Mindfulness-based Counselling Diploma (CBCAB Accredited)
‘Sitting silently, doing nothing, Spring comes, and the grass grows, by itself ’. Matsuo Basho
The Waterloo Wellbeing Centre, 191 Devonport Rd, Stoke, Plymouth PL1 5RN Tel: 01752 560002 • E: info@psychotherapyplymouth.co.uk For more info visit: www.psychotherapyplymouth.co.uk
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Choosing to make change SPRING is in the air and, as we enter the season of growth and renewal, Leigh Smith of The Heartwood Centre can feel the re-emergence of energy and the potential for new beginnings… The wet Winter seems to have dragged on forever and there is a real sense of dampened spirits and a palpable need to feel the warmth of the sun and a yearning for wellbeing. At this time of year I am constantly reminded of the power of the human spirit to endure the dark times and search out the light and hope in our lives. In the work I do as a psychotherapist I often marvel at the courage and endurance of people who suffer long periods of depression, anxiety and stress. But, as Patti Smith says, ‘People have the power’ and I see such courage to move toward hope, against all odds, and I am constantly humbled. There is a bitter sweet message in the Dalai Lama quote: “When you realise that everything springs only from yourself, you will learn both peace and joy” - the suggestion that we are in some way responsible for the life events we encounter can be a difficult concept to embrace. The quote suggests that personal growth and self-awareness are the key to taking responsibility for what we create with our lives and how we personally contribute to our own wellbeing. Gandhi tells us in order for us to see changes in the world, we are the ones who have to actively create these changes ourselves: “Be the change you want to see in the world”. Choosing to change is our decision alone and we need to take this first courageous step; nobody can do this for us. This move toward a deeper involvement in our lives is bold and empowering, we truly can be the instigator of the life we choose.
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We look forward to seeing you at ALIGN! George Bernard Shaw said: “Life isn’t about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.” So, how to begin? There are many paths that can lead to a life enriched with self-awareness and in this part of Devon particularly we are blessed with an array of personal development possibilities, from therapies to training courses. If you are interested in learning more about the skills involved in helping others to embrace the possibility of change in their lives, while also on a journey of personal development, contact The Heartwood Centre. We run accredited courses in counselling and the staff are dedicated to creating the safe environment for both learning and growing. Heartwood has also trained counsellors who offer therapeutic support for people who would like some help to make the changes they want to see both in the world - and in their own lives. Leigh Smith is Heartwood’s director of studies. For more information on courses, call 01803 865464, email heartwood1@btconnect.com, or visit www.heartwoodcounselling.org.
So what kind of man are you? WITH the media talking of a crisis in masculinity and the falling away of traditional gender roles, these can be confusing times for men. But according to menswork specialist Sebastian Kelly, there has never been so much potential for men to find out who they truly are and want to be. Sebastian is holding a series of monthly themed inquiry days for men taking place in Dartington and titled, What Kind of Man Are You Anyway? Sebastian has been involved in menswork for over 15 years and brings along his vast experience in the role. He said: “It’s a chance for men of
VOUCHER
all walks of life to gather together and experience just how nourishing, connecting and supportive it is to meet together as men in an authentic space.” Each month the inquiry days explore a theme relevant to men, such as Fathers; Power; Wildness and Responsibility. The theme is explored through inquiry exercises, movement, group work, time in nature and simple ritual. He added: “The inquiry format meets you where you are, so the days are suitable for everyone, whether you’re well versed in menswork or entirely new to it.” For more details visit www. sebastiankelly.com or call 07914 762 941.
Devon School of NLP & Hypnosis
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OFFERING ● 5 day Certified Hypnotherapist Course ● 10 day NLP Diploma & Certified Hypnotherapist course ● 15 Day INLPTA Certified NLP Practitioner Course ● 20 Day Diamond NLP & Hypnotherapist Course Nick Evans, Founder Devon School of NLP
Small Groups of Like Minded People Relaxed & Inspirational Locations Nr Exeter Modular Courses & Easy Payment Plans Quality, Affordability & Accessibility A Inspirational Place for Personal Development & Practical Psychology Skills
Visit www.nlp-southwest.co.uk Practitioner Graduation
For Early Booking Discounts on Courses in 2014 Or Telephone Nick Evans Direct on 07832 357 208
“The Best Investment I Ever Made” Sam, HR Manager
“Why Go To London When The Best is Right Here” Josephine, Actors Studio “Your Course has Awoken My Mind”
Darren, Coach & Therapist
becoming ourselves
Have you got problems... in your relationship or suffer from anxiety and depression, experience bereavement, trauma, abuse, illness, parenting problems or you feel unhappy in yourself? My role is to listen and to help you to discover your own underlying health.
As a UKCP Psychotherapist ‘In Training’ I offer accessible, reasonably-priced Psychotherapy. in English and German. The first meeting is free of charge. Susanne Gosling Core Process Psychotherapy Holmedale Health, Denmark Road, Exeter EX1 1SE. 07786 333 466 susannegosling@gmail.com www.becomingourselves.co.uk
Editorial: 01803 868455 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk
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Contact us now advertise in Wellbeing... You can read pasttoLiving on Less columns in our online archive...
CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENTS OUR single and double column advertisements are £55 and £98. Lineage ads, like those on this page and opposite, are 90p a word, with a minimum of 20 words. Plus a FREE photo! Call us to talk about single or double column ads, or email your classified ad to adverts@ reconnectonline.co.uk (with a phone number) and we’ll contact you about payment. The deadline for the April/May issue is Friday, March 7. FOREST SCHOOL
Waycotts Orchard Forest School
WORKSHOPS& INSIDER ART COURSESDIARY Courses in Exeter 2014 ART THERAPY
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
A FREE woRkshop in
QIGONG at Exeter Mint Methodist Church, with Brad Richecoeur, 5.30-7pm. Suitable for all levels. 01364 644040 www. qigong-southwest. co.uk EVERY THURSDAY
TUESDAY 4
wed 19th February 7.30–9.30pm Room 101, harrison Building, Exeter University
THE COACHING CLUB. Lost and need direction? Start to turn your life around! Ivybridge Community Hub, 7-9pm, £15 Contact Simon 01752 698703 or simon@ setyourspiritfree.com
FUNERALS demystified. Come to our modern funeral home and find out what awardwinning funeral directors do. Each day at 11am, 1pm and 6pm. Free. Light refreshments. Green Fuse, Riverstone, 18 Dart Mills, Buckfastleigh TQ11 0NF. 01803 840779.
University of Exeter’s Meditation society For info: exeter.meditation@ex.ac.uk
Yoga in your home
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 COUNSELLING
DAVID OXLEY accredited BACP counsellor and psychotherapist. Psychosynthesis and Core Process. Working with relationship, depth, integrity and soul. Central Exeter, Totnes and Plymouth. www. davidoxleycounselling. co.uk, 07876051093.
thereafter £15-40. Littlehempston & Newton Abbot. Ruth Jenni 07974 097 787 oakflowercounselling @yahoo.co.uk. CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY
CRANIOSACRAL Therapy Karar Hill RCST BCST ‘Creating Space in the Body’ practising from Plymouth, Exeter, Harberton. Tel: 07505 038677, email: craniokarar@yahoo. co.uk.
AFFORDABLE Creative Counselling: Depressed or anxious? Reconnect with your life force. First session free,
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Website www.heartwoodyoga.co.uk
rainwater tanks, good access and parking. Compost loo, field kitchen and shower, tool shed, tools, use of medicinal herb garden and 16ft caravan, £45 per week. greenlaneherbalist@ hotmail.co.uk, 07720 440 866. HUMAN DESIGN READINGS
GARDEN TO LET
GROWING AREAS (grass, raised beds and small polytunnel) South facing, available for horticultural use. (Also opportunity to supply salad bags to Riverford). To experienced, committed grower. Mains water,
CRYSTAL HEAVEN. Angelic Card Reading workshop. £45. 10am to 4pm. Light refreshments supplied. Bring your own lunch. Tel 07887404440. healing@crystal heaven.co.uk, www. crystalheaven.co.uk.
Learn Anapana, a useful meditation technique
YOGA
REIKI
SUNDAY 2
EVERY TUESDAY
as taught by s.n.Goenka
Call Neil on 07974 414323 www.waycotts.org.uk
FEBRUARY
MEDITATION WORKSHOP
Vipassana Meditation
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.
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.
Totnes. Experienced, insured practitioner, enhanced CRB, concessions available. Contact Sarah Willoughby: 07865 640230 or sarahwillingbee@ hotmail.com PSYCHOTHERAPY
CORE PROCESS PSYCHOTHERAPY at reduced rates: Karar Hill RCST UKCP Trainee Psychotherapist practising from Plymouth, Exeter, Harberton. Tel: 07505 038677. YOGA
CRANIOSACRAL Therapy, Hypnotherapy and Human Design Consultations in
POWER OF 3: Yoga, Massage and Herbal Medicine, with luscious lunch. 10-2pm. Noss Mayo. £30. Chat to Sara on 01752 872960. www. herbs-work.co.uk, 4creatingspace@ gmail.com
Advertising: 01392 346342 adverts@reconnectonline.co.uk
EVERY FRIDAY
LUNCHTIME MEDITATION with Maggie Kay and the Thrivecraft team. Every Friday 1-2.30pm. Lunchtime drop-in. Experienced /newcomers - all welcome. Totnes Natural Health Centre. Teaching, practice, support & tea. £8/£5. EVERY FRIDAY
QIGONG at St John’s Church Hall, Totnes, with Brad Richecoeur, 10-11.30am. Suitable for all levels. 01364 644040, www.qigongsouthwest.co.uk SATURDAY 1
PEOPLE’S CIRCLE. What is it like to live in the 21st Century? Discuss it around a camp fire! Longtimber Woods, Ivybridge. Donations welcome. Contact Simon 01752 698703 or simon@ setyourspiritfree.com CRYSTAL HEAVEN (South Brent) Angelic Guidance Workshop. £45. 10am- 4pm. Light refreshments supplied. Bring a packed lunch. Tel 07887404440 healing@crystal heaven.co.uk, www. crystalheaven.co.uk
FRI, SAT, SUN 7, 8, 9
CRYSTAL HEAVEN. Angelic Reiki 1 and 2. £252. 10am to 4pm Sat and Sun, and 6.30pm to 9.30 on Friday. Light refreshments supplied. Bring your own lunch. Tel 07887404440. healing@crystalheaven .co.uk. www.crystal heaven.co.uk SAT 15 / SUN 16
THRIVECRAFT Business Booster 1 - Attracting Clients and New Business. Weekend business coaching workshop with Maggie Kay. Royal Seven Stars Hotel, Totnes. £149 /£125 concessions incl lunches. www. maggiekaywisdom. com 07905628905. TUESDAY 18
CRYSTAL HEAVEN (South Brent) Angel Wishboard. £45. 10am-4pm. Light refreshments will be supplied, please bring a packed lunch. Call for details, 07887404440 healing@crystal heaven.co.uk, www. crystalheaven.co.uk.
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...email Pete at MARCH EVERY MONDAY
MEDITATION Evening. Create a deeper connection to yourself and the world around you! Ivybridge Community Hub, 7-9pm, £5/£3. Contact Simon 01752 698703 or simon@ setyourspiritfree.com EVERY TUESDAY
QIGONG at Exeter Mint Methodist Church, with Brad Richecoeur, 5.30-7pm. Suitable for all levels, 01364 644040 www. qigong-southwest. co.uk. EVERY THURSDAY
THE COACHING CLUB. Lost and need direction? Start to turn your life around! Ivybridge Community Hub, 7-9pm, £15. Contact Simon 01752 698703 or simon@ setyourspiritfree.com. EVERY FRIDAY
QIGONG at St John’s Church Hall, Totnes, with Brad Richecoeur, 10-11.30am. Suitable for all levels. 01364 644040, www.qigongsouthwest.co.uk. EVERY FRIDAY
LUNCHTIME MEDITATION with Maggie Kay and the Thrivecraft team. Every Friday 1-2.30pm. Lunchtime drop-in. Experienced /newcomers - all welcome. Totnes Natural Health Centre. Teaching, practice, support & tea. £8/£5. SATURDAY 1
JOYFLOW Workshop, 10am -5pm (New Moon), School Hall at the Mansion, Totnes, £40 (or £30 if you quote Reconnect). Booking essential 01364 661561. PEOPLE’S Circle. What is it like to live in the 21st Century? Discuss it around a camp fire! Longtimber Woods, Ivybridge. Donations welcome. Contact Simon 01752 698703 or simon@ setyourspiritfree.com. SAT 1 - SUN 2
METAMORPHIC Technique training, in Dartington between 10-5pm on both
days. “Being in Hélène’s presence was deeply inspiring and grounding. It was a very beautiful weekend shared with wonderful women.” For more details: www. helenedemetriades. co.uk/courses. TUESDAY 4
FUNERALS demystified. Come to our modern funeral home and find out what awardwinning funeral directors do. Each day at 11am, 1pm and 6pm. Free. Light refreshments. Green Fuse, Riverstone, 18 Dart Mills, Buckfastleigh TQ11 0NF. 01803 840779. SATURDAY 8
LIVING Willow Structures, Growers Organics, Yealmpton, PL8 2LT. Tutor Vivienne Turner. Cost £48. Course runs from 10am-4.30pm. For more details or to book, visit www. growersorganics.com or call 01752 881180. SATURDAY 15
POWER OF 3: Yoga, Massage and Herbal Medicine, with luscious lunch, 10-2pm, Noss Mayo. £30. Chat to Sara 01752 872960. www.herbs-work.co.uk. SAT 15/SUN 16
THRIVECRAFT Business Booster 2 - Easy Marketing and Social Media. Weekend business coaching workshop with Maggie Kay. Totnes Natural Health Centre, Totnes. £149/£125 incl lunches. www. maggiekaywisdom. com, 07905 628905. CRYSTAL HEAVEN (South Brent) Crystal Healing 1. £135. 10am-4pm both days. Light refreshments supplied, please bring a packed lunch. Phone or email to book. The exchange is £10 on the night. Tel 07887404440, healing@crystal heaven.co.uk, www. crystalheaven.co.uk. TUESDAY 18
DEATH CAFÉ. At a Death Cafe people gather to eat cake, drink tea and discuss matters around death, ‘to increase awareness
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of death with a view to helping people make the most of their (finite) lives’. Buckfastleigh/ Ashburton. 7pm. Call Green Fuse Funerals for details 01803 840779. SATURDAY 22
YOGA Foundation Course, Kingsbridge. Practical and theoretical course in classical yoga accredited through FRYOG. For those who practise yoga and want to deepen their knowledge of this vast and ancient subject. Sheila Coombes, mumaji59@yahoo. co.uk. ANIMAL Willow Structures for the Garden, Growers Organics, Yealmpton, PL8 2LT. Tutor Vivienne Turner. Cost £48. Course runs from 10am-4.30pm. For more details or to book, visit www. growersorganics. com or call 01752 881180. YOGA Foundation Course, Kingsbridge. Practical and theoretical course in classical yoga accredited through FRYOG. For those who practise yoga and want to deepen their knowledge of this vast and ancient subject. Sheila Coombes, mumaji59@yahoo. co.uk. SUN 23/FRI 28
THE JOURNEY Finding Earth, Finding Soul. www.embercombe. co.uk/journey. SUNDAY 23
REDISCOVER Your Roar! Transform your life in just one day. Sharpham House 9.30am-5.30pm, £115 corporate, £95 individual, £75 concessions. Contact Simon 01752 698703, or email simon@ setyourspiritfree.com SATURDAY 29
CRYSTAL HEAVEN (South Brent) Angelic Guidance Workshop. £45. 10am - 4pm. Light refreshments supplied, bring a packed lunch. Tel 07887404440, healing@crystal heaven.co.uk, www. crystalheaven.co.uk.
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nline.co.uk
Restore-me Therapies Holistic Therapies for the Mind, Body & Soul
] Body Massage (Swedish, Aromatherapy, Therapeutic) ] Indian Head Massage ] Reflexology ] Hopi Ear Candling ] Holistic Facials ] Reiki ] Special Offers ] Packages ] Mobile service Gift Vouchers available To find out more, please call or visit online
Beryl Roseblade MICHT MFHT, Brixham ▪ Paignton ▪ Torquay Tel: 01803 853605 Mob: 07753 471618
www.restoremetherapies.com
SPREAD THE COST OF ADVERTISING I can't believe it's not expensive! A 1/8-page advertisement like this will cost you just £41.85 a month if you book six issues and pay by direct debit AND we’ll help you write and design your ad AND we’ll write an editorial for you
Now you know which side your bread is buttered!
Call Pete on 01392 346342 or Martin 01803 868455 Or email adverts@reconnectonline.co.uk
Hillyfield Hens
Organically fed, pasture-range poultry
Spring chickens! Coming soon to a chicken house near you: l Light and Speckled Sussex l Black, blue and splash Copper Marans l Barred Plymouth Rocks We will have for sale: l Hatching eggs l Chicks and pullets l Point-of-lay hens
WANT TO KEEP HENS? Look out for chicken keeping for beginners workshops email us if you’re interested and keep an eye on the Hillyfield website
Call Jenny on 01803 868455 or Doug on 07976 589 927
www.thehillyfield.co.uk Editorial: 01803 868455 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk
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