ReConnect #62

The good living and community magazine for Exeter, Plymouth and across South Devon AUG/SEPT 19 ISSUE 62

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

Pleas e tak e one

FREE !

our costa del soul Health and wellbeing across the county

nAtural abundance Bountiful and beautiful produce

festivals, events & happenings

the art of recycling

Local fun for all the family this summer

A rich community of arts and crafts

The free range magazine celebrating local community life throughout the Summer - powered by the people!

Visit us online at www.reconnectonline.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 since 2001, is also renowned for its excellence in training courses. Conveniently situated in the city centre, we have full reception cover and beautiful spacious treatment rooms for therapists to hire or, for bigger workshops, courses and classes, we have a well appointed large training room. Please call on 01392 422555 for more details.

RECREATE

YOUR LIFE

START UP SCHEME Recently finished your course?

New to the area?

Looking to build up your business?

Inherent Well Being

Ask about our popular Start Up In Business Scheme Starting from only £50 a month for unlimited ad hoc hours plus help with marketing & promotion to get you up & running, it’s too good to miss!

Come & join our ENHC team.

www.inherentwellbeing.co.uk P: 07394 889 383 E: welcome@inherentwellbeing.co.uk

“I can honestly say that if it wasn’t for the scheme and the amazing support I have received from Ali and Mo, my business would not be growing as it is - I already have repeat clients booking in.” Katie

Gwen Channer Modern Psychology, Hypnotherapy, Life Transformation Coach, Quantum Touch

P EW • Personal Training sessions to aid stress relief.

• Massage Therapy to relief muscle tension • Crystal Therapy to help balance your equilibrium.

• Small group beginners circuit classes.

Phone Patricia: 07930 258 747 Email: info@phew4u.co.uk

THE DEVON SCHOOL OF REFLEXOLOGY Award-winning Training in Professionalism and Excellence Spring/Autumn courses 2019 For more details:

www.devonreflexology.com

Email: devonreflexology@hotmail.com

MORE EXETER NATURAL HEALTH CENTRE PRACTITIONERS MO MORRISH RSHOM Homeopathic medicine www.thehomoeopathic practice.co.uk Authentic Ceremonies www.authenticceremonies.co.uk

ANNA PARIS Ac.M.MBAC

Traditional acupuncture, Toyohari, 5 element & Manaka styles E: amparis1@btinternet.com

01392 422555 Centre Manager: Ali Morrish Find out more about us on facebook Follow us on twitter @ExeterNaturalHC Exeter Natural Health Centre, Queens Walk, 83/84 Queen Street, Exeter, EX4 3RP

AMBER HYPNOTHERAPY

E. solutions@amberhypnotherapy.co.uk T. 07955 317655 www.amberhypnotherapy.co.uk

ALI MORRISH RSHOM FAMILY HOMEOPATH PRACTISING IN EXETER FOR 25 YEARS

Jungian Therapist / Dream work T. 01392 422555

“The beauty of homeopathy lies in its simplicity, the power of homeopathy lies in its depth.”

Mo Morrish at Exeter Natural Health Centre

e: info@enhc.org w: www.enhc.org 2

01392 214074 • mo@thehomoeopathicpractice.co.uk

Visit www.thehomoeopathicpractice.co.uk

Advertising: 01392 346342 adverts@reconnectonline.co.uk

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

Upfront

WELCOME...

IT'SWHAT WE'REABOUT

Broughttoyou by...

INTHISISSUE...

BIRDS ON THE WING

4

PARTY IN THE TOWN

7

ENLIGHTENING TALK

10

GOING OUT

11

Our migrating gulls EDITOR Scott Williams

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Karen Williams

WELLBEING EDITOR Kate Philbin

Community celebration

How radical is Buddha?

Places to go, people to see

ORGANIC GARDENING14 Seasonal gardening tips

DEVON’S ARTISTS

Celebrating talent COUNSELLOR WRITER Leigh Smith

17

GARDENING THERAPY 18 Healthy horticulture

Inhabiting the forest page 24

19

NOURISHING FOOD Eating for health

LIVING MADE SIMPLE 20 Work and money

to the August/September issue of Reconnect.

An edition bursting with celebration of our region’s local communities, our landscapes from coast to moors, our wildlife and all the wellbeing on offer to ensure a summer of blossoming health.

We also offer you a bountiful crop of local arts and crafts, festivals, music, produce, horticulture, birdlife, woodlands, and outdoor activities for you to enjoy in the sunshine.

We’ve still got all the Reconnect regular features for you too, including our Wellbeing section brimming with local healers, practitioners, workshops, and good mindful advice, plus there is our eclectic Classified pages. You won’t find such multifarious green content anywhere else in the UK but it’s business as normal for us here at Reconnect.

We hope you enjoy your summer and everything we have to offer this issue. Already we’re making a start on our October/ November issue. If you want to feature too, don’t forget to get in touch. Scott x

COVERSTORY...

22

FIRECREST SONG

A small and rare find!

WILD LIVING

25

Embercombe unplugged

WELLBEING PAGES

26

Our holistic health guide

EMOTIONAL HEALTH 28

GARDENING EXPERT Joa Grower

Defining ourselves Plastic game changer - page 4

FOOD WRITER Jane Hutton

WEBSITE EDITORS www.doetsdesign.com

TECHNICAL AIDE Zelah Williams

STAY IN TOUCH...

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

CLASSIFIED ADS 42

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

howtoadvertise...

PLACE an advertisement in Reconnect and we’ll put your message out across South Devon 8250 copies every other month.

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

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

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

That’s a saving of £27.90.

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

Our 1/4-page advertisements

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

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

That’s a saving of £44.40.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

COVER IMAGES Main picture: Photo by Charlie Taillard, model Samjhana Moon, dress by Catherine Deane (www. catherinedeane.co.uk).

Left to right: Dadfest (dangerousdads. org.uk); Foxhole Community Garden

by Zoe Jong; and 2017 Digitally remastered fish, by TRAIL organisers Amy McCarthy and Sam Lock That’s a saving of £93.90.

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

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

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

All that and editorial too!

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

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

Call us now for a chat.

OCT/NOV issue out end of Sept - the next deadline is Sept 6 PRINTED BY William Pollard & Co Ltd, Exeter www.pollardsprint.co.uk WEBSITE Visit our website at www.reconnectonline.co.uk.

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

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

Editorial: 01392 346342 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

3

news&views Craftsmen showcase IN September (7-29) the Riverside Gallery in Devon Guild of Craftsmen at Bovey Tracey will be transformed into a workshop environment where visitors can watch makers in action and learn about different crafts, materials, equipment and tools.

Art trek

ANY Exeter, Plymouth and South Devon based art enthusiasts may like to venture up to North Devon in September for the Art Trek Open Studios event from September 13-29.

With over 100 interesting and talented artists and makers in over 60 venues this is a trip worth making.

Charity concert

IN aid of Families for Children, Lukesland House (Harford, Ivybridge) is hosting a charity concert and supper on Sunday August 4 at 7pm where Zara Benyounes (violin) and Sara Roberts (viola) will be teaming up as a violin/viola duo.

Monks in Brixham

LUPTON House, near Brixham will be hosting the Tashi Lhunpo Monks on September 28 who will be holding a hands on workshop followed by what is sure to be a mesmerising performance.

Electric bikes from the station

TWO Devon railway stations, Cranbrook and Honiton, are to benefit from the installation of Co Bikes electric bike stations, allowing they say for seamless – and zero carbon – onward commuting options.

Historic strike

Extinction Rebellion are calling for a global strike on September 20 with workers around the world walking out for the day.

Cosmic Granny marks 30 years

S

OUTH Devon Singers, the community choir with branches in both Teignmouth and Ivybridge, is marking the thirtieth anniversary of the premiere of Granny Galactica, the children’s musical written by their Musical Director, David Haines, with concert performances in Yealmpton and Sidmouth this autumn.

“The musical has had many community and school productions”, says David, “but this is the first concert performance, with live action replaced by narrations and some of the original dialogue.”

David describes the work - the story of a retired astronomer exploring the galaxy as a passenger in an alien starship - as a turning point in his career. “My science-based work attracted the attention of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology”, says David, “and I was appointed the world’s first science festival Songwriter-in-Residence. I’ve worked in this role nearly every year since the festival began in 2007, helping stage science-based choral concerts, and leading hundreds of science songwriting workshops at schools in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the home of MIT and Harvard.”

Granny Galactica packs a powerful environmental punch when we meet the Fnirks, a race of careless aliens

David Haines Photo by David Lee who wreck planet after beautiful planet in their search for the perfect home.

When they reject Earth as too spoiled already by humanity’s depradations, the Earthlings return home determined to campaign for humans to change their ways. The message is as relevant now as when the piece was written in 1989, only more urgent than ever.

David says “There is still plenty of time for new singers to join us for this autumn’s performances.

Choir members need no previous experience, or ability to read music, and can be any age.”

Rehearsals take place on Monday evenings in Teignmouth, and Tuesday evenings in Ivybridge. For more information without obligation, email David on puzjig@gmail.com, or call choir administrator Sheila Townsend on 01626 870107.

Plastic game changer for businesses

O

CCASIONAL contributor to Reconnect Amanda Keetley has written a new book to empower businesses to cut plastic use. In her book Plastic Game Changer: How to Reduce Plastic in your Organization to Make a Difference to Plastic Pollution Amanda inspires positive action with a fivestep framework to accelerate business plastic reduction efforts, along with insights from five real-world plastic game changers, from a variety of industries, who share how they have done it too.

Plastic Game Changer is a practical guide for professionals who want to make a difference to plastic pollution. It will appeal to CEOs, HR leaders, Sustainability leaders and people at all levels, globally, who feel compelled to do something meaningful to tackle the ocean plastic crisis.

More details see: www.lessplastic.co.uk/book

Devon weaver selected for exhibition

Plymouth Pride

2019 marks the 50th anniversary of the ‘Stonewall Riots’ that took place in New York and mark the beginning of the modern day ‘Gay Rights’ movement. The colourful loud and proud Pride Festival will be marking the anniversary in Plymouth on Saturday August 10 by celebrating and promoting the diversity that exists within the LGBTQ communities.

4

TAPESTRY weaver Christine Sawyer from Exeter has been selected for a prestigious international exhibition in London and Nottingham. Christine has had her work ‘Split Detail’ selected for Heallreaf 2019 joining 40 exhibitors from all over the world. The exhibition runs

Advertising: 01392 346342

Joe Webster, Night Sycamore

from September 7-21 at Surface Gallery, Nottingham and then from October 15-26 at Espacio Gallery, London.

There is a ‘People’s Choice’ prize and visitors will vote for the work they like best. The winning artist receives £250, sponsored by yarn company Weavers Bazaar. Jurors also select the winner of a £500 award, that will be announced on September 6 at the opening of the Nottingham Show.

The exhibition is the brainchild of Margaret Jones, herself a tapestry weaver. The name for the exhibition ‘heallreaf’ is an Anglo Saxon word for ‘a tapestry hung in a public place’.

Summertime exhibitions THE latest exhibitions planned for Harbour House in Kingsbridge are: until August 4 – Being Present An exhibition of Joe Webster’s latest paintings, some created aboard his canoe as he paddles around the creeks of the Kingsbridge estuary.

August 6 – 11 Between the Land and the Sea An exhibition exploring the beauty of the Devon coastline and the challenges it faces. The centrepiece is a giant Kraken.

August 13 – 18 Through the Artist’s Window An exhibition of paintings and printmaking by Maggie Smith.

August 20 – September 1 Island Artist Paintings of coasts and seascapes by Emma Carter Bromfield.

September 3 – 15 Bright, Bold Landscapes Soft pastel paintings by Jo Probert.

September 17 – 29 Recent Works Oil paintings by Susie David, exploring water and other elements of the wild.

Visit: www.harbourhouse.org.uk

Harley KuyckCohen’s Fox

Contemporary art

THIS September, Exeter Phoenix, will present their contemporary art competition showcase of emerging and established contemporary visual artists from across the UK at their Exeter Contemporary Open. The exhibition returns having taken a break in 2018 whilst the venue’s gallery spaces underwent refurbishment.

The venue has announced that the 15 shortlisted artists whose work will appear in the exhibition are Iain Andrews, Amanda Benson, Sara Berman, Jack Bodimeade, Harriet Bowman, Patrick Brandon, Michael Calver, Grant Foster, Alia Hamaoui, Jeb Haward, Harley Kuyck-Cohen, Dinu Li, John Lawrence, Mahali O’Hare and Molly Thomson.

The selected artists are eligible for the £1000 Overall Award, £500 Additional Award and the £200 Audience Choice Award, which will be voted for by exhibition visitors over the course of the exhibition.

The exhibition will run from September 20 until November 10, open daily 10am-5.30pm. Entry is free. See www. exetercontemporaryopen.com

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

NEWS&views A folk invasion

SINCE 1955 August has seen the return of the Sidmouth Folk Festival. This year happening from 2nd to the 9th with a line-up including Richard Thompson (solo acoustic), Julie Fowlis and Flook.

Plus Banter, Merry Hell, Peatbog Faeries,Topette!, Sam Kelly & The Lost Boys, Seth Lakeman, Blackbeard’s Tea Party, and many more. Further information and tickets at www. sidmouthfolkfestival.co.uk

Literary weekend

THE 11th Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival on September 1822 features Dame Hilary Mantel, Robert Harris, Cressida Cowell, Jenny Eclair, James Runcie, Kirsty Wark, and many more as well as lively panel debates, workshops, and activities for children.

South Hams arts

SHAF Arts Trail is now an established annual arts event in the South Hams. Now in its ninth year it runs from October 12-27 with around 80 artists taking part exhibiting and selling their work in venues across the South Hams.

Beach clean

TORQUAY’s coastal zoo has planned another local beach clean on Wednesday August 14 at Torre Abbey Sands. People can register to volunteer on the Living Coasts website.

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

Migrating birds on the wing

T

HERE are a surprising number of fascinating birds to be found around Exeter City Centre.

Exeter’s Royal Albert Memorial Museum & Art Gallery (RAMM) explores our feathered friends this summer. On The Wing is an exhibition of Exeter-based photographer, Jenny Steer’s work on display until October 20 in the cafe area.

Jenny has a passion for the environment and birds in particular, especially gulls.

Following the RAMM’s migratory birds without borders theme Jenny looked into the near total rural-tourban migration of the Herring Gull. Largely influenced by the commercial fishing techniques which have decimated seabed life. New research reveals that the downfall of most seabirds is a diet of poor quality food. After industrial fishing and climate change combined to rob them of their usual diet. The UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization estimates over 70% of the world’s fish species are now either fully exploited or depleted. Jenny said: “Peter Rock from Bristol has conducted the most extensive longterm studies of urban Gulls. He says that there are virtually no rural communities of Herring Gull left.”

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

Jenny’s photographic display is informed by her love of birds, and the majority is Herring Gulls. “These birds are my passion. They are majestic and beautiful and so intelligent. They are monogamous mating for life and can live to 30 years old and above. They are good and protective parents and will ward off any perceived threat to their young. In 2011 I created the website iloveseagulls.com. There are 61 different species of Gull.

They are opportunistic feeders that would normally feed around the seashore however, due to human activity they have been forced inland. A diet of our rubbish isn’t the best thing for them. So, I’m currently working on ideas to mitigate human/gull conflict.” l Jenny’s works are available to buy from the Shop at RAMM. See her work online at www.jennysteer.co.uk

Editorial: 01392 346342 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

5

news&views Bovey Festival

AUGUST 31 sees over 70 food and drink producers and a hand-picked collection of finely made crafts by makers from across the South West return to Bovey Tracey for The Nourish Festival of craft, food and music. Expect potters, jewellers, artists, artisans, a gin festival and more.

Racing oranges

TOTNES Orange Races return on August 20. Inspired by an incident where Sir Francis Drake bumped into an orange cart. Participants can expect a series of races, where entrants see if they are faster than an orange.

Cinema for guide dogs MATFORD based dealership Mercedes-Benz of Exeter will host their first ever open-air cinema event showcasing the box office hit, The Greatest Showman on September 14, with all profits being donated to Guide Dogs South West.

Open water swim

THE Chestnut Appeal for Prostate Cancer is holding its ninth annual swim around Bigbury-On-Sea’s Burgh Island on Sunday September 22.

Smallholding help

SOUTH Yeo Farm West will be running their Introduction to Smallholding on September 21 & 22 and holding their Apple & Cider day on October 5. See smallholdertraining.co.uk for more.

6

Scoops of farming education and ice cream

A South Devon ice cream company is putting education at its heart by offering children and students the opportunity to learn about about the links between food, farming, our natural environment and the sea.

Surfing Cow run by dairy farmer Lawrence Glanville and business partner Alistair Graham are located on the coast at South Battisborough Farm, near to Mothecombe Beach. Head ice cream maker Becky Trafford, a qualified teacher, believed since the business began last year that theirs is the perfect position to educate whilst making Westcountry ice cream from their herd of 400 Jersey-cross cows.

As well as developing new flavours Becky delivers school, farm and beach educational initiatives for students of all ages. Becky said: “Our farm visits are about putting children in touch with a working farm and agriculture and giving them an insight into farming as a profession. When children are watching the cows being milked or helping to feed the calves, they are excited and curious which gives rise to meaningful questions and learning about the yearly cycle of farming and food production.”

Children gain hands on, practical experience whether its feeding calves on the farm, making tide clocks, doing a seaweed search or taking part in the nurdle (plastic pellets) hunt and understand their impact on the environment and how they enter the food chain. See www.surfingcowicecream.co.uk for more information.

Country Caper

DAME Hannahs are holding a Country Caper 4 mile walk fundraiser at Kitley House Hotel, near Yealmpton on Sunday September 29. The day will include lawn games for the kids (and big kids!) plus a goody bag of snacks to keep you going on your walk and hot drink and food upon your return. The funds raised will enable Dame Hannahs to provide the best possible environment for children and adults with complex disabilities through care, education and supported living.

Volunteers are also needed to help at the event, sign up at www.discoverhannahs. org/support-us/countrycaper#enter.

What’s on at Plymouth’s Soapbox Children’s Theatre CHILDREN in Plymouth can look forward to three events at Soapbox Children’s Theatre, the Community Interest Company, based in Devonport Park.

On August 7 & 11, and September 21 babies and toddlers along with their adults are invited to an immersive and sensory theatre experience with movement, music, texture and light in Wonderland.

As part of their discover Shakespeare programme Stiltskin Theatre Company launch

Advertising: 01392 346342 adverts@reconnectonline.co.uk

a special adaptation of A Mid-Summer Night’s Dream for children and young people from August 2 until 10 with a lot of tom foolery, magical encounters, fairies, potato puppets and some audience participation.

Then on September 28 Bubblicious returns for the best family friendly dance party in town!

With crazy costumes, bubbles, UV, games, face painting, arts area and licenced bar.

Find out more at www.soapboxtheatre. org.uk and www.stiltskin.org.uk

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

Crowd enjoying The Ukelective live at Party In The Town last year.

Photo by Aubrey Simpson.

Community celebration for Totnes

P

ARTY In The Town returns to bring Totnes alive with a celebration of music, dance, spoken word, live performance and creativity again for a day this September 28.

The completely free one day community event is running under a new community-led collaborative structure this year to ensure the neighborhood has fun and celebrates their amazing community.

Organisers said: “We’ll be inviting you to wonderful intimate indoor spaces as well as larger venues like St Mary’s Church and the Civic Hall. And the music and party vibe will spill out onto the market square and streets with family friendly activities, fun workshops, and great food and drink.”

There will be live music and performance in numerous venues from musicians, poets and creatives who make up the town’s vibrant live music and arts scene.

The Diamond Family Archive, Harbottle & Jonas, The Invisible Opera Company Of Tibet, Mae & The Midnight Fairground, The Datura Roots Collective, Anairda, Pavlova, Council of Giants, Kimwei, Dawn Chorus Ignites, Skedaddle, Windjammer, RISE, Julu Irvine & Heg Brignall, The Malthusian Trap, Drakes Island, Crow Puppets, Kris Howe & The Nows, Kerry Layton, The Bridge, Booshka and many more will be creating a party atmosphere throughout the whole town.

For more information visit www. partyinthetown.co.uk

Partnership recognised for preventing closure

Dadfest backs spirit of adventure

D

ADFEST, the festival renowned for its highlight event the ‘World Dad Dancing Championship’, returns for a sixth year from September 13-15. Expect the competition to be hotly contested by grooving dads, much to the sheer embarrassment of their kids at the event just for dads, male carers and their children taking place at the Forest & Beach centre in Beeson, nr Kingsbridge.

DadFest organiser and founder of ‘Dangerous Dads’, Ian Blackwell, says the festival still retains its foundations in adventurous activities: “Dads tell us how much they value getting back to nature, chilling-out and spending special time with their kids and other dads. It’s all about having some

adventurous fun with their children and enjoying the sorts of things we all remember from our childhood, like playing in the woods, building dens, exploring nature, camping and sharing campfire stories.’

DadFest 2019 will provide a range of adventurous activities including camping, storytelling in the woods at night, bushcraft, spoon carving, den building, bat walk, archery, star-gazing, water rockets, tattoos and fake wounds, kids’ entertainer, Dad choir, award-winning local food and beer, stroke a lobster, mobile artspace, play tent, fishing and live music; as well as finding the World Dad Dancing Champion of 2019. l Find out more at www. dangerousdads.org.uk/dadfest.

LOCAL rural touring scheme Villages in Action narrowly missed out on top honours at this year’s Rural Touring Awards for their partnership with Cornwall’s Carn to Cove. The pair were shortlisted in the category of ‘Touring Scheme Collaboration of the Year’ for their work together in securing the future of the Devon based scheme after it faced closure in late 2017.

Thanks to the support of their Cornish counterpart, and funding from Arts Council England, East Devon District Council, Teignbridge District Council and Devon County Council, VIA is now going strong with an exciting future ahead bringing top quality professional arts events and professionally-run arts workshops to communities in Devon.

The pioneering charity, work with local volunteers to select and present an exciting programme of events right in the heart of our communities. For further information on Villages in Action events visit www.villagesinaction.co.uk

A candlelit time to remember

C

ANDLES on the Canal is a new event hosted by local charity Hospiscare. Its purpose is to bring hundreds of local people together for a relaxed and uplifting evening in memory of loved ones who have died, taking place on Saturday September 21 from 4.30pm at Exeter’s Double Locks. Everyone is welcome regardless of who they are remembering, how long ago their loved ones died or whether they were looked after by Hospiscare.

Starting and ending at the relaxed and family-friendly canalside pub participants will walk alongside the canal returning to see a raft of glowing candles, each one lit in memory of somebody special.

The evening begins with a short reflection in the canalside marquee, combining music, words and celebration. This is followed by a lantern-lit three mile memory

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

walk along the canal, before returning to the cosy marquee for more music and a warming hot drink. Those taking part will be able to write their own personal dedication to be attached to a tealight, each one lit in memory of somebody special and placed with hundreds of others on the still waters of Exeter Canal, creating a symbolic display.

Tickets for Candles on the Canal cost £12 for adults, £5 for 1218s and under 12s are free.

Book today by visiting www. candlesonthecanal.co.uk or call 01392 688020. By taking part you will be helping raise vital funds for your local charity Hospiscare.

Places are limited so visit the website to secure your ticket.

Evolution, Exeter’s Holistic and Ethnic Shop has now moved to 96 Fore St (same side at the top of the hill opposite St Olave’s Church) Come and see our incredible and Extended range of products including Books, Crystals, Cards, Candles, Clothes etc.

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

Editorial: 01392 346342 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

7

news&views

Jeff with owner of the Yoga Torquay Studio, James Russell.

Totnes’ holistic festival Improv the way you view the world THE Rainbow’s End Holistic Wellbeing Festival on September 14-15 will be celebrating their eighth year of being held at the Civic Hall in Totnes. Organiser Sandi Clark Mayes said: “It is a fantastic venue for our events - our exhibitors and the public who attend enjoy the light and space there as well as the lovely energy which is created over a weekend.

“We will have about 45 exhibitors and they will be located in the Hall in a way which enables different energies to be created for traders, for healers and therapists and for the readers. We will have a booking system in place for the readers who are located on the large stage which ensures they and their clients have quiet and privacy. At the readers’ bookings desk, there will be bio’s for the six readers, and appointments can be made in advance so no need to queue. The healers and therapists are placed together in one area of the Hall so that treatments can be given in a harmonious and tranquil atmosphere.”

W

OULD you like to improve your listening skills, increase your selfconfidence, stimulate your creativity and have a lot of fun? Then joining a new Saturday morning drama improvisation class could be just the thing for you.

‘Improv for the Spirit’ is a fortnightly series of improvisation classes in Torquay run by actor and Reconnect regular advertiser Jeff Sleeman. The two hour classes are held at the Yoga Torquay studio in Park Lane and are open to anyone, regardless of age, ability or experience.

Said Jeff: “What I love about improv is that all the attributes which we develop in order to make an interesting improvised scene have an application in real life and they can really enhance our everyday experience. Total commitment, being fully in the moment, working

On each day there will be a different programme of talks, workshops and demonstrations including clairvoyance. These all take place in a room away from the main Hall. There will be no charge either for entry to the Festival, or items on the programme.

On the Saturday the Totnes Town Market will be taking place in the Square below the Hall, and on the Sunday the Good Food Fair will be there so plenty going on that weekend.

Don’t miss it - get the dates in your diary now.

Sandi is looking forward to welcoming you.

collaboratively towards creative outcomes, careful listening and developing non-judgemental attitudes are just a few of the ways in which improv will make a difference in how you view the world and relate to others. Everyone is welcome at these classes, and I ensure that they are accessible and enjoyable, even for those with no previous performance or acting experience.”

Information on the classes can be found on the Yoga Torquay website www.yogatorquay.co.uk or you can call Jeff on 07977 272174 or email him at contact@jeffsleeman.com

Recycled art returns to Teignmouth Teignmouth Recycled Art In Landscape (TRAIL) is exhibiting their 15th annual sculpture trail along Teignmouth’s seafront promenade until September 1.

Showcasing thought-provoking sculptures from international, professional and amateur artists and local community groups. At TAAG (Teignmouth Arts and Action Group) Arts and Community Centre from August 17-September 5, will be Indoor TRAIL. Exhibiting art and handcrafted items made from

recycled materials and hosting free recycled art workshops.

TAAG also have a Terracycle collection point, where items as diverse as crisp packets, toothbrushes, pens, pet and baby food pouches can be deposited.

These items will be recycled into sellable items such as bags, benches and watering cans! They are also holding workshops on making Eco-bricks from plastic waste, which will be used in building projects with local schools. See www.trailart.co.uk

"These clocks are fantastic! I love how the practical tips on the clock-face remind me of that things I can do for my health and wellbeing in each phase of my cycle.

It's such a great resource!"

Silvia Wildisen

InnerSeasons.com 8

Advertising: 01392 346342 adverts@reconnectonline.co.uk

with

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

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

W

ITH high summer now here, we turn our attention towards autumn and two well known plants commonly used in herbal medicine.

Burdock - Arctium lappa Autumn is traditionally the time to harvest roots when they are at their largest. Burdock is a biennial, growing one year, flowering and seeding the second year, then dying. The roots are best harvested the first year. Burdock root is a Burdock large fleshy root which Photo by Melanie Shaw has a gentle but deep action in improving skin conditions, partly through its anti-inflammatory action, Yellow Dock - Rumex crispus and partly as it promotes healthy The roots of this dock are commonly digestion, as it contains constituents that our friendly gut flora enjoy, such used in herbal medicine as a gently stimulating laxative. You can tell as the prebiotic inulin and we all know a healthy digestion is the basis the difference between yellow dock of good health. and broad leaf dock by the colour The leaves have some interesting use of the root (yellow or white) but reported in the Amish community of also the leaves of the yellow dock the USA. Retrospective studies show (sometimes called curled dock) are that a blanched leaf (a few seconds narrower and more wavy edged. dip in boiling water) used with an ointment containing such ingredients Another easy way to spot the as aloe vera and comfrey with beeswax, applied to skin burns with difference when in seed, is that the yellow dock has a smooth the leaf used as a type of dressing, edged oval seed shape, and the changed daily results in less pain, lower infection levels, faster healing broad leaf dock has tiny soft spikes and reduced scarring as compared around each individual seed. You to orthodox dressings and treatment. need good eyesight though! The The leaves have a strongly other benefit medicinally is that antimicrobial effect. it enhances iron absorption in This study can be found in the the gut. The typical use would be Journal of Holistic Nursing. for someone with sluggish poor The seeds are shown to have an influence on the pancreas, digestive function, who is a bit run stimulating release of digestive down and has iron deficiency enzymes and promoting anaemia. regeneration of pancreatic cells.

(Much in the way milk thistle does with the liver). They also have a strong anti-inflammatory action.

My favourite way to use this is to include it in an iron and mineral tonic. Simmer the cleaned, chopped root in water (enough to cover it) for half an hour. Strain off and mix the resulting herb decoction with molasses (a dessert spoon per pint). Keep this in the fridge and use up within a week. You can include nettle too if you want a super charged iron tonic.

The molasses contain iron, magnesium, B vitamins, and selenium.

Yellow Dock

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

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

Editorial: 01392 346342 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

9

NEWS&views

Photo @shamphat Photography

Teen camp offers time to reconnect

A

UGUST is an exciting time for some teenagers, as it means a time to spend at camp practicing nature awareness skills such as sneaking and ambushing each other, camouflage and wilderness and bushcraft skills such as fire making, shelter building, edible and medicinal food use.

Robin Bowman and his WildWise team run two of their five day deep nature connective experience camps for 11-17 year olds based on and inspired by the popular Hunger Games books and films.

Robin said: “On the health forms we receive from parents it often says ‘my child is scared of creepy crawlies and spiders etc’. On arrival some of these 11-17 year olds, understandably wanting to fit in, are aware of their appearance, their hair, their shoes etc. Within an hour, they emerge from a game hiding and lying face down in the bracken and the forest leaves, not caring about the potential creepy crawlies in those leaves, with hair wild and unkept already and asking for my brown spray paint to spray those precious white trainers, to give them a camouflage edge! “ As well as the deep nature connection time and mentoring they get, which is such a blessed relief from the pressures of the modern tween and teenage experience,

Take the leap: A unique opportunity for women

they learn to test themselves, work as team, make new friends and in the process help create a supportive and beautiful community village vibe for the week.

Such is their popularity that the two camps normally fill up with kids and their friends returning each year.

They have several 17 year olds who have been coming since they were 12. Robin says it warms his heart to have feedback like this: “I’m usually so competitive but when I come here it’s all about the experience. All year I wait to come on this camp. It’s the best thing I have ever done. I just feel so accepted in who I am here, as well as happy and free.”

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

A

RE you a woman who dreams of making a positive difference in the world?

Maybe you have begun setting up a business or social enterprise and you are looking for some extra support, or maybe you just have an idea that you would like to explore?

Meet Kamina, founder of Rising Arts Agency and fellow student of the School for Social Entrepreneurs!

When Kamina noticed the challenges that many young people face when trying to enter the arts, she decided to set up a project supporting those not in education, employment or training who want to make progress in the creative industry.

“Growing up, I often felt like I didn’t have a voice and so I have always been drawn to helping others who feel voiceless in society. The arts are a great way to amplify people’s voices, but it can be difficult for many young people to break into the arts, so I wanted to do something about it.”

Rising Arts aspires to become the go-to hub for young artists and are now exploring the possibility of creating a replicable model to be rolled out to other areas of the

country. Kamina attributes much of her success to her time on their social enterprise programme.

“The programme gave me the core skills to set up a successful project, and helped me become more confident, assertive, and consider myself a leader.”

What could you achieve with your ideas?

“If you have a dream that you would like to explore, we would love to hear from you. We are offering FREE tailored support, training and guidance through small group workshops and mentoring sessions throughout Devon and Somerset. Gain the knowledge, entrepreneurial skills and confidence necessary to establish a successful project or social enterprise!”

Please register your interest by emailing daisy.healy@ dartington.org, and visit www. acceleratingwomensenterprise.uk or call 01803 847081 to find out more.

How radical is Buddhism?

L

AMA Jampa Thaye is to give a talk on the 35th anniversary of his first visit to Exeter. October 3 at Exeter Museum sees the return to Exeter of Lama Jampa Thaye, meditation master and scholar of the Sakya and Kagyu traditions of Tibetan Buddhism. Having first taught in the city in 1984, Lama Jampa has regularly returned to give talks, teachings and empowerments. He has also facilitated the visit to Exeter in the 1990’s of one of the greatest living masters - His Holiness 41st Sakya Trizin.

Authorised as a lama by his two main teachers, Karma Thinley Rinpoche and His Holiness, he has been engaged in training students in all aspects of the Buddhist path for several decades.

Lama Jampa has overseen the founding of groups and centres (including Exeter) nationally and internationally, ‘the Dechen community’ including London, Manchester, Bristol and Harrogate.

Abroad he has established centres

10

Advertising: 01392 346342 adverts@reconnectonline.co.uk

in Los Angeles, USA, Mexico City and Germany along with a retreat centre in Dordogne, France.

He is the author of a number of books including Diamond Sky, The Way of Tibetan Buddhism and Rain of Clarity. He has also been appointed as a member of the international teaching faculty of the Karmapa International Buddhist Institute in Delhi.

On this occasion his talk in the museum at 8pm is entitled “How radical is Buddhism?” This promises to be an enlightening evening. l Visit www.dechen.org/buddhistcentres/exeter

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

Goingout

august/september 2019

OUR BIGGUIDETO BIG LOCAL EVENTS ART EXHIBITIONS

SUMMER EXHIBITION Until Aug 3, Dawlish Art Group, Dawlish.

How to get YOUR events into Going Out...

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

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

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

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

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

THE MAYNE SUMMER SHOW Until Aug 8, Mayne Gallery, Kingsbridge.

NOMADS: HOMES ON THE MOVE Until Oct 6, RAMM, Exeter.

BIRDS WITHOUT BORDERS Until Sep 20, RAMM, Exeter.

SUMMER EXHIBITION DEVON ART SOCIETY Until Aug 11, Torre Abbey, Torquay.

BRIGHT BOLD LANDSCAPES Sep 3-25, Harbour House, Kingsbridge.

RECYCLED ART SEAFRONT SCULPTURE TRAIL Until Sep 1, Teignmouth.

MANATON MAKERS EXHIBITION Sep 7-22, Devon Open Studios, Haytor.

BEING PRESENT Until Aug 4, Harbour House, Kingsbridge.

MIND FLIGHT Sep 14, Studio 36, Exeter.

STOKE GABRIEL ART GROUP EXHIBITION Aug 5-11, Stoke Gabriel.

RECENT WORKS Sep 17-29, Harbour House, Kingsbridge.

BETWEEN THE LAND AND THE SEA Aug 6-11, Harbour House, Kingsbridge.

DERRIFORD ART CLUB 17TH ANNUAL EXHIBITION Aug 9-12 , Derriford Art Club, Yelverton.

PAINTING LIGHT BREATHING COLOUR Aug 11-17 Aug, Cafe Copywriter, Totnes.

THROUGH THE ARTIST’S WINDOW Aug 13-18, Harbour House, Kingsbridge.

BRIXHAM SOCIETY OF ART SUMMER ART EXHIBITION Aug 17-24, Brixham.

SUMMER FESTIVAL OF ART Aug 17-Sep 1, Torre Abbey, Torquay.

ABSTRACTION HERE & NOW Aug 19-31, AWEsome Art Space, Exeter.

EXHIBITION BY DGWSD Aug 23-26, Buckfast Abbey, Buckfastleigh.

BIRDS WITHOUT BORDERS Sep 21-Nov 3, RAMM, Exeter.

CHILDREN/FAMILY

SUMMER AT SURFING COW ICE CREAM Until Sep 1, South Battisborough Farm, Plymouth.

ENCHANTED PRINCESS PARTY Aug 3, Barnfield Theatre, Exeter.

CLARE HOLLINGWORTH & THE SCOOP OF THE CENTURY Aug 5, Pavilions, Teignmouth.

RELOCATION: MAKE A MINI NOMADIC DWELLING Aug 8, RAMM, Exeter.

TREASURE ISLAND Aug 17-18, Barnfield Theatre, Exeter.

THE MAD HATTERS TEA PARTY Aug 21, Pavilions, Teignmouth.

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

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

MUSIC IN THE CASTLE - VIOLIN & PIANO Sep 27, Powderham Castle, Kenton.

BOO TO A GOOSE THEATRE PRESENT SPACE CATS Aug 21, Library, Exmouth.

COMEDY

WILD TRIBE CHILDRENS FESTIVAL Sep 21- 22, Soapbox Childrens Theatre, Plymouth.

JETHRO Aug 2, Babbacombe Theatre, Torquay.

MAZYMEG AND THE HONEY BEES Sep 28, Pavilions, Teignmouth.

GILL SIMS Sep 4, Corn Exchange, Exeter.

SUPER CUMBIA Y LA LIGA DE LA ALEGRÍA Sep 6, Kingskerswell Church.

CHOIRS

EXWICK COMMUNITY SINGERS Every Monday, Exwick Parish Hall, Exeter

TEIGNMOUTH COMEDY CLUB Sep 13, Pavilions, Teignmouth.

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

SINDHU VEE Sep 15, Phoenix, Exeter.

THE TORBAY POLICE AND COMMUNITY CHOIR Every Tuesday, St John’s, Torquay

CLASSICAL MUSIC PETER DONOHOE (PIANO)

Sep 20, NADSA Concerts, Newton Abbot.

BOURNEMOUTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA STRING TRIO Sep 22, Pavilions, Teignmouth.

HONITON SHOW Aug 1, Honiton, Devon.

THE GREEN GATHERING Aug 1-4, Piercefield Park, Wales.

TORBAY STEAM FAIR Aug 2-4, Brixham.

LAUFEST Aug 2-4, Langdon Barton Farm, Wembury.

DAWLISH CARNIVAL WEEK Aug 10-16, Dawlish.

PAIGNTON REGATTA COMMUNITY FUN WEEK Aug 10-18, Paignton.

HENNOCK COUNTRY FAYRE Aug 11, Hennock, Newton Abbot.

SPIRIT FEST SUMMER Aug 15-18, Clophill Centre, Bedfordshire.

BEAUTIFUL DAYS Aug 16-18, Escot Park, Talaton.

WOOFSTOCK Aug 16-18 Aug, Dartmouth.

SUMMER NIGHTS Aug 17, Newton Abbot.

STEAMPUNK FESTIVAL Aug 17-18, Morwellham Quay, Tavistock.

TOTNES GOOD FOOD SUNDAY MARKET Aug 18, Totnes.

SHALDON WATER CARNIVAL Aug 3, Shaldon.

Aug 20, Totnes Elizabethan Market, Totnes.

TUNES IN THE CASTLE Aug 3-4, Powderham Castle, Exeter.

WATCHET LIVE

BOOMTOWN FAIR Aug 7-11, Matterley Estate, Hampshire.

EXETER STREET ARTS FESTIVAL

BOARDMASTERS Aug 7-11, Newquay, Cornwall.

RIVER COTTAGE FESTIVAL

EVENTS/FESTIVALS

LOVE SUMMER FESTIVAL Aug 7-11, Plymouth.

AWAKENED

Until Aug 3, The Den, Teignmouth.

DARTMOOR FOLK FESTIVAL Aug 9-11, South Zeal, Dartmoor.

DANCE

JOINT CONCERT WITH BRIXHAM ORPHEUS MALE CHOIR Sep 14, Torbay Police & Community Choir, Torquay.

DARTINGTON SUMMER SCHOOL AND FESTIVAL Until Aug 24, Dartington, Totnes.

MANATON SHOW Aug 10, Manaton.

SIDMOUTH FOLK FESTIVAL Aug 2-9, Sidmouth.

JONATHAN PIE Sep 25-26, Phoenix, Exeter.

SING PLYMOUTH Every Thursday, Pomphlett Methodist Centre, Plymouth

PAIGNTON FESTIVAL (TORBAY CARNIVAL WEEK) Until Aug 4, Paignton.

RAMM AT DAWLISH CELEBRATES CARNIVAL Aug 10, RAMM, Exeter.

CONSERVATOIRE PERFORMER TRAINING SUMMER SCHOOL Until Aug 3, The Arts Institute, Plymouth.

ORGANICARTS BARN DANCE Aug 3, West Town Farm, Exeter.

TEIGNMOUTH CARNIVAL WEEK

EXETER FRINGE FESTIVAL Until Aug 4, Phoenix and The Barnfield Theatre, Exeter

PLYMOUTH PRIDE Aug 10, Plymouth.

ANNUAL ORANGE RACES

Aug 23-25, Watchet, Somerset.

Aug 24, Exeter.

Aug 24-25, Axminster.

Aug 30-Sep 1, Tawstock Court, North Devon

Turn over the page for more GoingOut listings

Editorial: 01392 346342 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

11

GOING OUT EVENTS/FESTIVALS (CONTINUED) LANGALAND Aug 31-Sep 1, Cullompton.

TEIGNMOUTH FARMERS’ MARKET Aug 31, Teignmouth.

NOURISH Aug 31, Bovey Tracey.

TOTNES PRIDE Sep 7, Totnes.

DEVON OPEN STUDIOS Sep 7-22, Various.

Rainbow’s End

HOLISTIC WELLBEING AND NATURAL CRAFTS FESTIVAL

Civic Hall, High Street, Totnes 14th and 15th September.

10am-5pm All-day programme of talks, workshops and demonstrations Wide variety of readers, healers, therapists and traders 07900 824089

AUTUMN FAYRE Sep 7, Newton Abbot.

KINGSBRIDGE SHOW Sep 7, Kingsbridge.

ASHBURTON FOOD AND DRINK FESTIVAL Sep 7, Ashburton.

INTERNATIONAL AGATHA CHRISTIE FESTIVAL Sep 12-15, Torre Abbey, Torquay.

OCEAN FILM FESTIVAL Sep 19-21 Sep, Corn Exchange, Exeter.

NICK THE FISH Aug 2, The Oyster Shack, Bigbury

ABBFEST Sep 20-22, Ipplepen.

LEATHER & LACE Aug 3, Phoenix, Exeter

SEAFOOD FEAST Sep 20-Oct 6, Torbay.

CRAZY4SOUL Aug 3, Corn Exchange, Exeter

CANDLES ON THE CANAL Sep 21, Double Locks, Exeter.

SIDMOUTH AND EAST DEVON WALKING FESTIVAL Sep 21-27, Sidmouth.

TASTE OF THE TEIGN FOOD FESTIVAL Sep 21-28, Teignmouth.

PARTY IN THE TOWN Sep 28, Totnes.

TEIGNMOUTH FARMERS’ MARKET Sep 28, Teignmouth.

APPLE DAY AT PARKE Sep 28, Bovey Tracey.

THE TEIGN SHANTY FESTIVAL Sep 28-29, Teignmouth.

DADFEST Sep 13-15, Forest & Beach Centre, Beeson.

APPLE AND CIDER DAY AT SALTRAM Sep 29, Plymouth.

PLYMOUTH SEAFOOD FESTIVAL Sep 14-15, Plymouth.

FIREWORKS

RAINBOW’S END HOLISTIC WELLBEING AND NATURAL CRAFTS Sep 14-15, Totnes Civic Hall.

TOTNES GOOD FOOD SUNDAY MARKET Sep 15, Totnes.

BUDLEIGH SALTERTON LITERARY FESTIVAL Sep 18-22, Budleigh Salterton.

BRITISH FIREWORK CHAMPIONSHIPS Aug 14-15, The Hoe Plymouth

MUSIC GIGS THE PEOPLE’S STRING FOUNDATION Aug 1, Ashburton Arts Centre KIEFER SUTHERLAND Aug 2, Phoenix, Exeter

SMOOVE & TURRELL Aug 9, Phoenix, Exeter FRANKLY SINATRA Aug 9, Princess Theatre, Torquay NICK THE FISH Aug 9, The Oyster Shack, Bigbury UK PINK FLOYD EXPERIENCE Aug 10, Princess Theatre, Torquay LOS PACAMINOS FEAT PAUL YOUNG Aug 16, The Watermark, Ivybridge BEN CARR Aug 16, The Oyster Shack, Bigbury THE TINA TURNER EXPERIENCE Aug 16, Babbacombe Theatre, Torquay STAYIN ALIVE Aug 17, Pavilions, Teignmouth LAND OF THE GIANTS Aug 23, Kingskwerswell Church THE BON JOVI EXPERIENCE Aug 23, Babbacombe Theatre, Torquay OASISH Aug 23, Phoenix, Exeter ROB HUNT Aug 23, The Oyster Shack, Bigbury

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

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

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

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

12

Advertising: 01392 346342 adverts@reconnectonline.co.uk

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

GOING OUT KING YELLOWMAN & THE SAGITTARIUS BAND Aug 24, Phoenix, Exeter THE OPERA BOYS Aug 24, Babbacombe Theatre, Torquay

JO HARMAN Sep 12, Phoenix, Exeter AFRO CELT SOUND SYSTEM Sep 13, Phoenix, Exeter THE ILLEGAL EAGLES Sep 13, Corn Exchange, Exeter

MIKE WESTBROOK UNCOMMON ORCHESTRA Aug 25, Fougou Jazz, Torquay

GORDON GILTRAP Sep 14, Kingskwerswell Church

SUPER CUMBIA Y LA LIGA DE LA ALEGRÍA Sep 6, Kingskwerswell Church

AWALE Sep 14, Kingskwerswell Church

THE DEPPA HIRST BAND Sep 7, Phoenix, Exeter

SPEAR OF DESTINY

BA BA BOOM Sep 7, Phoenix, Exeter

BOO HEWERDINE

Sep 18, Phoenix, Exeter Sep 20, Ashburton Arts Centre

DUNCAN CHISHOLM QUARTET Sep 7, Ashburton Arts Centre

KYLA BROX Sep 21, Pavilions, Teignmouth

SHARON SHANNON & SECKOU KEITA Sep 8, Phoenix, Exeter ANDY HAGUE QUINTET Sep 11, Fougou Jazz, Torquay MARTIN SIMPSON Sep 12, The Flavel, Dartmouth

THE DOLLY PARTON STORY Sep 21, The Watermark, Ivybridge MARTHAGUNN Sep 22, Phoenix, Exeter RORY MCLEOD Sep 27, Matthews Hall, Topsham

MURRAY A LIGHTBURN Sep 29, Kingskwerswell Church

A STAR IS BORN Aug 10, Northernhay Gardens, Exeter

TBC Aug 26, Torre Abbey, Torquay

BENJAMIN ZAPHANIAH Sep 22, Corn Exchange, Exeter.

WOODSTOCK Aug 15, Torre Abbey, Torquay

CAPTAIN MARVEL Sep 12, Royal William Yard, Plymouth

THE GREATEST SHOWMAN Aug 16, Torre Abbey, Torquay

JURASSIC PARK Aug 1, Northernhay Gardens, Exeter

THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW Sep 13, Royal William Yard, Plymouth

ALAN JOHNSON Sep 30, Corn Exchange, Exeter.

BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY Aug 17, Torre Abbey, Torquay

CASABLANCA Aug 1, Tinside Lido, Plymouth

BILL AND TED’S EXCELLENT ADVENTURE Aug 18, Torre Abbey, Torquay

BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY Sep 14, Royal William Yard, Plymouth.

BILL RYDER-JONES Sep 29, Phoenix, Exeter

OPEN AIR CINEMA

FISHERMAN’S FRIENDS Aug 2, Tinside Lido, Plymouth

LABYRINTH Aug 22, Torre Abbey, Torquay

LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE Aug 2, Northernhay Gardens, Exeter

ALIEN Aug 23, Tinside Lido, Plymouth

THE ADVENTURES OF PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT Aug 3, Tinside Lido, Plymouth

MOULIN ROUGE Aug 23, Torre Abbey, Torquay

BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY Aug 3, Northernhay Gardens, Exeter PAN’S LABYRINTH Aug 8, Northernhay Gardens, Exeter THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW Aug 9, Northernhay Gardens, Exeter

28 SEPT 19 TOTNES / DEVON

BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY Aug 24, Tinside Lido, Plymouth A STAR IS BORN Aug 24, Torre Abbey, Torquay

TALKS THE EXTINCTION REBELLION LAWYER Aug 29, Phoenix, Exeter CHRIS WHITE Sep 1, Phoenix, Exeter.

HAZEL FINDLAY Sep 5, Corn Exchange, Exeter.

WILD CAMP WILDWISE HUNGERGAMES Aug 20-24 & 26-30, Somerset countryside.

WILDLIFE RETURN OF THE WOLF Aug 1-4, Embercombe, Exeter.

BAT WALK Aug 9, Barn Owl Trust, Ashburton.

BAT & STARGAZING SIMON WESTON WALK DOS Mag ad 110719.qxp 11/07/2019 2:2 Sep 7, Reconnect Corn Exchange, Sep 1, Sharpham Estate.

Exeter.

Sat 7 - Sun 22 September

THE BIRDS Aug 25, Tinside Lido, Plymouth

FREE full colour event guide available from Devon art venues, TICs and libraries. For a copy: 07768 164560 or openstudios@devonartistnetwork.co.uk

MARY POPPINS RETURNS Aug 25, Torre Abbey, Torquay

A vibrant showcase of arts & crafts across Devon

www.devonartistnetwork.co.uk

Entrance fee £10 Doors open 6:45pm Talk 8pm

partyinthetown.co.uk

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

Editorial: 01392 346342 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

13

ORGANICGARDENING OUR resident gardening expert JOA GROWER has more top tips on seasonal gardening and is already thinking about winter vegetables, and strawberries.

Enjoying the late summer sunshine

J

For any of you who haven’t tried UST as we are enjoying the last of the summer, it really is time it, it’s a must. It’s fast growing to start thinking about winter and therefore will be harvested vegetables, if you haven’t already. long before the larger crop.

Chopped into cubes and steamed Potatoes and onions can be or shredded raw in a salad it is harvested towards the end of delicious.

September. Remember to only store healthy undamaged spuds August is still okay for a late and its good practice to check sowing of peas and mangetout your store regularly for any (or better still plant some small rotting tubers. Onions can be left transplants to give them a head on a bench to start available dry in the sun from Growers or better still in Organics at a greenhouse our nursery in or poly tunnel.

Yealmpton or our Once dried, stall at Totnes store by plaiting market Fridays the stems and Saturdays). together or To prepare your remove the stems bed add some and store in a homemade net bag. Always compost or use up any that maybe a bag of have gone to soil improver with seed first. a small amount of fertilizer. Don’t This will free forget with peas up some space Kohl Rabi and mangetouts for the winter just like sweet peas the more you brassicas - that’s any plants that pick the more you get. You could are in the cabbage family, such be getting fresh peas right up as brussels, purple sprouting until the end of October. broccoli and kales. The ground will probably benefit from a bit To ensure a good healthy crop of a feed, use a general fertilizer of strawberries next summer such as seaweed meal (take you really need to start the care to follow the manufacturer’s preparation now. Firstly how old instructions) or maybe some is your strawberry patch anything of your home made compost. over 5-6 years definitely needs Give the plants a good distance replacing. You can do this by between each one approximately removing the runners from the 30-44cm (12-18”) for the larger aging plants and using them to varieties and 25-30cm (10-12”) create a new bed. for cabbages, now this might For younger plants trim over with seem quite a distance but when a pair of shears to remove the old fully grown they will need it! I leaves and exposing the young new like to interplant so that the space crowns underneath, also remove isn’t wasted, lettuces and quick any straw which was added to the growing salad leaves are always beds back in early summer. good for this but one of my Whatever jobs you get up to in favourites is Kohl Rabi and as it’s the garden. Enjoy the last of the a member of the Brassica family it late summer sunshine. doesn’t mess up rotation plans.

Joa’s A-Z of Organic Gardening

G is for greenhouse. It doesn’t matter how big or small, they are invaluable. Once you get one there will be no going back.

Sowing seeds and bringing your plants on is so much easier than having lots of pots and trays on every available window sill in the house. They don’t have to be expensive. You can make your own by using anything from empty plastic water bottles to old windows. Better still keep your eye out for unused greenhouses in people’s gardens. You will be surprised how many people want to get rid of them. Be brave and knock on their door. The majority of mine (of which I have many) have not cost me a penny!

H is for herbs. All organic gardens should have a few herbs about the place. This can be anything from a herb bed or just a few pots or containers about the place. Not only do they add flavour to lots of different dishes, certain ones are great in fruit cocktails. They also look amazing when in full flower and the bees adore them.

But my favourite herb of all time is Comfrey and I know I’m always banging on about it but it does make the most amazing garden fertilizer.

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

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

14

What’s your cup of tea?

Put the kettle on, Jon Inder, marketing manager at Greenlife in Totnes, is going to take us on an exploration of tea.

G

REEN Tea, Black Tea and White tea are all made from the same plant – Camellia sinensis. People are often confused and befuddled by the many types of tea on the market. Matcha Tea, Assam, Oolong, Lapsang Souchong, Pu’er – what are the differences?

Black tea. Your cup of ‘normal tea’ is usually a blend of a few black teas from different growing regions, primarily in Africa, China and India. Black Teas are all made by taking the leaves and first ‘withering’ them – picking them and leaving them to oxidise a little, then ‘tumbling them’ which bruises them slightly causing more oxidation, before leaving them in a warehouse to further oxidise. This process of slow oxidation changes the natural chemicals in the tea, turning the leaves darker. This makes the flavour stronger – but at the cost of damaging or losing some of the beneficial flavonoids and antioxidants called polyphenols that are found in the plant.

Oolong Tea is made by stopping this last process of oxidation much sooner, and Lapsang Souchong is made by smoking the leaves. Much like wines, the various regions in which the tea plants are grown, and the ‘cultivar’ used also affect the taste. Assam from Assam in India is grown at sea level and is very robust (and is blended with softer teas to make English Breakfast tea). Darjeeling, from the West Bengal region of India, is lighter and has a more floral aroma. Yunnan is an ancient tea growing region in China famous for another golden Black Tea with a sweet aroma. Pu’er tea is a little different and the oxidation is achieved through fermentation using moulds, yeasts and bacteria.

Green Tea are quickly roasted to stop the oxidation process which preserves far higher levels of antioxidant polyphenols, flavonoids and catechins which account for the many health benefits of green tea. The earliest tradition in China involves steaming, which is still the preferred method in Japan, while in China, pan firing in a wok was developed in the Ming Dynasty (13681644) and now some teas are basket fired, tumble dried or sun dried. The leaves are not withered or fermented so little oxidation occurs – leaving the leaves green. Famous varieties include the plummy Chun Mee from China, Sencha from Japan, and Japanese Kukicha which also contains stems.

To make Matcha Tea, the type of green tea used in the Japanese Tea Ceremony, the tea plants grown in the shade before plucking. The leaves are then ground into a fine powder.

Because it is very perishable, Matcha is usually sold in small quantities, and it tends to be very expensive. So why is there such a buzz about Matcha? Matcha Tea generally contains about 1,000 times the antioxidant polyphenol content of regular Green Tea. No that is not a misprint. One thousand. The term is over used but Matcha really is a superfood.

There is also evidence that Green Tea can help to lower blood sugar, as well as possibly lowering cholesterol in the blood. All tea contains caffeine in similar amounts, but in Green Tea it is delivered into your body much more slowly, giving a sustained lift over a longer period. You don’t get the caffeine ‘spike’ associated with Black Tea or Coffee. It is sold as a powder, and it is often included in green tea blends or other health foods.

White Tea is made in China using only very young tea leaves. To make the best White Tea only young leaves with much fine hair are used. They are then withered, like Black Tea, and traditionally sun dried or air dried. The leaves are not tumbled and the polyphenol content of White Tea can be as high as that of Green Tea. l You can find a wide selection of Green, Matcha and White Teas in Greenlife – located on the market square in Totnes.

Advertising: 01392 346342 adverts@reconnectonline.co.uk

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

the Reconnect Devon vegan diary THIS issue sees Steffi Rox from Torquay’s The Kind Grind and Clare Burgess from coastalvegans.com take over in providing you with those important dates for your vegan diary.

On August 5 and every other Monday there’s a Mindfulness Drop in at the Kind Grind, Torquay. 11:30 to 12:30 £5 waged/ £3 unwaged.

Mindfulness sessions with local instructor Donna in the Community Room.

August 9 is the date for a Home Educators Meet Up at the Kind Grind Torquay. 10am to 12pm Meet up with other home educators for a chat and a play.

August 10 across the Tamar there’s the March For the Animals in Truro.

March through Truro 12am to 4pm. Full route yet to be confirmed.

Also on August 10 is the GKK Animal Rescue Re-homing and Fostering Day at the Kind Grind Torquay. 10am to 2pm. Meet the volunteers of GKK Animal Rescue, along with some of their dogs and find out about how you can get involved in re-homing and fostering.

No Whey, in Plymouth will host No Whey It’s Summer on August 25 from 11am to 8pm. This is the Summer Edition of the fabulous No Whey Market.

The usual craft and food stalls are joined by live music, street performers and activities for kids.

Exeter’s very own Vegan Market is back at the Corn Exchange on September 14, from 10am to 2:30pm with clothes, toiletries, and all the vegan food you can imagine.

Studio 45 is an open-plan learning environment for potters and ceramicists where members and students have access to wheels, kilns and equipment, as well as technical know-how from our experienced teachers.

• • • • • •

Weekly 10 week courses - Beginners to Advanced Membership Program Apprenticeship Scheme Specialist Workshops & Master Classes Glaze Technology Sustainable practice and research team

For more information on membership, workshops and courses visit

www.studio45.uk.com or contact us at info@studio45.uk.com

Green business scheme for Devon

A

S consumers, we all really can effect environmental change for the good by deciding where we spend the money in our pocket.

There’s a major change currently taking place in the way consumers are spending, and each and every one of us can make a difference every day of the year, it’s called green spending.

Consumers are demanding that businesses become greener, and by selectively purchasing from companies that can clearly demonstrate their green/ environmental friendly credentials, this change is happening rapidly.

The problem here in the South West at the moment is that it’s pretty difficult to find those local businesses thinking and acting green, as well as those providing green services and products. Which is why Nigel Jones has founded Proud to be Green. The scheme enables local companies to demonstrate directly to the consumer their green efforts and commitment to working as environmentally friendly as possible.

Nigel said: “Proud to be Green is a scheme devised to bring together eco-minded consumers and businesses across the South West - to create a directory of businesses, products and services will be available to consumers, but the scheme does much more, particularly with regard to encouraging businesses to work greener, through helping them see the commercial advantage to their business and the environment benefit - a classic win-win situation that should be harnessed.”

Proud to be Green is not saying that scheme members have absolutely perfect environmental credentials, it’s more about encouraging the business community to take up the flag, so that they start to incorporate green-minded activity in their business and see this as part and parcel of their normal business activity, not something additional.

Nigel added: “There’s much work to be done in the business

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

community in terms of greeningup, some companies have really made headway, whilst others may be starting the process, but it’s vitally important to bring them all on-board ultimately - we’re here to help them get the full benefit from working green, the more they prosper, the more they will do in the future, and their competitors will feel compelled to follow suit!”

If you’re a member of the public, you are welcome to join the scheme, it’s free and you’ll receive the Proud to be Green e-newsletter, and you’ll also be kept informed of current issues.

Proud to be Green also have a debate group running on Facebook called CARBON WATCH - currently it involves a discussion with East Devon District Council about the issue of council vehicle engines left running and unattended.

Nigel commented: “Gratuitous waste and pollution is something we all need to address in our local communities, our Carbon Watch group is open to the public to bring their concerns, so we can achieve a resolution.”

Reconnect magazine recently joined the Proud to be Green scheme as an Ambassador, and you can visit the Proud to be Green website at www.proudtobegreen.org l Proud to be Green are currently on the lookout for volunteers, both for their Expert Panel, and also for help with their Ambassador scheme. If you’re interested, please call Nigel Jones on 01395 513383 option 9

Empowering families across Devon & Cornwall since 1999

07759 890639

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

Editorial: 01392 346342 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

15

land matters

ReFURNISH

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

SHOPS AT WRANGATON, NEWTON ABBOT, TOTNES, BUCKFASTLEIGH, CREDITON & TAVISTOCK +THE RESTORE @DARTINGTON SHOPS +3 NEW SHOPS IN NORTH DEVON. SOUTH MOLTON, BARNSTAPLE & BIDEFORD

FREE COLLECTION

of reusable furniture, appliances & other household goods.

www.refurnish.org.uk

03333 237528

Charity No. 1129455

Built by the community tRANSItION Homes Community Land trustee Ruth has more news from the small charity run by volunteers and their housing scheme at Clay Park in totnes.

S

O the last couple of months have been filled with fascinating tasks like appointing solicitors and arranging updated valuations for the land and planned homes at Clay Park.

Our newly appointed contractors have been doing a detailed costing for us so the next steps there will be working some more with them looking at our budget to see what we can easily cut back on or things that could be delivered differently to save a few pounds.

Meanwhile exciting news on the planning front!

We’ve been waiting some time for a decision on our detailed planning application for the community building and we have just had through the news that it has been approved. So thanks to all of you who sent in letters

of support, and all the input that went into developing the plans via our events and community consultation.

The building will provide so many functions and bring people together - both residents of Clay Park, and the local community. It’s a timber framed building with straw bale insulated walls on three sides, and a cob south-facing wall. This south wall will be made with a newly developed highly-insulating cob mix which also provides a thermal mass store for the passive solar heat created by glazing along the front of the community building. We plan to work in collaboration with our contractor and the CobBauge Project at University of Plymouth who will monitor and collect data for their research into this method of cob building. We’re also looking at how to facilitate opportunities for the community to get involved in building it... watch this space.

The picture above shows the building plan that South Hams planning have approved. The building will include the communal laundry space for the whole site, visitors accommodation, a large kitchen /dining room and an office for the CLT to work from as well as a mezzanine floor for other events, meetings and general community use.

Get a valuation of your treasures CIRCULAR economies are based on the 3R principle, of reduce, re-use, recycle. Part of this includes auctions which see high end items or items of value recycled and keep to the old adage one man’s trash is another man’s treasure, and both auctions and antique shops are also useful in finding items for up cycling or repurposing, and for those wanting to de-clutter.

Founded in 1996, Lockdale Coins Ltd started out as a specialist coin dealers before becoming the hosts of antiques and collectables valuation events. The experts of Lockdales Auctioneers will be providing free valuations in the region between August 13 and 16 in Plymouth, Saltash, Tavistock, Launceston, and Exeter. See advert on page 17 for full details.

Lockdale experts will providing valuations on collectables which encompasses coins (including British & World, sovereigns, Krugerrands, Royal Mint commemoratives & proof sets), stamps, banknotes, medals & militaria, antiques, clocks,

16

Advertising: 01392 346342 adverts@reconnectonline.co.uk

watches, jewellery, gold, silver, pre-1900 documents/books & maps, cigarette-cards, postcards, pre-1960 sporting programmes & tickets, pens, vintage toys, vintage comics, scientific instruments, swords, bayonets, de-activated and antique firearms.

There’s no appointment necessary at this event, simply turn up with your items and the valuers will be happy to see you.

Carly Simmons-Sadler from Lockdales said: “There will be the option, if you wish, to consign your goods to auction to be sold on your behalf on commission (subject to terms & conditions). Cash purchase offers are also available.

Valuations provided free of charge, with no obligation to sell.

High quality illustrated catalogues from previous auctions are also available on a complimentary basis to get an idea of the services available.” l To find out more contact Lockdales on 01473 627110, or sales@lockdales.com. For further information see the website www. lockdales.com

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

£41.85 news & views

Celebrating Devon’s artistic talent

THE natural beauty of Devon’s two moors, five official areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, two coastlines and our arcadian villages and towns is explored in ‘Art at its Origin’ this September from Saturday 7 to Sunday 22.

Devon Open Studios will celebrate the flair and talent of the artists who live and work in the region in a free showcase for the arts. The self-guided art tour, offers the flexibility to visit with as many artists as one likes, and buy directly from them.

The studios are usually open by appointment only so this is a rare opportunity for the visitor to get an intimate view into an artist’s domain.

Devon’s vibrant and diverse art community includes artists with a vast range of styles, media and subject matter from painting, drawing, sculpture, print-making, installation, ceramics, jewellery, textiles and more.

Many also include demonstrations of techniques, workshops and talks.

Madonna Lawley Hopton is one of the artists opening her studio in Lympstone. Her work explores the ecological niches of our iconic species.

Madonna said: ”What role do they play in the big scheme of things, and if, or rather, when – we remove one, or reduce numbers – how the knock on effect is humungous, but often insidious?” Madonna works in oil and graphite. The paintings are part paint, part drawing used to suggest movement. Small areas – usually the face, are finished in oil, in detail, paying homage to the exquisite beauty we stand to lose.

Natacha Du Pont De Bie Media Officer, explained: “Devon Open Studios is more than just an exhibition of artwork, it gives focus and confidence to local artists, and allows

them to show in a completely different way than the gallery framework.

Devon Open Studios gives people a chance to buy in a comfortable environment and art enthusiasts to see the talent that Devon has to offer.”

A free colour guide gives detailed local directions to studios, pictures and a description of artists’ work.

There will also be a mixed taster show in Torquay’s Artizan Gallery allowing visitors to see several artists’ work at a glance.

Devon Open Studios is an event organised by Devon Artist Network (DAN), which promotes, celebrates and champions the arts in Devon. Local resident artists are provided with a home page to showcase their work on the DAN website, and the opportunity to join events, workshops and exhibitions. l Vist the website: www. devonartistnetwork.co.uk.

A free guide to the event with colour coded maps and every artist illustrated, is available from tourist information centres, libraries, hotels and galleries now. Please check the brochure to confirm dates, times, and find out helpful directions.

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

DO YOU WISH YOUR 11-16 YEAR OLD SPENT MORE TIME IN NATURE?

WILD CAMPS FOR 11-16 YEAR OLDS NEAR BRISTOL: HUNGER GAMES AUGUST 20 - 24 MOCKINGJAY AUGUST 26 - 30

wildwisehungergames.co.uk • 01803 868269

Wolverine on Tour LIFT share, borrowing, and car pooling are the best green options for your vehicle use. However, sometimes the better option than paying for an expensive vehicle is to hire one.

Okehampton based O’Connors Campers offer locals the chance for a local (zero air miles) staycation in their VW campervans to live in and whilst exploring the countryside on our doorstep. O’Connors encourage public transport to reach them, and most of their vintage vans have been rescued and restored, they try to source original and refurbished parts and recycle waste products including oil and metal. Their vehicles can be hired to travel anywhere in Devon, Cornwall, and Somerset. We thought we’d try using one to a stay at Glastonbury Festival for the week.

Rolling in through the green gates of Glastonbury Festival on Tuesday morning in Wolverine, we couldn’t have been more excited for the weekend ahead.

Collecting him the day before, we had already taken him for a spin down to Dawlish and had packed all we needed for a week at Glastonbury into the little blue bus. We set off early, anticipating that the retro 4 speed engine may take us a little longer to get there. If it did, we certainly didn’t notice, the extra time was spent enjoying the drive, looking at the countryside rolling past.

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

It may not have been the fastest journey, but we enjoyed it, we took the time to look around us, and we appreciated it all the more when we arrived.

Once we pulld up in the green fields of Glastonbury, Wolverine really impressed us. We popped the top, rolled the bed out, and with a little help from our friends set the awning up. Our little home for the week was ready to go, he kept our beers cold, offered some much needed shade from the sun, and every night after walking around Glastonbury all day, and dancing all night, we couldn’t wait to get back to Wolverine, slide the door shut and have a proper night’s sleep on a proper bed.

We don’t know if we’ll ever be able to go back to a sleeping under canvas now we have experienced the luxury of a T2. We may just have to get our own…

See www.oconnorscampers.co.uk, email hello@oconnorscampers.co.uk or call 01837 659599 for more information.

Editorial: 01392 346342 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

17

LOCAL PRODUCE Get into holistic and therapeutic horticulture with courses at Foxhole Community Garden.

Using social and therapeutic horticulture with children and young people. Date: 16th and 17th September 2019 Cost: £230 With an increasing concern for the mental well-being of children, social and therapeutic horticulture can promote healthy living, self-esteem and confidence.

National training charity Thrive will share nearly 30 years of experience to help participants understand the theory of using social and therapeutic horticulture with children and learn practical approaches to using gardens for engagement and wellbeing. For anyone wishing to learn more about gardening with children and young people.

Introduction to Health Gardening Date: Every Tuesday 10th September – 17th December 10am-1pm Cost: £150.

Join an accredited gardening course run with Bicton College to gain an Occupational Studies Entry Level Award. On this practical weekly course you’ll learn how to garden and grow vegetables, flowers and herbs holistically, for your own health and that of the environment. For all ages and abilities.

There is funding available for those in receipt of benefits or a low income.

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

Coming soon to Foxhole Gardens courses, events and activities.

therapeutic horticulture

V

ISITING gardens has long been known to be therapeutic and beneficial in improving physical and mental health.

Foxhole Community Garden on the Dartington Estate offers a programme of holistic, therapeutic and social gardening courses, events and activities this September.

On September 16-17 national therapeutic horticulture charity Thrive will share nearly 30 years of experience in “Using social and therapeutic horticulture with children and young people”. With an increasing concern for the mental well-being of children, social and therapeutic horticulture can promote healthy living, self-esteem and confidence.

This two-day practical and theoretical course is for anyone working in Health & Social Care or involved with children and young peoples’ health and wellbeing.

Gardener Zoe Jong explained: “We will also be running the second course of our lovely Introduction to Healthy Gardening which is an accredited gardening course for all ages and abilities (Occupational Studies Entry Level Award). The course, which is run with Bicton

Early booking on either course is advised. There are only 15 places available and both courses are already 50% subscribed.

College, is aimed at helping gardeners and aspiring gardeners to garden holistically using a range of organic, permaculture and natural agriculture techniques. Learn how to garden for your own health and that of the environment, grow organic vegetables, flowers and plants, create wildlife sanctuaries and garden. The course cost is £150. There is funding available for those in receipt of benefits or a low income.”

Zoe also revealed: “We’ll also be restarting our regular ‘Feel better’ volunteer day where you can join a friendly group for some gentle gardening and chat. And our popular parent and toddler group Fox Tots starts a new term on Wednesday September 4. Carers and children aged 0-5 can play and have fun as we explore the garden. Enjoy seasonal garden & forest school activities such as sowing seeds, natural crafts, bug hunts, storytelling, cooking on the campfire, free play the mud kitchen, wildlife pond, willow dome, orchard, flower and veg beds.

Drinks and snacks for all. Sign up is per term.” l For further details on the courses visit www.foxholecommunitygarden. org.uk or contact Zoe Jong on 07505 805111 or email zoe@ foxholecommunitygarden.org.uk

Farm-Able moves to Buckfast Abbey THE Veterans Farm-Able Foundation has moved into a new office at Buckfast Abbey. Founder Penny Connorton said: “We are grateful for the support of the Monastic Community at Buckfast Abbey and the staff involved, to make this happen. We also enjoyed help from Veterans David and Debbie ReesWilliams, our ardent supporters who donated office furniture.”

Penny’s dream has been to establish a place for Veterans and Emergency Service Personnel to come and create, learn and share in the life of a farm. She said: “This is an exciting new chapter in our work with high hopes to expand our offer to Veterans and their families transitioning from the military and for those resettling after suffering trauma. Not forgetting continued support for emergency services personnel.”

As well as being a place of tranquillity, rest and restoration the farm will offer the chance to reconnect with skills already held and develop new ones. Penny added: “We want a working educational farm led by caring and understanding tutors

18

Advertising: 01392 346342 adverts@reconnectonline.co.uk

Penny Connorton offering drop in and more formal learning opportunities that uphold traditional methods of farming and rural crafts.

“Our farm will take time to create and we want to encourage new people with a range of skills to get involved as well as keeping our existing farmers and trainers on board as we will need everyone.

“The next steps will be to fundraise and continue to work with friends at Buckfast Abbey who have already earmarked a site for us.”

Find out more at www.farmable.co.uk or call 01364 64 55 11.

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

Naturally nourishing OUR resident foodie, JANE HUttON, continues her exploration into eating well and keeping healthy.

Young Devon celebrates 70 years

YOUNG Devon has been supporting young people across Devon since 1949. Growing steadily to become one of Devon’s most successful young people’s charities with 150 staff and 75 volunteers, and delivering services and support to transform the lives of young people at fifteen sites including Plymouth, Exeter, Newton Abbot, Ivybridge, and Sidmouth, as well as an outreach programme supporting young people in rural locations.

This year they are welcoming anyone who wants to be part this success story to follow us and support us.

Over 70 years Young Devon has developed an expertise so that, through effective support, the charity can transform the lives of young people, providing critical support at a time when young people need it most.

Young Devon’s team are changing young lives when they need it most.

Each week 150 young people receive accommodation and homelessness support; 100 young people improve

their mental health and 60 young people, who are victims of crime, receive mentoring support to deal with the trauma of crime. Their skills team support 140 young people to access employment and training.

Young Devon aims to invest even more in young people in future growing services that are in demand like mental health services that offer young people early support, and places to drop-in to be with other young people who are working through solutions to similar struggles.

Plus growing their housing support by finding more families to sign up to become a host for a young person who needs support and a stable place to stay.

Young Devon are inviting others to help to change the odds in favour of young people, by becoming a supporter, donating or volunteering. l You can find out more at www. youngdevon.org or call 01752 691511.

Ensuring your diet is full of nutrition

F

hindering absorption of one by OLLOWING on from last the other. issue, let’s continue to look at why you might still be Answer - it’s a subject not easily experiencing health niggles when summed up in a short post, you are doing your best to eat except to say that if you do want, what you believe is a healthy or need, to boost your nutrient diet! intake beyond real food it’s best to use a food form based Problem #3: Everyone has around organic nutrient dense different nutrient needs, and natural foods which have been these will also vary depending processed in a on a variety way that preserve of factors and their integrity that circumstances. you can add to For example, meals or smoothies it’s natural for rather than replace digestive enzyme meals or take as production to capsules. Beware decline as we of MLM companies age, which will promising impact on the Local natural food miracles! nutrients absorbed from food, or if As ever, if you you are under are taking medication, consult a stress, your need for particular qualified nutritionist before taking nutrients will increase. Naturally, supplements as interactions can the longer the body goes on occur. Some medications deplete without its needs being met, the nutrients, causing other health more niggles will surface, and problems, while others increase eventually worsen or become the effect of medications. If more entrenched. your health is suffering, consult a nutritionist who examines Answer - eating local, fresh, natural foods, cooked and stored to medications and their effects as part of the treatment - medications preserve nutrient integrity. Although for one issue can be the cause of guidelines are that 5 a day is another! the ideal, in reality it should be nearer 7 to11! This isn’t that hard In the end, it all comes down to achieve if you have something to local, natural, unprocessed fruity or veggie in each meal or food that nourishes us along with snack, even if it’s just rocket in your sleep, exercise and relaxation. sandwich and spinach under your We are certainly blessed where poached eggs. we live, and with the summer in full swing, enjoy our seasonal Problem #4: All supplements are gluts with tasty recipes like this not the same. Synthetic vitamins Chicken and Courgette Stew – a and minerals aren’t always in summer favourite in my family, a form that is easily absorbed and very quick and easy as well by the body, and some nutrients as nutritious! compete with each other,

A hand up for Melbee Artworks

M

ELISSA Milne had the good fortune to be invited to pitch at the LEF (local economic forum) ‘community of dragons’ event in Totnes.

Mel told us: “I can honestly say it’s been a ground breaking experience for me. I received a wonderful variety of offers including mentoring sessions, commissions, interests in collaboration, old hand tools, over £500 in contributions towards subsidising workshop places, plus editorial in a well-known publication which goes out of its way to support positive local initiatives (Thank you Scott).”

Mainly though, the experience gave Mel the well needed shove towards being a full-time artist and crafts-person which she have been working towards for so long. “The upshot is I am now fully immersed in sign making commissions, design work and plans for running community based workshops.

“My work is very much centred round ‘making by hand’. It worries me how rapidly we have moved away from working with our hands, quickly loosing skills developed over millennia and with this an ability to interact directly with our surroundings and make/ mend things for ourselves. I’ve always loved making things and was lucky to be brought up by very practical and artistic parents who encouraged us to use our imaginations and explore different ways of working. Both my parents taught arts and crafts which meant I was able to experience and see for myself the positive responses in people attending their workshops/ classes. It seems only natural that

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

I should follow in their foot-steps and help others to experience the satisfaction of using their hands and learning new skills.”

Mel added: “I am particularly interested in the therapeutic aspects of working with our hands and how developing hand-working skills can lead to an enhanced understanding of our relationship to our environment, other people and understanding of ourselves.

In short encouraging a greater connection to all things!”

Mel is planning to run a series of ‘garden hand tool restoration’ workshops in September, in the Mansion craft room. There are also emerging plans for workshops to create a mosaic installation at the Elmhirst Site. Please contact her if you’d like to find out more. l Visit melbeeartworks.com, email melbee3001@yahoo.co.uk, or call 07399459842.

Chicken and courgette stew 8 chicken thighs, bones removed salt and freshly ground black pepper 1 tbsp olive oil 2 onions, peeled, sliced 300 mls white wine 2 courgettes, chopped 400g tinned tomatoes 2 tins of cannellini beans (rinsed and drained) chopped flat leaf parsley or coriander, to serve Preheat the oven to 200C gas 6.

Season the chicken thighs. Heat the oil in a casserole over a medium heat and fry the chicken thighs, turning frequently until pale goldenbrown all over.

Remove the chicken, add the onions and fry until softened. Pour in the wine, bring to the boil, and cook until the volume of the liquid has reduced. Add the courgette and tomatoes and return the mixture to the boil, then reduce to a simmer.

Stir in the beans and season.

Return the cooked chicken thighs to the pan, skin-side up and transfer to the oven to bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. To serve, spoon the chicken stew onto a serving plate and sprinkle with the chopped herbs.

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

Editorial: 01392 346342 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

19

Living made simple...

IN this, his latest installment of Living Made Simple, MARTIN FOSTER looks at the relationship between work and making money.

Getting out of my own way

Nice work if you can get it

W

E (my wife Jenn and I) recently found ourselves in the position of needing to re-evaluate our businesses.

On the face of it, that simple statement might suggest we run a complex corporation of enterprises, but regular readers will be aware that is very far from the truth. In fact, after a life of (mainly) self-employment, during which time I put together a range of magazines (including, most latterly, Reconnect), with all the elements that involves (writers, photographers, sub-editors, designers, advertisers, promotional work, etc), I am now living a life of relative simplicity.

But, as those of you who have followed your hearts into doing something you truly love (perhaps something creative, working with the land, or the healing arts) will have discovered, once you have your product perfected, or your service honed, you then have to sell it. And that, my friends, is business.

One of our current strands of business (and we’ll talk about the joys and, I might even go as far as to suggest, necessity of getting involved in more than one business/income stream a little later) is keeping poultry. For us, it ticks many boxes (and these too will crop up again later): the breeding side of things satisfies my wife Jenn’s maternal drive; and she loves the buying and selling side of things too, with all the interesting relationships with interesting people that that involves; for me, I too enjoy the (albeit it small-scale) farming side of things, working on the land with the elements; the satisfaction of physical work and practical achievement; the creativity of sorting logistics and a little gentle marketing… you get the idea.

But it is still a business. And business comes with a literal bottom line – it needs to make money. If only, as in our case, in order to cover the cost of the hobby/pastime part and to make a little profit to help cover some of the expenses incurred by even our simple lifestyle.

A subtle but significant shift in the way things work here at Tigley Tump meant that the time was right for a review of what we’re doing, how we’re doing it and what changes we might make to improve things.

After much creative thinking and deconstruction, we came up with our own very simple and bottomest of bottom lines: how to do less work and make more money.

Yeah, obvious, right? But the obvious conclusion isn’t always

20

that… well, obvious.

Looking at the business in that very simplistic and harsh light, we were able to examine previous decisions objectively - with the all-important proviso that it’s fine to opt for a less profitable option just because it’s what we want to do (but it’s also important to recognise that’s what we’re doing).

The result is that we are planning to make some quite significant changes for next year (with some practical, infrastructure work linedup for over the winter months), which should result in: greater efficiency (without compromising welfare, of course), thus reducing the time we need to spend working on the poultry and freeing time for other things; and more profitable markets, satisfying our increased income objective. But we also discovered some other less obvious benefits: I have been more actively involved in planning, increasing my levels of satisfaction and commitment; the whole operation feels more focused, which in turn has made it easier to plan our marketing; and the whole Tigley Tump community will benefit, partly from our plans to increase our meat bird and free-range layers operations (part of the unwritten agreement here is that we share produce – fellow Tumper Paul is going through a similar process on the horticultural side of things), and also by making it clearer when we need others to help us out a little.

Which brings us back to those issues I said we’d return to: a more efficient business frees up time for other businesses/pastimes – in my case, freelance writing and what I call ‘my creative stuff’. And yes, if you can’t get all you need from one job or business, split your time between a number of them. Call it a ‘portfolio career’ if feels less fragmented.

If you apply the somewhat caustic, boiling-down deconstructive process to your own business, it might also leave you with ‘time and money’; and that is a useful, fundamental, real-life survivalist lens through which to view the ‘work’ areas of your life.

But also take a look through your full range of more colourful lenses where you can focus on creativity, relationships, physical activity, earth-connection and other heartfelt rewards - to get the fuller, richer picture…

Next time, I’ll be cooking up a few thoughts on food and drink.

If you want to throw something in the pot, email me at martinfoster4242@ gmail.com.

in

Mart

RICHENDA Macgregor has been teaching pottery for 25 years, which is a fair old time. In the last few years she had been getting a bit tired and for her business to grow Richenda knew she needed to find a way to step back.

F I was ever ill, everything ground to a halt and, as I am sure you recognise if you are self-employed, the backlog just mounted up until I returned. So mostly I just carried on. Having lived with fibromyalgia for the last ten years, my body was complaining a little louder each year. Then I had a bad fall and cracked my coccyx, and the following year I had a malignant melanoma removed. Finally, in May 2018, I collapsed at work whilst teaching my advanced group.

I was temporarily paralysed. I remember lying on the floor while all my students were figuring out what to do. I was observing how well our emergency procedure was operating. Within a small amount of time the ambulance was called, site security turned up with a defibrillator and other Studio 45 staff had been contacted.

I had managed to get Lyme disease, which in my case went straight into the nervous system. For the first few months I was more or less immobile.

I experienced seizures; my speech was slurred at best and at times was non-existent. I developed dyskinesia, involuntary muscle movements in both my face and upper limbs and I had vertigo so intensely it was like being horrendously, room-spinning drunk all the time. Safe to say, I was unable to work. Now, a year on, I am slowly inching my way back towards health.

Luckily for me, before collapsing quite so dramatically, my business partner Mel Chambers and I had already set up Studio 45 and had been busy putting in place the infrastructure of the business and training others to help teach and run the studio. We had also taken on an apprentice, Raphy Seck,

I

who has proved to be a complete godsend.

When it became apparent that I would be out of action for quite some time, Raphy became the studio manager, Lucy Philips continued my classes, Verran Townsend took on more teaching and Mel took on the rest of my workload (in other words, she is a superwoman!). Studio 45 members also carried some of the load for a while, as we creaked and groaned under the pressure.

Both Mel and I were unsure whether we could continue but as weeks turned into months, months turned into a year. Studio 45 continued to thrive. We now have another apprentice, Jody, and we have even taken on more people. Workshops and classes are as busy as ever.

It has been the most humbling, gratifying and extraordinary experience to witness what can happen when you have the right team in place. A team who has bought into your vision, love what they do and will go the extra mile to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Studio 45 is a happy place, full of people being enabled to truly realise their own potential. And all I had to do was learn to get out of my own way.

See www.studio45.com.

Help to fund Kate’s writing dream ALL of us at Reconnect are thrilled that Wellbeing Editor and Café Copywriter, our own Kate Philbin, has been offered a place on Bath Spa University’s MA in Writing for Children and Young People.

Kate has long aspired to become a children’s author, and the respected MA is taught only by published authors and industry experts and has previously produced a string of outstanding children’s writers. Kate said: “I’m hoping the course will provide the structure, guidance and self-belief to help me achieve my lifelong ambition to become a published children’s author.”

Don’t worry Kate will be continuing as Wellbeing Editor for Reconnect and maintaining The Café Copywriter. Doing the MA will mean Kate will only be able to work parttime for the next two years. Kate has therefore launched a crowd funding campaign to help fund her studies.

Advertising: 01392 346342 adverts@reconnectonline.co.uk

If you would like to show your support for her with a donation towards her studies, however small, she would be grateful beyond words. Please support her crowdfunding campaign at: http://bit.ly/ KatePhilbingWritingFund

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

Picture by Teodora Andrisan

Spirit Fest Summer Gathering

IT IS festival season, and if you’re looking for a conscious festival for all ages with Sacred Music, Dance and Art from all traditions, then why not consider Spirit Fest Summer Gathering?

This year the summer gathering returns to The Clophill Centre in Bedfordshire on a new date, August 15-18. The essence of the gathering is to explore the traditional methods of connecting with Spirit and Mother Earth as individuals and as a family through the traditional shamanic, tantric and yogic techniques and methods.

Spirit Fest is committed to sustainable and harmonious living as One on planet earth. This is practised by becoming better at improving and preserving respectful relationships with nature, plants, animals and people.

The music, dance and art is both indigenous to the UK and from world sacred traditions. There are also a wide range of workshops and ceremonies as well as

activities for Children and Youth, Sweat Lodges, amazing veggie and raw food, therapies and massage, stalls and circles.

Musicians include Kakatsitsi Master Drummers from Ghana, Mbilou, Bwiti shaman, Adrian Freedman, Mobius Loop, Dragonsfly, Susie Ro, Murray Kyle, River Roots, Olivia van Dort, Omer Makessa, Algy Behrens, Jivan, Ruth Blake, Olivia Fern, James Frost, Ravi, Shunya Bell, and Martyn Phillips.

Tickets are priced at £150. One and two day tickets will be available on the gate. Youth, ages13-18 years, tickets are £40. Children aged 0-12 years go free but must be registered, parking for vans, trucks and caravans is £15, and cars are free. Many glamping options are available. Prices do not include booking fee. The festival is free from dogs, drugs and alcohol. All are welcome to come and share the Love.

l Find out more at www.spiritfestuk. org/summer-gathering.html

Our mindful man considers a holiday MAKE A BIGGER IMPACT WITH YOUR DESIGN & PRINT

CASPAR WALSH author, poet, film maker, journalist and Mindful Man offers some holiday time advice.

O

NE of the things that can have a real impact on how nourishing and relaxing a holiday can be is how dependent I am on clearing the to do list before I sign off. The permission I give myself to rest doesn’t have to be dependent on how many tasks I’ve completed or how good I think I’ve been. Rather than cranking up the stuff I think I need to do before I head off, I reduce the to do list to essentials only. It may feel like our diaries are in control of us but with planning and a little self-protection, it’s possible to experience our time away in a more grounded, restorative way.

One of the big misconceptions about time off work is that it will sort everything out, provide everything I need to return to work and carry on as before. If we approach our holiday Mindfully, we will reap the benefits before, during and after.

I’ve sometimes returned from one holiday feeling like I need another.

Avoid the pressure to experience everything you possibly can to get your money’s worth. Allow your experiences to be spontaneous. Avoid creating another crazy to do list.

Listen for the inner critic telling you how you should be feeling or behaving, ‘you’re on holiday relax, enjoy yourself, be grateful’ etc.

Try and replace the white noise of

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

...WITH YOUR LOCAL PRINTER!

self-correction and forced gratitude with something kinder. Even if it’s words you don’t entirely believe, repeated enough times, your body and being will eventually hear them and welcome them in.

Our time away from work is an opportunity to find a new way to be when we return. Gentleness, space and breath are key to slowing it all down. See your holiday in part as preparing for a potential change in the way you live day to day.

With motivation and making time, Mindfulness can become a keystone of support.

Retreating with others is a great way to inspire, ground and refresh our practice. We each need to create space to slow down, to reflect and get back in our bodies.

This needs to start with putting ourselves and our wellbeing… first.

(This is an edited extract, first published in Wicked Leeks) l For more information about mindfulness retreats or to purchase copy of his latest book, the Mindful Man – Words from the Earth visit https://www.wordsfromtheearth. co.uk/

Make your organisation stand out!

It all starts with vision…

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

Get ready to ruffle some feathers! @pollardsprint

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

Editorial: 01392 346342 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

21

news & views Tiny birds heard on the Sharpham Estate Sharpham’s volunteer storyteller, amateur naturalist, and meanderer of wild places and ancient spaces DAPHNE PLEACE reveals a rare visitor - the Firecrest.

Nature watching

T

HERE’S more wonderful nature-watching events on offer at the Sharpham Estate this summer including a Bat & Stargazing Walk with the chance to see bats, moths and stars (hopefully) during a night-time event on Sunday September 1 from 7.15pm to 9.45pm.

The estate is one of the few places in the UK and Europe where the Greater Horseshoe Bat can be found.

In partnership with the Devon Greater Horseshoe Bat Project and the Devon Wildlife Trust the evening offers a great insight into this endangered elusive mammal, and the chance to try bat detecting. There’s also a tour of moth-traps that gently capture insects, seeing close-up the wealth of UK moths that come out at night. Plus Dartmoor Skies, clouds permitting, will take a tour of the night-sky.

Every year since 1997 Bat Night has taken place in more than 30 countries around the last full weekend of August offering a chance to discover more about these nocturnal mammals. l Tickets for this event (supported by the Ernest Cook Trust) are £5 from www.sharphamtrust. org/calendar/course/bat-and-stargazing-walka-nocturnal-nature-experience

A

BIRD that weighs the same as a teaspoon of sugar has been heard on the Sharpham Estate by a keeneared ornithologist.

Respected birder and illustrator Mike Langman recognised the high-pitched tones of the Firecrest, the second smallest British bird after the Goldcrest.

The Goldcrest already inhabits the Estate, but it was a birdy first to identify the Firecrest.

Both birds are named for their bright orange (Firecrest) and yellow (Goldcrest) head stripes which they flare into Mohican-style crests for display or defence. The tiny Firecrest is just ten centimetres long and weighs about the same as a teaspoon of sugar.

“The Firecrest is not a common bird in the UK. We used to only see them in the south of England as scarce passage migrants, if we saw them at all, but we had our first breeding success recorded very close to here in 2014. And it’s my first time finding them in the grounds of

Sharpham,” said Mike.

“A few years back when I Photograph by was County Mike Langman Recorder for Devon we first heard singing well be the case since milder males on National Trust land at winters encourage the birds Greenway, and now numbers to stay in the UK, rather than are increasing and spreading migrating south. Birds born here throughout the Dart Valley. are more likely to stay too.

I’m convinced they must be Mike explained that Firecrests breeding successfully in more enjoy the winter evergreen-rich places in South Devon too… habitats of the Dart valley - ivy maybe even at Sharpham itself. and holly being favoured plants.

There were definitely at least So perhaps there’ll be a new two different males singing to set bird appearing on Christmas up - or defend - territories on the cards near you… move over you evening I heard them.”

Robins, Wrens and Goldcrests…

The song itself is not as loud make room for the Firecrest. or attractive as many of our Mike Langman leads a Marsh other birds: in fact, it is such a high-pitched sound that some & Estuary Bird Walk at The people can’t hear it at all.

Sharpham Trust on August 31 from 6pm-8.30pm, price £12 The tiny bird is quite hard to spot for adults, £5 for children. too, as it searches for insects on the underside of leaves. l Find out about all Sharpham’s So, is this a Climate Change nature and wildlife events gain, instead of the losses we here: www.sharphamtrust.org/ events hear about? Mike said this might

Be a part of New Lion Brewery

S

EPTEMBER sees an exciting new venture as New Lion Brewery become one of just a handful of breweries to become 100% owned by their community.

Their ‘LionShare’ offer invites people to become the joint owners of the brewery, shaping its future direction and activities. Investors will also be eligible for tax relief, will be offered various rewards at different levels of investment and be paid a 3% return in cash, or a 4% return in beer!

LionShare is happening in the context of an exciting new development at Webbers Yard in Dartington which sees two award-winning local businesses coming together under one roof to create a celebration of fermentation, flour, and local ingredients. The Almond Thief Bakery and New Lion Brewery have recently purchased the building, currently home to the bakery, to create a remarkable new collaboration.

The Almond Thief has, over the last few years, established a strong reputation for their sourdough breads as well as their excellent coffees and pastries. New Lion Brewery, until recently based on Station Road, Totnes, have won multiple awards for their beers, and much praise for their community-based approach

22

and collaborative beers with various local organisations and initiatives. Now they are preparing to join forces to create a celebration of what becomes possible when two such businesses live next to each other, and LionShare is an important step to unlocking that potential.

As New Lion Head Brewery Jacek Ziegler put it, “we want to make beers from waste bread, bread made from beer, beer and bread made from local wheat, milled onsite. We want to create new beers and new dishes that celebrate local produce, produce that could only possibly come from this place”.

In order to enable the move, LionShare will invite the people of Totnes to buy shares in the Brewery, which will convert into a Community Benefit Society, owned by its members.

“LionShare will show the big players like Brewdog, and their ‘equity for punks’, how it’s really done”, says New Lion Director and Transition movement founder Rob Hopkins. “We will become a genuinely community-owned brewery, shaped by its members, and a real cornerstone of the local economy. We want to model the economy of the future”. Those who register their interest in advance at www. newlionbrewery.co.uk/lionshare will get a week’s advance notice before the share offer goes public. Interest, at the time of going to press, is already considerable. Printed prospectuses will be available from the brewery and will also be available around the town.

For Dan Mifsud, owner of The Almond Thief Bakery, coming together under one roof offers many benefits. “Breweries and bakeries co-existing isn’t a new idea”, he said.

Advertising: 01392 346342 adverts@reconnectonline.co.uk

“Traditionally this was always how it was done.

For us, the collaborations it makes possible are thrilling. Both businesses are committed to creating the best quality produce using the finest ingredients, and in a way that best reflects the fields, the people, the growers, the produce that surrounds us”. New Lion and the Almond Thief will be joined in the unit by Forest and Co, the luxury homewares brand already open at Webbers Yard, who will create a dedicated embroidery workshop. l For more information please visit the website www.newlionbrewery.co.uk and www. thealmondthief.com

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

Visit us at www.reconnectonline.co.uk New Futures Academy offers young people hope in climate change

A

NEW training and education initiative in South Devon is offering short courses for young people aged 15 - 24 to help them learn practical ways to engage with climate change solutions and ecological design.

From February 2020, The New Futures Academy are teaming up with staff from The Apricot Centre to run a Permaculture design certificate specifically designed for young people. The 12 day course will run over three days in each of the school holidays between February and October 2020. The course, which is an internationally recognised qualification, is designed specifically for young people who are wanting to learn and discover practical ways to live life sustainably and, ‘in harmony with nature’.

Speaking about the course, NFA project Director Chris Smith said: “Permaculture is a set of design principles and practical skills that is widely acknowledged to offer many genuine solutions to climate change issues, so we think this is a very timely point at which to be offering this course…”

Students will learn permaculture design principles and visit local permaculture sites. As part of the qualification, students will create their own permaculture designs, which, according to Chris, “can be applied to almost anything - from growing food to planning how you commute to work” The New Futures Academy are also in the process of developing other courses, including a youth community leadership skills programme for spring/ summer 2020 and a two year full time Ecological Design Study Programme to start in September 2020.

Young people in South Devon are also being offered a free one day workshop in ‘Coping with Climate Change’ with The New Futures Academy this October.

Taking place in the surroundings of a beautiful woodland learning space in Dartington (‘The Glade’), the workshop will explore important questions such as: “How does it feel to be a young person living in this time of climate and ecological emergency and how would you like to be able to respond to these issues?

The core focus of the day will be in listening to each other and discussion, and then information sharing on mental health techniques, practical climate change solutions, activism and ideas on how we might need to ‘adapt’ (known as ‘Deep Adaptation’) should the planet warm above 1.5 degrees. The day will also feature time outdoors, mindfulness and nature connection techniques, and - importantly preparing food and feasting together (campfire cuisine!).

The workshop will be expertly ‘held’ by highly skilled workshop facilitators Chris Smith and Kanada Elizabeth Gorla, and can also function as an excellent ‘introduction day’ to the NFA’s longer short courses; particularly the 15 day ‘Youth Leadership Programme’, the 12 day ‘Young Persons Permaculture Design Certificate’ (both scheduled to start in the early spring of next year) and the two year full time Ecological Design Study Programme which is currently being developed to run from September 2020.

This course is being offered free of charge or by donations to local young people. This was made possible by the generous donations of local people given at the Totnes Local Enterprise Forum’s ‘Community of Dragons’ event earlier this May, when NFA project director Chris Smith pitched for local support at the event. l For more details visit www.newfuturesacademy.co.uk.

In September 2019, New Lion Brewery in Totnes will become a Community Benefit Society.

LIONSHARE 2019 YOUR CHANCE TO OWN THE BREWERY. REGISTER NOW AT: N E W L I O N B R E W E RY.CO.U K @ N E W L I O N B R E W E RY

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

Editorial: 01392 346342 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

23

rewilding Inhabiting the Forest INEZ Aponte hosted an inhabiting the forest panel at the recent ‘Evolving The Forest Conference’. Here she tells us more about the panel discussion which explored the disconnect between people and the natural environment.

O

UR children have been slowly disappearing from public life and in our forests independent children of any age are now a rare sight. Taking note of Tim Gill’s (Rethinking Childhood) observation that “the visible presence of children and youth of different ages and backgrounds... is a sign of the health of human habitats, just as the presence of salmon is a sign of the health of the river”, this should be of great concern to all of us.

For this reason, I hosted a panel discussion at the Evolving the Forest Conference at Dartington Hall, called Inhabiting the Forest. The panel consisted of Roger Worthington, Head of Recreation and Public Affairs at Forestry England, Mark Renouard, Cofounder of Earth Wrights, Independent Artist and Educator Anne-Marie Culhane and Chris Salisbury, Founder of Wildwise.

We discussed the importance of forests to childhood and community wellbeing and explored how we might encourage healthy, regenerative relationships between children and nature.

In the light of an exponential rise in Ritalin prescriptions for ADHD, Roger Worthington quoted research published in the American Journal of Public Health 2004, which concludes

that a ‘dose of nature’ worked as well as, or better than, a dose of medication. He emphasized that forests have “massive tangible and intangible values” providing health and wellbeing benefits as well as hope, dignity and a sense of identity for residents. “Forests and woodlands being in proximity to people’s lives is an opportunity for connectedness, ownership, involvement, participation and education. BUT this can only come about through dedicated and inspiring people, community rangers and volunteers.”

Anne-Marie Culhane picked up on the theme of identity and focused on the need for new woodland cultures. She spoke about the importance of whole families – children, young people, parents, grandparents - sharing a creative, ritualised, celebratory reclaiming of space. “We all need to play, explore, learn, celebrate, share stories, be mischievous.” By creating opportunities for communities to be in active relationship with place and get to know trees as food source, habitat, cultural artefact, shelter, old friend…by inviting them to re-inhabit the commons and co-design their spaces “we are creating, what Nick Groom calls, intangible cultural heritage.”

Danish artist Thomas Dambo creates enormous sculptures from recycled materials.

Mark Renouard concurred that we need a culture change and focused on how we might shift both our inner and outer landscapes. “This means changing our attitudes towards children’s wild natures and becoming more playful ourselves”, he proposed, “as well as creating physical invitations that counter misconceptions of forests as dangerous places.” Playful design interventions can tell a different story about the woods as places of joy and discovery and create memories that stay with us into adulthood. “As a species we evolved in a forest setting and children’s innate ‘biophilia’ gets activated when they re-encounter it. At a time when our species is under existential threat, it has never been more important to get our kids back in the woods.” l Inez hopes the discussion will be taken further forward at a future date.

A nurturing garden for children EARLY childhood is a vital time of connection when healthy relationships form that are based on care and consideration for the environment, animals, and the people with whom we share the world.

This connection is further strengthened through play, and at The Kindergartens at the South Devon Steiner School there’s a committed team of experienced teachers who provide a nurturing and safe environment for children.

The Kindergartens have beautiful rooms, gardens and an extensive outdoor curriculum. Each Kindergarten has up to 16 children from 3 to 6 (rising 7 years old) with a teacher and an assistant.

Admissions officer Asaka Barsley said: “Opportunities for self-initiated play with simple play materials are at the heart of our early year’s curriculum where children journey from the imaginative world of early childhood to more formal learning when they are 7.

“The surroundings offer boundaries structure and protection, as well as the possibility to take risks and meet challenges, supporting the child in forming a healthy relationship to the world.”

The Kindergartens offer artistic activities such as storytelling, music, drawing and painting, with rhythmic games and modelling also used to foster the healthy development of imagination and creativity, as well as support the development of fine motor skills.

Asaka added: “We provide meaningful practical work such as cooking, baking, gardening, handwork and domestic activity around a healthy daily, weekly and yearly rhythm.”

As is tradition in Steiner Waldorf schools across the world, great attention is paid to connecting to the natural rhythms of the year through the celebration of festivals taking place throughout the year which punctuate the seasons. Offering children the joy in the anticipation, the preparation, the celebration itself and the memories of each special event throughout the school year.

Asaka said: “We are taking applications for places in our Kindergartens all year round and offer weekly school tours, termly prospective parent afternoons and an annual open day.” l For more information please visit the website www. southdevonsteinerschool.org/ or email admissions@steiner-south-devon.org

24

Awakened returns

A

WAKENED, the holistic healing three day festival, returns for a third year from August 30 to September 1 at Tawstock Court, Nr Barnstaple (EX31 3HY). Supporting local charities that assist vulnerable & homeless people.

Hosted by Tracee Cullen the camping event will be home to the holistic, spiritual, treatments, free workshops, healing, and a sound journey with Sika & Agnihotra Fire Ceremony.

Tracee said: “We have exclusive use of the venue, so come and enjoy so much goodness within 32 acres of grounds & woodlands – access many exhibitors from all around the UK, situated within both the manor house and grounds.

“Continuing for our 3rd year to raise vibration and bring people together collectively to enjoy this holistic, spiritual, healing & awakening event - there is something for all the family, children & dogs also welcome!”

The camping area overlooks the Taw Valley and includes a camp fire for evening gatherings. Tracee’s deeply relaxing and restorative weekend is for all whether local or not, and offers the chance to stay, enjoy the whole

Advertising: 01392 346342 adverts@reconnectonline.co.uk

weekend and “replenish at soul level, and enjoy time out with like minded souls.”

Tracee added: “We have an abundance of amazing holistic and wellbeing exhibitors and an exciting three day free workshop programme for all to enjoy. As always we have our ‘Tents’ the Meditation/Yoga Tent, Chill Out Tent, The Healing Tent, and Indigo Children’s Tent. All providing something for everyone.”

Ticket options mean Awakened can be an affordable day out or weekend away. Daily (10am-6pm) entrance priced at £6 Adult / £4 Child will be available on the gate or attendees can pre book 2, 3 or 4 nights camping with entrance for just £30, £35 or £40, or B&B accommodation on site from £35.

Tickets are available from www. awakened.co.uk

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

rewilding South Devon Steiner School Waldorf Education for the 21st Century

Where the Wild Things Are Embercombe Unplugged Imagine a lost world … a place where the flow of nature knows no bounds, where animals roam freely in a sound-bath of birdsong. This is a place where the wild things are. Does such a place still exist? Embercombe’s Louise Robinson believes she knows.

E

MBERCOMBE is a beautiful valley in the mid-place between Exeter and the wild moor.

People have been coming here for 20 years to connect with nature and find their purpose, to make friends and recharge themselves, to experience their wilder side.

We have introduced new courses for 2019, to add to the much loved programmes that have been running here for many years and helped people of all ages to find their purpose, and take action in the world … The Journey, Catalyst,

Speaking Out. But Embercombe is a place to discover not only what you can DO to make a difference in the world, but who you can BE. So with this in mind, we are now really excited to announce our new ‘unplugged’ village glamping and vintage van retreats for this summer.

A chance to come and just be here.

Our three vintage vans, Sid, Dot and Iris are waiting in the wild-flower meadow, with views to Haytor and wild moor in the distance, to welcome those wanting a back-to-nature retreat. We’ve also opened up our yurt village, for specific weeks over July and August so you can enjoy Embercombe in a family-friendly valley – wild swim in the lake, meet friends around the fire and wake up to birdsong. l If you haven’t booked a holiday yet, now’s your chance: www. embercombe.org

‘For a Purposeful Journey Into Life’ Steiner Waldorf education from 3—18 years

Website: www.southdevonsteinerschool.org Email: admissions@steiner-south-devon.org Tel: 01803-897377

Timber framing opportunity on Dartmoor

THERE is a flurry of activity at The Hillyfield woodland farm on Dartmoor as the first of three timber frame barns is being completed. The work has been overseen by Henry Russell and Tom Hilliard Building Ltd with support from a cracking team of volunteers as well as LEADER funding from DEFRA through the RDPE. “This September we are excited to be hosting two workshops in traditional timber framing with Henry Russell, a leading light in UK timber framing and expert in traditional timber-frame building techniques.”

Said Doug King-Smith, woodland manager at The Hillyfield.

“The plan is to offer a top quality learning experience whilst adding a very attractive, traditional feature to what will become the new heart of the Hillyfield - our welfare and workshop barn.” This barn will be used for adding value to the timber they grow on site and also for hosting events and workshops.

Each five-day workshop, suitable for all levels of experience and ability, aims to cover the basics of structural timber framing using a variety of different timber species and a range of wonderful hand-tools.

The course cost includes camping, lunches and snacks, sauna, tool-use and tuition. Places are filling fast as Henry is a highly sought after teacher in timber framing so get in touch to find out more.

There are also opportunities for volunteers to get involved during the remaining builds, either by regular weekly involvement, or joining the residential team of volunteers helping to manage the woods. l Visit www.thehillyfield.co.uk to find out more or contact Doug direct by email. dougkingsmith@yahoo.co.uk

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

Editorial: 01392 346342 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

25

wellbeing email: wellbeing@reconnectonline.co.uk

WELLBEING

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

Finding Active Hope

Defining our personality The bright path A shift in relationships 7 steps for a simple day

28 31 32 33

Social forestry and community

T

A deeply healing process Blood testing analysis End of a decade at ENHC

35 37 39

Forest bathing with horses

40

The classified adverts

42

And there’s lots more to read inside THIS OFFER INCLUDES:

HE Apricot Centre CIC is undergoing development Social Forestry programmes and courses in traditional crafts.

Set in the heart of a 35 Acre farm is their small woodland, Education and Wellbeing Coordinator Rachel Phillips and her team recognises that nature acts as a co- therapist for many people struggling with mental health issues or who are experiencing difficulties with their wellbeing.

In May Rachel pitched at the Totnes Local Entrepreneurs Forum to ask the community to help them with their Social Forestry Project. Rachel said: “We were overwhelmed by the response and have been inundated with support. So much so that we have been able to build our woodland shelter and have some tools to start our wellbeing programmes.”

Social Forestry is the name given to the health and well-being programmes in a woodland setting. It is about self-confidence, self-esteem, social awareness and interaction, cooperative problem solving and working.

There has been much research into the benefits of being in • Full health history • Blood pressure, nerve tests, lung tests & orthopaedic tests • Digital SPINAL SCAN with stateof-the-art NASA technology • An introduction to Network Spinal Analysis care (NSA) • Written report of findings This voucher is valid for care with Hannah Green only

MODERN CHIROPRACTIC CARE FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY “Network Spinal Analysis represents the epitome of body work in our time.”

Professor Candace Pert

26

natural environments, particularly woodlands. It has been accepted in many countries, including the UK, that there is a therapeutic value to being amongst the trees. Many health, education and care providers are looking to commission Social Forestry programmes.

Rachel added: “Our first Social Forestry workshop took place in July with 12 young people. They took part in mindfulness in the woodland, green woodwork, coppicing and wild cooking.”

The Apricot Centre is running the first of their Social Forestry Community Volunteer for adults and young people aged 12+ years on Thursday September 19 from 10am2pm - booking is essential.

Rachel would like to thank everyone from LEF who showed support, James Brown from Devon Timber Frames for designing and building the shelter, and Carpentry Oak for the donation of all the wood. Without whom all of this would not have been possible. l For more information or to to book please contact Rachel on rachelannphillips@ apricotcentre.co.uk or visit www. apricotcentrewellbeingservice.co.uk.

Kate Philbin

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

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

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

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

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

The Wellbeing deadline for the next (Oct/Nov) issue is September 6 so get in touch today and let’s get the ball rolling.

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

OLA CHIROPRACTIC

GIFT VOUCHER Worth £20

SPECIAL INTRODUCTORY OFFER ~ ONLY £25 (USUALLY £45)

Please telephone to arrange your appointment at our beautiful clinic in the he♥rt of Totnes

01803 862565

Please bring this voucher with you to your appointment.

Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer or voucher.

Ola Chiropractic Centre, 5a Fore Street, Totnes, Devon TQ9 5DA

www.totneschiropractic.co.uk

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

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

WELLBEING

If you believe you can, you will

D

O YOU have the feeling you’re carrying your past around with you no matter how hard you try to leave it behind?

Maybe life appears to go around in circles and even though you’ve practiced self-development you just don’t see the results you’d expect.

Life coach and resonance reprogramming practitioner, Katheryn Hope explained that there is a physiological reason for this and it is called your Reticular Activating System (RAS).

She said: “The RAS is how you safeguard yourself from overwhelm from the mass of information that is bombarding you every minute. It’s a bundle of nerves at your brainstem that filters out unnecessary information so only what is significant gets through.

Essentially, it shows you what is familiar, continuing to endorse evidence it already knows from the programming you’ve received since birth. This is why you have a tendency to dismiss what could be flowing and magical in your life and continue to struggle.”

But, if what the RAS is showing us has become unhelpful, how can we transform the program, so life works for and not against us?

Katheryn said: “Firstly, it’s important to have a clear intention or goal; perhaps you’d now like to feel recognised and supported, for example. Secondly, describe how you would feel, what your body language would be and how others would respond to you if you were already recognised and supported.

Rather than allowing old programs to sabotage your success, you can then reframe how you see your life.

“Resonance Repatterning is a system that helps to shift your system away from old damaging programs, so you resonate with and strengthen positive new ones. It supports you to see your new possibilities so you can embrace them, and it reframes your life into the one you’ve always dreamed of.” l During August/September, Katheryn is offering a full Resonance Repatterning for £75.

For more information email: katheryn@theseedcoach.com

the Now therapy Centre

A

T TIMES, moment. This can life can be facilitate a growing difficult, self-awareness and a sense of self challenging or empowerment.” confusing and you may find yourself Alongside feeling stuck. The counselling, The Now Therapy Centre Now Therapy is a Counselling and Centre also offers Healing Therapy healing, which service run by Natasha describes Natasha Bainbridge as a non-invasive and Brian King. transfer of natural Natasha Bainbridge energy to clients, Natasha works channelled via the from therapy rooms healer through the hands. She in Tavistock, Okehampton and said: “It promotes relaxation and Plymouth, offering Counselling and an opportunity to recharge and Healing Therapy. Brian works from kick-start our innate healing and rooms in Okehampton, offering wellbeing system.” relationship and family counselling.

The Now Therapy Centre adheres They say: “As counsellors, we to the National Counselling offer a safe, confidential space Society and British Association of where you can consider and Counselling and Psychotherapy understand your own unique needs codes of ethics. and circumstances. Issues may Natasha offers an optional, free include stress, anxiety, depression, initial 30-minute phone session, sexuality issues, bereavement, if you would like to have a chat separation, trauma, relationship before deciding whether to book. issues and much more. We tailor the therapy to your individual l Visit the website www. requirements, respecting your pace thenowtherapy.co.uk for more and encouraging you to be your details or contact Natasha with own expert. Spaciousness, clarity any questions at natasha@ and compassion underpin our work, thenowtherapycentre.co.uk or on: 07590 527990. as well as staying in the present

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

Awakening your Natural Voice A three day retreat with Anthony Johnston

Thursday 24th to Sunday 27th October 2019 East Down Centre, Devon

A three day residential retreat awakening the power of your natural voice, for well being, deep connection and your soul’s expression

Experience how giving voice to what is true can connect us to our ‘essence’ and how it can bring us into a richer, more meaningful contact with ourselves, others and the natural world. ~ Explore your unique and natural voice ~ ~ Express yourself authentically and creatively ~ ~ Learn the art of listening without judgement ~ ~ Sing with freedom, ease and flow ~ ~ Sing from your essence, from who you really are ~ www.realvoice.co.uk 07950052100 info@realvoice.co.uk

Are you overwhelmed by today’s challenges?

Do you want more wellbeing?

Then connect in creative community at Network of Wellbeing’s second Building Wellbeing Together weekend

13 - 15 September You will: • Connect with wellbeing pioneers • Explore how wellbeing links to community action • Renew your sense of purpose

Held at the beautiful Hawkwood in Stroud, we’ll map how we can build a future of wellbeing for individuals, communities and our natural world With engaging workshops, activities, and three captivating keynote speakers: • Satish Kumar, author of Elegant Simplicity • Jennifer Wallace of Carnegie UK Trust • Mark Williamson of Action for Happiness

Tickets

Investment is £325 to £205 per person, depending on accommodation Save* £30 with code RC30 Some bursary places are available contact roger@networkofwellbeing.org *Limited availability: applies to first 25 bookings.

Find out more and save your space at b.link/BWTRC

Editorial: 01392 346342 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

27

Juliette Medder

EMOTIONAL HEALTH WELCOME back to our exploration into all things emotional. In this edition our Emotional Health columnist Leigh Smith explores our personal characteristics, what makes us unique and asks can we define our personality.

Who am I?

A simple question, and yet such a difficult one to answer. Working out what makes us who we are, what makes us individual, what makes us interesting or boring, and how other people perceive us, is a labyrinth. I often wonder if the way I see myself is the way others see me, how do I come across to others?

Whilst it is so hard to assess one’s own personality, it is impossible to overlook the personality of others.

A curiosity and desire to understand the personality and how we are influenced by different human traits dates back to before Christ within the writings of medical theorist Alcmaeon of Croton who talks of ‘humours’ and the elemental influences of air, earth, water.

Hippocrates posited that our bodily fluids combined with the four elements, age, the season, and our occupation, work together to effect the ‘humours’. Carl Jung proposed the idea that we have personalities which are either introverted or extroverted, and Myers and Briggs created a way of testing our personality to find our personality types. In the late part of the 20th century understanding personality became a science, and the psychology of personality now focuses on the ‘five Factor Model’ aka the ‘big five’.

One thing is for sure we all have a personality and in general terms this can be defined as our typical and consistent way of acting, feeling, thinking and communicating.

The big five describe this as OCEAN: Openness to experiences – closeness to experiences.

Conscientiousness - laissez-faire attitude.

Extroversion – introversion.

Agreeableness – disagreeableness.

Neurosis – stability.

Ocean gives us a way of self diagnosing our personality, and I wonder if having read that list you are already deciding about your own traits? Asking yourself am I an extrovert or an introvert? Neurotic or stable?

From neurons to narrative What I find fascinating about these descriptors, is that they are not the whole truth, we are more idiosyncratic in nature than a list of traits to define us, there is more to the story, and this is where it gets interesting. We are multifaceted beings, and have a tendency to break with character and act in a way which doesn’t fit with our personality. Often this will be because we are facing a challenging situation that takes us out of our comfort zone. But sometimes we do this out of a sense of passion, and purpose, and we create a pseudo self.

Life sometimes presents us with

a need to be who we are not, to manufacture a boldness that is not true to our nature, perhaps a situation warrants us to be more extrovert, more disagreeable then we feel we truly are.

In my work as a teacher I often feel the need to be more extrovert than I am in order to engage students, especially first thing in the morning.

And whilst this ability to draw on ‘free traits’ of personality is completely normal it does have an effect, and leave us feeling drained, exhausted, and in need of self-care.

After an exciting and engaging lesson, I can often be found taking 15 minutes alone honouring my true nature which is a lot more introverted than people may think.

Whilst we all would like a healthy balanced personality, for some this is not the case. Personality disorders are relatively common, and can effect anyone. Having a personality disorder can make life very unpleasant and difficult to engage in everyday things which otherwise we would take for granted. Personality disorders fall into three cluster groups (eccentric/ dramatic/anxious) and there are 10 more specific categories within these clusters. In order to be diagnosed with a personality disorder there needs to be significant impairment in oneself and interpersonal functioning, the symptoms need to exist over a period of time and be consistently present in different situations, and the symptoms need not be due to medication or a medical diagnosis.

If you feel that you (or someone you know) may have a personality disorder then it is important to access support, and your doctor can start the process of having a diagnosis established which will help to create a treatment plan for you. This plan may contain a combination of self care, talking therapies, group support and/or medication which will work to support you to live a more fulfilling life.

The power of ME. When we struggle to act in a way that is not true for us, we ignore our natural impulses, we create inner conflict, which we store in our bodies like emotional debris. When our lives depend on us creating a pseudo personality to get through our day we impact heavily on our emotional health. It is important to keep ourselves regulated, to take time out to be true to our needs, and honour our authentic selves.

There is an amazing power in getting to know your inner self, and learning how to use it and not fight with the world. If you know what makes you happy, your personality, interests and capabilities, just use them, and everything else flows beautifully. - Juhi Chawla

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

Visit www.heartwoodcounselling.org or call 01803 865464.

28

Coming home with a broken knee RECENTLY after teaching in the French Alps Caroline Lang had an accident with a horse, was taken to Grenoble hospital and underwent surgery to repair hery broken knee.

Caroline told us: “Although I would never have chosen this path it has been lifechanging. There are many ways in which our fragility is being revealed and we, the world are being shaken and opened. So many new experiences, facing my fear of pain, hospitals, surgery, the suffering of elderly patients and those with many more broken bones than me.

“I loved my knee the way it was but am learning to love my new one as I know the surgeon did his very best and in its re-creation I can draw upon 30 years of working with the body intuitively.

“Returning to Totnes I have been filled with immense gratitude for the depth of this community’s healing wisdom. The NHS Intermediary Care Team here are amazing. All the equipment I needed for life on one leg was awaiting me when we arrived home from France in the middle of the night and two nurses and physio came to visit first thing in the morning.

“I have consulted with homeopath, had sessions with osteopath, reflexology, filled the freezer with healing food. So much welcome advice has been flooding my way. But above all else and vital to this journey is the love and presence of family, students and friends, and a sense that I belong.” l There will be no classes at The Yoga House during the summer. For autumn schedule see Caroline’s website www.carolinelangyoga

Natural health and wellbeing TOUCH for Health Kinesiology is a hands-on, non-invasive and holistic method of natural healthcare that anyone can use to promote positive balance and help improve their health, wellbeing and vitality.

It works on all the energy systems of the body.

Liz Reddish, founder and owner of Well House, which offers Touch For Health (TFH) Kinesiology and training, massage (therapeutic, sports and pregnancy) and mentoring, was introduced to Kinesiology as a result of her own health challenges.

Within a week of starting treatment, her constant headaches were gone and chronic bloating had also subsided. She said: “Kinesiology first looked at my nutritional imbalances and food intolerances and gradually addressed every aspect of my physical and emotional wellbeing. It has also helped with my dyslexia, co-ordination and general cognitive agility.”

She was so impressed that she trained to become a practitioner and now teaches TFH Kinisiology to therapists and non-therapists.

Liz is running a taster workshop to explain more about what the practice is all about and teach some simple, yet powerful techniques to help with pain, anxiety and stress.

She explained: “TFH Kinesiology combines the eastern principals of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Tibetan energy practices with more orthodox Western techniques. Muscle monitoring is used to assess energy and body function, which allows the practitioner and the client to determine where the physical, emotional, energetic, chemical and nutritional imbalances lie. It is suitable for people of any age

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

and can produce fantastic results, as my own experience shows.

Through a range of gentle, yet powerful balancing techniques, it facilitates the body’s natural ability to heal itself.”

TFH was founded by the late Dr John Thie. His aim was to provide lay people with simple, yet highly effective techniques to help themselves, friends and family.

It is now the most widely used system of Kinesiology in the world. The TFH synthesis training is recognised and respected as the foundation training for other Kinesiology systems, as well as a therapeutic modality in its own right for laypeople and professionals alike. It comprises four two-day courses and Liz’s next course starts in October.

Liz said: “TFH Kinesiology really helps empower people by highlighting their challenges and facilitating change. It is very simple, and yet far-reaching on every level.” l If you are interested in learning more, attending workshops or courses or would like to book an appointment, please contact Liz: call: 07971 106572 email: liz@ devonwellhouse.co.uk or visit: devonwellhouse.co.uk

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

WELLBEING

Catherine Hale

Vaginal steaming for postpartum recovery

Real food, Real life,

Real health

T

HE time after birth, also know as the postpartum period, is one of the most challenging times for women as they step into motherhood and there is limited support to help them heal.

Women’s Pelvic Health and Empowerment Coach, Catherine Hale describes this as a public healthcare crisis. She said: “Currently there is limited care offered specifically for mothers after birth, which means women are experiencing symptoms that are often going untreated. As much as six weeks after birth, women are still tolerating pain, prolapse, urine leakage, bleeding, painful sex or unresolved birth trauma whilst trying to take care of a newborn.

“Sometimes women report a continuation of the symptoms for months or even years after the birth and many suffer in silence, enduring the often embarrassing symptoms, and experiencing a reduction in their quality of life.”

For centuries, women across the globe have used vaginal steaming to assist with postpartum recovery.

For the most part, however, gynaecologists and midwives in the UK are unfamiliar with this practice and, so, are unable to advise mothers on its efficacy and safety.

Catherine said: “We are seeing a resurgence of this ancient wisdom, coming back into the hands of peristeam hydrotherapists and other birth professionals who have

experienced the personal and professional benefits of this healing modality.”

The procedure can have positive impacts on: blood pressure, pulse, uterine restoration, reduction of weight and waist size, healing of labial: tears, gapping and swelling, haemorrhoid reduction, expulsion of lochia (post birth discharge) and bowel regularity.

Catherine added: “Vaginal steaming offers healing in such a way that the body can redirect its resources to where they are most needed - healing the tissues, creating enough breast milk and having enough energy to eat. This is far better than the symptoms being ignored or endured for weeks, months or years to come.”

Catherine is trained in postpartum vaginal steaming care, and is available for face-to-face care in the Totnes area or online care throughout the UK. l For more information visit: Catherinehale.co.uk or email info@ catherinehale.co.uk

Reconnecting with yourself

Y

The results Hannah OU were designed to selfhas been achieving heal, says Dr through her care Hannah Green from have eased pain and Ola Chiropractic. enhanced function as well as offering hope Hannah is a to those with chronic qualified Mctimoney health conditions.

Chiropractor and Healing is not a having completed linear process and her 5 year Masters sometimes Hannah’s course she has been chiropractic sessions helping restore bring to light things people to health at from the past that The Ola Centre, at Hannah Green are still influencing 5a Fore Street, in present health.

Totnes. Hannah explains that in order to educate people about the healing “The way the nervous system powers of the body she connects with responds best is to have a consistent people wherever they are at in their repetition of stimulation so that life journey. the body is able to remember and retain the changes that are going Hannah uses knowledge and in in the chiropractic session. My intuition, to put together a plan for guidance follows the guidance that helping people reach their goal by reconnecting with themselves. nature teaches us every day.”

Hannah believes a healthy, Ola offer a unique inter-practitioner balanced nervous system is the referral system with the various key to a healthy life. She said: “It therapists working from the centre, is only when we are completely covering a wide range of natural connected that we can heal, we health therapies, and Hannah is restore our confidence in our part of this wide skilled network. universal intelligence that created us Hannah said: “People who come and designed us to self-heal.” in have very different symptoms The former Olympic Synchronized and blockages going on that is swimmer has found that her time preventing them from healing. My as an athlete instilled a confidence role is to listen, then guide the body and stamina to work with the to a peaceful, connected place body in an intuitive and structured where the real magic happens.” approach that maximises the body’s innate capacity to heal as well as l Find out more about Dr Hannah support it with healthy habits. It’s an Green and the other therapies approach that when people visit her on offer at Ola Chiropractic they know they are getting the most practice on their website – www. out of their Chiropractic care. totneschiropractic.co.uk.

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

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

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

Jane Hutton The Functional Foodie

T: 07841 344934

/ŵƉƌŽǀ ĨŽƌ ƚŚĞ ^Ɖŝƌŝƚ

/ŵƉƌŽǀ ĨŽƌ ƚŚĞ ^Ɖŝƌŝƚ ^ĂƚƵƌĚĂLJ ŵŽƌŶŝŶŐ

ĚƌĂŵĂ ŝŵƉƌŽǀŝƐĂƚŝŽŶ ^ĂƚƵƌĚĂLJ ŵŽƌŶŝŶŐ ĚƌĂŵĂ ŝŵƉƌŽǀŝƐĂƚŝŽŶ ĐůĂƐƐĞƐ ĐůĂƐƐĞƐ ĨŽƌ ĨƵŶ ĂŶĚ ĨŽƌ ĨƵŶ ĂŶĚ ƉĞƌƐŽŶĂů ŐƌŽǁƚŚ ƉĞƌƐŽŶĂů ŐƌŽǁƚŚ

ůů ĂŐĞƐ ĂŶĚ ĂďŝůŝƚŝĞƐ ǁĞůĐŽŵĞ͘ EŽ ƉƌĞǀŝŽƵƐ ƉĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞ Žƌ ĂĐƚŝŶŐ ĞdžƉĞƌŝĞŶĐĞ ŶĞĐĞƐƐĂƌLJ &ŽƌƚŚĐŽŵŝŶŐ ĚĂƚĞƐ ϭϬƚŚ ƵŐƵƐƚ͕ ϮϰƚŚ ƵŐƵƐƚ͕ ϳƚŚ ^ĞƉƚĞŵďĞƌ͕ ϮϭƐƚ ^ĞƉƚĞŵďĞƌ &Žƌ ĚĞƚĂŝůƐ ƐĞĞ ǁǁǁ͘LJŽŐĂƚŽƌƋƵĂLJͬǁŽƌŬƐŚŽƉƐ Žƌ ĐĂůů Ϭϳϵϳϳ ϮϳϮϭϳϰ

Andy Thompson, Clin. Hom, Dip. B.F.D. ‘Helping you to heal yourself’

BioEnergetic Health

An innovative testing and treatment method effective for acute, long-term and difficult-to-diagnose health problems.

Free taster sessions at the BioEnergetic Health Clinic and Greenlife in Totnes 07503 111057

www.bioenergetichealth.net

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

29 29

WELLBEING

Kate does… Psychic Tarot Reading

www.gaiahouse.co.uk

INSIGHT MEDITATION IN THE BUDDHIST TRADITION

www.gaiahouse.co.uk

BACK/NECK | MIGRANE | SHOULDERS | SPORTS INJURIES

IN PAIN?!

TRIED EVERYTHING ELSE?

Call:-TERRY

TIUKAAN NERVE RELEASE THERAPIST ON:-

07856 426275

www.nervereleasecentre.co.uk

Free initial consultation and £20 off 1st treatment with code: -LIVE01

YOUR wellbeing editor Kate tries out a treatment or event or activity each issue to give you a bit more of an insight into what it’s like to take part. This issue Kate tries Psychic Tarot Reading with Bell Bartlett.

S

OMETIMES in life, particularly at times of uncertainty and challenge, I have longed to be lifted up out of my life and given a bird’s eye view (or probably more accurately a God’s eye view) of why things are the way they are and how they will all pan out.

That is what it feels like whenever I pay a visit to Bell Bartlett.

For most of my Kate Does… articles I’ve written about experiences that are new to me but not this time. I’ve consulted with Bell a couple of times a year, sometimes a little more, over the last three or four years and I’ve found each of these sessions to be empowering and enlightening.

Bell is not a fortune teller or a medium and neither does she predict the future. She is what is sometimes called a spiritual intuitive. She has the ability to tune into spirit guides and uses tarot cards to gain insight into the life of the person in front of her.

This ability began at the age of six when she began hearing a voice talking in her ear, telling her about her own life and the lives of the people around her. At the age of 16 when a friend brought a pack of tarot cards into school, she knew she had encountered something that would have great significance in her life. By the age of 21 Bell began studying at The School of Psychic Studies.

She comes from a long line of gypsies and feels that it is “no accident” that she has ended up living in a caravan and working with tarot.

Bell points out that we often become blinkered about the choices available to us, believing that it is either X or Y when, in

30

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

actual fact, there may be many more choices that we are simply unable to see. This is where the broader perspective of spirit can be extraordinarily helpful. None of what happens to us is predestined, she explains, as we all have freedom of choice, but it can be illuminating to be able to see the possible outcome of our choices before we make them.

Bell begins a session by taking an overview of your life at this current time. As usual she was absolutely accurate about mine without being given any prior information. We then move on to asking specific questions… about career, home, relationships, money, property, the usual stuff.

I have to say, the answers I get are not always the answers I want. But I have found them to be uncannily accurate and this information is, ultimately, very empowering. One of her clients once told Bell her readings were “ridiculously helpful”.

I share similar feelings and within three hours of this particular session I found myself able to make an empowered choice that had been invisible to me earlier that same day. l Contact Bell on 07796 900509.

www.reconnecto www.reconnectonline.co.uk

WELLBEING

Nature is Wholeness

D

O YOU feel that your everyday experience could be more connected and more true to who you really are?

Rebecca Card, founder of Nature Wisdom Nature-based Soul Initiation and Cultural Healing, believes there is a deeper and more authentic conversation waiting for us in our encounters with the earth and the other-than-humans.

She said: “When we enter into this way of being we open ourselves up to the vibrancy of life and all of creation. There, we can find wholeness. It is intrinsic to the cycles of nature Herself, because nature is wholeness.”

You may be familiar with the medicine wheel, which is a map based on the cycles of nature. There are many versions of the wheel, reflecting different geographical and cultural influences.

The medicine wheel is the inspiration for Rebecca’s forthcoming five-day event on Dartmoor called Crossing the Threshold. She explained: “I will support a small group to journey using a nature-based map of the psyche. This map invites the soul to find home in itself and through the direct relationship with the natural world and the Mystery, or Otherness.”

The group will be invited to explore aspects of the psyche found in each of us that are represented in the map and mirrored in nature. They will be supported on a journey of self-generated ceremony with the land including a 24-hour solo vigil, or quest.

Spaces are limited so advanced booking is advised. l For more information visit: http:// naturewisdom.life or email Rebecca at: rebecca@naturewisdom.life

The Bright Path Ishayas’ Ascension

K

EPT hidden for thousands of years by a Himalayan order of monks to protect them from being diluted or changed, The Bright Path Ishayas’ Ascension is a body of teachings that has been slowly spreading into the world since the late 1990s.

Teachers of The Bright Path Ishayas’ Ascension believe that the world is now ready for these Valmiki, Chandrama and Sundara Ishaya spiritual teachings, which are teachers is helping people to have rooted in the Vedas, the sacred stillness in the present moment, texts of India. They describe them while leading a full enjoyable life. as “a tried and tested method One of our maxims is ‘Live 200% for raising spiritual awareness” of life’. In our talks, we introduce and they are now being offered you to this concept and show you in Kingsbridge and Buckfastleigh how to begin living in this way.” by three teachers, Chandrama, Sundara, and Valmiki Ishaya.

Ascension teachers talk about the importance of learning Valmiki explained: “Ascension is an ‘mechanical’ techniques. These are oral tradition, and talks are offered phrases, called ‘attitudes’, that are to groups. However the ‘First based on praise, love and gratitude Sphere’ is usually taught in small which melt the resistance of strong groups in people’s homes over one negative thought that most of us evening and two days, usually a can carry around in our life. The Friday night and the weekend. It can be repeated as many times as practice is easy and pleasant and is you like without charge and the done with the eyes open or closed. teachers are available for informal Once learned, it is designed to chats and advice.” be used as a regular practice to enhance the experience of life.

They teach that a dedicated practice can bring direct, Talks take place at 10am on continuous experience of the Saturday September 7 at Harbour presence of Source or Divinity House, Kingsbridge and at (sometimes known as Unity 7.30pm on Thursday September Consciousness).

19 at Jellyfish Arts Hub in Buckfastleigh. The First Sphere Chandrama said: “Oneness weekend course is on October 4 with all is buried deep within 6 at Jellyfish Arts Hub. everyone and can be revealed l For more information contact: with the committed practice of chandrama@thebrightpath.

Ishayas’ Ascension. The acid test com 07805 933710, sundara@ of a spiritual teacher however, thebrightpath.com 07551 is knowing that it is the journey which is important, so what matters 822560, valmiki@thebrightpath. com 07508 639216 most to the Bright Path Ishaya

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

Applied Zoopharmacognosy

Animals can relieve their health or behavioural problems by using their instinctive abilities to choose natural remedies for themselves. Find out how or to discuss your pets needs 07739 477050 brybax@hotmail.com

Editorial: 01392 346342 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

31

WELLBEING A paradigm shift in relating

The Feldenkrais Method® with Lifeworks Somatics

“

• Reduce pain • Relieve stress • Improve performance • Move with ease

Functional Integration© individual lessons for those with chronic pain and injury, muscle pain and tension, RSI, chronic stress, physical and emotional trauma, degenerative and neurological disorders.

Awareness Through Movement© group lessons: Somatic movement explorations to help with posture & poor movement habits, to increase body awareness, help relaxation, & improve balance and coordination. Suitable for those wishing to maintain/improve mobility.

Learn naturally & organically. The way of “less is more” to being more flexible, strong & agile.

With Nikhila M Ludlow (registered Feldenkrais Guild UK 2005)

07989 394904

www.lifeworks4.me.uk | info@lifeworks4.me.uk

WE are experiencing a paradigm shift in the way we relate to ourselves, to others and to life,” says Carmella B’Hahn who believes we need to keep honing the way we relate to all that exists if we want to create a regenerative culture.

She explained: “Many of us are already in the migration process from one paradigm of relating to another, but perhaps these intense times require us to speed up this process.”

To clarify these paradigms, i.e. the pervading ‘outside-in’ paradigm and the emerging ‘inside-out’ paradigm, Carmella has designed a model that helps people identify where they are on this spectrum.

Carmella said: “The outside-in paradigm is one in which we often feel at the mercy of what we perceive as external and separate from ourselves. We communicate mainly from our ego-identity, and failure, fault, blame, right and wrong, good and bad are all a natural part of our vocabulary. When functioning from the inside-out paradigm, we aspire to keep our integrity by staying true to our inner truth no matter what’s happening externally or what anyone else thinks of us. We perceive and relate from our essential identity beyond our persona; from the aware Self that perceives ego antics and we aspire to ‘stand with’ rather than ‘separate from’ others and life.”

The model is published in a free article ‘A Revolution in Relating’ which is on Carmella’s website and in her book - Heart of Relating: Communication Beyond Ego. The book is a resource of powerful stories and transformative practices to build advanced relating skills in a fun way.

Carmella also offers Heartful Relationship coaching sessions as well as grief support and trauma release bodywork. l For more information visit: www.heartofrelating.com, email carmella@ heartofrelating.com or call 01803 867005. l Carmella offers a special deal for 1.5 hour trial sessions.

psychotherapy plymouth

COUNSELLING AND PSYCHOTHERAPY IN PLYMOUTH OUR EXPERIENCED PRACTITIONERS WORK WITH A WIDE RANGE OF DIFFICULTIES INCLUDING:ALCOHOL PROBLEMS, ANGER MANAGEMENT , ANXIETY & STRESS, BEREAVEMENT, LIFE THREATENING ILLNESS, COMMUNICATION DIFFICULTIES, EATING DISORDERS, RELATIONSHIP PROBLEMS, LOSS OF CONFIDENCE/SELF ESTEEM, LOSS OF DIRECTION AND WORK RELATED DIFFICULTIES, MENʼS MENTAL HEALTH, LOW COST PSYCHOTHERAPY.

BRING IT, SAY IT, SOLVE IT Call 01752 560002 or visit www.psycotherapyplymouth.com Waterloo Wellbeing Centre, 191 Devonport Rd, Plymouth PL1 5RN

32 32

Advertising: 01392 346342 adverts@reconnectonline.

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

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

WELLBEING High dimension meditation

H

AVING been on her own spiritual journey, which has led to her becoming the most authentic version of herself, Tracee Cullen - intuitive, mentor, channel and free spirit - is now helping others to seek freedom and follow their passion.

From the Holistic Spiritual Centre in North Devon, which has evolved over the past 15 years to become a teaching centre and online school, Tracee facilitates High Dimension Meditation® workshops, courses, events and retreats. The aim is to encourage people to connect with who they really are.

Tracee has been creating and delivering spiritual retreats since 2011 both in the UK and overseas. She said: “My previous experience, knowledge, and the personal and spiritual journey I have been on, have allowed me to grow in all aspects. I have embraced this growth and trusted my intuition, which has guided me to ‘be in service’ and assist in raising the collective vibration.

“I have taught many subjects but,

for me, the core of everything is meditation and healing. The heart of spiritual awareness is the ability to ‘go within’. High Dimension Meditation® is a powerful way to achieve this.”

Tracee described channeling as another “incredible part” of her journey and said the most transformational course she currently facilitates is the High Dimension Awaken & Healing Programme (HDA&HP).

“In this course, we consciously navigate the awakening process.

If you feel called to attend, it will help to catapult your soul into the next phase of its development, enabling you to become the most authentic version of yourself.”

Vegan, organic, zero waste packaging, handmade in Torquay

There is also an online High Dimension® Group - Awakened Inner Circle held fortnightly for like-minded souls. l For more information email: contact@traceecullen.com, visit www.traceecullen.com or www.highdimensionportal@ traceecullen.com.

www.greenwyse.co.uk

Steps for a simpler day

H

AVE YOU noticed how the days seem to get faster and faster and filled with more and more distractions? It is a major contributor of stress and can make the difference to whether we are sick or healthy.

So, is it possible to simplify our days? Kate Tilson is a life coach and she points out that, as with habits, doing too much can be a hard pattern to break but it is possible. Here are her easy-to-follow steps for simplifying your days….

1. Know What’s Important.

The simple version of simplifying is “Identify what’s important, and eliminate the rest.” Not always possible, of course, but having an understanding of what is actually really important to you helps keep things in perspective.

2. Say No to Extra Commitments.

This will enable you to create space and make time for the things that are on your important list. List and evaluate your commitments (professional and personal), and say “no” to at least one. It just takes a call or email.

3. Limit Tasks.

Each morning, list your 1-3 most important tasks. List other tasks you’d like to do and say no to some of them. See if you can limit your list to 5-7 tasks per day.

4. Don’t get distracted!

When are you going to do your most important work? Schedule it with a block of time and become unavailable. Close the Internet, hold all calls.

Just do the most important tasks.

5. Slow Down.

We spend our lives rushing around like lunatics. Slow down. Life won’t collapse if you aren’t rushing from task to task, email to email. You can pause; take a moment to breathe before moving on.

6. Stop multi-tasking!

One task at a time, with full focus on that task. You will find that you will get more done in less time if you concentrate on each task and there will be fewer mistakes 7. Batch smaller tasks together.

Emails, paperwork, the little things at the bottom of your task list, shouldn’t get in the way of your important tasks. But they still need to be done. It’s best to do these later in the day, when your energy is lower and you’ve done the important tasks for the day. Do them in one go. l For additional help with this or other issues contact Kate on 07733111590. She works regularly from The Exeter Natural Health Centre or via Skype/ telephone.

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

www.torbay-herbalist.co.uk

Empowerment Through Embodiment Sexuality ~ Trauma ~ Women's Pelvic Health Vaginal Steaming 1:1 Sessions ~ Events ~ Retreats

Editorial: 01392 346342 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

33

WELLBEING A new wellbeing space for Totnes

T

UCKED away offer a holistic, healing space for their clients. down a side street Rachel is a counsellor near Totnes castle who specialises in is The Library Rooms. working with 14-25 Natalie Austin is year olds, as well as delighted to be moving parents who have her massage practice experienced trauma in into this charming childhood. She is also location alongside a highly experienced friend and colleague, sports therapy massage Rachel Krauss of Rachel and injury therapist and Krauss Therapies. works to relieve chronic Natalie said: “After pain and aid recovery nearly 20 years of Natalie Austin from injuries. renting premises, it Alongside Rachel, Natalie will offer is great to be setting up our own therapeutic massage, reflexology, therapy space in this wonderful Indian head massage, Reiki and haven tucked behind the castle. We one-to-one private yoga Sessions. have a light, spacious waiting room She will be continuing with her where clients can sit before and after programme of yoga classes at their treatment. The treatment room Chapel House Studios. is cosy and welcoming and has been decorated by Rachel and me l The Library Rooms is at the top in just the way we want it and to a of Castle Street at 59 High Street, standard that we think will meet our Totnes, TQ9 5NU. To make an clients’ needs. Having our own space appointment, contact Natalie on also means more flexibility with time 07516 720246, email natalie@ schedules and greater availability.” loveyogatree.co.uk or visit her website www.loveyogatree.co.uk.

Natalie and Rachel have known Contact Rachel on 07562617944 each other for four years but this is and www.rachelkrausstherapies.com the first time they have teamed up to

Working through the pain of letting go

Take a deep BREATH...

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

Rock, Cornwall – Intro w/s 7 Sept £25 Breathe, Believe, Be Weekend – Devon 20-22 Sept

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

07828 566553

FaceWorks Healing trauma through facial realignment and resculpting.

Lilah McLean www.faceworksdevon.co.uk 07966 931416

34 34

LETTING go is never easy and it is something that all of us have to face at some time in our lives. Founder of Space Works, Jason Burns has used his recent experience of letting go to deepen his sense of empathy for clients who are going through this painful but ultimately liberating experience. He shares his insights with Reconnect…

HILST I am not going to divulge the details of my own recent story, it has made me interested in what keeps us in ways of living, in relationships, in habits, that do little to enhance our lives.

I believe that we keep things the way they are because the thought of change brings up fears of the future.

We may imagine a future without certain possessions, or relationships, and consider ourselves to be bereft, a lesser person; there may be a sense of loss… of one’s identity, or sense of safety, without that other person, or that thing.

That’s the interesting aspect of change. If we change our habits, our circumstances, our relationships, we pave the way for our lives to take a different direction to what we’ve known. And even if what we’ve known has been deeply painful, and has not enhanced our lives, somehow, we can allow it to go on and on, because it is what we know, and making changes takes a certain degree of courage, trust, and stepping into the unknown. Perhaps the ultimate risk, is loss of control?

It happens that I am a trustful person. I’ve had some quite difficult moments in my life, work and personal. And yet, throughout those moments, I have sensed that things will work out, there seems to have been some knowing, through the

W

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

pain, that what has happened, is for a reason, that there is some subconscious, maybe higher power paving the way.

So, I’ve had an experience of letting go recently. And boy was it painful! It took some time for it to actually happen, with “what ifs” preventing fully committed action.

And now, on the other side, now it has happened, there is space, a sense of freedom, and possibility; it’s liberating, and exciting.

My recent experience has helped me to more empathically support those who are in the process of letting go. Developing a willingness to let go, means letting go of what the past was, and looking towards the future; I believe this only really happens if there is an acknowledgement, a witnessing and holding of the emotional aspect of what the past was. l Contact Jason for a free, no obligation consultation and find out how to release the trapped energy in your home, office, and inside yourself. Call 07886 353504 or visit: www.space-works.co.uk

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

WELLBEING

C afe

Calling all men!

B

IG boys don’t cry, man up, just get over it…. This is all part of an unhelpful narrative around men expressing their feelings or admitting that they are struggling to cope. It is contributing to a men’s mental health crisis in the UK. This type of toxic attitude is partly responsible for the fact that suicide is the leading cause of death for men up to the age of 50 in this country. Men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.

Psychotherapy Plymouth wants to do its bit to change this and is offering two initiatives over the summer that aim to address the problem. The first is an invitation extended specifically to men to come forward and ask for help.

Alan Chatting, Psychotherapist, trainer and practice manager said: “We are extending a warm welcome to everyone at our Waterloo Centre, but particularly men. Men are not always good at admitting that there is a problem but if there is something you need to talk about, we are here to help. We know that society says you are supposed to be a tough guy and you should be able to just get over it, but attitudes like this are part of the problem. Don’t wait until you are desperate – come and talk to us!”

Cost can be a barrier that prevents some people from seeking help which is why the centre is also inviting people to apply for low cost counseling and psychotherapy sessions.

Alan explained: “As part of our Business Development Plan, we arrange placements for our senior students from Lotus Training, our sister organisation. Sessions with the students are offered to the public on a low cost basis. Places are limited, so please get in touch to apply.” l For more information contact Alan at ajchatting@gmail.com or call the centre and ask for a call-back. Visit alanchatting.com, and www.amazon. com/author/alanchatting

Sandplay is a deeply healing process WHEN there is trauma the left brain is affected and closes down. In the words of a leading trauma expert, Bessel Van der Kolk: “Only after processing the trauma using nonverbal therapy can the fragmented memory be transformed into verbal narrative.

Then and only then can the person tell the story of what happened.”

This is where sandplay therapy comes into it own. It is a therapeutic approach that uses the right brain – the visual, creative and intuitive part - rather than the left brain, which is where logical, rational and sequential thought occurs.

Ruth Baker, who teaches sandplay to therapists and professionals at The Nautilus Rooms in Totnes, said: “While all creative therapies access the right brain, there is something particularly healing about the sensory nature of working with sand to create stories and visions, to revisit old memories and create new possibilities.”

During a session, participants are invited to choose from a selection of symbolic objects and place them in the sandtray if they wish to.

Ruth explained: “The client is in complete control of the process as it unfolds, things can be buried and revealed, emotions that are difficult to speak of can be explored visually and through the senses. The whole person is involved, as the mind and body are fully engaged. As the story reveals itself in the sand and new possibilities are played with or situations simply seen, new neural pathways and experiences are

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

C o pywriter

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

The Cafe Copywriter Offering you specialist help with:

• • • • • • • • •

Blogs – individual or blog bundles Please Website copy support my Features crowdfunding campaign at: Press releases http://bit.ly/ Case studies KatePhilbing WritingFund Reports Editing Copy clinic – advice and recommendations Writing coaching

Fancy a chat over a cup of coffee?

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

Leading-Edge, International Trainings in Somatic Sexology Certifcate in Sexological Bodywork and Certifcate in Somatic Sex Education June 2020 – February 2021

laid down which can be drawn upon in real life situations.”

It is not essential to discuss and make verbal sense of a tray, although things can be processed with the support of the therapist, if appropriate. Ruth said: “Creating a world – an expression of something which has been held within - and seeing it in the sand is a deeply healing process. Our archetypal world is expressed though our choice of symbols which provide a bridge between our inner and out worlds.”

Sandplay is accessible people of all ages and abilities. l For more information about courses for professionals, as well as sandplay therapy and group work, contact Ruth at sandplaytherapyuk@gmail.com or visit www.sandplayuk.uk

exact dates to be confrmed

with Kian de la Cour & Katie Sarra This is the seventh UK training in this amazing and comprehensive modality.

This 7-month professional training involves detailed selfpractices, online study, working with others, a 2 week Embodiment Intensive and 4 months of supervised practice.

The U.K & Ireland training uniquely includes 2 full days of Wheel of Consent® practice which provides the context for all of our work as well as a focus on neurobiology and being a trauma-informed practitioner.

Consensual Touch: The Wheel of Consent® 26-29 October, Glastonbury with Katie Sarra & Kian de la Cour "This was life-changing and powerful for me" In any instance of touch, are you giving or receiving? How can you tell?

How do you know what you want when it comes to touch?

How do you negotiate so that you can clearly articulate what you want and do not want - from moment to moment?

"The integrity and embodied understanding of the subject by the facilitators shone through" Dr. Betty Martin's Wheel of Consent® is a revolutionary method for understanding embodied, enthusiastic consent, for the public and practitioners.

www.SeaSchoolofEmbodiment.com

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

35 35

WELLBEING

The neuroplastic qualities of the brain

“ Yoga with Natalie New Therapy Space 3 The Library Rooms, Totnes TQ9 5NU Therapeutic Massage Reflexology Indian Head Massage Reiki 1:1 Yoga 07516 720 246 | natalie@loveyogatree.co.uk | www.loveyogatree.co.uk

Kinesiology Training Taking you through to Touch for Health (TFH) Proficiency Level A unique opportunity to learn the tools you will need to confidently offer TFH Kinesiology to the public.

Taster workshop on Tuesday 17th September 2019 7-9pm Thurlestone Village Hall, Kingsbridge

£10 per person Led by registered TFH Kinesiology Instructor and practitioner, Liz Reddish, owner of Well House.

WELL HOUSE To register, please visit: www.devonwellhouse.co.uk/registration email liz@devonwellhouse.co.uk or call Liz on: 07971 106 572

w w w. d e v o n w e l l h o u s e . c o . u k 36

FELDEN-What!??” or “Did you say ‘FeldenKrist?” are people’s typical responses when Nikhila, a practitioner of The Feldenkrais Method who teaches in Dartington and Totnes, is asked what she does. She admits to then often having a slight sinking feeling, as it can be difficult to try and encapsulate exactly what it’s all about.

“Feldenkrice! - it rhymes with ‘mice’ or ‘rice’ or ‘nice” says Nikhila - and The Feldenkrais Method – named after its originator Dr. Moshe Feldenkrais – is an educational approach that focuses on learning and movement. Most simply put, its aim can be said to be to increase ease of movement and functioning in the body. In this way it can help make everyday activities easier, as well as improving performance in sports and dance. It can bring relief from muscular tension and pain, increase vitality and facilitate easier and fuller breathing, and can slow the progress of degenerative disorders.

Taught in both group classes and one to one sessions, the focus is on the sensory experience of movement. Nikhila will help you learn to explore your internal sensations as you make guided, minimally effortful movements, through which you can release chronic patterns of tension in the body. You will find out how your usual habits of movement help or hinder you and how to build new healthier more effective ones. Long before the concept of neuroplasticity was discovered, Moshe Feldenkrais recognised that retraining the brain to improve the functioning of the body is possible. He would tell students that flexible brains were needed, not flexible bodies - meaning, ease in movement would follow on naturally if the mind were open, willing and curious.

Dr Norman Doidge, author of The Brain that Changes Itself and The Brain’s Way of Healing said: “Feldenkrais laid the groundwork for his model based on his reading of a small scientific literature that argued that the nervous system is growing and changing throughout life, that the brain is plastic, and that learning can facilitate certain nervous paths to work better.

Significant because Feldenkrais was writing a good fifty years before... neuroplasticity (the term) (was discovered.”

Nikhila was drawn to the Method after injuring her neck. She said: “I explain to people that Feldenkrais is known to be helpful for all kinds of musculoskeletal and mobility problems and neurological disorders. Equally, it is also a powerful aid for athletes and performers of all kinds - from worldclass runners, to actors, to musicians - even for those whose performance skills entail working in front of a computer screen! However, often the thing that convinces people is when I tell them I was drawn to this because it helped me to overcome the after-effects of a debilitating injury, and longterm trauma. People tell me it is such a relief when they find a method that helps them alleviate their aches, pains and stresses, for themselves.”

The practice is suitable for people of all ages and abilities. l For more information visit Nikhila’s website www.lifeworks4.me.uk or the site of the Feldenkrais organisation www.feldenkrais.co.uk

Soul nurturance for women GUIDED by curiosity and attentive to the process of emergence, the Nurturance Series for Women invites participants to ask “what nourishes me?’

Hayley Price, who runs the series, explained: “Allowing the body to respond, and supported by our community of women, we listen and see what arises. It is all about cultivating connection… with ourselves, with each other, and discovering our place as part of this living, breathing planet.”

Hayley is running this enquirybased series for women from September through until May. It will focus on soul nurturance through movement, relational connection and embodied relaxation.

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

The group meets one Saturday morning a month, from 9.301.30pm, and includes time for a pot luck lunch.

Hayley said: “I have been facilitating movement and cocreative enquiries within the community for 15 years. My work integrates soulful somatic enquiry with embodied resourcing tools through movement, embodied relaxation, journal and art work, voice and relational field work.”

The group size will be small so booking in advance is essential. l For more information email hayley@integratedembodiment. com or visit: www. integrativeembodiment.uk

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

WELLBEING Understanding chakras - The Crown

Movement for life

H

OW can a caregiver maintain balance and not be reduced to an empty shell?

In the early months of mothering “day and night” a wise friend suggested to Leela Fisk: “sometimes you just need a chance to breathe and acknowledge, I exist too.”

Movement For Life was born from this need. It is a community group that creates space for carers to enliven their bodies and bring breathing space into the everyday.

Led by Leela, and assisted by Harmony Coglin and Kate Reed, Movement for Life is launching two different year-long dance groups for families. Both will be held in Studio 6 at Dartington Hall, starting in September.

Family Dance will run monthly on Sunday mornings. All ages are invited to dance and play together in improvised ways.

Leela said: “We’re offering a different kind of social experience where parents meet children in their physicality and children get to see their parents leave words at the door and communicate using movement. It’s for parents, grandparents, godparents and children who love dance. With no steps to learn, everyone wishing to experiment is welcome.”

The second group will prioritise mothers and female carers to take space, and nourish their body and soul. It will run fortnightly on Tuesday mornings from September and offer movement explorations

and the space to let go of thoughts and pressures. The group has received community funding from the National Lottery Fund to help combat isolation by connecting communities and supporting physical experience.

Leela is an experienced facilitator of improvised movement, Kate is a Drama Movement Therapist and Harmony shares the playful spirit and love of dance reignited for her in creative movement classes. Leela also runs Friday Soul Motion in Totnes and is part of the Monday night Dance Collective at the Civic Hall (see leeladance.com).

Movement for Life: Tuesday mornings, 10-11.30am Free tasters: Sept 10th & Sept 17th Series runs Oct 1st, 15th, 29th, Nov 12th & 26th Contribution £15-20 for the fivesession series.

Childcare and travel bursaries available to support those in need.

Family Dance, monthly Sundays Sept 1st, Oct 6th, Nov 3rd, Dec 1st. Kids free, adults £3-6. l To book email: leeladance@ gmail.com or call: 01803 866805

THERE are seven primary chakras in the Human Energy field. Helen Stott, graduate of the Barbara Brennan School of Healing introduces the Seventh, or crown, chakra in the last of this series of articles.

UR chakras and the degree with which they are functioning are a clear map to our physical, emotional and spiritual health. Each chakra has an individual function within these aspects of health. The crown chakra is located at the top of the head, and is primarily associated to the pituitary gland, and secondarily to the pineal and the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus and pituitary gland work in pair to regulate the endocrine system.

Because of its location, the crown chakra is closely associated with the upper brain, right eye and the whole nervous system.

This centre is related to a person’s connection to their spirituality and the integration of their whole being, physical, emotional, mental and spiritual. If this centre is closed, the person may not have an experiential connection to their spirituality, and have difficulty connecting to a “Cosmic Feeling” and does not

O

understand what people are talking about when they speak of their spiritual experiences. They may have a strong intellectual understanding of concepts but be unable to grasp more universal ideas.

When the crown is open, the person probably often experiences their spirituality in a very personal form, unique to that individual. This spirituality is not one defined by dogma or easily related with words.

It is rather a state of being, a state of transcendence of the mundane reality into the infinite. It goes beyond the physical world and creates in the individual a sense of wholeness, peace and faith, giving them a sense of purpose to their existence.

In the previous issues we explored the understanding that our chakras have a developmental path and the crown chakra begins to fully function in our late teenage years and early twenties. This journey however continues throughout our lives as we continue to connect to our individual spiritual journey.

One of the ways the seventh chakra can be developed on this spiritual level is through meditation and also developing the awareness or connection to the acceptance that we are connected to a vast universal energy, or divine mind. l Helen runs a healing practice in Exmouth and Exeter – if you would like to book a healing or find out more about chakras and healing please contact her on 07720 782532 or hstott57@gmail.com

Blood testing analysis for your health

A

NEW blood testing service from Arcturus in Totnes offers to provide insights into your state of health and show how you might be supported to feel better.

Dr Stephen Hopwood, who runs the centre, spent many years as a medical student taking bloods on hospital wards. Since then he has completed two phlebotomist certificates, including the only UK course with NHS approval, which is used to train NHS phlebotomists.

So, why would you want to pay to have a blood test privately when you can get it done on the NHS? It comes down to the distinction between what is “normal” and what is “optimal”.

Dr Stephen Hopwood Kent Holtorf MD, consultant endocrinologist explained what a “normal” blood test result means: “The lab will take 95% of the test results received and say those are normal. It is only the highest and lowest 2.5% of a value that is considered abnormal. So, if you are the lowest 5% or 10% you are still considered to be normal. But this doesn’t mean you are optimal.”

Stephen said: “Our new service will reveal not only if important physiological markers are within the “normal” range but, crucially, whereabouts in that range you are sitting. Essentially, more optimal levels mean you are going to feel better.”

Arcturus offers comprehensive blood test analysis, looking at some of the major blood markers commonly tested by GPs, plus others that are not normally available unless you pay privately on the NHS including Vitamin D3 levels. B12, iron and Folic acid as well as a full thyroid and hormone profile can be checked, along with a full blood count, liver and kidney function. All results are reviewed by a medical doctor and you will be immediately alerted to any serious concerns by Dr Hopwood.

You will return to the clinic to review your result and if necessary, vitamins, minerals, herbs or nutritional supplements may be recommended, as well as dietary, lifestyle and acupuncture treatments. The aim is to optimise your health, wellbeing and quality of life. l The blood test packages generally range from £88.50 to £125. A complete range of additional blood test profiles are also available and repeat blood tests can be carried out to ensure that natural optimisation is working effectively. Dr Stephen Hopwood at the Arcturus Clinic on 01803 868282 or visit www.arcturusclinic.co.uk.

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

Editorial: 01392 346342 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

37

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

The Bowen Technique Chapel House Studios, Totnes Home Visits AMANDA MORRIS

For an appointment please call 07931 505 312

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

CLT – MLDUK – CertECBS

THE INSTITUTE OF COMPLEMENTARY ANIMAL THERAPIES www.theicat.co.uk

Located within the magical Dartmoor National Park

Offers the following popular certificated workshops (worth 6 CPD points each): ANIMAL HEALING & DOWSING FOR BEGINNERS Sat 17 August/5 October 2019 Cost £65p.p.

CONVERSATIONS WITH ANIMALS

Sun 18 August/6 October 2019 Cost £65p.p.

To find out more about the above workshops or to book a place, please email: info@theicat.co.uk or call 07977 359347

SHAKE

YOURSELF BETTER

with

W

HEN we first started as ceremonial undertakers over 16 years ago, we had assumed that death was the final stop for the elderly and unlucky, and our first two funerals were just that, old folk at their appointed hour, lives lived to their full span. But our third funeral was a violent suicide, and so we were initiated into the reality of this work. Death is unfair and indiscriminate, and takes as many young people as it does old. Car accidents, drug misadventures, and suicide.

I can clearly remember every one of the young people who took their own lives who we have buried or cremated, see their faces, remember their reasons, some understandable, some a terrible unsolvable riddle.

Often, as children begin to experiment with their adult persona, the more unacceptable sides of human nature bubble up. Bullying is not something that just teenagers perpetrate and suffer from. Adults can be just as guilty, but it is a common effect of the hormonal neural reprogramming that is adolescence that they start to find an easy way to sidestep their own feelings of inadequacy and discomfort by dumping it onto someone else.

It’s always been like this, but something fundamental has changed because - unlike everyone over the age of 35, who, when school ended for the day could escape home there’s no rest for today’s children.

Electronic ghosts whisper in their ears day and night, phones beep with messages, Facebook and Tumblr updates everybody on their every passing mood, each random snide thought is instantly typed, pixelated insults blaze out mindlessly from midnight laptop screens, kids from different continents jeer and poke at other kids they don’t even know.

Their only distraction is porn, or newsfeeds that are just as horrific and damaging and reinforce this sense of disconnection.

This has created what feels like a form of collective, digital schizophrenia, a culture of public shame that our children are growing up in, largely invisible to the adult world around it.

The Lord of the Flies buzzes around our children’s computers, taunting them for being fat or thin or slutty or frigid or weird or not weird enough, and an epidemic of self-harming and attempted and successful suicides is

We return to old ground with The Green Funeral Company’s Claire and Rupert Callender this issue.

Our unofficial columnist is busy writing a book at present, and so we’re doing a ‘best of’ Ru’s articles. This one on teenagers was well received by our readers when it was first published in issue 45. the result.

It’s like advertising a job vacancy for your worst inner-critic, getting a million applications... and then hiring them all immediately.

I can offer no solutions, just compassion for everything that our brave new world throws at our children. The genie is out of the bottle, but it is not entirely wicked. The Internet offers a world of information and connection; grandparents can talk daily face-toface from Okehampton to relatives in Australia but something about the ease with which one can hide on the Internet brings out the worst in us and of course, just like those teenagers, it is easier for us to put it on them, than to feel it ourselves.

Our teenagers are not feral and feckless, they are not empty of empathy, they are scared and shutting down into survival mode.

The world they are growing up into is harsh and as uncertain as it has ever been. They need love and guidance and hope, anything to counteract the images and whispers that tell them they are bad, dirty and doomed.

A deep breath, believe and be TRE

◆ TRE reaches parts that talking cannot reach ◆ Releases chronic patterns, calms anxiety and ◆ Allows your body intelligence to lead the healing. with Grief Guide Carmella B’Hahn at Bowden House, Totnes ◆ Carmella@HeartofRelating.com £15 off trial session ◆ 01803 867005

www.HeartofRelating.com

38

Our young need love and hope

CONNECT with your breathing, your beliefs and your being at a weekend workshop hosted by transformational breath facilitator Les Elms, transformational coach Alan Fry and mindfulness teacher Lois Fry. Breathe...Believe...Be... takes place on September 20-22 at The Breathing Space at Eastdown on the edge of Dartmoor.

Les said: “This amazing workshop will offer you the chance to stop, take stock, review and rest. If you find yourself feeling anxious, fearful, lost, in need of some

Advertising: 01392 346342 adverts@reconnectonline.co.uk

personal development or would appreciate a nurturing weekend in a magical setting, this could be the ideal thing for you.”

Places are limited to 12 people and include two nights’ accommodation on Friday and Saturday (based on 2 people sharing a twin room). The cost is £250 per person.

For more information or to book a place contact Les on: 07828 566553 Email: les@ breathsouthwest.com or Lois on: 07980 745339 Email: lois.fry@ hotmail.co.uk

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

WELLBEING

Reconnect advertisers Ali and Mo first featured ten years ago in issue 3, we wish them both the very best for the future.

Goodbyes and warm welcomes at Exeter Natural Health Centre

A

FTER ten years of running Exeter Natural Health Centre following the sad death of Jon Freeman the founder of ENHC in 2009, Ali and Mo Morrish have decided to end their management at the end of September this year.

It has been a huge joy to run such an excellent Indie business in the heart of our Exeter community for so long. ENHC has proved itself to be the go-to place for high quality professional training in complementary therapies, continuing to host the School of Bodywork and the Devon School of Reflexology and having hosted the Devon School of Reiki and the South West College of Homeopathic Medicine. We are now a centre of excellence with thousands of students coming from far and wide to train here.

It is a credit to our lovely centre that we have practitioners still working with us who have been here since the beginning in 2001: Our own Homoeopathic Practice; Katherine Ukleja, Cranio Sacral therapist; Anna Paris, Acupuncturist, and Birthwise with Karin Walters and Patricia Whitworth. We also have a large core team of wonderful therapists who have been with us for just about the duration of our own 10 years management including; Lesley Harper, Nutritional Therapy and Lisa Tate our senior massage therapist. We are so glad to have created a professional community over the years which is both supportive to each other and well qualified to help the many patients, clients and students who have walked through our doors.

Over this ten years we have developed our relationship with the University of Exeter Medical School and are unique in providing 8 hours of first and second year student placements a week during the academic year. This goes to further our ethos of an integrative approach to medicine and an essential education to the public and other health care professionals about what exactly complementary and alternative medicine can do and to bust ridiculous scepticism about

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

what it is not.

We have enjoyed watching new therapists build their businesses, helped in many cases, by our Start Up Scheme for new practitioners which we have been running very successfully over the last few years. We have played an active part in our local community helping people in their workplace and by being involved with sponsorships and charities over the years to help develop our role in the community.

Whilst we are sad to leave, we also know that it is the right time to go. For us personally it is time to concentrate on our own professional practice which we intend to continue two days a week at ENHC and now also from our own home in Ilsington on beautiful Dartmoor. For the centre it is time for someone with a fresh approach to take up the reins and to lead the centre onwards and upwards, maintaining the good work already in place, but also looking at ways to create new ideas from a new and bright perspective. We are so pleased therefore to announce that Lisa Tate (mentioned above) and her husband Richard will be taking over the management of ENHC from October this year. Lisa has been my right hand woman over the past 10 years and knows the centre inside out. Her husband Richard is going to share the role with Lisa and together we will have the perfect people to hand over to!

And so we leave our management of ENHC with a tear in our eye, but a spring in our step and with joy in our hearts safe in the knowledge that Exeter Natural Health Centre and all that it stands for will continue in such capable and safe hands. l Contact details for ENHC remain the same: 01392 422555 info@ enhc.org www.enhc.org l Ali and Mo Morrish can be reached from October on their new number 01364 661397 or via enquiries@ thehomoeopathicpractice. co.uk. see the website www. thehomoeopathicpractice.co.uk for more details.

AYURVEDIC YOGA ASSOCIATION Offering courses

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

Starts September

Ayurvedic yoga massage training course level one.

Starts November For workshops/yoga classes/free talks please call: Saghar on 07974470610 or email: saghar_amozgar@hotmail.com

www.ayurvedicyogamassage.org.uk

Prioritising mums & female carers to nourish a sense of body and soul A fortnightly group on Tuesday mornings Leela is a certified and experienced

10-11.30am at Studio 6, SPACE, Dartington Hall

facilitator of movement explorations.

Free tasters: all welcome - Sept 10th & Sept 17th Series runs Oct 1st, 15th, 29th, Nov 12th & 26th Contribution: £15-20 for the full 5 session committed series To book/enquire: leeladance@gmail.com or 01803 866805 Harmony loves to share the playful

Childcare and travel bursaries available to support those in need

spirit and love of dance reignited for her in creative movement classes.

Led by Leela Fisk, assisted by Harmony Coglin, both are mothers & dancers

All ages - babies to grandparents welcome. No steps to learn.

We begin with structured movement play then dance together to diverse music

Leela is a certified and experienced facilitator of improvised movement, drawing upon body awareness, creative exploration of space and the magic of group creativity. (Soul Motion® conscious dance, USA, PGCE primary teaching)

Bring kids free £3-6 per adult SPACE Studio 6, Dartington Hall Trust TQ9 6EL Sundays 10.30-12 noon 2019 - September 1st | October 6th | November 3rd | December 1st 2020 - January 5th | Febuary 2nd | March 1st | April 5th | May 3rd | June 7th Travel bursaries available for those in need To book/enquire contact leeladance@gmail.com or 01803866805 Led by Leela Fisk, assisted by Kate Reed - a Movement for Life project

Kate is a Drama Movement Therapist who loves to share spaces of creativity, playfulness and connection.

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

39 39

,

WELLBEING Forest bathing with horses

T

HERE is a growing awareness of the health benefits of connecting with nature and being immersed in a natural environment. Now, a new collaboration near Exeter is offering the combined benefits of a tranquil forest setting with the peace of mindfulness work with horses to help people relax, unwind and reconnect with themselves.

Forest Bathing with Horses is a new initiative from Awareness with Horses in its new location of DreamWood, an area of beautiful ancient woodland just outside of Exeter.

Sarah Ponti who runs DreamWood explained: “This is a chance to take time out, slow down and de-stress in our magical woodland, accompanied by the powerful healing presence of our horses.”

There is no riding involved, and no previous horse experience is necessary.

Four days of Advanced Therapist Training in East Devon 3rd ~ 6th October 2019 For your clients: • • • •

Create clear energetic boundaries.

Learn to handle and balance skeletal energy.

New approaches to physical conditions.

Provide clients with the opportunity to release old trauma.

• Take your clients into a deep still place.

For you:

• Feel embodied and energised in your work.

• Receive in depth energy bodywork.

• Become centered in your Self as you work.

For full details call Richard Walters 07811845862 Read more at richardwalters.org/workshops

40 40

Sue Blagburn, Director of Awareness with Horses said: “Horses are such great teachers of mindfulness. During a ‘Forest Bathing with Horses’ experience we will be connecting with the horses in a calm, gentle way, whilst mindfully walking, exploring and foraging through the trees and glades, bathing in the essence and peacefulness of the woodland.”

The next Forest Bathing with Horses experience groups will run on Sunday August 5 and Friday August 16,10am12.30pm and on Wednesday 28 August from 6.30- 9pm. l For more information, visit: www. awarenesswithhorses.co.uk, email: awarenesswithhorses@btconnect. com or phone Sue on 07831 865259.

Making the connection to your true self WHAT we yearn for is hidden at our centre, it is not somewhere out there, says Richard Walters who teaches Zero Balancing in East Devon.

The question facing each of us is how do we make this connection to our true self?

Richard said: “There are many paths of transformation, and for more than 30 years, Zero Balancing has been mine. Zero Balancing blows on the pre-existing spark in all of us and ignites the flame of self.

“My experience of teaching Zero Balancing over so many years is that the workshops themselves are transformational. They take us deeper into our bones and, thus, into ourselves. Four days of bodywork, dropping into altered states of consciousness, feeling our energy body loosen up as our physical body eases, is a remarkable experience.

As I have deepened into myself, my work has gone deeper as well. This is one of the greatest joys of teaching this exquisite bodywork. The theory and practice are a delight, but the true pleasure comes from the deep changes I witness in myself, my

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

students and colleagues during the four-day workshops.”

According to Richard, studying Zero Balancing is more than simply learning a new skill. “Fritz Smith from the Zero Balancing Foundation says ‘Our body is the template of who we are. It holds our hopes and our potentials, our fears and limitations... as we alter the template, the person is given a fresh opportunity for change, growth and inner peace’.” Richard explained that learning to handle “bone energy” requires the practitioner to work from their own bones.

Richard said: “Bone energy is less about how we are and more about who we are, so practicing Zero Balancing calls me back to myself on a daily basis. It gives a grounded experience of being connected to our expanded fields.”

Richard is teaching his next Zero Balancing workshop from October 3rd to 6th in East Devon. l For more information call 07811845862 or email richardwalters600@gmail.com or visit www.richardwalters.org/ workshops.

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

My recovery from breast cancer

Medicine from the earth

W

ELLBEING consultant and Ayurvedic coach, Saghar Amozgar shares her story of recovering from breast cancer and the insights and lifestyle changes this brought…

“I have taught yoga and practised Ayurvedic yoga massage for 20 years. Three years ago, I was diagnosed with breast cancer in my two breasts and lymph nodes.

“I was terrified and didn’t know what to do, but I knew that I didn’t want to go through the procedures that the NHS offered me - chemo, surgery to remove my breast and lymph node radiotherapy. Instead, I went to Marinus Klinik in Germany as they offer alternative treatment, including chemo tablets in a low dose and Herceptin, as well as immune system boosting.

“While I was there, I stopped and reflected on my life. I realised that I was not at ease with many different aspects: my immune system was down, I was constantly tired and overwhelmed. I suffered from constipation and was addicted to sugar, caffeine and negative thought.

My relationship was complicated and I was holding on to so much trauma and working a lot…

“First, I needed to accept how I was feeling, secondly to ask what did I want and how could I get it? I needed to change my patterns.

“I tried to deepen my understanding of Ayurveda, which is based on living in sync.” Cate Stillman, the author of Body Thrive reveals in her book that when you synchronize your daily rhythms with nature’s clock, your physiology harmonizes, you experience balance, ease and

W

flow. When your habits are out of alignment, you experience dis-ease.

“I registered for a course in Ayurveda, became a member of the yoga health coaching association and began applying the 10 daily habits to my life.

“The result is amazing, I have boosted my immune system, found an amazing amount of energy and cleared my lymph nodes and left breast from cancer cells, I still have very small grade 1 lump in my left breast but it is shrinking slowly.

“Today I am happy to say that I am a Wellbeing consultant, coaching people online into their habits of thriving by integrating Ayurveda with Behavioral science and Evolutionary group dynamics.” l Visit www.ayurvedicyogamassage. org.uk.

For more information or to book a free 20 minutes consultation, call Saghar on 07974470610 or email: Saghar_amozgar@hotmail.com

HILE many people have only recently woken up to global environmental issues, Dawn Ireland has been acutely aware of our limited resources and the impact we have on our planet and other animals since she joined Greenpeace at the age of 13.

She became a medical herbalist and has created her own range of organic, natural, botanical, vegan skincare called Green Wyse. In recent times, Dawn has been on a quest to find more eco-friendly packaging and containers and is pleased that availability has improved.

Dawn said: “My products are now almost plastic-free and include cardboard tubes for deodorants and lip balms, paper-wrapped shampoo and soap bars, reusable clip top jars for hand and face cream, and reusable glass jars for toothpaste.

“I have been searching for alternatives to my spray mist bottle pumps, (the bottles are glass and reusable), and I got very excited recently when I thought I’d found a quirky alternative, in the way of a plant mister with a glass bottle and a metal cap. I was assured the cap was metal throughout and was disappointed when they turned out to be plastic, painted to look like metal.

Those were returned and my quest continues. If anyone knows of a good alternative to plastic cosmetic spray caps I’d love to hear about it, and in the meantime I offer refills for the sprays.”

All of the medicine bottles are returnable, with a 20p return per bottle, and herbal capsules are packaged in home compostable cellophane bags. Dawn describes them as “medicine from the earth with a light touch on the earth”.

Green Wyse products are stocked in 25 shops throughout the UK and Scotland, and they can also be ordered from the website at www. torbay-herbalist.co.uk and www. greenwyse.co.uk l Dawn also offers walks and workshops, including: Saturday September 28 11-1pm Meadfoot Beach, Torquay, £15 per person, under 16’s free.

Saturday October 26 10.30-4.30pm Making botanical eco-friendly gifts, Torquay £50 per person To book call 07962 664294

Awakening your natural voice

F

ROM an early age we received messages about the use of our voices and our ability to sing.

We are subject to a lot of unspoken and unquestioned rules and restraints, but it needn’t be that way.

Anthony Johnston, who runs retreats to awaken the power of our voice, believes we are agreeing to these constraints without even being aware of them.

He said: “I’m interested in looking at what happens when we alter those hidden rules, to allow for greater mutual respect, deeper trust and less judgment, giving each other permission to explore our unique voices.

“We all have different abilities, but wherever we are at with our singing voices we can still start to explore, grow and rediscover this most fundamental and life-affirming form of human expression.”Anthony offers spaces, workshops and retreats, for ‘non-singers’ and ‘singers’ alike, where people can explore their singing voice, and start to allow and experience some of the energy and exhilaration that comes from unselfconscious singing that is met with

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

generosity and acceptance.

Anthony added: “The goal is not to become a perfect singer, but to use your voice as a way of connecting to yourself, to who you really are, connecting to those around you and to the natural world. It is an invitation to show up, as you are, and to reclaim your natural sound, your music, for no other reason than the pure joy of being alive now.

He is hosting a three-day residential retreat at East Down Centre, from October 24-27. l For more information call: 07950 052100 or email: info@ realvoice.co.uk or visit www. realvoice.co.uk

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

41

ASTROLOGY

classifiedads - HAVE A BROWSE THROUGH THE RECONNECT SMALL ADS -

COUNSELLING DISCOVER the gifts of your destiny and your opportunities for growth with Real Sky Astrology, a unique and stunningly revealing form of astrology based on the real constellations.

Totnes, South Devon, phone and Skype.

Holly Paige BSc DCH Call 01392 580879 or email holly@ livinginthelifeforce.com.

Visit www.livingzodiac. com.

COUNSELLING

PSYCHOTHERAPY

SHAMANIC HEALING

HOLISTIC counsellor specialising in trauma/abuse, and for those feelings/ emotions difficult to put into words working with art, sand and outside amongst nature. Annie, www. natureswaycounselling. co.uk, 07760 439760.

DAVID OXLEY MA: Fully qualified Accredited BACP counsellor and psychotherapist.

Psychosynthesis and Core Process. Working with Relationship, Depth, Integrity and Soul.

Central Exeter, Totnes and Plymouth. www. davidoxleycounselling. co.uk, 07876051093

REFLEXOLOGY CREATIVE counsellor.

Heartful, Supportive Counselling. Creative Exercises with Art, Sandplay etc. Adults, Couples and Young People. Ruth Jenni MBACP. 07974097787 www.oakflower.co.uk - Dartington, Newton Abbot and on Skype

HUMANISTIC Counsellor, Gestalt, Person-Centred, CBT. Become more of who you have the potential to be. Utilising creative techniques including sandplay and experiments. Newton Abbot. Jason, 07886 353504 / www.spaceworks.co.uk

A VERY relaxing FOOT therapy. REFLEX points on feet for all body systems. Cleanse, balance, release inner energetic tension. £30 hour treatment (£5 discount first treatment), 07522344291, nicolasuzanne@hotmail. co.uk based Totnes Natural Health Centre.

Shiatsu EXPERIENCED Integrative Counsellor individuals and couples. Trained in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT) Totnes and Exeter.

Ingrid Koehler MBACP 07932-734387 www. ingridkoehler.co.uk

YOU NEXT? YOU could advertise here for just 90p a word - a minimum of 20 words. And you can have a free picture too, while space allows. Call Scott on 01392 346342 for more details.

42

FOR READERS... an at-a-glance guide to services and products - plus diary dates.

FOR ADVERTISERS... an affordable way to get your message across.

Boxes are £55 and £98 and the lineage ads cost just 90p a word, with a minimum of 20 words.

THE DEADLINE... for the October/November issue is September 6. Call Scott on 01392 346342 or email adverts@reconnectonline.co.uk.

FACE TO FACE or ONLINE counselling. What do you want to change?

How well do you know yourself? Work with me locally or online to make lasting, positive transformations in your life. I’m a BACP registered, integrative counsellor with 20 years’ experience. See www.counselmeonline. co.uk or email john@ counselmeonline. co.uk call 07973425931

KATE Coombs DipShi MRSS TRANSFORMATIONAL SHIATSU Offers support for your nervous system to relax, ease for your aches and pains and welcome for the deepest level of your being.

Ashburton and Exeter www.katecoombs. co.uk 07928731246

WORKSHOPS & MEETINGS Ayurvedic Yoga Massage Workshop Aug 3, Lotus Loft, Exeter.

Volunteer Day Aug 3 The Husbandry School, Ashburton.

BELINDA BLUEBELL the voice of the bees Do you need to hear confirmation about your future direction, have you been suffering from a long term pain?

Online Shamanic Journey Sessions Shamanic Bodywork Sessions face to face.

All guided by Bee Wisdom. www. thevoiceofthebees. com or call 07754 779 282.

TREE CARE

Exeter Summer Foraging Courses Sep 1, Wild Food UK, Exeter.

The Feldenkrais Method with trainer David Zemach Bersin Sep 5, SPACE Dartington (see www. lifeworks4.me.uk).

Volunteer Day Sep 7, The Husbandry School, Ashburton.

Berry Basket Sep 8, The Husbandry School, Ashburton.

Movement Lab with Leela Fisk Sept 13, Oct 11, Nov 8, Dec 6, Totnes £40, leeladance@gmail.com.

Spoon Carving Sep 15, The Husbandry School, Ashburton.

Inner & Outer Balance - Feldenkrais with Nikhila Sep 20&21, Dartington Village Hall see http:// www.lifeworks4.me.uk.

TOMMY Hutchinson BSc (Hons) Forestry, ND Arboriculture, NPTC Qualified. Sensitive, professional tree care.

Free consultation. Call: 07837486388 Email: universaltreecare@ outlook.com and https:// universaltreecare. wordpress.com

FRACK FREE TOTNES

Meetings are held at the Seven Stars The Plains Totnes at 7pm on last Sunday of the month.

XR

March for the Planet at Southernhay Exeter, on Aug 10 at 11:30am

Scaravelli Yoga And Deep Rest Meditation

With Caroline Lang at The Yoga House, Harberton, near Totnes Classes, one-to-one, days, retreats that are profoundly nourishing and transformative.

http://www.carolinelangyoga.com 01803 865252

Advertising: 01392 346342 adverts@reconnectonline.co.uk

Soul Motion® Moving Stories with Michael Molin Skelton (USA) Sept 20-22, Dartington Studio 6. £170 deepdivedance@ hotmail.co.uk.

Wellie Stomp Club!

Sep 21, The Husbandry School, Ashburton.

Sivananda Yoga Workshop Sep 21, derekthedog, Exeter.

Stone Walling Sep 28-29, The Husbandry School, Ashburton.

Weekly Awareness Through Movement October Dartington, Buckfastleigh & Totnes see www.lifeworks4. me.uk

high nature HIGH NATURE CENTRE, East Portlemouth Aug 3 & 18 - Spoon Carving Around the Fire with Martin Beat Aug 3 & 17 - Felt Making Aug 3 & 24 - Holistic Yoga Aug 3 - Kids Naturemake Arts & Crafts Aug 4 - ‘Craft & Dine’ Naturemake Arts & Crafts for Adults Aug 4 - Art of Plant Identification & Wild Food Feast with Tess Wilmot Aug 10-11 - Bee Centric Bee Keeping Aug 17 - Deep Nature Connection Aug 17 - Social Permaculture Design Aug 17 - Flute Making Workshop Aug 18 - Learn to play Native American flute Aug 18 - Shamanic Sound Journey Aug 18 - Energise Your Life Aug 18 - Mosaic Making Aug 18 - Lunch from the Land - Bread for the Soul Aug 24 - Kids Yoga Aug 24 - Krama Yoga www.high-nature.co.uk

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

T HE NAUTILUS R OOMS

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

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

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

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

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

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

Check out our website for more information: www.sandplayuk.uk or contact Ruth Baker at sandplaytherapyuk@gmail.com

Sandplay Therapists Courses

Foundation in Integrative Sandplay Therapy (2 day course): 26th and 27th October 2019 4th and 5th April 2020 24th and 25th October 2020 Diploma in Integrative Sandplay Therapy (4 3-day weekends): 7th - 9th February 2020 20th - 2nd March 2020 1st - 3rd May 2020 26th - 28th June 2020 Advanced Diploma in Integrative Sandplay Therapy (5 3-day weekends): 21st-23rd November 2019 17th-19th January 2020 28th February -1st March 2020 17th - 19th April 2020 29th - 31st May 2020 Foundation in Therapeutic Art (2 day course): 9th and 10th November 2019 26th-27th September 2020

Mindfulness Courses A Day of Mindfulness

Please inquire for dates

Continuing Professional Development Courses:

Introduction to the Archetypes in the Sand 2-day course 14th and 15th September 2019 If you are interested in a course however the dates don't work for you - do get in touch with Ruth to discuss further.

For more information email: ruthbaker1@gmail.com

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