ReConnect #65 by ReConnect Magazine

The good living and community magazine for Exeter, Plymouth and across South Devon FEB/MAR 20 ISSUE 65

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

Pleas e tak e one

FREE !

Our big festivals guide Plan your summer whatever the weather

building communities The ecological self sustainable way

local events & happenings 44 pages from your local community

FEELing GOOD AT ALL AGES With our health and wellbeing guide

The people powered magazine with our unique guide to festivals and events in the South West in 2020 www.reconnectonline.co.uk

Visit us online at www.reconnectonline.co.uk1

Editorial: 01392 346342 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

T HE NAUTILUS R OOMS

The Nautilus Rooms in Totnes specialises in talking and creative arts therapies. We have a team of highly trained and experienced coaches, counsellors, family therapists, psychotherapists, psychologists, relationship therapists, sand play and creative arts therapists. These mental health professionals work across 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): 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): 28th February -1st March 2020 17th - 19th April 2020 29th - 31st May 2020 Foundation in Therapeutic Art (2 day course): Enquire for a Spring 2020 date 26th-27th September 2020 Autumn 2020 diploma in therapeutic art and diploma in Integrative sandplay therapy

Mindfulness Courses Sand and Mindfulness

individual day and ongoing group – please enquire

Mindfulness in Nature please enquire

Continuing Professional Development Courses:

Introduction to the Archetypes in the Sand 2-day course 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

Advertising: 01392 346342 adverts@reconnectonline.co.uk

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

Upfront IT'SWHAT WE'REABOUT

Broughttoyou by...

INTHISISSUE...

What next for humanity? - page 25

SEA CHANGE

Let’s face the future EDITOR Scott Williams

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Karen Williams

THE BIG FIX 2020

TRADITIONAL SKILLS

Repairing Devon

Preserving culture

GOING OUT

2 months of happenings WELLBEING EDITOR Kate Philbin

ORGANIC GARDENING14 A new growing season

FUEL POVERTY

Community warmth COUNSELLOR WRITER Leigh Smith

SHOW THE LOVE

With the climate coalition

NOURISHING FOOD

Five everyday super foods

LIVING MADE SIMPLE 20 Being more interactive

FESTIVAAAAAALS!

COVERSTORY...

Our guide to summer fun!

WHAT NEXT?

Surviving a new decade

WELLBEING PAGES

Our holistic health guide

n of

: at

WELCOME...

to the February/March issue of Reconnect containing our unique festival and events planner for 2020. Our annual sign that spring is on the way, and we can start to plan our summer. As I write this there’s already a feel of reconnection, renewal and regeneration in the air. Customarily we have listed the best of the abundant happenings our region has to offer from the seaside to the moors, plus a few gems we think you may like a little further afield that resound with us. We’ve still got all the Reconnect regular features for you too, plus community self build eco housing, rewilding, tree planting, massage, gardening, natural remedies, community schemes, and more. Don’t forget on February 15 it’s the Big Fix 2020, a national event that aims to become Britain’s biggest day of repair. Get involved! If you want to feature in our April/May issue, don’t forget to get in touch. See you in the sunshine! Scott x

EMOTIONAL HEALTH 28

GARDENING EXPERT Joa Grower

Counselling talk Diamond Devon - page 17

FOOD WRITER Jane Hutton

WEBSITE EDITORS www.doetsdesign.com

apy

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

COVER IMAGES Main picture: Festival flags by Samjhana Moon (www. samjhanamoon.com) Left to right: Sea Change by Kirsty Burge; BCLT self building group from Jose Rietveld; and Foxhole Community Garden by Zoe Jong

CLASSIFIED ADS 43

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

howtoadvertise... PLACE an advertisement in Reconnect and we’ll put your message out across South Devon 8500 copies every other month. We do everything we can to keep down the cost of advertising and to help in every way we can to make the process simple and effective.

Our 1/8-page advertisements These cost £93 for one issue. If you book three, you get a 10% discount, so you pay £251.10. That’s a saving of £27.90. Or book at least three issues and pay £41.85 a month by direct debit. Our 1/4-page advertisements

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

These cost £148 for one issue. If you book three, you get a 10% discount, so you pay £399.60. That’s a saving of £44.40. Or book at least three issues and pay £66.60 a month by direct debit.

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

Our 1/2-page advertisements These cost £313 for one issue. If you book three, you get a 10% discount, so you pay £845.10.

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

sustainable sources. It is printed using vegetablebased inks and the paper used has been carbon balanced with an area of land preserved in perpetuity with the World Land Trust (WLT) - an international conservation charity that protects the world’s most biologically significant and threatened habitats acre by acre. To learn more about them see www.worldlandtrust.org and carbonbalancedpaper.com. All by-products of the production and printing processes are recycled. Please recycle this magazine by passing it on to someone else after you’ve read it COPYRIGHT © Reconnect Magazine. All rights reserved. No

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.

APR/MAY issue out end of March - the next deadline is March 2 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

news&views West Town Farm and Shillingford Organics will be planting 750 metres of native hedgerow and 1.5 hectares of new woodland on February 1. There will be shelter, tea, cake and warm soup in the barn with tree planters. yoga, hedgedress making, woodland art and activities, singing and general merriment. A ‘Forest in a Box’ tree nursery will be set up and 1,000 seeds planted for woodlands of the future. As evening falls, the Tree Huggers’ Arms bar offers mulled cider, talks, storytelling, home made food and live music. Tickets £15. For more information visit www.treebytree.org.

Award winning

PALLIATIVE medicine training in the South West has been ranked the highest in England for criteria including quality of teaching, clinical supervision and the experience provided in the latest General Medical Council report. Palliative medicine training is only provided at three sites in Devon and Cornwall, with Exeter Hospiscare being one of these.

Meet the lambs

MARTINSFIELD Farm at Broadclyst are running a Lambing Sunday event on Mothers Day. There will also be Kune Kune pigs, stalls for cakes, tea and coffee, burgers, rugs, cider from Spreyton Press. Plus an Easter Egg quiz for children.

History festival

PLYMOUTH History Festival returns from May 8-31 with events that connect with the city’s Mayflower 400 commemorations and will feature a city-wide programme of activity, including talks, tours, reenactments and exhibitions run by local people and organisations in Plymouth.

Topsham power DEVON volunteer organisation Estuary League of Friends has installed Topsham’s first multi-model electric vehicle charger outside its new community hub at Nancy Potter House. The project was supported by a £900 grant from the Exeter Community Energy (ECOE) community fund.

Snowdrop day

STONE Lane Gardens, near Chagford, holds a special Snowdrop Planting Day, which this year will be on Sunday March 1, starting from 10am until 4pm. Garden owners, who can spare a few plants and are kindly willing to donate wild Snowdrops from their own garden, will be welcome to drop by and help increase the display of Snowdrops, sheltering under the trees in the arboretum, for all garden visitors to enjoy for many years to come. The registered charity is open to the public every day and holds a National Collection of Birch and Alder trees and is an RHS Partner Garden. For more information on Stone Lane Gardens go to www.stonelanegardens.com

Pop up pianos Music in Devon Initiative returns in 2020 bringing music to the public and encouraging music-making with one of their most popular and successful schemes, the Devon Pop-Up Piano initiative, once again giving old pianos a new life and bringing them to Exeter city centre. Encouraging the public to play, filling the city with great music in public spaces, MIDI believes that art is crucial to a city as it fills the streets with life and uniqueness. People should be allowed to explore and experiment with music no matter where they are. See musicindevon.org and facebook.com/devonpopuppianos for more.

Let us face the future

NE of our favourite local festivals, Sea Change Festival returns for its fifth edition in May 2020; a full weekend of musical discovery, arts, literature, food, drinks and workshops on the idyllic Dartington Hall Estate. The Festival has already announced a thrilling wave of artists for 2020 including icons like Tim Burgess (of The Charlatans), folk legend Shirley Collins and the Mercury nominated Field Music, alongside some of the most hyped new music makers in Squid, Dry Cleaning, Working Men’s Club and Porridge Radio. It has most recently announced a headline appearance from Aldous Harding and a huge showcase at The Great Hall. Alongside these thrilling names, however, has always been a simple phrase on the posters gathering more and more momentum; “Let Us Face the Future”. Taking inspiration from Dartington’s rich history in arts and social justice, Sea Change 2020 has a pronounced interest in emerging talent and inspiring conversations. Again utilising the stunning High Cross House, Sea Change will host workshops and conversations that look into the future and provide support and

Taja Ceramics

inspiration through creativity; musicians, broadcasters, educators, writers and thinkers addressing where we are in 2020 and where we can all be in the future. The festival will be working with Pirate Studios for a national emerging talent competition in February and have also just confirmed that they have partnered with KEVICC (King Edward VI Community College in Totnes) to offer exclusive opportunities for the next generations of creatives. Festival founder Rupert Morrison explains: “The most important legacy for us with Sea Change is that we’re able to be part of the trajectory of emerging talent. Not exclusively in the region, but we are focused and committed on inspiring a community in the South West and ensuring that Sea Change is synonymous with the most exciting new artists and opportunities.” Always intimate, always different, always special, always rare. ‘Let Us Face the Future’ as they invite more of the finest thinkers, speakers and players to the countryside. Tickets are on sale now for Sea Change happening from May 22 - 24 to buy tickets and find out more see www.seachangefestival.co.uk

Kingsbridge showcases young local artists HARBOUR House Centre for Arts and Yoga in Kingsbridge will be showcasing just one exhibition in February, and it’s the delightful Primary Colours, featuring artwork from 13 local primary schools. Arts co-ordinator Alison Veazey said: “We run it almost every year, and many artists say it’s the most inspiring exhibition in our programme! It’s a real joy to see young artists proudly showing their families around the exhibition and looking Photos from the for their own work.” 2019 exhibition. Primary Colours runs February 8 - 26 (closed Sundays) from 10am until 4pm. Admission is free. Harbour House rely on the help of volunteers with the hanging and stewarding of this exhibition. They have regular open art exhibitions and schools exhibitions, and there aren’t enough staff to pull it all together! If you could spare a few hours now and then to volunteer, they would be delighted to hear from you. Call Emma on 01548 854708 or email info@ harbourhouse.org.uk

Advertising: 01392 346342

JAPANESE and Moretonhampstead resident potter Taja (Yasuharu TajimaSimpson), has been making pots in Devon for over 35 years. Using his own glaze recipe, he makes a range of slab-built porcelain tableware as well as large one-off pieces. Plymouth’s 45 Southside Gallery will be exhibiting his work from 21st March 21 to April 27.

Men’s Day Out

Photos by Claire Gillo and Kirsty Burge

Treefest

MEN’s Day Out is back raising money for St Luke’s Hospice in Plymouth on Saturday March 28. Starting and finishing at Plymouth Albion RFC, the 12km walk passes Plymouth’s most famous sights, with a pasty and a pint whilst watching Albion clash with their Richmond rivals.

... and in Exeter

HOSPICECARE’s ninth annual eight-mile Men’s Walk in Exeter takes place on March 14, starting and ending at Double Locks, the canal-side pub. Again a free pint and hot pasty await plus the opportunity to watch all three of the final Six Nations matches on large LED screens in heated marquees.

Wassail!

HUXHAMS X Community Orchard is holding a Wassailing Party to bless their orchard in the time-honoured way, with a Wassailing on February 1. The ancient British folk custom honours the trees and land spirits to ensure abundant fruitfulness in the coming year. The orchard event will have a roaring fire, a procession round the trees, singing, hot mulled cider & apple juice from the Wassail Bowl. Before the Orchard event, there will be a ‘Come Sing Wassail’ singing workshop at Selena’s house. Find out more at www.comealivesinging. com/wassail.

NEWS&views Race for all

CANCER Research UK’s much-loved Race for Life events are returning to Exeter but are no longer restricted to female participants. The Race for Life and Pretty Muddy events take place at Westpoint on Saturday, July 18 and Sunday, July 19 and Race For Life is open to people of all ages and abilities.

Dragon search

THE ninth Local Entrepreneur Forum are seeking entrepreneurs and local enterprises interested in pitching at this year’s Community of Dragons. Worthy projects should contact the Totnes REconomy Centre.

Fossil festival

TORQUAY’s Dinosaur World are holding a Fossil Festival during February half term where kids can put their head inside the jaw of a fossilised T-Rex skull.

Brick safari

FOR 5 months from the end of March 2020, Paignton Zoo will be home to over 80 giant wild animal models made from over 1 million Lego bricks.

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

How to get published

SIDMOUTH Literary Festival will be running from June 12-14 at Kennaway House. Their ‘How to get published day’ was such a success last year it returns again this year featuring leading editors and agents.

Steiner School seek funds for a forge

UPILS at the South Devon Steiner School are excited to launch a new fundraising project to raise the money needed to build a new forge at their school in September 2020. The new forge will sit in the school’s orchard and will be built by the students themselves. Mark van Vliet, Outdoor Curriculum teacher, said: “Young people in classes 9 & 10 (our 15-16 year olds) have already carried out some initial groundwork and come Spring, pupils from class 3 (9 year olds) will spend three weeks putting up the larch timber frame as part of our Steiner Waldorf curriculum. Throughout the Summer term, pupils from across the school (primary and secondary) will then work on getting the roof put on, floor put down, building workbenches and generally getting the space ready to open in September”. South Devon Steiner School offers

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

a wide range of crafts across its full age spectrum (3-18 years) but historically, forging has only been taught in the Upper School. The aim of this project however is to allow pupils as young as 9 access to this age old technique, including pupils of class 4 who will forge a Michaelmas sword as part of the curriculum in the Autumn term each year. Van Vliet continued: “We will start with a simple, effective and realistic forging curriculum which will develop further over the coming years”. The fundraising team at SDSS, a group of enthusiastic parents and teachers, have already raised an incredible £1400 to be spent on this project. The aim is to raise a further £2500 to complete the project. l Donations would be gratefully received and can be made direct to the school via www.gofundme. com/fund-our-forge

Calling all thrill seekers Hospiscare is offering the perfect thrill for Valentine’s Day: flying over the Blackdown Hills at 135 mph strapped to the top wing of a vintage bi-plane! Becky Botfield, Events Fundraiser at Hospiscare, said: “As a hospice, we see how difficult holidays like Valentine’s can be after losing a loved one. Taking on a challenge during this time can really give the sense of remembering your loved one. It’s also a brilliant way to have fun while raising funds for an incredibly worthwhile cause.” The opportunity for this exhilarating adventure comes on February 14-15 and July 21 when Hospiscare will be holding Wing Walking days at Dunkeswell Airfield, near Honiton. To sign up and for more information on how to fundraise, call Hospiscare on 01392 688020 or visit their website at www.hospiscare. co.uk/events/hospiscare-wing-walk-2020.

Editorial: 01392 346342 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

news&views Tenth holistic wellbeing festival

heloveto t w

es tn

#sh o

1 4 TH

organised by the Totnes WI and Bridgetown Alive!

F E B RUA R Y

A DAY OF TALKS / SHARING / HOPE ST MARY’S CHURCH: 10.30AM-3.30PM WO OD LA ND

TR US T

RE BE LL IO TI N C TI O N

RI VE RF O RD

FA RM

LOCA

O L SCH

OLS

MA RIN E BIO LO GI STS

TRESOC BYY ED B OWE FOLLL OW FOL

A MAGICAL EVENING OF SONGS / SPOKEN WORD / IMAGINATION ST JOHN’S, BRIDGETOWN: FOOD 6PM WITH MUSIC FROM 7.30PM

SS RE G M EU RO

RO B HO PK IN S

AF TE R HO UR S ‘LO VE IN '

PI NK G IN SW IN G BA ND IR JU LIE MU LL EN TOT NES POP UP CHO KA Y HE AR TW AV E LI LY M AC AN D MO RE CH OR US HARBOTTLE & JONAS BEN MO RGA N-B ROW N

EVENING

£10/8 and a tree is planted in Bridgetown for every ticket sold

Available from Lor

TICKETS

facebook.com/showthelovetotnes

07832 200980 #showthelovetotnes

ON May 16 and 17 Rainbow’s End will be presenting its tenth Festival at the Civic Hall in Totnes. Doors open at 10am and close at 5pm and there is no charge for entry, although a donation to the Rainbow’s End charity would be appreciated. The charity’s purpose is to make alternative therapies and the teaching of them as widely available as possible. The organisers, Sandi and Mike Mayes, are international healers and mediums who live and work in Cornwall and abroad. They like to offer an interesting variety of stalls selling a wide selection of natural craft items as well as beautiful crystals, unique music, aura photography and interesting natural health products. Also taking part will be therapists, healers and readers representing both traditional and innovative treatments and types of healings and readings. There will be a readers’ bookings desk so that appointments can be made with the various readers rather than waiting around until a reader is available – the readers are situated in one area, which is separate from the main hall space in order to offer as much privacy as possible. Over forty exhibitors will be taking part so there will be plenty to see and

experience – also the Town Market will be taking place on the Saturday in the Market Square below the Civic Hall, and the Totnes Good Food Fair will be there on the Sunday, so there is plenty to fill your weekend. On each day of the Festival there will be a free programme of talks, workshops and demonstrations taking place in a separate room – the programme will be published on the Facebook page nearer the time – it will include crystal workshops, demonstrations of mediumship and talks about clairvoyance, trance and deep energy healing. l Contact Sandi or Mike on 07900 824089 for more information.

On Saturday March 7 there’s a Mind, Body and Spirit Fair being held upstairs at Ocean in Exmouth. The event is free to attend and in aid of the Novi Survat charity. Expect jewellery sellers, crystal sellers, wood turners, childrens yoga, vegan and vegetarian food and drink and more.

Advertising: 01392 346342 adverts@reconnectonline.co.uk

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

NEWS&views Summer celebration open day ON July 5 there’s a chance to enjoy the splendour of Sharpham House and Gardens at their Summer Celebration Open Day, offering a packed day of activities from 10.30am-4pm and free entry (there’s a charge for parking). The Summer Open Day includes a host of activities for all the family, including arts and crafts, music, storytelling, nature walks, talks & tours, mindfulness workshops and a beer tent stocked with local real ale, chilled Sharpham wines and Sharpham apple juice in the music tent. The historic gardens will be open for people to sit, wander and explore. The House’s principal rooms will be open for a small fee which will include a History & Heritage talk – sign up at the Information desk. The Sharpham House Café will be open all day for teas, coffee, delicious cakes and tasty lunch. The Under the Yew Tree tent will be home to a campfire, fresh herbal teas and children’s nature activities. There will be more for children with Got the Bug? A walled organic garden trail where you follow the clues to explore and learn about the garden’s amazing minibeasts through an interactive trail. The House has its own swimming pool (10m x 5m x 2m deep) which will be open all day with lifeguards in attendance, plus a chance to play traditional summer garden games

Ten years of The Hillyfield

HE Hillyfield is enjoying it’s 10th year anniversary of being managed for environmental and community benefit, helping restore ancient woodland and develop a woodland culture on Dartmoor. The Hillyfield is a 46 acre ancient wooded valley on the edge of Dartmoor National Park close to South Brent, which in 2019 won silver in the Excellence in Forestry Awards and the Dartmoor Society Award, and is now celebrating the completion of its new woodland Welfare and Workshop Barn down by the lake. On January 18 the barn was open for a sneak preview with an official ‘launch’ due later in the year. As part of this year’s Tree Charter, celebrations the Woodland Trust is providing support, given that this woodland workshop is set to help develop a vibrant woodland culture on Dartmoor, with local makers adding value to timber grown on site. “It is Exciting Times. The Hillyfield already sell planks and firewood, but with the workshop we are going to be able to make all sorts of timber products on site, charcoal, and also run workshops in woodland craft” says Doug who took on the neglected woodland 10 years ago. “There’s also a new improved kitchen for the residential volunteers who help manage the land and the barn will also be made available for private hire in this exquisite woodland setting. We have a wedding booked in August and hope to host more special events connecting people to the magic of Dartmoor. If you want to find out more get in touch.” The barn itself is beautiful; a traditional timber-framed building made entirely by hand from home-grown timber under the guidance of master-framer Henry Russell. If you want to learn the art of timber Framing then Henry Russell will be holding workshops as part of the third barn build taking place this Spring, helping make a large machinery workshop entirely from timber and straw bales. For more information contact Doug direct on dougkingsmith@yahoo.co.uk or visit the website www.thehillyfield.co.uk.

Totnes takes part in Britain’s biggest repair event

N February 15 from 10am to 1pm, Totnes will take part in the Big Fix 2020, a national event that aims to become Britain’s biggest day of repair. Inviting people to bring their broken items to the Mansion on Fore Street, the local Big Fix will bring reuse and repair to the attention of the wider public, and also increase the popularity and number of Repair Cafes worldwide, which is currently over 1,500. Run by the Share Shed – A Library of Things and The ReSTORE, Dartington in partnership with the Network of Wellbeing (NOW), Recycle Devon and Transition Town Totnes, the event will have volunteer skilful menders offering electrical and electronic repairs, bike maintenance, fabric repair, garden tool sharpening session, and possibly a few other things. Mirella Ferraz, NOW Project Coordinator, said: “Similar to the Share Shed, Repair Cafes want to support our community to shift its

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

relationship with consumerism. The more we share and repair, the better for everyone, including our planet.” Melissa Milne, who will be showing people how to sharpen garden tools, says: “It’s so important that we make the most of what we have available to us. Mending, renovating, adapting, re-purposing are simple ways we can avoid unnecessary waste whilst gaining skills and the great sense of satisfaction that comes with making something usable again.” This is a free event. On the day donations will be welcome to cover costs. For further information, contact mirella@networkofwellbeing.org. l It’s worth noting that The ReSTORE, based in the Dartington Shops, run regular Repair Cafes on the last Saturday morning of every month, from 10am to 1pm, free of charge.

THE OLD WAY Emily Fawcett

with your children on Sharpham’s croquet lawn. Attendees can enjoy the strains of Shakuhachi flute throughout the gardens with Mike McInerney, watch, learn and help with some Traditional Wood Skills with Martin Beat, and find out about out Thursday Sharpham Conservation Volunteer group. Sharpham Wine & Cheese, Cellar Door Shop will be offering tailored tastings, a selection of vineyard tours and the opportunity to purchase Sharpham’s award-winning wine and cheese. Their cafe will be open for lunch and serving local fresh and seasonal dishes accompanied by Sharpham wine. l Sharpham Trust are looking for volunteers to help on this day so if you would like to lend a hand, please contact their Volunteer Co-ordinator on volunteer@ sharphamtrust.org

A yearlong journey towards re-wilding our ancestral blueprint

Robin Bowman

5 journeys in Devon 2 weeks in the Kalahari

April-December 2020

Charlie Loram

Jessie W-B

Mac Macartney

Exploring Indigeny Hunter gatherer life ways Tracking and bird language Food procurement Ancient cra s Learn from the San Bushmen www.theoldway.info theoldwayexperience@gmail.com

Editorial: 01392 346342 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

news&views Book talks & tea

FRIENDS of Chagford Library are running a series of events in support of the Chagford Library. Jubilee Hall hosts a Hansel and Gretel show by Paddleboat Theatre February at 3pm on February 15, and Book Talk and Tea events local authors - Jon Lawrence on his Book Me Me Me (Feb 23), Rob Hopkins’ ‘A Call for Imagination’ (Mar 29) and Alan Lee on his book ‘The Hobbits Sketchbook’ (Apr 26). Tickets £5 from Sally’s and Eventbrite .

Soulful blues

SINGER songwriter Elles Bailey heads to Kingkerswell Church in Newton Abbot on March 1.

Making meaning through walks and poetry

HE Is The Sea is the unexpected outcome of a poetry reading by Crab & Bee at the Royal Plymouth Corinthian Yacht Club last year. At a social for participants at the ‘Walking’s New Movements’ conference at the University, Crab & Bee gave a reading of poems emerging from recent projects. Publisher Andrew Carey of Triarchy Press was in the room, as sounds of the sea washed in through open windows, and asked if he could publish the poems. ‘She Is The Sea’ has poems of Teats Hill, its myth of Albina and the conversations of the kelp around its slipway, of wholly coincidental visits to a small pop-gallery in Monpazier, of Gogmagog of the Hoe and to the plastic that floats about Plymouth. Two bookending essays describe how the poems emerged from walks

Something new

around Plymouth’s margins, gathering embodied knowledge about the city, which then spilled out in drawings, paintings and postal art. These were drawn together in an exhibition, ‘Plymouth Labyrinth’ at RAAY Gallery in Stonehouse. From those experiences and their subsequent wanderings from Plymouth to Cambridgeshire to South Wales, Crab & Bee have created a full-length handbook for walking and art making: ‘The Pattern’ will be published in mid-2020. l More at www.triarchypress.net/sea.html

Fostering new talent creates new learning opportunities

‘IN learning you will teach, and in teaching you will learn,’ so sang Phil Collins in his hit song ‘Son of Man’, written for the 1999 Disney film Tarzan. And regular Reconnect contributor, actor and life coach Jeff Sleeman has recently discovered how true this can be. For the past six years Jeff has presented ‘Happy Sundays’, a monthly chat and music show on Phonic FM, Exeter’s community radio station, usually in partnership with other experienced radio presenters. But recently, Jeff has been joined by Flora Ingram who, although new to the medium, is keen to make a career in radio and is now hosting her own show on the station in the New Year. Said Jeff: “Although I know enough of the

FOLLOWING on from last year’s Totnes Alive! community festival, local groups have launched a new website listing all the opportunities to get involved locally. From tree planting to bus driving, campaigning to singing together, whatever your interests, there is something for you to enjoy. So do check out www.totnesalive.org.uk.

Miranda’s back DEVON based Miranda Sykes, the acclaimed singer and bassist with ‘Show of Hands’, returns with her latest album ‘Behind The Wall’ on Friday February 28 to Matthews Hall, Topsham. Jeff with Flora Ingram

basics to make the show happen, there is a lot about the technical side of radio that I have never needed to learn. Having Flora on the show and teaching her the ropes has forced me to further develop my skills and expand my capabilities. She will be taking over my regular Sunday afternoon slot while I take an extended break throughout February and March and I have no doubt that she will prove popular with the listeners. I’m just hoping there will still be a role for me when I return!” l You can listen live to the Happy Sundays Show online at www.Phonic.fm between 2 and 4 pm on the first Sunday of each month and hear recordings of recent shows on Jeff’s website www.jeffsleeman.com

www.innerseasons.com 10% DISCOUNT for readers enter code: reconnect2020 at checkout

"Choosing to live life in a cyclical way is an empowering adventure that leads you to your own true North."

Advertising: 01392 346342 adverts@reconnectonline.co.uk

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

NEWS&views The Reconnect herb walk

south westerlies...

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

FESTIVALS are vital to community, they provide ceremony and magic in our lives. We discover what it is to be human through the collaborative life in a community with dance, merriment, song and the ritual of a shared experience. This issue Reconnect celebrates some of the local events that make that possible.

Building a sustainable festival

HREE years ago I stopped spending my summers on the festival circuit. I still get asked about my old job, editing the go-to website for all things music festival - eFestivals.co.uk - and I get asked to recommend festivals. People are always surprised when I say my favourite festival is Glastonbury. Often, their only experience of it is the TV coverage - vast crowds and big acts - and they often assume it isn’t very green. Those not in the know are always amazed when I say it’s an industry flag ship particularly in regard to sustainability. I think that local event organisers and their attendees can take insights from our biggest annual event for greening their own events. Many festivals currently use carbon offsetting, paying to have trees planted, to ‘greenwash’ their events. Offsetting creates an illusion that high-carbon activities can continue to be enjoyed by wealthier folk transferring the burden of action to those in the poorer nations. Festivals need to stop making these greenwashing pledges and promises and instead embrace seismic climate change. Glastonbury Festival has always strived to seek improvements to reduce its carbon foot print and energy use each year. The organisers have invested in numerous sustainability projects and away from the crowds in the green fields they have always promoted sustainability. Powered by pedal power, wind, or solar for their energy needs, the site is also home to a permaculture area which has been in place for decades now (see issue 50). The vast late night area, Shangri-La, has been highlighting the ‘Reduce, Reuse, Recycle’ message under their ‘Don’t Be A Dick’ campaign, and even have stages built from salvaged sea plastic and sculptures built from waste to highlight the message. The Festival has always given a platform for green ethics, greener politics, sustainability and green activism, with Extinction Rebellion a major presence last year. Founder Michael Eavis has even created a local community affordable housing scheme. Attendees are encouraged to bring as little single use plastic as possible. Last year vendors were banned from selling soft drinks in plastic bottles. Instead, they sold cans, which the festival recycled in its own forge. Reusable water bottles were filled from 37 stainlesssteel water kiosks, 60 water stations and 500 drinking taps. People still think the fields are awash with abandoned tents, but after last year’s event organiser Emily Eavis, tweeted: “Just heard that 99.3% of all tents were taken home. That

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

is absolutely incredible… HUGE thanks to the record numbers who loved the farm and left no trace!” Low power lighting is used. Tanker transport has been reduced by using mains water, and their own reservoir. They have invested in a local sewage plant, and provide compost toilets across the site. They’ve constructed solar panels to reduce CO2 emissions, and have even invested in an anaerobic digester, which powers the main stages with energy from the 124-kilowatt plant as it converts cow manure into methane gas, which then drives a generator. The main Pyramid Stage is already wholly run on a combination of methane and solar power. They seek to raise awareness with things like Aquaponic watermills, growing food with live carp providing the fertiliser, or the electric urinals of the ‘Pee-Power Project’ which creates electricity from Glastonbury goers’ urine. There’s a supermarket on site, so people can buy their food cheaply there and not have to lug it on site. Caterers also reduce their food miles by getting their ingredients from an on-site wholesale food market. Food packaging has been disposable for years. They have litter clean up crews and an on-site recycling centre. Most of the festival – the stages, the signs, the benches – are flat-pack. When it finishes everything is folded down, put it in labelled containers and stored for the next year. Glastonbury Festival does promote attendance by public transport, or lift sharing, and provides areas of pre-erected tents that can be re-used each year, but I feel there’s still far too much fossil fuel in use by ticket holders. Whilst transition to electric is underway in the UK, I do feel that the Festival should do more to cut fossil fuel use getting there - perhaps cheaper car parking for green vehicles would promote a switch and see more people consider electric vehicles. Every time I go (we don’t have tickets yet!) I feel Glastonbury is a model of zero-carbon cities of the future. Climate breakdown is occurring with increasing frequency, and displaced populations create tented cities with very few vehicles, that still find time to celebrate performing arts and entertainment, offering food to share, and artisan crafts. That’s what festivals and community events are all about. Festival and event organisers reading this who are interested in reducing the environmental impact of festivals and events should visit juliesbicycle.com and agreenerfestival.com

Scott

IGNS of Spring emerge, and though wintery weather is still around, the sun begins to feel stronger. You might want to grow some spring plants in a garden or in pots, to provide you with a few useful herbs to see off those winter coughs. If picking from the wild, you must have the landowners permission, and check out the endangered list for wild flowers you must not touch, even the seeds. If you want guidance on this contact; (or look online) PLANTLIFE Brewery House 36 Milford Street Salisbury Wiltshire SP1 2AP Violets (Viola odorata) You may see clumps of violets growing at woodland edges and hedgerows. Depending on the severity of winter weather and where you live, on the coast or on the moors, in Devon we have the benefit of all conditions, you will see the leaves in December or January, with flowers from January to March. Both the flowers and leaves are used medicinally. (Roots are to be avoided). The sap is anti-inflammatory and has soothing properties, with a saponin constituent which shows mild antibiotic effects. Traditionally made into a syrup for stubborn coughs, suitable for all ages, it has a mild laxative effect when more than 3 teaspoons per day is taken. To make a syrup first put the leaves and/or flowers into a heat proof container and cover with just boiled water. Place a saucer on top if the container has no lid, and leave to soak overnight or for several hours. Strain off and discard the plant matter. The beautiful green fluid can then be used as it is (but will only keep for two days in the fridge), or it can be made into a syrup or glycerite. Syrups are usually made with equal weight to volume of sugar

Primrose

Violets

or honey, boiled for two minutes, stirring well, and bottled whilst hot. An optional squeeze of lemon juice adds to the benefit. Glycerites are made by mixing 60% vegetable glycerine (cake decorating type) to 40% ‘tisane/tea’ stirred well and bottled. This will keep for at least 6 months in the fridge. Primrose (Primula vulgaris) One of the joys of spring, when the first pale yellow, sometimes pink or red on occasion, primroses appear in the banks and hedgerows, it is easy to grow your own plants for a supply of flowers. The flowers of Cowslip (Primula veris and Primula elatior) have a long tradition of use, though unfortunately are much less common since our green spaces are vanishing under bricks and tarmac. The primrose is holding its own and has very similar constituents and actions. The sap contains saponins, similar to violets, and has a similar action of mild antibiotic and anti-inflammatory use. However, primrose flowers also contain some salicylate (the chemical compound that is the starting material for synthesis of aspirin), so has some mild pain relieving qualities. It does not have the stomach irritating or blood thinning action of modern aspirin. There are also mild relaxing and antispasmodic benefits, useful if you have a cough that keeps you awake at night. Combining the two plants, violets and primroses, is useful for making cough syrups. As always, check with your doctor if your symptoms persist, and don’t self diagnose. Interaction with any existing medication you may be taking is always possible, with supplements and herbs and should be checked with a professional. l Find out more about herbalism and Dawn at www.torbay-herbalist. co.uk

Editorial: 01392 346342 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

NEWS&views Preserving our traditional skills A tale of life on the hippie trail

MAGINE being in a unique position to help save the last fifteen tigers. Or, having the opportunity to preserve the Dead Sea Scrolls or the Bayeaux Tapestry. What would you do? Well, it so happens we are at perhaps the very last fork in the road when it comes to helping preserve one of our own species’ most ancient and important cultural lineages - the Master Trackers of the hunter-gatherer culture of the Ju /‘Hoansi Bushmen. They are the longest intact human culture by well over 100,000 years and yet, due to a number of reasons, there are only 15 of them left who can still stalk, track and hunt with a poisoned arrow and bow. This activity represents one of the oldest forms of our species obtaining food, and as such, is of crucial importance that it continues for our own cultural lineage. A yearlong The Old Way course is focusing on this critical situation and the bigger picture of how to support the preservation of these traditional skills, particularly tracking and bow-hunting, among the Ju/Hoansi San Bushmen. Co-founder of The Old Way course, Robin Bowman, points out that when we are down to the last few rhino there is justifiable global outcry, yet here we are, down to the last few humans living a time-honoured tradition and there is only silence. These are skills that have literally shaped us as human beings over millennia, and preserving them is one of the few issues that Robin and his team consider it is worthwhile taking a plane for. Robin said: “With our guide, we have journeyed deep into the Kalahari to support these communities for the last three years, having been invited to by the elders. The Old Way program has been about re-discovering the gifts from the past that we can take forward into a workable future, given the global situation as it is. The modern Kalahari lifestyle isn’t a far cry from our own aspirations to live simply on the land, doing work we love but with greater spaciousness in our lives, and in closer connection with our food source and our community.” l Join The Old Way for a 9 month Rewilding adventure starting in April and/or travel to meet the Ju/Hoansi Bushmen in the Kalahari in October. Find out more at www. theoldway.info

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

Make your organisation stand out!

It all starts with vision… Make your brand recognisable, eye catching and distinct from your competitors.

Get ready to ruffle some feathers!

HE Hippie Trail was a fascinating historic overland journey taken by members of the hippie subculture from the mid 50s to the late 70s across Europe and South Asia. South Devon writer Caroline Born recounts the story of her nine month nomadic journey along it, travelling as cheaply as possible and with minimal possessions. She was inspired to write her story after finding a record of her travels in her small Letts Diary from 1973 in her attic. Her tale, The Heron In Isfahan, is an engaging story of her opening her heart and mind as, fresh from school, she and her best friend Izzy leave the South Hams and join the fluid movement of people traversing the trail to Persia and immersing themselves in a counter-culture that was both spiritually inquisitive and generous. Caroline’s personal, free spirited story is seen through the eyes of her older self. It contains many moments of recognition for those who have travelled, including the personal transformation that comes from simple open hearted living. Sprinkled with her own drawings, it candidly recounts her day-to-day existence in the moment. For those that were there, for those that have travelled in her footsteps since, and for those who dream of travelling to the exotic East this is an

engrossing tale, and one that is no longer possible at present with the current conflict and tensions in the Middle East. We loved reading this touching glimpse of the Trail during its heydays. We were particularly drawn to the chapters of her life in a Kibbutz, her explorations into meditation, and beach living on the Med. Reading it brought up insightful memories of our own experiences of traveling light, self discovery and hippie culture. l The book is published by heart song press and available from Arcturus Totnes, the Harbour bookshop Kingsbridge, or email Caroline at: intouch@carolineborn. co.uk Caroline is not selling on Amazon for ethical reasons. Reviews can be found on Goodreads.com

Gabrielle, The Blockheads, Toyah & more

THE first set of acts have been announced for Watchet Festival 2020. Gabrielle, The Blockheads and Toyah will all perform on the West Somerset festival’s Main Stage. Hands Off Gretel, Oh My God It’s The Church, and Sound Of The Sirens will all headline the tented Udder Stage. Main stage headliners yet to be unveiled.

Crediton seed share

SAVING seed from one year to plant the next is a traditional skill, practiced since humans began purposely growing food to feed themselves. The Sustainable Crediton Seed Share returns to Boniface Centre on February 29 from 11am to 2pm to offer local and heritage seeds. A seed swap works by people bringing seeds they have saved and taking away other people’s seeds to use. The seed share aims to promote sustainable living with stalls showcasing local initiatives and organisations covering a range of sustainability issues. Lunches are made from surplus donated food from local businesses. Music will be provided by the Woodmen, members of the Sustainable Crediton Woodland and Hedgerow Group. Seed swapping helps protect biodiversity and keeps the diversity of locally adapted varieties going, maintains growing skills, and offers the opportunity to get round the National List, which makes it illegal to sell varieties not on the list. Seed swaps keep seed making in the garden and out of the laboratory and resist the privatisation of plant genetic material. Reconnect heartily recommends saving seed and seed swaps as they introduce you to other local gardeners and help develop a sense of community. Plus saving seed can also save you money. You can bring both vegetable and flower seeds to this year’s seed share. It would be helpful if you label packets with the type, variety and date collected. Surplus commercial seed packets are also acceptable.

@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

Pictures: Devon Wildlife Trust and selling plug plants suitable for bees and other pollinators for the Crediton Pollinator Project.

Advertising: 01392 346342 adverts@reconnectonline.co.uk

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

Goingout

February/march 2020

OUR BIGGUIDETO BIG LOCAL EVENTS ART EXHIBITIONS

ART EXHIBITION MAXINE ADAMS Until Feb 7, Teignmouth Pavilions, Teignmouth.

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.

BRIAN RICE: 60 YEARS OF PAINTINGS AND PRINTS Until May 3, RAMM, Exeter. EXETER’S FINE ART COLLECTION: A SENSE OF PLACE Until Mar 15, RAMM, Exeter. ABSTRACT ART @ 126 FORE STREET Feb 1-5, Abstract Art, Exeter. PRIMARY COLOURS Feb 8-26, Harbour House, Kingsbridge. EXHIBITION ON SCREEN: LEONARDO THE WORKS Feb 12, Teignmouth Pavilions, Teignmouth. BY ROYAL APPOINTMENT: DEVON LACEMAKERS BY ROYAL APPOINTMENT Feb 28-May 31, RAMM, Exeter. PSU: ANYONE MAY COME AND GO 15 Feb 15-Mar 29, RAMM, Exeter. SIXTH SENSE Mar 3-7, Harbour House, Kingsbridge. ECLIPSE Mar 10-15, Harbour House, Kingsbridge. SPATIAL TEMPORALITIES Mar 17-22, Harbour House, Kingsbridge. TAJA PORCELAIN FROM THE DEEP SEA EXHIBITION Mar 21-Apr 27, 45 Southside Gallery, Plymouth. WILD LIFE - WILDLIFE Mar 28-Apr 15, Harbour House, Kingsbridge.

BALLET

ROH ENCORE: THE SLEEPING BEAUTY Feb 16, Teignmouth Pavilions, Teignmouth. ROH ENCORE: MARSTON & SCARLETT Mar 1, Teignmouth Pavilions, Teignmouth.

CHILDREN/FAMILY TWILIGHT TALES

Feb 7, The Soapbox Children’s Theatre, Plymouth. ROCK AND A HARD PLACE Feb 8, Cygnet Theatre, Exeter. DINO-SAW Feb 12-15, The Soapbox Children’s Theatre, Plymouth. FEBRUARY HALF TERM AT CREALY- SUPER SLAM WRESTLING Feb 15-21 Crealy Adventure Park, Exeter. TOTAL POP PARTY Feb 18, Ocean Soft Play, Exmouth THE BIRD SHOW Feb 23, Teignmouth Pavilions, Teignmouth. MOTHERING SUNDAY Mar 22, Lewtrenchard Manor, Lewdown.

CHOIRS SING EXETER Every Tuesday, St Sidwell’s Community Centre, Exeter. SING PLYMOUTH Every Thursday, Pomphlett Methodist Centre, Plymouth. EXWICK COMMUNITY SINGERS Every Monday during term time, Exwick Parish Hall, Exeter. GOD’S GRANDEUR Mar 21, Buckfast.

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

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

CLASSICAL MUSIC

FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE CONCERT VIOLIN & PIANO DUO ‘ELEGANCE’ Feb 1, St John’s Church, Totnes. Feb 2, Sherwell United Church, Plymouth. DEVON BAROQUE 20TH BIRTHDAY CONCERT Feb 16, Dartington Hall, Totnes. A4BQ BRASS QUARTET Feb 23, The Courtenay Centre, Newton Abbot.

DANCE

NATHAN & IDA’S HOT DOG STAND Feb 28, Cygnet Theatre, Exeter.

FLO & JOAN Mar 3, Phoenix, Exeter.

WEST DEVON CHORALE Mar 7, Roman Catholic Cathedral, Plymouth.

ALEXEI SAYLE Mar 4-5, Phoenix, Exeter.

‘MUSIC IN THE CASTLE’ KATIE COWLING WITH ANDREW DALDORPH Mar 20, Powderham Castle, Exeter.

SCRATCHWORKS THEATRE- THE GREAT TRAIN ROBBERY Mar 6, Arts Centre, Crediton.

EXETER CHILDREN’S ORCHESTRA SPRING CONCERT Mar 21, St Thomas Methodist Church, Exeter. DINA DUISEN - PIANO Mar 27, The Courtenay Centre, Newton Abbot.

Feb 1, Red House Theatre, Plymouth.

LE NAVET BETE - THE THREE MUSKETEERS: A COMEDY ADVENTURE Feb 26, Princess Theatre, Torquay.

LITTLE TREBIGGAN – DIGGORY PIPER, THE WORST PIRATE EVER! Mar 1, Victory Hall, South Zeal.

ISCA ENSEMBLESPRING CONCERT Mar 7, St. David’s Church, Exeter

MARK THOMAS: 50 THINGS ABOUT US

NOISE NEXT DOOR: IN CHARGE Mar 28, Teignmouth Pavilions, Teignmouth.

SCOTT DOONICAN ONE MAN SHOW Feb 29, Whimple Victory Hall, Exeter.

DEVON PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA Mar 7, RAMM, Exeter

COMEDY

SNOW WHITE AND THE BIG BREAKFAST SCANDAL Feb 13-15, The Avenue Church, Newton Abbot.

CHINESE NEW YEAR: DRAGON DANCING Feb 2, City Centre, RAMM & Great Hall, Exeter. EXETER DANCE FESTIVAL Feb 15-23, Exeter Corn Exchange, Exeter. DANCE TO THE MUSIC – UK TOUR 2020 Feb 16, Palace Theatre , Paignton.

EVENTS BRIAN RICE IN CONVERSATION WITH MICHAEL BIRD Feb 6, RAMM, Exeter. SASHA DIGIULIAN - BEYOND THE COMFORT ZONE Feb 6, Exeter Corn Exchange, Exeter. LIBRARY LATES Feb 7, Exeter Library, Exeter.

AN AUDIENCE WITH MARIA THOMAS Feb 13, Palace Theatre, Paignton. THE BIG FIX @ DEVONWIDE Feb 15, Various venues. VALENTINES FAIR Feb 15, Cockington Court Craft Centre, Torquay. MIND BODY SPIRIT FAIR Feb 16, Broadclyst Victory Hall, Exeter. AN EVENING WITH AMANDA OWEN Mar 4, Exeter Corn Exchange, Exeter. TO WOMB IT MAY CONCERN: INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY Mar 7, Phoenix, Exeter. PETE WHITTAKER SOLO & FREE Mar 12, Exeter Corn Exchange, Exeter. AN AUDIENCE WITH ALEX LEGER Mar 12, Palace Theatre, Paignton. WASSAIL THEATRE – HORSES! HORSES! Mar 12, The King’s Arms, Stockland Mar 13, The Tradesman’s Arms, Scoriton. JANE MASON – NIGHT FLYING Mar 13, Arts Centre, Ashburton. MIND BODY SPIRIT & CRAFT WEEKEND FAIR Mar 14 -15, Woolwell Centre, Plymouth.

ADULT PANTO Mar 13, Exeter Corn Exchange, Exeter.

BANFF MOUNTAIN FILM FESTIVAL Feb 7-Mar 26, Exeter Corn Exchange, Exeter.

MR & MRS CLARK: LOUDER IS NOT ALWAYS CLEARER Mar 19, The Beehive, Honiton.

JETHRO Mar 20, Babbacombe Theatre, Torquay.

VIV WILSON’S TEIGNMOUTH TIMES Feb 8, Teignmouth Pavilions, Teignmouth.

TEIGNMOUTH POETRY FESTIVAL Mar 19-22, various venues Teignmouth.

DOM JOLY’S HOLIDAY SNAPS Mar 22, Exeter Corn Exchange, Exeter.

ARMED FORCES RACEDAY Feb 9, Exeter Racecourse, Exeter.

AROMAWARE EVENTS WELLBEING FAIR Mar 21, Tavistock Town Hall, Plymouth.

ED BYRNE Mar 25, Exmouth Pavilion, Exmouth.

THE ICE QUEEN OF MEAVY Feb 12-15, Meavy.

Turn over the page for more GoingOut listings

Editorial: 01392 346342 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

GOING OUT www.dangerousdads.org.uk/dadfest Devon dates to be confirmed

™

DadFest2020 Awarded ‘Best Small Event in the UK’

& the only festival just for dads/ male carers and their children

campfire stories - archery - water rockets - bushcraft - pig racing - spoon carving - star-gazing mud kitchen - green woodworking - kids entertainer - live music - den-building - arts & crafts dad choir - beach trip - fake wounds - awardwinning local food & beers & loads more… Official 2020 World Dad Dancing Championship DadFest Devon 2020 tickets must be bought in advance

Children 5 & under £tbc

+ option food ticket for the weekend

Children aged 6 & over £tbc + option food ticket for the weekend Dads/ male carers:

£tbc

+ option food ticket for the weekend

DadFest Ticket = all weekend activities: no other costs Add a food ticket = six great meals & all cold/ hot drinks! Concessions available - please contact the organisers t: 0787 262 9545 e: DadFest@dangerousdads.org.uk

DadFest Devon dates to be announced soon Best Small Event in the UK 2015

FARMERS MARKETS AXMINSTER Every Thursday Masonic Hall, Axminster. BOVEY TRACEY Alternate Saturdays every month Town Square, Bovey Tracey. BUCKFASTLEIGH Every Thursday Near The Globe Inn, Town Centre. BUDLEIGH SALTERTON Last Friday of every month Polle Car Park, off High Street. CREDITON Every 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month The Market Square. CULLOMPTON Held 2nd Saturday of the month Higher Bullring, High Street. DARTMOUTH Every second Saturday of the month The Old Market, Dartmouth. DAWLISH Every second Saturday of the month The Lawn, Dawlish. EXETER Every Thursday Junction of South Street and Fore Street. EXMOUTH 2nd Wednesday every month The Strand Gardens, Exmouth.

HONITON Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday High Street, Honiton. ILFRACOMBE First Saturday of the month Lantern Community Centre. IVYBRIDGE First and third Saturday of every month The Watermark, Ivybridge. KILLERTON Third Saturday of the Month (Mar - Oct) Visitor Car Park. KINGSBRIDGE Every first & third Saturday of the month Town Square, Kingsbridge. NEWTON ABBOT Every Wednesday and Saturday Market Square and Courtenay Street, Newton Abbot. PLYMOUTH Every second & fourth Saturday of the month Town Centre Plaza. PLYMOUTH (GOOD FOOD MARKET) First Sunday of every month Royal William Yard, Plymouth. TEIGNMOUTH Last Saturday of every month The Triangle, Teignmouth. TOPSHAM Every Saturday Matthew’s Hall, Topsham.

TOTNES GOOD FOOD MARKET Every Third Sunday of the Month Market Square, Totnes. TOTNES MARKET Held every Friday and Saturday in the Civil Hall Square. WIDDECOMBE Every fourth Saturday Town centre.

FESTIVALS See our centre pages for more details.

MUSIC GIGS TOM MCCONVILLE Feb 1, Cygnet Theatre, Exeter. THE SIMMERTONES Feb 1, Phoenix, Exeter. PHILLIP HENRY Feb 2, Phoenix, Exeter. DEREK NASH WITH THE MARTIN DALE QUARTET Feb 2, Royal British Legion Club, Plymouth. MARTIN DALE QUARTET Feb 5, Fougou Jazz, Galmpton. SAM LEE Feb 6, Phoenix, Exeter. WILKINSON Feb 7, The Lemon Grove, Exeter PATTERN PUSHER Feb 7, Phoenix, Exeter. PHILLIP HENRY Feb 7, Barrel House, Totnes.

TORQUAY Every Friday Union Street, Torquay.

FAIRPORT CONVENTION Feb 13, Exeter Corn Exchange, Exeter.

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 (April/May) 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)

Advertising: 01392 346342 adverts@reconnectonline.co.uk

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

GOING OUT JAH WOBBLE Feb 13, Phoenix, Exeter. SETH LAKEMAN Feb 15, St Andrews Church, Plymouth. KING NUN Feb 15, The Cavern, Exeter. THE RIVIERA RAMBLERS Feb 16, Royal British Legion Club, Plymouth. NICK MACLEAN QUARTET Feb 17, Phoenix, Exeter. NICK MACLEAN QUARTET Feb 17, Fougou Jazz, Exeter.

WORKING MEN’S CLUB Feb 21, Cavern, Exeter

NEIL MAYA QUARTET Feb 28, St Michael’s Church, Shute.

JOANNE SHAW TAYLOR Mar 7, Phoenix, Exeter.

NEVER THE BRIDE Mar 21, Kingskerswell Parish Church.

KEITH JAMES Feb 22, Teignmouth Pavilions, Teignmouth.

3 DAFT MONKEYS Feb 29, Kingskerswell Parish Church.

TRIALS OF CATO Mar 22, Kingskerswell Parish Church.

DUBIOZA KOLEKTIV Feb 22, Phoenix, Exeter.

JESSICA FOSTEKEW Mar 7-8, Phoenix, Exeter.

ASHTON LANE Feb 29, Parish Hall, Newton St Cyres.

EDGELARKS Mar 10, Kingskerswell Parish Church.

DANCING ON TABLES Mar 22, The Junction, Plymouth.

TITLE & DEED

BALAGAN CAFÉ BAND Mar 14, Community School Hall, Chudleigh.

MARTIN TURNER Mar 22, The Flavel, Dartmouth.

THE NAVY LARK

RHYS JAMES Feb 23, Phoenix, Exeter.

THE DEAD SOUTH Feb 29, The Great Hall, Exeter.

SOUL CHOIR & EUJO Feb 23, Phoenix, Exeter.

CATFISH Feb 29, Phoenix, Exeter.

TRACK DOGS Feb 23, Kingskerswell Parish Church.

TANGO SONORO Feb 29, Village Hall, Noss Mayo.

THE FUREYS Feb 26, Exeter Corn Exchange, Exeter.

THE SOUND OF BLUENOTE Feb 19, Fougou Jazz, Brixham.

KATHRYN ROBERTS & SEAN LAKEMAN Feb 27, Phoenix, Exeter.

THE UNDERCOVER HIPPY Feb 19, Barrel House, Totnes.

ALIVE AND DANGEROUS Feb 27, The Lemon Grove, Exeter.

KEITH JAMES Feb 20, The B-Bar, Plymouth.

LONDON CALLING Feb 28, The Lemon Grove, Exeter.

JAMIE SMITH’S MABON Feb 21, Teignmouth Pavilions, Teignmouth.

SOUND OF THE SIRENS Feb 28, Barrel House, Totnes.

FLATS & SHARPS Feb 21, Moor Community Hall, Buckland.

MIRANDA SYKES Feb 28, Matthews Hall, Exeter.

IBOU TALL AND JAZZMATES Mar 25, Phoenix, Exeter.

BLOSSOMS Mar 14, The Great Hall, Exeter.

WILLE & THE BANDITS Mar 26, Phoenix, Exeter. Mar 27, The Junction, Plymouth.

BILLY MITCHELL Mar 15, Kingskerswell Parish Church.

WITTERQUICK Feb 29, Phoenix, Exeter.

THE JABBO FIVE Mar 15, Royal British Legion Club, Plymouth.

THE UNIVERSITY OF PLYMOUTH BIG BAND Mar 1, Royal British Legion Club, Plymouth.

NEIL MAYA QUARTET Mar 27, Parish Hall, Talaton.

SEAFRET Mar 15, Phoenix, Exeter.

ELLES BAILEY Mar 1, Kingskerswell Parish Church.

DUTTY MOONSHINE BIG BAND Mar 18, Phoenix, Exeter.

NEIL MAYA QUARTET Mar 6, Coronation Hall, Mary Tavy.

CHRIS WOOD Mar 19, Phoenix, Exeter.

RAG MAMA RAG Mar 7, Village Hall, Membury. THE LEYLINES Mar 7, Kingskerswell Parish Church.

Feb 8, Cygnet Theatre, Exeter. Feb 15, Cygnet Theatre, Exeter. Feb 15, Teignmouth Pavilions, Teignmouth. NIGHT MUST FALL Feb 19-22, Palace Theatre, Paignton. QUENTIN CRISP: NAKED HOPE Feb 26, Teignmouth Pavilions, Teignmouth. A LESSON FROM AUSCHWITZ Mar 4, Teignmouth Pavilions, Teignmouth.

KIRSTY MERRYN Mar 28, Kingskerswell Parish Church.

Mar 7-8, Cygnet Theatre, Exeter.

SISTERS OF SCIENCE

FRANKENSTEIN Mar 13, Cygnet Theatre, Exeter.

BROKEN WITT REBELS Mar 31, The Cavern, Exeter.

LEE SCRATCH PERRY Mar 20, Phoenix, Exeter.

ROCK AND A HARD PLACE

THE PHIL BEER BAND Mar 27, Teignmouth Pavilions, Teignmouth.

DR JOHN COOPER CLARKE Mar 29, Exeter Corn Exchange, Exeter.

THE EMERALD DAWN Mar 19, The Cavern, Exeter.

THEATRE

MY LOVE LIES FROZEN IN THE ICE Mar 23, Teignmouth Pavilions, Teignmouth.

Let Us Face the Future

Sea Change Festival

ALDOUS HARDING TIM BURGESS

SHIRLEY COLLINS

VANISHING TWIN DRY CLEANING

SQUID

FIELD MUSIC

WORKING MEN’S CLUB

PORRIDGE RADIO

AWESOME TAPES FROM AFRICA

KEEL HER

ISLET

PLUS MORE TO COME...

A full weekend of musical discovery, arts, literature, food, drinks and workshops on the idyllic Dartington Hall Estate. Always intimate, always different, always special, always rare. ‘Let Us Face the Future’ as we invite more of the finest thinkers, speakers and players to the country.

www.seachangefestival.co.uk

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

Editorial: 01392 346342 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

ORGANICGARDENING IT’S a new growing season and our gardening expert JOA GROWER has some tips for gardeners wanting to grow their own vegetables.

Another new growing season begins

ELL, here we are and 75% ‘Main crop’. Also, another growing when planting don’t forget to season about to begin, label which are your Earlies and and after the very wet winter which are your Main Crop. We that we have had I can’t wait to shall have a good selection of get started. certified Organic varieties at our nursery in Yealmpton. Although its still a bit early to sow some of the smaller seeds outside, Something that is ready to go you can now start sowing a few out into the vegetable patch things indoors and either put them now is onion in a greenhouse sets, shallots / conservatory and garlic. Plant or on a sunny your onion sets window sill. approximately Another 10-15cm apart indoor job to and shallots be done is to 15-20cm apart get your seed and plant them potatoes chitting so that the tops (sprouting).This of the bulbs are isn’t essential poking through but it does get the soil. Garlic your spuds of cloves will need to a good start. to be about 10Place them in 15cm apart and seed trays or 2-3cm deep. I egg boxes for a Time to plant onions recommend that few weeks in the after planting, check the onion green house or window sill - the growing shoots should be nice bed regularly as the birds have and short and stocky, not tall great fun pulling them all out pale and spindly as these will again. Those little rascals! probably get damaged whilst Also, it’s the right time to sow or being planted out. plant out broad beans. These are There are many different really quite easy as they require varieties to choose from no support except maybe as the (although the list of Certified beans start to get bigger you Organic seed potatoes seems may need to push a cane or thin to be getting shorter every stake in each corner of the bed year). Do remember that if they and tie a rope around them to are labelled as ‘First Earlies’, stop them collapsing under the that means that when they are weight of the beans. grown, they will be your new potatoes and won’t keep very l JUST a reminder that Growers long, so dig them as and when Organics nursery in Yealmpton you need them, whereas ‘Main will reopen early February 2020 crop’ will store right through the and our plant stall will also be winter, as long as they have not back in the market square in been damaged when you dig Totnes in February on Fridays and them out or been attacked by Saturdays. slugs. So I would recommend that you buy about 25% ‘Firsts’

Happy Growing!

Joa’s A-Z of Organic Gardening

M is for Mulching. This can be done with various materials such as compost (both home-made or bought), leafmould, well rotted manure, bark chippings and even brown cardboard. One of the benefits of mulching, apart from supressing annual weeds and making the beds look tidier, is to lock in moisture. So before adding a mulch always check that the soil isn’t too dry and if so, give your plants a good soaking beforehand. N is for No dig gardening. This method relies on you having rather a large amount of compost or mulch materials, that can be added to the surface of the soil and left for the worms to work their magic by doing the digging for you. Apart from saving you from all that digging, it also avoids disturbing the soil structure and its microlife which are to be found in the top 3-4 inches of our topsoil. Digging can also create more annual weeds by bringing weed seeds to the surface with every spadeful. 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.

Go wild in your garden! MANY gardeners want their gardens to support and help save the environment. Abundant gardener Ross Adams is here to explore the wildlife garden with you over the next few issues of Reconnect. S pressure builds on their usual habitats, gardens are becoming increasingly recognised as important refuges for wildlife. Rewilding has been providing hope for wildlife lovers. Rewilding is the process of restoring the land by allowing natural processes to occur, using a hands-off approach and reinstating keystone species. The Knepp estate, a project in the South East of England, has been tearing up the rule book when it comes to wildlife and conservation and I am particularly excited by the findings coming from the project. Rewilding is best suited to large scale areas of land. Were we to take such an approach in our gardens, we would likely end up with an overgrown tangle of bramble and tree saplings. This is one of the main concerns my clients have about wildlife gardens. However, it is a myth that for gardens to be

beneficial to wildlife they need to be wild and overgrown. I believe having a garden is about tending to and building a relationship with a piece of land, which is a beautiful thing. I help people create gardens that are beautiful, practical and beneficial to all life. I encourage people to let the wild edges in to their garden but not for them to take it over. There are a few simple key elements that, when added, will encourage more life into your garden. They are composting and soil; ponds and wildflowers; and planting and letting in the wild edges. I will be exploring these over the next issues of Reconnect. I offer a year-round gardening service – anything from basic maintenance (hedge-trimming, pruning, weeding, etc) to complete design and landscaping projects. I avoid the use of power tools, favouring the scythe over strimmers and mowers. l For more information have a look at my website abundantgardens.uk or feel free to contact me on 07811608359 or rossadams51@gmail.com

Get into holistic horticulture

HERE are a range of exciting workshops and events planned at Foxhole Garden this year as they move into their fifth year. Their seed swap takes place on Sunday February 23 from 11am-1pm, where there will be lots of seeds available for swapping for a small donation to the garden. Local Seed company Vital Seeds will be giving a short talk on seed saving and seed heritage. Horticulture students on the healthy gardening course are currently learning how to garden holistically using a range of organic, permaculture and natural agriculture techniques. They are growing organic vegetables, flowers and plants, and creating wildlife sanctuaries and resilient gardens that work with nature rather than against it. If you’d like to learn more about gardening, there are limited spaces available on the City and Guilds Practical Horticulture level 1 course which is starting in April, running every Tuesday from 9 to 3pm until July. Foxhole garden organically using no-dig methods that build biodiversity, working with the environment. There will also be a series of training workshops run by horticulture therapy training organisation Thrive, which will focus on working with specific clients with additional needs in a garden setting. These include people with dementia, cognitive impairment, and mental health recovery and also children and young people. You can join the weekly “Feel better” volunteer day on Thursdays from 10am1pm - tending the garden, harvesting herbs, vegetables and flowers and building soil health - mulching, weeding and feeding the soil with microbe and funghi preparations. The popular parent and toddler group Fox Tots may have places available. Carers and children aged 0-5 can get cosy around the fire, have fun and explore being outdoors together. Enjoy seasonal garden & forest school activities such as sowing seeds, natural crafts, bug hunts, storytelling, cooking on the campfire, free play at the mud kitchen, wildlife pond, willow dome, orchard, flower and veg beds. Drinks and snacks for all. Sign up is per term. Sign up to the garden newsletter or follow us on social media to keep informed. For further details visit www.foxholecommunitygarden.org.uk or contact Zoe Jong 07505 805111 zoe@foxholecommunitygarden.org.uk

Advertising: 01392 346342 adverts@reconnectonline.co.uk

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

news & views The Restore at Refurnish needs your help

HE Devon County and local authority group DASWC has now decided to cut Reuse Credit funding for Devon furniture and appliance reuse projects despite 98% of the respondents to their consultation confirming that they wanted this funding to continue! Refurnish, along with other reuse groups in Devon, will have to take a serious look at their finances to ensure that they are financially sustainable and the charity continues its good work of reducing household goods going to landfill and providing low cost goods to local people. Refurnish Chief Executive David Banks said: “We are particularly proud of our ReSTORE project in Dartington, that provides a workshop hub for local people (volunteers & staff) to creatively restore and upcycle household goods that would otherwise go to waste, whilst helping to reduce social isolation. Refurnish has funded the ReSTORE’s losses of about £10k each year, but with the loss of council funding and the lease being up for renewal, the charity’s Trustees will be discussing the possibility of closure at their meeting on February 20. “We are urgently looking for help to not only keep the project alive, but develop it further to become more creative, support more volunteers and become financially sustainable. There can be a real conflict between providing a safe space for people to come and join others to share skills, reduce their loneliness and creating things in our workshop that also need to be suitable to sell in the shop to pay our running costs.” So if you have ideas, a passion for reuse, skills, time or support to offer then please contact David Banks by email davidbanks@refurnish.org.uk or phone 01364 73206 (Monday to Friday, 9-5)

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. • • • • • •

For more information on membership, workshops and courses visit

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

Join this journey

TIMBER FRAMING

Volunteer opportunities for all abilities Help construct a straw bale and timber frame barn

at The Hillyfield Woodland farm on Dartmoor Ongoing to Spring / Summer 2020.

Harvesting from a medicinal forest garden

NNE Stobart, of Holt Wood Herbs, writes about growing and making your own herbal remedies. Back in 2004, Anne Stobart, medical herbalist, was shocked by the large numbers of medicinal herbs that were imported. She started looking for ways to grow more of the plants for herbal remedies favoured by her patients. Her enquiries led to setting up a herbal medicine project based in Devon near Great Torrington. Now well-established, the Holt Wood Herbs project aimed to find sustainable ways of cultivating and growing medicinal trees and shrubs. So much experience has been gained that Anne has written The Medicinal Forest Garden Handbook, currently being published by Permanent Publications.

A speciality at Holt Wood is the cultivation of North American trees and shrubs that thrive in the UK. Visitors on courses are able to get to know some of these interesting plants, like Prickly Ash (Zanthoxylum americanum), also known as the Toothache Tree, and Virginian Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana), the true source of distilled witch hazel. As a result of growing these healing

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

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

plants, Anne says ‘We can reduce the air-miles used by importing plants from other countries, so this is a more environmentally friendly way of acquiring herbs’. Many of the plants are also good for biodiversity and insect-friendly, like the Oregon Grape (Berberis aquifolium). Planting trees is one thing, but how

Call Doug for more information 07976589927

or visit www.thehillyfield.co.uk

Empowering families across Devon & Cornwall since 1999

do you make herbal remedies from the bark, flowers, leaves and fruit? Well, there is a course for that! On the ‘Harvesting from a Medicinal Forest Garden Course’ at Holt Wood on Thursday 28 May 2020, you can find out how to make a range of preparations which are ideal for both health and body care. The course offers plenty of opportunities for hands-on practical experience. You can find out how to make herbal capsules and pills, balms and ointments, syrups and tinctures, and gain useful tips on preserving your herbal harvest. l More details and advance booking at www.holtwoodherbs.com.

Editorial: 01392 346342 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

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

01752 927002

Charity No. 1129455

Get outside and feel better at Foxhole Community Garden. Our Thursday Garden Volunteer day starts at 9:30am with a hot drink, catch-up and 10am start. Finish at 1pm. All abilities welcome - there are also many opportunities for a more gentle morning gardening and the garden is wheel chair accessible. Seedy Sunday Seed Swap 23rd February 11-1pm. For the fourth year we’ll be running a fun informal seed swap with plenty of seeds available from the Heritage Seed library and our own garden either for swapping or for a donation. Local seed producers Vital Seeds will be along to give a talk on seed production and saving too! Social and Therapeutic horticulture training with national organisation Thrive. Over the year we will be hosting a series of workshops on using horticulture to benefit a range of people with additional needs. Check the Foxhole Garden website for the latest details. City and Guilds Award in Practical Horticulture Skills Level 1 – This Level 1 course is suitable for those who want to grow on any scale, whether it is a small patio garden, an allotment or on a larger piece of land. The course runs from April to July for 12 weeks, 9am to 3pm on Tuesdays. The Magic of Plants - Spring Wild Plants A day connecting with wild spring plants. Wild plant identification, medicine making, wild food, crafts, and nature connection practices. When - Saturday 25th April 10-4pm 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

Helping others to keep warm

UEL Poverty levels in Devon have been on the increase in recent years, and whilst projects like Healthy Homes for Wellbeing, run by Exeter Community Energy (ECOE) have been tackling this issue head on via their drop in energy clinics and in depth home visits across the region, there is still a lot more that could be done. The new Winter Warmth campaign from ECOE highlights the issues of fuel poverty and hard to heat homes faced by local residents each and every winter. Having recently launched the Healthy Homes Hardship Fund, ECOE is seeking donations, which they hope will make a world of difference. If residents receive the Winter Fuel Payment but don’t need it, they are being asked to donate it for the Hardship Fund to help others keep warm. Small grants will be available for households struggling to make ends meet. These grants will help provide things like oil-filled electric heaters or blankets, paying for boiler repairs or replacing a broken fridge or cooker. Gill Wyatt, project manager, said: “During our first two years of the Healthy Homes project, we have

seen too many examples of extreme poverty and we realised in many situations just a small grant could make all the difference to a struggling household.” The project also highlights some stark statistics. 11.6% of households in Devon are living in Fuel Poverty. Often they are living in hard to heat homes and many also have health issues such as respiratory and cardiovascular problems and depression. Shockingly, in Devon, more than 500 people may die from cold weather deaths this winter. Gill continues: “The downward spiral created by fuel poverty, hard to heat homes and health conditions are intensified by winter. That’s the sad reality. And we’d like to be able to use our Hardship Fund to help keep people warm this winter.” Donating unneeded winter fuel payments to the Winter Warmth campaign helps local people play an active and significant role in reducing fuel poverty and hardship this winter. l All donations can be made via the ECOE website at https://www.ecoe. org.uk/winterwarmth or by calling 0800 772 3617.

The Easterways self build eco project

roadhempston, situated about 4 miles north of Totnes, is home to one of the first community led housing groups in the South West to self build affordable eco housing. In 2014, six Broadhempston families got together to build their own homes. Frustrated by the lack of opportunity to buy or affordably rent homes in the area they lived in, they formed themselves into a Community Land Trust and now live in affordable and ecological homes on a two acre site at the edge of the village. The three and four bedroomed homes are of timber frame construction with straw bale insulation and a thermal gain room at the front which makes them warm and cheap to heat. The project site, which is mainly off grid, includes a biodigester waste system, rain water harvesting, a swale for rain water drainage and also a community orchard and playground. The group, which includes only one person who had actual prior building experience, spent a minimum of twenty hours a week per household over eighteen months constructing their homes with the families building each others’ houses. Under the guidance of a local architect, the group employed professionals as required whilst learning many of the skills required for house building themselves. Sympathetic local trades people, along with two local “consultant builders”, helped with ongoing building, advice and training and one member of the group was employed as a site manager. A wide range of volunteers also helped with the build. Community Land Trusts exist under planning law to promote local community initiatives and, as a properly constituted company, the group was able to borrow the majority of the money for the project from a social investment bank. CLTs are growing in number and many feel that community led housing is a more attractive alternative in helping to meet affordable housing need than a dependency on developers on the one hand or state provision on the other. Due to the success of the project and the many visitors it receives, three members of the group have now written a book of their experience to help other community led, self build, ecological or affordable housing groups. The project also supports interested people through their bespoke or more general project tours. l More information is available on their facebook and the broadhempstonclt. com website page.

Advertising: 01392 346342 adverts@reconnectonline.co.uk

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

news & views Diamond celebrations for our beautiful region

HIS year we celebrate the 60th anniversary of the designation of South Devon’s Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). The Glover review (www. bit.ly/301rWIz) in 2018 highlighted the importance of National Landscapes and South Devon AONB’s Partnership Committee are tasked with ensuring a wider range of people engage with their natural heritage and benefit from their national assets. Our fantastic coastline, river estuaries and rolling countryside, and that feeling of peace and quiet, are still at the heart of the AONB experience, despite more than half a century of change. It was designated for its ‘Special Qualities’ in 1960, including its rugged coastline, a landscape rich in wildlife, secretive estuaries and natural tranquility. The area is a popular destination for visitors looking for all types of recreation and Photo by Tim Lee inspiration. It’s also a living, working landscape kept alive by farmers, foresters, fishermen and many local businesses. The Public Rights of Way system has been improved immensely over the past 60 years with paths in much better condition and a range of information on routes. The National Trust now owns over half of the South Devon AONB coastline and Photo by Sarah Sweet the South West Coast path National Trail is the jewel in the crown with 110km passing through the AONB. This is a living working landscape and everyone has a part to play in caring for it. There are many challenges ahead over the next 60 years. Our coastline and climate are changing; so are our farming economy and our population. It is difficult to know how these will affect Photo by Anna Potgieter the area in the long term – so we must be ready to adapt while still safeguarding the distinctive character we value so much today. Diane Lethbridge, the South Devon AONB Communications Officer, said: “We have applied to the Heritage Lottery Fund for a grant to run a series of events and activities involving our local communities in discovering more about this unique Photo by Nicola Cullen protected landscape. “The South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty covers 337 kilometres (130 square miles) of coastline, estuaries and countryside. It stretches from Berry Head in Brixham to Jennycliff in Plymouth.” l Please see the South Devon AONB website for further information www. Photo by Nick Shepherd southdevonaonb.org.uk

Show The Love On February 14 Totnes and Bridgetown are joining forces to Show The Love of our planet - part of a Climate Coalition initiative that will see people nationwide turning their hearts green (the symbol of Show The Love). Totnes WI have organised an inspiring FREE day of talks and activities at St Mary’s Church from 10.30am to 3.30pm. The day will include participation from Plymouth Marine Biology, Extinction Rebellion, Riverford Farm, Woodland Trust, TRESOC and local schools. All are welcome to come, have coffee/ tea and cake and be a part of what we hope will be a truly lovely and informative day. Later on there will be an eclectic mix of music, poetry and imagination at St John’s Church in Bridgetown. Tickets are £10/8 from wegottickets.com or via 07832 200980 and include one free drink, plus a tree will be planted in Bridgetown (thanks to Bridgetown Alive) for every ticket sold. The artists in this amazing line up are all donating their time in support of Show The Love: Reg Meuross, Harbottle & Jonas, Ben Morgan-Brown, Lily Mackay, Totnes Pop Up Choir, Heartwave Chorus and Julie Mullen. There will be glorious food from 6pm thanks to The Kitchen Table, and the show will begin at 7.30pm. l More details on facebook.com/showthelovetotnes or via 07832 200980

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

Editorial: 01392 346342 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

LOCAL PRODUCE Choose to Reuse EMMA Croft from LOOP talks about her initiative taking real plates to UK festivals.

OU might already be used to carrying your own reusable water bottle and coffee cup around with you but are you ready to take your own plate and cutlery out with you too? To reduce some of the 11bn items of packaging waste that eating ‘on the go’ produces every year in the UK then we’re going to have to! Festivals in the UK are said to produce 23,500 tonnes of waste a year, with only a third of it getting recycled. Thankfully, a number of them are stepping up by starting to offer reusable instead of disposable options, but whereas reusable pint cups are pretty standard at large events now, plates and cutlery are the new frontier. Despite the wholescale switch to compostable food packaging, unfortunately, at the moment, this can’t provide a complete solution. There is no getting away from the fact that any single use option is still a wasteful approach. In addition, the industrial composting facilities that are needed to reprocess this material aren’t keen to take it for a number of reasons, such as it slows down their process. This means that more often than not compostable options are still just ending up as waste and therefore really only offering false hope. Interestingly, it seems to be festivals in America that are leading the way on the reusable front, with Pickathon in Oregon cutting out single-use plates and cutlery in 2011. The 3,500 attendee festival provides a clean supply of reusable dishes/ cutlery to borrow for a small charge,

Plant Based Cookery & Natural Living

with the option of bringing your own instead, to wash up yourself at one of their wash stations. Telluride Bluegrass Festival offers something similar, having built their own dishwashing trailer to streamline the washing of 4,000 dishes and 12,000 cutlery items. In the first 3 years their Reusable Plate Program prevented over 90,000 items of single-use plate/cutlery waste. Closer to home, ‘Fire in the Mountain’ in Wales provides enamel dishware and cutlery for every one of their 1,000 attendees, with volunteers washing up for the return of their £5 Eco-Bond. Last year, LOOP supported the Seed Festival in Gloucestershire with their Zero Waste approach – providing plates, cutlery and mugs for hire where attendees hadn’t brought their own. Proper plates at events are a backto-basics approach, but for events to be truly Zero Waste they are the only option. Look out for the rise of reusables at your next festival and maybe it’s time to BYO plate? l Emma set up Loop having worked on sustainability behaviour change for 10 years. Find out more at www.loopyourlife.org.uk

Monthly Macro Meal

Feb 21, Apr 3 Enjoy a delicious 3 course plant based macro supper prepared by our fabulous cooks!

Open Day

Feb 22

Free talks, cooking demonstration and food tastings on balanced plant-based health 10.30-12.30 or 2-4.

Looking After Your Health

Mar 11-15

Turn your health around with 5 days of understanding your health with Oriental medicine, 9 hands on cooking classes and a personal healing plan.

Holistic Nutrition for Body & Soul One Year part-time course

begins April 8

All the knowledge and practical skills to transform your health, with lots of support in making positive changes in your diet, lifestyle and inner wellbeing.

Professional Natural Chef & Health Coach Training 3 years of part-time study using the depth and wisdom of Oriental medicine to heal yourself and others www.macroschool.co.uk

The home of healthy cooking and living 18

Photo by Jonathan Cherry

Stories of craft from a bicycle

OVEY Tracey’s Guild of Craftsmen are hosting a new exhibition curated by Nick Hand from The Department of Small Works. Running until March 8, Journeyman features a collection of photography, film, and works by makers who dedicate their life to a particular craft or passion; The exhibition includes the Letterpress Printing Bike and prints from Nick’s printshop, The Letterpress Collective. The exhibition is a 10-year retrospective of Nick’s collection of stories of craft and takes its name from his latest journey from Land’s End to John o’Groats. Journeyman is a term used for a trained worker after finishing an apprenticeship who would take to the road with their union card to look for work. It was these tradespeople that inspired Nick to create his printing bicycle that could carries a printing press on the back. He set out to meet craftspeople in places known for making one thing such as pottery in St Ives, scissors in Sheffield, or tweed in the Isle of Lewis; in each place he printed postcards celebrating the various trades on the printing bike. Journeyman re-tells and reveals these nearly lost crafts, some quickly fading from our heritage - told through photography, films, letterpress prints and words.

Advertising: 01392 346342 adverts@reconnectonline.co.uk

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

Naturally nourishing Food and Consciousness OLIVER Cowmeadow from the International Macrobiotic School explores food and consciousness. HAT is most precious about being human? Surely it is our consciousness, our ability to become aware of ourselves, our surroundings, and the purpose of our life. There is much discussion on what is the healthiest diet for our bodies, but how can we eat to develop our consciousness? Which foods are going to help us, and which are going to hinder us? Of the qualities we need to develop our consciousness, maybe the first is an inner calm, so we can listen to ourselves and the more subtle thoughts we receive, so what foods create inner calm? Animals are active, so eating meat, birds and fish create a more active energy within us – good if we want to be physically active, but too much can also make our emotions and minds overly active. And then there are the stimulants like sugar, caffeine and alcohol – too much of these and our minds race. The best foods for inner calm are whole plant foods, peaceful yet nourishing – grains, vegetables, beans, seeds etc. Another quality we need is clarity, for which we need strong energy in our nervous systems, so which foods create strong thinking and clarity? The plant foods with the most energy are seeds, they are packed with the nutrients and Chi to create a whole new plant, so by eating seeds we pack our body and nervous systems with energy. The seeds we eat the most of are those of the grass family – cereal grains, so eating whole grains on a daily basis helps our clarity and consciousness. We can also regularly eat the seeds of legumes – beans, as well as the seeds

OUR resident foodie, JANE HUTTON, reveals her top ten useful foods that we should be eating regularly.

Five everyday superfoods of sunflowers, pumpkins, sesame etc. And if we want to realise the ultimate truth of life, the wholeness and interconnectedness of everything, it helps to eat whole foods – brown rice, whole millet and quinoa, unpeeled carrots and root vegetables etc. When foods are highly processed they are divided up into many parts and they lose their integrity. Eat corn or oats rather than breakfast cereals, wholemeal bread, unadulterated vegetables, seeds and nuts. If we eat food with divided energy, so is ours, and our view of the world easily becomes divided. If we want to understand the teachings of the great spiritual teachers like Lao Tzu, Buddha, Jesus and Mohammed, it helps to eat the same foods as they ate – a simple plant-based diet. Many people have found that changing to a plant-based diet primarily using whole foods not only creates better physical health but also the greatest emotional stability, mental clarity, and intuitive recognition of the reality of life. Please come and check out our courses at the International Macrobiotic School to realise your potential for health and a deeper awareness of life – see our ad for some upcoming events and courses. l Further information at www. macroschool.co.uk

The generosity of dragons

T’S been a busy few months for Melbee Artworks (sign-maker, artist and craftsperson) following the Local Economic Forum’s ‘community of dragons’ event in May (more on this year’s event in the next issue). As well as developing her workshop practice as a sign maker, the last few months have been a time of learning and making connections with inspiring people and projects “Amongst other things, I’ve been mural painting in Bridport with a group of sign writers called ‘The Letterheads’ and collaborated on tool care workshops with Wendy Stayte of Incredible Edible here in Totnes and Tess Wilmot of ‘Food Plymouth’ who are doing some wonderful community outreach work. I also ran three other hand tool care workshops with the Mansion (Totnes) for which, thanks to the generosity of the ‘dragons’ I was able to offer 8 subsidised spaces, buy some essential tools for the workshops and still have some funds left. There are plans for further collaborative workshops in the coming year.” Having recently begun a permaculture diploma, Mel aims to use the permaculture design process to continue developing a ‘right livelihood’ as well as site specific designs. “I am really excited by the potential of permaculture principles and ethics to help us design on many different levels, not only physical.” She stresses the important role the LEF event has had in getting her livelihood plans off the ground “I’ve had a lot of help and guidance of various forms and been struck by people’s generosity. I’m just one small fish but when I think of all the people and organisations who have been supported through the Reconomy Centre and LEF I feel part of a growing and strengthening network of sustainable initiatives. The strength being as much in the connections between as the individual parts themselves”. Mel would like to offer her heartfelt thanks to all those who have been so generous in supporting ‘Melbee Artworks’ over the last few months through mentoring, commissions, attending workshops, collaboration and otherwise offering their time and resources. l If you’d like to get in touch - melbee3001@yahoo.co.uk, 07399459842, melbeeartworks.com

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

’M always being asked for examples of foods that we should be eating for this and that health issue or nutrient, but the truth is, all natural foods are superfoods, and important in their own way. There are, though, a few foods that are great all rounders. This issue and next, I’ll list my top ten useful foods for regular eating see how many Beetroot you eat, and how often you include them. 1. Beetroot Beetroot is high in essential nutrients like folic acid as well as beta-carotene and betacyanin, powerful antioxidants which can help improve liver detoxification. Whether you juice it, grate it into a salad, roast it, or make a soup, beetroot is a great cleansing food, and its vibrant colour will brighten up your plate. 2. Garlic Natural antiviral and antibiotic properties make garlic great for warding off coughs and sniffles. Garlic has been shown to reduce levels of bad cholesterol making it a superfood for the heart, and it contains good levels of vitamin B6 which also benefits the heart. If your friends can take it, eat it raw. 3. Broccoli Along with kale, cabbage and cauliflower, broccoli is part of the cruciferous family of vegetables, which are all high in vitamin C and fibre. Broccoli also contains phytonutrients, which have

anti-cancer properties and can boost immunity, cleanse the liver and protect our eyes. Eat it raw or lightly steamed for maximum benefit. 4. Eggs For something so small, an egg crams an awful lot in. Eggs are a brilliant source of protein, and provide good levels of iron, zinc, B vitamins and selenium. They also contain tryptophan, the precursor to serotonin, our happy hormone, and choline, which is vital for brain function and memory. A brilliant fast food, eggs can be whipped up into an omelette or scrambled in less time than it takes to order a takeaway. 5. Almonds With high magnesium and monounsaturated fat content, almonds are good for our hearts, while a dose of vitamin E helps to protect our skin. Almonds are also a great source of protein, fibre, B vitamins, calcium, zinc and iron. Add almonds to Greek yoghurt for a healthy breakfast, spread almond butter on toast, or for a more decadent treat, dip almonds in melted dark chocolate. So, until next time, see how you can incorporate these five everyday superfoods, and enjoy this issue’s recipe - an indulgent and easy way to use eggs, greens and the fats needed to absorb and utilise nutrients like vitamin D!

Eggs Florentine 4 free range eggs (from a local farmer or organic if possible) 1kg spinach 25g salted butter good quality hollandaise sauce 50g freshly grated parmesan seasoning to taste Preheat the oven to 180C. Wilt the spinach by putting in a large pan, covering and cooking gently over a low heat for a couple of minutes. When it’s all thoroughly wilted, drain in a colander, removing all excess liquid by pressing with a wooden spoon. Put the spinach back in the pan, dot butter over it, season to taste

and stir until the butter has melted. Spread the spinach out in a baking dish (about 30cm x 20cm) then using the wooden spoon, make four ‘beds’ in the spinach, one for each egg, and carefully pour an egg into each (you can crack into a cup first) Spoon hollandaise sauce over each egg, sprinkle with parmesan and bake for approx 15 minutes, or until the eggs are done to your taste. Remove and put under a high grill for a minute to colour the cheese. Enjoy with salad, a slice of fresh sourdough bread, or just on their own.

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

Living made simple... MARTIN FOSTER is back with another dose of Living Made Simple – and he’s talking to YOU!

Why craft matters

The benefits of human interactivity

HERE’S been much discussion recently – much of it, ironically, on social media - about how we’re spending more and more time on our devices at the expense of faceto-face, person-to-person interaction. And how that has a detrimental effect on virtually every aspect of our lives, particularly parenting and other personal relationships. But there’s been noticeably less talk about what we should do about it, other than just putting our phones and devices away - and telling people they need to give something up is always a tough argument to win. In this episode of my Living Made Simple saga, I’m looking at the joys and benefits of human interactivity - a powerful aspect of our lives that can enrich and colour our existence without the consumption of natural resources. Putting online communication back in its place is simply a by-product. If you are in doubt as to value and importance of human reaction, let’s briefly consider things from negative aspect… What are the most common causes of the deepest unhappiness? The death of a loved one has to be up there. As is the break-up of a relationship. Or how about bullying (a good transgenerational one that)? Can anything make your life more hellish than bad neighbours? Is anything more souldestroying than simple loneliness? You get the picture. It’s all about relationships. It should be acknowledged that all those negative aspects are an inevitable consequence of the positives… but is the fact that one of you will die first ever an argument for not entering a relationship? The inevitable eventual sense of loss ever a reason to not invite a new pet into your home? If you really have isolated your life against eventual loss, you probably won’t have ventured out to pick up a copy of Reconnect anyway, so I’ll move on… Quite apart from the more abstract soul-enriching virtues of human relationships, there are countless practical benefits too. I’ve have talked at some length in previous episodes about the sheer breadth of the concept of ‘work’. How it is so much more than a simple means of making money; how it feeds our innate desire to create; how it keeps us physically and mentally active (with all the health benefits that brings); how it facilitates human relationships within a semi-formal framework, encouraging tolerance and empathy. And every one of these - especially the last one, obviously - is amplified and enhanced by the addition of friends or colleagues. Bring in some extra souls and loads are lightened, problems are shared and energy slumps are counteracted by the energy peaks of your workmates. Working relationships also encourage the sharing of resources, from equipment and facilities to materials and workspaces.

The nature of those relationships can take many forms: from traditional family businesses to workers’ cooperatives, via simple partnerships and community sharing groups. Helping out a neighbour could develop into an informal group, sharing tools and know-how. I know many smallholders and farmers who, as much as they enjoy life on the land, feel trapped by the need to be on-site to tend their livestock - but we live on land shared by a number of households, so when one family has a holiday break, there are others to step up to fulfil necessary regular chores like feeding and putting away poultry, watering plants, etc. Likewise, when one of us has a heavier or more labourintensive job to undertake, we can call on some neighbouring muscle – moving a chicken house suddenly becomes an easier and enjoyable task; weeding the veg patch is more fun than fag… Sitting here as I am now, behind heavy curtains, in the glow of a log fire, while the storm beats its fists on the roof, I am perhaps more drawn to the concept of hibernation than that of socialising. But it is worth remembering that every time I leave a live performance, whether an open mike night at the local or a gig at the end of a shared car drive into the big city, I always vow I will do this more often. It’s partly about the incomparable delight of seeing and hearing real people doing real stuff right there in front of you, but it’s also about sharing the experience with a whole audience of other real people who have come along to witness the same thing. And that same sense of shared time, space and fun can be enjoyed on a smaller scale in the home - turn off the TV and get out the games compendium; put down your phone and pick up the playing cards; shutdown the laptop and open up the conversation. Along with all the online chatter about, well, online chatter, is an underlying feeling of powerlessness and detachment around politics - without wanting to get too enmeshed in political debate here, I think it’s fair to say that recent decisions made by the British people have been the unhappy masses voting against something they dislike, rather than in favour of something they actually want. There has been much debate too around the role of ground-up politics: instead of absolving ourselves of responsibility and waiting for politicians to decide what direction we should go in, we could consider what our community needs and set about making it happen. It is, after all, often these very local, communitybased issues that have the biggest impact on our daily lives – and with the development of the all-important relationships we’ve been looking at here, we really do hold the power to change things. So let’s talk; form relationships; work together; love our neighbours; build community; grow our own power. Who needs politicians?

Mart

STUDIO 45 Director Richenda Macgregor reflects on why craft matters. Together with business partner Mel Chambers, she heads up a very busy pottery and teaching environment in the heart of the Dartington estate. HENEVER anybody asks me to write, I usually have a ‘rabbit caught in the head lights look’ and a ready response of ‘I am too busy’ or ‘there is a reason I am a Maker not a writer.’ Maybe it is a reaction to English not being my first language, fearing being misheard or misunderstood, or simply that I am not very good with words. Maybe I am just so much more comfortable with the language of clay and the materials associated with it. Feldspars, Dolomite, China clay, Metal Oxides, Nepheline Syenite….’Base materials’ we call these, although I don’t know what is ‘base’ about them really. Use clay in the Devon area and you are likely to be working with material that has been maturing for 35 million years. These materials are formed in the ground under unique atmospheric pressures, cooling temperatures and just the right geological conditions. As potters we take these materials and transform them into vessels and sculptures, glazes and glass. We have been making pots since the Neolithic times and the first glazes were invented in Egypt, three and a half thousand years ago with a mix of Sand, Copper and Soda ash. Visit most museums and they are full of pottery shards, bowls and vases. If you are lucky you can see the hand of the Maker, the odd thumbprint imprinted on the surface of a six thousand year old bowl…. Imagine that! Maybe the question should be what would we lose if we no longer made things with our hands? The simple answer is connection, connection to the very ground that lies under our feet. The act of Making is about listening, feeling, touching, intuiting and responding in a language much older than words. It is about relationship. Clay is my lover and as such I want to find out everything about it, know it, feel it. It is not about outcomes but about process. A pot is the happy by-product of an alchemical relationship with earth, air, fire and water. As with all relationships, it can bring out the best and the worst in you. The trick is to turn up, every day and practice, over and over again until something emerges that is a fusion of you and the material. Making the same piece, the same shape again and again until somehow that not even thought about thought suddenly becomes visible. The moment when somebody picks up your pot and feels that split second of recognition, of knowing…I don’t even know what that is, or how to describe it in words. But give me a moment and I can show it to you; touch clay and feel it for yourself. I am dedicated to Making, to passing on the skill. It delights me when the people I am teaching begin that journey for themselves. It is a journey into the Earth and into the very heart of what matters. And I don’t need to use words to convince, persuade or even explain. l To find out more information on how to find us please visit studio45.uk.com

How green is the green industrial revolution?

HEN life is threatened on so many levels and overwhelming accounts are commonplace, it is easy to become despondent to news of incoming threats, but the times we are living through really do require our full engagement if we are to sustain life. Hopi Prophecies speak about ‘white man’ bringing the end of the fourth world with his obsessions with feeding technology, and relate that it is only by living a spiritually balanced life in relationship to our natural world that we will survive. It is clear that many feel that we cannot stop technological progress even if we wanted to, but what if we can serious alter its course? Dr Martin Pall and thousands of other experts like him recognize that wireless radiation will reduce the population of all biological life forms by 70%, probably more, within the next 5 years if we do not halt 5G and wireless infrastructure and move to healthy wired technology alternatives immediately. Boris Johnson acknowledged that ‘digital authoritarianism is not the stuff of a dystopian fantasy but the stuff of an emerging reality… new technologies are capable of good and bad… and can be used to keep every citizen under round the clock surveillance’. Isabella Rose from AEVA said: “I hope there are enough amongst us that can see that current leadership within the so called ‘Green Industrial Revolution’ (that has 5G technology as a fundamental ingredient), does not have the survival of biological life at its heart, and that it may be time to get engaged and course correct the present trajectory of humanity and life on earth.” l Find out more at www.ehtrust.org, www.safenotsmart, and phiremedical.org.

Advertising: 01392 346342 adverts@reconnectonline.co.uk

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

LOCAL PRODUCE

Surf designs for little beach lovers

OCAL surf mums Antonia and Kate struggled to find brands that were not only stylistically pleasing but also ethical, to such an extent that they decided to create their own, and Wolf and Bear kids, a surf apparel and outdoor adventure brand based in Torbay, was born. Antonia said: “We are both married to keen surfers, and having experienced the van lifestyle and surf culture for years, it put us in good stead to know what we wanted for our own designs. We love to travel and care deeply about nature and the environment, especially the legacy this next generation of beach bums will leave behind. Our designs often feature messages that encourage and promote caring for the planet and enjoying the natural world.” Having 4 young boys between them, the pair knew their garments would have to withstand some serious action, which was why they chose organic cotton. Organic cotton is considered to be one of the most sustainable fibres for textile production; it’s both natural and renewable whilst avoiding harmful pesticides and chemical fertilisers. The production of organic cotton uses methods and materials that have a low impact on our environment, resulting in less soil and water contamination. Kate added: “We strive to use organic and sustainable fabrics on which to print our designs. Being mothers ourselves, we wanted to create something that reflected our style and also suited the awesome part of the country we live in. Devon has its own unique vibe with all its great beaches and beautiful moors. We get so much inspiration from our surroundings and a day at Bantham or Dartmoor can have us dreaming up new designs.” Wolf & Bear was born out of what they both considered a necessity. That was around four years ago and what started out as a fledgling business is growing into something quite exciting - predominately an online brand but they are excited to be working some local events and festivals in 2020 including Tunes on the Sands at Blackpool Sands and also Cockington Fayre. l See their collection of surf, adventure and beach clothing for babies, boys and girls aged 0-6 years olds at wolfandbearkids.com.

Rainbow’s End

HOLISTIC WELLBEING AND NATURAL CRAFTS FESTIVALS

Ki Aikido in Devon and Cornwall “If you have life in you, you have access to the secrets of the ages, for the truth of the universe resides in each and every human being” HESE words are from the founder of Aikido, Morihei Ueshiba, who developed Aikido in the early 20th century as a practice to help all humanity live more harmoniously and work toward unification of mind, body and spirit. Having its roots in traditional Japanese martial arts, he used the same techniques and principles to create an art of peace. ‘Ai ki do’ roughly translated means ‘Way of universal harmony’, the word ‘Ki’ is an expression of the natural life force energy that flows through every one of us. Nowadays aikido has travelled all over the globe. In fact we have an association here in the South West - The Independent Association of Ki Clubs which has Dojos in Buckfastleigh, Calstock, Exeter, Liskeard, Lerryn, Plymouth and now Totnes. Founded in 2005 by Sensei John Stoner, the association has steadily grown and spread out from the original Dojo in Totnes. Sensei John sadly passed away in 2014 and now his old friend and full-time assistant Sensei Stuart leads the School. Sensei Mel, who has recently started the Totnes club, said: “Ki Aikido gives people the tools to deal more easily with the challenges of daily life. Its certainly helped me and continues to do so. We never stop learning” l If you’d like to find out more about the clubs in your area please visit setsudo ki aikido.org

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

Civic Hall, High Street, Totnes May 16th and 17th and September 19th and 20th 2020 10am-5pm Free admission All-day programme of talks, workshops and demonstrations Wide variety of readers, healers and traders All-day café

Editorial: 01392 346342 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

festivals HERE in Reconnectland we have some of the best festivals in the country. There are so much arts, music, food, and lifestyle events every weekend. Here are some of our recommendations throughout this year. We’ll continue to highlight a few of the local gems in future issues. Don’t forget to pack your wellies... Glastonbury Calling February 28-29 Venues across Glastonbury Showcasing music from the west. Teignmouth Classical Music Festival March 6-14 Venues across Teignmouth Featuring top local amateur and professional musicians. Toby’s Garden Festival May 1-2 Powderham Castle With a wilded gardening theme. Tunes In The Dunes May 1-3 Perranporth Beach, Cornwall Live music at the UK’s only venue on a beach. Exeter Pride May 2 Venues across Exeter The 11th year of the biggest free celebration of the LGBT+ communities in the county. Brixham Pirate Festival May 2-3 Venues across Brixham Swashbuckling piratical fun. Exeter Festival of South West Food & Drink May 8-10 Exeter Castle Food and drink from across the area with demonstrations, and after dark party nights. Dart Music Festival May 15-17 Venues across Dartmouth 100 different acts preforming in more than 20 and free to attend. Devon County Show May 21-23 Westpoint, Exeter You know what to expect, but will it rain? The Bath Festival May 15-24 Venues across Bath A multi-arts festival of music and literature ending in a musical finale on May 23-24.

Wood Ipsden, Oxfordshire May 15-17 We recommend this low impact family friendly festival. Pigstock May 16 Abbotsham North Devon’s family friendly music festival. Rainbow’s End Holistic Wellbeing and Natural Crafts Totnes Civic Hall May 16-17 Over 40 exhibitors, demonstrations, talks, and workshops. Shindig Weekender May 21-24 Dillington Estate, Somerset Returning for a sixth year to the countryside near Bath. Exmouth Festival (TBC) May 22 - 25 Imperial Recreation Ground, Exmouth At the time of going to press the final dates had not yet been announced. The Cursus Cider & Music Festival May 22-24 near Sixpenny Handley, Cranborne Chase, Dorset Expect cider and eclectic music. The Masked Ball (TBC) May 22-24 Beacon Cragg, Porthleven Cornwall’s little gem of a themed electronic dance weekend for over 18s, happening near Looe. Mad Hatters Music Festival May 22-24 The Gateway Theatre, Seaton Confirmed so far are Hawklords, The Dolmen, and many more. Sea Change Festival May 22-24 Venues across Totnes Drift Records organised event returns and it’s one of our favourites. Mello Festival May 22-24 Hanley Castle, Worcestershire The fifth year of this chilled spring bank holiday event.

Festivaaaa

Here’s our pick of the festivals and

Bude & Stratton Folk Festival May 22-25 Venues across Bude, Cornwall A friendly mix of folk concerts, workshops and themed events with dance displays, music and song. BrixFest May 23-25 Venues across Brixham Featuring hundreds of artists, charities, chefs and local people. Bath Fringe Festival May 22-June 7 Venues across Bath Music, dance, theatre, art, carnival and children’s events. Love Saves The Day May 23-24 Eastville Park, Bristol A ‘love fuelled’ weekend of bands and DJs. Poltimore Festival May 25 Poltimore House, Exeter Featuring music, art, theatre, comedy, spoken word and film. The Great Estate May 29-31 Scorrier House, Cornwall Returning for a fourth year of music, art, food, comedy and fashion. Kingsbridge Food and Music Festival May 29-31 The Town Square, Kingsbridge The perfect blend of local food and live music – family friendly. Wychwood Music Festival May 29-31 Cheltenham Racecourse One of our favourites, familyfriendly. Frome Festival July 3-12 Venues across Frome, Somerset Celebrating the 20th year of music, drama, exhibitions, and more at this cultural feast. Altitude Nights June 5-6 Blackborough, Cullompton Two evenings of music. Newton Abbot Racecourse Wellbeing Show June 6 Racecourse, Newton Abbot All things wellbeing and wellness. Exeter Respect Festival June 6-7 Belmont Park, Exeter A celebration of the richness of diversity in the city – music, food, dance, and more (no alcohol). The Craft Festival June 12-14 Mill Marsh Park, Bovey Tracey One of the highest acclaimed craft events in the UK.

Advertising: 01392 346342 adverts@reconnectonline.co.uk

Anthropos June 11-15 Baldock, Hertfordshire Anthropos is a family friendly festival billed as a celebration of humanity throughout time. Bradninch Festival June 12-14 Various venues Bradninch Showcasing new and local performers in all genres of music, theatre, arts and performance. Live In The Wyldes June 12-14 The Wyldes, Bude, Cornwall Featuring Rag ‘n’ Bone Man, Keane, Jack Savoretti, and many more. Falmouth Sea Shanty Festival June 12-14 Venues across Falmouth Some of the best Shanty singers around fill pubs, bars, shops and stages across the town. East Devon Music Festival June 13-27 Various venues in East Devon A summer celebration across villages in East Devon. 3 Wishes Faery Fest June 19-21 Mount Edgecumbe, Cornwall A family friendly festival full of fun, music, and faeries obviously. Oceanfest June 19-21 Croyde Bay Eco-projects and a celebration of the biosphere reserve also help to make it a festival with a conscience. Teignmouth Folk Festival June 19-21 Venues across Teignmouth Line-up is TBA as we go to press. Exmouth Pride June 20 Venues across Exmouth LGBT Pride celebrating diversity in Exmouth. Meavy Oak Fair June 20 Meavy Village Green Maypole Dances and family entertainment. Kindred Spirits Festival June 20-21 Waterloo Farm, near Launceston in Cornwall Catering for a variety of musical tastes and genres. Axe Vale Show June 20-21 The Showground, Axminster Food, drink, crafts, plants and flowers and more. Glastonbury Festival June 24-28 Worthy Farm, Pilton, Somerset You may have heard of this one, and it’s already sold out. Though re-sales are expected in April.

The Shaldon Festival June 25-28 St Peter’s Church, Shaldon Quality classical music co the village church. Let’s Rock Exeter June 27 Powderham Castle A day full of 80’s music w of Adam Ant, Wet Wet W Howard Jones, and Tony H Lupton Festival June 27-28 Lupton House, Brixham Two days of music headli Darkside of Pink Floyd an Beatles. Eden Sessions June-July Near St Austell, Cornwall Cornwall’s Eden Project st annual sessions. Exeter Craft Festival July 2-4 Cathedral Green, Exeter A celebration of artists & m based in the South West Glas-Denbury July 3-4 Fairfield Farm, Denbury Down to earth happy loca festival near Newton Abb Goren Festival July 3-5 Goren Farm, Honiton The fifth annual festival off locally sourced food as we extensive children’s enterta and activities. SouthCider Festival July 3-6 Bredy Farm, Dorset A long weekend of simple quality music, cider and fo austerity busting prices. Summer Open Day at The Trust July 5 Sharpham House, Ashring Sharpham House day of a all the family. 2000trees Festival July 9-11 Upcote Farm, Gloucestersh Showcasing the undergro music scene. Ways With Words Festiva July 10-20 Dartington Hall, Totnes The internationally famous festival right on our doorst Budleigh Salterton Festival July 10-28 Venues across Budleigh Sa For lovers of serious and c music. SnookyFest (TBC) July 12 Dawlish Small family music festival

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

aaaaaaaal!

vals and events happening in the South West in 2020.

n Festival

hurch, Shaldon ssical music concerts in church. xeter

m Castle f 80’s music with the likes nt, Wet Wet Wet, ABC, nes, and Tony Hadley. val

se, Brixham f music headlined by Pink Floyd and the Fab

ons

stell, Cornwall Eden Project stage their ions. Festival

Green, Exeter on of artists & makers e South West ry

m, Denbury rth happy local music r Newton Abbot. val

m, Honiton nual festival offers bands, ced food as well as hildren’s entertainment es. Festival

, Dorset kend of simple camping, c, cider and food at sting prices. pen Day at The Sharpham

House, Ashrington, Totnes House day of activities for y. Festival

m, Gloucestershire g the underground British e. Words Festival

Hall, Totnes ionally famous literary on our doorstep. alterton Festival

oss Budleigh Salterton f serious and classical

(TBC)

y music festival.

Tunes on the Sands July 10-12 Blackpool Sands, Dartmouth A new festival promising major national & international artists. Buddhafield Festival July 15-19 Near Taunton, Somerset An intimate and joyful gathering celebrating community and connection with the land. Larmer Tree Festival July 16-19 Lamer Tree Gardens, Dorset Music, workshops, theatre and talks, site art and a dedicated kids’ zone. Godney Gathering July 17-18 Garslade Farm, Godney, Somerset Now over two days with multiple stages in Somerset. Tropical Pressure Festival July 17-19 Mount Pleasant Eco Park, Porthtowan, Cornwall Expect live music from world artists, dance and craft workshops, and 100% vegetarian with a World Street Food Market. Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival July 17-19 Tolpuddle Martyrs Museum, Dorset Top up your activism with seminars, talks, and music. WOMAD July 23-26 Charlton Park , Malmesbury, Wiltshire A favourite not-too-far away festival for Reconnect readers. Sunshine Beer & Cider Fest July 23-25 Teignmouth RFC Live music, beers, and ciders with South Devon CAMRA. Chagstock July 24-25 Whiddon Down, Chagford A family friendly music festival set in open fields on the north edge of Dartmoor. Kozfest July 24-26 Bobbie Watts Farm, Uffculme Imagine a Kozmik festival where everything is but a 30 second walk away… now 10 years old! The Llittle Big Festival July 24-26 Ashburton A new event for Ashburton. Leopallooza July 24-26 The Wyldes, Bude, Cornwall Often showcases acts before they hit the big time, plus bands and DJs from around the world.

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

Lapstock (TBC) July 24-26 Lapford Mill, Lapford Small village festival – and all the better for it. Cockington Fayre July 25 Cockington, Torquay The annual fair returns after being rained off last year. Camp Bestival July 30-August 2 Lulworth Castle, Dorset A family friendly festival. World Yoga Festival July 30-August 2 Beale Park, Reading The ultimate yoga retreat-meetscamping festival experience. The Green Gathering July 30-August 2 Piercefield Park, Wales Off grid festival powered by wind, sun, and people. Outcider Festival July 31-August 2 Fern Hill Farm, Compton Martin, Somerset Just eclectic music, local cider, ale, food, and a good time. Sidmouth Folk Festival July 31-August 7 Venues across Sidmouth Offers more than 700 diverse events with Show of Hands, Jon Boden & the Remnant Kings, Eddi Reader, Home Service (with John Tams), Eliza Carthy, and more. Glastonbury Abbey Extravaganza August 1 Glastonbury Abbey, Somerset Line-up not yet announced at time of going to press. Creation Fest August 1-7 Royal Cornwall Showground, Wadebridge Free Christian event with music, seminars, workshops, sports and family activities. Campout August 5-9 Frome, Somerset A conscious convention, the future of festivals personified. Honiton Show August 6 Gittisham, Honiton Local farming, produce, crafts and rural skills. Spiritfest August 6-9 Clophill Centre, Bedfordshire Sacred music, dance & art. Dartmoor Folk Festival August 7-9 South Zeal, Dartmoor Small festival near Okehampton celebrating their 43rd year.

Love Summer Festival August 7-10 A secret location, Plymouth A clean, safe, fun, family event in a secret South Devon meadow. Plymouth Pride August 8 Venues across Plymouth Celebrating and promoting the city’s diversity and talent. Boomtown Fair August 12-16 Matterley Estate, Hampshire A city of music, theatre, escapism, community and creativity. The Green Man Festival August 20-23 Glanusk Park, Wales Expect a strong line-up and lots of interesting other stuff on the programme. Beautiful Days August 21-23 Escot Park, Talaton Levellers’ own festival sells out every year and justifiably. ArcTanGent Festival August 20-22 Compton Martin, Somerset Indie rock event. QuintaSensual August 22-27 The EarthSpirit Centre, Somerset Tantra, sacred sexuality, meditation, yoga, love, dancing, music, and more. Shambala August 27-30 Northamptonshire This lovely family friendly festival used to be held in Devon. Small World Summer Festival August 27-31 Headcorn, Kent A small and safe family festival powered by the wind and sun. Watchet Live Festival August 28-230 Watchet, Somerset A personal favourite. Cornwall Folk Festival August 28-31 Wadebridge, Cornwall The Unthanks, Steve Knightley, Granny’s Attic, Midnight Skyracer and Wizz Jones headline. Nourish August 29 (TBC) Venues across Bovey Tracey A festival of music, craft and food.

Awakened Festival August 29-31 Tawstock Court, Barnstaple The holistic healing event returns to North Devon. End of the Road Festival September 3-6 Lamer Tree Gardens, Dorset The perfect end to the outdoor festival season. Totnes Pride September 5 Venues across Totnes The UK’s largest rural pride event. International Agatha Christie Festival September 15-19 Torre Abbey, Torquay For Agatha Christie purists and literary fans. DadFest September (TBA) Venue TBA For dangerous dads, grandfathers, male carers and their children. Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival September 16-20 Venues across Budleigh Salterton Expect best-selling authors, lively panel debate, workshops and events for children. Abbfest September 18-20 Fermoy’s Garden Centre Over 50 local crafters, food producers and beverage creators. Seafood FEAST September 18-October 4 Across Torbay Celebrating England’s Seafood Coast. Rainbow’s End Holistic Wellbeing and Natural Crafts Totnes Civic Hall September 19-20 Exhibitors, demonstrations, talks, and workshops. Dartmouth Food Festival October 23-25 Venues across Dartmouth A free foodie event. Shiiine On Weekender November 13-15 Butlins Minehead, Somerset A line-up of Indie and Dance mainly from the late 80s, and 90s. House of Fun Weekender November 20-23 Butlins Minehead, Somerset A celebration of the nutty boys Madness.

Editorial: 01392 346342 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

rewilding The Sharpham Trust to take action for nature

HE Sharpham Trust has been awarded £177,400 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to make more space for wildlife and take action for nature. The National Lottery funding will assist in turning the Sharpham Estate organic, re-wilding parts of its historic landscape and helping more people engage with the nature there. Habitats, flora and fauna – from rare plants, beetles and butterflies to starlings, cirl buntings and otters - have suffered serious declines across the UK. But these will be supported and restored, thanks to the funding. The money will go towards a new approach to managing the 18th century parkland landscape of the Sharpham Estate – thought to have been sculpted by Capability Brown. Julian Carnell, Director of The Sharpham Trust, said: “Thanks to the National Lottery funding, we’ve got a great opportunity for us to enable nature to flourish on the Sharpham Estate and to share this story with local people and our other visitors.” “We are part of a wider re-wilding

movement looking to help reverse the catastrophic decline in our wildlife,” he added. Wild for People The 3-year project, called Wild for People, will enhance the biodiversity of the historic 550-acre estate, stretching along the River Dart outside Totnes, South Devon. The management of the landscape will change from a conventional chemical approach to organic farming, less intensive grazing (re-wilding) and a restoration of the wood pasture habitat that would have originally characterised the park. It will also encourage a wider range of people to engage with and understand the natural heritage there. This restoration will enable a new programme of public engagement – enticing more people to immerse themselves in the history and wildlife of the estate, including schoolchildren, young people, adults with learning disabilities and the general public. Public access to the estate will be enhanced, with activities including: l wildlife events l conservation volunteering & training l Bioblitz, wildlife surveys and conservation training Partners in the project Ambios Ltd, an organisation based

at Lower Sharpham Farm on the estate, will run a conservation training scheme through which people will develop new skills and understanding of the heritage and biodiversity there. The funding means that Ambios will develop its existing work in surveying and collecting nature data, ensuring that Sharpham’s wildlife will be enhanced, protected and more resilient. This project is one of 15 projects awarded a share of £7.4million from The National Lottery which will empower communities and volunteers to play an integral part in securing a bright and thriving future for our natural world. Stuart McLeod, Director London & South at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “Nature is our oldest form of heritage but it is under threat and action needs to be taken. Thanks to National Lottery players, Sharpham will create vital space for wildlife and fauna to thrive while enabling

people to connect with nature and empowering them to play a part in securing its future.” l Find out more about Sharpham and their events at www. sharphamtrust.org/Calendar or email bookings@sharphamtrust. org or call 01803 732542. Follow @SharphamTrust on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram and use #SharphamTrust l The National Lottery Heritage Fund uses money raised by the National Lottery to inspire, lead and resource the UK’s heritage to create positive and lasting change for people and communities, now and in the future. See www. heritagefund.org.uk Follow @ HeritageFundUK on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram and use #NationalLotteryHeritageFund

Rewilding your garden Philip Letts, the founder of Devon Sculpture Park, a 100 acre Rewilding Project on an historic estate a few miles south of Exeter, offers some tips for rewilding small spaces. Thanks to inspiration from his Rewilding project, Toby’s Garden Festival at Powderham are dedicating this year’s show, early May, to Wilded gardening. Philip will be a main speaker at the event.

EWILDING is often thought of as the sole preserve of large national parks like Yellowstone Park bringing back wolves. The reality is that anyone with a garden can gain the benefits of rewilding. The difference is you’re gardening to save the planet and its endangered wildlife - no longer just gardening for what might look pretty in a traditional English garden. Rewilding has three objectives all of which can be achieved in your garden when you rewild it. The first objective is to get your soil back to an effective carbon sink. After all 90% of CO2 is absorbed by the soil. Secondly you want to create habitats which grow wildlife and third you want to naturally grow plant life and assure biodiversity. All these three objectives can be achieved by effectively

rewilding your garden. Rewilding is centred around the balanced creation of three main habitats. First is open grassland, second open scrub and third woodland. You can shrink these habitats into any garden - no matter how small. You just need the right balance of wildflowers, uncut grass (meadow) with a few deciduous trees and a nice collection of shrubs and plants. You also need waterways, which could be a birdbath at a minimum - ideally a small pond. Your collection will centre around what pollinators need to feed, what birds need to nest in and drink from and what small wildlife need to hide in. Your new toolkit will mean goodbye to gas guzzling machinery including lawn mowers. You should also no longer use chemicals, sprays or fertilisers. You prune as little as possible and as late as possible allowing plants to seed and remain standing through the winter so creatures can lay eggs on them. Beds should be packed and full of diversity. Leaves should be left

Advertising: 01392 346342 adverts@reconnectonline.co.uk

on beds and under trees to mulch in and support wildlife. Log piles foster fungi, bugs, butterflies and offer cover to small animals like hedgehogs. If you set your rewilded garden up correctly you will soon see insects, birds and small mammals choose it as their favored oasis. If you persuade your neighbours to follow your lead you can collectively make a bigger impact. Also think about trying to persuade your local council to wild verges and roundabouts. l Devon Sculpture Park is the UK’s leading smaller scale rewilding project and environmental art centre. To find out about day visits to the wilded Capability Brown gardens or to book tours and workshops go to www. devonsculpturepark.org.

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

rewilding

Time to Act? NEW courses and events for 2020

2020 - What Next for Humanity?

ERE we stand, right on the edge of ‘what next?’ for the human species. As the elemental force of nature asserts itself across our planet, as fires blaze and waters rise, it becomes clear that the earth itself is communicating to us that change is needed now if we are indeed to survive. What are we to do? We have known for many years that we play with the earth’s systems, with the climate and its feedback loops, to our peril, and yet a concerted collective response has been long in the coming. 2019 saw people take to the streets like never before to demand that action is taken by our leaders. Is it enough? Can we have hope? Is the response too late? And how are we to adapt and evolve in our own lives? 2020 feels like the year, the start of the decade, in which perhaps these questions will be answered. Embercombe is a quiet valley on the edge of Dartmoor, a place where people come to find refuge and inspiration, to find meaning, purpose and belonging, to find

Mac Macartney

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

ways to act and be, against the backdrop of our anxious times. For us the answer lies in making friends with the wild elemental forces of the earth, in becoming congruent and balanced with nature in all aspects of what we do, by stepping into the generative flow of life itself. We are all part of an experiment in how we as humans might survive and thrive in a joyful and balanced way, for the future of all species for generations to come.

With Mac Macartney, Sharon Blackie, Manda Scott, David Abram, Colin Campbell, Angharad Wynne, Stephen Jenkinson and many more Contemporary Animism Where the Wild Things Are Creating Ceremony Walking the Songlines

Book Now

embercombe.org

Says Embercombe’s founder Mac Macartney, at the start of 2020 as we continue to witness the extremes of environmental, political, economic and societal trauma across the world: “At this moment we are all being called to become the peace-makers, the healers, the activists, and the builders. I am forever grateful to be alive at this time.” We are joined by lots of people this year who are coming to ask and explore the biggest question being asked around the world, in many different ways - what should we do? We would love you to join us. l For more information visit: embercombe.org and www. facebook.com/Embercombe

Editorial: 01392 346342 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

wellbeing email: wellbeing@reconnectonline.co.uk

WELLBEING

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

Finding Active Hope Emotional health

World on fire - Flames of fury - Duty of care - teenagers and our planet Natural regeneration 31 Meditation for challenging times 33

Mental health openness

Natural, holistic healthcare The truth about death Embrace your unique gifts What does your heart want

37 38 39 41

The classified adverts

And there’s lots more to read inside

“World on fire“ (90 x 90cm) oil on canvas by Katie Sarra

ODY POEM is a therapeutic tool designed to illuminate unknown and unspoken parts of the self, using spontaneous, emerging poetry. For the first time, Sea School of Embodiment in Dawlish is offering professional Body Poem training to help therapists to support their clients to discover the previously unspoken wisdom of their bodies. Katie Sarra, who runs Sea School, spoke about her experience of Body Poem and the insights it has brought to her own life: “I painted this painting the day my son was expelled from school four years ago. Now, the world is on fire with all the injustices on this planet. Other people’s and our own half-grown children and the planet are raging with flames of blame and outrage - as contagious as the fires in Australia are right now. “To be fully grown is to have integrated all of our upset child parts that are acting out. For most of us, this is a lifetime process of growing up and maturing. A mature person is someone who can understand what is and is not in their domain to change. They have response-ability for all the different inner selves as they express needs, wants and desires. “We are all engaged in such a process, but it is perhaps at its most turbulent during adolescence and early adulthood, when so many changes in identity are being negotiated. Rage towards the adults for not keeping life in harmony is an understandable response, as is rage towards them for perceived failures in duty of care. Taking responsibility is a big job for any adult parenting children and it is the same in parenting inner children. We all inevitably fail and there’s so much remorse in this. “Other people’s half-grown children – both inner and outer ones – can be repulsive to a rational mind. These halfgrown parts are reactive, but they still need understanding and care. There is not a wound that can be felt more deeply than the judgement and outcasting of our children. “How hard must it be for young people learning independence? We can see this dynamic in our relationship, as humans, with the

Advertising: 01392 01392346342 346342adverts@reconnectonline.co.uk adverts@reconnectonline.co.uk Advertising:

planet. We have fucked up and our children can see this. The planet is burning until we can hold the duty of care with response-ability. “Our outraged inner and physical children are challenging to be with, but as parents, someone has to hold the duty of care. All this rage gets passed down through generations where a duty of care failed. At some point, it needs to be heard and acknowledged. Where it can potentially end is when we have healed our own guilt. “Learning to listen to open receptivity through the senses and reverse the tides of projection is the only way we as humans have any hope of salvation. “Art in all its forms - whether dance, painting, singing, writing poetry, plays, films, creating sculptures, gardens, landscapes, buildings, concepts - serves to hold the feeling states. Art bridges our worlds, supporting differentiation in the service of reflection and integration. “Body poem, like any art piece, serves as a tool to support this differentiation and witness transforming suffering into beauty. It bypasses our doublethink, cleverness, intellectualisation, and rationalisation. The structure of it supports presence to be with what is hidden from us. I am praying, like many of us now on this planet, for us to find a way to reconnect with care.” Body poem training is in two parts – a five-week live online course and three-day immersive training. Both are designed to equip therapists with the skills they need to integrate Body Poem into their practice, bringing more creativity and playfulness to therapy sessions and supporting them to trust their intuition. New Body Poem Zoom online meetings will take place for four Wednesdays at 7pm from April 8 to April 29 alongside the 3 day Body Poem in-person retreat which will be held on April 24-26. The Sea School of Embodiment is kindly offering discounts at bodypoem. co for readers of Reconnect Magazine. Use code TurtleReconect3 for £100 off the 3 day in-person training. l For more information or to book visit: bodypoem.co

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 (April/May) issue is March 1 so get in touch today and let’s get the ball rolling. Call Scott on 01392 346342 or email editor@ reconnectonline. co.uk

Katie Sarra

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

WELLBEING Healing by marrying the polarities

N HIS most famous work, The Prophet, Kahlil Gibran said: Your joy is your sorrow unmasked. And the selfsame well from which your laughter rises was oftentimes filled with your tears… Some of you say, “Joy is greater than sorrow,” and others say, “Nay, sorrow is the greater.” But I say unto you, THEY ARE INSEPARABLE. Carmella B’Hahn, who supports people though grief, anxiety and challenging transitions, believes that remembering this entwined nature of joy and sorrow is central to our wellbeing. She said: “When people first come to me, they often feel lost in emotional pain, and their perception of who they are has become contracted. It is as if they show me the dark half of the Taoist yin/yang symbol, with its tiny circle of light, and say ‘this is who I am right now’. But, the shadow and light belong together as a whole, and so my task is finding a way to welcome back the light side. It is always present, but can simply become hidden. “The meaning of ‘healing’ is ‘to make whole’. Once we embrace and marry these polarities, healing is possible. I believe that when we

welcome the light AND the dark, a powerful energy beyond dualism is released. When this happens we will feel whole again.” Carmella works with TRE (tension and trauma release). By triggering the natural tremor mechanism, it releases patterns and imprints that have become stuck in the body. She has noticed that “release in TRE sessions is greater when our sense of identity is expanded from a personality that has experienced much wounding to a compassionate presence witnessing the body’s sensations. She describes TRE as a self-help tool for life. It takes about four sessions to learn, longer if you have trauma in your background. Carmella also offers heartful communication coaching and has written three books: Benjaya’s Gifts, Mourning Has Broken, and Heart of Relating: Communication Beyond Ego. l For further information visit: www. heartofrelating.com, email carmella@ heartofrelating.com or call 01803 867005. There is a special deal for all 1.5 hour trial sessions

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

07794 288172 jennytheaton@gmail.com

How can Regenerative Breathing help you?

OOD question! The average adult breathes around 14 breaths per minute, that’s 20,000 times per day. Most adults use a small percentage of their full lung capacity and so the oxygen intake and cleansing mechanism are greatly diminished. There are many reasons that can influence our breathing patterns including; our birth, the breathing patterns of those around us, stress, tension, anxiety, trauma, and other mental, emotional and physical challenges of life. Breathing practitioner Ben Clark said: “Regenerative Breathing supports you to breathe more fully and deeply, increasing alertness and energy, as well as releasing blocked emotions that inhibit our breathing and capacity to live our full potential.” There are various stages to the process of releasing old breathing patterns and realigning our breathing to perform optimally. These include; learning new ways to breathe, being held in a specific Rebirthing Breathwork technique that allows blocked energy and emotions to be released and updating limiting beliefs. Each creates space for more energy to fill your lungs and life, and in combination can open new levels of potential. This is the power, potency, and promise of Regenerative Breathing. Ben holds one and two-hour 1-to-1 sessions in Totnes, Exeter, Plymouth, Frome, and Bristol. The one-hour sessions are seated and are a great way to connect with the power of the breath and work with a specific focus for the breathe. The two-hour sessions are done lying down and take you much deeper into the process and Breathwork practice. One-hour Skype breathes that can be done from home are also available. These can be a great way to reconnect to the power of your breath if you have done Rebirthing Breathwork sessions before and to get a taste of this style of Breathwork if you are new to it. Monthly Breathing Circles held in Dartington, Frome, and Bristol offer group breathing which creates a strong collective energy that supports the process and are often held with music to support the journey and integration. All Ben’s work is offered on a sliding scale to make it as accessible as possible to those who are interested in working in this way. l Visit: www.regenerativebreathing.com for more information and to book a session.

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

March 28th - 29th

Editorial: 01392 346342 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

EMOTIONAL HEALTH WELCOME back to our exploration into all things emotional. In this edition our Emotional Health columnist Leigh Smith explores the dangers of over empathising and how we can avoid the pitfall of emotional contagion in our attempts to empathise with people in distress.

Emotional contagion

AM often asked how I cope in the moments when a client or student shares something which is upsetting and sometimes quite shocking to hear. It’s a good question, and as a psychotherapist one which I have given some consideration. We all have moments when we can feel overwhelmed by the terrible news of a friend or family member, whether we are in the helping profession or not, and so we can probably all relate to the internal struggle between allowing our own emotional responses to take over, or somehow swallowing down our responses in order to ‘be there’ for this person. The answer to the question lies in the moment where we internally make the decision, to hold back our emotional responses or let go. Somewhere in this moment there is a choice, it may feel totally unconscious, and we may not be aware of it, but nevertheless some part of us is choosing whether to allow our emotions to run free or find a way of pressing the pause button. Something fantastic is happening in this moment, which determines how much of ourselves we will expose to the news, and how much we will create a barrier and distance our own feelings. In the ideal scenario we would be able to ‘be there’ in a supportive capacity, and off-load our emotions later, in a healthy way, and avoid the negative effects of carrying toxic emotions within us. But this takes some skill, and what about people who are dealing with these powerful emotions on a daily basis? People whose job it is to ‘be there’ and empathise with a client’s experience, how do they manage this aspect of the work without emotional burnout? “… it is crucial that the therapist is able to perceive the experience of a person, but without losing the “as if” the counsellor were the client” (Rogers, 1957). As Rogers tells us empathy is crucial to the work we do, but we need to keep a strong hold on ourselves, and work to avoid jumping into our client’s world with both feet. I teach my students to work with one foot in their client’s world, and the other firmly planted in their own. Tools like seeing their experience as though it were on a screen which can be turned off, or reminding oneself that this is not our experience, it belongs to somebody else, can be of some help to create an emotional barrier. When we join into our clients experience with both feet, we over empathise, and lose perspective, making the therapy at best ineffective, and at worst dangerous. Working without barriers can mean we directly experience the negative emotional state of the client, and this can lead to emotional contagion, which can build up to some devastating results, leading to burnout and emotion collapse. Getting pulled into the client’s emotional

state is losing the ‘as if’ perspective that Rogers teaches us. When we lose the ‘as if’ state we are not effective in supporting our client, we too are experiencing their distress and are unable to provide emotional support. But why is it so hard to keep one foot out? Our brains are hardwired to resonate with another person’s suffering; when we witness another person’s strong emotions our neural pain circuits are affected, and we automatically respond empathically by mirroring, mimicking and working to emotionally connect and understand their experience. Empathising with others is a primitive response. It helps us coordinate and synchronize with others, make sense of our environment, and read their minds, which are all critical survival skills. Brain scans have shown that similar areas of the brain are activated both in the person who suffers and the one who feels empathy. So how can we make these connections but keep ourselves separate? The answer lies in the ability to create a self-other discrimination, to see and know the difference between the source of the stimuli as originating from the self or from someone else, what is my experience and what belongs to my client? Easier said than done! For some people this ‘separating’ out my experience from another’s is really hard, and at times it can feel impossible. People with a high level of empathy can be quite negatively affected, and can be overwhelmed by the experiences they hear. Many research studies suggest a person’s capacity for empathy comes from a specific set of neurons, known as mirror neurons. For people with hyper empathy these mirror neurons will not only create a resemblance of another persons experience but also lead to feeling physical reactions in the body, which is not healthy or helpful. So, in order to help others, keep ourselves healthy, stay connected, but not too connected, we really have some work to do. There are many studies on how we can manage this in our work, and ‘How to avoid burnout’ books available on the shelves. For me the answer is in self awareness, a sense of self knowing, and a way of noticing within myself when I am rooted in my own centre, and when I have shifted into the world of another. This shift can be quite subtle, and go unnoticed, but with practice and attention it can be caught and we can learn to control the shift away from self. This comes from personal experience of getting it wrong, and losing my sense of self, with some negative consequences. It also comes from time spent really getting to know my inner sense of self through meditation and being mindful during my therapeutic work. So in order to be there for others we first need to be here for us!

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.

Space for mind, body and soul

CONTEMPORARY space for mind, body and soul practitioners is how Temple Wellness describes itself. The centre recently opened its doors in Plymouth in an elegant building in a peaceful, central area of the city. It was established by Dawn Melville and Nicola Parker and aims to act as a bridge between the more traditional clinic space and a spa, offering clean, well-furnished rooms for practitioners who provide relaxation and restorative treatments, alongside personal wellbeing and balance. Dawn said: “We will offer clients a rich and varied ecosystem of therapies whilst giving collective support to our growing family of practitioners” Nicola said: “We have set out to create a wellness space where clients find themselves naturally relaxed and resident practitioners feel supported and engaged. Our ethos is of support and good service – for the people working behind our doors as well as for the people coming through them.” For practitioners and therapists there are flexible rental offers at Temple Wellness, which has affordable, furnished, spacious and welcoming rooms. Practitioners who take up the resident rental option will benefit from centralised marketing and publicity. They will also be able to participate in clinical group monthly supervision and receive lots more collective benefits besides. To become a resident practitioner, you need to commit to at least two sessions a week at the practise (on a monthly basis). Practitioners who only require individual days can rent rooms on

a standard rental basis, subject to availability. Temple Wellness also offers availability at weekends, workshop space, internet access, secure premises and free on-street parking. Why not schedule a visit to see one of the current team of practitioners, who include: Kristina Reed - Aromatherapist and Holistic Masseuse specialising in facial therapies. Enjoys mixing modern technology with traditional methods and combining treatments for a bespoke outcome. Steve Lacy – of Fortitude Sports Therapy: a fully qualified BSc level 6 sports therapist and injury rehabilitator and a member of the Sports Therapy Organisation, specialising in musculoskeletal injury rehabilitation. Nicola Parker – Psychotherapist, counsellor and clinical hypnotherapist, specialising in anxiety and depression, young people, individuals and couples. l For more information, email: info@ templewellness.co.uk or call Dawn on 07876 365210 or visit: www. templewellness.co.uk

Treatments for energy disorders

O you suffer from an energy disorder like M.E, Fibromyalgia or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome? A therapist who has recently moved to Totnes is offering a new approach called Body Wisdom Coaching specifically to treat such conditions. Fiona Montgomery developed the approach after her own 12-year journey of healing from M.E. It is based on everything she learned and applied to herself during her journey back to health. Fiona said: “I am so grateful to feel well again and I want to share this powerful treatment with others who are struggling with these debilitating disorders “Body Wisdom Coaching works on the basis that our bodies communicate deep wisdom to us through emotion and sensation. When we are born, we are tuned into that wisdom and have an innate connection to our bodies. However, as we grow up we are often taught by society and family to override our deep knowing and we learn to behave in “acceptable” ways that gain us approval and love. “As we are told “be quiet”, “don’t make a fuss”, “don’t cry”, “don’t be angry”, we gradually learn to suppress our deep feelings and needs and

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

become mind-dominated and rule-bound. This suppression of our natural selves creates tension and distress in the body/mind which, ultimately, can manifest as illness. This is the body seeking to communicate its messages in increasingly loud ways. If we listen to the symptoms of illness as a message from the body, we can gradually make changes in our lives that allow the body to return to balance.” Fiona explains that Body Wisdom Coaching is about helping you learn to interpret the messages your body is sending and assisting you to respond to them in a new way. In this way health can return. It is a talking-based therapy offered via Skype or in person. l For more information visit: www.bodywisdomcoaching.co.uk

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

WELLBEING

Catherine Hale

Reconnect with your sexuality

Real food, Real life,

Real health

F you are a woman whose sexual “aliveness” has been exploited, neglected, shamed, repressed, abused, or violated, it may be hard for you to connect sexually and fully experience your own pleasure and power. Catherine Hale, sexuality coach, offers a trauma-informed approach to help women reclaim their aliveness, and connection to embodied life force via sessions, workshops and retreats. Catherine’s aim is to guide embodied female empowerment through a diverse mix of traditions and practices, including somatic education and pelvic health care. She describes a conversation that she hears repeatedly in her practice room, with women expressing the fear that they are somehow broken because they are unable to feel anything sexually. Catherine tells them that they are neither “broken” nor “dead” to physical sensation. She said: “I reassure them that their sexual sensations are just asleep, and probably with good reason. I ask them what they notice in their body when I say that. Often, the response I get is “Well, my belly or chest was feeling tight but when you said there’s probably a good reason, something relaxed”. The next thing women want to know is what can I do to fix it?” Catherine explains that they are

going to be OK and that their body is simply trying to keep them safe. “I tell them it is doing that in the best way it knows how, but it’s just a bit out of date,” said Catherine. “I know this territory really well, having been through it myself. Then I offer them some suggestions that might help.” Often, she begins with 10 simple steps that women can use to reconnect with their sexuality and befriend the parts of themselves that have become lost. This is the start of a new relationship of trust, love and respect. Catherine said: “It’s heart-breaking how many of us have needed to sever our connection to our power and pleasure. But, I want to share with you that there is a way forward, there is a way to sexual wholeness and fulfilment. And there is a way where all of you gets to feel accepted, excited and orgasmic.” l For more information visit: catherinehale.co.uk or email: info@ catherinehale.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

Bell Bartlett PSYCHIC TAROT READER

www.conscious-tarot.co.uk 07796 900509

‘ridiculously helpful’

Touch - the forgotten sense

OUCH is the forgotten sense in our increasingly digital age, according to Emma Gilmore, Director of the School of Bodywork, who believes that many of us are suffering as a result of touch-deprivation. She said: “I have been working with touch modalities for 25 years and have been a witness to the positive power of nurturing touch. However, in this digital age when, more than ever, we are connected via technology, we are experiencing less touch than ever before. “Research shows we are less and less connected in a true, meaningful human way, with decreasing amounts of time spent engaging in positive face-to-face interactions. Yet, experts tell us we are hard-wired to receive nurturing touch. We have evolved in such a way that we are programmed to want and need touch.” So, what are the implications for our touch-deprived society? Professor Richard McGlone, a neuroscientist interested in the fundamental importance of touch, explains we have nerve cells that responds to ‘slow’ touch. Pleasant, slow stroking or massage sends messages from the body, which can take one or two seconds to reach the brain. These ‘slow’ sensory nerve fibres are found in skin that has hairs, which is all skin except for the palms of the hands, soles of the feet and lips. These touch receptors directly impact on how we feel and one of their most important properties is to help regulate our emotional state. Gentle stroking stimulates the sensory nerves to let us know we are safe. In fact, researchers have found that our sense of self and identity is imprinted on the developing brain through touch. Emma, who teaches full body massage, said: “Lack of touch in childhood is perceived as neglect and this impacts on the genes that regulate stress. If we are not touched enough in a loving way as infants, our stress response will be adversely affected throughout our life. Simply put, without loving touch as a child we will be less resilient to stress for the rest of our life. The implications of this are huge. “Luckily for us neuroplasticity demonstrates that our brains constantly change, so positive touch at a later date can re-educate and down-regulate our stress response. So, put down your phone and share some positive touch!” l If you would like learn to bring positive touch to family and friends through massage, contact Emma at info@schoolofbodywork.com or call 07711 656 011, or visit www.schoolofbodywork.com

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

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

WELLBEING Kate does… An MA in Writing for Children USUALLY our wellbeing editor Kate tries out a treatment or event or activity each issue however this issue is slightly different....

INSIGHT MEDITATION IN THE BUDDHIST TRADITION

www.gaiahouse.co.uk

Exeter

Tiverton

Teignmouth

SUSAN HOLLINS Cou ns ellin g

ONCE upon a time there was a little girl whose imagination was as wild as her hair. Her head was filled with dragons and mermaids. But as the little girl grew, other things began crowding in there – big fat Responsibilities and whining Insecurities. The mermaids and dragons got crushed against the walls of her mind and began to die. One day, many years later, when the little girl had become a big girl, Imagination tapped her on the shoulder and said “Excuse me, have you forgotten about me?” And, so, a new chapter of her life began… Life can get in the way of our dreams and that’s how it has been for me. I’ve wanted to write for children since I was one myself. I’ve been lucky enough to make my living as a commercial writer since the age of 21 (writing magazines like this one, case studies, websites and blogs etc.). But my dreams of becoming a children’s writer got shelved. Last year, inspired by a discussion on Radio 4, I applied to Bath Spa University’s MA in Writing for Children. It’s one of the best, if not the best, courses for children’s writing in the country, and competition is fierce. The application asked for examples of work and I realised I barely had any. Although I’ve been writing all my life, most things I have written for children have ended up in the bin. I only had a few short pieces,

Bereavement Counselling and Shamanic Healing susanhollinscounselling.co.uk susan@susanhollins.co 07918 671476 30

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

including a poem I wrote to myself called Come Into the Wild. So, this is what I sent. I was genuinely amazed to get an interview. I joked with friends that it was the only interview I’ve ever had where I felt more nervous afterwards than I did beforehand. Beforehand I felt I could take it or leave it. Afterwards, I knew this was what I wanted to do above all else. In June I heard I’d got a place. The course began in September. It has been an amazing journey. We read children’s novels and each week complete a different piece of writing. We critique each other’s work and I’ve learned as much from the other students as I have from the course tutors. The quality of both is outstanding. I have learned about story questions, and plot structure and story arcs, and how to keep going when the voice in your head tells you to quit. Doors in my mind that have remained firmly shut since I was a child are opening and I am writing things I didn’t know I could write. This has been one of the most fantastic times of my life. But life has a way of throwing you curved balls when you least expect it. A week before the course began, my partner left. Three weeks later, I found a lump in my breast which turned out to be two. Four months later, after four biopsies, one lot of surgery and another this week, I haven’t yet been given the all-clear but it is inching closer. Everything so far is benign. I get the next lot of results at the end of January – fingers crossed. Amidst all this chaos, I got the marks back for my first creative portfolio last week. I got a distinction. Onwards and upwards…. l Kate will complete her MA in June 2021. You can see examples of her commercial writing at www.cafecopywriter.com

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

WELLBEING Rising Up - Natural Capacities for Regeneration EMMA Brice, writing for Bringing It Home, a year-long programme that explores naturebased practices for regeneration based around 8 Shields wisdom has penned this powerful call for change for our readers.

ISING up from below the nutritious, black gold of the woodland floor, through the brambles, the gorse and the dying bracken is something so strong and steadfast, something so of its place and symbiotic in its steps that living cannot be the same again. This essence is being found in people. This essence is people, too. People that have known connection, felt the sense of home and understood the fundamentality of reciprocity, the everythingness of regeneration. What is one way to feel this? We stop and look. We listen. We smell. We might be under a grey, still sky. It’s 8°C. In a lower dead branch of an oak tree a blackbird sits and observes, around, above and below - looking, for many minutes. Below a pond balances golden leaves on its dark navy-gray surface. A winter oak’s exploring limbs slighten to twiggy digits in a river network display. A scent cold in the nose, slightly herbal, mulchy, clear. A group of female chaffinches arrive together, they swoop into the scene. A crow calls. Before long you hear a robin’s song, earlier to the west is now in front and proudly ilicited from a red breast. A squirrel, scampering before stopping to eat something from its paws impossibly quick, as if they have been put on ‘fast forward’. At a certain moment you realise you feel calm, connected, inspired. You have a desire for others to feel this too - the people at your hearth, your work, your meeting place. This is how you want to live! This is how you’re supposed to feel! Maybe it’s possible to embody this experience and have it really be part of your life. Rising up from below the woodland floor are people so rooted in their place on this earth that regeneration - ecological, social, personal and spiritual becomes the only possible way forward. l Bringing It Home is a year-long programme that uses ‘8 Shields’ wisdom to explore nature-based practices for culture repair in your life, family, work and communities. The next cycle begins April 10-12 2020. For more information visit: www.bringingithome.life

THE HOMOEOPATHIC PRACTICE of Mo Morrish RSHom & Ali Morrish RSHom

Pelvic heart integration with Celtic Tantra

ELVIC Heart Integration is a system of bodywork, breathwork, gestaltbased integration work, and massage, based on the work of Jack Painter. It was originally developed in California in the 1970s before being further adapted and developed by his former associate, the late Deborah Taj Anapol PhD. This version is now being taught for the first time in the UK here in South Devon. Facilitators, Marta Emmitt and Robert Osborn said: “Dr Anapol shared her teachings and workshops with us and we are the only people teaching this work in this country. “Pelvic Heart Integration works with breath and movement to create a flow between pelvis and heart, clearing away deep-seated blockages. At the same time, we explore inherited patterns and restricted beliefs around sexuality and aliveness, through gestalt-based work. This process begins to transform those old, painful messages into new, supportive ones. We then combine the breathwork with those messages, inviting you to receive the transformed words directly into the body. This process can be quite dramatic but can also be gentle and subtle. How it works depends entirely on the receiver.” Marta and Robert were assistants to Deborah Anapol in 2016. They said: “Since then we have continued to make this work our own and incorporate our own experience as Tantra teachers of how we can identify with our energy flow. Ultimately, we invite you, as Deborah did, to be guided by your natural child, who is always curious, excited and innocent.” l For more information visit: www.celtictantra.com.

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

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

Editorial: 01392 346342 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

WELLBEING

Answering the Call

Fresh, new practice rooms in central Plymouth • • • • •

Welcoming, light, peaceful & elegant facilities Join our complementary family of practitioners Affordable, clean and furnished rooms Benefit from collective marketing and publicity Free on-street parking

Multidisciplinary range of services (see editorial for more info). For details about rooms email info@templewellness.co.uk or visit www.templewellness.co.uk

32 32

AVE you ever woken up with the feeling that the life you’ve been leading is not your true life? Maybe you sense you are being called to something with far greater meaning. For some people this feeling can come on them quite suddenly and it can be disconcerting. However, Katheryn Hope, Coach and Resonance Repatterning practitioner, points out you are not alone. She said: “In my coaching practice many clients come to me because this is exactly the transition they are experiencing. It’s as if a code that was written in your soul suddenly activates and you feel you’ve woken up from a long sleep. You might be thinking “What now?” but I can help. “I tell my clients this is meant to be; it’s perfect timing. Something from the depths of you is unfolding. It is sacred and you need to honour it. I reassure them this time you will succeed. Doubts, fear, anxiety are part of the old and not part of your way forward. If this is how you are feeling now my advice is to prepare for Spring. As it brings forth green shoots within the soil, so new birth is occurring within you. Growth is already revealing itself. Whatever you are called to now is needed in the world.” Katheryn believes that the stars are pushing us at the moment. She said: “Something has been building inside and now is the time when the energy of the universe is demanding we express it. It’s all about what needs to change, so look for signs and signals; what are you guided to? Follow the trail, wherever that leads you – to a book, a person, a place. Spirit is on your side, so ask for help and support and it will arrive.” l Katheryn has created an empowering coaching program for women who are feeling this energy to support them on the journey to fulfilment. She is offering a free 45- minute Discovery session. For more information email: katheryn@theseedcoach.com

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

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

£41.85 WELLBEING

Mindfulness, nature and horses

ORSES have accompanied humans in our daily lives for many thousands of years. But now we are being invited to explore what it’s like to step into a different relationship with them - one that is respectful of their nature and honouring of their autonomy and that could provide considerable therapeutic benefits for us as humans. In partnership with Ollie Frame from Mindfulness in Devon, Sirona Therapeutic Horsemanship is running a one-day workshop in May entitled Mindfulness, Nature and Horses. Ollie said: “There is considerable research documenting the benefits of mindfulness for helping people to manage stress and enhance mental and emotional wellbeing. By cultivating awareness of our presentmoment experience, we are better able to look after ourselves and make wiser choices. “Practising mindfulness in nature brings a great number of additional benefits. Modern life has cut many of us off from the natural world, our evolutionary home, as well as from our bodies and emotions, our inner nature. Exploring nature-based mindfulness practices that help us to come back to our senses can deepen our connection to ourselves and the natural world. Coming back

home to nature with awareness, we are nourished by its inherently restful and balancing qualities.” Founder of Sirona Dr Hannah Burgon added: “Horses are extremely sensitive and aware beings, and simply being around them in this way can be very transformative. From the feedback that they give us, we are invited to practice being more present, clear and centred.” Sirona Therapeutic Horsemanship is based at on the Dartington Estate. The one-day Mindfulness, Nature and Horses workshop takes place on Saturday 16 May from 10am to 4pm. It costs £110. The day will combine mindfulness practice with nature connection and spending time around horses. Ollie said: “With a whole variety of different practices and activities, the day will be experiential, informative, and suitable for beginners and experienced meditators alike. In the morning there will be an introduction to Nature-based mindfulness, including a number of practices, and during the afternoon there will be mindfulness, nature connection and time with the horses.” l For more information contact Diane at: diane@sironaequine.org. uk or 01803 868779

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. Vegan, organic, zero waste packaging, handmade in Torquay

www.greenwyse.co.uk

www.torbay-herbalist.co.uk

Meditation group for challenging times

E live in increasingly difficult times, with concerns over climate change, politics, healthcare and more. And all of this is on top of our own personal difficulties, worries and anxieties. So, how can we best support ourselves, our loved ones and our communities living through such times and enable them to find more care, hope and compassion? Maddie Lynfield, who recently moved to South Devon, is an experienced meditator. She has formed a new weekly drop-in meditation group at Harbour House in Kingsbridge. It runs on Wednesdays (7.30pm to 9.00pm) where Maddie leads simple meditations aimed at bringing peace, unity and healing. The group is non-religious and open to all, as it is not aligned to any particular spiritual teachings. Even if meditation is totally new to you, you are welcome to attend. Maddie explained: “Each week is different, with easily accessible meditation techniques, such as breath-work, sound, music, gentle movement and visualization. In

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

this way, you can find meditation practices to suit you. There’s also time after for sharing and a cup of herbal tea.” Cost is by donation, with a recommendation of between £5 and £10. Maddie learnt to meditate over 43 years ago, has studied many forms of meditation and has been running holistic residential retreats for over 18 years, now based in Bigbury on Sea. l For information visit: heartspringmeditation.co.uk or ring 0777 2000 876 l For details of retreats by the sea visit: heartspring.co.uk

Sexuality ~ Trauma ~ Pelvic Health A trauma informed approach for women and couples Return back to your aliveness, your turn-on, and connection to embodied life force Sessions ~ Workshops ~ Retreats

Editorial: 01392 346342 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

WELLBEING Couples learn the art of massage

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. Intro workshops in Hayle, Cornwall Sat 14 March 2020 and Dawlish, Devon Sat 28 March 2020 10.30am to 1pm £25pp

Transformational Breathing

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

07828 566553

34 34

home. It is something MASSAGE from that not only can help your partner can relieve aching or be an appealing tired muscles between thought after a long, massage treatments, tiring day. But, however but also something well-intentioned, a that couples can enjoy massage from someone together.” who doesn’t really know what they are Natalie is also doing is not always as regularly asked for tips and techniques pleasurable or relaxing by therapists who as it could be. are newly qualified This is why holistic or struggling to build Natalie Austin therapist Natalie their business. She has Austin has developed more than 20 years’ experience Massage Tuition for Couples. as a Holistic Therapist. She said: Natalie said: “A short 10 minutes “I am also offering a one-to-one of muscle manipulation can be very tuition service to qualified massage beneficial for releasing tension or therapists who would like to develop muscle tightness, but it is really or hone their skills as well as benefit important that the person giving from some helpful tips to build and the massage has at least some maintain a successful business.” knowledge of what they are doing. Massage Tuition for Couples is l For more information on a new 1:2 service for couples either of these tutorials, please who want to learn the basics of get in touch with Natalie at massage. I teach hands-on some natalie@loveyogatree.co.uk or simple massage techniques that 0751672024 or see http://www. couples can then use themselves at loveyogatree.co.uk for more details.

Bringing Shamanic Healing into 2020

HERE has never been a stronger recognition of the need to restore balance and harmony… within ourselves, our families, our communities and our Earth. Increasing stress levels, the pace of life, continuously Lorraine Chamberlain and Jim Brant having to adapt client’s self-healing will enter an to change, altered state, usually through environmental shifts and our reliance on technology all created sound, to enable them combine to leave many people to access and communicate with feeling disconnected from nature. spirit helpers. With support and There is a yearning in many of us guidance from these spirit allies, for something different. a deep and profound healing process occurs that aims to restore Maybe this is why there has been imbalances within a person’s soul, a re-emergence of the age-old practice of shamanism. spirit or energy body. Shamanism is an ancient healing If you wish to deepen your tradition that bridges the human understanding and learn how to world and the realms of nature and acquire the skills and practice as a spirit. From early times, shamanic shamanic healer, Jim and Lorraine practice has been used for healing, from the Shamanic Healer Circle ceremony, advice and teachings. will be commencing a two-year Shamanic healer Jim Brant said: practitioner training course on “Although people’s basic needs January 24-25 and again on remain much the same, over time March 21-22 in Totnes. there is a need to adapt and apply The course is taught over four shamanic skills to the environment weekends, which can be taken and time we’re living in. in any order. After completing all “Our ancestral line goes far back to four, participants can proceed to tribal peoples, who very likely had the second year. great shamans in their clans. We Jim said: “The four weekends can call upon them to help us if we provide a good basic grounding choose to embark on this path.” in shamanic healing and are Shamanic healing that is adapted an excellent way to explore the for today’s practitioners is a wonders of this ancient practice.” complementary, holistic healing l For more information visit www. method. It is spirit-led and Shamanichealers.co.uk or phone supports a person’s own self07882 634522 healing to restore balance, health, wellbeing and a reconnection to Both Jim and Lorraine are the nature part of ourselves. practicing shamanic healers in the South West and teach on the A shamanic practitioner with the intention of promoting the Shamanic Healer Circle courses.

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

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

WELLBEING AYURVEDIC YOGA ASSOCIATION Offering courses

Online coaching course “Joyful life” How to master 10 habits of Ayurveda in your day-to-day life. Integrating Ayurveda, Behavioral science and evolutionary group dynamics. Available now

People are starting to talk more about mental health but who is listening?

Ayurvedic yoga massage training course level one. Starts March 2020 For workshops/yoga classes/free talks please call: Saghar on 07974470610 or email: saghar_amozgar@hotmail.com

OT before time, people are starting to talk more openly about mental health and old prejudices are beginning to be outlawed. But, of course, when people begin to talk about these issues, someone needs to listen. Mo and Ali Morrish of The Homeopathic Practice, who have over 50 years’ practitioner experience between them, have been listening carefully to thousands of people over the years. Ali said: “For far too long, people struggling with serious and life-changing mental health conditions have been ignored, disbelieved or even ridiculed. This has had devastating outcomes for sufferers and their families including, in the worst cases, suicide. “So, as more and more people begin to talk a little more freely about the problems they face and realise the benefits of talking, who is qualified enough and who has enough experience to listen? People need to be truly and deeply listened to. The listener needs to hold the space, not just professionally but with an integrity worthy of meeting the individual as they begin the process of trying to get themselves well.” The couple believe that homeopathy offers the optimum solution. Mo explained why: “The beauty of homoeopathy is that it always looks at the mental and emotional state of the person who is coming for treatment. Some people may present purely with issues in this area, such as anxiety, depression, panic attacks, PTSD, trauma-related issues and bereavement. However, other people do not struggle in this way quite so much and may present with largely physical complaints. Invariably though, many who present with physical symptoms will have their root in something of a more emotional nature; stress of course being a very common factor.” The Homoeopathic Practice believes in listening very carefully to whatever patients bring to the consultation. Ali explained: “The questions we ask are very particular, to try to encourage a deep and meaningful exploration of what is happening at that time. Many newcomers to homeopathy have described their first consultation as being rather like a counselling session. Homeopathy undoubtedly has this benefit, along with the additional support of being able to prescribe a suitable remedy that works in conjunction with the talking process. “It is a privilege to walk alongside someone on their journey and often be the first to hear something that a person has chosen to reveal for the first time. To facilitate this people need to feel safe and held in the professional space created.” With their own life experiences outside of the consulting room, including many personal challenges, Ali and Mo both feel able to sit with people while they talk, explore and maybe even fall to pieces. Ali said: “We are ready to listen.” l For more information call: 01364 661397 or email: enquiries@ thehomoeopathicpractice.co.uk and visit www.thehomoeopathicpractice.co.uk

www.ayurvedicyogamassage.org.uk

Shamanic Healer Training Accredited course Totnes, Devon Further details

www.shamanichealers.co.uk

07882 634522

New purpose built colonic hydrotherapy suite

HRONIC faecal impaction, constipation and incomplete evacuation can lead to an accumulation of decaying faecal matter in our guts. This creates a build-up of toxins which can get reabsorbed into the body and add further toxicity for the liver to process. The Arcturus Clinic recently refurbished and upgraded its Colonic Hydrotherapy suite. The new, purpose-built facility is tiled from floor to ceiling, with new electrics, plumbing, sinks and toilet. The bowel or large intestine can be one of the most significant areas of toxic accumulation in the body and colonic hydrotherapy can be an effective way of cleansing it. The procedure can be helpful for people with digestive problems, wind, bloating, toxic accumulation, malabsorption syndromes, IBS, constipation and diarrhoea. A specialist hydrotherapy tank

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

allows filtered water of optimal temperature to flow under gravity feed pressure into your colon to empty, cleanse and detoxify the bowel. This process is normally repeated three times, with up to 60 litres of water, herbs and colonic probiotics being used to irrigate the entire large bowel. l The Arcturus Clinic employs two highly-qualified and experienced female Colonic Hydrotherapists who treat clients with sensitivity and compassion. For more information contact Arcturus Clinic on 01803 868282.

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

35 35

WELLBEING The 3 mile community focus REGULAR contributor and Write to Freedom founder Caspar Walsh has decided to make connections as an antidote to powerlessness.

T took me three days to get over the shock, to start to feel the grief of it. We turned the radio on at 8am on Friday the 13th (not many mentioned the horror movie cliché coincidence), we listened to the election result and turned the radio back off. And back to our mainstream news blackout. Believe me, it helps, a lot. I’ve been recycling since the 80’s, worked for the Environmental Investigation Agency in the 90’s and set up two charities over the last two decades working to increase awareness of and respect for the planet. That we are walking off a climate cliff is without doubt. Who we have in power at this critical time has led to a rising horror and a heartbreak that I’ve found hard to navigate. Palms up to the sky, wondering why and how do I, we, avoid this inevitable, global car crash? The trauma I experienced through a lot of my childhood understandably led me to try and create some kind of safety by trying to control my environment. This didn’t end at the boundary of my postcode. I grew up wanting to save the world. There was a level of delusion, denial and grandiosity in this approach. Alongside the slow healing of trauma, I’m opening up to a deeper grief and a painful truth that I’m powerless over so much of what is happening in the world right now. The growing awareness of my mortality and the hastened mortality of so many other species is sinking in deeper by the day. And it really

fucking hurts. Contrary to what part of me would like to do with all this anger and hurt, I’ve decided to build bridges and connections with right and left (and all others) alike. I heard recently about the three-mile flight radius of bees from their home and how we could benefit from a similar focus, reaching out into our own communities, three miles wide, connecting and helping out in any way that works for the good of all of us. And as we reach the edge of our boundaries, we inevitably connect to the next… and ripples out, local to global. And to Francis Weller’s grief and gratitude prayer: inviting us to hold the essence of our grief in the palm of one hand, our gratitude in the other, bringing them together to make a prayer for life. One of the most powerful antidotes to my grief, fear and anger is in the focus of these two ideals, in what I can do to support myself and my immediate community and how the daily recognition of the privilege and blessing of my finite life allows me to hold heart break and joy simultaneously. Knowing that I make a difference, that I am loved and with all this loss, I’ll continue to do my best to love and accept… all beings. l Caspar is founder of the awardwinning addiction and trauma recovery charity, Write to Freedom. www.writetofreedom.org.uk

Finding the gold in your shadow

OUR Shadow is the part of yourself that you repress, hide or deny. We all have them and we are generally taught that our Shadow side should be kept hidden. But a new offering to help you find the gold in your shadow aims to change all that. Shadow Work Group Co-facilitator Melanie Ward said: “As we grow up, we learn that some behaviours are not welcome, and we put these aspects of ourselves away in order to get by in our families and society. “Over time, we can find ourselves in limiting patterns that no longer serve us. For example, if we put our anger into Shadow we may lose our power to stand up for ourselves. We simply lose some of our energy and vitality by keeping so many parts of ourselves repressed. “Shadow Work offers processes that can help us reintegrate our Shadow, consciously and safely, so that we can reclaim some of what was lost. It can empower us to understand and change ‘outdated’ and destructive behaviour patterns, and heal the situations that ‘trigger’ us, enabling us to move beyond limiting emotional issues of the past so that we can live life more fully and with more choice. One recent participant described it as ‘life changing’.” Melanie and co-facilitator Tim Hall are both experienced therapists who, after many years of training, practice and development, have qualified as Shadow Work Group Facilitators. Tim says: “Due to the nature of this work and the necessity of safe, professional holding, the training and other requirements for certification are arduous. We are very pleased to be bringing this work to the South West.” They are holding two Shadow Work weekends this year in May and October, and more events are planned, including a six month closed group. l For more information and testimonials, or to join their mailing list visit: www.thehealingroomchagford.co.uk or call Tim Hall on 07870 938323

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

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

WELLBEING HPD, DSFH, AfSFH (reg), NCH (reg)

Veronique Mertes I can help with...

FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION Sessions available in Totnes & Dartmouth Contact: 07746 645217 - Email: info@vmerteshypnotherapy.co.uk

@vmerteshypnotherapy

Remembering the art of massage

UR ancestors used touch as an intuitive healing art. The rhythmic pulsing in our mother’s womb and the physical contact that nourished us as infants imprinted our receptors with the knowledge that touch could soothe, stimulate, heal... and massage was born. But in the intervening centuries we have largely lost touch with this ancient wisdom and massage has come to be viewed as a luxury and a treat rather than something that is fundamental to our wellbeing. However, research shows that regular skilled massage increases and maintains vital blood and energy flow to organs and cell pockets that have become neglected. It promotes healthy cell growth, and improves stretch and fluidity of muscles and joints. Massage therapist Mirach Duncan said: “It’s time to remember - to enter this new year with zing and pizzazz - for when we give ourselves permission to sink into a receiving state our bodies can work miracles! Once integration is restored, creativity is rekindled, joy bubbles up and new life can grow.” Mirach is an experienced massage therapist specialising in rhythmical flowing touch. She works in central Totnes or in your home. l For more information visit deeptimemassage.com or call 07746416526

Natural, holistic healthcare

INTER viruses and a lot of time indoors can take their toll. As we move into spring our energy levels and general health may be low, so now is a great time to focus on strengthening your health Homeopathy acts as a catalyst for the body’s own healing process as any ailments and symptoms we experience can be a signal of underlying imbalance. Jenny Heaton BA RSHom, who is a registered homeopath based in Dartington, explained: “My aim is to help restore balance while also addressing your symptoms and concerns. I treat you as a whole person and involve you in the process.” A client commented: “I first met Jenny when I was suffering from glandular fever fifteen years ago. Having had no help from the GP, homeopathy did help my recovery. I have been seeing Jenny regularly since and now take a remedy a couple of times a year. I no longer suffer from hay fever, which was a big issue previously, and don’t seem to be as susceptible to the winter colds everyone else gets.” With over twenty years experience Jenny brings maturity and empathy to her practice. She works with people of all ages but has a particular interest in treating babies and children. Jenny said: “I am also a massage practitioner. I trained in therapeutic massage in 1996 after discovering

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

the benefits of massage myself as a client. The opportunity to stop, relax deeply and reconnect with your body means that massage is also a great way to look after your health and wellbeing.” Her clients include busy office workers. One, a computer programmer, commented: “Massage relaxes me both mentally and physically and really helps me stay on top of things in an ever more demanding world.” Originally from Bristol, Jenny moved to Devon a few years ago and combines her therapeutic practice with working as a gardener. She said: “I enjoy the balance between working with people and the earth.” l Jenny is based at the Ola Centre in Totnes. For more information contact her on 07794 288172, or jennytheaton@gmail.com.

Editorial: 01392 346342 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

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

Doing death differently END of Life Doulas act as a ‘friend in death’ for people living with terminal illness or facing the end of their life. They aim to help people who are dying, their families and friends to feel safer and more at peace as the end of life approaches. A doula is a non-medical person who can provide practical, emotional and spiritual support, in whatever way is needed. Awi Frances, who trained as a

Doula with Living Well, Dying Well and now lives in Totnes, offers one-to-one support. This includes help with writing Advance Plans for individuals or groups. She suggests the best time to do this is when you are well to reduce stresses and worries for families at difficult times. Awi will be running workshops in writing Advance Plans and holding ‘cafes’ in South Hams and Torbay. For more information contact Awi on: 07733198607, or email: awifrances@yahoo.co.uk

The fundamental truth about death

Massage with Natalie @ The Library Rooms, Totnes

Massage Tuition with Natalie Massage for Couples Tuition for Massage Therapists Booking essential 07516 720 246 | natalie@loveyogatree.co.uk | www.loveyogatree.co.uk

SHAKE

YOURSELF BETTER

with

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

T was anger and unresolved grief which led me to my vocation as an undertaker, and righteous fervour which ensured that I actually became one. My anger was not just at the funeral industry and the church, although both of these institutions had played a part in the mismanagement of my own bereavement, but towards us all, to a society which had allowed meaningless platitudes and soothing euphemisms to replace the truth about our fragile mortality, and was crushing the opportunity for growth that these fundamental truths offered. And so my professional life began from the starting point of knowing exactly what not to do; numbly sleepwalk through a series of proscribed steps which were largely about not upsetting other people, not letting the panicky contagion of grief out into the wider world. And this is what post war post belief funerals had become, an exercise in keeping up appearances, going through some ritual motions that were no longer applicable, both aesthetically and spiritually. They had moved from their original function as a pledge from one member of the community to another to ‘undertake’ to deal with the dead for the sake of the living, to an exercise in upselling. Flowers, coffins, fancy cars, outdated public displays of private anguish without the comfort of the authority of a trusted and believed in priest. This is all of our faults, and none of our faults. Two world wars in quick succession had industrialised death and delivered a heavy blow to our religious certainties. Things became practical, with no time or space for the prolonged ritualised grieving that the Victorians knew was the best way to approach loss. So we started by stripping it all back. This took time and courage to implement. People still expected a secular funeral to mirror a religious one: three songs, some poetry to replace the bible readings, perhaps even some prayers, so we started by removing the more obvious things: the fancy hearse, expensive to run and out of place anywhere but a church or crematorium; the suited bearers, retired men of a similar height who would shoulder the coffin; a weirdly ornate coffin; itself hardly ever in keeping with the style and taste of the families, and replaced it all with...us. Just us and a Volvo and a coffin that was practical and environmentally friendly. This meant that between us we

Advertising: 01392 346342 adverts@reconnectonline.co.uk

The Green Funeral Company’s Claire and Rupert Callender believe funerals should be more fundamental about the loss of a loved one. Ru reveals how he made it their business to bring a more fundamental truth to proceedings. needed to carry and lower the coffin, and this participation became the foundation on which our whole philosophy was built. Once you have shared out the practical responsibilities, that sense of honest transparency starts to develop until it inevitably becomes part of what you actually say and do. There is no need to pretend that the dead person was a saint, human lives are complicated and messy. There is no need to talk of a better life waiting for us after this one; there might be but none of us know. There is no need to alter our language with 19th century ideas of ‘passing over’ or ‘falling asleep’, they are fooling no one and worse, confusing and frightening children. Once you have rid yourselves of these things that comforted us when we believed them then we can get back to some fundamental truths of our lives; bad things happen to good people for no reason, love and the early lack of it shapes and forms our interactions with everyone we meet, most people are filled with courage and compassion. Being parted from those we love by death is both unbelievably painful and incomprehensibly universal. These are the truths we all hold to be true, and they do not need to be varnished or gilded. They are beautiful. l Visit www. thegreenfuneralcompany. co.uk or email enquiry@ thegreenfuneralcompany.co.uk or call 07759 890 639.

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

WELLBEING Discovering ecotherapy

HAT is ecotherapy? Martin Paine, who runs ‘Well on the Way’ natural healing, psychotherapy, counselling and ecotherapy sets out to explain the approach. “In practice, ecotherapy can mean getting out into nature, getting up close and personal, and engaging in a way that removes or cleanses our filters,” he said. “We are reminded of our membership of the natural community. That is the fun bit. “However, ecotherapy is also the broader or underlying context in which any personal work is undertaken. Environmental activist, author and scholar of Buddhism, Joanna Macy wrote: “Until the late twentieth century, every generation throughout history lived with the tacit certainty that there would be generations to follow. Each assumed, without questioning, that its children and children’s children would walk the same Earth, under the same sky. Hardships, failures, and personal death were encompassed in that vaster assurance of continuity. That certainty is now lost to us, whatever our politics. That loss, unmeasured and immeasurable, is the pivotal psychological reality of our time.”

Enough said….” Martin explained that ecotherapy also has a transpersonal perspective. He said: “Arne Naess, the Norwegian philosopher who coined the term ‘Deep Ecology’, wrote: “Every living being is connected intimately, and from this intimacy follows the capacity of identification…” It is through this deepening identification that the boundaries of our “skinencapsulated ego” (a term used by Gregory Bateson) are loosened. This is the practice of the greening of the self, of the ecological self.” After practicing for many years as a Reichian therapist specialising in character analysis and bodywork, Martin recently re-trained in Natural Healing. This focuses on channeling the universal energy that surrounds and sustains us and connecting with the natural energy and self-healing impetus that is inside everyone. He was also accredited by Joanna Macy as a facilitator of ‘The Work that Reconnects’, for the healing of the Earth. l Well on the Way sessions are held in Exeter and East Devon. For more information contact: 07817 273396. Rooh Star and Agata Krajewska

Time to embrace your unique gifts

HIS is the time of year when our creative seeds begin to sprout and reach out into the world. Stories of Emergence is an autobiographical women’s theatre group established by Agata Krajewska to support this transition and help women manifest their emerging potential. Agata said: “Indigenous elders tell us “when everybody embodies their unique gifts, the world will come into equilibrium”. This work is in support of that return. Our gift is often something we naturally do, but it may be so close to us that we can’t see it!” The group operates on the presumption that “we are already enough”, and participants reflect this truth to each other. “We use the medium of performance to experience our spontaneous unfolding and receive welcome,” explained Agata. “We also look at the connection between the wound and the gift.” The group is subsidized for women coming out of illness and is held in Ashburton, starting on February 6,

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

and Totnes, starting on March 3. Bringing your Gifts in Uncertain Times is a funded group for younger women (18-26). It is held by Agata and Rooh Star over four Saturdays, starting on March 14. Agata said: “As a young woman today, you are faced with numerous pressures: to look and act a certain way, to succeed in today’s changing and uncertain world. Not to mention making big decisions about your future, whilst your emotions run wild and confidence wavers. “We are offering you time in nature with women of your own age, to play and explore what you want to share with the world from your heart. “Using drama, stories, reflective writing and play; working both indoors and outdoors, we will engage with the potential of being enough to offer your gifts. We will address other subjects important to young women such as self-care, relationship with the body, sexuality and more. It will help you to nourish your dreams and find your truth.” l For more information visit:www. theatreofawakening.co.uk

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

39 39

WELLBEING Stories for Change

Autobiographical Theatre for Well-Being with Agata Krajewska, Phil Barber and Rooh Star

Lottery Funded and part-funded groups in Feb/March 2020:

* “Stories of Emergence” for women * Stories of MEN workshops * “Bringing your Gifts” for women age 18-26 Please contact us to register. Agata: 0779 500 2816 Phil: 0775 9588 071

www.theatreofawakening.co.uk

Silence and sound for healing

HE sound of silence is something that is increasingly difficult to hear in our busy, frenetic world. Sound healer Teresa Wickstead said: “The world we live in is gathering speed and volume. We are frequently assaulted by ambient noise: traffic, planes, the constant intrusions of personal and mass media, smart phone, radio, TV and background music. Many of us work, walk, run or drive accompanied by a personal soundtrack. In this frenetic sound-scape, it is health-giving to allow ourselves some silence. Even in the countryside, however, this can be tricky to achieve.” Absolute silence is something that can only exist when all background noise is obliterated and this can be more or less impossible. However, Teresa said: “The relative silence of my warm yurt by the sea is a nourishing environment in which to heal. “The sound healing I practise uses specifically chosen sounds, primarily my voice… Toning is always interspersed with short silences and the silences are as vital as the sounds. During these pauses, targeted sound waves are still flowing through the body, penetrating the energy fields around the body and the emotional field, thus integrating the healing. The silences allow me to listen to my inner voice and intuitively sense the needs of my client.” Teresa describes, during a recent healing session in her yurt, hearing robins, a wren, a distant seagull, leaves on the roof, the patter of rain and powerful roar of waves breaking just below the garden. Inside, she could hear the calm, slowed breathing of a client experiencing deep relaxation. All exterior sounds are comfortably muffled by the yurt walls, which are lined with thick yak wool from Mongolia. Teresa said: “During the silences between sounds, I am focussing all my healing intention to benefit the client, and whilst toning, I use my hands to transmit the energy of sound more powerfully.” Clients have been helped with sleep problems, anxiety, raised blood pressure and depression. Other effects include the release of trauma, change from negative to more positive thought patterns, elimination of physical pain and receiving deeper perceptions of life situations. l For a free first appointment email teresa@teresawicksteed.co.uk

Helping you in your time of grief

ELL, it’s all over... All of the cooking, the conversations started (and possibly concluded or possibly not), the avoidance of painful memories or painful people, the opening of hearts and minds (and maybe finding yourself surprised, delighted, exhausted)…. We’re talking about a funeral (not Christmas!) and counsellor, Susan Hollins said that the aftermath of the funeral is where our life in bereavement really starts. And it is hard. “The funeral, followed by the wake, brought your relatives and friends together, with a focus on reminiscing, recalling, remembering. Briefly you were at the centre of it all. But when everyone returns to their homes, how do you continue to put one foot in front of another? How soon will people stop asking how you are? How quickly will people expect you to be feeling better and getting on with life once more? “You may feel that people are actively avoiding you so that they don’t have to see how sad you are. Or you may avoid people because you’ve no wish to ‘infect’ anyone else with your fathomless sorrow. You may start to wonder how long you will have to craft your ‘public face’ – your brave face – so that no-one can see how wretched you feel.” Susan explained that we are conditioned to believe that we should engage with our grief in isolation, and that we shouldn’t

40 40

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

talk about our loss for more than a few weeks after it has happened. “We think we should ‘be strong’ for others and keep our sorrow to ourselves. Our worst social belief by far is that time is a great healer. In reality, it’s how we use this time to help us heal that’s important.” Susan believes these social beliefs can be damaging to grieving people. She points out that bereavement can and does isolate us, but this doesn’t need to be a permanent state of affairs. “Loss, death, grief are normal parts of human life. By meeting with others to talk about our experience and by seeking out counselling to help us negotiate particularly challenging parts of our grief, we help ourselves to heal far more readily than by remaining silent, stoic, isolated, or overwhelmed.” l For more information email: susan@susanhollins.co or phone: 07918 671476 or visit www. susanhollinscounselling.co.uk

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

The Caduceus - a modern fairytale What does

your heart want ?

TOTNES author, Lucie Dudley, has written a modern-day fairytale for a world in crisis. The Caduceus explores one of the important questions of our time – how can we get our broken world back into balance and harmony? The novel is set in an imaginary market town called Porrick and told through the eyes of Dinah, an intuitive and sensitive single mother. Described by Lucie as “a tale of love, magic and unravelling the mystery of life”, the events of the story are sparked by an evening of past-life regression during which Dinah finds herself experiencing the world as Flora, a 19th century girl who is living in fear of her life. Dinah is shaken by the experiences and decides it is time for a change. She moves to the mysterious market town of Porrick, only to find that everyone she meets there are strangely familiar. Lucie said: “The Caduceus has been eight years in the writing. Through Dinah, the novel explores the state of the world we now find ourselves in and offers a deeper look into what is needed to get ourselves back into a place of balance (the Caduceus as an emblem represents inner and outer balance). “I believe that the imbalance between the sexes has led to a broader imbalance in our world. I explore this idea in depth through Dinah’s journey towards greater insight and understanding.” It is a

HERE do I go from here? What is my next step? What direction is right

magical and insightful tale infused with encounters with spirit.” Former Independent journalist and author, David Randall, who wrote the foreword for The Caduceus, described the novel as “intriguing” and “original.” Lucie added: “I wanted to offer some insight and hope during these times of chaos and to show that positive change is possible and that we all have the power to bring about a happier, more joyful future for ourselves and our descendants.” l The novel is available on Amazon, Kobo and Barnes & Noble as a paperback and ebook.

for me? Whether personal or professional, these are the questions people often bring to Bell Bartlett, particularly at this time of year, as the Winter recedes, light returns and the sap is rising. Bell is a professional psychic reader with 40 years’ experience of working with the Tarot, a background of Shamanic training and a Buddhist practice. She said: “It is natural to meet the Spring with enthusiasm for the potential of a bright new vision or to revitalise a vision that may have experienced disappointments and obstacles in the past.” So, what is your vision? What does your heart want? Bell often asks people to consider this question. She said: “When we are following what resonates deeply with our heart, we can keep going towards that bright vision, no matter what. To say we are living in challenging times would be an understatement, but we are also very fortunate to have access to help of many kinds.” Bell’s readings offer practical suggestions, information (how/

Bell Bartlett is a gifted psychic tarot reader with 40 years experience what/when/where), a long view with a broad perspective and, frequently, options that you may not have considered. “A reading is like a support system which can give you the tools and information you need to help make the changes you want to see in your life, and in the world,” she explained. “Sometimes we reach the end of a chapter in our lives and we don’t know what we want next. If this resonates with you, then a reading can shine light on the path and illuminate a direction which would serve you well.” Whether your vision is bright and shining or unclear at the moment, a reading with Bell could help to provide clarity for yourself, your family or your business. One client recently described her support as “ridiculously helpful”. l For more information contact 07796 900509 or visit www. conscious-tarot.co.uk

Exciting news from The Nautilus Rooms

F you think you recognise the name Dr Alexandra Lagaisse, you’d be right. Dr Lagaisse is a Chartered and Registered Clinical Psychologist whose work is featured in the Sunday Times Bestselling book Battle Scars. A biography of Channel 4’s Jason Fox, the book charts his journey with mental health following a successful career in the military and the work he engaged in with Ally in a local woodland in Devon. Ally recently left her NHS role to focus on her work at the Nautilus Rooms in Totnes and says she is excited to be working at the centre and outdoors, working flexibly to meet each person’s needs. She has over 15 years of clinical experience, working in different settings - with survivors of torture for a human rights organisation, with women and families in the perinatal period and in general adult mental health. She has a specialist interest in trauma and working creatively. Speaking about the book Battle Scars, she said: “The book’s success has been a wonderful opportunity to enable more conversations to be had around men’s mental health. It is one of my primary concerns how few safe spaces there are in our culture for men to really feel seen and heard in their experiences.” Ally’s message in the book is one of challenging the mainstream approach, which tends to pathologise individuals. She advocates understanding most symptoms as a normal reaction to challenging situations. Ally says with more conscious awareness of our trauma we can work to heal it and transform years of pain

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

into the opportunity for change and healing. l For more information call 07779 080932 or email info@alexandralagaisse.com. www. alexandralagaisse.com Training in the creative therapies continue to thrive at the Nautilus Rooms. In April there is another of the popular Introduction to Sandplay weekend courses and in the autumn a Diploma in Integrative Sandplay Therapy will run, as well as a Diploma in Therapeutic Art. Ruth Baker said: “It’s wonderful to see the growth practitioners experience on these courses, both personally and professionally.” l For more information contact Ruth on ruthbaker1@gmail.com A new CoDA group is starting in Totnes on Thursday evenings, facilitated by Gerry and Tilly. CoDA (Co-dependents Anonymous) is a worldwide fellowship for people who have difficulty in maintaining healthy, functional relationships with others. It is an informal self-help group for people with a common interest in working through the problems that co-dependency has caused in their lives. CoDA is based on AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) and uses an adapted version of their Twelve Steps and Traditions as a central part of its suggested programme of recovery. There are a number of characteristics that can indicate co-dependency, including seeking the approval of others to produce good feelings about yourself and excessive mental attention focused on a loved one.

Dr Alexandra Lagaisse To attend CoDA meetings, all you need is the willingness to work at having healthy relationships. This means that all kinds of people attend. Individual members can and do have differing political, religious and other affiliations, but since these are not relevant to the business of recovery from co-dependency, no comment is made about them. Meetings begin with an introduction, which usually includes the Twelve Steps. There may also be a speaker. The meeting is then open for people to share their experiences, feelings and recovery with the group, although there is no obligation to share if you don’t wish to. l For more information call: Gerry on 07759756306 or Tilly on 07534252498

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

WELLBEING

THE DIVINE FEMININE THERAPIST, facilitator and writer Sapphira de la Terre explores empowerment and awakening form a feminine perspective. Body Wisdom Coaching is a powerful therapy used to treat energy disorders such as M.E, Fibromyalgia and CFS. Using the messages from the body as our guide, we restore the mind/body connection allowing health to return. Fiona Montgomery Tel: 07920 461400 | Email: fionamonty1@gmail.com www.bodywisdomcoaching.co.uk

Win-Win-Win-Win Again

UPPOSING spiritual awakening were not some dry old dusty path involving abstinence, self righteousness and withdrawing from the world? Supposing it were instead a miraculous journey of feeling more and more alive in your body, deeply connected with yourself and others, and being increasingly abundant, joyful, and peaceful?

And supposing your pathway to this awake, alive, connected life were doing exactly what you’re doing right now? Well… that is exactly how it is. Spiritual awakening is not separate from life. All of life is a constant process of spiritual awakening. You can’t get away from it! I used to do insane amounts of meditation, and hang out in monasteries doing silent retreats. It was a profoundly positive experience for me, and I felt blissed out. But I was living in entirely in my head. All it needed for my blissed-out state to come crashing down was a short visit to my family. And I had thought I was so evolved. Not! Looking back, I now describe that period of my life as ‘lost in the transpersonal’. Sure, I was evolving, but only from the neck up. I was trapped in a spiritual bubble, cut off from myself and other people. This is not true awakening. And it is a pain in the neck for the people around you because they end up feeling pushed away and not spiritual enough - unless, of course, they’re playing the same game. Meditation and other traditional spiritual practices are immensely helpful, and for many reasons. They can, for example, give you valuable breathing space from your ‘stuff’. But unfortunately your ‘stuff’ is all still there, lurking below the level of consciousness. All it takes is a visit to your family… By ‘stuff’ I mean the emotional baggage that we all have the difficult things that have happened to us that we haven’t yet let go of. True awakening happens as we finally do so.

Advertising: 01392 346342 adverts@reconnectonline.co.uk

Which potentially happens when we actively engage with the challenges of our daily lives: a complex relationship; issues at work; a particularly daring goal: even a stupid parking ticket can potentially be your ticket to awakening. But you do need to engage with whatever is happening - to open up, be human, messy and vulnerable. Which obviously sounds pretty scary. Unless you have effective tools to enable you to swiftly move through it all, and supportive people to hold you through the process. In which case it can actually be fun, enlivening and a massive relief. You don’t have to pretend any more. Or keep it together. You don’t have to try and be perfect all the time. This is true awakening dissolving whatever blocks you from being fully yourself. At the same time you invariably also feel more alive in your body, more joyful and peaceful, and more connected to yourself and to the world. And you simultaneously get to be healthier and more abundant.

It’s a win-win-win-win-winwin-win!

It’s also what gives meaning to our lives. As all of consciousness evolves, we get to understand more fully what spiritual awakening really is. It turns out, it’s just about becoming more ourselves - who we truly are. And it’s available to all of us right now - not just to a handful of Tibetan monks in a few more lifetimes. l Sapphira offers one 1-21 sessions, courses and workshops, as well as a personal retreats in her home in Totnes. You can either work with whatever issue is challenging you right now, or choose a theme eg honing your hearts desires, strengthening boundaries, power and radiance in menopause. See her website for a full list of potential themes as well as articles and videos. www.Sapphira.com or 01803 862628. This article has been reprinted from last issue, because the first sentence was missed out last time. Our apologies Sapphira.

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

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

coaching

HEART aligned coaching / clutter clearing coaching offers a safe, dynamic container to support you to align with your natural wisdom & creative flow. Individual & Groups / In Person & Online. Camilla Armstrong, Certified Coach, 07944 694210, heartalignedliving@ gmail.com, www. heartalignedliving.com

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 April/May issue is March 1. Call Scott on 01392 346342 or email adverts@reconnectonline.co.uk.

EXPERIENCED Integrative Counsellor, offering Counselling & Supervision. MBACP Accredited. Supporting Individuals and Couples.Totnes and Exeter. www. tracygrovescounselling. com, 07599882741

ECO-THERAPY on Dartmoor. Using a nature-based map of the psyche you will receive guidance for self-generated ceremony to claim Wholeness. Rebecca@ naturewisdom.life http://naturewisdom.life

END OF LIFE DOULA

COUNSELLING

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

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

SHAMANIC HEALING 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 ONLINE supervision Bodywork Sessions face and Therapy: Diana to face. All guided by Collins: Qualified art Bee Wisdom. www. psychotherapist with 20 thevoiceofthebees.com or years’ experience working call 07754 779 282. with adults (outpatient groups) and specialising in work with young people in CAMHS, school and inpatient settings. HCPC registered Trainee supervision provided for creative therapists and allied professionals, with observance of ethics and professional guidelines. dianacollinsarttherapist@ gmail.com 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

Shiatsu

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.

MELANIE Ward SHIATSU Sensitive, powerful bodywork. SHADOW WORK Intensive experiential process work. Transform unconscious patterns that hold you back. Chagford. 07581375988 www. melaniewardshiatsu. co.uk

WORKSHOPS & MEETINGS Exeter Greenpeace Meeting for members/supporters in the Phoenix Arts Centre Cafe at 6.30pm, 2nd Wednesday of each month. Feb 26 KindaDeath afternoon 2pm Moorheart Threshold Singers and 3pm Death Cafe at KindaPlace, Preston Sands, Paignton Mar 25 KindaDeath afternoon Advance Plans and Death Cafe at KindaPlace, Preston Sands, Paignton

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

‘FRIEND in Death’, supporting people living with life-limiting illness, and their families and friends. Awi Frances 07733198607 Member of EOL Doula UK www.eol-doula.uk

PSYCHOTHERAPY

DAVID OXLEY MA: Fully qualified Accredited BACP counsellor and psychotherapist. Psychosynthesis and Core Process. Working with Relationship, Depth, Integrity and Soul. Central Exeter, Totnes and Plymouth. www.thisbeingnow. co.uk, 07876051093

REFLEXOLOGY

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.

Angela Andrew Chiropodist/Podiatrist, Reﬂexologist

Offering caring and professional treatments in the comfort of your own home. Podiatry treatments: all aspects of diabetic footcare including diabetic assessments, problem toenails, corns, hard skin etc. Reflexology benefits: non-invasive complimentary therapy to enhance sleep, aid relaxation, release tension, improve mood, help with general wellbeing

Mobile 07976 069480

Email: more info: aafootfix.com

yoga therapy

YOGA & Movement Therapy: Body oriented sessions integrating gentle yoga, somatic movement and embodied relaxation for mental health and wellbeing. Trauma informed. Hayley Price: 07832979038, www. integrativeembodiment. uk

safe space to share for therapists

a fortnightly space to share and be held, heard and seen no advice, no leader, no charge just a donation for advertising 01803 862628 or sourceress@hotmail.co.uk for a chat or an email Alyer

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

Editorial: 01392 346342 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk