Reconnect Issue #57 by ReConnect Magazine

The good living and community magazine for Exeter, Plymouth and across South Devon OCT/NOV 18 ISSUE 57

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

Devon's autumnal delights

Pleas e tak e one

FREE !

A cornucopia of bountiful local produce

woodland wilding Getting connected with nature

our wellbeing pages Yoga, meditation, embodiment and more

find the best entertainment With our local going out guide

Your free local community life loving magazine full of inspiration, and information - powered by the people!

Visit us online at www.reconnectonline.co.uk

Here at ENHC we offer a wide range of complementary therapies provided by experienced and highly professional practitioners. The centre, which has been established since 2001, is also renowned for its excellence in training courses. Conveniently situated in the city centre, we have full reception cover and beautiful spacious treatment rooms for therapists to hire or, for bigger workshops, courses and classes, we have a well appointed large training room. Please call on 01392 422555 for more details.

ASK ABOUT OUR START UP SCHEME FOR NEW PRACTITIONERS Starts at only £50 per month for unlimited ad hoc hours!

SUSAN HOLLINS Counselling

Ali Morrish Jungian Therapist 01392 422555 working with psyche, soul and dreams

IEMT can help with a range of issues Laura is an IEMT Master Practitioner/ Life Coach.

Exeter Natural Health Centre 83-84 Queen Street, EX4 3RP

“ I feel like a new person”

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

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Email: devonreﬂexology@hotmail.com

Free ﬁrst appointment

www.susanhollinscounselling.co.uk 07918 671476

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

ANNA PARIS Ac.M.MBAC Traditional acupuncture, Toyohari, 5 element & Manaka styles E: amparis1@btinternet.com

LESLEY HARPER

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

• Bereavement Counsellor offering Individual Counselling and hosting Bereavement Groups • Life Coach specialising in major life changes and choices • Shamanic Practitioner offering Shamanic Healing and Soul Retrieval • Training for businesses in the understanding of the impact of bereavement upon staff wellbeing

Solution Focused • Insomnia • Stress and anxiety • Fears and phobias • Sports performance • Skin problems

• Stop smoking • Weight management • Compulsive behaviour • Exam nerves • Pain relief

Nutritional Therapy T. 07968 752032 • E. info@lesleyharper.co.uk www.lesleyharper.co.uk

ALI MORRISH RSHOM Jungian Therapist / Dream work T. 01392 422555

CAROLINE TWIGG

FAMILY HOMEOPATH PRACTISING IN EXETER FOR 25 YEARS

Holistic Therapy Treatments available: Swedish massage, Reflexology, Indian Head Massage and Reiki F. Facebook @Caroline Twigg Holistic Therapy T. 07879737772 E. carolinetwigg2@gmail.com www.caroline-twigg.squarespace.com

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

CATALYST FOR CHANGE HYPNOSIS

solutions@amberhypnotherapy.co.uk 07955 317655 www.amberhypnotherapy.co.uk FB: Amber Hypnotherapy

Mo Morrish at Exeter Natural Health Centre

Katherine Jenkins T. 01392811836 • 07890364847 www.hypnosisexeter.com

SUSAN HOLLINS

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

01392 214074 • mo@thehomoeopathicpractice.co.uk

Bereavement Counselling for Individuals, and for Groups of no more than 8 people at a time. T. 07918 671476 www.susanhollins.co

Visit www.thehomoeopathicpractice.co.uk

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Upfront

WELCOME...

IT'SWHAT WE'REABOUT

Broughttoyou by...

INTHISISSUE...

TRANSITION FILMS

A festival of amazing stories EDITOR Scott Williams

SHAREFEST

Celebrating collaboration

WHAT MAKES US HAPPY 9 EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Karen Williams

WELLBEING EDITOR Kate Philbin

Grateful for an answer

GOING OUT

Places to go, people to see

ECO INSPIRATION

Community housing

ORGANIC GARDENING16 Autumnal clear up

COUNSELLOR WRITER Leigh Smith

ORCHARD LINK

20 years of apple fun

Devon’s arts - page 22

NOURISHING FOOD The flu fighters

ELDERSHIP

Mental help for the young

REGIONAL ARTS

A cavalcade of creativity

LOVE PARENTING

Nurturing children

WELLBEING PAGES

to the October/November issue of Reconnect. I do love how this magazine just grows organically out of nothing to take shape as the diverse read you now hold in your hands (unless you’re reading online). Inside you’ll find that this issue is chock full of articles, news and views and things to do from coast to countryside over the coming months and beyond. Whether it’s exploring nature outside or your own wellbeing inside, doing something with the family or just feeling connected to your community by reading about everything that’s happening on your doorstep, we’re here to keep you informed. Now that this issue is finished, it’s straight on to our Christmas/New Year issue (yes, already, I know!) and we’re also having a wedding thread to the content too; that could well be because my daughter is getting married next year. If you want to be in the next issue, then call me on 01392 346342 now, it’s set to be a popular one. t x

Scot

COVERSTORY... The good living and community magazine for Exeter, Plymouth and across South Devon OCT/NOV 18 ISSUE 57

produce k energy k land k homes k community k wellbeing k arts

Devon's autumnal delights

Please take one

FREE !

A cornucopia of bountiful local produce

woodland wilding

Getting connected with nature

Our holistic health guide

EMOTIONAL HEALTH 28

GARDENING EXPERT Joa Grower

WEBSITE EDITORS www.doetsdesign.com

TECHNICAL AIDE Zelah Williams

STAY IN TOUCH...

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

Yoga, meditation, embodiment and more

Therapeutic value of pets Nature wisdom - page 31

FOOD WRITER Jane Hutton

our wellbeing pages

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DEC/JAN issue out end of November - next deadline Nov 2 THESMALL PRINT... PUBLISHED BY Reconnect Magazine, 18 Millin Way, Dawlish Warren EX7 0EP PRINTED BY Kingﬁsher Print, Wills Rd, Totnes www.kingﬁsherprint.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 sustainable sources. It is printed using vegetable-based inks and biodegradable fount solution. The paper is 50 per cent post-consumer waste and 50 per cent virgin ﬁbre (from a sustainable source), chlorine-free and FSC® Certiﬁed (www.fsc-uk.org). All by-products of the production and printing processes are recycled. Please recycle this magazine by passing it on to someone else after you’ve read it

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

Editorial: 01392 346342 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

news&views Fantasy film

TIM Archibald from Tiverton is making a Dark Ages dramatic fantasy film called Skarnen. The film project will celebrate rural craftsmanship, building amongst other things hand-built coracles and extensive leather pieces for costumes. Tim is currently fundraising the unique project. See tinyurl.com/ y8cn68pp for more.

Break up & shine

KINGSBRIDGE’s Harbour House presents a new workshop on October 13 with 10 ways to change how you feel about your break-up - a positive group workshop to help you move on from divorce or break-up, with qualified counsellor and author Marissa Walter.

True north

DEVON-based musician Phillip Henry (he of duo Edgelarks with Hannah Martin) releases solo album True North on October 5. He will be showcasing it at Exeter Phoenix on October 25 and will also be offering a slide guitar workshops that day.

Holistic event

DARTINGTON Hall will be hosting a free Holistic & Wellbeing Weekend on October 27-28 from10am4pm featuring over 70 therapists/treatments, clairvoyants, and holistic gift suppliers, and an all day programme of talks, workshops, demonstrations, live music, and meditations.

Calendar

Cartoonist Tony Husband together with Exeter Dementia have created a 2019 calendar titled ‘Exeter Dementia Action Alliance Shining a light on dementia’. They will be ready and printed by mid October see exeterdementia.org.uk for more details.

Food festival

Dartmouth Food Festival returns on October 19-21 to showcase South West produce, local restaurants and chefs.

Good energy

This sunny summer saw record levels of electricity being generated from solar power. In late June, solar power generation briefly exceeded that of gas fired stations, or indeed any other form of generation. Meanwhile, future large scale solar farms may be viable without the need for subsidy. The national shift to renewables for energy could well be inexorable.

National autumn beach and river clean Surfers Against Sewage begin their National Autumn Beach and River Clean thrust on October 20-28. Since its launch in 2011 this project has seen over 28,000 volunteers remove 80,000kg of plastic pollution at 932 Autumn Beach Clean events. Ocean Protector Beccy Rogers, the Regional Rep for Surfers Against Sewage, will host some at Mothecombe and Stoke and hopefully Bantham too. You can check her Facebook page for up-to date info @ Beccy Rogers Yoga. Beccy said: “Join us in saving our beautiful waters.” See the SAS website to find your local rep for information - www.sas.org.uk.

Five days of amazing films across Totnes THE fourth annual Transition Town Totnes Film Festival (TTTFF18) takes place from November 13-18. Across various Totnes screening venues the event offers five days of amazing films. We take a look at what the highlights include… The Importance of the Oceans: UK PREMIERE of Sharkwater: Extinction by Rob Stewart, the film-maker and conservationist who died while making this film. We honour his life by showing two of his films. Sharkwater: Extinction investigates the pirate fishing industry, uncovering corruption and a multibillion dollar scandal. Revolution explores the environmental threats posed to the oceans & world - and how young people are helping to find solutions. Food and Agriculture: In The Worm is Turning we see the devastating effects of chemical agriculture in the Indian Punjab. In our Hands explores the idea of food sovereignty, and shows a global movement taking back control of the food system. Social Justice: Disturbing the Peace follows the transformational journeys of Israeli and Palestinian fighters, from soldiers to peace activists. Power Trip highlights how media and lobby groups shape the public perception of fracking, and what happens when local people fight back. Films by and about Women: As 2018 marks the centenary of some women getting the vote in the UK, we celebrate the achievements and struggles of women. Almost half the films have the F-Rating, a classification for any film directed or written by a woman. What Tomorrow Brings follows one year in the life of the first all-girls school in a conservative Afghan village. The Barefoot Artist chronicles the life of Lily Yeh, a community-based artist in some of the world’s most troubled areas. TTTFF18 takes place in three venues: The Barn Cinema at Dartington, Totnes Cinema and Totnes Civic Hall. Co-organiser Nick Hart Williams said: “We are delighted to collaborate with the Barn Cinema again. They will be showing Tawai in which Bruce Parry explores how human relationships with nature influence our societies, as well as Albatross, revealing the effect of plastic on thousands of albatross chicks. “Totnes Cinema joins us for the first time, showing films and hosting a poetry, film and music event. Poet Matt Harvey, collaborating with artist Claudia Schmid , is followed by the jazz group Shadow Factory performing live accompaniment to The Seashell and the Clergyman – the first surrealist film, directed by Germaine Dulac in 1928. Plus FREE on Saturday afternoon Next Generation, short films by young people. “Most films offer discussion time with either film-makers or local experts, including Rob Hopkins, Jacqi Hodgson and Guy Watson. There are also four free workshops: two on animation (one each for children and adults), a guided walk discovering birds with Tony Whitehead, and another on Craftivism – radical activism through crafts. Co-organiser Joan Crawford said: “We are very excited about the range and depth of the programme – make a date for mid-November and join us!”

Launch in the woods NEW women’s magazine AEVA (more info on page 10) will be holding their launch party on Saturday October 20 from 6.30pm – 10.30pm. Held in a woodland setting in Dartington, by the fire, and under canopy it will feature an evening of storytelling, song, performance and poetry with Sarah Mooney (pictured), Isabella Lazlo, Bella Lilley, Rooh Star, India Rose, and ‘The River Ensemble’ featuring Fran Andre & Holly Ebony. Organiser Isabella Lazlo

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said: “The evening promises to be a delightful weaving of soulful creativity, community and of course delicious Soup, Chai and cake!” Tickets are available from the website www.aevamagazine.co.uk under events.

Vaccinating badgers

PAIGNTON Zoo with Whitley Wildlife Conservation Trust are vaccinating wild badgers. It’s part of a multi-faceted plan to defeat TB, which was found at the charity zoo last year. The zoo want to protect the wild badgers as well as the Zoo’s exotic species. Paignton Zoo spokesperson Phil Knowling said: “We had to put our name on a waiting list for vaccine - last year there was a worldwide shortage. We’ve acquired specialist equipment, done the training and obtained a license to trap and inject wild badgers. “We hope to vaccinate as many animals as possible, both adults and juveniles. We will have to do this for a number of years to build up the immunity of the badger group.” The Zoo’s plan, developed with the Animal and Plant Health Agency, also includes making changes to animal husbandry practices and badger-proofing some enclosures. Because TB means a ban on the movement of mammals in and out of the Zoo, staff are also working to prevent breeding in certain mammal species. Staff have been taught to look for badgers in the field, follow biosecurity guidelines, plan and site traps, trap badgers safely, handle vaccines and vaccinate wild badgers. For more information go to www.paigntonzoo. org.uk.

Charity shopping trip

HANNAHS is organising a very special Christmas Shopping Trip to London on December 1. Thanks to the very generous support of GWR, Hannahs will be hosting a whole carriage on the Plymouth to London train with passengers able to board the train at Plymouth or Newton Abbot. The day return tickets are just £80 each. Each ticket holder will receive a special goody bag. All proceeds will go to the Dame Hannah Rogers Charity. For more information and to book tickets see www. discoverhannahs.org/whats-on/christmasshopping-trip-to-london.

OTTER Garden Centres has added to their existing green credentials with the installation of free EV car charging points at the company’s Ottery St Mary, Plymouth, Wincanton and Lymington branches. Each station is capable of charging two vehicles. Managing Director Jacqui Taylor explained their latest in a series of green initiatives: “We already use biomass boilers, solar panels and rainwater harvesting and opt for biological rather than chemical pest controls in our three growing nurseries. Through these car charging stations, we can give something back to our customers who go the extra green mile on the road.”

NEWS&views Local wellbeing fund welcomes applications

Wool gathering

Spinners, weavers, dyers, felters, knitters, breeders and all wool enthusiasts will come together at Buckfastleigh’s Wool Gathering Autumn 2018 taking place on October 21, at South West Wool Works.

Dance shows

PLYMOUTH’s Barbican Theatre will be bringing two professional dance productions to The Plymouth Athenaeum stage this autumn; James Wilton Dance’s ‘The Storm’ on October 5 and Avant Garde Dance’s Fagin’s Twist on October 19.

Pound kitchen

ALSO in Plymouth the new Pound Kitchen in Frankfort Gate is now open. The takeaway and food shop where everything costs £1 is the brainchild of Tamar Fresh, who supply fresh produce to the region’s restaurants and shops. They stock the Pound Kitchen by “upcycling” unbought stock that otherwise might end up in the bin.

Red hot cabaret TOTNES Cinema will be hosting their 2nd red hot cabaret of words and music on October 11.

I Eat for life nutrition course RECONNECT food expert, Jane Hutton, is holding The Eat For Life nutrition course from October with a local group in Plymouth and an online group. Jane believes eating healthily and the science of nutrition have become an over-complicated, faddy and confusing part of everyday life that should, in essence, be easy. Jane believes that nothing should be simpler than nourishing ourselves properly every day. Food is the foundation of our physical and mental health, energy, mood and daily function. In her course Jane will make it simple, taking nutri-students through a foundational understanding of food, nutrition, health and daily diet over six months. Jane will combine monthly meetings, in Plymouth for the local group or via Zoom virtual conference room for the online group, with fortnightly lessons, delivered via a building manual of information and video, and membership of a closed group. There’s even a certificate of achievement at the end of the course. Jane said: “For those who want to really get a grip on nutrition, healthy eating and food for everyday life, for their own benefit and the family’s, this is for you.” Find out more at www.trinityholistics.co.uk/ event/eat-for-life-nutrition-course/

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NDIVIDUALS and community groups with good ideas to boost personal, community and environmental wellbeing locally in Totnes and adjacent parishes are invited to apply to the Totnes Wellbeing Fund, an initiative from the local charity the Network of Wellbeing (NOW). Applications must be in by 6pm Friday December 21 2018. The Totnes Wellbeing Fund offers grants up to £500 to help new initiatives, which preferably have not yet received external funding. Project Coordinator Mirella Ferraz commented: “We’re looking for people with great ideas that will improve the community’s wellbeing, and need a little financial help. The Totnes Wellbeing Fund intends to give that help in the belief that supporting small changes can make a big difference to wellbeing”. Most recent funded projects include the Bodykind Festival, Creative Journeys, Honouring the Day, Nourishing Families and Recent Reads initiatives. Those wishing to apply can find an application pack on NOW’s website (http://www.networkofwellbeing.org). Contact mirella@ networkofwellbeing.org or telephone: 01803 849107.

Embercombe goes wild

MBERCOMBE are preparing their wild spaces, courses and events, ready to reopen next year with an new ‘Wild Embercombe’ schedule of programmes and offerings to get people to “re-enchanted through their relationship with nature and themselves.” Expect talks, collaborations, festivals and workshops with leaders in the field of rewilding and regeneration; of culture, of the environment and of the individual. Revised and refreshed core programmes will be deepening inquiry into our connection to this land and to each other. Founder Mac Macartney talks about the movement of ecological rewilding in his latest book ‘The Children’s Fire, heart song of a people’ to be launched this autumn. Get involved on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/ Embercombe/. For those with an interest in ‘rewilding’ there’s a chance to get involved email marketing@embercombe.org

Editorial: 01392 346342 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

news&views Simple mindfulness for mental health day

ORLD Mental Health Day takes place on Tuesday October 10, and mindfulness and nature charity The Sharpham Trust suggests that taking a moment to put down the phone or tablet and get outdoors will improve your overall sense of well-being. “Sometimes the problems that people experience with their mental health come from being disconnected from a meaningful connection to themselves, to other people and to nature. Through our electronic devices we feel like we are connected but actually it’s sometimes a superficial connection,” says Ben Ballard, Programme & Development Manager at the Trust. Mindfulness and meditation includes a process of (re)connection, Ben adds: “Through the practice of mindfulness you turn your awareness inward to observe and connect to your thoughts and feelings. Then there’s a connection outwardly with other people through compassion and sharing – and in the context of connecting to nature.”

Here is a simple nature mindfulness practice (from Claire Thompson’s book, Mindfulness & The Natural World, available from Sharpham’s bookstore) to practice improving your connection to yourself and your natural surroundings: For just ten minutes of a walk that you do regularly, bring your attention to the experience of walking and become aware of any pleasurable sensations you notice, either in your body and its step-by-step movements or in the natural world around you – sunlight and shadows, the breeze blowing past, the feelings of warmth or cold, the scents in the air, the colours of flowers and trees, the songs of birds, the sounds of insects and other animals. Each time you get distracted by your thoughts, acknowledge this, and gently bring your mind back to your senses. Enjoy the simple pleasure of being alive and part of life all around you.

ShareFest celebrates collaboration THE Share Shed - Totnes’s Library of Things - in partnership with the US group Shareable and the Network of Wellbeing (NOW) will be hosting their first ShareFest onth Saturday November 24 at Totnes Civic Hall. This event, one of over fifty ShareFests held around the world, will celebrate 24th Nov, 10am to 5pm all things related to sharing, repairing, swapping Totnes Civic Hall and making, and help people to connect with Free and family-friendly others who share their passion whilst reflecting on how to live more creatively - and sustainable. Celebrate all things related to sharing, repairing, swapping and making! The free event will be an opportunity to showcase a wide range of projects that encourage a more resourceful, collaborative, creative and sustainable lifestyle, as well as provide examples of sharing initiatives from all over the world. The family-friendly event will offer a variety of activities such as skillshares on tool sharpening, lino print cards, and wallets made out of tetra pack; a Repair Corner where menders from tech equipment to sewing experts Organised by: will be able to help people have their things repaired; local musicians sharing their talent, including a wild singing workshop for little ones; and swaps of clothes and books. There’ll also be delicious food, music, children’s games and much more. The organisers are looking for collaborators, volunteers, sponsors and event/workshop proposals for the ShareFest Totnes. More information can be found at the ShareFest Totnes Facebook further contact mirella@networkofwellbeing.org event For page. Forinformation, further information, contact mirella@ networkfowellbeing.org or visit www.networkofwellbeing.org.

24 Nov, 10am to 5pm Totnes Civic Hall

Free and family-friendly Organised by:

Celebrate all things related to sharing, repairing, swapping and making! For further information, contact mirella@networkofwellbeing.org

TITCH FEST, a

weekend full of yarnrelated fun, is back across venues in the centre of Totnes on the weekend of November 3-4. Now in its third year, the festival will showcase some of the best independent makers, dyers, spinners

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and teachers in the industry with some exciting new exhibitors to add to last year’s. Hosted by Saj Collyer and Caroline Voaden, Stitch Fest will again use the Civic Hall and Grove School as marketplaces and additional teaching spaces for a great timetable of knitting, crochet, spinning, dyeing and felting workshops. Tickets and workshop places are on sale at www.stitchfest.co.uk

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NEWS&views Businesses benefit from start up scheme

EVERAL newly qualified therapists and many therapists who are newcomers to the area, have benefited from Exeter Natural Health Centre’s popular Start Up in Business Scheme. Anna Pittard of Amber Hypnotherapy is just one of the people who has benefitted hugely. She contacted the centre a few months ago needing a place to see some of her case studies prior to qualifying. Annex explained: “The new business start up opportunity at Exeter Natural Health Centre has enabled me to run a full course of sessions free of charge for the case studies that have helped me since the beginning of my course. I am so grateful and would not have been in a position to be able to do that without this opportunity. I felt incredibly at home and supported from the first day. It is a lovely place to be and all my clients feel comfortable here. I am really excited about building up

my business here and am looking forward to the future at Exeter Natural Health Centre. “ Practice Manager Ali Morrish, added: “Some therapists who come to us have had busy practices in other parts of the country but nonetheless, when they move to a new area, they are starting afresh and that can seem very daunting. Likewise, some people may have had to have a break from their practice due to family commitments, or maybe they have been travelling, or needing to work in other fields and want to re-inspire themselves with the therapeutic work they trained in and love. Of course, many therapists who join our Start Up Scheme are recently graduated from their training courses and are full of enthusiasm and eager to get going with their new businesses! “Starting from only £50 a month for unlimited ad hoc hours, Exeter Natural Health Centre offers a great opportunity to join our well established team with little financial risk and the added bonus of business support, potential for referrals and networking, and I’m not ashamed to say a whole lot of fun and laughter!” If you would like to find out more please visit: www.enhc.org/ startupinbusiness or contact 01392 422555 or info@enhc.org

Old sails see new life as sturdy bags

ECCY Rogers is a Yoga teacher who grew up on the rugged cliffs of a Devon farm, surrounded by water on 3 sides. Her relationship to water is deep and life affirming, and her passion for saving Planet Ocean inspiring. Whilst running her beachside workers café 10 years ago, a neighbouring business liquidised and sold her some stock. Without knowing how, when or for what, she knew the old sails would come in handy one day. Fast forward a few years, after she sold the café and retrained as a yoga teacher, Beccy began designing bags initially for her yoga community, turning the old spinnakers into resilient bags for yoga kit and now with extensive designs for all walks of life. They are hand made in Plymouth by artisan sail makers, innovatively using old zips as straps. “We make them from old sails from full rig yachts that made up Chay Blythe’s Challenge Fleet in the 1980s. This project gave ordinary people the opportunity to experience phenomenal sailing challenges. They were able to become crews navigating high seas the opposite way around the world from the standard trade route, known as ‘the wrong way round’.” Beccy added: “I know people who took part in the Challenges and described it as a ‘very humbling and empowering experience’.” When using these bags we are privileged to be handling cloth that has a fascinating, gritty history. We can remember the power of nature, the best of human camaraderie that makes wonderful things happen and our ability and need to repurpose and re-cycle whatever we can to care for our Planet Ocean. These are resilient bags, resilient investments, bags for life, that don’t cost the Earth. l For more information see www.beccyrogers.com, or email yealmyoga@yahoo.co.uk.

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Evolution, Exeter’s Holistic and Ethnic Shop has now moved to 96 Fore St (same side at the top of the hill opposite St Olave’s Church) Come and see our incredible and Extended range of products including Books, Crystals, Cards, Candles, Clothes etc. Tel: 01392 410759 Mobile: 07773282861 Email: info@evolution-exeter.co.uk Website: www.evolution-exeter.co.uk Facebook: www.facebook.com/evolutionexeter Editorial: 01392 346342 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

news&views Realise your dreams in film

F you fancy yourself as the next Steven Spielberg, Alfred Hitchcock or Woody Allen, then a new initiative for up-and-coming film makers in Devon could be just what you need. The Filmmakers’ Lab based at the Phoenix Arts Centre in Exeter is an opportunity for anyone who is interested in film making to get help, support and inspiration for their projects through a regular programme Jeff Sleeman (right) with Alix Taylor of creative workshops, guest the Exeter Phoenix Digital Programme speakers, masterclasses and Coordinator, who is also part of the film screenings. Filmmakers Lab steering group. The Filmmakers Lab is being more opportunities for everyone developed by a group of Devon involved in the industry here.” based film makers and has received some initial funding from Exeter City Upcoming Filmmakers’ Lab events Council. One of the group initiating include an introductory session on the project is actor, producer and Monday October 15 and a film regular Reconnect advertiser Jeff festival special on Wednesday Sleeman. November 28, which will include a talk on how to obtain funding for Said Jeff: “Having been involved your project by Alice Cabanas from in a number of Devon based film the British Film Institute and a Q & A projects, both behind and in front session with director Dean Puckett, of the camera, I know what a together with a screening of his new wealth of talent there is in this part short film, ‘The Sermon’. of the world - not to mention some spectacular film locations, excellent Details of these and other technical resources and a very Filmmakers’ Lab events, plus supportive creative arts community. information on how to join can As well as helping aspiring new be found on the Filmmakers Lab filmmakers, our mission is to raise website www.filmmakerslab.co.uk the profile of Devon as a desirable or by contacting Jeff on 07977 location to make films and create 272174

Fougou jazz launches a new season

OUGOU Jazz starts its new season with a new name and a new venue. After two years as SpeakeasyTorquay based at the Toorak Hotel, they are moving to Churston Golf Club at Galmpton, on the Dartmouth Road leading into Brixham. Fougou Jazz promotes a wide variety of modern jazz featuring some of the best contemporary live jazz available, supporting local, regional and touring UK and international artists. Some of the artists they have presented include Paul McCandless and Charged Particles (USA), Mike Westbrook as Westbrook & Company, Asaf Sirkis (Israel), Sue Richardson, Corrie Dick, Allison Adams Tucker (USA), A/B Trio (Canada) and Fabio Lepore (Italy). Young and rising bands we have included are Big Bad Wolf, Jam Experiment and award-winning trumpeter Freddie Gavita. The mix of music is varied and always interesting, fully representing the broad church of jazz music today. Fougou Jazz is part of Fougou

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Music, run by David Walden, which presents live music around south Devon. As well as jazz they will also be presenting world music and folk, the latter at the Palace Theatre Arena in Paignton. They will be launching there in January 2019 with Sarah Gillespie and her band. Sarah is a critically acclaimed British American singer songwriter, renowned for mixing elements of blues, folk and jazz with her distinctive streetwise lyricism. It is that crossover of styles that Fougou Music will be featuring in its promotions, aiming to bring to the audiences of south Devon the very best in music from across the world. l For full information on the music we present and to book tickets go to fougoumusic.com or contact David on 01803 898570

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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.

You wouldn’t expect to find the answer to life the universe and everything over a weekend in Dorset, but Scott, believes he has found the answer to one question...

UTUMN is traditionally the time to harvest roots as well as the ripening berries and fruits coming into season. Roots are at their best, plump and full of nutrients ready for the winter ahead. Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) root can be dug up, cleaned and used in making dandelion coffee substitute, or for medicine. To make the coffee, dry and gently roast in a low oven until you can smell a coffee like fragrance, grind and use to make a drink that is caffeine free and supports liver and gall bladder function. The mild bitter constituents trigger a cascade of digestive enzymes to be released from your pancreas, improving digestive function and therefore absorption of nutrients and removal of metabolic wastes produced in the body. In other words, its effect is cleansing and nutrient promoting. If preferred you can simply use the root in food, such as soups and stews, or simmer lightly in water for a few minutes to make a tea. Sea Buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) are thorny shrubs with silvery grey green leaves, they’re very tolerant of harsh weather and are often found near the sea, including growing in sand dunes. Light orange berries form in clusters along the stems, and have soft shiny skin which makes the berries difficult to harvest as they burst as you try to pick them. They are very high in vitamin C, beta carotene and lycopene. They promote collagen production in the body (healthy skin, blood vessels, prostate gland and eyesight to name but a few benefits). The flavour of the berries is sharp, tart and acidic, in the way that lemon is. It can be made

What makes us happy?

OMEONE suggested I “cheer up, and act happy” the other day. It came as a shock to me, I’ve always worn my emotions on my sleeve. I’ve never considered trying to pretend to be anything other than whatever emotional state I find myself in. I guess, my line of thinking has always been that not masking your emotions means people can’t think you’re fine if you’re not. The downside is that most people think I’m fairly cantankerous, but it’s just my default facial expression. Defensive pessimism (expecting the worst and mentally rehearsing how things might go wrong) has stood me in good stead. I tend not to be surprised when they do, usually exclaiming: “Oh Noooo!!” and having planned for a negative outcome I’m fairly well prepared to quickly rectify it. It also seems to improve the likelihood of things actually not going wrong if you plan for most eventualities. To act happy seems counterintuitive to my Eeyore-like attitude. However, having given it a trial it does appear that fostering happiness does make me feel positive, and seems to change my outlook for the better. By the way, I don’t mean I’m a generally unhappy person, I’m grateful I’m fairly upbeat generally. It’s just that I’ve not really tried to cultivate optimism mentally. I tend to obsess over the issues of the world, which rarely results in me thinking the future is bright. I do savour life’s joys like a well cooked meal, a well completed task, or a good tune. My goals aren’t wealth, power, or fame, but trying to live simply. I realise positive thinking and a relentless upbeat spirit can move mountains, but it’s hard for me personally to reach that point even with regular meditation and exercise. The baggage around global economic forces, growing environmental issues, political ineptitude (on both sides of the Atlantic), and the symptoms of this era from the overarching failure of capitalism all mount up. An always look-on-the-bright-side attitude seems to me ill-suited to our current economic troubles. I’ve met people who ignore any negativity in their lives, who believe somehow the world will improve if you ignore it and remain upbeat, optimistic and brimming with confidence. But, I feel too many people do ignore it, I want it highlighted, and fixed (as soon as possible). My belief has always been that most of the ills of this world have been created by impervious people set on making

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their wealth at any cost. The banking crisis and all the austerity that followed was created by bankers with a philosophy that if you really, really want something, you don’t need to worry about failure or the consequences to people’s lives. The bankers’ mistake was they were wrapped up in realising their own happiness, rather than bringing happiness to others. But, that hasn’t stopped me trying to work out how to make myself happy. I think we all seek that. Positive affirmations were a good start but with my own low self-esteem it tended to lower rather than raise my spirits when I was experiencing adverse circumstances. Then I discovered gratitude. Being grateful for what I have, being grateful that I was here to witness a historic period of such economic, environmental, and political turmoil. I’d found a key to being happy, ‘things I am currently thankful for’, and that gratefulness then created a positive shift in my state of mind. I haven’t made a regime of being grateful, I don’t do a daily list of things that I’m grateful for, or anything like that. But, it does seem to change my attitude and lead to me actually not being miserable, a resilience to any feelings of anxiety and depression. I’m not a fan of that American fixed smile happy-clappy, superficial optimism. I may be a bit less anxious but that doesn’t mean I’m gonna dance in the streets. True happiness, I think, isn’t about a fixed grin, it’s about your wellbeing and making others more positive. Warmth and gentle humour, optimism, and friendship. Good relationships are reliant on treating all people with respect, and viewing strangers in a good light. That gives you a real, relaxed smile when you encounter new people or enter a new place. That’s what I aim for, which means for me at least being not overly cautious of outcomes (that’s hard). I was at a festival the other day, the End Of The Road in Dorset, and as I walked through a throng of people, the hubbub and the noise, the smells of life - food, woodsmoke, ripe bins and tanning lotion, the wind blew the sun onto my face, and I was suddenly blissfully happy to be in that moment on a dusty footpath. I was reminded again that it’s experiencing life, being outdoors, meeting people, exploring new sights and sounds, that make me happiest, and I grinned for ages.

Scott

Dandelion root

Sea Buckthorn into a delicious sorbet by mashing, freezing and blending with sugar, honey or some kind of sweetening agent, or juiced. However, it is the oil pressed from the seeds inside the fruit which has the most interesting benefit. Unfortunately this can’t be done at home, the seeds need mechanical pressing to get the oil extracted. This oil is high in omega 7 fatty acids, the benefit when taken orally in a capsule to the skin, tissues and all mucous membranes is exceptional. Promoting flexibility of the tissues and maintenance of moisture in mucous membranes it is highly beneficial for all conditions of dryness. Dry eyes, delicate membranes of the vagina, rectum, lungs, bronchial, bladder and urethra which are all meant to stay moist and flexible. These tissues house specialised immune cells to fight off bacteria and act as an antiinflammatory protective layer and are more efficient when membranes are functioning optimally. The effect takes a couple of months to gain the benefits. The leaves of this plant have shown adaptogen activity, this means raising the body’s threshold to any challenges. These could be physical (illness, fatigue, overwork), mental (overwork, anxiety) or emotional (trauma, stress) the adaptogenic effect improves coping ability. There is also an immune supportive action shown. The leaves can be used fresh or dried and simply made into a tea. Enjoy the autumn and remember to check any diagnosis with a professional, don’t harvest what you aren’t sure of, and leave some for the animals, bees and birds, and to re-grow next year. l Find out more about herbalism and Dawn at www.torbay-herbalist.co.uk

Editorial: 01392 346342 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

NEWS&views Soil science

REGULAR contributor to Reconnect and award-winning soil scientist Laura Lengnick is holding a short course titled ‘Cultivating Healthy Soils in Your Garden and On Your Farm’ at Schumacher College from October 8 to 12. Course fees are £475 and include four nights private accommodation, all vegetarian meals, field trips, materials and all teaching sessions. See issue 55 for Laura’s latest article on the living, the dead and the very dead in soils.

Secret Exeter

EXETER’s forgotten fragments of history including the devastating Victorian theatre fire, mass executions and multiple sieges are all revealed in a new book, Secret Exeter, by local authors Tim Isaac and Chris Hallam who shed light on the neglected corners of Exeter’s past. Available at all good bookshops now.

Lost species

AZUL Thome and Andreas Kornevall are making a Life Cairn at Sharpham Trust at the end of November as part of the Remembrance Day for Lost Species on November 30. See www.souland.org /lifecairn-in-totnes.html for details.

A new magazine for women

VER wished for a more nourishing read from a woman’s magazine? A read that leaves you feeling a sense of meaning and purpose in life, rather than overweight and insecure and like you need to buy something!? AEVA’s Isabella Lazlo said: “Birthed from our very own soils in the South West of England, AEVA* is a new, International ground breaking magazine for Women. Created for women by women, to lift up, inspire and celebrate the true voices of women today, AEVA honours the beauty and wisdom in every woman of all ages, sizes and cultures, and recognizes the strength and power we all have to effect change. “In this time of multi-layered crises on our planet, we are all being called to waken from our slumber and respond from a place of connection and deep listening.

A delightful find “Although AEVA is created for women we have many male readers who are equally refreshed and inspired by the content of our pages. If you are hungry to see change in the world and for a refreshing read be sure to check us out. We are offering 10% off all subscriptions to Reconnect readers with the coupon code Reconnect1.” Cheryl Tipple Trepat, and Isabella Lazlo, the crazy, dynamic and dedicated Creatresses behind this magazine are passionate that AEVA has a place in today’s hungry world. “After millennia of women’s voices being suppressed and quieted, it is time we all listen to what she has to say.” They invite readers to their Launch party on October 20, more details on page 4. l For more information visit www. aevamagazine.co.uk *formerly She Who Knows

TEIGNMOUTH has a new local business aimed to incorporate aspects of the mind, body, and spirit. The shop is a realisation of a dream of owner Debbie Dodd, who is very excited to finally have her business open its doors. Sited on Waterloo Street opposite the Medical Practice, the eye catching shop sells all manner of things to heighten the senses with colour, sound and smells including prints, tranklements, dreamcatchers, figurines of angels, fairies and magical creatures, incense and burners, and much more. The shop also boasts a therapy room available to hire by local therapists and offers Reiki healing by appointment.

Our trash . their home . shop zero waste

Earth . Food . Love thezerowasteshop.co.uk . 101 High Street, Totnes 10

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the zero waste shop www.reconnectonline.co.uk

Goingout

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2018

OUR BIGGUIDETO BIG LOCAL EVENTS LOCAL APPLE DAYS See page 17

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.

ART EXHIBITIONS BEDWYR WILLIAMS

till Oct 31, RAMM, Exeter HOOVES IN THE HEATHER till Oct 26, Tor Royal Farm, Princetown CANADIANS IN DEVON 1914-18 till Dec 6, RAMM, Exeter DEVON VOICES 19141918 till Dec 6, RAMM, Exeter GREAT ARTISTS GREAT TEACHERS till Nov 17, Arts Institute, Plymouth RAKU EXHIBITION till Oct 30, 45 Southside Gallery, Plymouth A THOUSAND NAMES FOR JOY till Oct 6, Contemporary Mark Makers, Totnes WE ARE MAKING A NEW WORLD Oct 5-27, Artizan Gallery, Torquay THE ESSENTIAL IMPORTANCE OF ART EDUCATION Oct 9, Arts Institute, Plymouth CURIOSITY SHOP Oct 9-Dec 9, RAMM, Exeter DR SARAH CHAPMAN Oct 10, Arts Institute, Plymouth TORBAY ART SHOW Oct 13-14, Artizan Gallery, Torquay AUTUMNAL CHANGES Oct 17-27, Harbour House, Kingsbridge SHOOTING THE BREEZE Oct 30-Nov 4, Harbour House, Kingsbridge NOVEMBER EXHIBITION Nov 2-23, Artizan Gallery, Torquay

BODY LANGUAGE Nov 13-18, Harbour House, Kingsbridge DAVE ROPER Nov 20-25, Harbour House, Kingsbridge DEVON VOICES Nov 21, RAMM, Exeter PRESENT MAKER Nov 27-Dec 9, Harbour House, Kingsbridge

BALLET

THE NUTCRACKER Nov 21, Exeter Corn Exchange

CHILDREN/FAMILY CAUTIONARY TALES Oct 2-27, Cygnet Theatre, Exeter HALLOWEEN WEEK Oct 20-31 Morwellham Quay, Tavistock

CLASSICAL MUSIC

EKATERINA SHETLIFFE & YULIA NORTHRIDGE

A MULTIDIMENSIONAL CONTINUUM Oct 5, Arts Institute, Plymouth

BOURNEMOUTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Oct 11, Great Hall, Exeter ENSEMBLEBASH Oct 13, Arts Institute, Plymouth

HALLOWEEN PARTY Oct 31, Riviera Centre, Torquay

COREDELIA WILLIAMS Nov 3, The Flavel, Dartmouth

HALLOWEEN SHOW Nov 3, The Rogues Gallery, Brixham

BOURNEMOUTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Nov 21, Great Hall, Exeter

CHOIRS

DRAWN TOGETHER Nov 6-11, Harbour House, Kingsbridge

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

CHANGE & CHALLENGE Nov 8, Arts Institute, Plymouth

SING PLYMOUTH Every Thursday, Pomphlett Methodist Centre, Plymouth

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SARA PASCOE Nov 18, Exeter Corn Exchange

MEDIUMSHIP WITH GREG SMITH Oct 27, Dartington Hall ROCK FOR HEROES Nov 9, Barnfield Exeter LEATHER AND LACE Nov 10, Teignmouth Pavilions TRANSITION TOWN TOTNES FILM FESTIVAL Nov 13-18, Totnes COME AS YOU ARE FESTIVAL Nov 17-18, Exeter Phoenix EXELITFEST Nov 18 Barnfield Theatre, Exeter

LEE RIDLEY, AKA LOST VOICE GUY Nov 22, The Lemon Grove, Exeter

CRUX CRAFT FAIR Nov 23-25, Rattery Village Hall

PHILL JUPITUS Nov 23, The Flavel, Dartmouth

EXETER CHOCOLATE FESTIVAL Nov 25, Exeter Phoenix

RHYS JAMES Oct 25, The Lemon Grove, Exeter

GRAHAM FELLOWS Nov 25, Exeter Phoenix

MUSIC GIGS

GEORGE EGG Oct 26, The Watermark, Ivybridge

EVENTS/FESTIVALS

NERINA PALLOT Oct 1 Phoenix, Exeter

DYLAN MORAN Oct 21, Exeter Corn Exchange CHRIS RAMSEY Oct 23, Exeter Northcott

PUPPETRY OF THE PENIS Oct 26, Exeter Northcott MARK KERMODE Oct 26, Exeter Northcott ROSE & ROSIE Oct 29, Exeter Phoenix PAUL FOOT Nov 1, Exeter Phoenix LARRY DEAN Nov 2, Plymouth Barbican Theatre DARREN HARRIOTT Nov 10, Barnfield Exeter SIMON EVANS Nov 17, The Watermark, Ivybridge

COMEDY

SEANN WALSH Nov 16, Exeter Corn Exchange

HOLISTIC & WELLBEING WEEKEND Oct 27-28, Dartington Hall

GEOFF NORCOTT Nov 22, Exeter Phoenix

CHRIS RAMSEY Oct 21, Babbacombe Theatre

PENINSULA DOCTORS ORCHESTRA CONCERT Oct 7, Arts Institute, Plymouth

SPOOKY SCHOOL WITH POCKETWATCH THEATRE Oct 21-26, Powderham,

HARRY & CHRIS SAVE THE WORLD Oct 13, Plymouth Barbican Theatre ROBERT TEMPLE Oct 20, Babbacombe Theatre

Oct 5, The Flavel, Dartmouth

BOURNEMOUTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Oct 25, Great Hall, Exeter

MADAGASCAR THE MUSICAL Nov 13-17, Exeter Northcott.

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

IVO GRAHAM Oct 2, The Lemon Grove, Exeter

TONY HAWKS Nov 3, The Flavel, Dartmouth

BRIDGET CHRISTIE Oct 6, Exeter Corn Exchange

ROBERT WHITE Nov 8, The Lemon Grove, Exeter

MARCUS BRIGSTOCKE Oct 17, Exeter Corn Exchange

STEWART FRANCIS Nov 14, Exeter Corn Exchange

FORKED! Oct 4, The B-Bar, Plymouth BARN DANCE IN A ‘REAL BARN’ Oct 6, West Hele Hennock, near Bovey Tracey POWDERHAM FOOD FESTIVAL Oct 6-7, Powderham, Exeter TWO MOORS FESTIVAL Oct 12-20, Dartmoor IVYBRIDGE REMEMBERS Oct 13-20, The Watermark, Ivybridge WOW WOMEN OF THE WORLD FESTIVAL Oct 13-14, Exeter Phoenix

MAHALIA Oct 3, The Lemon Grove, Exeter OKILLY DOKILLY Oct 3, The Lemon Grove, Exeter RODDY WOOMBLE Oct 4, Exeter Phoenix MAE KARTHAUSER TRIO Oct 4, Ashburton Arts Centre SCOTT MATTHEWS Oct 5, Kingskerswell Parish Church GABRIELLE DUCOMBLE Oct 6, The Flavel, Dartmouth JESS VINCENT Oct 6, Kingskerswell Parish Church

LOVE PARENTING Oct 14, Dartington Hall

ANNIKA SKOOGH Oct 7, The Royal British Legion, Plymouth

DARTMOUTH FOOD FESTIVAL Oct 19-21, Dartmouth

Turn over the page for more GoingOut listings

Editorial: 01392 346342 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

GOING OUT MUSIC GIGS CONTINUED LES MCKEOWN’S BAY CITY ROLLERS Oct 7, Exeter Corn Exchange THE HOT SPROCKETS Oct 7, Exeter Phoenix ANNIKA SKOOGH’S ORPHEUS Oct 10, Churston Golf Club, Brixham NOBLE JACKS Oct 11, Exeter Phoenix DAS HUND Oct 11, Exeter Phoenix MACKA B Oct 12, Exeter Phoenix NILS KERCHER DUO Oct 12, Exeter Phoenix THE BRIAN JONESTOWN MASSACRE Oct 12, The Lemon Grove, Exeter THE LAKE POETS Oct 12, Kingskerswell Parish Church DERMOT KENNEDY Oct 13, The Lemon Grove, Exeter

ODDITY ROAD Oct 20, Exeter Phoenix TOM WALKER Oct 20, The Lemon Grove, Exeter GWENNO Oct 21, The Lemon Grove, Exeter KARINE POLWART Oct 21, Exeter Phoenix PEDIGREE JAZZ BAND Oct 21, The Royal British Legion, Plymouth ADAM HOLMES AND THE EMBERS Oct 23, Kingskerswell Parish Church PHILLIP HENRY Oct 25, Exeter Phoenix DARKZY Oct 26, The Lemon Grove, Exeter KIRSTY MERRYN Oct 26, Kingskerswell Parish Church HARBOTTLE & JONAS Oct 27, Kingskerswell Parish Church SHRED KELLY Oct 27, Exeter Phoenix

JUAN MARTIN Nov 4, Kingskerswell Parish Church NIGEL PRICE ORGAN TRIO Nov 4, The Royal British Legion, Plymouth SLOCAN RAMBLERS Nov 6, Kingskerswell Parish Church FISHERMAN’S FRIENDS Nov 7, Exeter Phoenix PHILIP CLOUTS TRIO Nov 7, Churston Golf Club, Brixham STONE FOUNDATION Nov 8, Exeter Phoenix THE ELECTRIC SWING CIRCUS Nov 9, The Hub, Plymouth JOHN SMITH Nov 10, Plymouth Barbican Theatre SKINDRED Nov 8, The Lemon Grove, Exeter CALAN Nov 11, Kingskerswell Parish Church

CASSIA Oct 30, Exeter Phoenix

DREAMING THE NIGHT FIELD Nov 11, Exeter Phoenix

JOHN BUTLER TRIO Oct 15, Great Hall, Exeter

SATORI Oct 31, Churston Golf Club, Brixham

JOHN SMITH Nov 11, The Flavel, Dartmouth

BOYZLIFE Oct 18, The Lemon Grove, Exeter

CHRIS DIFFORD Nov 2, Kingskerswell Parish Church

JOHN BUCKLEY Nov 11, Exeter Phoenix

RESONANCE RADIO ORCHESTRA Oct 18, Exeter Phoenix

DUBIOZA KOLEKTIV Nov 2, Exeter Phoenix

BLUE ROSE CODE Oct 14, Kingskerswell Parish Church

KRS-ONE Oct 19, The Lemon Grove, Exeter KADIA & SAID THE MAIDEN Oct 20, Kingskerswell Parish Church

JOHN SMITH Nov 12, Exeter Phoenix

THE BOOTLEG BEATLES Nov 2, Great Hall, Exeter

ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT Nov 13, Exeter Phoenix

GENTLEMAN’S DUB CLUB Nov 3, Exeter Phoenix

DAOIRI FARRELL Nov 14, Kingskerswell Parish Church

JOHN FAIRHURST Nov 3, Exeter Phoenix

THE NIMMO BOTHERS Nov 14, Barnfield 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 (October/November issue of Reconnect magazine. AND they will be viewed through other HUBCAST websites (across the SW). AND it’s all FREE! (There are some online advertisements available too and it’s ﬁrst come, ﬁrst served - so call Scott now on 01392 346342)

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GOING OUT GIGSPANNER Nov 16, Kingskerswell Parish Church

CHRIS DIFFORD & BOO HEWERDINE Nov 26, Exeter Phoenix

REG MEUROSS Nov 16, Ashburton Arts Centre

JAMIE SMITH’S MABON Nov 30, Kingskerswell Parish Church

THE BOHEMIANS Nov 16, The Hub, Plymouth JO HARMAN Nov 17, Kingskerswell Parish Church THE MEDICINE SHOW Nov 17, Barnfield Exeter SUSSEX JAZZ KINGS Nov 18, The Royal British Legion, Plymouth URBAN FOLK QUARTET Nov 18, Kingskerswell Parish Church HOTHOUSE FLOWERS Nov 19, Exeter Phoenix SEASICK STEVE Nov 15, Great Hall, Exeter THERAPY? Nov 21, Exeter Phoenix THE NEWGRASS CUTTER Nov 22, The Flavel, Dartmouth KIKI DEE AND CARMELO LUGGERI Nov 23, Kingskerswell Parish Church THE BLOCKHEADS Nov 23, Exeter Phoenix REEF Nov 24, The Lemon Grove, Exeter THE NEW JERSEY BOYS Nov 24, The Watermark, Ivybridge THE WANDERING HEARTS Nov 24, Exeter Phoenix

POETRY GECKO Oct 24, Exeter Phoenix NEIL HILBORN Nov 5, Exeter Phoenix JOHN HEGLEY Nov 10, Exeter Phoenix

VILLAGES IN ACTION NORTH SOUTH THEATRE – PALS Oct 5, Talaton Parish Hall DRAKES DRUMMERS – SHAKESPEARE’S AVENGERS ASSEMBLETH: ALL’S WAR THAT ENDS WAR Oct 6, Cruwys Morchard Parish Hall THE DRYSTONES Oct 6, Kenn Centre ALAW Friday 12th Oct 12, Sheldon Village Hall ALISON NEIL – LARKS AND MAGIC Oct 12, Yarcombe Jubilee Hall VAMOS THEATRE – FINDING JOY Oct 13, The Beehive, Honiton COSGRAVE & BANKS Oct 20, Holcombe Burnell Church, Longdown

CLYDEBUILT PUPPET THEATRE – DINOSAUR DETECTIVES Oct 27, Clearbrook Village Hall

TRANSITION TOWN TOTNES

FILM FESTIVAL 2018

NINEBARROW Oct 27, Denbury Village Hall

Nov 13th-18th

RSVP Nov 3, Oakford Village Hall RSVP Nov 10, Rattery Village Hall HALDON QUARTET Nov 9, Sheldon Village Hall HALDON QUARTET Nov 17 Peter Tavy Village Hall KIT HOLMES WITH ALLAN GREENWOOD Nov 15 Mary Tavy Coronation Hall

FEATURING FILMS ON CLIMATE CHANGE, FOOD & AGRICULTURE, SOCIAL JUSTICE AND WOMEN’S ACHIEVEMENTS. What Tomorrow Brings – A girl’s school in Afghanistan In our Hands – Food sovereignty Disturbing the Peace – Peace activists in Israel and Palestine Sharkwater Extinction (UK Premier) – Celebrating the life of Rob Stewart, outstanding Canadian ocean conservationist Faces Places – The subtle power of community Tawai – Indigenous voices from the forest

KIT HOLMES WITH ALLAN GREENWOOD Nov 16 Scoriton Village Hall THE CHURCHFITTERS Nov 15, Nicholls Hall, Lydford

A FESTIVAL WITH A DIFFERENCE

THE CHURCHFITTERS Nov 18, Bigbury Memorial Hall

www.transitionfilmfestival.org.uk

CHARLIE BICKNELL – SHAMELESS ANGEL 16 Nov, Clayhidon Village Hall CHARLIE BICKNELL – SHAMELESS ANGEL 24 Nov, Awliscombe Parish Hall CHARLIE BICKNELL – SHAMELESS ANGEL 30 Nov, Staverton Parish Hall

Oct 26, Bigbury Memorial Hall

PENTABUS THEATRE COMPANY – CROSSINGS Nov 22, Lustleigh Village Hall

PADDLEBOAT THEATRE – RUSTLE

LIVING SPIT – GIANTS OF SCIENCE

Nov 18, South Zeal Victory Hall

Nov 23, Sticklepath Village Hall

PADDLEBOAT THEATRE – RUSTLE

Dartington Barn Cinema Totnes Civic Hall Totnes Cinema

FOR THE BEST IN MODERN JAZZ

jazz

ANNIKA SKOOGH’S ORPHEUS WED 31 OCT SATORI WED 7 NOV PHILIP CLOUTS TRIO WED 5 DEC JULIEN MARGA QUARTET

WED 10 OCT

More details and tickets fougoumusic.com Churston Golf Club, Dartmouth Road, Galmpton TQ5 0LA Doors 8pm | Music 8.30pm | Advance £10 | Doors £12

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CRUX CRAFT FAIR FRI 23 NOV 2pm - 7pm SAT 24/SUN 25 NOV 10am - 5pm RATTERY VILLAGE HALL TQ10 9LD

FINE CRAFTS FROM SOUTH WEST DESIGNER MAKERS

WWW.CRUXCRAFTFAIR.CO.UK

Editorial: 01392 346342 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

eco homes TIMBER BUILDINGS/THERAPY ROOMS/ GARDEN RETREATS/ TIMBER WORKSHOPS Custom built to any size to suit your needs, can be fully insulted, double glazed. Cedar shingles, sustainable products used through out. Local carpenter 20 years exp www. timber-frame-carpentry.co.uk tobydare@hotmail.co.uk

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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.

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03333 237528

Charity No. 1129455

Boost for shared-ownership housing

RANSITION Homes Community Land Trust (CLT) is a not-for-profit community organisation which grew out of the Totnes Transition Town movement and which was set up in response to frustrations with conventional profit-driven housing development around Totnes and Dartington. The CLT have recently discovered their grant bid to “Homes England” (formerly the Homes & Communities Agency) has been successful which means a big injection of funds to help support provision of the 12 shared ownership homes to the tune of £450,000! Trustee Ruth Sutcliffe said: “As you can imagine this is very welcome news and hand in hand with funding from other bodies such as South Hams Council (£108,000), along with cross subsidising from market homes, mortgage finance and some careful “value engineering” will bring the scheme much closer to delivery. “Our principles of ecological and sustainable building methods and materials as well as providing high quality affordable homes comes at a cost. We have refrained from covering the entire site with homes in order to provide community growing and orchard space and to support the existing wild life and ecology of the site. There is also the provision of facilities for the local community and residents that would not usually be part of a conventional housing development including a community building with function room, kitchen, shared laundry and

guest room, alongside a community garden with play area. Hence we need to support the project through grant funding in order to deliver a scheme that is aligned with these core principles and the needs of local people and the planet.” Construction should start in early 2019, and the allocations & sales process shortly after. If you are interested in living at Clay Park, please send an email to: applicants@transitionhomes.org.uk Run by local volunteers the CLT has been working tirelessly with various funding and finance bodies, council planners, and local people to provide 27 eco-homes at Clay Park, in Dartington parish. The majority of the homes (70%) will be affordable rental and shared ownership for local people with a proportion of market housing required for cross-subsidy. To date they have purchased the land, received planning permission, secured several hundred thousands in grant funding and are in negotiations with our preferred contractor to deliver the project. For more detailed information visit www.transitionhomes.org.uk and www.transitiontowntotnes.org/ transition-homes/

Eco inspiration

THE inspiring Eco and Community Homes Fair held by Transition Town Totnes will take place on Saturday October 20 this year, returning again to the Civic Hall in Totnes. This year’s Fair will be centred around the theme of ecological, affordable and community housing, and renewable energy solutions. Expect a diverse mix of over 20 exhibitors, last year’s fair attracted over 500 people. And this year promises to be even bigger and better. Before that comes the tenth annual Open Eco Homes weekend on October 5-7 which gives the opportunity to visit inspiring homes in and around Totnes, from the traditional to the unconventional, which are on the journey to reducing their energy bills and environmental impact, as well as local renewable energy projects. Two special Transition Walks will be taking place on October 5 and 6. The full programme is available as a download at the TTT website (www.transitiontowntotnes.org), or can be picked up around town. Any queries about either event should be addressed to ecohomes@ transitiontowntotnes.org or call 0180386738.

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Some of the houses and projects throwing their doors open.

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news & views Sea School enters new phase

T’S all change at The Sea Light Gallery on The Strand in Dawlish.

After a year of serving freshlybrewed coffee and delicious food, founders Katie Sarra and Kian de la Cour have decided to close their tea rooms and focus instead on their core offerings, namely: the art gallery, various bodywork therapies and treatments, and a diverse range of workshops and training at the Sea School of Embodiment. Katie said: “We loved working with our wonderful, dedicated

“coral reef” team and appreciated spending time with all our customers but now we are ready for our next phase of expansion. We closed the tea rooms on August 18.” And, while the loss of the tearooms may be bad news for the taste buds, the other senses are in for a bit of a treat as The Sea Light continues to grow. On offer over the next couple of months are: l Katie’s fine art paintings, which were featured in this year’s Open Studios with Devon Artist’s Network. l Music and theatre, including the acclaimed Tarte Noire Women’s Playback Theatre Company on October 23 and Chris Bannister performing the music of John Denver on November 2.

l Therapy rooms for massage and sound healing – treatments currently offered include deep tissue, hot stone and Thai yoga massage and more therapists are invited to get in touch. l Workshops and training at the Sea School of Embodiment - this September it hosted Betty Martin’s five-day “Like a Pro” Wheel of Consent workshop for touch professionals and began the 5th UK & Ireland, six-month Certificate in Sexological Bodywork - professional training in somatic sex education. l Venue hire for events with Air BnB on the top floor l Pop-up dining featuring guest chefs For information about forthcoming events, sign up to the Sea Light newsletter at www.thesea.co or for information on training and workshops: www. seaschoolofembodiment.com

Nominate a community representative for the AONB

HE South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Unit is calling for nominations for community representatives to the AONB Partnership Committee. The election takes place on October 22 at the Flavel Arts Centre in Dartmouth. There are eight separate categories and representatives serve for a period of three years. The eight categories are agriculture, business, tourism, voluntary organisations, estuary and marine, parish and town councils, environmental organisations and amenity groups. Individuals may selfnominate or nominate another person. Nominations must be received by October 8. AONB Manager Roger English commented “we rely on the community representatives on the Partnership to bring a wealth of experience and local knowledge to the organisation and really value their input. It’s important they are willing to communicate with their sector to ensure that local organisations can make their views known.” If anyone would like to have an informal chat about the roles they’re invited to call the AONB office and speak to Roger English, the AONB Unit Manager, tel: 01803 861384. Further information and the nomination form are available to view and download at www. southdevonaonb.org.uk

Finding memories UNOFFICIAL columnist The Green Funeral Company’s Rupert Callender’s article almost didn’t make this issue. Luckily he found a coffee shop to send his latest missive about seeking a place of memories.

I AM currently on a lone holiday. Well, I have the dog, sharing the bed in our camper van. She would be furious to be considered not of this holiday. I am touring the borders of Scotland, a place where much of my childhood was spent and is filled with the ghosts of my ancestors. Today I plan to try and find a spot wherein a much loved memory lies dreaming. It is a spot on the River Tweed where all of us, my entire family, spent a glorious afternoon fishing, my father’s passion. I would have been about four, maybe five. Within three years my father, my aunt, and both of my remaining grandparents would be dead. This spot functions in my mind as a golden crossroads. I can’t remember another time, though there must have been some, when we were all together. I can remember my grandfather’s shout of delight as he caught his first trout. I can remember my aunt and my mother and my sisters and cousins laughing on the pebbles of the rivers edge. As the youngest I was left to my own devices. I can still see the darting minnows in the tree roots of the backwater pool I found. I can still feel the bark on my hand as I leaned over. I can feel the day as if it was yesterday. What I will do if I find it; I don’t know. Lay some Crab Apples perhaps, some brambles. Of course it will be changed, but these places are real as well as imagined, as liminal as the idea of a border itself. Memory is fiction, but the lines we walk are real, even if they disappear behind us, footprints washed away by the tide. Even though it has been 45 years since that day, my family still hide in the strangest of places, surface in my words and gestures, in jokes that mean nothing to anyone else. My father died in the most cinematic of places. He was a retired Lieutenant Colonel with an office high up on the brooding volcanic topknot that is Edinburgh Castle, as unreal a real place as you will find. He died of a heart attack while crossing the drawbridge, as he was being saluted in by the sentry guards. Literally in the middle. All my life I have been haunted by the liminal, the border, - the line.

COMING SOON! Our festive issue will include a special guide on planning a sustainable wedding! Available in December/January.

Local handcream shortlisted for award THE Dartmoor Skincare Company’s handcream has been described as “a great handcream - one of the best I’ve ever used” and, just a year after its launch by Devon beauty therapist Tara Leader, has already been shortlisted for an award. At the annual Free From Skincare Awards Tara’s organic hand cream was selected as one of the 200 products chosen from over 100 brands which made the shortlist. The awards recognise manufacturers of skincare products that are ‘free from’ many of the allergens, additives and artificial fragrances associated with skin sensitivities and health concerns, as well as ethical, personal and environmental issues. Tara is naturally delighted and said “I am so excited, I’ve gone from kitchen start-up to London awards ceremony in 12 months and can’t quite believe it!” Recently Tara added two new natural

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cold processed soaps to the range, which are hand made by her mum Anne in her Dartmoor kitchen. Like the rest of the range, they are suitable for vegans and are officially certified as cruelty free. The soaps have quickly become bestsellers with customer commenting on their rich creamy lathers and ethical packaging. Behind the scenes, three new products are under development to be released later this year. For more information on Tara’s range of Devon made products visit www.dartmoorskincare.co.uk

Empowering families across Devon & Cornwall since 1999

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ORGANICGARDENING TIPS from our gardening expert JOA GROWER include what you should have dried, what to plant, and how to make leaf mold - mulch fun in the garden.

It’s time to tidy up and clear away

bird scares - old CDs or foil trays ELL what a glorious summer we have had, dangling from bamboo canes and didn’t it make the always work well. Cut the rye vegetable garden flourish! All the grass down in late winter or early onions and garlic should be dried spring and add to the compost and stored and the potato crop bin. The roots can then be dug dug up and put in to paper or into the soil. Remember to leave Hessian sacks. Store all of these the bed at least in a cool shed or a month before garage and they should last well sowing any into the start of seeds into it. next year. Your time could You may still also be spent have a few tiding up and tomatoes clearing away hanging on pots, trays, canes your plants. It’s and odd tools probably best that got left out. to remove these and place them I find it much on a sunny nicer to do this windowsill to job now it rather finish ripening than leaving it or maybe make until the depths them into green of winter. tomato chutney. Check all your Harvest all winter brassicas, It’s the season for squashes Squashes and some of the taller Pumpkins this month. They are amazing aren’t varieties may need tying up such they?! All different shapes and as purple sprouting broccoli, sizes. After you have dried them Brussels sprouts and some of the in the late autumn sun, these kales as they tend to get a bit top can also be stored in a cool heavy and the cabbage family dark place but do check them like their roots to be firmly in the regularly to make sure they are soil when they are growing. not starting to go mouldy. If they are use them up quickly. Late autumn is a great time to collect leaves to make your own leaf mold. Okay, now out into the garden and there are probably lots This is very easy to do, either make of empty spaces. Rather than a large wire mesh cage and pile in leaving them fallow why not as many as you can or alternately sow some green manures? fill black bin bags with leaves and There are lots to chose from before you tie up the top add a Vetches, Clovers and Tares but sprinkling of water, then pierce the the one we prefer to use at bags 3 or 4 times with a garden Growers Organics is Rye grain. fork. Store for 18-24 months. It It is cheap, easy to get hold of (your local wholefood shop will really does turn into the finest rich probably stock it), and easy to dark soil improver. use, just broadcast the seed quite l JUST a reminder that Growers thick over the surface and then Organics nursery in Yealmpton gently rake it in over the surface. You may need to put up a few will reopen early February 2019.

Late autumn sowing NOW is an ideal time to sow broad bean seeds. Pick a suitable variety like Super Aquadulce. You can sow them direct into your soil (but beware that rodents will be starting to get a little bit hungry around this time and bean seeds make a lovely meal for a mouse!) or, as I prefer, sow them in to pots or trays and plant out when 10-20cm tall, or alternatively you can purchase them all ready to go. Onions and garlic can also be sown now and this will give you a slightly earlier, bigger crop. So they’re well worth doing! Use unheated green houses to sow a few winter hardy salad leaves such as Mizuna, Rocket and winter hardy lettuces. Visitors to our nursery: just to let you know we are now closed for the winter and will reopen mid February. Thank you to all our wonderful customers who have supported us this year. 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.

Dreaming of a green Christmas...

REENLIFE in Totnes is one of the largest health food shops in the South West, and have been supplying customers in the area with health foods and herbal remedies since 1990. Greenlife stock a wide range of Fairtrade, organic, raw, vegetarian and vegan foods, plus organic fruit and vegetables. If you are looking for an immune boosting supplement to keep you free from winter illness, Greenlife offer a wide range of vitamin and herbal supplements to keep you going, with on hand advice from a small but dedicated team of advisors. In addition to all of this, you can also find ethical natural bodycare, eco lifestyle products and a newly added sports nutrition range in store. If you are the kind of person who likes to start your Christmas shopping early, then it is worth knowing that Greenlife also sell a number of Christmas gift lines. These include various natural body

care gift packs, scented candles, aromatherapy oils and a selection of eco gifts including a huge range of reusable water bottles, food containers, bamboo coffee cups and other products made from sustainable materials such as bamboo, coconut and sugar cane fibre. Greenlife will also be stocking vegetarian, vegan, gluten free and organic versions of traditional Christmas foods plus luxury foods and novelty Christmas chocolate too. If you really want to spoil someone, or you are looking for a Christmas raffle prize for an ethical business or club, Greenlife also offer Christmas hampers. The hampers, available in a luxury organic and a ‘free from’ version, are very reasonably priced at £65. l Greenlife can be found online at www.greenlife.co.uk Greenlife are open from 9am – 6pm Monday to Friday and 9am – 5.30pm on Saturday.

Amelia from Ethica’s Devon vegan diary

IRST of all, a bit of shameless self promotion for us here at Ethica! We’re hosting a tasting day on October 4 as part of Booja Booja’s “Truffles on Tour” event. Join us from 11.30am (155 Armada Way, PL1 1HY) to sample the two decedent new additions to Booja Booja’s range of artisan vegan chocolates. Exeter Vegan Market returns on October 13, running from 10am-2pm in Exeter Corn Exchange. Expect a showcase of the best ethically minded local artisans, traders & makers; the perfect way to spend a Saturday afternoon. The dates for the next All Day Vegan Elevensies are October 27 & November 24. Drop in to Tavy Lodge (Plymouth PL4 7DJ) any time between 11 & 5 for vegan food, stalls, talks, and entertainment. Money raised helps toward the running costs for The Naturally Vegan Plot, who are currently trying to raise enough funds to buy land to put down some proper roots and help their dreams of veganic permaculture come to fruition. I love hearing about new vegan businesses opening in the area, and not just because it means more chances to eat vegan cake! So I was really excited to hear about Mooplehog, a quirky new vegan cafe that opened in Okehampton in early September. Rebecca and the team will be holding regular events including a buffet night on October 27, and a Guy Fawkes storytelling supper on November 5. Keep your eye on their Facebook page for further details, and visit their gorgeous little cafe at 5a West Street, Okehampton, EX20 1HQ. For any compassionate creative types near Torquay, there’s a new craft group at Kind Grind vegan coffee shop, from 10-12am every Friday. Join the Facebook group “Kind Crafters” or email info@thekindgrind.co.uk for more information. If you’re on the lookout for some original and ethical festive gifts, then there are some great fairs coming up which are well worth checking out. One of my favourite vegan events, Animal Aid’s South West Christmas Without Cruelty Fair, returns to Exeter Corn Exchange on November 24. With around 50 stalls, selling everything from cards, cakes, art and cosmetics, it’s the perfect place to do some Christmas shopping, while of course sampling all the yummy snacks & cakes on offer! Then on November 25, Totnes Vegan Fair will be held in Totnes Civic Hall from 10-4, entry is £3 and under 14s go free. l Ethica on Armada Way is Plymouth’s only 100% vegan store, visit www.ethicaveganstore.co.uk

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land matters 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. • • • • • •

Twenty years and still growing strong

OCAL apple and cider enthusiasts, concerned about the disappearance of traditional orchards in South Devon, set up Orchard Link in 1998. Since then they’ve been promoting the restoration and extension of orchards with technical advice and support for existing owners, and individuals or groups planting trees for the first time. South Devon Apple Days 2018 New orchards (partly driven by the demand for Artisan cider) have been September 29, 11am–3pm created making a positive impact on Parke Apple Day, National Trust Parke, near Bovey Tracey, TQ13 our local landscape. 9JQ, 01626 834748 Growers have become more skilled October 6, 1pm–5pm in the arts of pruning, grafting and Bere Ferrers Applefest, Bere generally looking after their trees. Ferrers, Yelverton, PL20 7JS Increasingly communities have been October 7, 10.30am–4pm getting involved, with village and Sharpham Apple Day, Sharpham community orchards offering a tranquil Estate, Ashprington, TQ9 7UT, place to rest, play and chat with 01803 732055 friends. October is the month for Apple October 7, from 11am Days (see panel), occasions to get Hennock Apple Day, West Hele together in those local orchards, where Barn and Showground, TQ13 you can help harvest the fruit, press it, 9PP drink it as delicious fresh juice or take October 13, 11am-4pm it home to make cider after a convivial Stokenham Apple Fayre, and productive day together. Stokenham Community Orchard, Orchards are not only bountiful givers Stokenham, TQ7 2SU of fruit for eating, cooking and drink October 13 & 14, 10am–5pm making, but they are also full of life, Killerton Cider and Apple making an invaluable contribution Festival, National Trust Killerton, Broadclyst, EX5 3LE, 01392 to Devon’s biodiversity. Traditional 881345 orchards contain fruit trees with uncut grassy margins, hedgerows, scrub and October 14 Cockington Apple Day, deadwood - a patchwork of different Cockington Court, Torquay, TQ2 habitats upon which many small 6XA, 01803 607230 creatures depend. October 20, 10am–4pm Orchard Link members are a diverse Shaugh Prior Apple Day, Village bunch ranging from people with fairly Hall, Shaugh Prior, nr Ivybridge, large orchards supplying apples to PL7 5HA local cider-makers such as Ashridge, October 24, 11am–4pm Heron Valley, Hunts and Yarde to All Ways Apples Festival, those with a handful of trees at the Devonport Guildhall, Ker Street, end of their garden, and from villagers Plymouth, PL1 4EL prepared to give up a few hours of October 28, Noon–3pm their time to develop a community Dartmouth Apple Pressing, orchard to people who are simply Dartmouth Community Orchard, interested in orchards, fruit, cider or Ridge Hill, Dartmouth, TQ6 9PE wildlife. 01803 833204 Membership of Orchard Link is currently only £12 per year. Members can hire Orchard Link equipment to press and pasteurise their own apples; receive newsletters and have access to courses and workshops on everything from pruning and grafting to cider making. They can use Harvestline to buy and sell their apples. And meet fellow enthusiasts who will share their knowledge and give advice. Plus helping to preserve South Devon’s orchards for the next twenty years and beyond. l For more information and/ or to join, visit orchardlink.org. uk; join the Orchard Link South Devon Group on Facebook; and follow on Twitter@ orchardlink.

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

For more information on membership, workshops and courses visit

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Rocketlog The Original One-Log Bonfire

Hand carved in the heart of the woods A flaming centrepiece for any outdoor event, wedding, party or ceremony

LOG

Natural Food Store Natural Skincare Fairtrade Gifts

Festive foods & gifts

Ethical Organic Food Organic Fruit & Veg Eco-Household Cleaning & Refills Natural Remedies and Supplements Specialising in dietary needs including: Gluten-free, Dairy-free, Sugar-free.

Opening Times: Mon – Fri 9.30 – 5.30 • Sat 9.30 – 4 2a Lower Pannier Market • Crediton • EX17 2BL Call today: 01363 775580 Visit our page: thegreenhousecrediton

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LOCAL PRODUCE Crediton’s green and natural food store

OR over 20 years The Green House Natural Food Store has been providing the people of Crediton and surrounds with natural health foods. The shop on Lower Pannier Market was taken over a year ago by Laura Kemp. Laura used to co-run a health food store in Liverpool, so with her knowledge of organic holistic health, she has been able to expand on the existing reputation of providing good quality ethical wholefoods, fruit and veg, natural bodycare and a huge range of natural supplements. The Green House has now installed a household cleaning refilling station where customers may fill their empty bottles of laundry liquid, washing up liquid, toilet cleaner plus much more. Laura said: “The Green House has always strived to find solutions to

reducing plastic packaging. We now sell milk in returnable glass bottles, unpackaged fruit and veg, bread and cakes. The dried fruit, nuts, and cereals are bagged up in cellulose. Our customers rely on our knowledge and experience of complementary therapies to help them choose their supplements. “Our new shop next door specialises in natural skincare and fairtrade gifts. Customers can bring their empty shampoo, conditioner, shower gel and handwash bottles to be refilled. We also do natural cosmetics, unpackaged soap, essential oils, incense, jewellery, and bamboo socks.” l Call 01363 775580 or visit their Facebook page thegreenhousecrediton - EX17 2BL.

Photo by Dominic Rutt at streetmotion.co.uk

A year round wild food course Reconnect ad 2018 1/4 page.qxp_Layout 1 24/04/2018 18:35 Page 1

A delicious range of award winning local produce at

Ashburton’s

Upmarket Market!

Our well-established, under- cover Local Produce Market is now open 6 days a week in Tuckers Yard, Chuley Road, Ashburton TQ13 7DG. Come along and enjoy an easy, friendly shopping experience...there’s a host of locally produced meat, organic vegetables, cakes, bread, cheese, flowers, preserves, ice cream, fresh fish, Fairtrade goods and much more. Free parking right outside our door.

Real food at a fair price

MONDAY to FRIDAY 9.30am - 5.00pm SATURDAY 9.30am - 4.00pm

Ffyona Campbell

F you’ve ever been serious about learning the wild foods of Britain, you’ll know there are times in the year when there isn’t much to eat at all. But what would our hunter-gatherer ancestors have done then? Starve? And what will we do in the future, when the supply of metal needed for cultivation runs out, and we must all turn to the wild for our food? Explorer and writer, Ffyona Campbell, has spent 15 years working on this very problem. The solution came to her when she drew on knowledge she’d learned from Aborigines, Bushmen and Pygmies while she was walking around the world. “I realised that in order to find wild food in all seasons, hunter-gatherers use three basic questions. These are not academic questions, which is why academics haven’t been able to find the answers, they are more like pointers to an internal map which we all carry inside us but which most people don’t even know exists, let alone how to read.” Using these questions enabled Ffyona to discover a route through the landscape of Devon that leads to a continues supply of wild food, all year long. It is 100% reliable, no matter what the weather or

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climate variations are for the year. And it even produces more wild food the more plants are picked, so if we were all gathering wild food there would be twice as much. She refers to this route as the long forgotten hunter-gatherer migration route and she wrote a book about how she discovered it: “The Hunter-Gatherer Way, Putting Back the Apple”. After the international success of that book, Ffyona created a Year Long Wild Food Course of 10 week-ends to take a group of 12 people on the migration route itself, teaching them the three questions they must ask in order to find the route themselves, in the their own landscape. As well as learning more than 150 edible leaves, flowers, berries, nuts, roots, lichens, seaweeds and fungi that line the route. Ffyona’s Year Long Wild Food course is now in it’s 4th year. A previous student described the experience as being: “Full of surprises and paved with endless magic. After 7 years of learning bushcraft, wild food is the one subject that now tantalises me most!” Johnny Tidd If you would like to experience this incredible journey for yourself in 2019 please see the website wildfoodwalks.co.uk for more information.

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Naturally nourishing Food that fizzes with vitality

OUR resident foodie, JANE HUTTON, gets seasonal and is planning ahead by preparing for winter immunity.

The immune-boosting ﬂu fighter

ORGANIC gardener, and nutritionist Okka Neela wants you to know that fermented foods aren’t just a fad … infact microbes are the matrix of life! ECENTLY we’ve seen a new wave of fermented ‘superfoods’ become popular... sauerkraut (fermented cabbage), kimchi (fermented vegetables) natto, tempeh, miso (fermented soya beans) and kefir (dairy or non-dairy variations). They’ve found their way to us due to the abundance of their health giving properties... fermented foods are brimming with life! Humans have evolved with an intuitive sense for culturing and preserving rich, nutritious, and healing food but our modern western lifestyle lost touch with this kind of food fizzing with vitality and locality. We largely consume industrially processed foods, stripped of their natural potency, and fruits and vegetables grown in degraded, lifeless soil. The health benefits of fermented foods are incredible. Fermentation is a kind of alchemy... the transformative activity of beneficial microorganism, mainly bacteria but also yeasts, which feed on carbohydrates and proteins in food and convert them into amino acids, lactic acids, vitamins and digestive enzymes. These little creatures multiply during the fermentation process at an astounding rate. Many of these microbes make it into the gut, where they join the trillions of other microbes which form our own individual community of microorganisms. We’ve seen bacteria as threat and potential cause for disease for the last century but now we’ve started to understand that most bacteria and other microorganisms are essential for our health, and not only for us, for the soil, plants, water and air all around. Microbes are the matrix of life and we can’t imagine the benefits of any particular organism or process in isolation, it is about the balance, relationship, diversity, correlation & communication between these little creatures, invisible to the eye, and the total effect of energetic symbiosis that is synthesised. Recent studies show there are far more microbes cells than human cells in the body and their processes and functions are being understood as evermore fundamental. This new discovery of the so called ‘human microbiome’ has helped revolutionise the way we view ourselves... we are not separate independent beings, we

are forms of the organic whole... like flowers growing out from a field, interconnected with the world and the myriad and microbes in it. Individual willpower can’t do it alone... the health of the field is the base of our own health. We need to look to the sky for inspiration, but sometimes we forget to check the soil. We are a living ecosystem and the diversity of microbes goes a long way to making up our well being, both mentally and physically. Microorganisms set up our immune system, microbes help us to absorb nutrients and produce vital vitamins like B12 and K2, and it is the activity of microbes that produce neurotransmitters like serotonin and GABA, bringing happiness and relaxation... Even our body shape is influenced by the microorganisms of our gut. The deep specifics of how microbes influence our physical and mental health is complex and science is far away from understanding every single detail of it, but one thing is for sure, the richer and more biodiverse the microbiome we have, the more we will feel the wellspring of mental and physical health. The good news is whatever state our gut microbiome is in, it is far from set. We can make big changes, in relatively short amounts of time. The path to better health can be far from easy, but the gut quickly responds to a good daily dose of fermented foods... so don’t wait, get out your fermentation jar and preserve the autumn harvest (or source from local suppliers). You’ll produce an abundance of beneficial microorganisms and your gut will begin to adjust, offering a genuine and effective pathway to better health, and better healing. Okka is an organic gardener, nutritionist and GAPs practitioner from Germany available for sessions in and around Totnes and online. See www. okkaneela.com

The region’s urban celebration of apples

he ninth annual All Ways Apples takes place on Wednesday October 24 from 11am until 4pm with FREE entry. Devonport’s historic Guildhall will host an amazing mix of activities, displays and demonstrations to explore the versatility and range of apples and how to enjoy them and make best use them. The child friendly activities include apple pressing, the smoothie bike, cookery demonstrations, storytelling and lots of creative arts and crafts. Generally, apple days tend to be in the countryside. However, over the last 10 years, many more orchards have been planted in rural Plymouth and there are now 43 community orchards in the city, not including the fruit trees in schools and allotments and gardens. All Ways Apples is all about reconnecting residents with each other, with local food and with the seasons. The festival will display local varieties of apples and other fruits, along with wild food. All Ways Apples is a project of Food Plymouth, the city’s local, sustainable food partnership who bring a more diverse mix of local food producers and people with growing skills to a wider audience.

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ID you know that a potent a daily boost to keep immunity winter bug buster could be strong, or as another weapon growing all around you in the antiviral arsenal, taking it right now, ready to be foraged as soon as you feel that tell tale for your own supply of immunetickle in the throat. boosting flu fighter? The humble Elderberry syrups, whether blackberry is up there with the homemade or health shop elderberry for having prodigious, sourced, are well known, but and delicious, supercharged viral blackberries are just as good, virtues when it comes to knocking easier to find, and free. The spices colds and flu on in the syrup also the head, as well Winter bug buster play a role, as as a host of other all ingredients nutritional talents. do. Cinnamon is Blackberries’ anti-inflammatory, medicinal history with a number of goes back more studies suggesting than 2000 years, it can combat and with good bacteria and even reason. These fungi. Cloves are dark, glossy another antiberries’ nutrients inflammatory, include vitamin while honey A, B1, B2, B3, helps suppress B6, folate, C, E coughs, and has and K, plus foundational minerals antibacterial properties. If your like calcium, iron, magnesium, honey is locally sourced, even phosphorous, potassium, and better. zinc. Blackberries are also a good The usual dose as an immune source of amino acids, antioxidants booster is 1/4 to 1 teaspoon and fibre, with no cholesterol. for children, depending on the The blackberry’s benefits when size of the children. For adults, it comes to disease prevention take a teaspoon, or two if you’re stretch as far as research into feeling sniffly (or the kids are how it works to interfere with the coming home with a new cold development of cancer, including every week!), although it’s best lung cancer, colon cancer, and not to take immune boosters all esophageal cancer. It’s also the time. As with adaptogens like known for supporting blood echinacea, it’s considered wise to take for a period of time, leave vessel and heart health, bones, a gap, then start again. Taking it skin, and of course, the subject of through the week, and then not this article, immunity. at the weekend, allows for full This month’s recipe is not a protection and a rhythm to use. crumble, pie, or dessert, much Brew up a batch, freeze seasonal as they shout warming winter extra blackberries for more winter comfort food. Another way to brewing, and keep your defences use blackberries as targeted at full strength this winter! healthcare is in syrup form as

Blackberry boost syrup YOU will need: A pan full of blackberries (around 1 kg) 2 litres of water 1 tbs whole allspice 1 tbs whole cloves 1 stick cinnamon Honey to taste - around one jar, or more if you like a sweeter syrup. Pick over and wash the berries. Put the berries and water in a big saucepan, and bring to boil. Simmer until the fruit is very soft (about an hour), and then strain

through a colander into a glass or steel bowl that won’t stain. Strain the pulp once again, this time through a ﬁne sieve, leaving the pulp and seeds. Return the strained liquid to the saucepan, add the spices and simmer very gently for another 20 minutes. Remove the spices, leave until lukewarm and then stir in honey until dissolved. You can also add brandy as a preservative if desired. Decant into sterilised bottles, add lids when cool and store in a cool, dark place.

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.

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MORE FOLLOWS... IT’S been a busy and productive summer at Tigley Tump, the off-grid smallholding where former Reconnect editor MARTIN FOSTER now lives…

Plymouth Social Enterprise Festival

Beans, bugs … and babies

HE change of seasons (and after a sun-drenched summer, it really does feel like a defined shift of season this year, as we enter Autumn) brings with it here at Tigley Tump the return of one of the smallholder’s life decisions: which coat to wear.

Sartorial decisions have slipped still further down my list of priorities (they were never very high) since we moved our lives here, and for the last few months what I wear has mainly been determined by which T-shirt/ shorts combo was on top and/or least grubby. But as I write this in midSeptember, temperatures are dropping along with the rain and I’ve had to delve deeper into my wardrobe (aka The Coathooks Behind the Door in the Porch) to select something a little more weatherproof. The nature of the work here also evolves with the seasons, of course. I’ve mentioned before that no two weeks, months or years are ever the same when you’re working on the land because dear old Mother Nature likes nothing more than to drop a new surprise ingredient in the mix to keep the recipe interesting. This year she added that rarest and sweetest thing of all – a new human life, in the perfect shape of a baby boy called Jessie. Parents Cat and Paul are also the natural force behind the horticultural side of things here so the growing of produce was stepped down to make room and time for introducing and welcoming Jessie into the Tigley way of things. There is a very tiny pair of wellies on the doorstep though and bedtime reading does often include plant books, so it’s only a matter of time before the workforce is one man (or toddler) up. Contrary to what a friend suggested recently, winter at The Tump isn’t all about some semi-hibernational state in front of a roaring log-burner, fuelled by hearty mugs of warming mead (although come to think of it, that could soon be a major constituent of the evenings at least). Paul and Cat have still been busy between nappies and nursery rhymes and, after the last of the harvesting, we will be laying the Mypex (weed-proof sheeting) foundations for next season’s crops, creating drying

and storage areas for the spoils of this year’s harvest and much more. The long, dry summer was tough on the livestock – or rather, tough on those of us for whom it created extra work keeping them healthy and happy. Our borehole water supply kept up with increased demand most of the time (see my column in the last issue) and hard work and a range of non-heavy chemical solutions saw us defeat the legions of sun-basking bugs (if you questioned wasps’ role in life’s rich pageant, check out red mites). The heat did little to inhibit the passion of our cockerels, though, and many of their off-spring are now happily scratching around in the gardens and smallholdings of South Devon and far beyond – that we post fertile eggs to all corners of the country often surprises people, and is all to the credit of Jenny, who so tirelessly promotes our high-welfare animal and poultry husbandry online. We also now have two very active hives of bees which should provide the basis of Tigley Tump honey supplies (and sales) next year and we still have available pork joints, bacon and sausages from our rare-breed Welsh pigs. Search for Tigley Tump on Facebook or call/text me on 07837 003962 to find out more. We can deliver free in the Totnes area, or you can collect from us. Also keeping us busy as I write this are preparations for the Forking Local Food Festival. It’s all happening (or will have happened by the time you read this) on Vere Island in Totnes on September 22 – it’s too late to encourage you all along, I realise (ah, the joys of magazine production deadlines and leadtimes – I remember them well) but retrospective thanks to those of you who came along to say hello. You can find out more about this annual event, and other local food activities, on Facebook by searching ‘Forking Local Food Festival’, ‘Totnes10’, ‘Transition Town Totnes’ and, of course, ‘Tigley Tump’. A busy, productive and creative summer for us all at Tigley Tump, then – with more exciting plans in place for all local land lovers over the months ahead. Now, where did I store those wellies?

Mart

PUT Wednesday November 14 in your diary because Plymouth Energy Community (PEC) have once again joined forces with Regen to host a fantastic free day of collaboration, inspiration and, this year, laughter! As part of Plymouth Social Enterprise Festival, PEC will be welcoming anyone with an interest in social and environmental justice to join them in the Devonport Guildhall. A community energy practitioners afternoon with Regen and WPD will cover key issues such as electric vehicles, Open LV innovation and collaborative working across the region to combat fuel poverty. The evening will welcome a spectacular line up of speakers Dr Ian Stewart (Plymouth University’s Sustainable Earth Institute), Dr Poorna Gunasekera (Megareach and PEC Pals), Dr Matt Winning (award-winning London-based comedian and environmental economist) and Lord John Bird (founder of The Big Issue). Visit www. plymouthenergycommunity.com and book your place now!

Get fresh daily organic mylk TOTNES’ Earth.Food.Love - the Zero Waste Shop has really put zero waste shopping on the map in the U.K. since their opening in March last year. With rising media coverage about the plastic pollution epidemic that we are currently facing, it is timely that many people can now shop for their dried foods, syrups/oils and cleaning products packaging free here in South Devon. The team at Earth.Food.Love are now taking it to the next level by partnering up with a local chef to offer ‘locally made, organic, raw, plant mylks’. Trading under the name ‘The Organic Mylk Company’ they will be making the mylk fresh each morning in Totnes, and it will be available to refill from their refrigerated dispensers. Earth.Food.Love’s Nicola explained: “Tetra-paks dominate the plant-mylk market and are toxic to our health and to the environment and Earth.Food.Love want to give more people the option to live a little greener.” The Mylk will be available from October at their shop, which is located in The Narrows, of Totnes.

Eldership and the mental health of young people

WENTY-SEVEN years ago when he was 18, Mark O’Connell, now service director of The Apricot Centre Wellbeing Service at Huxhams Cross Farm, struggled with undiagnosed mental health difficulties. These were partly related to drugtaking. After one festival weekend, Mark recalls returning to his family and found the altered states he had experienced had radically shifted his view of the world. He said: “My family and I were now at odds around what was ‘real’. This was very disorienting, but at the same time I have never really regretted the experience. A journey of discovery followed around how to integrate and make sense of it. This involved meditation and movement work and eventually led to me training to become a Psychotherapist in Process Oriented Psychology (Dr Arnold Mindell).” Mark believes that one of the things lacking for him at that time was Eldership. “I define this as engagement with people who have themselves worked through big troubles and turned things around,” he explained. “Elders have developed a bigger, deeper perspective on life, and are able to hold and validate your experiences. Eldership is more about bringing engagement, creativity, relationship

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and awareness to young people and less about imposing cultural, family or world views upon them.” In response to these insights, Mark is hoping to support and develop eldership within local communities – among teachers, carers, peers, youth workers, therapists, bus drivers, in fact anyone who comes into contact with young people. The Apricot Centre, which offers a range of specialist therapies, assessments, and farm activities that foster wellbeing, already provides therapeutic and mentoring services. Further Community Forums are planned, and spaces for young people to explore together their own unique paths to wellbeing. In November, Mark and visiting teacher/elder Gary Reiss are hosting a weekend seminar called Process Oriented Youth Work, Care and Eldership in Turbulent Times which will explore the concept of eldership. As a former NHS mental health professional, Mark is interested in helping to bridge the disconnection he perceives between young people seeking mental health support and professional services providing them. l For more information visit: http:// apricotcentrewellbeingservice.co.uk or email wellbeing@apricotcentre.co.uk

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Caspar’s moment in the sun

’M sitting in the Duke’s Room on the Dartington Estate. I’ve been in here before to promote other books. I like talking about my books. I spend months writing them, alone save for some brief, fraught conversations with a fraught editor. This is my moment in the sun. I usually feel confident. I’m an expert on my experience. But this book is different. This conversation is different. The book is aimed at men and women. For men, as a route map to the sacred masculine; the route I took anyway. For women as some kind of insight into how men think and feel. There are as many women in the room as men. Old and young, eyes forward, alert and ready to talk. I’m aware I’m feeling at my edge here. This is not a standard, cosy book talk where people want to meet the author, listen to him speak, buy a book and head home. The energy in here is charged. I have a habit of stepping out of my comfort zone and this conversation has just gone beyond that. I breathe and listen and respond as best I can. Men and women alike want to know what I mean by the word, toxic masculinity. I explain it from my experience as a man who has stumbled through life

REGULAR contributor Caspar Walsh has been busy promoting his book, The Mindful Man Words from the Earth, he’s finding his experience of being out of his comfort zone at press promotions is helping him grow.

in recovery from PTSD and how that has impacted all my relationships. How my fear had warped my understanding of a healthy loving connection. How the work I’ve done in the men’s movement, in therapy, in nature and with women over the last thirty years has helped me heal. Heal and find my way out of a wounded boy psychology into to a more mature masculine one. And how all this helped me connect, at last, to the mature feminine. To a healthier more rounded, holistic life. As I sit here I realise this book is not simply about ideas and experience, it’s about starting a conversation. A vital, urgent one. It’s about bridges, rebuilding burnt ones, creating new ones. I hope the title of the talk sums up what I’m trying to say: From Shame to Grace – Toxic Masculinity – Crisis and Cure. I’m at my edge here and that’s where I grow the most. At the edges of the woods and oceans and mountains. My life as a solitary writer is changing. This is a conversation, a connection, I’m up for. To purchase signed/dedicated copies of the book and info on events and retreats see www.wordsfromtheearth. co.uk.

Tuesday October 23rd, 7:30pm The Power of Anger... Its expression and suppression 28 The Strand, Dawlish

Friday November 2nd 7:30pm Chris Bannister: the music of John Denver

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A cavalcade of arts around the region

The region has many opportunities to immerse in diverse arts and crafts. As well as exhibitions and productions, there are opportunities to develop craft skills. Here’s just a few of the arts on offer at the moment.

PaddleBoat Theatre Company- Rustle

Open days at hidden gem

A World class performances

E are pleased to announce that Villages in Action return with their autumn programme of world-class live performances in villages across Devon. The Villages in Action website lists the full programme of events, but here are just a few highlights coming up over the next few months… This Autumn thanks to their family of inspiring volunteers and funding from Arts Council England, you’ll find theatre, dance, circus, poetry, laughter, puppetry, and music from across the world in village halls, churches and community spaces. You can expect cups of tea, homemade cakes and a warm welcome wherever you go. Cornish company North South Theatre will be performing their hit WW1 show Pals at Talaton Parish Hall on October 5, and Drakes Drummers invite you to a world where all of Shakespeare’s creations live, laugh and love together in Shakespeare’s Avengers Assembleth: All’s War That Ends War at Cruwys Morchard Parish Hall on October 6. On the same night duo The Drystones appear at Kennford’s Kenn Centre.

N eclectic treasure trove of original artwork, books, music, theatre memorabilia and artefacts will be made available to peruse this autumn. The collection was amassed over 50 years by the late Monica Shallis, the Founder and first Artistic Director of Exeter’s Cygnet Training Theatre. Housed in her early Victorian home tucked away in central Exeter, this unique collection will be open to browse at no charge on Wednesday October 10 (46pm), Friday October 26 (2-4pm), Friday November 16 (12-2pm), and Friday December 7 (12- 2pm). Mary Evans, the collection’s curator, said, “Monica’s house is a haven of tranquillity. If you would like an hour or two to relax, stretch your mind, and escape into a less frenetic world, this could be the place!” The collection is at 23 New North Road, EX4 4HF. For more information visit www. monicashallis.co.uk or ring Mary on 01392 425 777.

Plate Up

DEVON Guild of Craftsmen in Bovey Tracey are hosting the Plate Up exhibition until November 4. Co-curated with Michelin star chef Michael Wignall, it showcases contemporary craftwork (silverware, dishes, furniture) by makers inspired by the cooking and serving of food.

Precious collect

RECIOUS Collective began wit traditional craft perspectives an within Cornwall, but it has gro become a global online community 29 countries and representing all st (from students to world-renowned a challenging perceptions of what’s ‘ The driving force behind Precious C herself a creator of wearable art je Precious Collective is where the idio live; where you can encounter the u mixed with creative minds, fuse into

College offers creative learning across the arts th

More music a week later when Welsh super-group Alaw will be sharing their passion for the traditional music of Wales at Sheldon Village Hall on October 12, and PaddleBoat Theatre Company invites you to help set up camp so that you can hear the greatest campfire story ever told at Bigbury Memorial Hall on October 26 and South Zeal Village Hall on November 18. The contentious and often achingly funny Charlie Bicknell’s Shameless Angel will be performing at Clayhidon Village Hall on November 16, Awliscombe Parish Hall on November 24, and Staverton Parish Hall on November 30. The Autumn season continues with a chance to join the Dinosaur Detectives and Clydebuilt Puppet Theatre on October 27, plus music from across the world from Cosgrave & Banks, Ninebarrow, RSVP Bhangra Band, The Haldon Quartet, Kit Holmes with Allan Greenwood, and The Churchfitters, all brought into the heart of Devon’s rural communities. l All of the Villages in Action events and booking information can be found at www.villagesinaction.co.uk Tickets are sold locally by volunteer promoters in each venue and by telephone, some are also sold online.

LYMOUTH College of Art has recently expanded its short course programme to include a brand new range of short courses starting in October and November. If you’re looking to reignite your passion for the arts, update your existing skillset or learn something completely new, it’s worth taking a closer look at what’s on offer whether it’s professional development opportunities or masterclasses with award winning professionals from the creative industries. The engaging programme has been carefully designed to provide creative learning opportunities for adults across a range of arts disciplines to include both beginner and improver levels. Under the guidance of expert tutors and delivered in the college’s professionally equipped workshops and studios, a wide range of five and ten week evening courses are available, from upholstery, glass, ceramics, fashion, textiles, life drawing and printmaking through to jewellery, flat pack furniture design, filmmaking, photography and

interior design As well as the courses progr also launched winter master a range of op with experts w industries such filmmaker Ma and textile de animatronic d maker Simon Looking furthe up to Christm also be offerin workshops to own wrappin own glass or tree decoratio Christmas wre For more info the courses m please visit: p courses/short shortcourses@ Instagram: @p

Deadline for e start date, bo time or before

Tania Kovats re-opens Exeter Phoenix’s refurbished galleri

LL this summer, Exeter Phoenix has been undergoing a major refurbishment of its galleries, auditorium seating and visitor facilities. The work has finished and the city-centre based arts venue has re-opened its new Phoenix Gallery spaces with a solo exhibition ‘Troubled Waters’ with new and recent work by artist Tania Kovats. The free exhibition will run until November 11. Tania is to speak about the themes of her exhibition in conversation with Lara Goodband, the curator and director of Exeter Culture, at a free event on Saturday October 20 at 2.30pm. Tania will be discussing her work again at a panel discussion following a screening of documentary Chasing Coral at Exeter Phoenix’s independent cinema, Studio 74, on

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Wednesday November 7 at 7pm. Tania is best known for producing sculptures, large-scale installations, drawings and temporal works, which explore our experience and understanding of landscape. Water has been a central theme in the artist’s recent work which includes the haunting sculptural work ‘Bleached’ (2017), reflecting on the critical state of coral reefs and what this means for both the health of the seas and the security of the human populations protected by reefs. Also featured in the show is a new sculptural work, REEF. This is the first outcome of a wider project that aims to result as part of a functional coral reef restoration project. A new, large-scale, Sea Mark drawing has also been

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collective seeks artists for Plymouth exhibition

ve began with the desire to challenge erspectives and to promote art jewellery but it has grown, through Instagram, to e community with over 100 members from esenting all stages of a jewellery career d-renowned artists) forming relationships and ns of what’s ‘precious’. nd Precious Collective is Lynne Speake, arable art jewellery. Lynn explained: “The where the idiosyncratic, extraordinary ideas ncounter the unexpected. Unusual materials, nds, fuse into joyous imaginative work

e arts this autumn

nterior design. As well as the extensive evening ourses programme, the college has also launched a new collection of winter masterclasses, which offer a range of opportunities to work with experts within the creative ndustries such as photographer and ilmmaker Mark Leary, illustrator and textile designer Jane Foster and animatronic designer and model maker Simon Williams. ooking further ahead in the run up to Christmas, the college will also be offering a range of festive workshops to include printing your own wrapping paper, making your own glass or ceramic Christmas ree decorations and also a luxury Christmas wreath making workshop. or more information on any of he courses mentioned above please visit: plymouthart.ac.uk/ ourses/short-courses or email hortcourses@pca.ac.uk and see nstagram: @pcashortcourses

Deadline for enrolment is the course tart date, bookings will close at this ime or before if the course is full.

expressing individual ideas of what precious could mean. The enduring ‘norm’ of gold & diamonds is challenged by this group’s witty interpretation of body adornment, process & materials.” Together with an exhibition committee of four other jewellers (Val Muddyman, Rebecca Walklett, Lucy Spink and Anna Rennie), Lynne is currently organising the Precious Collective launch exhibition at Ocean Studios, Plymouth, in April 2019. With open applications and minimal costs for the exhibitors, they hope to create a relaxed and affordable opportunity for artists to reach a new audience in the South West. Find Precious Collective on Instagram @precious.collective

Kingsbridge harbours exhibitions

ARBOUR House Centre for Arts and Yoga in Kingsbridge has a few free exhibitions on display. Here’s a quick guide to what they will be showcasing over October and November. Autumn Changes: Lucy Miller – The Bridge

Until October 7 A Face in the Crowd: Local Personalities and their Stories Photography and artefacts from the archives of the Kingsbridge

galleries with water theme

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Cookworthy Museum. October 17 – 27 Autumnal Changes Open art exhibition featuring a wide range of works of art by local artists in response to the theme. October 30 – November 4 Shooting the Breeze Paintings by Sue Ifould and handmade books by Gaynor Williams. November 6 – 11 Drawn Together Collaborative works by students in Anita Reynolds’ workshops. November 13 – 18 Body Language Drawings and paintings from the Friday Life Drawing Group at Harbour House November 20 – 25 Artist in Residence Come and see how Dave Roper creates his intriguing sculptures and plaques as he transforms the art

produced for the exhibition, in which Tania’s repeated motif in Prussian blue ink emulates the movement of light over the surface of a body of water. Speaking about the exhibition, Tania said: “There is a problem of ‘remoteness’ in relation to how we think about environmental issues. Art can generate many types of imaginings and solidarities, and I wish to use the platforms I have to reflect on our relationship with the sea, and encourage more connection and agency in how we relate to the natural world.” The gallery is open Mon-Sat 10am-5.30pm and 12-5.30pm on Sundays. The exhibition has been supported by a grant from The Elephant Trust.

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Drawn Together: collaborative painting in action gallery into a working art studio. November 27 – December 9 Present Maker A Christmas-themed exhibition of art and craft by members of the South Hams Arts Forum. The collection will include jewellery, woodturning, pewter, mosaics, textiles, reproductions, drawing and painting. See www. harbourhouse.org.uk

Autumn at Sharpham Trust

SHARPHAM near Totnes will be holding their two events that bring together Reconnect’s favourite things: seasonal local produce, and eco building. HE first, the Sharpham Apple Day and Autumn Festival, is on Sunday October 7 from 10.30am - 4pm and attendees of all ages can try fresh Sharpham apple juice straight from the press. A host of apple-themed activities for all the family, including taster sessions, arts and crafts and games are also on offer throughout including apple inspired storytelling, songwriting and singing, an apple hunt, workshops and talks on Sharpham’s trees, making cider vinegar, Devon’s orchards and apple tasting. Plus tasty campfire cooking and a wild food and medicine walk. Entry is free, and so are the activities (although donations are welcome to support the Trust’s charitable work). There will be a charge of £4 per car for parking and visitors are encouraged to walk, cycle or use the specially-commissioned Bob The Bus free shuttle from Totnes. Visitors can also bring their own apples to juice (just not windfalls from orchards grazed with animals in the last six weeks) and will be given half back in bottles while the other half will be kept to sell to help support the charitable work of the Trust. Those with no apples to bring needn’t worry, bottles of delicious juice will be for sale on the day. Sharpham House won’t be open, but there’s plenty of opportunity to wander through the formal and woodland gardens and stop at a café serving teas, coffee, cakes and simple lunches throughout the day. Sharpham’s burial ground building is also part of the Open EcoHomes weekend organised by Transition Town Totnes on October 5, 6 & 7 (see page 14). The ceremonial building at the Trust’s Sharpham Meadow Natural Burial Ground features is a cob and stone building that is open all year round. However visitors during the eco weekend will find information about its construction at the site on Sunday 7 October, from 10am to 3pm. The building was designed in partnership with the Sharpham Trust and a collective of local craftsmen. The design brief was for the building to reflect the same dimensions as that of the oval stairwell at Sharpham House and provide shelter for people who were there to bury their dead during inclement weather conditions. It opened in 2013. Find out more about Sharpham’s events at www.sharphamtrust.org/Calendar or call 01803 732542 or email bookings@ sharphamtrust.org

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your child Help Nourishing Families help you

HIS year’s Community of Dragons finalist Nourishing Families aims to transform the next generation’s relationship to food and eating, one meal at a time. Run by registered nutritionist, Anna Thomson, Nourishing Families works with parents who are looking for ease around providing healthy, nutritious food at relaxed and enjoyable mealtimes. Anna said: “There are so many mixed messages around healthy eating it can be confusing for parents. We take a more positive approach and explore food, diet, habits and culture to identify small steps we can try at home. At the heart of our approach is an appreciation that how we eat is as important as what we eat.” Children in Buckfastleigh get They offer programmes and workshops stuck into making Smashed for parents on all aspects of eating well as Cucumber Salad a family – tailored to each unique family situation. For children they run tasting and cooking Events coming up workshops that interest Weaning and the Toddler Years and engage them with October 2 local food, usually run in 9:30-10:30, Joli’s, Totnes conjunction with schools or local play schemes. Chat and Chew October 11 As a social enterprise, any profit is reinvested back 10-11:30am, REconomy Centre, Totnes into the project or provides Nourishing Families Parents Programme Intensive subsidised places for parents October 13 and November 24 or children. Anna added: 9:30-1pm, REconomy Centre, Totnes “We are delighted to have been awarded a place on Nourishing Families 6 Week Parents Programme the year-long School for October - November Social Entrepreneurs start-up Torbay, exact dates and venue tbc programme starting this autumn. We are looking Chat and Chew to develop and improve November 8 the organisation and the 11-12:30pm, The Natural Health Practice, Exeter services we offer throughout

the coming year.” To this end Nourishing Families would like to hear from our readers: Is there something else they could be doing? Are there any specific challenges you face? What would help you or your children? “We’d love to know more, you can either drop us a line or join us for an informal Chat and Chew session with homemade tea and cake. These will be a mix of listening to you, answering questions and chewing over what issues are important to parents today.” The first event will take place in Totnes on October 11 at the Serving the food they made to parents and REconomy Centre. The families in Buckfastleigh next will be in Exeter on November 8 at The Natural Health Practice. One participant from each will win an organic veg bag from Huxham’s Cross Biodynamic Farm, Dartington and all will receive reduced rates on upcoming courses to thank them for their time. To take part in these or to sign up for their new newsletter get in touch: hello@ nourishingfamilies.co.uk. l See www.nourishingfamilies.co.uk for more details or to book a place.

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rewilding Ethical clothing for small folk

PROCESS ORIENTED YOUTH WORK: CARE AND ELDERSHIP IN TURBULENT TIMES - a workshop for professionals working with young people

THERE’s a new small store on Totnes High Street selling clothing, shoes, accessories and toys for children aged 0-5yrs. With a focus on high quality, natural, ethical products. Owner Anna Liddle carefully curates the collection of over 20 brands: “designed to give children room to grow and play, all whilst being kind to their skin as well as the environment.” Anna launched the Small-Folk store and website in June this year and several products made by local craftspeople. Anna added: “I like good quality and I also care about where my family’s clothes come from and how they are made. I aim to give other parents stylish, long-lasting products that will benefit their families and the wider community too.” See www.small-folk.co.uk for more info

With Dr Gary Reiss and Mark O’Connell Friday 9th November (6pm start) to Sunday 11th (4pm end) November 2018

In this workshop we will make time to focus on ‘psychological inheritance’ how patterns of trauma and dysfunction are passed on through generations as well as often reinforced within the surrounding community. We will offer understanding and skills, based on Process Oriented Psychology (Dr Arnold Mindell), on how to break these patterns for young people, not just through rebelling against them, but through helping them find their own unique way of being in the world.

Wonky donkey compy

THANKS to a viral video of a giggling Scottish Granny, Totnes illustrator Katz Cowley (www.katzcowley.com) has found her illustrated picture book ‘The Wonky Donkey’, written by New Zealander Craig Smith, is currently in huge demand. At the start of the year we couldn’t even give the book away, having zero entries for both competitions we ran in Reconnect. Now the book has become like gold dust, in huge demand around the world, and currently only available online at the cheapest price of £805!! Katz, who has been flabbergasted by the media attention, laughed: “How times can change! Never say never! Soooo happy after so many years disheartened here in the UK, that Wonky is looking to FINALLY find his rightful place on the shelves! I am so glad that Wonky’s reputation has finally come to bite him on the bum on this side of the world thanks to ‘Wonky’s Guardian Granny’. I couldn’t be more delighted.” Katz has let us have some VERY limited edition Wonky Donkey postcards & stickers for a Wonky give-away. We wonder if it’s enough to rouse Reconnect readers to enter? Wonky has a fighting spirit...(despite having 3 legs and one eye, he just seems to get on in life!)...so email Reconnect, in less than 100 words, some wonky adversity that you have come through that has given you a strong spirit. The give-away includes a signed Wonky Donkey Award certificate and Katz will then give the award for COURAGE IN ADVERSITY. Email editor@ reconnectonline.co.uk and title the email Courage in Adversity. Good luck!

Full price: £185 Concession £110 (for 18-25 yr olds). Organisational Group Concession (3 or more) £125 per participant To book your place please visit our website and follow the events link or call 07540445851 Apricot Centre (CIC) Wellbeing Service at Huxhams Cross Farm, Dartington, Devon. Tel: 01803762253 www.apricotcentrewellbeingservice.co.uk

Art work by Jordan Reynold

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Conference nurtures love parenting

E know how difficult it can be to raise children, so we are certain that the Love Parenting Conference for parents and professionals will be of great help to those with children of all ages. Taking place on Sunday October 14 at the Dartington Hall, the intimate event will offer 4 TED-style talks, 4 workshops and unique entertainment including the superb Thula Mama choir, improvised storytelling, and poetry from the 2017 Glastonbury Poetry Slam winner Jackie Juno. Speakers include local Jo Ball who runs Mums4aChange, Dr Claire Ryan from Ola Chiropractic, Dr Phil Waters from I Love Nature (former Play Coordinator at the Eden Project) and Attachment Parenting UK’s in-house coach Michael Brown (see the advert on page 12). Attachment Parenting UK director and event host, Michelle McHale, commented: “Expect the unexpected! This is an antidote to formal conferences bringing both depth and light-heartedness to what can feel like the serious responsibility of parenting. Each talk has the power to transform the way we see our children making it a powerfully exciting experience. Delegates will

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learn to recognise their child’s emotional/structural patterns, how to engage children in nature through narrative, why they aren’t responsible for their child’s happiness (a challenging concept we know!) and also gently adventure with the un-lived aspects of ourselves.” Mum Lindsey Garwood, who attended last year’s conference shared: “Last year’s conference blew me away - so inclusive, so funny, so inspiring - I laughed and cried! It’s a great opportunity to network and spend quality time with speakers who are doing progressive work with real compassion and a gift for sharing ideas in a captivating way.” Delegates will participate in 2 afternoon workshops from a choice of the 4 morning speakers and there’ll be included refreshments, exhibitors and free parking. Babes-in-arms are welcome. Email michelle@ attachmentparenting.co.uk if you want to bring older children or need a concession. Tickets are priced at £57 (optional vegan lunch ticket £10 catered by The Green Table) for more information visit https:// attachmentparenting.co.uk/loveparenting-conference/

Ffyona Campbell’s 07522866614

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Experience the Holy Grail of Nature for yourself with the woman who found it

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wellbeing email: wellbeing@reconnectonline.co.uk

WELLBEING

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

Finding Active Hope

Therapeutic value of pets Breath and sound workshops Sandplay and healing

28 30 31

The theatre of awakening

Nature workshops Inherent wellbeing Solving undiagnosed trauma Understanding the chakras

33 34 36 37

Movement medicine

The classified adverts

And there’s lots more to read inside

OR the second year running, Stories for Change – the Arts organization based in Devon has received National Lottery funding to run its powerful personal story workshops for women. Last year, the workshops, called Making Her-story, brought together more than 50 women, witnessing their many tales, poignant and unique, and weaving them into a collective tapestry of experience. Here in South Devon, Theatre of Awakening, founded by Agata Krajewska, is running a new Your Body-Your Story group starting on November 8 in Dartington’s Hex Studio 32. Theatre of Awakening describes itself as “a blend of self-discovery and creativity, where performances are created from personal stories and inner experiences.” The work draws on the power of presence. Agata says: “I was humbled and inspired to witness these rich, intimate sharings. In the course of the work, I have learned that each woman is a heroine in her own right; a survivor of extraordinary adversity, able to bring herself forward with courage and dignity.” Women who attended last year’s

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workshop spoke of sharing their stories in a safe space as a way of “putting them down”, a source of learning, not a burden to carry. Often the most challenging situations, where they might have felt victimized, enabled them to develop their gifts and strength. Agata adds: “In that way they have transformed the rough material of their experiences into gold. You too can tell your story and choose its significance. Or, you can tell a story of how you want it to be. You can tell your own Creation Myth in each moment. Your story is my story is her-story.” Participants from last year’s Making Her-story will perform at Drop the Story autobiographical theatre festival at Dartington Estate on October 25-28. In November Agata is also running an Alchemy of Your Story workshop ‘Woman’s Journey into the Underworld’ is a journey of descent, into the Dark of Autumn and Winter and deeper into ourselves. Running over November 17 and 18 from 10:30am-5pm at Dartington Village Hall. For more information see www. emergencetheatre.co.uk

Kate Philbin

The home of natural wellbeing WELLBEING is the home of natural health and personal development in South Devon - the perfect place to find your perfect therapy, retreat or workshop. And if you work in natural health, it’s the perfect place to get your message out there. A 1/8-page advertisement, like those below, can be yours for just £41.85 a month. A 1/4-page is only £66.60 a month. And you can tell the story behind what you offer in our free editorial - with help from our Wellbeing editor, Kate Philbin. Our designers will even put the artwork together for you at very affordable prices. The Wellbeing deadline for the next (December/January) issue is November 2 so get in touch today and let’s get the ball rolling. Call Scott on 01392 346342 or email editor@ reconnectonline. co.uk

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WELLBEING Changing lives with Chinese medicine

IX months in a Chinese hospital gave acupuncturist Nick Malyon a fascinating insight into how the Chinese successfully integrate acupuncture and Chinese medicine into their Western medicine hospitals. This helps to improve outcomes in the treatment of disease. Nick, who has recently relocated to Devon, has been an acupuncturist and Chinese medicine practitioner for over 16 years and is bringing back many valuable insights and practices from his time in China. He said: “In the UK the question I am always asked is, what does ‘acupuncture and Chinese medicine treat?’ Although most famous for treating pain - recent research shows it’s the most lasting and effective option for back pain - acupuncture and Chinese medicine treats all disorders to varying degrees. “My personal strength is changing the lives of people with chronic, difficult to treat conditions. If you have tried everything and almost lost hope, give me a call… whether it’s chronic pain, such as fibromyalgia, or problems with digestion, chest, gynecological or fertility issues, skin conditions,

nerve or emotional issues or if you simply want more information.” Nick explained that Chinese medicine is: 1. A complete system for understanding the body’s functions. 2. A complete system of diagnosing disease and dysfunction. 3. A huge range of appropriate corrective treatment methods (Herbal medicine, acupuncture, diet, cupping, exercise and others). He added: “Every system in our body is dependent on correct internal movement and balance. Movement of blood, hormones, nerve impulses, fluids, food, oxygen; everything needs to be in a balanced, continuous state of internal movement. If this slows, discomfort, pain or illness can occur. Acupuncture and Chinese medicine stimulate internal movement, returning the body to normal function. Our body always tries to run perfectly, but sometimes it’s unable to do the job and simply needs a prod to help it repair and restore itself.” For more information contact Nick at South Devon Acupuncture on 07948 232 569.

Do you long to be working with people in wild spaces? Escape your job and join the revolution! Train with us now and pay for it when you can afford it. Try us out with one of our FREE Tasters in Cornwall, Devon or Bristol. ‘I came on a Taster event and it just flicked a switch in my brain’ Start your Forest School Level 3 Practitioner training whenever you choose, learn at your own pace with monthly practical events and 1-1 support throughout.

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Discovering happiness is handmade

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WE all know happiness is in making music, icing cupcakes, paddling a canoe or playing tennis, yet many of us struggle to find time to play, practice or potter. Instead we type, skype, tap and swipe. Network of Wellbeing will be hosting a weekend exploring practical happiness at the beautiful Eden Rise, near Totnes, on October 19-21. Over the weekend with guest facilitator Sherry Clark recipes for sustainable happiness will be explored. No special ‘artistic’ skills or talent is needed, just a willingness to explore and contribute your time and hands more meaningfully. The weekend offers a chance to explore ways to re-cycle and combine inexpensive materials to create sustainable treats, discovering how using your hands can improve individual and collective wellbeing, and exploring more creative connections within workplaces and communities. The weekend is priced at £200 (£150 concessions). Course fees include a 2-night stay in shared accommodation, all materials, and all vegetarian meals. For further information and to book, contact mirella@networkofwellbeing.org

A day of meditation in nature

NYONE who has ever wished they could go on a mediation retreat but found it hard to take enough time away from family or work, or felt daunted by the prospect of a whole week retreat… this could be for you. Freely Given Retreats, who have been offering five and ten day meditation retreats for several years, are delighted to now offer their first ever 1-day retreat near Dartington. This 1-day retreat takes place on Sunday, October 21. Lea Zaccari said: “It will be a day in the woods, connecting with ourselves in nature, through silence, sitting meditation, walking meditation and teachings. It will be guided by a local meditation teacher Mark Øvland and is open to all, especially those who are not able to attend longer retreats.” There will be a cosy indoor space as well as covered outside space. The day will take place in silence and will run from 10 till 4pm, after which the formal retreat will finish. For those who wish to stay on, there will then be the option to hang out and chat around the fire until 5pm before the day closes. There is no charge for this retreat, which is given freely. Freely Given Retreats promote a culture of generosity by encouraging people to donate in order to support the meditation practice of others. There will be a pot for donations on the day. Lea said: “Treat yourself to a day of meditation in a beautiful location. This day offers a chance to practice deeply without spending days away from home.” l To book your place and for more details and directions as to how to get there, please visit: www.freelygivenretreats.org/dayretreats

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Editorial: 01392 346342 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

Juliette Medder

EMOTIONAL HEALTH WELCOME back to our exploration into all things emotional. In this edition our Emotional Health columnist Leigh Smith explores the therapeutic value of our four legged friends, and how the family pet can be as beneficial as the family therapist.

The therapeutic value of our pets

LLIE has been a much loved and cherished member of our family for eleven years now. She joined us when my youngest daughter was only 4 years old, and now the bond between them is unbreakable. Ellie is a black Labrador with a heart of gold, who knows instinctively when you need a cuddle or a paw to hold. We have often joked that she can read minds as she seems to understand what we are thinking and feeling and just what to do to lighten the mood and make us smile. Ellie loves us all unconditionally, she doesn’t judge, pick sides, never says no to a cuddle, and has an insatiable appetite for being stroked. I can guarantee that if my mood is low she will plonk her head on my lap and stare at me with those big brown eyes that seem to say: “don’t worry, I love you” Ellie really is a special girl, but she isn’t unique in her ability to cheer up even the gloomiest teenager, and relax the overworked adults. A growing body of scientific research is showing that our pets can actually be making us healthier, reducing our stress levels and promoting the production of happy hormones that lift our mood and improve our mental health. It’s not just that stroking our furry friends can give us a warm fuzzy feeling, there is real science behind this feel good factor. The use of pets in medical settings actually dates back over a hundred years, as long ago as 1860. Florence Nightingale commented that: “a small pet is often an excellent companion for the sick, for long chronic cases especially.” But it was only in the late 1970s that researchers started to uncover the scientific underpinnings for that bond. Research shows that people who interact with animals experience a boost in levels of oxytocin, the hormone that promotes love and trust and is linked to reduced blood pressure and heart rate. Oxytocin has some powerful effects for us in the body’s ability to be in a state of readiness to heal, and also to grow new cells, so it predisposes us to an environment in our own bodies where we can be healthier. Making physical contact with an animal is, in itself, a rewarding experience which eases the mind and body; the contact generates a kind of looped system in which all participants share mutual benefits. One of the earliest studies, published in 1980, found that

heart attack patients who owned pets lived longer than those who didn’t. Another early study found that petting one’s own dog could reduce blood pressure. Animals are used widely in therapy to varying degrees, known as Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT), and can include dogs, cats, horses, even birds and fish. Animals are used in hospitals to help with a variety of conditions, including stroke dogs, who are employed to help regulate the heart rate of patients after heart surgery. Therapists working with abused children will employ the calming and reassuring presence of a dog in the therapy room to help the child talk about their experiences with reduced anxiety. The positive effects of AAT are mostly attributed to “contact comfort,” a process which involves touch, where unconditional attachment bonds are formed between animals and humans, inducing relaxation by reducing cardiovascular reactivity to stress. “Owning a pet gives you a sense of purpose and belonging that can increase feelings of positivity and lower stress levels, all of which translates to health benefits,” says Allen McConnell, PhD, a psychology professor at Miami University who studies human-pet interaction. In some cases, animals can provide a much-needed confidant, a listening ear that won’t judge, give advice, or tell you how “that’s not as bad as my situation!” Some people really struggle to confide in others, and forming friendships and close relationships can be a real challenge, and in these cases talking to a pet can be the ideal way of getting it ‘off your chest’. Ellie knows all my daughter’s secrets, certainly more than me, and she’s not telling a soul! Even prisons are using the therapeutic power of pets to help inmates learn how to forge loving bonds, and develop ways to show affection, love and care, encouraging long-term changes in attitudes and behaviour. For some this is the first time they have given and received unconditional love. As a family, we all have a lot of love for Ellie, who has been a constant friend and source of support for my youngest, a jogging companion for my husband, and a source of comfort for me. Arriving back at the end of a long day, tired and drained, and being greeted with such love and absolute adoration by Ellie is just the medicine I need to remind me I am loved and home.

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.

Fast and effective pain relief

REMIERSHIP football players were among the former clients of chiropractor, Freddie Powell, Freddie Powell is now the director of Sykes Verwey Chiropractic Centre in Newton Abbot having taken over the running of the clinic in August 2018. Freddie, Doctor of Chiropractic (Mchiro, LRCC), moved down from London after working with Crystal Palace FC First Team as a Sports Chiropractor. He has a wealth of experience in his field, which he now offers to people in the area who are experiencing back, shoulder and neck pain. Sykes Verwey was established more than 40 years ago and has established an outstanding reputation among GPs and other healthcare providers for its high quality, evidence-based care. This family-run practice uses the latest Chiropractic techniques and rehabilitation results to treat people with back pain. Freddie said: “When you are in pain you want fast, effective results, you don’t want to have to keep coming back time after time before you experience pain relief. My methods, which I have developed over many years, will get you out of pain quickly.” He has experience of treating professional athletes both in London and overseas and uses a multi-disciplinary approach which combines traditional Chiropractic care with massage, acupuncture, sports taping, instrument-assisted soft

tissue medicine and physiotherapy. Sykes Verwey is situated in a town centre building with free car parking and friendly reception staff. The centre offers a free “chiro-check” service which includes a short consultation and examination to see what might be causing your aches and pains. Chiropractors can help with a broad spectrum of musculoskeletal problems including neck pain, headaches, and sports injuries. Jennifer Haugh, one of the centre’s clients said: “Really friendly staff, great chiropractor... Freddie sorted my neck ache out within a few sessions and gave me some great exercises and I’ve been pain free since. Many thanks.” l For more information visit: www. chiropractorinnewtonabbot.co.uk or call 01626 353334.

Tapping into your inner wisdom

OW do you fancy awakening the awareness of your own inner physician or tapping into your inner wisdom? These are just two of the benefits of CranioSacral Therapy, according to Felicity Anne Clark who explains that her aim when she is treating someone is to empower them, helping them nurture their own inner resources. CranioSacral Therapy is a type of bodywork that uses a gentle touch to facilitate the release of tensions deep within the body. It helps to relieve pain and dysfunction, improving whole-body health and allowing the body to relax and selfcorrect. It is suitable for all ages. Felicity said: “Few body structures have more influence over our health and wellbeing than our central nervous system. CranioSacral Therapy is used to identify and treat imbalances in this system. Every day our body absorbs and endures stresses and strains; but it can only handle so much tension before the tissues begin to tighten and change. It is very often these everyday stresses and strains on the system that, if left untreated, can build up into something significant. Having a CranioSacral Therapy treatment can help to alleviate this kind of tension and prevent it developing into more

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Felicity Anne Clark serious symptoms. It is also deeply relaxing and nurturing.” People have CranioSacral Therapy for a wide range of problems including: depression; anxiety; musculoskeletal pain; migraines and headaches; sleep disturbance; and energy depletion. Felicity works from the Waterloo Wellbeing Centre in Plymouth and the Liskeard Wellbeing Centre. For more information call 07878 259650 or email felicityanneclark28@gmail.com

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WELLBEING Demystifying Mysticism: Integral Meditation

MERICAN writer and mystical philosopher Ken Wilber published his first books in the 1970s, revolutionising our understanding of the spiritual realms, and spiritual practice. Here in South Devon, Steve Banks, integral workshop leader, composer and musician, runs workshops, retreats and meditation days introducing Wilber’s ‘Integral Model’. This work has profound implications for spiritual practitioners, according to Steve: “Ken Wilber was the first person to integrate the (relatively) new developmental psychology of the West with the spiritual wisdom traditions of the East.” Steve explained: “He has been called the first ‘world philosopher’ and the ‘Einstein of consciousness’.” Wilber was immersed in both Buddhist meditation and Gestalt psychology. He was puzzled by how the many schools of psychotherapy and the spiritual traditions were all so different, and yet claimed to do the same thing: to heal, or make whole, a human being. He eventually realised that these

different therapies were actually aiming at different levels of consciousness, which he called the Spectrum Of Consciousness (the title of his first book). He saw that there is an underlying process of transformation that takes us, in stages, from infancy to adulthood. The same process is at work in the journey towards spiritual awakening. Steve said: “The Integral Model gives a radically new way of understanding what we are doing as we sit in meditation or contemplative prayer, whatever our spiritual tradition. This can lead to a more effective practice. Our psychology and our body are included in Integral spiritual practice in a new, more integrated way.” Steve presented three workshops at the Integral European Conference in May this year, the foremost gathering of Integral practitioners and thought-leaders in the world. He has worked with the Integral Model as part of his Buddhist meditation practice for over 20 years and leads Integral Meditation days and retreats. l For more information visit: www. stevebanks.info.

Real food, Real life,

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Jane Hutton The Functional Foodie

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Yoga, Meditation, Embodiment

JOURNEY of Embodiment .....This is how Caroline Lang describes yoga and meditation. She believes that although people are drawn to practice for many different reasons we all eventually discover that it may feel like a sanctuary but is not a place of escape. “Most spiritual traditions describe a movement towards less selfcenteredness so that life can flow through us more freely,” said Caroline. “This does not happen somewhere else but here in the midst of life. Settling into the body, befriending ourselves, re-aligning to centre and with the ground, we gradually cultivate depth and support. We peel back the many layers of tension, fill ourselves up, rekindle ease and care. We become bigger than our conditioning as we ‘rest back’ and our old habitenergies lose momentum.” Caroline regards our life’s task as being to embody all of who we are, what it means to be us on this planet and in this lifespan.

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This process of embodiment, of integrating body, mind and spirit, is unique to each of us, cannot be imposed and expresses itself within the vast scheme of things. She said: “Exploring the body-mind through yoga and meditation, we can start to move beyond our habitual ways of seeing and doing things. This requires patience, kindness and understanding of our patterns of trying to fix, control, employ effort, do work or collapse and shut down.” “Present in our body, inner eyes open, we can listen more deeply to ourselves and others and respond with wisdom and compassion to the joys and challenges of this life.” Caroline Lang has been teaching yoga and meditation for almost 30 years. She offers weekly classes, one-to-ones, days at The Yoga House in Harberton and regular retreats. For more information visit: www.carolinelangyoga.com or email carolinelangyoga@yahoo. com

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

BioEnergetic Health

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WELLBEING ‘The Rhythm of Life’ with Tony Be (Ozone Spa), Sally Free (Sounds For The Soul), and Les Elms (Transformational Breathing)

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INSIGHT MEDITATION IN THE BUDDHIST TRADITION

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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 at The studio Dawlish 27/10 10.30am -1pm and The Ozone Spa 2/12 10.30am -1pm See website for details.

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

07828 566553

New breath and sound workshops

XTRA workshop dates have been added for the Transformational Breathing workshop from Breath South West, following a surge in interest after our Wellbeing Editor, Kate Philbin’s article last issue. There are new workshop dates on Saturday October 27 in Dawlish and on Sunday December 2 in Torquay. Both are from 10.30am to 1pm and cost £25. One-to-one sessions with Transformational Breathing practitioner, Les Elms are also available. And coming up for the first time on Sunday October 21 is a brand new workshop called ‘The Rhythm of Life’ a Breath and Sound Workshop, run by Les Elms of Breath South West and Sally Free, gong practitioner from Sounds for the Soul. The workshop, which is limited to eight participants, will include an introduction to the two therapies (Transformational Breath

and Sound Healing), a group breathing session, a powerful gong bath and a combined breath and sound session. Les Elms is a certified facilitator and workshop leader of Transformational Breath and has over 10 years experience in teaching the power of breathing. Sally Free has been Gong Practitioner for over five years. She will be playing the gongs and other instruments to produce a powerful healing wave of sound. Sally explained: “Sound creates movement and movement creates change, so combined with the breath work, it will a very powerful combination. This is a workshop not to be missed.” The workshop takes place at the Ozone Spa in Torquay from 10.30am to 4pm and costs £50. For details visit: www. breathsouthwest.com or email les@breathsouthwest.com

Getting a lasting sense of peace

G Gong, Himalayan and Crystal Bowl Practitioner based in Devon Sessions for groups and individuals. Bathe in timeless sound waves and rest in deep, nourishing relaxation. Gong baths, Bowl and sound meditations for groups and individuals

Sound creates movement, Movement creates change

Sally Free • 07719 770660

www.soundsforthesoul.co.uk sally@soundsforthesoul.co.uk Find us on facebook ●

ONGS produce sounds that nourish the body and ease the mind. During a gong bath session, you simply rest and listen. Sally Free facilitates therapeutic sessions using Tibetan Bowls on and off the body and with crystal bowls in individual sessions also. The bowls are specifically played according to the body’s requirements of each individual client to ease tension and bring about a lasting sense of peace and balance. Sally, who offers group and individual sessions with gongs and bowls, describes it as a profound experience. She said: “The first time I ever heard the gongs I was in awe of the incredibly powerful effect they had on me physically and emotionally, I just knew that the gongs were a path I was going to take.” Sally, a nurse for 39 years, started working with sound more than 10 years ago. She trained as a gong practitioner five years ago and set up Sounds for the Soul. More recently, she trained as a singing bowl practitioner and now uses Tibetan/Himalayan bowls on and off the body, along

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with crystal singing bowls. She said: “The gongs allow greater wellbeing, both physical and mental. I have had the fortune to collect various wonderful instruments over the last 15 years and I offer you the opportunity to absorb and enjoy the experience of these sounds.” A gong bath sessions last about an hour and a half. Sally runs regular sessions in Brixham at Lupton House, Torquay at the Ozone Spa and at the Changes Now Studio in Dawlish. She also works from home and at Wishes, Kitlake Farm in Exeter. One client commented: “I have had various sounds healing with Sally over the last couple years. Recently had some bowl sessions and I love the feeling I have while I’m laying there, very relaxed. I feel very balanced within afterwards. And at peace. It’s a wonderful experience and I highly recommend it. Thank you Sally.” l For more information visit www. soundsforthesoul.co.uk Or contact Sally at: sally@soundsforthesoul. co.uk 07719770660

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Wistman’s Wood - one of only three remote high-altitude oakwoods on Dartmoor

WELLBEING

Ancient healing for all of us

NATURE WISDOM

Nature~based Soul Initiation & Cultural Healing Practices Vision Quests ~ Transitional Rites & Soul Initiation Ceremonies Medicine Walks ~ Way of Council ~ Grief Tending Embodiment Practices ~ One-to-one & group work on Dartmoor

HOLING is the word Rebecca Card uses for the process of reclaiming ones wholeness and integrating all parts of oneself into The Whole during a vision quest or solo land ceremony. But, while this is undoubtedly a key benefit of ceremonial time alone on the land, she believes that the benefits are felt much more widely… by family, friends and anyone that you come into contact with after the ceremony. “As a vision quest guide I make it my business to encourage people to consciously include their communities, both when they are preparing for these ceremonies and during,” said Rebecca. “I also advise that they continue this contact after the ceremonies as a way of deepening relationships and strengthening the healing.” “By asking others to support us in these kinds of deep journeys, we are showing them that they are needed, trusted and valued, and acknowledging their gifts. This is one way of reclaiming our lost connections as a culture and offering each other the possibility of transformation and healing.” Rebecca points out that the person who goes out into the land will inevitably bring something back, however small. Again, it is not just the

person on the quest who benefits but everyone they are in contact with. She said: “Put simply, it is not just about ‘me’, it is about ‘we’. It isn’t about one’s individual healing so much as the collective healing, although, of course, we need to heal on a personal level in order for the collective healing to happen. Healing and wholing ourselves is akin to healing all of us. It has an effect on everyone and everything, whether we know it or not. “By healing I mean re-finding the ancient and innate knowing that we belong. It is a profound homecoming for anyone who recognizes this longing and who is willing to respond to Its call.” Rebecca offers nature-based initiation processes, transitional rites and cultural healing practices, as well as other eco-therapy work. l For more information visit: http:// naturewisdom.life/ Or contact: Rebecca@naturewisdom.life

So what’s all this about sandplay?

Rebecca@naturewisdom.life • 07960 520128 • www.naturewisdom.life www.facebook.com/NatureWisdom.life/

Sykes Verwey Centre Newton Abbot - Chiropractic - Physiotherapy - Sports injuries Professional Chiropractic Healthcare Sports Injury Treatment and Rehabilitation

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HEN people walk into the sandplay room at the Nautilus Rooms in Totnes they are faced with shelves of miniatures. These are small objects or symbols which represent all aspects of human experience. These objects are organised into themes: people, animals, transport, monsters, spiritual or mystical symbols, rocks, shells, crystals and more. The sandtray itself is a shallow wooden box with the bottom painted Mediterranean blue and covered in a few centimetres of play sand. Using the sand and the miniatures and sometimes water, clients are encouraged to create a world that reflects different aspects of their lives – real or imagined, inner or outer. Integrative psychotherapist and Sandplay therapist Ruth Baker said: “The process is largely non-verbal. Attention is paid to feelings and sensations in the body, by both the therapist and the client. The tray may be completed and reflected upon, or be a work in progress throughout the session, or a mixture of the two. Sometimes only the sand is moved.” Ruth explained that connections are made between the miniature world created in the sand and the inner experience of the client. Through experimentation new possibilities can be played with and experienced or old scenarios can be seen and understood for what they are. “Emotions can be experienced, stories created and traumas revisited within the safety of this way of working,” said Ruth. “There is no pressure to perform or be creative.

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Time and again I am humbled by the power of this process as clients reveal to themselves their inner world, making connections and processing difficult emotions or celebrating successes. It is a truly remarkable way of working.” Individuals, couples and groups of all ages benefit from this work, as well as in supervision and coaching. This way of working is usually integrated into other ways of working. Many counselling and psychotherapy courses now incorporate a few hours of sandplay training. The courses offered at The Nautilus Rooms by The Association of Integrative Sandplay Therapists can support the learning needs of newly qualified therapists as well as those who have years of experience. Training for the South West is delivered by Ruth and her colleagues. Ruth can also provide tailored training within organisations. In the next edition of Reconnect, Ruth will talk about the significance of sandplay and the Jungian Archetypes. l For more information visit www. ruthbaker-psychotherapy.co.uk or www.nautilusrooms.uk

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WELLBEING Time to spread your wings SOUND familiar? Katheryn Hope told Reconnect: “I learned the hard way that striving to do what’s right for others doesn’t bring inner fulfilment and ultimately leads to burn out. I did all the right things… I worked hard, went on all the right courses, achieved a lot, but somewhere along the way I lost my own direction.” Katheryn responded to this by changing course and starting to listen to her what heart was telling her. She realised that it was only herself holding her back. “As I cleared my own patterns of self-sabotage and stuckness and aligned my energy with a sense of real purpose, my life transformed and it became my passion to help other women do the same,” she said. “Every woman has something unique and extraordinary within them that this world needs and that is her source of true passion and prosperity. It is my mission to help women find their inner confidence and self-worth, share their radiance and be recognised for their gifts, whilst realising their greatest dreams.” Based on her own learning and experience, Katheryn has developed a Women’s SelfEmpowerment program called I am Spreading my Wings. It is aimed at women who feel called to

Katheryn Hope something, to be their authentic self and to live an extraordinary life they love right now. It is a one-to-one package that combines deep inner work, manifesting techniques, clearing whatever stands in your way and discovering what your soul wants for you. As a launch offer for the first women to apply Katheryn is offering one three-month bursary place at half price and one six-month bursary place at half price. A further three places receive £400 off the full program price. Contact Katheryn on 01395 568360 or email katheryn@ theseedcoach.co.uk

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WELLBEING Get your free taste of a new life

OME of the most vulnerable people in society benefit from time in the natural world and social enterprise Nature Workshops is committed to helping them to get it. The organisation provides training to enable aspiring therapists and teachers to run nature-based activities designed to get vulnerable people out into the natural world and foster a love of nature. It runs regular free taster events for people interested in this training and the next few are in Totnes on October 14 1-4pm and November 11 4-6pm. “If you long to escape from an indoor job to the freedom of all our beautiful natural spaces maybe now is the time to do it,” said Jane Acton. “We offer the training you need to be part of a global movement designed to help people love nature and benefit from all that nature has to offer.” Pete, who recently completed his training with Nature Workshops, said: “I realised there must be more to life and thought what can I do to spend more time in nature as a job?” He completed his training while still working part-time in his original job, Pete now has his own company working in woodlands in his community. Learners with Nature Workshops can access government loans and pay

for their training later when they can afford it, or pay in installments. People who have done the Forest School Level 3 Practitioner training sometimes go on to set themselves up as independent practitioners, working with people with mental health problems or people recovering from surgery or trauma, with families or working with young people. Others stay in their existing jobs but take their practice outdoors. People working in educational settings for example, may spend more of their time working in natural spaces. Many report that their incomes improve as a direct result of undertaking this training. Jane said: “As mammals we protect what we love. Spending time in nature helps us to love it. One woman whose sons undertook our training said ‘I don’t know what you’ve done to my sons but I can’t throw anything away!’ Using the natural world to improve wellbeing among very vulnerable people is at the core of what we do. There is a growing movement to make these types of services available to a much wider range of people and you could be part of it in 2019.” l For more information call 01209 215211 or 07974742872. Or email admin@natureworkshops. co.uk

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The sacred women’s stories of Exeter

NSPIRED by childhood trips to France where she encountered Madonnas, miracles and holy women, Clare Viner believes that the time has now come for “radiant role models of the past” to guide us once again. She is hosting a series of four one-day workshops called Sacred Women’s Stories Exeter, focusing on the stories of St Sidwell and St Katherine. The workshops, which will be the start of a longer project, will explore these women’s stories and the stories of their sites, through storytelling, movement and creativity. Clare said: “My interest in Madonna’s and Holy Women does not stem from Catholicism but rather a love of the earth; a firm held belief that if we are to save the earth, we need to bring these principals of masculine and feminine back into balance. “I’m interested in reviving some of these old stories about Holy Women, with an aim to exploring what it means to be a modern woman seeking meaningful, earth-

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loving spirituality in Britain today.” As a storyteller, Clare has been telling stories for nearly 20 years, at festivals, schools, conservations sites, arts centres and more. This is her first body of work on the theme of Sacred Storytelling, which she describes as “something that is sacred on a very personal, modern level, within something that has traditionally been seen as sacred but is now maybe seen as out-dated.” The workshops are open to all adults of any or no spiritual traditions. They cost £30. For more information visit: www.clareviner.wixsite.com/ pilgrimstories

Release stress, & regulate your nervous system ~ Reconnect to your pleasure ~ Find the power of your voice ~ Come home and love your body ~ sessions ~ workshops ~ bespoke retreats

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Support for your complete wellbeing

T our core we are all inherently well beings and when we are in touch with this core being, our experience is one of wellbeing. This is the premise behind Gwen Channer’s new Inherent Well Being sessions. They are designed to help with a range of issues, including stress, anxiety, panic attacks, grief, low energy, insomnia, fear and trauma. The sessions work at a conscious and an unconscious level using tools from Modern Psychology, Hypnotherapy, NLP, Coaching and Quantum Touch. Gwen explained: “At any one time, the conscious part of your mind can only manage around nine pieces of information at the most. The rest of all that is going on in and around you is being dealt with by your unconscious. The unconscious rules our lives, it’s the main operator. Therefore it is important to communicate with the unconscious mind. It can be difficult to make and maintain changes if we do not address this most important part of ourselves. That is what these sessions do” The modern hypnotherapy used during the sessions is a special form of clinical, therapeutic hypnotherapy that is relaxing but deeply focusing inward to communicate with the unconscious. NLP enables us to understand what makes us the way we are – feelings, thoughts, behaviours - and how we make sense of our life and the world we live in. Gwen describes it as “one of the most effective methods of change, a revolutionary approach to human communication and development.”

Gwen Channer Gwen points out that coaching, which is an integral part of the programme, is used by the most successful professional people in the world. She said: “It is a must for resolving problems, developing clarity, efficiency, direction and getting your motivation going and keeping it going. It supports you in reaching your goals, and improving your work and personal life including having more enjoyment.” Running in the background will be Quantum Touch – “a very healing, soothing life force energy stream, which will support your well-being and relaxation during the sessions”, according to Gwen. Gwen Channer is a fully qualified Certified Master Clinical Hypnotist, Success & Life Transformation Coach, Master NLP, Modern Psychology and Quantum Touch Practitioner. Inherent Well Being sessions take place in Chagford, Totnes and Exeter. For more information visit: http://www. inherentwellbeing.co.uk

Time to focus on your own wellbeing

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same venue. It OW will you prepare for will cover simple winter? At posture habits to this time of year avoid and teach it’s good to start to you a simple spend a little more sequence that will time nurturing your relieve tension in body and focusing the upper back, on your wellbeing. shoulders and neck area. Natalie Austin, yoga teacher is Each workshop bringing back her costs £35. If you popular winter book and pay for workshops - Lower both in advance, Natalie Austin Back Relief and you will receive a Neck & Shoulder Release - to free yoga class. Chapel House Studios in Totnes. Natalie explained: “You will learn They are a great way to prepare a yoga sequence and guidance your body for colder weather and on relieving pain in these areas. protect against aches and pains. There will be time for refreshments The three-hour Lower Back Relief followed by relaxation and workshop will teach you a simple a guided meditation. A free sequence to strengthen this part of handout will show you how to your back. There is also a stretch incorporate certain postures into sequence to help relieve lower your daily routine.” back discomfort. It takes place on Saturday October 27 from 1-4pm. l To book email, natalie@ loveyogatree.co.uk, call The Neck & Shoulder Release 07516 720246 or visit: www. workshop is a month later on loveyogatree.co.uk Saturday November 24 at the

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WELLBEING Astrology with Emma Astroyogini

Classes in yoga for real living

We are introducing an astrology column from Totnes astrologer Emma Astroyogini to tune our readers into the seasonal cycles of the sun and moon.

IBRA time: the symbol of the half sunk, the emblem of diminishing light; the increase of the night. Such transcendental peace emanates from the equinox sunset: Pause and poise as the circle of the year winds in again. Gathered tribes disperse to their wintering grounds. Returning from holiday and festivals, we settle home, taking measure of all that we have harvested under the summer sun. The recent full moon September 25 and new moon October 9 are days to reattune, redistribute our weight. The sun feeds our vital strength. We can get away with a lot in the summer. As the force of the sunlight wanes, we need to recalibrate our inflow and outflow. Facing towards winter now, we must not overspend ourselves. Time to reconsider our relationship needs, with friends, partners, colleagues. All imbalances sensed, expressed, redressed. Health practices for Autumn promote detox and resetting the balance and priming the body/ mind for winter. Still active, but more measured, mindful , we can safely journey into the darkness, to meet with what has remained in shadow, unseen, unheard, unwelcomed…. As the sun enters Scorpio on October 23 : we enter the terrain of the witch and the shaman. Being intensely still and silent can give us the presence

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to face the strange forest creatures that drink at the pool of our ancestral unconscious. Can we feel them, forgive them, feed them what they need? Ancestral healing, purification practices, intensive prayer, ceremony - some soulful trial of valour. The full moon on October 24 calls us to break out of our fixed molds and habits: comforts that have sapped us of our singular strength. Some things must die so that we can be reborn. Finally Sagittarius, beginning November 22, awakens us to Dharma. How exhilarating to remember our one true overarching aim, our pledge, our purpose. Without this, the gleam goes out of our eye. What is our calling ? To whom or what do we bow? Do we have a daily “sadhana” that keeps us in remembrance. What teachings guide our lives? Advent comes in late November and begins the countdown to the miracle of Christmas. With Advent calendars each little windows opens the child’s imagination into the hidden world “behind”. This 9th sign awakens their innate sense of the Mysterious Divine… See www.astroyoga.co.uk for more.

OGA for real life is how Sarah Angilley describes her Kundalini Yoga classes in the idyllic setting of Abbey Studios within the grounds of Buckfast Abbey. Sarah, who has recently moved into the area from Cornwall, was inspired to study Kundalini Yoga after seeing Maya Fiennes by chance on the yoga channel, Body in Balance. When she came across Maya’s book Yoga for Real Life, she knew she wanted to train in this style of yoga and was fortunate enough to become one of the first cohorts of yoga teachers trained by Maya. When this style of yoga first came to the West, many recognised its powerful potential to rebalance and re-energise but the practice remained somewhat esoteric. This led Maya to create the real-life style of yoga that combines its potent practices and mantras with tools and techniques that are more suitable for everyday life. Sarah explained that regularly practising Kundalini Yoga can strengthen our nervous system, balance the endocrine system and transform old energy into newer, more vital energy. The practice aims to improve both physical and mental resilience. Sarah’s classes take place in

guinevere

the extraordinary setting of Abbey Studio in the ground of Buckfast Abbey. This former water mill retains a working water wheel and idyllic mill pool but the building itself has recently undergone a multi million pound transformation to turn it into a conference centre and offices. Abbey Studios occupies a beautiful space on the top floor, with exposed beams and windows looking out onto surrounding countryside. There is plenty of free parking. Sarah also offers a range of holistic treatments and regular Sound Baths, as well as trapeze yoga, mindfulness courses, children’s yoga, gentle years yoga and wellbeing days. Yoga retreats are also planned. l For more information visit: abbeystudio.co.uk

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WELLBEING Well-Being Wisdom & Wealth Coach

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It is possible to ‘rewire’ UR world has neural connections, become shifting the nervous an increasingly system from survival into a flourishing state stressful place to of being. Catherine live; accumulated explained that we day-to-day do this by taking out stresses, unless the stressors so that released, will accumulated stress create trauma in and trauma can exit our bodies and Catherine Hale the body: “We need cause our nervous to develop self-awareness so we systems to become dysregulated. can attune to and respond to the If we are unlucky enough to messages we’re receiving from experience early trauma or the body and have awareness developmental trauma (as a of our external environment so result of stressed parents, living we can be alert and assess for in an unsafe environment, abuse danger. We need to tune into our or neglect), our resilience to biological impulses, give space environmental stress is reduced to our emotions and feel them, and we may become predisposed rather than dull them down with to on-going challenges like health addictions like smoking, alcohol, problems. drugs, sugar, junk food, shopping, scrolling on the internet…. Sexological body worker and trauma practitioner Catherine “When we learn to express Hale said: “I see undiagnosed ourselves and speak up for what trauma in my clients which we believe in, we create a flow in manifests in a multitude of ways the body that supports regulation, and can produce the ‘heads of health and vitality, enabling our Hydra’ syndrome, whereby when relationships and sexuality to we resolve one complaint another flourish.” pops up in its wake. Catherine offers one-to-one “Typical complaints include: sessions and retreats in Totnes. inability to sleep, lack of libido, “I support you to change your erection problems, inability relationship to your body, from to orgasm and vaginismus, one of avoidance to one of along with endocrine disorders embracing emotion, so you can (adrenal and thyroid typically), listen to and feel the sensations in your body. You will learn autoimmune diseases, ME, how to unwind the tension and chronic fatigue, inability to loose stress that’s tightly coiled so you weight, constant fear/anxiety/ become softer, more open and panic attacks, disconnection flexible in mind and body. from emotion and sensation, toxic relationships and intimacy “I offer support in discovering challenges.” what you want and learning how to ask for it, where you empower Catherine often sees clients your voice and allow yourself to who have tried many different be heard. Mapping your nervous approaches without addressing system means you can take care what she believes is the underlying of this internal balancer so you cause of the problem, namely that can thrive and bring all your gifts their nervous system is stuck in into the world.” either fight, flight or freeze. This creates havoc in their autonomic l For more information visit: nervous system as these survival www.tantricawakening. responses are designed to be org or email: catherine@ tantricawakening.org time-limited.

Time to take stock of our year

SHAKE

YOURSELF

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Learning to express ourselves

S we take stock of our year, bring in the fruits of our harvest, and prepare for the winter months ahead, now is a good time to clear out our bodies and our homes. Massage therapist Lilah Mclean explained why while it might not be a “people-pleaser” in quite the same way as other types of massage, an abdominal massage might be just the thing you need to boost your health and wellbeing. “Our gut is the powerhouse of our body, not just in its connection to our brain and heart, or how we ingest and eliminate on a physical level, but also in relation to our emotional

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and hormonal wellbeing,” she said. “The many imbalances that can affect women, in particular, often find their basis in the gut. It is also being investigated as the root of many autoimmune disorders. “Maintaining a healthy gut is the key to good health and wellbeing. Of all the massage techniques I have worked with over the years, an abdominal massage is definitely the one that gets results – quickly.” Lilah writes a blog page exploring the many claims made about abdominal massage and sharing useful articles. l For more information visit: www. lilahmclean.co.uk or email Lilah at: lilamae@hotmail.co.uk

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WELLBEING Understanding the Sacral Chakra

THERE are seven primary chakras in the Human Energy Field. In this article, Marc Blausten, graduate of The Barbara Brennan School of Healing in the US and founder of The School of Energy Healing in the UK, introduces the Sacral Chakra…

e exchange energy with others and the world around us through our chakras. Each one feeds vitality into particular body parts and organs, as well as holding different psychological “themes”. For different reasons, a chakra’s ability to function can become compromised, causing an imbalance in the energy field. This can result in physical and psychological symptoms and disease. The Sacral Chakra is associated with creativity, our primal urge to pro-create, our passion and sexuality. It feeds energy to the pelvis, hips, sacrum, lower back, kidneys, bladder and sexual organs. This vital energy is also part of the immune system, giving us the ‘juice’ for life. Physical connection between people, and the giving and receiving of intimacy is a quality of the Sacral Chakra. In the surrender to pleasure, the entire energy field can be washed and revitalised with creative energy. This includes having fun and laughing, as well as sexual orgasm. As children we need to receive cuddles and touch to feel loved, to build a healthy self-image and feel good about ourselves. On the other hand, this chakra can be affected by shame about sexuality or poor self-image. This may result from neglect and

HEALING AND HOMEOPATHY Barbara Brennan Healing Practitioner Homeopath • Working with chakras and the energy field to clean, balance and repair

isolation as a child, or punishment and humiliation. A chronically weak Sacral Chakra can often result from a history of sexual abuse or guilt. When the Sacral Chakra is compromised it can affect us in in particular hormone various ways, imbalances, including all menstrual and fertility problems, urinary infections and prostate. When this chakra is blocked, it can cause low libido, fear of intimacy, and lack of passion for life. Over-activity can lead to emotions being out of control, hysteria, violence and sexual obsessions. The spiritual lesson presented by this chakra is of embracing self-love and enjoying being alive! acceptance and Marc sees clients in Totnes and online. For more information visit: www.healingandhomeopathy.com or call: 0333 433 0454 (local rate).

• Relationship Cords • Physical and Emotional Healing • Hara and Intention Alignment

Marc Blausten LCHom, MARH, BHS, FIEH, BCMA

30 years experience Free initial chat

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Your passion purpose profession

Business Coaching - Why the first one is on me

T can be hard to know, simply from visiting someone’s website whether their style of coaching will work for you. It’s fine as a way of checking their credentials and experience but there is nothing quite like sitting face-toface with someone and assessing how well you hit it off. Business coach, Matthew Rochford agrees, which is why the first coaching session is always free. He said: “We will be going on a journey together and this first session really matters. I will be guiding, motivating and encouraging you towards breakthroughs in every aspect of your life. Trust is paramount. I am asking clients to share what’s going on in their life and how they

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think and feel about it all. Offering a free initial session is the least I can do.” Despite sometimes having to travel for quite a distance to meet a client, Matthew has never regretted this way of working: “It enables my clients to make a fully informed decision about working with me (or not) and it allows me to decide whether I’m the right person for them. I’m always happy to spend quality time with other human beings, going through their stuff. If they become a client then great, if not, then great. It’s never wasted.” Book your free coaching session with Matthew by calling 07717 172 691

The January Advanced Diploma Counselling is now recruiting begin your new heartfelt career. The professional qualification to a counsellor/therapist. Specialist Advanced Training Diploma Courses Diploma Children Young People : for super heroes Diploma Supervision : for caring professionals Diploma Creative CBT : compassion focused Diploma Sandplay : a profound experience First Certificate Counselling : and for all short CPD courses please see the website or phone Ken Rabone 07801 248421 Email : office@safespaceforcounselling.com Website : www.safespaceforcounselling.com

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£41.85 WELLBEING

Book a series of ads this size and it will cost you just £41.85 a month - including free editorial. Regular advertiser Marc Blausten can vouch for the success of advertising. He said, “The advert and articles are generating enquires and bookings. So I’m very pleased with it .” You too could find customers through an advert in these pages, call Scott on 01392 346342.

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Liberating your body’s wisdom

OVEMENT has been healing, transformative and empowering medicine for me, whatever challenges I have faced in my life, says Ailsa Lucas who holds monthly Saturday morning open classes in Movement Medicine to allow others to experience these benefits, too. Ailsa explains: “When I first fell in love with conscious dance, it was because I’d finally found a place where I felt safe enough to include all parts of me, and where I could discover the value and life energy in each part. I felt exhilaratingly alive and beautifully at peace with being myself, just as I was.” “Movement Medicine put me in touch with the life in my body and made space for me to experience the depth of my connection with all life.” The foundations of this practice are simple: bringing attention to the sensations within your body, opening to and breathing with that experience, and exploring how your body moves in response. Discovering the flow of your own movement teaches you to trust the natural creativity of your life force. “For those of us born to a culture that undermines our connection with the awareness, wildness and wisdom of our physical nature, that can be potent and liberating,” says Ailsa. “One of the things people often say about these classes is how safe they feel to bring themselves as they are. Whatever is present in you, sensitive guidance and diverse music help you find your way to dance with it and then to bring that dance in to relationship. What you discover, you carry with you in to the rest of your life.” Ailsa has completed professional training in Movement Medicine. She holds classes in Dartington (6 Oct, 3 Nov, 24 Nov, 15 Dec) and Plymouth (13 Oct, 10 Nov, 1 Dec). l For more information visit movementmedicineassociation.org or contact Ailsa at ailsa.clare.lucas@gmail.com, 01803 849039, 07999 486059.

Supporting you on three fronts

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HATEVER stage of life you are at, Aimee Pagliari has the skills and training to support you. Passionate about helping people to gain clarity about their life’s direction and achieve their goals, she offers a range of personal development services as well as acting as a doula for pregnant women. Based at Teignmouth, Aimee provides counselling to help people to cope more effectively during times of challenge and stress and gain insights into themselves and their problems. She also offers life coaching. Aimee explained the difference:

Teignmouth Counselling Counselling that makes a difference

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“Whereas counselling creates a safe space to explore who you are and how you might handle problems and challenges more effectively, life coaching has more of a focus on setting goals to allow you to move towards the life you want. We will look at the outside influences in your life - things like your job, career development, social situations – and identify goals and a plan to enable you to move towards them.” One of the most simultaneously challenging and rewarding times of a woman’s life occurs during pregnancy and motherhood. Aimee trained as a doula and supports women throughout pregnancy, birth and early motherhood. She can provide as much or as little help as a woman needs and is completely flexible in her approach. Aimee says: “Of course, life does not fall into neat boxes and there are lots of areas of overlap between these services. I often combine elements of counselling with my doula work or with life coaching, depending of where someone is in their life and what they need.” Aimee offers free taster sessions. For more information see the advertisements on the left.

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WELLBEING Kate does… Ozone Therapy

Soul Coaching

Your wellbeing editor Kate tries out a treatment or event or activity each issue to give you a bit more of an insight into what it’s like to take part. This issue Kate tries ozone therapy at Torquay’s Ozone Therapy Spa (see advert on page 31), one of only three ozone spas in the whole of the UK.

GET to do some pretty weird things in my job but sitting naked inside a space age pod and being blasted with ozone has got to be one of the weirdest. I feel a bit like Woody Allen in Sleeper. I am at the Ozone Therapy Spa in Torquay having a treatment with Ozone Therapist and Natural Health Coach, Tony Be. I’m not sure what I was expecting but it wasn’t this. Tony has got to be one of the most inspiring therapists I have ever met. Within minutes I am completely captivated by his story of having spent the last 20 years travelling the world learning about nutrition and the treatment of disease. Being diagnosed with ulcerative colitis at the age of 14 sparked his interest in finding out about anything that might help. A cancer diagnosis eight years ago took Tony into new territory to find new treatments to complement Western medicine. Tony is adamant that it is not either/ or but both that interest him. He has studied nutrition, shiatsu and yoga, and written a book called 9 Steps to Optimising your Health and Happiness, with a foreword by New York Times best-selling author, Raymond Aaron. Most extraordinary of all, in his home in Torquay he has created one of only three ozone spas in the whole of the UK. The other two are in Harley Street and Hampshire. And the Torquay spa came even before Harley Street. When I arrive he offers me a glass of Hydrogen water. As I drink it he tells me that since 2007 there have been 600 peer-reviewed studies into the benefits of hydrogen, which is the smallest molecule in the universe and renowned for its extraordinary antioxidant properties. It has been shown to be effective in treating everything from inflammation in the body to sepsis. He also extols the virtues of C60 which is the only supplement he now recommends to his clients. C60 increases the length of the telomeres

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which are responsible for controlling ageing in our body. In trials, rats given C60 live twice as long as those without. It is, apparently, a favourite with celebrities and, if taken for 12 months, trials have shown that the telomeres of an average 60 year old resemble those of someone 15 years younger. I learn all of this before we even go into the spa, which is deceptively located in a cabin in Tony’s rather beautiful garden. The ozone therapy treatment takes place inside a state of the art piece of kit called a HOCATT. You sit inside it with only your head sticking out of the top and it simultaneously delivers 10 different therapies, including Ozone therapy, electrotherapy, photon light therapy and CO2 therapy. It feels a bit like being inside a steam room but with the addition of tingling on your feet. Ozone detoxifies the body and breaks down heavy metals. There are virtually no pathogens or abnormal body cells that are resistant to ozone. It stimulates the metabolism and boosts the immune system, soothing inflammation and pain. Also for aches and pains, Tony offers electro magnetic therapy on yet another piece of state of the art equipment. You lie on the couch which has powerful magnets above you and below you. A pulse is emitted – akin to a giant TENS machine – targeting areas of pain in your body. The levels can be adjusted to suit your body. I experienced just 1% at first, rising to around 10% and it was enough. So, how did I feel after all of this? I felt deliciously light in both body and mood. I felt less achy. And I felt hugely inspired to find out more. This is quite some facility to have right here in South Devon and I, for one, will be opening my mind to the apparently amazing potential of hydrogen therapies and ozone. For more information visit theozonespa.co.uk

x Strengthen personal confidence x Grow resilience for stressful times x Resolve difficult workplace issues x Build good working relationships x Clarify and plan the next phase of your life x Apply for jobs and prepare for interviews x Dream your own business into being x Constructively address fears about today’s world x Identify your values, passions, qualities and skills x Identify and work with blocks that stop you moving forward x Explore that elusive sense of purpose, whatever it means for you... A warm, supportive and perceptive approach to personal and professional transition/transformation email: gillcoombs@gillcoombs.co.uk • call: 01803 762840

Your mind. Your life. Your success. Executive and Business Coaching. Call 07717 172 691 or visit matthewrochford.co.uk to book a free introductory session.

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WELLBEING Find your innate gift with Gill

VERYONE has at least one gift or talent, says soul coach Gill Coombs. “Experience and research have convinced me that we all have a niche in the world,” she explains. “But it is not fixed: our ideal role depends on things like life stages, our circumstances and our environment.” Gill, who is based at Staverton near Totnes, works with clients to help them identify and develop their innate gifts, and put steps in place towards a happier life at work. She says: ‘Sometimes that involves resolving current workplace issues, and sometimes it means finding a way to create a whole new career.” Previous clients have moved to a new job, retired, gained greater confidence at work and more. Gill believes passionately that fulfilling work is vital for emotional wellbeing. ‘Most people don’t realise they have a unique gift’, she says. ‘It comes so naturally to

Gill Coombs them, they don’t think it’s anything special. I enjoy helping people gain confidence in their own abilities.” Her book Hearing our Calling: Rethinking Work and the Workplace is available online and in local bookshops. She offers a free exploratory conversation to anyone interested in booking a course of sessions. Gill can be contacted on 01803 762840 or gillcoombs@gillcoombs. co.uk For more information visit: www.gillcoombs.co.uk

Shaking: an ancient healing art

Felicity A Clark CranioSacral Therapist Member of the CranioSacral Society (Upledger UK) East Cornwall & Devon CranioSacral Therapy is a hands-on holistic therapy, where the touch is gentle, suitable for all ages, working with the central nervous system to assist in improving the efficiency of the whole body so that all systems can relax. Cost of Treatment is £40 for an adult for an hour: £30 for a child for half an hour. Please don’t hesitate to call to discuss treatments or to book a free consultation. Thursday Mornings Waterloo Wellbeing Centre, 191 Devonport Rd, Plymouth, PL1 5RN Saturdays Wellbeing Centre, Pigmeadow Lane, Liskeard, PL14 6AT www.upledger.co.uk Liskeard: 01579 344090 • Plymouth: 07878 259650 Email: felicityanneclark@28gmail.com

CCORDING to Carmella B’Hahn, most people attending her TRE (Tension and Trauma Release) sessions have experienced involuntary tremors in the past and admit to having tried to suppress them. She said: “The natural impulse to shake and tremor (when stressed rather than ill) often causes worry because it’s seen as weakness or something going wrong. Contracting and trying to ‘hold ourselves together’ is the common reaction, but habitual tightening when our body needs to discharge stress creates held imprints in the muscles. This can lead to physical and emotional pain. We need to welcome the shakes wholeheartedly - the same as with our feelings - trust their intelligence and allow them to have their full

Yoga with Natalie @ Chapel House Studios - Totnes

Lower Back Relief Saturday 27th October 1-4pm Neck & Shoulder Release 24th November 1-4pm

07516 720 246 | natalie@loveyogatree.co.uk | www.loveyogatree.co.uk

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Carmella is intrigued by the history of tremoring and shaking: “Some believe self-induced tremoring or shaking to be central to the most ancient healing practices on earth. There is a chapter about this in Shake It Off Naturally, edited by TRE’s founder, David Berceli, and an entire book - Shaking Medicine by Bradford Keeney - exploring the oldest healing modalities of shaking worldwide.” Carmella leads individual TRE sessions and Tremor Trios at Heartwood in Bowden House, near Totnes. Trios take place on the first Saturday of the month from 2-4pm. They are called Trios because three people learn TRE together, followed by tea and treats. Booking is essential and the cost is £30 per person. At least four guided sessions are recommended before using TRE as a lifelong stress release practice but some people choose ongoing support.

austin - booked Yoga Therapy Winter Workshops zelah artwork £35 each. Book and pay for both and get a free yoga class of your choice. Booking essential.

expression in order to heal.”

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Carmella B’Hahn

Carmella is also a grief and transition guide and helps people to survive and thrive through difficult times. For more information visit: www. heartofrelating.com or contact carmella@heartofrelating.com 01803 867005.

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Helping you to see the long view

OW do you make God laugh? Tell her your plans… or so they say. But there’s nothing terribly funny about your carefully-devised vision of the future being thrown up in the air and things failing to come to fruition. Bell Bartlett, psychic tarot reader knows what this is like from personal experience and understands how frustrating it can be. She says: “These experiences are common to us all and although a reading with me cannot undo difficult times, it will provide a helpful perspective and show what the next steps need to be.” Sometimes clients start their session by saying to Bell “I wouldn’t normally do this but…” Over the years, she has realised that often what people wouldn’t normally do is ask for help. “I believe that we are not here to ‘do it all’ or to struggle endlessly,” says Bell, “but rather to learn how to give and receive equally, both from each other and from Spirit so that our ‘doing’ may flow in ways which support us comfortably. Sometimes this involves asking for and receiving help.” So, what kind of help will you receive from a reading with Bell?

The main thing is perspective, or the long view. One of Bell’s gifts as a psychic reader is the ability to look into the future and see which actions now would be most conducive to your preferred outcomes. It may be, of course, that doing nothing now, is best. Bell points out that the purpose of a reading is to offer you information so that you are better equipped to make important choices. A reading may look at practical matters such as “when will my property sell?” Or it may consider deeply personal questions such as “how will my young child deal with impending change?” A reading offers not only a detached perspective but also the best approaches for you to take and when to take them. Some years ago Bell had a client who spent time arguing over what he wanted to do after Bell had advised doing nothing. Six months later she received an email saying: “I completely disagreed with your advice to wait but reluctantly I did that anyway and I am soooo glad that I did, you were spot on. Thank you.” While the long view may not always provide exactly the answers you want to hear, it may be just what you need! Contact Bell on 07796 900509 or visit www. conscious-tarot.co.uk.

Healing for animals and their owners

S your animal companion sick or exhibiting unwanted behaviour? If so, Rachel Bolton believes we might do well to examine our own state of being. Rachel has more than 20 years’ experiencing healing people and animals. She has developed a unique healing session for owners and their animal companions, with a particular focus on dogs, cats and horses. She describes her healing gift as enabling her to move into a state of knowing where she sees and feels areas that require attention and then works to clear whatever does not serve the person or animal. “If we are happy, vibrant and balanced, our environment including our animals - will reflect this energy back to us,” said Rachel. “If our animal friends are unwell or emotionally challenged, we should take a closer look at ourselves, as they rely upon us to keep our energies protected and aligned to be in a healthy state of being. “You are an exquisite form of

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consciousness, continuously expressing your belief systems which are affected by many factors. This can make us complicated beings and wellbeing can be elusive. Healing works on many levels to bring it about.” In her late twenties, Rachel set up a freedom boarding holiday home for dogs, living with an ever-changing pack of up to sixteen dogs. This has given her an excellent understanding and knowledge about the way of the dog. Rachel conducts her healing sessions remotely. If necessary, she can organise a session for your animal companion while they are at home alone, relaxed and in familiar surroundings. If the healing session is for you she recommends a time that is quiet and calm. All appointments include a telephone consultation the day after the healing session. For more information visit: www. touchthespirit.co.uk Or contact: rachel.bolton@touchthespirit.co.uk or 07957 597 618

You are NEVER too old, too unfit or too stiff to start yoga! YOGA adapts to you in this class with use of chairs, props and modified practices. Practising yoga helps to maintain mobility, strength and balance wherever you are starting from.

GUINEVERE WEARNE

I have been practising yoga since 1986 and teaching since 2003. Contact me for information:

01803 732296 | 07514 546097 guinevere-w@hotmail.com

IEMT can help with a range of issues Laura is an IEMT Master Practitioner/ Life Coach. Unlike many psychological therapeutic processes, IEMT does not require you to disclose lots of details about your experience or give details about troublesome events. It is in effect a “secret therapy”. Disclosure is not required and your secrets remain secret. Exeter Natural Health Centre 83-84 Queen Street, EX4 3RP UK

Theatre of Awakening with Agata Krajewska

Workshops by Stories for Change funded by National Lottery

“Your Body-Your Story” Group, 8 Nov-13 Dec “Alchemy of Your Story”, Sat 17th-Sun 18th Dartington. T: 0779 5002 816

www.emergencetheatre.co.uk Drop the Story Festival 25-28th Oct

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COUNSELLING

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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

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JANE Jones ICGT Grad. A variety of authentic Crystal & Earth Cycle Workshops. For more details see www. crystalearthwoman. co.uk 07791939208

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Dramatherapist

MOVEMENT 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.

RACHEL Perry HCPC For individuals & groups - creative self expression, specializing in self esteem issues, depression & anxiety. www.dramatherapy. org.uk, rachel. perry59@googlemail. com 01803 473079

GRIEF SUPPORT

“IT’S hard to imagine a more grounded therapist than Adrian Harris”, JUNO magazine. Feeling lost? Life challenges? Therapeutic Coaching, ecotherapy, mindfulness, Sand Tray. Help with anxiety, depression, relationships, stress and more. 07974427419 adrian@gn.apc.org www.adrianharris.og

EXPERIENCED Integrative Counsellor individuals and couples. Trained in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT) Central Totnes. Ingrid Koehler MBACP 07932-734387 www. ingridkoehler.co.uk

GRIEVING? STRESSED? Counselling and/ or body-based TRE (tension/ trauma release) @ Bowden House, Totnes with Carmella B’Hahn. 01803 867005 carmella@ heartofrelating.com www.heartofrelating. com

MOVEMENT MEDICINE open classes with Ailsa Lucas. Dance for awareness, healing, freedom, power, resources and transformation. Monthly Saturday mornings. Dartington / Plymouth. movementmedicine association.org, ailsa. clare.lucas@gmail.com, 07999 486059 CREATIVE Kinesiology taps into your body’s inherent/soul wisdom. It can help release what you need to move towards your potential. Introductory session £25 For appointment or more information contact Karen 01803-863930 or karenevansck@ hotmail.co.uk

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as £18 (therapists also get a free picture, while space allows - first come, first served). Call Scott now on 01392 346342 or email adverts@reconnectonline.co.uk.

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 December/January issue is November 1. Call Scott on 01392 346342 or email adverts@reconnectonline.co.uk.

PSYCHOTHERAPY

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TREE CARE

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

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

TOMMY Hutchinson BSc (Hons) Forestry, ND Arboriculture, NPTC Qualified. Sensitive, professional tree care. Free consultation. Call: 07837486388 Email: universaltreecare@ outlook.com and https:// universaltreecare. wordpress.com

REFLEXOLOGY

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WORKSHOPS & MEETINGS Meetings are held at the Seven Stars The Plains Totnes at 7pm on last Sunday of the month.

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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.

“Do you long to play more? A part of you is waiting to fill you with energy. She is call Authenticity” Introductions to Fool Expression Workshops on November 10-11

and January 19-20. Hittisleigh Mid Devon. £110 (£95 conc.) “Women, resource yourself from your wild Nature and boost your life with confidence and fun” at the Autumn Wild Shakti Day on October 13. £50(£45 conc.) Hittisleigh Mid Devon. More info contact Christie Animas 07980371335 or contact@christieanimas.com

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.

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REFLEXOLOGY and Healing with Clare Viner MAR, in Exeter. Distinction in Reflexology, also offers kinesiology and a wealth of experience. clareviner@gmail.com 077177 26752 www. feetheartreflexology.co.uk www.clareviner.wixsite. com/pilgrimstories

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T HE N AUTILUS R OOMS

Fabulously located in the centre of Totnes yet tucked away in a quiet alley with easy access to parking. The Nautilus Rooms specialises in mind-based therapies beautifully supported by carefully selected massage therapists and those who specialise in mind/body treatments. Our therapists are carefully chosen for their range of experience, qualifications and simply the quality of who they are. Everyone is insured and belongs to a professional body. Therapists are trained in a range of modalities including: Byron Katie, CBT, Core Process, Couples Work, EMDR, EFT,

Family Therapy, Gestalt, Integrative, Mindfulness, Psychodynamic, Psychosynthesis, Sandplay and other creative therapies.

Association of Integrative Sandplay Therapists Courses

Short and long-term coaching, counselling and psychotherapy for all age groups, children, individuals, couples and families. Groupwork, workshops, supervision, counselling and mentoring.

2019 dates please enquire

Check our website for details of each therapist and their approach and for details of groups and workshops.

www.nautilusrooms.uk

Foundation in Integrative Sandplay Therapy (2 day course): 24th and 25th November 2018 Diploma in Integrative Sandplay Therapy (4 3-day weekends): 1st, 2nd, 3rd February 2019 22nd, 23rd, 24th March 2019 3rd, 4th, 5th May 2019 21st, 22nd, 23rd June 2019 Advanced Diploma in Integrative Sandplay Therapy to follow on from Diploma course

Continuing Professional Development Courses: Introduction to Integrative Therapeutic Art 2-day course Introduction to the Enneagram 3-day course The Lady and the Unicorn Symbols of the Souls Journey 2-day course Introduction to Alchemy: The work of Edward Edinger 3-day course Return of the Goddess 4-day course for those who have completed the Diploma in Integrative Sandplay Therapies. The Meaning of the Shell: Symbolism, Hand Images and Sand Sculpture in Sandplay 3-day course for those who have completed the Diploma in Integrative Sandplay Therapies. Foundation in Therapeutic Art: Please enquire for 2019 dates 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