reconnect 22 Dec-Jan 12 by ReConnect Magazine

l Wishing you a happy and more sustainable Christmas and New Year! l www.reconnectonline.co.uk

DEC/JAN 2012/13 ISSUE 22

the green living magazine for Exeter, Plymouth and South Devon

FREE

The healing touch

Turn to our Wellbeing section

please take one and pass it on

Really local radio

Tuning in to your community

Warming winter words A mag for all seasons

Christmas message Go wild - but go green

Building communities Working and playing together

ALSO INSIDE: Wildlife garden l Draughtproofing l Embercombe project l Thatching

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

EXPERIENCED PRACTITIONERS

WIDE RANGE OF TREATMENTS

PROFESSIONAL TRAINING

THE PRACTITIONERS:

MO MORRISH RSHom Homoeopathic medicine www.thehomoeopathicpractice.co.uk

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

ANNA PARIS Ac.M.MBAC Traditional acupuncture, Toyohari 5 element & Manaka styles. email: amparis1@btinternet.com LISA TATE Remedial, pregnancy and therapeutic massage, Myofascial release. www.lisatatetherapies.co.uk JULIE BLADON Yoga, Lomi Lomi massage, pregnancy massage www.juliebladon.com NATALIE WILKIE Counselling and psychotherapy www.counselling-exeter.co.uk KATHERINE JENKINS BSC(HONS)PSYCH, MNCH(ACC). Consulting Hypnotherapist www.hypnosisexeter.com KATHERINE UKLEJA DO RCST Craniosacral therapy www.katherineukleja.co.uk LESLEY HARPER Nutritional therapy www.lesleyharper.co.uk SUSAN QUAYLE Maternity reﬂexologist, fertility, ante natal, labour, post natal & baby, aromatherapy, massage Tel: 01626 862469 KARIN OR PATRICIA Pregnancy yoga & active birth www.birthwise.net NORAH CATHERINE MCCULLAGH Bespoke facials & skin care www.purefaceworks.com SAMANTHA GODDARD Exeter Reiki Institute & Reiki Rascals. Providing training and sessions for all members of the family. 07870 167701 LOUISA SHORNEY MBSCH Clinical Hypnotherapy & life coaching lshorney@gmail.com THE DEVON SCHOOL OF REFLEXOLOGY Level 3 Diploma Spring/Autumn courses 2013 www.devonreﬂexology.com

BRITISH SCHOOL OF HOMOEOPATHY For low cost homoeopathic treatment come to our supervised student clinic. Call 01392 422555 & visit www.britishschoolofhomoeopathy.co.uk

SCHOOL OF BODYWORK

Professional Massage Training. All diploma courses APNT accredited. Check out the new website sections: Job opportunities and skill enhancement seminars only £25. Sign up to our newsletter and follow us on facebook

Enrolling now for 2013 courses

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

01392 422555 Centre Manager: Ali Morrish

HARRIET HOLLINGWORTH Louise Hay ‘Heal Your Life’ teacher, EFT practitioner, Holistic therapist. www.hollingworthtouch.co.uk JULIA COLLETT Psychotherapy & counselling 01837 840052 GEOFF GREEN Energy healing and counselling www.innerknowing.co.uk SUE VAUGHAN DHH Kinesiology, Allergy Testing, Clinical Nutrition, Hypnotherapy, NLP. www.svaughan.co.uk TOBIAS TAYLOR Remedial Massage and Myofascial Release. 07583 354 211. LINDA ANANDA Movement Healing and Rythmic Healing. linda@movingintobliss.org DEBBIE TREWIN Better Life Consultations & Reiki Treatments, Exeter. 01392 833003

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

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

Advertising: 01392 346342 adverts@reconnectonline.co.uk

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

...and the latest news at

Magazine

Wild about gardening 5 Gardener wins eco award

Inside this issue

The draught dodgers 13 Getting cosy with the experts Chips with everything 15 Dartmoor woodchip co-op A really good reed 19 Thatching is still thriving

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

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

Welcome...

Course of action 7 Bicton and Dartington join forces Apple juicing - page 8

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

www.facebook.com/Reconnect

Local author review 21 Books make ideal local gifts A green Christmas 22 Very merry - and sustainable too Very local radio 26 Tune in to your community Organic gardening 27 Plenty to do - indoors and out

Thatching - page 19

Events diary 28 What are YOU doing tonight? The Wellbeing section 30 Natural health in South Devon

How to advertise... THE DEADLINE The deadline for the Feb/Mar issue is Friday, January 4 - but get in touch now and we’ll do what we can!

Cover images: Anti-clockwise from the main image: Bonehill Rocks on Dartmoor by Phil Hemsley - see page 4; Gail Lowe of Devon Academy (page 38); Jeff Sleeman of Phonic FM (page 26); green Christmas (page 22); Exeter-Ethiopia Link (page10)

THE RATES 1/8-page - £93; 1/4-page - £148; 1/2-page £313; full page £522. THE DISCOUNTS Book three issues, get 10% off. Pay for a series of six, get one free. PAY MONTHLY Book six issues and pay monthly by direct debit (and you get 10% discount). So, a 1/8-page is just £41.85 a month; a 1/4-page is £66.60 a month; a 1/2-page is £140.85 a month; and a full page is £234.90 a month. AD DESIGN Just call and we’ll help with words (free of charge) and design (for between £10-£50). CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENTS See page 41 for details. Call Pete or Martin NOW!

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

Local radio - page 26

Living on Less 42 Celebrate what you really love

ECO ETHOS Reconnect is written, designed, printed and distributed locally, using materials from sustainable sources. It is printed using vegetable-based inks and biodegradable fount solution. The paper is 75 per cent post-consumer waste and 25 per cent virgin fibre (from a sustainable source), chlorine-free and FSCaccredited (www.fsc-uk.org). All by-products of the production and printing processes are recycled. Please recycle this magazine by passing it on to someone else after you’ve read it

Embercombe barn - page 16

CHRISTMAS comes but once a year... although I suspect someone might have slipped in an extra one because it’s come round again so quickly. As you would expect, there’s something of a festive theme to this issue but as always we would like to say that we do realise that not everyone celebrates Christmas. So, with no disrespect meant to Christians, please see ‘Christmas’ as a form of shorthand over the coming pages to represent whatever festival you celebrate this time of year - and please accept our sincerest wishes that you have a happy, peaceful and sharing time. And even if it’s all just another week for you, there’s plenty of nonChristmas stuff in this issue to keep you busy. Finally, assuming you’re using the same calendar as us, we’d like to also wish you a wonderful 2013 and if you’re planning to make your life that bit greener and sustainable, we hope Reconnect can provide just a little inspiration. Enjoy and be happy!

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

BE PROUD OF YOUR WORKSPACE Experimental ceramics, glass & ﬁring workshop 10-week throwing and sculpting course starts Tues January 15th 7-9pm 10-week beginners’ course starts Wed January 16th 7-9pm For other workshops please see website Tel: 01803 865033 www.pottingshedworkshop.com

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

PROFESSIONAL, CLEAN, FRESH BRIGHT & NEW SPACES

TO R

ENT

Set Up Your Professional Practice Here. Welcome Your Clients To A New Fitness & Wellbeing Studio. Town Centre, Easy Parking. Station Road Totnes TQ9 5HW (off fore street ) 01803 866 461

www.chapelhousestudios.com Editorial: 01392 346204 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

Have you got news for us? Party peace

Emma goes eco with new clothing line IN the same way as many of us would now look for organic, local and Fairtrade when out food shopping, we should also be questioning the provenance of the clothes we purchase. The choice in ethical clothing has grown so much over the last two years that you don’t now have to compromise on fashion. Complementary therapist Emma Parkinson, below, has launched a new eco clothing business specialising in hemp. Emma explained that, according to research by the Co-operative Bank in 2010, sales of ethical clothing grew by 72% during the previous two years and charity shop sales grew by 62%.

Phil’s photograph, Emsworthy Barn, which took first prize in Dartmoor National Park Authority’s Winning Landscapes photo competition

Winning image forms part of photo show THERE’S a chance to get up close and personal with the work of an award-winning landscape photographer when his work goes on show at a new exhibition. Phil Hemsley, the man behind the wintry Dartmoor scene on the cover of this issue, has picked up first prize in Dartmoor National Park Authority’s Winning Landscapes photo competition with the image above. And this and other amazing landscapes will make up Moor To Sea, a one-man exhibition in his hometown of Totnes from December 3-8. “This was my first walk to this charming old

barn on Dartmoor,” said Phil. “I was inspired by the transient light that morning and set up my camera and tripod in the hope that at some point the light might shine on both the barn and Greator Rocks in the distance at the same time... then, for a few fleeting moments, the opportunity arose to make my picture.” Moor To Sea is open 10am-5pm each day at Birdwood House in Totnes. See (and buy – great Christmas pressies!) Phil’s work online at www.morpheus71photography. co.uk, email him at morpheus71photography@ hotmail.com, or call 0797 353 8857.

More and more of us are turning to ethical shopping habits and with that in mind Emma launched her new online eco boutique called www.bohohemp. co.uk

Crimbo in Crediton

She explained: “Hemp is the greenest fibre by far because it requires no herbicides or pesticides. It’s breathable, strong and non toxic.” Emma, who lived and worked in Devon for over 10 years, said: “We hope the people of Devon appreciate the quality of the fibres used in our clothing, the ethics practised in the manufacturing and the funky designs that our friends in Belgium and Canada bring to the BohoHemp range. “By buying hemp clothing you are being a part of something really significant and making a positive contribution towards sustainability.” Call 0800 0932 782, email info@bohohemp, or visit www.bohohemp. co.uk.

Pictured left to right, Helen Newton (Stuart Line Cruises), Dave Frost (Exmouth Cycles), Albie McMahon (Partner, Hands-on Health), Becky Smith (Deli on the Strand)

Gift vouchers with a healthy twist TO help people shop local for their Christmas presents this year, four independent Exmouth businesses have linked up to offer gift vouchers with a difference. Hands-on Health has teamed up with Stuart Lines Cruises, the Deli on the Strand and Exmouth Cycles to make sure residents can buy their gifts in Exmouth. They can choose from a River

Exe Relaxer, which includes a river cruise and a seated neck and shoulder massage, luxurious chocolate truffles and a relaxing seated massage, or, for those buying someone a new bike for Christmas, a full leg massage after that first ride! Pop into any of the four businesses, or see www. hands-onhealth.co.uk/shoplocal-vouchers for more information.

Advertising: 01392 346342 adverts@reconnectonline.co.uk

CREDITON Christmas Fayre, now in its seventh year, will have food and drink stalls, plus arts and crafts and live music, in the town square, 2-5pm, on December 8. Marie Belson, of Crediton Arts Centre and Crediton Rural Arts & Music Project (CRAMP) who are staging an afternoon of carols, street theatre and live music performances, said: “The aim is to bring the whole community together to celebrate the festive period. Call 01363 773052 or visit www. crampdevon.org. l There are lots more Christmas events and other Crimbo stuff on pages 22/23.

PRINCESSHAY became a stage for performers at the annual World Peace Day celebrations. The now annual event aims to raise awareness of world peace and was a collaboration by two local businesses - the Exeter Mind and Body Clinic in Chapel Street and their neighbours, The Hub on the Green. Also taking part were: Sueclaire Morris and Zoe with a poetry performance; Dudley Hambleton of Evolution in Fore Street (crystals and therapies and cafe shop) on his hurdy-gurdy; Vanessa and Jacqueline leading a shaking meditation; Fernando Guido and Stania Diffey hosting Argentine tango and Rob and Alby providing music and a great silent dance throughout Princesshay. A board was on display for people to write what peace means to them.

Comedy gig THE lovely Jackie Juno is hosting a comedy night featuring Kimwei (“quirky percussive guitar virtuoso”), Jackie’s multimedia comedy musical Big Bang, Brian Abbott on guitar and “the Universe on flipchart”. Be at The Union Inn in Moretonhampstead at 8pm on Saturday, December 22. Tickets are £7 in advance and a tenner on the door but chances are it will sell out. Call 01626 835802 or email jackiejuno@yahoo.co.uk to book and/or ask awkward questions.

Improv day IMPROVISATION master Rémy Bertrand, who runs Imprology in London, is holding an ensemble workshop at Dartington Village Hall on December 15 and 16, 10.30am-5.30pm. Says Rémy: “We will explore physical, verbal and musical forms of improvisation to accommodate all levels of experience, from great beginner to seasoned players. We will play, laugh and learn.” The cost is £95 (£85 conc). Find out more at www.imprology.com/ bookings.html.

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

...email details to us now at

editor@reconnectonli

ne.co.uk

green fuse funeral directors

Chris Strong in his wildlife award winning garden.

Garden judges are wild about Chris’s life story A GARDEN with neatly trimmed hedges and bowling green lawns may be pleasing to some but it’s the life within that space that makes it stand out when the eco judges come calling. That’s exactly what happened to eco gardener Chris Strong whose beautiful urban garden won a cup in the 2012 Exmouth in Bloom prize giving. For Chris, who runs Fagins Antiques, an antiques and reclamation business at Hele just outside Exeter, the garden is a long standing love since he bought the house in Exeter Road, Exmouth, back in 1987. The large rambling 1906 semi was previously a doctor’s surgery and the garden, which runs all around from back to front, was completely overgrown and neglected when Chris took it over. Because of his access to reclaimed materials such as slate and stone, not to mention ornaments and statues, Chris has created a garden full of character and areas of interest. As a Piscean, the main criterion for his design was that it must contain water - hence he now has four ponds each with its own significance. The one at the front is mainly ornamental but the ponds in the rear garden are teeming with life. At one stage his ponds were home for a pair of mallards who nested there three years running. After the ducklings had hatched the mother would lead them on a suicidal march from the garden to the nearby park crossing several busy roads on the way - and usually accompanied by Chris waving down the cars en-route. Said Chris: “I started in one corner with the first pond and then used reclaimed materials for paths and edging and linked the two ponds with a bog garden. I never spray anything and the bird life is fantastic. “When I was collecting my award, the

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

judge told me I had more wildlife in my garden than the rest of Exmouth put together, which was very pleasing to hear.” Chris is proud of the long list of wildlife he hosts in his garden. There’s frogs, newts, toads, some fish (although the heron has taken most) dragonflies and mayflies. There are many plants that attract butterflies and bees and there’s a corner with nettles - a favourite with butterflies. Said Chris: “I’ve got a pet pigeon called Walter who comes into the house and costs me about £6 a week in cheese. There’s also a seagull called George - it’s like a canteen in here first thing in the morning.” For insects there’s a log store and the garden birds are kept on their guard by a Sparrow Hawk which often visits. A fox comes into the garden most nights and before this year there were regular visits from hedgehogs. Chris went along to the Exmouth Rugby Club in September to pick up his award for the Wildlife Friendly Garden presented by the Exmouth in Bloom organisation. The category is one of six new awards this year.

green fuse supports you to create a moving and memorable funeral reflecting the life & values of the person who has died. Joint Funeral Director of the Year 2012 Good Funeral Guide We have just opened our new Bereavement Centre where you can hold funeral ceremonies, vigils and wakes, with the most modern facilities to look after your loved person. Visit our funeral centre at 7 High Street, Totnes or visit our highly informative website www.greenfuse.co.uk to find out all about funerals and bereavement. Call us on 01803 840779 (24 hour service).

funerals with heart and soul The Contemporar y College of Homeopathy

Homeopathy

Getting others better

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

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

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

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

Editorial: 01392 346204 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

Local, seasonal and organic...

Local food

LOTS of stuff about buying local produce for Christmas, of course, but also news of a joint Bicton/Dartington educational project, some tasty apple events and a cafe that’s won an award for its amazing floral displays, left Local markets and independent stores - great produce right up your street.

Eat it local this Christmas HOME MADE PICKLES & CHUTNEYS Produced in St. Marychurch, Torquay using top quality ingredients with no artiﬁcial additives of any kind. 5 Babbacombe Road, St Marychurch, Torquay, Devon TQ1 3SB Tel: 07751 156325 inapickle1@hotmail.co.uk

Part of the Taste of the West range

SackS wholefoods

FESTIVE food and drink represents a large part of most people’s Christmas spending – and that means there’s massive potential there to keep things green. The key word is, as always, local - local as in small, independent, specialist and wholefood stores, not local branches of huge national, or international, companies. And this isn’t just about green politics. The British Federation of Small Businesses, not renowned for their radical views, estimate that buying your Christmas dinner locally puts 50% of what you spend into the local economy - against just 5% when you spend it in supermarkets and chain stores. There are, of course, many other reasons for using local independent stores. These come from Friends of the Earth: l They are more likely to provide local food that hasn’t been flown halfway across the world;

Seasons Christmas Fl_ad-R5 14/11/12 10:46 Page 3

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

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

SackS SackS Too

80 High Street Totnes TQ9 5SN 01803 863263 6

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

Advertising: 01392 346342 adverts@reconnectonline.co.uk

l They offer a much more personal service than big supermarkets; l They often offer better value than big supermarkets for fresh fruit and vegetables; l They are more energy efficient than huge superstores – it would take more than 60 greengrocers to match the carbon dioxide emissions from just one average superstore; l A diverse range of local shops provides more choice than one big supermarket. And we would add that a meal is just so much more enjoyable if you know it’s come from the land of your own environment. Food and drink make perfect gifts too – see page 22. As well as the traditional roast, look out for local cheese and pickles, bread and cakes, honey and preserves, fish and quiches. Plus locally brewed beer and locally made wines, ciders and juices. And what better gift for the ‘tricky to buy for’ friend or family member than C M Y CMgoodies? MY CY Maybe CMY K locally produced visit your local farmers’ market or produce store and put together a small hamper… And finally, try to cut down on waste - and if you do have leftovers, don’t forget to compost them!

editor@reconnectonli

... email us your local food stories at

ne.co.uk

Collegesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; joint project WITH the South West so heavily dependent on farming it seems appropriate that the region should lead the way in educating future generations on sustainability. The announcement of a joint initiative between Dartington and Bicton College to establish a campus on the Dartington Hall Estate brings together two organisations with a strong track record in sustainable farming research. Bicton can boast a state-of-theart Environmental and Renewable Energies Hub (EaRTH) and Dartingtonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Schumacher College has recently launched a world$OVR WRS OLQH LV WR UHDG 6HW OLNH D MHZHO LQ WKH KHDUW RI 7KH (QJOLVK 5LYLHUD leading postgraduate programme in Sustainable Horticulture and Food Production, aimed at growing low input, diverse and resilient food systems. The collaboration will be called Bicton College @ Dartington and will offer courses for students from The Dartington estate and, below, age 14 upwards, from across the the EaRTH centre at Bicton region and at all levels including Dartington in this exciting partnership higher education. The courses will and believe that it has the potential be in agriculture, horticulture and to make a significant impact on how countryside management. UK farming responds to the issues Both organisations have pledged to of climate change, energy and food explore the concept of Fossil Fuel Free security. (F3) farming. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We were eager to partner with Projects under consideration include: Dartington who, not only share our l Anaerobic digestion as an vision of the criticality of addressing alternative to non-organic fertiliser these issues, but have common l Solar power generation values and principles. We also l Biogas-powered farm machinery believe that this partnership will l Filtrated plant oil as an alternative enable us to support our land-based vehicle fuel mission across Devon and beyond, l Biomass boilers for heating providing opportunities for learners who previously may have struggled Bicton College Principal and Chief to access our courses on our main Executive, David Henley, said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;We campus.â&#x20AC;? are delighted to be working with

:LQWHU DW 2QH :RUOG &DIp %LVWUR

Â&#x2021; :DUP IULHQGO\ DWPRVSKHUH Â&#x2021; $ VDIH IULHQGO\ HQYLURQPHQW IRU FKLOGUHQ Â&#x2021; 1HZ ZLQWHU PHQX DQG VSHFLDOV Â&#x2021; 2SHQ IRU EUHDNIDVWV OXQFKHV DQG HYHQLQJ PHDOV Â&#x2021; *UHDW FRIIHH DV ZHOO DV D ZLGH VHOHFWLRQ RI EHHUV ZLQHV VSLULWV

Â&#x2021; +HDWHG RXWGRRU VHDWLQJ DUHD Â&#x2021; 2SHQ IRU GULQNV GLQLQJ DQG VSHFLDO HYHQWV 7KXUVGD\V DQG )ULGD\V Â&#x2021; /LYH PXVLF HYHU\ 6DWXUGD\ Â&#x2021; 'RJ IULHQGO\ Â&#x2021; )UHH :L)L Â&#x2021; %HVSRNH SDFNDJHV IRU SULYDWH IXQFWLRQV EUHDNIDVW PHHWLQJV DQG ZRUN SDUWLHV

21( :25/' &$)( %,6752 $%%(< 3$5. %(/*5$9( 52$' 72548$< 74 +3 Â&#x2021; ZZZ RQHZRUOGFDIH RUJ XN Â&#x2021; RQHZRUOGFDIH WRUTXD\#JPDLO FRP )DFHERRN 2QH :RUOG &DIH Â&#x2021; 7ZLWWHU #2QH:RUOG7RUTXD\ 2QH :RUOG &DIH LQGG

vegboxes, meat & more to your door

vegboxes from just ÂŁ10.35

enjoy better veg

Putting the chicken before the egg

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

â&#x20AC;˘ Cheaper than supermarket organic veg

â&#x20AC;˘ Fresher and tastier (we grow it ourselves) â&#x20AC;˘ Fair to growers and less waste packaging â&#x20AC;˘ Comes with plenty of recipes

call us on 01803 762059 or visit www.riverford.co.uk

fdrelieveery

Editorial: 01392 346204 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

Local, seasonal and organic...

Local food

Pomona, the apple press owned and run by the Common Players theatre group from Exeter, was operated by the Richards family. Pictured are mother and son Mary and Seb

Pressing engagement

Taste the Experience! Fine English wines & cheeses, produced from our Estate on the banks of the River Dart. Tours are available which include a wine tasting. Alfresco dining in summer.

01803 732203

www.sharpham.com

VILLAGERS in Lympstone turned out with their bags and buckets bursting with apples when the community held its first Apple Day. In the orchard of villager John Lupton the event included an apple tasting stall, stalls selling honey and other bee products, a cider bar and an apple press supplied by the Exeterbased theatre company The Common Players. Joan Thomas and granddaughter Rhiannon of The press, named Lovelace Crescent, Exmouth, turned her apples Pomona, was kept into seven litres of juice working all day as and live entertainment with dancing villagers brought in hundreds of apples for pressing and and singing from local groups. took away gallons of apple juice. The event raised over £1,200 for the village hall. There were refreshments on hand

Wassailers drink to apples (and cider) WHEN it comes to celebrating the apple harvest there are few places can compete with the South Devon village of Stoke Gabriel. The village is holding its annual Wassail event on Saturday January 19, 2013, from 4.30pm in the community orchard and Church Walk. Wassail queen and king Alicia Harper and Ben The event, which is a traditional cider apple Turner and Master with Ceremonies Adam Lay. blessing ceremony, apples, cakes and drink on hand includes folk music, morris together with a well stocked cider dancing, face painting, storytelling bar. and the Mummers play. Entry costs £2.50 for adults and There’s homemade food, toffee £1 for children.

Advertising: 01392 346342 adverts@reconnectonline.co.uk

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

edit or@reco nnec ... email us local your events local food stories tonline.co.uk local people local foodatlocal health local environment Goodies in store WITH all this talk of buying your produce locally, it seemed a good time to have a quick look at what a couple of our advertisers are offering by way of Christmas fare. Tucker’s Local Produce Market in Ashburton will open late on Thursday. December 13, on top of its usual 9.30am-5pm TuesdaySaturday markets, and offers the full range of local, award-winning produce, organic veg, Fairtrade, wholefoods and everything you could need for your homebaking. Look out too for some unique craft gifts made by local makers. And if parking is your Christmas curse, remember they’ve got space right outside the market – and you can call into the Tucker’s Country Store (and garden centre) while you’re there. Sacks and Sacks Too, the two wholefood shops at the top and bottom of Totnes, will be staying open for late night shopping on all the three late-night shopping nights - December 4, 11 and 18. As well as ingredients for Christmas cooking, including dried fruit and yeast, Sacks also stocks cakes, puddings and mince pies, along with gluten and sugarfree alternatives. “And if you want something special we don’t already stock, we can get it in for you,” says Sacks owner David Saunderson.

Cafe’s floral awards TORQUAY’S One World Cafe in Abbey Gardens has topped a successful year by sweeping the board in the town’s floral awards. The cafe won first prize in the Public House and Restaurant category and was voted the best overall premises in Torquay. Evidence of the past year’s success came with the announcement that the cafe will being staying open during the Winter. One of the cafe’s big attractions has been its music evenings and it has a great line-up for the Christmas period, including Hoarse, The Lost Boys, Matthew & Me, Leo Howe, Emily Howard

and more. Check www. oneworldcafe.org.uk for details. The cafe is also hosting the launch of a new book as part of the Eco Warriors project which aims to encourage children to reduce waste, reuse and recycle. The cafe is one of the sponsors of the project. The launch party for the Key Stage 2 book is on Saturday December 15 between 2-9pm. Call 01803 297797. The Seasons team in the Exeter store

Seasons’ new bargains CHRISTMAS is a time of giving for longstanding Exeter business Seasons - they are planning a 10% day to say thanks to their customers. Each year the shop, in Well Street behind the Odeon Cinema, holds a Christmas celebration and this year to mark the event on Saturday, December 8, between 9.30am and 5.30pm, everything attracts a 10% discount. Rob and Rachel Barker have a large and loyal following at the shop, which has been running for over 30 years. The couple, who also operate a very successful outside catering business, will be laying on samples of food and drink from local suppliers. Said Rachel: “This is our way of thanking our loyal customers for their support throughout the year and welcoming new ones. Come on down and try some delicious food and drink.” Check out the shop’s new website on:www. seasons4food.co.uk. Call 01392 201282.

Everything you need for Christmas...and the New Year! Award winning, locally produce meat and fresh fish • A wonderful range of local, organic dairy products • Organic vegetables, Fairtrade goods, fresh flowers Cakes, pies, bread, cheese, ice cream • Handmade baskets, jewellery, textiles, greetings cards • Freshly BBQ’d lunches Fridays & Saturdays Order your Hams, Turkeys and Hampers now

Special Christmas Late Night Opening on Thursday 13 December

Now open Tuesday to Saturday from 9.30am - 5.00pm Tuckers Yard, Chuley Road, Ashburton TQ13 7DG. Free parking right outside the door.

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

Editorial: 01392 346204 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

Have you got a story for Reconnect readers?

So just where does your money go?

Hafla good night out

BARCHESTER Green Investment are working in partnership with Ethex, so they’ve handed their regular green finance column over to them to tell their story... IT’S all too easy to support causes you care about in your day-to-day spending, while in the background your savings are being invested in businesses that do the opposite! Thankfully there is a growing movement to get ethical with money. According to the Move Your Money Campaign (moveyourmoney.org.uk) over 500,000 people claim to have moved their savings into an ethical bank account over the past year. That’s where Ethex (www.ethex.org. uk) can help. We are a new not-forprofit company that makes it easy to choose from and invest in the best ethical businesses – so your money brings positive impacts and not just financial returns. Our online platform, launching in January, will offer investments in areas such as renewable energy, fair trade, ethical finance, ethical property, all clearly presented and easy to compare. You can invest from as little as £100, and monitor and manage your investments through our online portfolio. We’ve partnered with experts Barchester Green (www. barchestergreen.co.uk) for provision of financial advice. There are 10 founding member businesses ready to invest in at launch – including Good Energy, Traidcraft, Cafedirect, and the Ecology Building Society - and we aim to bring a steady stream of exciting new investment opportunities online over the coming months (sign up to be the first to hear about them). Ethex offers ‘positive investing’: actively putting your money into businesses you believe in. People who have already made positive investments are more likely to invest again. Why? Because they have seen the benefits: knowing exactly where their money is and what it is supporting; being part of successful ethical enterprises; getting the satisfaction of returns that go beyond just financial reward. Ethex’s vision is for a growing army of ethical investors, making money while doing good, providing much needed finance for socially useful businesses, community enterprises and co-ops across the UK. We think South Devon could be one of our most active areas for positive investing over the next few years, but that one’s up to the South Devonians… Open a free investment account at: www.ethex.org.uk TO find out more, call Jackie Adams on 01722 331241 or see the back page. Barchester Green Investment is the oldest firm of independent financial advisers in the UK specialising in ethical and environmental investment.

EEL vice-chair Mark Hodgsonand chair Mark Howells with Diriba rural school head, teacher and students with the water pump funded by the project

Devon schools create link with Ethiopia WE all know about twinning - villages with villages, towns with towns, and cities with cities. But nine primary schools in Devon have linked up with nine schools in Nekemte, Ethiopia. It’s all part of the Exeter-Ethiopia Link (EEL), which this year celebrates 25 years of direct action to alleviate poverty in the African country. Penny Pullen, who oversees the initiative for EEL, visited numerous schools in Ethiopia this year. “I was delighted to witness some real positives,” she said. “I have nothing but admiration for the teachers who, with limited resources, are giving their students opportunities to achieve a better quality of life.” It all began in1987 when a handful of people from Devon got together and formed the link in response to the devastating famine that destroyed millions of lives in Ethiopia. It was Exeter-based civil engineer Richard King who first visited the country to establish links and find out how Devon could help

HAFLA is Arabic for celebration or party but to really get the flavour of the event, you are invited to one at Ashburton Methodist Hall on December 12 (12/12/12) from 7pm. “It’s to raise money towards repairing the hall,” explains Alida Epremian, whose Egyptian dance students will be there to show off their talents. “Everyone is welcome – young, old, men, women,” says Alida. “We would love to see some drummers and of course everyone is welcome to dance!” People are asked to take food to share and the £8 entrance will go towards the hall fund. Call Alida on 07581 366 636.

Pop-up crafts

in the fight against poverty. Before long, enough money had been raised to fund a tree nursery and a school vegetable garden project in Hareto – a big village in a poor rural area of western Ethiopia. In 1994 EEL was extended to include Nekemte, the principal town in the region, 250 miles west of the capital Addis Ababa. EEL membership costs £10 a year and the group has more than 130 members who raise money through pub quizzes, talks, market stalls, raffles, other fund-raising events and private donations. Less than three per cent of funds are spent on administration and EEL has no paid staff. Fundraising last year brought in £14,500. Visit www.exeterethiopialink.org.

THE former Greenlife shop, at the bottom of Fore Street in Totnes, for some weeks at the centre of the Costa Coffee row, has new tenants – at least until Christmas. Tanner Bates Leather Workers have a sixweek lease on the premises leading up to Christmas and as we go to press they are inviting other local craft makers to share the space. No word yet as to who they will be, but they will all be local and none of them will be High Street chain stores. Stop press: Richenda from The Potting Shed has just signed up! l Look out for more local Christmas shopping news on page 22 and throughout this issue.

City markets

Forever young - thanks to the power of song FROM George Formby to George Michael via Adele, Pavarotti and the Scissor Sisters - that’s what to expect when you join the Forever Young community singing sessions. Currently around 40 people a week gather in a darkened room and sing words that are projected large onto a wall. “Forever Young, based on Bob Dylan’s song, was one of the original backing tracks we started with in January 2007,” says one of the organisers, Dave.

Advertising: 01392 346342 adverts@reconnectonline.co.uk

“Six years later, Forever Young is chosen on a regular basis. “We know our popularity is based on an informal, friendly atmosphere - and with such a wide range of musical styles and moods, it is no wonder that the singers, (mostly aged 40+), have a great time.” Drop in on a Monday evening, 7-9pm, St Sidwell’s School, York Road, Exeter (EX4 6PG), or visit http://singforfun.yolasite.com/ or email for.everyoung@hotmail.co.uk.

UNIQUE Boutique and Exeter Phoenix are getting together for the third year running, to hold two markets. “Everything on sale has been made or up-cycled right here in this beautiful corner of Britain,” say the organisers. A Saturday daytime market is on December 1, 11am-4pm, and a late night shopping evening market on Thursday, December 6, 5-9pm.

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

... email us your news at editor@reconnectonline.co.uk Rosie Burns painting in the street at Bideford - she’ll be working at Harbourhouse Gallery in January

Paint me a gallery... THERE will be en exhibition with a difference at Kingbridge’s Harbour House Gallery in January. They’ve invited local artist Rosie Burns to take along her equipment and materials and create the artwork right there in the gallery, transforming the empty walls in a working art studio for a fortnight. Rosie will start work on Make Space on Monday, January 21 and the exhibition will come together over the next two weeks until Saturday, February 2 when it closes. The gallery’s Alison Veazey said: “Rosie’s a prolific artist at the best of times so she’ll soon get the walls filled - and will be happy to chat to visitors at any time.” Other exhibitions at Harbour House include: Get Weaving, an exhibition of constructed textiles by members of Devon Weavers Workshop From December 4-9; and Rural and Coastal Connections, the work of landscape artists Sarah Brown, EC Williams, Lydia Milford and Gina Bastard from December 11-16. Call 01548 854708 and visit www. harbourhouse.org.uk.

Community big night out THE Acoustic Haven Totnes community music event is back again on Friday, January 25, with music from Jon Langan and improv humour from Fanny Fontaine, at St John’s church in Bridgetown, Totnes. The bar upstairs offers home-baked and organic refreshments (plus “a dreamscape of world projections, live illustration and shadow dancing/puppets”!) The doors open at 6.30pm and you can find out more at www.thehillyfield.co.uk. Tickets are £8 in advance from Harlequin Bookshop in Totnes, or via www.wegottickets.com, and £10 on the door.

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

City Steiner names its principal STEINER School supporters in Exeter are close to choosing a site for the new state-funded Academy. Two key members of staff have now been appointed to work towards an opening in September next year. The school’s principal is Alan Swindell who has been active in Steiner education in Devon for 30 years in class teaching, school management and teacher training. Alan is the former director of education at South Devon Steiner School. Shortly after his appointment the school’s project and finance manager was selected. He is Brett Parker, formerly Chief Executive of TTS educational charity based in Bideford. Martin Whitlock, co-director of the Academy Trust, said: “These appointments to two key roles in our senior management team are a big step forward and show that the creation of the new Steiner Academy in Exeter is firmly under way.” Meanwhile the search for suitable premises for the new school is closing in with several potential sites in the city having been identified. The shortlist will be whittled down still further in the weeks before Christmas with a final decision expected early in the New Year. The new Steiner Academy will have a capacity of 630 pupils from age 4 to 16. In September 2013 the school will admit 26 pupils in each of Reception, Year 1, Year 2, Year 3 and Year 7. The admissions process is expected to take place in Spring 2013. Visit the wbsite,www. steineracademyexeter. org.uk, and www. facebook.com/ steineracademyexeter.

Save money on your energy bills! - Advice and support for community groups

and businesses - Energy audits - Funding sources and applications - Green Deal - how can it help you?

We can help you reduce your energy bills You can also contact us to find out about training opportunities to help you be a part of the Green revolution. Top Green jobs are available now!

- Green Deal Installation and Advice

- Energy Assessment - Smart Metering - Metering Engineer

- Renewable technologies - Sustainable construction - Gas training and assessment

- PLCs

To find out more, contact: South West Energy Centre, South Devon College Vantage Point, Long Road, Paignton, Devon TQ4 7EJ

01803 540725

www.southwestenergycentre.co.uk email: renewablecourses@southdevon.ac.uk Twitter: @sdenergycentre Skills Funding Agency

Editorial: 01392 346204 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

Power to the people... local people local events local food local health local environment

Local energy

Convert your vehicle to a green fuel-saving hybrid - for £350 ● Hydrogen hybrid system for petrol and diesel engines ● Cuts harmful exhaust emissions to near zero ● Emissions reduction verified by independent testing ● Also improves performance and mpg ● Save £10 on car tax as ‘alternative fuel car’ ● Fitted in less than three hours for £350 incl VAT

A SCHOOL’S biomass system, draught proofing, a new regional energy centre, car sharing, a solar PV update, a community woodchip co-op and... come on, isn’t that enough? The biomass boilers inside the container

Average return on investment 9 months Contact us for more information

de Verde Technologies Limited Unit 1b, Western Business Park, Brixham Road, Paignton, Devon, TQ4 7BR T: 01803 664701 E: info@hydrogenhybrids.uk.com W: www.hydrogenhybrids.uk.com

Firm’s ‘plug-in’ biomass system turns up the heat FINDING their client off-grid and isolated on the edge of Exmoor did not phase renewables specialist Optimum Heating - in fact the installation of a new system was a challenge they relished. The customer was West Buckland School near Barnstaple where the indoor swimming pool was heated by an elderly 109kw oil-fired boiler. The school turned to Optimum Heating of Barnstaple for a quick and easy solution.

The double-decker containers, above, house the boiler and fuel storage. Below: the water tank is lifted into position.

Advertising: 01392 346342 adverts@reconnectonline.co.uk

The company manufactured and installed an Energy Cabin as a ‘plug and play’ solution to be sited adjoining the swimming pool. The cabin contained all the heating plant and room for fuel storage. Optimum installed two Froling 60kw boilers cascading together with a 19 cubic metre pellet store. The system was installed this Summer during the school holidays and is expected to produce 634Kwh per year and will pay for itself in under three years because of the Government’s Renewable Heat Incentive tariff. This year Optimum has enjoyed a big increase in its turnover for installation of Biomass boilers which so far represents 50% of its business. Apart from design and installation, Optimum also operates The Good Fuel Company which collects sawdust and manufactures briquettes to sell locally through garden centres and garages. Managing Director Simon Boorer said: “We feel we have championed the installation of biomass heating systems in Devon by not only installing systems but also by spreading the word via Q&A sessions with farmers on Exmoor, village halls and talking to local college students. “Our speciality is to install biomass mixed fuel systems into an assortment of environments including cellars, glass conservatories, steel containers, kitchens and barns, as well as the usual outside purposebuilt rooms.” Call 01271 372888, email info@ optimumheating.co.uk and visit www. optimumheating.co.uk.

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

editor@reconnectonli ... send renewable energy news tolocal ne.co.uk local people local events local food health local environment

Solar PV

FRE

URV

Great Savings for Home & Business • Prices Reduced – Solar PV costs less than you think • Savings Increased – Energy bills are rising making PV savings better than ever

• Returns Secure – A green investment with 10%+ returns, tax free & index linked for 20 years

Fully MCS and REAL accredited

Call us for free advice and a no obligation quote

The draught dodgers

Recommended on thebestof Exeter and YouGen

small business can be - probably the best installers

C E

“Ekland are an outstanding example of how good a

Y W IT

is able to very precisely locate the source of the draughts. The draught detection and thermal imaging can be undertaken on its own or as part of a full energy audit. Fraser’s independent consultancy, Anahat Energy, is offering a draught detection service to help banish unwanted heat loss. He explained: “With our ‘blowerdoor’ and thermal imaging camera we can precisely locate your draughts and advise on the best solution for dealing with them. “Perhaps installing draughtproofing will not give such a big thrill as having your own solar panels, but it is cheap, simple, can pay for itself within a year or two, and everyone can afford it. “Our personalised energy services help you find the most costeffective ways to reduce your energy consumption, cut your bills and reduce your carbon footprint. “We recently undertook a series of energy audits on 10 homes and two community buildings for Ashburton Futures, the local transition group in Ashburton. The draught detection test was probably the most interesting and illuminating part of the process, physically bringing the energy audit to life and highlighting key areas where heat was being lost unnecessarily.” For more information, call 0845 074 5915, visit www. anahatenergy.com, or email bepositive@anahatenergy.com

C O

WITH all the current talk about the Green Deal and Feed-in-Tariffs, humble draught proofing is often snubbed in favour of more obvious measures like insulation, or expensive technical options like solar panels. Yet with some simple DIY techniques draught-proofing can provide some of the greatest energy savings at the least cost. Draughts can account for around a third of heat loss in a home (i.e. hundreds of pounds simply being blown away in the breeze) but it is often difficult to accurately locate them. Local energy consultant Fraser Durham says some draughts are obvious; around windows, doors, letter boxes and key holes. But there are often draughts in places you wouldn’t expect - where walls meet, gaps in the skirting, around poorly fitted insulation and loft hatches, around pipework, vents and even through rawlplugs. To make matters worse, draughts move heat away from our bodies more rapidly, making us feel colder than we would expect given the air temperature. Draught detection works by placing a large fan in an external door, all windows are closed and fireplaces sealed. The fan then gently sucks air through the property, thereby forcing air in through all the cracks and gaps. Using a thermal imaging camera and the feel of the draughts on the hands Fraser

Fraser with thermal imaging camera for detecting draughts

F I D E N

Trusted Local Installer

of anything that I've ever dealt with…”

Dr Richard C - Exeter

0845 463 0057 info@ekland.co.uk

www.ekland.co.uk

“

Optimum Heating Ltd has been successfully shortlisted for the 2012 national Green Energy Award for Biomass Installer of the year. Simon Boorer - MD

”

we design, supply, install and maintain the best heating systems for you and your environment

Tel. 01271 372888

Shots taken by Anahat Energy using their thermal imaging camera. From left to right: a roof window, the corner of a room and an area of ceiling.

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

for Biomass log, woodchip and pellet boilers in the South West www.optimumheating.co.uk

Editorial: 01392 346204 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

Revisit all the Reconnect back issues and read our online diary...

Local energy New energy centre plan SOUTH Devon’s low carbon credentials have been given yet another boost with news of £2.5 million from the European Regional Development Fund to finance a new state-of-the-art energy centre. It is expected to open next Summer and will be sited at South Devon College at Paignton. As well as delivering courses in renewable energy and giving help and advice to local industry on green ideas, it will be built as a shining example of ecoconstruction. The centre will include energy saving features such as thermal cooling through the night vents; a computermanaged energy system; biomass boiler and optimum daylight to reduce the need for electric lighting. When complete the building is expected to achieve an “excellent” rating under the BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental

Assessment Method) scheme. The centre will also provide community support to help groups minimise their energy costs and to introduce new technologies. It will offer training to individuals and businesses in new technologies, Green Deal installation and to help the wider business community to understand how they can benefit from new green technologies and techniques. Phase 1of the centre is providing all these services from the interim base on the South Devon College campus in Paignton. Phase 2 sees the building of a state-of-the-art Energy Centre on the Whiterock site in Paignton which will provide all the existing services, plus research and development capability, a Passivhaus, and purposebuilt teaching and training rooms with industry standard equipment donated by industry.

A artist’s impression of the new £2.5 million energy centre.

Our future

Your choice

Choose PV to add value to your property. Index linked, Tax Free FIT income for 20yrs, plus Export tariff. Save on future increasing electricity bills.

Choose Sungift

to design and install.

Over 7yrs and 1000 installations completed. Award winning, expert staff. Most recommended SW installer on YouGen.co.uk Small roof? Shaded? Or wrong direction? We have solutions! We are always happy to answer your questions. Call SunGift to arrange a FREE survey and secure your energy future.

Solar PV & Thermal • Biomass • Heat Pumps • Wind • Micro CHP

PV solar panels - the time is right DESPITE the Government’s early efforts to totally screw it up, the solar PV market has finally settled down and now would seem a good time to get panels on your roof if you haven’t already. The Feed in Tariff rollercoaster has finally levelled out and is providing a secure and predictable rate for consumers and investors. And the price of the systems have come right down to a fraction of what they were at their peak. Meanwhile, of course, energy prices continue to soar… Says Alex Farnell of Ekland Solar in Exeter: “Recent price hikes from the big energy suppliers only serve to highlight the increasing attractiveness of solar as a way to control rising energy costs for both businesses and householders. “As solar companies mature in a highly competitive marketplace, customers are getting a much better deal all round - products and services are being improved on all the time, warranties are becoming

Advertising: 01392 346342 adverts@reconnectonline.co.uk

more comprehensive and there’s a growing understanding of the need to specify the best equipment to ensure long-term performance. “The case for solar PV as a source of clean energy to reduce our carbon emissions and increase our energy independence and security has never been stronger.” Call Ekland Solar on 0845 463 0057 or visit www.ekland.co.uk.

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

...all on our new-look website at

www.reconnectonlin

e.co.uk

Exeter tops car-share scheme table EXETER is the car sharing capital of the UK. More people share lifts in Exeter than any other UK city, according to the nationwide liftshare.com network. Around one in 21 people (4.7% of the local population) have signed up to car-share and are able to find others going their way via carshardevon.com. Second place goes to Cambridge (1 in 38) and third place

Chelmsford (1 in 46). Devon County Council has been running a draw where new members to carsharedevon can win a tank of fuel. The last draw ran out at the end of November but it is being run again from Mid January. Membership of carsharedevon has just reached 9643 with a record 198 new members joining up in October.

ANAHATENERGY

Andy Bradford gets to grips with some timber destined for chipping

Chips with everything WHEN Dartmoor farmer Andy Bradford installed a woodchip boiler, his thoughts turned to creating a sustainable source of local fuel. Just three years later, it has grown into a 10-strong co-operative of local residents and businesses. The Dartmoor Woodfuel Cooperative is an Industrial Provident Society, with private and commercial members, including the River Dart Country Park (which has provided the co-op’s chairman Mark Simpson as well as a great many trees), Marley Head Sawmills and Seale Hayne, near Newton Abbott, and a number of homes. “The one thing we all have in common is a desire to make the best use we can of local wood,” said Andy. “It’s important, for the future of the environment as well as the business, that we develop sustainable supplies, so we have created a Seedling to Firebox policy, focusing on replanting as well as the harvesting, chipping and distribution.” Woodland work requires some heavy equipment and as well as Andy’s farm machinery, the cooperative has purchased a trailer, chipper and winch/tractor – partly financed by an initial grant of

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

£75,000 from the Bio Energy Infrastructure Scheme, set up by DEFRA and later run by the DECC. Other funding has come from Devon County Council and Dartmoor National Park – and they’ve applied for another £120,000 grant to build storage buildings and to help further develop their local supply chain. Andy says the co-op is open to new members. Call him on 01364 631250 or email info@ dartmoorwoodfuel.co.uk.

Editorial: 01392 346204 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

Inspiration for a greener way to live...

Eco building READ here about Embercombe’s Linhay project, a traditional home that uses very modern renewable energy and a call for eco home builders - turn the page for ionisers, greenwood furniture and thatching, left

SOLAR/PV PANELS ELECTRICAL

HEATING

PLUMBING

RAINWATER HARVESTING HEAT PUMPS

THERMODYNAMICS DESIGN & PROJECT WORK

KITCHEN/BATHROOM DESIGN & FIT

Children helping to build a cob wall on the last Friends weekend, left. The framework for the workshop is already up (see below) and the main oak frame is due to go up as we go to press (sorry we can’t be there to help out). More news in the next issue.

Learning barn is born WORK on the new land-based learning centre at Embercombe, near Exeter, is progressing well despite the weather – and with a little help from their friends. Embercombe have received a grant of £750,000 from Viridor Credits to build a traditional oak-framed Devon Linhay, which will form the heart of their educational and skills learning initiative. All the foundations and groundworks are completed, the framework of the workshop is already up and its cob walls are in place – wrapped in hessian blankets and breathable membrane to protect them from the elements until the roofs go on. The cob has been created from Embercombe soil and the oak was felled from their woodlands. The big oak frames of the main building were due to go up in November and reclaimed materials are laid out over two acres where they are being sorted and prepared for use. The work is being carried out by The Embercombe Building Company, founded by Phill Ireland to provide people who need a second chance in life to learn a trade with a particular focus on a commonsense approach to sustainable buildings. The crew have been keen to share their learning. “The Embercombe building team is really giving it everything to keep the building on time, but they still have energy to involve our community of friends,”

35 years experience in all aspects of building and design

SMALL APPLIANCE REPAIRS

RepaiRs: major and minor

Family run, friendly staff and knowledgeable advice . All staff employed. FREE estimates. All work guaranteed.

224 Torquay Road Paignton TQ3 2HN

www.eco-trades.co.uk sales@eco-trades.co.uk

See the testimonials for yourself on www.eco-trades.co.uk

01803 393530 or 393522

said Embercombe’s Suzy Edwards. “The children pictured came with their families to volunteer at the last Friends’ weekend and were able to get involved in cobbing the single-storey workshop building, working alongside the Embercombe Building Company team. “People also had the chance to split huge granite slabs, using an old fashioned peg and hammer technique – quite spectacular! “There will be more opportunities to get involved in actually building the structure during future Friends’ weekends. The accommodation gets booked up very quickly, but day visitors are always welcome.” Find out more at www.embercombe. co.uk or email suzy@embercombe. co.uk. l The latest news is that the Schumacher Natural Building Certificate will be running at Embercombe from March 2013, with The Linhay being a source of inspiration for the course and offering a chance for students to get up close on a hybrid building, mixing old and new technologies.

alteRations: internal and external

Craftsmanship with a female touch

Advertising: 01392 346342 adverts@reconnectonline.co.uk

Renovation woRk: traditional and modern tanya & kevin 01364 631415 The K2 ParTnershiP LimiTed www.k2ltd.co.uk

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

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

Idea blows in one stormy night FOR over 900 years the land at Higher Eggbeer Farm near Cheriton Bishop has provided its owners with a living. It survived for most of that time without mains water or electricity. Now the ancient farm, which was mentioned in the Doomsday Book, is making the most of its other natural resources. Already the stunning thatched farmhouse, which lies in 14 acres on the edge of Dartmoor and includes holiday lets and B&B, is powered by a 4kw solar array and a giant wood burning boiler provides plenty of heat for the outdoor swimming pool. Now its owners, Alistair and Robin Scott Lawson and their mother Sally-Anne, want to harness wind power to bring the ancient farm firmly into the 21st century. The farm has been Alistair’s home since he was four and is very much in his blood. The family recently bought the freehold from the Eggbeer Trust and are now investing in renewables to lower their running costs. The PVs have been operating for a year and have provided over 4000kw in that time. The 60kWh biomass boiler is fed with pallets that Alistair collects from a local source (he even pays for some of his diesel by selling the many kilos of nails he picks out from the ashes) and it can increase the pool’s temperature by five degrees in one day. The next step is to install a 4,000 litre accumulator tank to feed the central heating system for the house. All the animals are given water from the well and there are plans to use this for the house as well. Alistair says the house stands high up on a southerly facing site which is exposed to the elements and would be an ideal site for a wind turbine - a neighbouring farm already operates one. Next year there will be a huge vegetable patch, to which self-catering

Alistair at Higher Eggbear Farm and below, with the biomass boiler. guests will be able to help themselves. Alistair is keen they get a taste of life off-grid. But Alistair’s drive for renewables is not restricted to his farmhouse. He has now launched the Windworks Project, an idea that came to Alistair on a stormy night. He thought about all the free energy passing by untapped and was determined he would do everything to promote the use of such an abundant and powerful resource.

After gaining charitable status Alistair plans to contact his former clients to ask for backing and hopes others will donate to get the project up and running. He needs to prove that the donations will be more that £5000 a year before the Charity commission will give him the status, so if you think you might donate, go to www.thewindworksproject.com. To contact Alistair, email ascottlawson@ gmail.com.

Eco home call from Dawlish

IF you’re interested in a community of self-build eco homes in the Dawlish area you are not alone. Reconnect reader Gill King has asked us to spread the word that she is looking for kindred spirits in the area with a view to finding land and creating a working project. “There’s lots of land earmarked for development,” says Gill, “and some of that is for ‘custom-built’ projects – which would include the sort of sustainable development we’re looking at. “We’ve all seen eco projects on Grand Designs on TV – now we realise it’s possible to actually do something for ourselves. “There’s lots more information at the National Self-build Association website, www. selfbuildportal.org.uk.” Gill’s dream is for a small community of well-designed and properly constructed lowimpact homes, with communal growing areas and shared resources. If that’s your dream too, get in touch so Gill can set up a meeting. Call 01626 865914 or email gillk27@talktalk.net.

Before returning to the farm to run the business, Alistair captained private yachts and was immersedCONTEMPOR in a world where money was in great abundance.

ARY

He said: “I realised while working with billionaires that they are not going to DESIGN  change and go green just like that. But if you create something that they can put money into, and they can see where their money has been spent, you are half way there.

“I want to create a company where all money generated goes back into creating more wind turbines or other alternative green energy like solar and wave power.”

CONTEMPORARY

DESIGN

FOR LOW IMPACT LIVING          DESIGN

Please contact: Andrew R Kirby RIBA 01803 867377 info@LEDdevon.co.uk www.LEDarchitects.co.uk

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

Editorial: 01392 346204 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

Explore a greener way to live...

Whitethorn Woodcraft

Traditional and Contemporary Designs in Wood All wood from local/ sustainable sources Commissions taken

07546 552880

whitethornwoodcraft.co.uk

Eco building

Live near a natural clean spring - or use an ioniser IF you don’t happen to have a spring water fountain gushing natural water alongside your home, there are other ways of ensuring the water you consume is not harmful. Water is undoubtedly the most important nutrient in our bodies and is used to flush out harmful toxins. But tap water, and even some bottled waters, can contain chemicals and therefore be detrimental to our health. Tony Taylor of Torquay is writing a book with his sister Carly about healthy living called How To Live To 120 With Energy And Joy and has devoted a chapter to water and how it holds the key to health. Tony has fought his way through illness including ulcertive colitis and cancer and his book is a story of how he has rebuilt his life and the lessons he has learned. He is now fit and healthy and is a huge fan of water ionisers made by Californian company Life Ionizers, for which he is now an agent. The machines turn your tap water into ionised water with negative ions that help pick up positively charged toxins in the body.

The machine also produces alkaline water which helps balance the acid overload in the body. And it is called thin water because it does not have the chemicals that tap water contains and so hydrates you faster. Said Tony: “It does not take an expert to work out that if we are made of about 70% water, and we are drinking eight glasses of tap water a day which contains harmful toxins, we will be more prone to suffering and illness than if we were to drink naturally occurring, clean water. It’s about increasing the scales of health in your favour. “Everyone we have met who has one of these machines raves about how it has enhanced their lives. The internet is full of testimonials from people it has helped. Ionised, alkalised, microclustered water is a major key to good health.” Tony’s advice is: “Live near a fresh water natural clean spring - or fit an ionised water machine in your home.” For a free 30-day trial contact Tony on 01803 605494 or 07747 416083.

Peter Lanyon - lessons in greenwood furniture.

Woodworker extends his courses GREEN woodworker Peter Lanyon is planning an extended programme of courses and workshops for 2013 after most of his 2012 sessions were fully booked. Said Peter: “I’m planning a wider range of longer and short courses this year, including greenwood chair making, steam bending, and making a table and a child’s chair. “There will also be a range of green wood activities for children of all ages.”

Advertising: 01392 346342 adverts@reconnectonline.co.uk

As we go to press the first to be firmed up is February 8 and 9 at Flameworks in Plymouth (www.flameworks.co.uk) check out Peter’s website for the other 2013 dates - www. peterlanyonfurniture.co.uk. Peter’s work can be purchased at Seale Hayne, The Devon Guild at Bovey Tracey, the Flameworks Christmas show in Plymouth and the Christmas Fair at Growers Organics on December 2.

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

...and find more Eco building online at www.reconnectonline.co.uk

Craig’s thatched roofs are keeping a tradition alive WHY is it that more often than not, the old ways are the best? If you were looking for an efficient insulation and roof covering today, you couldn’t go far wrong with good old fashioned thatch and it’s so much more pleasing to the eye than tiles or slates. The UK is home to more thatched properties than anywhere else in Europe and we have our fair share in South Devon where master thatcher Craig TempleMurray has been working for the past 34 years. Said Craig: “Thatching is not just a job, it’s about heritage and tradition and I get tremendous satisfaction from seeing roofs

Up on the roof master thatcher Craig Temple-Murray

around the South West that I’ve thatched over the years.” His traditional craft has remained a popular method of roofing since the Middle Ages. Initially any sort of reed or straw was used depending on what was available in the local area. Reed itself is a very eco friendly roofing material, but these days cost dictates that it has to travel to this country from Eastern Europe. Craig explained that homes could use locally-sourced straw (wheat reed) but, although costing the same, it would only last two thirds as long. Good quality water reed is available from Norfolk but the small quantity being harvested means there is only enough to cater for local needs. Wheat reed can be obtained from several areas in Devon and is often used for ridging even on water reed roofs. In the South West a water reed roof can last for between 20-30 years and has superior U-value insulation properties compared with other roofing materials. For advice call Craig on 01404 822 874 or visit www. devoncornwallthatcher.co.uk

Village green ONLY a few years ago, talk of a zero carbon village in Devon would have been considered fanciful. So applause please for Plymouth City Council who have given the green light to the construction of a community who won’t be seeing those dreaded energy bills dropping through their letter boxes. In fact the energy companies could end up paying them! The project at Bickleigh Down is considered a little daring because of the low carbon footprint, so to help overcome the expense and risk, the council was encouraged to bend the rules on providing affordable homes. Instead allowing nine to 13 per cent as affordable rather than the 30 per cent required by council policy. The developer is CornerstoneZED and the project will employ up to 33 people to assemble zero carbon homes. With their experience will come the chance of longer term employment as other developments for zero carbon communities are created around the country. A potential further 26 jobs will be created at a green business hub designed to encourage other green firms to come to Plymouth.

We are Kingfisher Print & Design. No matter what the job, big, small, or everyday, we’ll work closely with you, understanding and treating each project with individual care and attention. We work in an environmentally responsible way, we are FSC certified, and it informs everything we do, this combined with our wealth of knowledge and experience allow us to deliver what we do best, careful, beautiful print of the highest standards… If you would like to speak to us about a project please feel free to drop us a line 01803 867087.

We take our business seriously…

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

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

Meet Stevie from production

Editorial: 01392 346204 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

Is there something you’d like to see in Reconnect... Carols with a cause

Making friends with Thornleigh A LANDSHARE project is inviting people to get involved on a regular basis after its first volunteer day was a great success. Reconnect editor Martin Foster, one of the team behind the project, Thornleigh Saddle just outside Totnes, said: “It was just a perfect day - 16 of us in total enjoying working, talking and sharing together. “The Friends of Thornleigh Saddle is now up and running so everyone on our email list will get newsy updates and reminders of volunteer days - all they have to do is email us and then turn up.” With wife Jenny and partners Matthew and Benita, they provide a veggie lunch and something sweet and lovely to accompany the afternoon cuppa. “We get lots done,” says Martin, “but chatting over a cuppa is important too!” The volunteer days will be on the last Sunday of every month, except December. “We’ll be up there as usual sorting out the poultry,” says Martin, “but we assumed most people will be busy with all that Christmas and New Year stuff - but we’re back on January 27.” To become a friend of Thornleigh Saddle, simply email your details (a phone number’s useful) to Marttin at editor@reconnectonline.co.uk.

THE Stanborough Chorus from Kingsbridge is staging two Christmas concerts in aid of charities. On Friday, December 14, they will perform at a Christmas service in Buckfast Abbey from 7.30pm, supporting the Primrose Foundation for breast care at Derriford Hospital. And on Monday, December 24, they will perform traditional carols at St Edmund’s church in Kingsbridge, 4.30-5.30pm, with proceeds going to Children’s Hospice South West. Both dates are no-ticket, collectionon-exit events. Visit their website at www. stanboroughchorus .org.

An example of Yuli’s work

Yuli’s work is so deeply felt We worked, we talked, we drank tea - the Thornleigh Saddle volunteers’ day

Indian food and music at book launch event ANOTHER great event to reward all those of you who grab your copies of Reconnect promptly. Local author/singer/songwriter Jon Stein will be talking about, and signing copies of, his new book, On The Road To Auroville, at Bogan House in Totnes at 5pm on Saturday, December 1. Tickets are £3, including Indian music and food. And check out Jon’s new website too, where you can find out more about his book and hear some of his songs www.jonstein.co.uk And read more about his book on the opposite page !

DEEPLY Felt is a solo exhibition at Green Hill Arts, Moretonhampstead, featuring some new work by felt maker Yuli Somme. Yuli’s work celebrates our long connection with sheep and wool by demonstrating its simplicity and beauty within the art of making felt. The show continues until December 22 and the centre is open Tuesdays to Saturdays, 10am-4pm. Her normal catalogue of work will be for sale in the centre’s shop - a great place for unusual Christmas presents. Call Yuli on 01647 432155.

Organic and fairtrade hemp clothing

10%

discount Xmas offer to all Reconnect readers

Whether it’s a cosy hemp hoody for those cooler days, a smart casual dress you can quickly throw on, or a pair of funky wide-legged trousers to lounge about in at home, you can be sure you will find something that guarantees sustainability, comfort and style.

www.bohohemp.co.uk 20

Advertising: 01392 346342 adverts@reconnectonline.co.uk

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

...email us at WE all know books make great Christmas gifts, providing hours of reading enjoyment and leaving you with something precious to pass on or add to your bookshelves. But in the spirit of ‘keep it local’, what about local books? We regularly feature titles from Green Books at Dartington (www.greenbooks. co.uk), but over the past couple of weeks we’ve heard from a number of local author/publishers, so if you’re stuck for an unusual gift idea, check out the following (probably all available online but we’d ask you to chase them down in local independent bookshops if you can – or direct from the author/publisher where we’ve provided contact info). Oh, and just to show we’re plugged in (wirelessly, of course) to the latest technology, there’s a guided meditation on MP3 and CD too.

editor@reconnectonli

ne.co.uk

Gifts that speak volumes about going local

On The Road To Auroville A Spiritual Misadvanture Jon Stein FRIEND of Reconnect and contributor Jon Stein actually started to write this book in India, thousands of miles from his Totnes home. “I’d gone to India dreaming of spiritual enlightenment,” he says, “but ended up spending most of my time in hospital!” The road accident that put him there was just one of a series of adventures - some painful, others comical - that make up Jon’s debut novel. “I thought I would find answers from the gurus in the ashrams,

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

but I learned most from the ordinary Indians I met – particularly in the hospital.” Jon hopes the book will encourage others not only to travel and explore, but also to read, write and publish. And we’re hoping Jon will pass on some of his experiences in self-publishing the book in a future issue of Reconnect. To buy a copy of Jon’s book, visit www.jonstein.co.uk, email jon@jonstein.co.uk or call 07549 139 504. ISBN: 978-178035-476-7 £7.99. Revelation Finding Wisdom from Within Srimati MEDITATION is surely the perfect example of something that has drifted effortlessly from the ‘alternative’ sector into the mainstream and changes millions of lives as a result. But there are still some who, as much as they want to enjoy its bounteous and powerful benefits, just can’t ‘get it’. A really effective and immensely enjoyable way to get into it is with a guided meditation – and a new CD/download from Srimati, who lives in Broadhempston near Totnes,

is perfect for newcomers and experienced meditators. Revelation – Finding Wisdom Within is a relaxing meditation in the down-to-earth and accessible style (and wonderfully listenable voice) that has made Srimati hugely popular locally and increasingly nationally and internationally too. Visit www.srimati.com to check out her free videos and to buy her guided meditation – you might just find it a Revelation… MP3 download (20 min) £3.99 (special launch price), CD £9.99.

are also examined in a no-nonsense, down-to-earth manner.

Behind The Hedge An illustrated guide to farming Nicola de Pulford/John Hitchins THAT co-author Nicola de Pulford (who also publishes the Farmers’ Calendar) is a working Devon farmer comes through loud and clear in this book. With chapter headings including Growing crops, Pigs, Poultry and Farm buildings and machinery, it’s the perfect introductory guide to all aspects of farming – the often taken for granted industry that keeps much of our landscape looking the way it does. And issues like ‘the way we farm’ and the relationship between farming and wildlife

The result is this comic and passionate account of her encounters with these animals, which have fascinated her since she was a child.

ISBN: 978-1-85058-919-8 £12.99 Otter Country In Search of the Wild Otter Miriam Darlington DEVON author Miriam travelled the length and breadth of the country for over a year to study wild otters with a good portion of her foraging centred on Dartmoor, Cornwall and Bodmin Moor.

ISBN: 978-184708-485-9 Granta £20 Finding Our Way H Louise Ashley THIS is author, poet and artist H Louise Ashley’s second book and is full of facts and views in “bite-size snippets” designed to inspire people to make the world a better place. Find out more and buy the book from www.hlouiseashley.co.uk. ISBN: 978-147106-350-3 £12.99 + P&P

Editorial: 01392 346204 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

We’re dreaming of a green Christmas...

How to enjoy a creati sustainabauble Chris Guild craft show WORK by local craft makers can be perfect for Christmas gifts, but it’s not always easy to find on the high street. The Devon Guild of Craftsmen Christmas exhibition Make features the work of 50 UK studios and makers. Local exhibitors include furnituremaker Peter Lanyon (as featured in Reconnect) and Plymouth metalworker Katie Lake. All the items – including home accessories, art prints, stylish bags, purses, tableware, carved wood and sculptural glass – are for sale, with prices starting at less than £20. Make runs from November 17-December 31 at the Devon Guild of Craftsmen HQ in Bovey Tracey. Find out more at their website, www.crafts.org.uk.

Late nighters THE hugely popular late-night shopping nights in Totnes will this year be run by a collective of market traders on Tuesday December 4, 11 and 18. Expect lots of local traders, street entertainers (local choirs, bands and morris dancers), plus lanterns and street food and drink. Find out more at www. totnesnightmarket.co.uk. The company who ran it in previous years, meanwhile, has turned its attention to Newton Abbot, which will keep its shops open on Wednesdays, December 12 and 19.

HERE we are again in December, almost at the close of another year and rapidly approaching Christmas. Does that thought fill you with a warm glow of goodwill? Or has it sent a cold chill of panic down your spine? Maybe you feel Christmas is in danger of becoming just a shopping festival – perhaps you think it already has. And who can be happy about the waste – all the unwanted pressies and uneaten food? But there is another way. Reconnect is here to help,

Greener gifts LET’S start with a reality check: no matter how many decorations and presents you intend to make, your life is very likely to include some Christmas shopping over the next couple of weeks. But, as we’ve said before, there’s good shopping and there’s bad shopping - and the very best of all is LOCAL shopping. Money spent in local, independent stores and markets stays in the local economy for everyone’s benefit. And money spent on local products and services helps to encourage and support small, independent businesses and craft makers. Crafts make great individual gifts - we did all our early shopping for family in Australia at The Devon Guild of Craftsmen in Bovey Tracy, but the work of local makers can be found in shops and markets across the area. They are inevitably more expensive than mileage-heavy imported goods, but they have so much more integrity. And because they’re made carefully with ‘real’ materials, they’ll still have them in years to come. Go for something smaller and simpler if price is an issue – and ask for a leaflet or card to include when you wrap it so the recipient knows what they’re getting.

with tips and ideas to ensure you enjoy a more sustainable, meaningful and, of course, enjoyable festive season. Most of us celebrate the festive season to some degree, whether we see it as a religious, pagan or great-excuseto-party festival and for all of us it’s a time of celebration and giving and fun, so don’t feel guilty and miserable about it all. Just decide to make things a little greener (and we make no apology for the excessive use of the word ‘local’)…

Books and music can be given the local spin too. Obviously it’s great to support independent record and book stores, but look out too for local authors (see page 21 in this issue), local publishers (Green Books at Dartington have a great range) and local bands and performers. And don’t only think new. Shopping in flea markets and antique and vintage clothing shops is great fun and guarantees unusual gift finds – and it’s recycling. Everyone enjoys food and drink so they make perfect gifts and independent foodie stores and farmers’ markets are stuffed with all manner of indulgent treasures. From cheese and wine to pickles and chocolate, it’s all made by local producers using local ingredients. And it’s perfect for those who are difficult to buy for (and surely giving an unwanted gift is the least green thing of all?) because you can never have too much of the stuff. If you can’t think of a ‘thing’ to buy someone, how about buying someone an experience? Most of the practitioners and therapists in Reconnect will happily provide gift vouchers – how good would it be to be given a massage session? Galleries, theatres and other venues will also be happy to sell vouchers. Right, so you’ve got some greener pressie ideas, but what about cards and wrapping and trees and decorations? Well, there are more sustainable options there too.

Fir trade trees IF you’ve got something you used last year, stay with it, even if it’s artificial – the greenest option is definitely not to buy anything. Otherwise, research and carbon calculations show a replantable tree is best – editor Foster has kept his in the pot he bought it in last year and it’s thrived. Even a tree without roots is a good option because it will have absorbed as much carbon dioxide

while growing as it will emit when burnt or left to decompose. Artificial trees on the other hand are made (using lots of energy) from petro-chemicals and other toxic materials, and then shipped half way around the world.

The shiny stuff IT you’ve got a box of decorations that come out every year, the greenest option is to stick with them, and if you look carefully you can still find secondhand ones at charity shops, recycling centres and boot sales. The magpies among you might like to also look out for old sparkly diamante jewellery and other shiny objects to add a little quirkiness to your tree. Or how about making your own tree and room decorations using popcorn, dough, cinnamon sticks, bows, gingerbread, holly, seasonal berries, ivy or evergreen branches? Or make a festive wreath or mobile with holly, mistletoe, fir tree sprigs and pine cones. After Christmas, you can just drop them in the compost. If you’re buying new Christmas lights, go for LED (Light Emitting Diode) lights which use up to 95% less energy than traditional bulbs. And turn off tree and outdoor lights at bedtime to save energy.

And to wrap it up... WE get through around 8,000 tonnes of Christmas wrapping paper each year – that’s the equivalent of around 50,000 trees. Dig out and re-use any paper you stashed last year and use minimal tape or even string so it’s easier to reuse this year’s paper. There are alternatives made from the bark of the mulberry tree and hemp, but they won’t be cheap. You could be radical and use other waste paper – old maps, calendars, posters, etc. Avoid glossy foils and metallic wrapping paper because they are difficult to recycle.

So an

IF yo chan Chri Artw villa the A artis live The orga Penn Drop pott shib jewe gree of b poe Ever to sa Anti full hom offic hard Artw Satu 8pm 14. call

And don’t forget, most natural health therapists are ha 22

Advertising: 01392 346342 adverts@reconnectonline.co.uk

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

editor@reconnectonli ...check out Christmas food local on page local people local events food6local health local environment ne.co.uk

ive and stmas!

Crediton pop-up A WHOLEFOOD store in Crediton has come up with a novel way of finding room for a masive range of Fair Trade and ethically sourced Christmas gifts – it’s opened another shop! The Green House will run the pop-up shop, in The Creedy Centre arcade opposite Lloyds bank on the High Street, right up until Christmas Eve. Shop owner Loo Brown said: “We pride ourselves in sourcing Fair Trade gifts from around the world and have found a great variety of hand-crafted items for all ages. “We have everything from finger puppets and handmade tree decorations to luxurious yak wool scarves and colourful baskets.” The original Green House shop on the town square is also stocking a range of Christmas goodies, treats and ingredients. Call 01363 775580.

Kingsbridge’s fifth KINGSBRIDGE Celebrates Christmas is now in its fifth year but if you haven’t caught it yet you’re in for a treat. As well as lots of street stalls under Christmas lights, there will be hog roast and other food, Santa on his sleigh, street entertainment, carol singers and special offers in many of the Kingsbridge shops. This year it’s on Saturday, December 8. Find out more at www. kingsbridgecelebrateschristmas.com.

omewhere different nd just up the road

ou live in the South Hams area, here’s a nce to check out somewhere different for istmas shopping - and still keep it local. works is a thriving gallery in the moorland age of South Brent, just five minutes off A38, and includes work from over 120 sts and designer-makers, most of whom locally. gallery is run by potter Jane Wellens and anic gardener and community whirlwind ny Wainwright. p in and you’ll find locally produced tery, artists’ prints and paintings, elegant bori lamps and the work of at least 20 ellers. The shop also stocks a big range of etings and Christmas cards and a variety books covering eco-building to cookery, etry to painting. r community-minded, Penny also asked ay South Brent also includes: Gildersleve iques; Green’s, a newly opened shop of fantastic reclaimed furniture and me ware; Fogg’s Deli, cafes, pubs, post ce, florist, pharmacy, food shops and a dware store! works (in Station Road) is open Mondayurday 10am-5pm during December, with m late-night shopping on Friday, December Visit www.artworksouthbrent.co.uk or 01364 649424.

Santa comes ashore FORGET reindeer (or, this being Devon, ‘rain, dear’) – Santa’s arriving in Dartmouth by boat. If you grabbed your copy of Reconnect promptly, you can see him come ashore on Friday, November 30 – and the town’s annual magical lantern procession on Saturday, December 1. Look out too for carol singing, gift and food markets, street entertainers and more. Visit www. candlelitdartmouth.co.uk.

All things lovely THE All Things Lovely Christmas Fair at Edgemoor Hotel in Bovey Tracey claims to have just that, with more than 20 craft stalls. There’s also mulled wine and mince pies, a charity raffle for Help the Heroes and free entry. It’s on Thursday, December 6, 5-9.30pm. Call Jo on 01803 213837 for details.

All the trimmings YOU can expect all the fesitive trimmings - Santa’s grotto, carol singing, craft stalls, mulled wine and mince pies – at the Cockington Christmas Fayre. It’s on Sunday, December 9, at Cockington Court, Torquay. Visit www. cockingtoncourt.org.

Moor good news for trees THE poor soil and severe weather conditions on Dartmoor may mean a struggle for wildlife, but it’s just the ticket if you want to grow Christmas trees. Mike Mann has been involved in the Christmas tree industry for over 40 years and for 12 years ran his own plantation in Devon. He now sells trees from his business at Crocadon Sawmills in St Mellion, Cornwall, many of which are grown on Dartmoor by one of his suppliers. Crocadon trees are cut a couple of weeks before going on sale and Mike’s extensive contacts in the forest industry ensure he always has a supply of extra large trees and has been supplying 12 feet to 15 feet high trees to Endsleigh Hotel at Milton Abbot and Pentillie Castle, St Mellion for several years.

Christmas trees at Crocadon

Crocadon is open seven days a week from December 1 when Christmas trees will be on sale. Crocadon are holding Christmas markets on December 1 and December 15 where a variety of stalls will offer food, gifts and local crafts. There’s also music, a wood-fired BBQ and a cafe. Call 01579 350096 or visit www. crocadon.co.uk

ceramics jewelley painting prints sculpture glass textiles lamps books cards kits yarns from local designer makers

artworks STATION ROAD SOUTH BRENT TQ109BE Only 5 minutes from the A38

Open 10 – 5 Tuesday to Saturday 10 – 1 Wednesday Open six days a week in December Late night opening until 8pm Friday 14 th December

01364 649424 www.artworksouthbrent.co.uk FREE CAR PARKING IN THE VILLAGE CENTRE

appy to sell gift vouchers - see Wellbeing on page 30 www.reconnectonline.co.uk

Editorial: 01392 346204 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

Revisit all the Reconnect back issues and read our online diary... For women A SERIES of workshops for women starts on February 2 in Sheldon, near Cullompton. Women’s Creativity and the Seasonal Festivals is a series of eight workshops for celebrating the most potent points of the year and concentrating on their empowering relationship to women’s creativity. Says Mandy Pullen, one of the organisers: “We start at Imbolc (Saturday, February 2) and then follow with the Spring Equinox, May Day, Summer Solstice, Lammas, Autumn Equinox, Samhain/Hallowe’en and finally the Winter Solstice. Find out more at - www. rememberingtheways. co.uk, email info@ mandypullen.co.uk, or call 01823 672689.

From Listen by Newsha Tavakolian

Play time THE second half of the Centre for Contemporary Art and the Natural World (CCANW) programme Games People Play focuses on photography and video by 16 contemporary artists from 12 countries who use sporting imagery to make a wider comment on life today. Check it out at the CCANW, Haldon Forest Park, Exeter. Visit www.ccanw. co.uk.

Eco kids teach recycling

The Eco Warriors project “Saving the world, one primary school at a time,” say authors Bill and Kevin.

A FORMER primary school teacher and a publisher based in Torbay have combined forces to create an Eco Warriors workbook, which is teaching children across the South West about recycling. The story is based on three children, Edward, Charlie and Oscar (ECO) who are summoned by Mother Nature and given ‘super powers’ to help defeat the powerful energy tycoon Dr Carbon and his invisible sidekick, the Foot Prince. The books will be sent free to primary schools throughout the UK, if local businesses and individuals

agree to sponsor the project. Books have already been accepted by 30+ schools in the region, thanks to support from companies including Torbay Taxis, Chasing Paper Ltd and One World Cafe. Co-authors Bill Callaghan and Kevin Reynolds came up with the idea for the book which is being launched at One World Café in Torquay on December 15, 2-9pm, with Elphic the Jester and raffle. To find out more and/or get involved, call Eco Warriors on 01803 431036 or visit www. ecowarriorsuk.org.

More great shows for the villages WHEN theatre-maker Tom Frankland’s aunt died in 2006, he and his father inherited suitcases of letters written by his grandparents across 25 years. Tom suggested they create a performance inspired by the letters, but in creating their debut show together, father and son uncovered more than they bargained for. Frankland & Sons reveals the astonishing life and love of a couple living through two world wars and recession. A performance will take place at Gittisham Village Hall on December 1 at 7.30pm - call 01404 850051. Mazymeg and the Honeybees is enchanting children’s theatre that weaves threads of Devon folklore, an original sound track by Dartmoor musicians and shape-shifting puppetry. Performances take place at Highweek Village Hall on December 1 (01626 330510); South Zeal Victory Hall on December 2 (01837 840564) and Rattery Village Hall on January 5 (01364 643741). Kepow - Crazy Little Thing Called Love is a show starring Kevin Tomlinson and Abi Hood (The Bill, ITV) which takes a comic look at love in all its funny forms and contains improvisation, sketches and storytelling. The show goes on stage at Gidleigh Village Hall on December 2 at 8pm (01647 433429). The shows are all part of the Villages in Action programme. Vist www.villagesinaction.co.uk

Cathy Towers

Wellbeing for firewomen EAST Devon hosted the annual Women in the Fire Service Conference. An innovative wellbeing session was introduced as part of the conference with Mark Pogson holding a Tai Chi class and Exeter Mind and Body Clinic providing mini-sessions to delegates. Knowing the sort of issues that come up, particularly for firefighters, Les Elms worked with breathing problems and Jacqueline Kareh offered soft laser for injury healing. Cathy Towers of Exeter Mind and Body Clinic said: “There was such enthusiasm for sessions, I even did the organiser after people left!”

Kepow Crazy Little Thing Called Love, above and right, Mazymeg and the Honeybees

Cathy worked with Zero Balancing for stress and back problems. l MORE natural health and personal development stories in Wellbeing - see page 30.

Unity 2012

Recycling scrap scheme helps community THERE are few better examples of creative recycling than the use of waste manufacturing materials for art and craft projects. And there are few better examples of such a scheme than the AliWay Scrapstore at the Hollacombe Community Resource Centre, run by Torbay and Southern Devon Health and Care NHS Trust. The project began as an aluminum can (hence ‘Ali’) recycling scheme up a narrow alleyway (hence ‘AliWay’) at Parkfield House in Paignton. They moved to their new home, at 386 Torquay Road in Preston, three years ago and although they do still collect and recycle aluminum cans, they now also produce and sell compost, operate an organic garden centre – and run the scrapstore. Most of the work is carried out by a team of helpers with learning difficulties. “The scrapstore takes in clean and reusable scrap

from businesses and private houses right across the bay,” said the project’s Jenny Aherne, assistant manager at the centre. “We then sort and sell it to local schools, nurseries, Girl Guides, Brownies, art students and any other members of the public. The materials are sold in £1.50 and £4.50 containers, and they also make up and sell kits – currently they have calendar kits, using all recycled materials, for just 20p and Christmas cracker kits for a £1. AliWay Scrapstore is open Mondays, 10am12noon, Tuesdays 10am-2pm and Wednesday and Thursdays 10am-4pm. Look out too for their Christmas gift and decorations workshops at Lupton House near Brixham on December 21, 22 and 23, 11am-3pm – and it’s free! Call the centre on 01803 523711.

Advertising: 01392 346342 adverts@reconnectonline.co.uk

RAISE your vibes at an evening of meditation, movement and chanting on 12/12/12. Unity 2012 will be hosted by friend of Reconnect Srimati at The Studio Lounge in Totnes, 7.15-9.45pm, on Wednesday, December 12. The evening will also see the official launch of her new meditation CD (it’s also available as a download – see page 21), which will be on sale for £7.99 instead of the usual £9.99. Tickets are £8 from www.srimati.com/ events.

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

w.reconnectonline.co local people local events local food local health local environment .uk

Seasonal eating

COLD, wet weather and seasonal pre-festive pressure (not to mention post-festive hangovers) can leave you feeling less than wonderful. Fear not, Carol has some dietary advice to help you through it all... ONCE I’ve accepted Winter is really here, I actually rather like it; days when there are fresh clear skies and stark dramatic scenery feel like a beautiful gift… And then of course it’s that ‘chestnuts roasting on an open fire’ festive time of year once again; a time when good, delicious and nutritious seasonal food is so important and can form the heart of celebrations and get-togethers. Nature on the other hand seems to encourage us to do just the opposite disappear into our burrows and have long duvet days… It’s not surprising then that so many of us feel tired, frayed and just a little peaky as we rush around trying to fit Christmas preparations and celebrations into our normal busy lives. So how can we use food to feel fabulous rather than fatigued this winter? For me the focus is all about staying warm and keeping bug free. Here are some tips that will help you do this: l Eat more meals rich in pungent spices, including turmeric, ginger, cloves and nutmeg and herbs such as coriander, rosemary and thyme. These all boost the immune system and taste great, too. l Clean up your diet. For many people, too much dairy produce and wheat can bring on sinus stuffiness, which leads to a lack of sinus circulation, making you more susceptible to picking up bugs.

A free, statefunded Steiner school for Exeter, opening in September 2013. An allthrough school, from age 4 to 16. Admissions to Kindergarten and Classes 1, 2 and 6

(Reception and Years 1, 2, 3, and 7).

Education through activity, creativity, handson experience and social interaction.

Take it as red...

www.steineracademyexeter.org.uk

l Drink more ‘live’ fresh vegetable juice. Or at least try to have a salad made with lovely peppery winter salad leaves, crunchy red cabbage and grated carrot each day. Raw food is full of immune boosting goodies.  l According to Chinese medicine, the bladder and the kidneys are particularly affected by the seasonal cold. So if you feel a little under the weather or feel chilled wrap a scarf around your mid-back and sip on fresh ginger tea with a squeeze of lemon. Enjoy some lovely whole-grains in soups and stews - buckwheat, pot barley and millet all add nutritional value to a meal as well as being slow release and warming Now try this delicious pate recipe, perfect for a Christmas starter…

Mushroom and chestnut pate with goat cheese

16ozs mushrooms, stems removed, chopped; 1 cup roasted chestnuts, chopped; 1 cup diced onion; 1/3 cup diced shallot; 4ozs goat cheese; 1 tbsp crushed garlic; 1 tbsp fresh, chopped thyme (plus more for garnish); 2-3 tbsp olive oil; 2 tbsp dry sherry; sea salt and fresh black pepper; fresh flat leaf parsley for garnish l Warm a large pan over medium-low flame. Add 1 tbsp olive oil. When warmed, add the onions and shallots. Stir occasionally, making sure to not let the shallots burn, for about three minutes. Add the garlic and sauté for another minute, also being careful to not let the garlic burn. l Stir in the mushrooms and sauté for another 5 minutes. Add the sherry and thyme and season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. l When the sherry has mostly cooked off, add the goat cheese and stir just a little to soften the cheese. Fold in the chestnuts. Remove from heat. l Spoon the mixture into a food processor, and add 1-2 tbsp olive oil, as needed. Puree until chunky-smooth. l Serve on crackers. Garnish with black pepper, fresh thyme and parsley. l This can be made well in advance; the flavours will improve if left to sit overnight. Refrigerate for up to four days. Reconnect’s Seasonal Eating is written by Carol Lee, who runs workshops and courses in nutrition, health and wellbeing. Call her on 01363 82794 or visit www. naturalfoodschool.co.uk. You can now join her on Facebook for seasonal tips, recipes and nutritional information www. facebook.co/naturalfoodschool

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

   

               

               

  



Editorial: 01392 346204 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

There’s morelocal Reconnect Facebook... local people eventsnews localon food local health local environment

Independent radio station bucks trend in community

On the air - Jeff Sleeman

Making Sundays a happier place to be COMMUNITY radio relies heavily on volunteers and is always looking for wouldbe presenters. In Exeter, Phonic FM has been transmitting since 2008 and is constantly diversifying and widening its range of programming. Reconnect advertiser Jeff Sleeman is one of the regulars on the station helping to present a show called Happy Sundays. Jeff, who is a life coach and runs the Happy Mondays career change programme, started his radio career at the beginning of 2012. With the help of two co-presenters, Anna Marie Waite and Philippa Davies, he discusses a variety of topics related to wellbeing and living a happy, healthy life. Recent shows have explored such diverse subjects as ideas for creating a fulfilling work life, whether or not social media contributes to overall happiness and the phenomenon of synchronicity – meaningful coincidences which occur from time to time in our lives. Jeff balances the discussion with some easy listening music and often features tracks by up and coming local artists. Listen to Jeff between 2-4pm on the first Sunday of every month on 106.8FM in the Exeter area. The most recent shows are also available as podcasts on Jeff’s website www. happymondays.org.uk

WHEN we at Reconnect harp on about staying loyal to local suppliers we’re not just talking about food. The airwaves are an important means of communication within and around our communities and, like the supermarket giants, there is competition from the big national players. Radio Exe is about as local as you can get in the radio world - locally owned and fully supportive of the community in which it operates. Paul Nero, the radio station’s managing director, has a wealth of experience in the media, starting out on the Exmouth Herald and going on to the dizzy heights of the Financial Times as Head of Communications 20 years later. In between he was with TV companies TSW and the BBC. Paul, who also has a copywriting business called Plain Text, says he’s passionate about local radio and believes that, with the support of the local community, Radio Exe can survive and thrive. Said Paul: “We are bucking the trend of what’s happening in this country in radio. Most local radio stations are being bought up by national groups. But in this area the opposite has happened - we have acquired a local radio

Radio Exe’s Paul Nero and presenter Chris Dinnis

station for the community from the national group. “It’s not a community radio station like Phonic or Bay FM which cover very small geographic areas, this is a professional radio station. But we are one of a very small handful of stations in this country which has an FM licence to broadcast professionally to a wide area. “It is a privilege and an honour in this country to own an FM licence and so as

Turn on, tune in, stay local Community stations Phonic FM - Exeter www.phonic.fm 106.8FM Plymouth Community Radio - starting in 2013 Bay FM - Exmouth area www.bayfm.co.uk 106.4FM Cross Rhythms - Plymouth www.crossrhythms.co.uk online Soundart Radio - Dartington www.soundartradio.org.uk 102.5FM

Commercial stations Radio Exe - Exeter, East/Mid Devon www.radioexe.co.uk 107.3FM Palm FM - Torbay www.palm.fm 105.5FM Radio Plymouth - Plymouth www.radioplymouth.com 106.7FM Heart - Devon www.heart.co.uk 96-107FM

well as making it work, we want to give something back to the community. If you’ve got an event you want us to promote, let us know. We try to support local charities, for example. “We give local bands airtime, and we have special programmes covering Exeter City Football Club, and a rugby show called the Pow Wow, presented by two of the Chiefs players.” Paul said that listeners now tuned in to Radio Exe for nearly 25 per cent longer than they did last year for a mix of music and news. Said Paul: “We’re on air 24 hours a day, but the licence requires us to produce 10 hours a day live. “It’s important that we know our area, what’s happening and pronounce things correctly. “It’s about being a part of the community but it’s also about being professional. Doing a great service for the listeners but also for the advertisers.”

Online now - on the air in Summer of 2013 THE Summer of 2013 will see the launch of Totnes FM onto the local airwaves. The station, which is currently broadcasting online, is busy training people and preparing new shows and a schedule to suit the demands of the people of Totnes. David Parsley, chairman of Totnes FM, said: “When we press the green light we will be fulfilling a gap in the market for local views, news and music. “Of course we are already broadcasting 24

Advertising: 01392 346342 adverts@reconnectonline.co.uk

hours a day online at www.totnesfm.co.uk and you can listen to great shows right now. When we launch on FM it’ll be even better.” Totnes FM began broadcasting in May 2012 after being awarded a five-year FM community radio licence from OFCOM, the independent regulator. Find out more: www.totnesfm.co.uk www.facebook.com/totnesfm Twitter @TotnesFM

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

www.

facebook.com/ReconnectMagaz ine local people local events local food local health local environment

Organic gardening

insight meditation in the buddhist tradition

www.gaiahouse.co.uk

WINTER months are the perfect time for housekeeping and a little armchair gardening - but there are crops to care for too... JUST when you thought your veg garden’s productivity was dropping off… it’s time for all those lovely winter greens. Full of vitamins and minerals - where would we be without them? But don’t forget they will need a bit of attention and protection from birds and the weather. This doesn’t have to be a major task simply tie the bigger ones, like brussels sprouts, purple sprouting broccoli and some of the taller kales, to a cane or stick before the wind wobbles their roots out of wet, soggy soil. If you don’t have nets to cover your plants you can always use a few old CDs or DVDs attached to a cane with string to deter birds (I’ve got a few in my CD collection that would scare them off). Winter is also a great time to purchase and plant fruit bushes such as gooseberry, raspberry and currants - but don’t forget they need plenty of space. When planting them, always imagine the plants at their final size and leave plenty of room to get around them to pick all that lovely fruit. If you miss this planting opportunity don’t worry because you can buy potted organic fruit bushes right throughout the year. We carry a good selection – both at our nursery Growers Organics at Yealmpton and on our market stall at Totnes market (which incidentally has now moved to the front of the market next to the olive stall) – right through from late February until early October On the subject of fruit, we had a

A little support... fantastic strawberry crop earlier this year but it’s time to tidy up the bed. For those who want to increase their stock, now is a brilliant time to remove and pot up some of the larger, more healthy strawberry runners (the smaller plants that grow from the parent plant). Place them in a cold green house or cold frame and plant out in their final position nearer to Spring. Then take the shears to the rest of the bed and give them a damn good haircut. They will love you for it by coming back even stronger and more vigorous next year. And when (if?) we get a bright, sunny day, how about a little (green) housekeeping? Greenhouse glass can always do with a wash – it’s amazing how dirty it can get in a year. So rather than wait until the moment you want to get in there and sow your seeds, why not give it a bit of a scrub down now? It will look great and you can tick another job off your list!

Armchair gardening SEED catalogues are now available and there are more and more organic ones coming on to the market. Winter is a great time to chose and plan next season’s vegetable beds - and all from the comfort of your armchair. Don’t get too carried away (it’s easy to do!) and think about getting together with a like-minded gardening friend and placing your order together. You can share seeds and some companies offer free delivery on larger orders. Store your seeds in an air-tight container - an empty sweet or biscuit tin left over from Christmas is perfect. Place it in a dry, dark cool space and your seeds will stay fresh. Never keep them in the greenhouse - they will become damp in the Winter and too hot in the Summer. Finally, and assuming you’ve picked up your copy of Reconnect promptly, don’t forget to come to our Christmas craft fair on Sunday, December 2,10am-4pm. We will have a variety of hand-crafted gifts available from some very talented local crafts folk. And you can sample a pizza from our clay ovens! Reconnect’s Organic Gardening column is written by Joa and Charlie Grower of Growers Organics. Meet them in person at Totnes market on Fridays and Saturdays. Visit www.growersorganics.com, or call 01752 881180.

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

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

Call of the Wild A Foundation Programme in Environmental Education – Outdoors! In association with WildWise Connecting people to the natural world. A unique opportunity to gain skills and experience for outdoor education in a variety of settings and client groups. 8 residential weekends between March and October 2013

2013 Short Courses Jan/Feb Polly Higgins David Rothenberg Vandana Shiva

May/June Trebbe Johnson Chellis Glendinning Satish Kumar

Mar/Apr Stephan Harding Eve Mittleton Kelly Ed Mayo

July/Aug David Abram Andy Fisher Bill Plotkin

Tel: +44 (0)1803 865934 www.schumachercollege.org.uk

Editorial: 01392 346204 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

december

CRAFTS - See December 1

Get in touch...

Saturday 1 IF your event isn’t in here, it’s because you And Sunday 2 haven’t told us about it! A Creative Journey. To be in the February/March issue, get the info to Exhibition of drawings us (editor@reconnectonline.co.uk) by Janaury 4. and paintings by We’ll also put it in our online diary! And all free! Helen Petit, Harbour We can’t give you free publicity for your courses House, Kingsbridge, or workshops, but we do have a section just for 01548 854708, www. you in the classified section on page 43. harbourhouse.org.uk. To advertise there costs just 90p a word for a Until December 31. minimum of 20 words. So go on, get in touch! Make - exhibition of contemporary crafts, Devon Guild of Tuesday 4 Craftsmen, Riverside Mill, Unique Boutique market. Bovey Tracey, www.crafts. Stalls selling gifts made Until December 9. or recycled locally, org.uk. Get Weaving 11am-4pm, www. an exhibition of On The Road to exeterphoenix.org.uk. constructed textiles by Auroville, launch of Jon Children’s Christmas members of Devon Stein’s book, Bogan Recycle Workshops, Weavers’ Workshop, House, Totnes, 5pm, £3 Harbourhouse Gallery, includes music and food, The Flavel, Dartmouth, 10am-3.30pm, The Kingsbridge, 01548 www.jonstein.co.uk. Flavel, Dartmouth, www. 854708, www. Coppicing and woodland theflavel.org.uk. Show in harbourhouse.org.uk. management workshop, Google mapTQ6 9ND Parke, Bovey Tracey, Thursday 6 Games People Play 9.30am-4.30pm, £15 All Things Lovely Part 2. Photography members/£25 nonChristmas Fair. Over 20 and video by 16 members, book and contemporary artists from craft stalls, Edgemoor pay on 01548 821156 Hotel, Bovey Tracey, 12 countries, Centre after 6.30pm, www. 5-9.30pm, 01803 for Contemporary Art devonruralskillstrust. 213837. and the Natural World, co.uk. Haldon Forest Park, Unique Boutique lateChristmas celebration Exeter, www.ccanw.co.uk. night market. All stalls at Devon Guild of selling gifts made or Craftsmen, carol singers, Holistic and Craft Fair, recycled locally, 5-9pm, Plymouth Guildhall, tastings and more, www.exeterphoenix. 11am-4pm, free, www. Riverside Mill, Bovey org.uk. Tracey, www.crafts.org.uk. elementsholisticand craftevents.co.uk, 07954 Friday 7 Producers’ market, 427722. Christmas gifts and Glass Fusing. Making trees, refreshments SUNDAY 2 Christmas decorations entertainment, Crocadon and more with recycled Christmas craft fair, Sawmill, St Mellion, glass – free Skillshare, Growers Organics, next Saltash, Cornwall, 10.30am-12.30pm, to Riverford farm shop, 01579 350096, www. Potting Shed Studio, Yealmpton, 10am-4pm, crocadon.co.uk. £10 for materials 01752 881180, www. and use of kiln, www. Christmas wreath growersorganics.com. transitiontowntotnes. making workshop, Monday 3 org, richenda@ 10am-12.30pm, The pottingshedworkshop. Flavel, Dartmouth, www. Until Saturday, Dec 8 com, 01803 865033. theflavel.org.uk Show in Moor To Sea. Google mapTQ6 9ND Exhibition of landscape A Venetian Love Story And Dec 8, 11, 12, Winterfest with ‘mending’ photography by friend of Reconnect Phil 14 and 15. Cygnet theme - local projects, Hemsley, 10am-5pm, Company present cake, homemade Birdwood House, 44 Il Campiello Carol hot soup and lots of High Street, Totnes, www. Goldoni’s A Venetian mending, 11am-4pm, morpheus71 Love Story at The New Totnes Civic Hall, www. photography.co.uk. Through until December 20 10am - 9pm Theatre, Friars Gate, transitiontowntotnes.org.

COMEDY - December 23

Events diary

Got local a date for our October/November events diary? local people events local food local health local environment

DICKENS - December 8

WALK - January 27

Exeter. Matinees on Dec 8 and 15. www. cygnetnewtheatre.com, 01392 277189. Devon Guild of Craftsmen late opening, craft gallery and shop, Bovey Tracey, 10am-5.30pm, 01626 832223. Saturday 8 Christmas craft and food fayre. Festive craft, food and drink stalls, 10am5pm, Dame Hannah Rogers Trust, Seale Hayne, Newton Abbot, 01626 325800, www. discoverhannahs.org. A Very Dickensian Christmas. Andrew Meller presents a festive evening of favourite Dickensian characters and stories, 7.30pm, The Flavel, Dartmouth, www. theflavel.org.uk. Christmas Fayre in the Square. Stalls, refreshment and entertainment, 2-5pm, Crediton Market Street, www.crampdevon.org. Seasons, Exeter health food store Christmas celebration, 8 Well Street, Exeter, free food, drink samples,10% discount, www.seasons4food. co.uk, 01392 201282. Talking Community Action with Oxfam. Caitlin Shepherd, cofounder of food waste campaign This is Rubbish talks about Oxfam campaigning, The Old Craft Ed Building, Schumacher College, £4, 01803 847070, www. dartington.org. Sunday 9 Home-made green Christmas - workshop to create greenery displays for indoor and outdoor decoration, Ash Tree Farm, Ash Cross, Dartmouth, 10am-1pm, £15 booking essential, 01803 712 437.

The weird and the wonderful

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

See Robin’s exhibition at: Unearth Studio, 46 Preston Street, Exeter EX1 1DF - until December 20th 10am - 9pm Tues & Wed / 10am - 5pm Thurs & Sat You can now buy online at:

www.robincurrie.co.uk 28

Advertising: 01392 346342 adverts@reconnectonline.co.uk

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

edit

or@reconnectonline. ...email the local details to local health co.uk local people local events food local environment Christmas wreath making workshop, Occombe Farm Visitor Centre, 11am-3pm, drop-in, no booking, £5 per wreath, www.occombe.org.uk. Cockington Christmas Fayre - festive stalls, food and drink, Cockington Court, Torquay, www. cockingtoncourt.org. Tuesday 11 Until December 16. Rural and Coastal Connections - the work of landscape artists Sarah Brown, EC Williams, Lydia Milford and Gina Bastard, Harbourhouse Gallery, Kingsbridge, 01548 854708, www. harbourhouse.org.uk. Traditional Christmas carol concert with Exeter University Singers, 7.30pm, Great Hall, Dartington, £12/£10, www.dartington.org. Transition Town Totnes film night - The Man who Stopped the Desert, Totnes Methodist Church, 8-10pm, www. transitiontowntotnes.org. Wednesday 12 Until Jan 5 The Emperor’s Perfume. Show for children aged 5 and over, Exeter Phoenix, morning and afternoon performances, see www. exeterphoenix.org.uk for full details. Unity 2012. An evening of meditation, movement and chanting on 12/12/12 with Srimati, The Studio Lounge, Totnes, 7.15-9.45pm, tickets (£8) and info www.srimati.com/events. Hafla - fundraising party with music, dance, food and drink at (and to raise money for) Ashburton Methodist Hall, 7pm, £8 and take food to share, 07581 366 636.

Thursday 13 The Nutcracker. Live screening of Peter Wright’s classic production from The Royal Opera House, The Flavel, Dartmouth, 7.15pm, www.theflavel. org.uk. friday 14

Artworks craft shop, Station Road, South Brent, late opening, 01364 649424. Stanborough Chorus at Christmas service, Buckfast Abbey, in aid of Primrose Foundation for breast care at Derriford Hospital, 7.30pm, www. stanboroughchorus. org. Saturday 15 And December 16 All Together Now! An ensemble improvisation workshop with Rémy Bertrand, 10.30am5.30pm, Dartington Village Hall, Cott Rd, £95 (£85 conc), www.imprology.com/ bookings.html. Eco Warriors eco project launch, 2-9pm, One World Cafe, Abbey Gardens, Torquay, 01803 297797, www. oneworldcafe.org.uk. Producers’ market. Stalls selling local produce, Christmas gifts and trees, plus refreshments and entertainment, Crocadon Sawmill, St Mellion, Saltash, Cornwall, 01579 350096, www. crocadon.co.uk. Sunday 16 Christmas hamper workshop. Make truffles, Panforte, cranberry and other Christmas goodies, Occombe Cookery School, 10am-4pm, £65 to include lunch,

booking essential, 01803 520022, www.occombe. org.uk. Christmas tea dance. Meet new friends and enjoy a cup of tea and a piece of cake, 2pm, The Flavel, Dartmouth, www. theflavel.org.uk. Historic Kingsbridge Short walk with local archaeologist Paul Rainbird to explore Saxon origins of town, 1-3pm, meet Kingsbridge Information Centre, £4/£2, visit www.southdevonaonb. org.uk. Bird walk led by ranger, A La Ronde, Exmouth, 10.30am-1.30pm, £6, 01395 265514, www. nationaltrust.org.uk/a-laronde. Tuesday 18 Dartmouth Orchestral Society Christmas concert conducted by former Royal Marines bandmaster Sid Davis, 7.30pm, The Flavel, Dartmouth, www. theflavel.org.uk. Friday 21 Until December 23. Making Christmas gifts and decorations. Workshops at Lupton House, Brixham, 11am3pm each day, free, 01803 523711. Saturday 22 Comedy night compered by Jackie Juno with Kimwei (quirky percussive guitar virtuoso), Minge and Thicket and more, 8pm, Union Inn, Moretonhampstead, call 01626 835802 or email jackiejuno@yahoo.co.uk to book. Solstice ritual & dance celebration with Jo Hardy, Teya Ke Estar, Hamid Van Koten and Gavin Frank,

live music, 7-11pm, Civic Hall, Totnes, £12/£14 on door or email deepdivedance@ hotmail.co.uk. Monday 24 Bling, traditional community youth theatre family panto, 2.30pm, Dartington Hall, £7.50/£6 concs, 2-16yrs £5, families £20, www. dartington.org. jaNUary Friday 4 And Jan 5, 8, 9, 11, 12 A Venetian Love Story - Cygnet Company present Il Campiello Carol Goldoni’s A Venetian Love Story at The New Theatre, Friars Gate, Exeter. Matinees on Jan 5 and 12. www. cygnetnewtheatre.com, 01392 277189. Sunday 6 Winter walk through countryside surrounding Greenway with AONB rangers, booking essential, 2-4pm, 01803 842382, greenway@ nationaltrust.org.uk. Saturday 12 Claywinning and throwing on the wheel. Free Skillshare, 10am-12.30pm, The Potting Shed studio, near Ashprington, 10am-12.30pm, £5 to cover cost of firing, richenda@ pottingshedworkshop. com, 01803 865033. Wattle hurdles workshop, Rudolf Steiner School, Dartington (TBC), 9.30am-4.30pm, £15 members/£25 nonmembers, book and pay in advance on 01548 821156 after 6.30 pm, www.devonruralskillstrust. co.uk.

Sunday 13 Midwinter rockpooling in North Sands rockpools, led by South Devon AONB, 11.30am1.30pm, meet North Sands car park, south of Salcombe, www. southdevonaonb.org.uk. Tuesday 15 Until February 2 Quarry Voices. Exhibition about mining on Dartmoor and Exmoor, Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery, Drake Circus, Plymouth, 0779 443 0174, www. plymouth.gov.uk/ quarryvoices. La Boheme - live screening from The National Theatre, 7.30pm, The Flavel, Dartmouth, www. theflavel.org.uk. Thursday 17 The Magistrate - live screening of Victorian farce from The National Theatre, 7pm, The Flavel, Dartmouth, www. theflavel.org.uk. Saturday 19 The Stoke Gabriel Annual Wassail, from 4.30pm, community orchard and Church Walk, with folk music, morris dancing, face painting, storytelling and the Mummers play. Monday 21 Until February 2 Make Space. Artist Rosie Burns creates exhibition from bare gallery, Harbourhouse Gallery, Kingsbridge, 01548 854708, www. harbourhouse.org.uk. thursday 24

Stanborough Chorus, traditional carols at St Edmund’s church, Kingsbridge, 4.305.30pm, in aid of

Children’s Hospice South West, www. stanboroughchorus. org. Friday 25

Acoustic Haven. Community music, Jon Langan and improv artist Fanny Fontaine, plus refreshments, 6.30pm, St John’s church, Bridgetown, Totnes, www. thehillyfield.co.uk. Tickets £8 in advance from Harlequin Bookshop in Totnes, via www. wegottickets.com or £10 on the door. Proceeds to local ancient woodland www.thehillyfield.co.uk. Saturday 26 Obstacles and Horizons. Two acts of contemporary dance from the SpinDrift Dance Company collective, The Flavel, Dartmouth, www. theflavel.org.uk. Hedge laying workshop, Ash Tree Farm, Bugford, Dartmouth, 9.30am-4.30pm, £15 members/£25 nonmembers, book and pay on 01548 821156 after 6.30 pm, www. devonruralskillstrust. co.uk. Sunday 27 Berry Head – “a walk through time” with archaeologist Paul Rainbird from the cliffs at Sharkham Point, £4/£2, 11am-2.30pm, meet Sharkham Point car park, www.southdevonaonb. org.uk. Sausage making workshop. Hands-on workshop with butcher from Gribbles Butchers at Occombe Farm Shop, 10am-4pm, £65 to include lunch, booking essential, 01803 520022, www. occombe.org.uk.

l Turn to page 43 in Wellbeing to check out our workshops and events listings l www.bellacouche.com

bellacouche...

“a beautiful resting place”

e: info@bellacouche.com t: 01647 432155

Presents

MIND, BODY AND SPIRIT SHOW In aid of SWDC (SNU)

The Leafcocoon offers a soft and comforting solution for a perfectly natural burial. Regional wool and wood, natural dyes, hand-made.

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

23rd February 2013 10am - 5pm Torquay Town Hall Readers, healers, therapists, crystals, books, CDs, Gifts etc. All day programme of workshops, demonstrations and talks Please contact Sandi Clark 07900 824089 for more details or if you wish to take part

Editorial: 01392 346204 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

Have you got local a story for Wellbeing local people events local foodreaders? local health local environment WELCOME to Wellbeing. AND so Reconnect’s unique Wellbeing section continues to grow - a reflection of just how many people now see it as THE place to keep up with local natural health and personal development. If you’re a practitioner and want to get your message out there, there’s no better way. And it won’t break the bank. A 1/8page advertisement, like those at the bottom of this page, works out at just £41.85 a month if you book a regular ad and pay by direct debit. We’ll help you write and design it too. And if you’ve got a story to tell, we’ll run some editorial. Interested? Call Pete or Martin and find out just how simple it is - and no hard sell, we promise! Call Pete on 01392 346342 or Martin on 01803 868455.

Acupuncture to the people... THE People’s Acupuncture Project has brought to Exeter the Chinese concept of community treatment. Acupuncture needles usually take 20-40 minutes to do their work, so the People’s Acupuncture Project team place the needles in one patient, leave them to relax into their treatment and then spend some time with the next. Pictured are practitioners Charlotte Johnston and Eleanor Breen with volunteer and acupuncturist trainee Tom Hirons. Read more on page 32.

A bath in sound waves to wash away the stress IF you haven’t experienced a gong bath, you might be puzzled by its name, but it’s actually very descriptive. Practitioner Peter Whiteheart explains: “There’s no water involved and no clothes removed, but you are bathed - in sound waves. The gong is played in a therapeutic way to bring about healing. “All you have to do is lie comfortably on the crash mats I provide, close your eyes and relax.” He begins by playing the gongs very softly, gradually increasing the volume as the session progresses. “I change the playing technique frequently so there is no fixed rhythm. This results in entrainment, the changing of brainwave frequencies. “After a while you will most

likely enter a dreamlike, deep meditative state. After a continuous 50 minutes of gong playing, I start to wind down and play very gently for 10 minutes fading away to nothing. “At the end of the session, I give everyone a bottle of spring water, which I find is essential.” And the result? “Everyone’s experience is unique,” says Peter. “The gong bath is very good at relieving pain and stress and promoting deep sleep. “Most report an out of body experience, with vivid dreams and a deep relaxing and calm state. After a gong bath you may feel very relaxed and chilled out – and this can often last for many days.” Call 01884 258764 or visit www.sound-gong-bath.co.uk.

Peter Whiteheart giving a gong bath. “All you have to do is close your eyes and relax.”

Norwegian Wood

ORGANIC & FREE RANGE, SUSTAINABLE B&B WITH EVENING MEAL £45 PPPN We are open for Christmas and the New Year. Heartfelt, sustainable, original presents. Gift vouchers available for Iridology and nutritional naturopathy consultations and workshops

Heather Nicholson 01803 528 575

www.organicbedandbreakfast.info

Take a deep BREATH...

Learn how to use the power of your own breath to overcome stress and re-energise your body. Improve your health and help clear emotional blockages. Workshops and 1:1 sessions available. Intro workshop - Exeter December 8. Breath and Laughter full day workshop - Feb 23 ‘13

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

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

07828 566553

Advertising: 01392 346342 adverts@reconnectonline.co.uk

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

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

AtlasPROfilax® NEW AMAZING SELF-EMPOWERING REALIGNMENT Did you know that the Atlas bone is misaligned in most humans? What if you could get rid of

BACK, NECK, KNEES or HIPS PAIN, WHIPLASH, MIGRAINES, DIZINESS, TRAPPED NERVES, DIFFERENCE in LEG LENGTH, FROZEN SHOULDERS, etc. A strategic and non-chiropractic massage is applied to the short musculature of the neck in only one application, safely and permanently Marie-Agnès Casalini

07828 954 304 – 01342 303 279 marie.atlas@yahoo.co.uk For more testimonials, see: www.marieatlas.co.uk Regularly in Totnes at Arcturus Clinic

Les Elms and Paola Royal at Exeter Central Library.

Checking out wellbeing at library ACTIVE Life and Active Mind, hosted by Exeter’s Central Library, highlighted a variety of ways to improve health and wellbeing. The library invited in a range of local therapists who gave a half day to offer free consultations. Exeter Mind and Body Clinic was represented by breathing specialist Les Elms who said: “This was a great opportunity for the public to ask questions about how they can better manage their particular health issues themselves. “I have talked to several people

today about the impact of stress and anxiety on their breathing and what they can do about it for themselves”. Physiotherapist Paola Royal was pleased to have the chance to share her 20+ years of experience with people about such varied problems as asthma, back care, and frozen shoulder. “The public have responded really well to us coming into the public domain to share information,” she said. “Everyone has been interested and friendly - I hope we can do this again!”

Handmade, Herbal, Vegan, Natural, and Eco-friendly, Body Care Products • Natural toothpaste • Luxury face and hand creams • Pure vegetable soaps and much more.... We use plant-based ingredients only. No synthetic colours, fragrances or preservatives just pure essential oils, natural clays, plant oils and waxes. See websites for product ordering information, and details on workshops, herb walks and events. Hand-made with care by medical herbalist Dawn Ireland www.torbay-herbalist.co.uk www.greenwyse.co.uk info@greenwyse.co.uk - 07962 664294

Access the part that controls you AS you read this, is there a small voice saying the words out loud in your head? That is the conscious part of your mind – where we tend to ‘live’, says NLP coach and hypnotherapist Lyn Price. “It’s the unconscious or subconscious mind that controls all the autonomic processes you don’t have to think about - your heart rate, your blood pressure, tissue growth, cell regeneration, your immune system and so on,” says Lyn. “It also controls your emotions, your habits and your responses to

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

the world and it’s in CHARGE! “Self-hypnosis allows you to get in touch with the unconscious part of your mind so you can change patterns of behaviour and create the future you want, whether it’s relieving stress, overcoming habits or enhancing your sporting performance.” Lyn’s HereAndNow Coaching and Training is introducing selfhypnosis workshops in 2013. Find out more on 01803 866312, email hereandnow@ lynprice.plus.com, or visitwww. lynpricehereandnow.com

Editorial: 01392 346204 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

Check out thelocal Wellbeing in past local people events stories local food localReconnects... health local environment OFFICE OR THERAPY ROOMS TO RENT CENTRAL NEWTON ABBOT AND NEWLY OPENED PRACTICE IN CENTRAL EXETER • Newly decorated rooms • Fully furnished • Central locations • Friendly staff • Available immediately • Marketing and moral support for building your business • Suit therapists, writers, accountants or small businesses.

39 Devon Square, Newton Abbot, TQ12 2HH • Tel: 01803 814 329 align.limited@gmail.com • www.alignyourhealth.co.uk New Exeter practice: 51 Queen Street, Exeter EX4 3SR Please book all treatments through Newton Abbot office or email

We look forward to seeing you at ALIGN!

PETER ZEALLEY

The People’s Acupuncture Project in Exeter.

ND DO BCST

CRANIOSACRALTHERAPIST

25 years experience working with adults, children & babies.

A gentle hands-on therapy inviting tissue presence to encourage the expression of health, function, vitality & wholeness. The ideal treatment for the release of stress, trauma, pain & stiffness.

Exeter u Topsham u Exmouth

www.peterzealley.com e-mail: peter@zealley.com freephone: 0800 970 6153 or text: 07979 721 227 Follow my health comments and insights on twitter

O LA CH I R O P R ACTI C

Affordable and authentic INSPIRED by their time in India, where they volunteered in a community acupuncture clinic, two practitioners have opened The People’s Acupuncture Project in St David’s Hill, Exeter. Eleanor Breen and Charlotte Johnston say the clinic brings affordable treatment for all. “Community acupuncture is a way of providing quality acupuncture treatment to everyone that needs it, whatever their financial means,” says Charlotte. “In China, where acupuncture originates and is part of mainstream healthcare, it is normal to treat many people together in this way.

So the community approach can be seen as a more authentic way to practice and receive acupuncture.” Patients are offered a sliding fee scale, from £15 per treatment, and asked to pay whatever they feel they can afford, no questions asked. Eleanor says: “It is possible to work in this way because acupuncture needles usually take 20-40 minutes to do their work. “We are able to place needles in one patient, leave them to relax into their treatment, while spending time with the next patient. ” Find out more at www. peoplesacupunctureproject.com.

G ift Voucher worth £32

Spe cia l I ntr oductor y O ffe r

£50

£18 only

This offer includes: • Full health history • Blood pressure, nerve tests, lung tests and orthopaedic tests • Digital SPINAL SCAN with state of the art NASA designed technology • An introduction to Network Spinal Analysis Care (NSA) • Written report of findings

Garden puts the bee into herbal MO DERN C HIRO PRAC TIC C ARE FO R THE WHO LE FAMILY "Network Spinal Analysis represents the epitome of body work in our time" Professor C andace Pert

Please telephone to arrange your appointment in our newly refurbished chiropractic centre in the heart of Totnes.

01803 862565 Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer or voucher Please bring this voucher to your appointment

O la C hiropra ctic C entre, 5a Fore Street Totnes Devon TQ 9 5DA www.totneschiropra ctic.co.uk

C H IRO PRAC TIC

THINGS are buzzing at the Althaea Herbal Healing Garden near Totnes. Thanks to a grant from Neals Yard Remedies the garden is to have its own bees. Frances Wright, who runs the garden at Littlehempston, said they planned to use the honey in Green Lane Herbal products such as cough mixture, elderberry syrup, candied elecampane root and beeswax for herbal ointments. The garden’s many products are sold through Sacks, the Totnes health food store. Frances said they were now looking for volunteers to look after the bees in

Advertising: 01392 346342 adverts@reconnectonline.co.uk

return for some medicinal herb honey products. The bees are due to arrive next Spring. Green Lane is a working medicinal herb garden with a herbal dispensary, library and classroom. There are also salad gardens, a meadow and an orchard. Courses run at the garden include the cultivation and harvesting of medicinal herbs, and the making of tinctures, infusions, ointments and syrups, all taught by medical herbalists with many years of experience. To volunteer, call Frances on 07720 440866 or email greenlaneherbs. frances@virgin.net.

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

... all our back issues are online at Herbalist first trained as doctor A MEDICAL herbalist, who originally trained and worked as a conventional doctor, has moved to a new base in Exeter. Dr Anita Clay first trained at the London Hospital and worked as a hospital doctor until 1999, but continued her studies because she believed medicine to be “an art as well as a science.” She said: “My interest in total care of the patient and a desire to treat in a more gentle but effective manner led me to study herbal medicine.” Anita, who has just set up The Herbal Clinic in Heavitree, Exeter, has now worked in herbal medicine for more than 20 years. “The herbs are natural so the body can recognise and utilise them.,” she says. “Each herb contains several constituents which act on different organs of the body so a combination of herbs can support the whole body, encouraging the body in its natural healing process.” Each prescription is tailored to the individual. Anita sees a range of cases, including acute infections, menopausal problems, anxiety and depression, digestive symptoms and high blood pressure. She also offers support to conventional treatments such as chemotherapy. The Herbal Clinic is at the Heavitree Osteopathic Clinic, 5 North Street, Heavitree, Exeter, EX1 2RH. Contact Dr Anita Clay MBBS MNIMH on 01647 25 33 22 or visit www. dranitaclay.co.uk.

Sauce of nutrition NEW research shows men with higher levels of lycopene in their blood are 55% less likely to have a stroke – yet more proof of how our diet affects our health, says nutritional therapist Heather Nicholson. Lycopene – which has also been credited with prostate cancer protective qualities - is an antioxidant found in red pigmented fruit like tomatoes, peppers, papaya and watermelons. “Cooked tomato and tomato sauces contain higher levels of lycopene than raw tomatoes,” says Heather, “and sun-dried tomatoes contain the highest levels of all.” Heather is a big advocate of improving and maintaining our health through the food we eat. “Kids seem to have an intuition about what their bodies need – could that be why they love tomato ketchup so much? Although I would recommend going for an organic one!” Heather offers iris analysis and nutritional naturopathy consultations and workshops – and for those who fancy a break by the seaside, combined consultations and organic B&B in Paignton. Find out more on 01803 528575 or visit www. organicbedandbreakfast.info.

www.reconnectonlin

e.co.uk

Dartmoor Centre

Counselling & Psychotherapy In Newton Abbot Community Interest Company Not for profit - no 6846069 Courses for the New Year

Please visit www.safespaceforcounselling.com 01803 867744 Ken Rabone Director of Training Email : office@safespaceforcounselling.com

Advanced Diploma Counselling

The professional training to work as a therapist. The course develops a creative process of inquiry into our life experience. We offer small groups, two tutors - a safe space. Begins January 2013

Creative Diploma in CBT

10 days - practical and career enhancing - compassion focussed. The course is suitable for therapists, social workers, and health professionals of diverse orientation. Begins January 2013

Diploma Sandplay

This deeply symbolic therapy provides a bridge between verbal therapies and the expressive therapies -10 days of exploration and inspiration.

Certificate in Counselling

Skills for career enhancement and personal growth

“ Iessaiah presents a cheque for £900 to Ben Yeger, local UK representative for Combatants for Peace

Community’s day of peace ORGANISERS of the first Totnes Peace Day say it was a great success and raised £900 for Combatants for Peace and another £200 for Peace One Day. Iessaiah, whose vision first inspired the project, said: “It was truly the realisation of a dream of the community in unity coming together in the name of peace.” She expressed her thanks to all the organisers and volunteers involved in the project for their “massive commitment, time and energy”.

A chance for men to tap into feeling TWO weekend workshops in South Devon aim to give men an all too rare chance to take some time out and reconnect with themselves. “So much of our lives are spent getting stuff done, plugged into a computer or TV,” says South Devonbased movement practitioner Paul Beaumont. “Too much time is spent in activity, and not enough tapping into the

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

territory of feeling and sensing. “These workshops offer a place where men can get together to investigate and explore, with the possibility of exchange and support - a valuable opportunity for men to share this sensing place, developing ‘response-ability’ for themselves.” Call 07967 558 254 or visit www. paulbeaumont.net/workshops.

Massage

with Personalised Exercise Plan Body & Vision Improvement

Contact: Alida Epremian 07581 366 636 alihealself@gmail.com Practitioner in the Meir Schneider Self-Healing Method Registered member of Complimentary Therapy Association P47969

Editorial: 01392 346204 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

Do you want to advertise in Wellbeing?

A chance to share and develop

devon

the

schoolof

shiatsu

Shiatsu Discovery weekends 2013 23rd & 24th February 8th & 9th June Our Shiatsu Discovery weekends are practical and experiential

www.devonshiatsu.co.uk Buckyette Farm,Totnes TQ9 6ND Tel 01803 762593 Email: info@devonshiatsu.co.uk

• Reconnect with your inner self • Learn a simple full body shiatsu • Experience healing energy in your hands, body and mind

Holistic Birth Hub

Mondays & Tuesdays in Totnes Pregnancy and postnatal Mother’s circles and Yoga Father’s meetings Birth preparation and Hypnobirthing Baby massage course Birth Trauma Healing Doula support Info, resources and lunches

www.birthingwisdom.co.uk 07921516918 / 01803 226127

WHEN therapist Emma Gilmore set up her Skill Enhancement Workshop it was in response to comments by fellow therapists that they often felt “stuck” in their work. Emma, who has been a a therapist for 15 years and is a director of the School of Bodywork in Exeter, said she had met a great many colleagues who were not enjoying their work any more. “Being curious I decided to find out why. Nearly every therapist I spoke to said they felt alone with their work and did not have much opportunity to share their worries, challenges and success stories.” It was then she decided to set up her Skill Enhancement Workshops where, for a small fee, therapists can come together to meet like-minded therapists, share success stories and challenges, receive treatment from fellow practitioners, enhance their skills and ask questions. Said Emma: “We guarantee you will leave invigorated and better equipped to inject energy back into your practice.” The next workshop is on Tuesday,

December 11 between 5pm and 8pm - cost £25. Find out more at www. schoolofbodywork.com/courses/skillenhancement-workshop/

Ruth helps you to fill reality gap THE difference between our cherished hopes and what our daily reality actually brings can be the cause of much distress. Counsellor Ruth Jenni, right, calls it ‘the reality gap’. “That distress can lead to anxiety, depression, lack of sleep, backache, compulsive behaviour, addiction, low self-esteem and more,” says Ruth. “As an amateur singer songwriter I have had to deal with self-worth issues; after arelationship break-up and the death of my father it was shock, grief and anxiety. These things along with personal growth work over many years have given me a depth of experience and

Totnes Devon

motivation to help others.” Ruth’s creative counselling work offers “a compassionate place to explore what is real” and a “somewhat curiousshaped rucksack of life tools”. “If desired we may use voice work, movement, art, role play or other creative exercises,” says Ruth. “Over time emerges confidence, willingness and new meaning.” Ruth Jenni is a counsellor in advanced training and offers affordable counselling. Call her on 07974097787, email oakflowercounselling@yahoo. co.uk and see her ad in the classified ads on page 41.

international

MACROBIOTIC

www.macroschool.co.uk

school

Introduction to Macrobiotic Cooking Sat 2nd February Learn how to create delicious Price: £75 2013 and healthy food in one day! inc. lunch

Looking After Your Health Workshop 5th to 8th March 2013

Price: £395 inc. lunch & supper Indepth self-development workshop with cooking classes daily. Learn how to transform your health & life.

Tel. 01803 762598 info@macroschool.co.uk 34

Advertising: 01392 346342 adverts@reconnectonline.co.uk

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

...email us at

adverts@reconnecto

nline.co.uk

The business of speaking out Chance to ‘come home’

Shane Scott

US therapy for families comes to city A NEW approach to relationship counselling, first developed in the States in the mid-80s but relatively new to the UK, is now available in Plymouth. Shane Scott first discovered Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS) when studying for his masters degree at Roehampton University. Before long, he had begun a series of postqualification trainings and in 2012 became a certified IFS therapist - only the second IFS therapist in the UK to reach this level. Said Shane: “The IFS model is based on the idea that our personalities are made up of many different parts - some more sensitive and others that protect them. In addition, each of us has a core self, whose natural role is to lead the system. “When relationships are under pressure, both partners tend to communicate using their extreme protector parts. Arguments get louder, positions become entrenched and sensitive parts get hurt. “The IFS model helps couples identify the protector parts that have become trapped in extreme roles. Once understood, the parts can drop these roles and allow healing. “The goal is to restore balance, harmony and courageous love to the relationship.” Shane’s practice is in Central Plymouth and at Nature’s Larder in Ivybridge. He offers free 30-minute introductory consultations. Call 01752 227054 or visit www.snow-tree-creativetherapy.co.uk.

WHAT do Coca Cola and Emiliana, a social enterprise crafting bespoke lingerie, have in common? Answer: people whose passion is to be able to speak out on issues that matter to them! These were two of the organisations represented among the delegates at Embercombe’s last Speaking Out programme, at their beautiful site on Haldon Hill. The short course is open to anyone who has the desire to improve the way they communicate issues related to sustainability. Emma Kidd of Emiliana said: “I came to improve my skills in communicating to an audience with authenticity, clarity, connection and confidence. This was absolutely achieved! While I know it will always be a work in progress, it was a ‘leap’ in the right direction. “The main benefit has been finding my voice and realising that I do have something to say, that I can be inspiring to others and that I can speak out. I hated ‘speaking

out’ before this – now I am actually looking forward to it!” Laura Haviland, a senior manager from Associated British Foods, was another participant. She said: “I came to build my confidence in speaking, to be more compelling. I went from feeling like a fish out of water to feeling inspired by the place and the people.” Embercombe is offering the programme again at the end of this November and then March 2013, with two prices, one for larger businesses and one for individuals and smaller organisations. Full details can be found at www. embercombe.co.uk/speakingout or contact Suzy at suzy@ embercombe.co.uk or on 01647 252 983.

IT was around 10 years ago, when Jane Barclay was in her late forties, that she realised her seven years at boarding school was not the privileged experience she’d always believed it to be. She explains: “Through a lengthy process of personal therapy I was able to unravel the defences I’d put in place and to deconstruct the personality that had enabled me to survive institutional living where, however dedicated the teachers and caring the matrons (and of course, some were/are not), their love was and still is inevitably limited - if present at all. “That lack of love serves the core value of the boarding school system: independence. But to learn to not need others can carry a heavy price in later life, especially in close friendships and intimate partnerships.” Having trained and worked as a counsellor, Jane attended workshops run by Boarding School Survivors (www.boardingschoolsurvivors.co.uk) and more recently joined Boarding Concern (www. boardingconcern.co.uk), as one of the directors. She has now integrated specialist training with Nick Duffell (author of The Making of Them) into her therapeutic counselling and psychotherapy practice. “I welcome clients wanting to ‘come home’,” she says. “That is to say, wanting to be more real: more emotional, more embodied, more alive in every way.” Email janebarclay@mfdl.org.uk or call 01392 433796, and visit www.jbcounselling.co.uk for details of a workshop, See You in Three Weeks.

Part of Green Fuse’s new Bereavement Centre

Providing space and time FUNERAL directors Green Fuse has opened a new Bereavement Centre on the banks of the River Dart between Totnes and Buckfastleigh. Jane Morrell says: “We are excited to be able to provide this new facility for the people of Totnes, South Hams and Teignbridge. We have created a beautiful and relaxing space where people can come to have tender conversations and where we will hold discussion groups for those who want to plan funerals and those who have been bereaved.” Simon Smith says: “The facilities we have here are second to none. We can look after your loved person to the highest standard of care. We have the space and time for families and friends to come and sit with the person, hold a vigil, share stories and reminisce over tea and biscuits. We believe that families deserve the very best care during their time of grief.” Green Fuse will retain its Funeral Centre at 7 High Street, Totnes. Jane and Simon recently won joint Funeral Director Of The Year 2012 from the Good Funeral Guide, an independent consumer organisation. Call 01803 840779 or www.greenfuse.co.uk.

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

Editorial: 01392 346204 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

Have you got a story for Wellbeing readers?

The Alchemical Kitchen COOKING WITH CONSCIOUSNESS Sun Jan 13 10am-4.30pm £60 Open hidden capabilities Express a deeper self with cooking Materials and lunch included

‘FREE - FROM’ COOKERY

Sun Jan 20 10am-4.30 £60 Discover unique doorways to a healthier lifestyle for sensitive digestions Cook and sample to your heart’s content

WHOLE HEARTED EATING - A TWO DAY WORKSHOP Sat/Sun Feb 2/3 10am-4.30pm £120 Accepting the gift of nourishment Exploring the hurt & healing the wound A circle group for stirring up new hope Clearing the way by digesting old troubles. Some talking, some cooking & artistic activities. Materials and lunch included

STRAIGHT COOKERY - LEARN HOW - INVITE US!

Every fourth Sunday of the month we offer a day of teaching straight cookery for those who want to learn how to use unfamiliar ingredients and techniques Gluten-free, low sugar & vegan food This can take place either at our place or yours!

www.my-freedomforlife.co.uk Find us on Facebook and at www.gluten-free-recipe.co.uk Belinda: 01803 762574 b.connolly@virgin.net Wilhelmina: 01364 643049 wilhelmina@phonecoop.coop

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

Common problems: • Stress

• Overweight

• Chronic pain

• Fatigue

• IBS

• Depression

• Anxiety

• Not wishing to take tablets

• Tried everything

Align opens new clinic in city Scan Analysis. Said A NEWTON Abbot Catherine: clinic has celebrated its first anniversary in “It is specially for those style – by announcing its who suffer from foot, expansion into a second ankle, knee, hip or clinic in Exeter! back pain. Others who can benefit are people Align Chiropractic, with plantar fascitis, Posture and Wellness morton’s neuroma, flat Clinic is in Devon feet, sprained ankles or Square in Newton Abbot unevenly worn shoes – and now also at 51 – and anyone wanting Queen Street in Exeter. to prevent the onset of “It truly was by public Dr Sarah Whitaker degeneration such as demand,” said Align’s arthritis.” Dr Catherine Crane. “The clinic is opposite Exeter Central During December only, Reconnect magazine readers can enjoy a foot train station, close to bus stops, and lower limb consultation and car parks - and the shops! Book examination (worth £60) PLUS a a treatment and take some of the computerised gait scan (worth £50) stress out of Christmas shopping!” for just £25! Working at both Align clinics will You’ll also receive an explanation be newly arrived chiropractor Dr of results to see if orthotics, or foot Sarah Whitaker who trained after insoles, can be of benefit to you. seeing family members’ long-term Discounted places are limited so conditions improve quickly after call to book your appointment. treatment. Christmas vouchers are also “I found it incredible how powerful available. chiropractic treatment can be,” said For Newton Abbot and Exeter Sarah. “ bookings, 01803 814329 or email Align has also introduced a new align.limited@gmail.com. service – the Foot Clinic and Gait

Birth Hub Fayre marks its first bithday THE Holistic Birth Hub celebrated its first birthday in style by holding the first Holistic Birth and Family Fayre in the Totnes Civic Hall. It was a packed day of stalls, talks, therapy tasters, food, activities, live music “and a warm welcome.” “It was well attended,” said one of the organisers, Olivia Seck. “People commented on the lovely atmosphere, the welcoming children’s space provided by Becci, who runs Dandelion a Steiner-inspired mother and toddler group in Buckfastleigh, and, of course, the great cafe with delicious food - especially the cakes baked by the Hub mums!” The stalls ranged from preloved baby clothes to baby massage and from doulas to crafts and home made goods. “The talks were aimed at empowering and supporting a family’s choice to live holistically,” said Olivia.

Possible solutions:

The Hub, meanwhile, has expanded to two days a week. “The combination of circle and parenting support, yoga, therapies, community, access to information and a good simple lunch has proved to be a real success,” said Deb, who coordinates hub activities and facilitates a mother’s circle. Visitt www.birthingwisdom.co.uk. Exeter Community Centre St Davids Hill, EX4 3RG 07834 160906 07910 453794

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

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

36 36

Acupuncture can provide powerful, effective support and relief for physical and emotional difficulties. Our ambition is to provide quality acupuncture treatment to everyone who needs it, whatever their financial means

Advertising: 01392 346342 adverts@reconnectonline.co.uk

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

...email us at

editor@reconnectonli

ne.co.uk

A fresh approach to

individual and couples therapy • Fully qualified and experienced • Free introductory consultation • Central Plymouth and Ivybridge

www.snow-tree-creative-therapy.co.uk

01752 227054

Volunteers work in The Lamb Gardening for Health project, above and below.

A growing sense of community TUCKED away just off the main street inTotnes is a beautifully tended and amazingly productive fruit and vegetable garden in a public space known as The Lamb. The Gardening for Health project evolved during 2010 and formally opened in February 2011, a joint venture between the Totnes Development Trust (a charity committed to supporting projects of benefit to this town) and Leatside doctors’ surgery, with support from other organisations including South Hams District Council and Transition Town Totnes. Project co-ordinator Catherine Munro said: “The project brings opportunities for improving physical health and mental wellbeing through gardening with others, in a sociable context. “The fortnightly programmed sessions are facilitated by two experienced and knowledgeable gardeners. “The project has produced an ample harvest of fruit and veg and the participants have made new friends, learned about growing and maybe been inspired to look for more training or work in horticulture – and, of course, they have benefitted their health in the process.” The project starts a new growing

season in February 2013 and welcomes new participants, donors, or visitors interested in starting similar ventures in their own towns. Contact Catherine on 07582125438, email Catherine@ gardeningforhealth.org.uk for visit www.gardeningforhealth.org.uk.

l Allergies l skin complaints l stress l addictions l Candida l hay fever l IBS l l Chronic Fatigue Syndrome l anxiety l menopause l food intolerances l digestive issues l weight management l headaches l bad breath l acne l joint problems.

Beverley Bird SAC dip Clinical Nutritionist

SACCN. SACLF. CAM. FNTP - Exeter, Plymouth, Totnes Tel: 01566 88 00 90 www.nutritionhealth.co.uk

~The raw power of nutrition~ Bee Pollen

~ Strengthen ~ Cacao Nibs

~ Energise ~ Maca Powder

~ Rebalance ~

Goji Berries MBBS MNIMH

~ Purify ~

Natural healthcare for all the family

Spirulina Powder

Effective in the treatment of a variety of conditions including:

~ Revitalise ~

• Anxiety, depression and stress • Digestive problems such as IBS, heartburn and colitis • Menopausal & prostate problems • Blood pressure & circulation issues The Herbal Clinic at Heavitree Osteopathic Clinic 5 North Street, Heavitree, Exeter EX1 2RH

www.dranitaclay.co.uk

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

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

Wheatgrass Powder

~ Cleanse ~ www.awealthofhealth.co.uk Editorial: 01392 346204 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

You can still read Wellbeing stories in past Reconnects... Nutritional Medicine & Therapy - natural ways to treat health and well-being problems including:

Weight Management • Allergies • Mental Health Issues • Digestive Disorders • Hormonal Health • Auto-immune Conditions • Children’s Health • Skin Conditions and much more

Visit our website: for more about our Therapies and Parties:

www.trinityholistics.co.uk take control of your health & happiness

trinity holistics

Trinity Holistics offers a wide range of mind body & spirit therapies & classes. Consultations in person, online, or by email/phone: 07841 344934

Would you like to employ Sherlock Holmes on your health case? Try the next best thing and consult an experienced homeopath with a sense of humour and 3000 remedies to find your perfect match. Put us all in the same place at the same time and the results could be unimaginable!

Whatever your health dilemma, give Homeopathy a whirl in 2012 Jacki Becker RSHom Totnes Clinic of Homeopathy t: 01803 867747 m: 07792 059 867

Home remedy: onion syrup MEDICAL herbalist Dawn Ireland, is going to produce an occasional series of seasonal home remedies for the Wellbeing pages and starts with something to help ease those cold symptoms… I don’t want to tempt fate, but it is the season for sniffles, coughs and colds. However, you can reduce the symptoms and length of time you suffer from one of these viruses by making up this easy remedy, Onion Syrup, the ingredients for which most people will have in their kitchen cupboard. Simply chop and peel one onion, place in a jar or bowl and cover with sugar or honey. Cover with a saucer or lid and leave for at least a couple of hours, preferably over night. You will find the sugar or honey draws out the juice from the onion to make a watery liquid which is highly anti-microbial. Take a teaspoon of this liquid several times a day to soothe your throat and sinuses. This is not suitable for diabetics but vegetable glycerine can be used instead of the honey or sugar - it tastes sweet and is available from cake decorating suppliers or chemists and will be just as soothing to the throat. Dawn Ireland BSc Hons Herbal Medicine. MCPP MURHP Visit www. torbay-herbalist.co.uk

Dawn Ireland creating Onion Syrup in her kitchen, above. And below, everything you’ll need - easy peasy.

Gail treats her own clients

RIQTA

TRAIN TO BE A COUNSELLOR - Hypnotherapist, or NLP Practitioner We provide Counselling training courses, therapeutic/support groups, one-to-one low cost Counselling, & regular workshops Level 2 - Introduction to Counselling skills & concepts Part-time - 10 weeks commencing 7th January, 2013. Level 3 – Certiﬁcate in Counselling Skills Part-time - 10 months commencing January - April - September, 2013 Hypnotherapy Diploma Commencing March, 2013 NLP taster day Leading to diploma/practitioner - May, 2013 CBT Diploma (Cognitive Behaviour Therapy) Part-time - commencing April, 2013 Counselling children/young people Specialist DIPLOMA - 12 months part-time commencing April 2013 For further information contact: www.riqta.co.uk

Info.riqta@btconnect.com

Torquay: 01803 315075

HEALTH & HARMONY LOW COST COUNSELLING AGENCY WE PROVIDE LOW COST COUNSELLING TO THE PUBLIC

AN Exeter massage centre is offering treatments with a therapist who trains therapists. Gail Lowe, principal of Devon Academy, is taking on a small number of clients for treatments. She has been a successful massage specialist for 26 years, specialising in a combination of clinical aromatherapy, deep tissue, sports and remedial massage. Now, after seven years focusing on training therapists, Gail says she wants to devote some time to the area she loves - treating her own clients. “If you are looking for a therapist with an empathetic nature combined with exceptional massage technique and muscle knowledge then look no further,” says Gail. “You are in for a very rewarding and therapeutic experience.” Call 01392 826033 or email gail@ devonacademy.co.uk.

Advertising: 01392 346342 adverts@reconnectonline.co.uk

Gail Lowe, principal of Devon Academy

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

... all our back issues are online at

www.reconnectonlin

e.co.uk

Clinic now home to 14 therapists Three run new classes IT’S just one year since Dr Claire Ryan expanded her business and created Ola Chiropractic, a Totnes clinic that’s now also home to 14 other complementary therapists distinguished in their field. Claire practises Network Spinal Analysis (NSA), which she describes as “a powerful, gentle contact chiropractic technique that helps Some of the Ola Chiropractic practitioners the spine unwind natural style of massage leaves you biomechanical imbalance as well relaxed and centred; Pippa Griffin, as create new sustainable wellness who offers a hands-on holistic, strategies in the body.” therapeutic, and nurturing massage; Other practitioners include: Sean Laura Bawn, who has developed her Ferris, one of the few medical unique ‘dynamic flow’ massage; and dowsers in the country; reflexologist Sarah Hodsworthy, whose treatments Kate Hamilton, whose style includes include Swedish massage, Indian head Shiatsu massage; Mark Edlund-Plater, massage, reiki, aromatherapy, waxing, who is passionate about integrated facials, manicures and pedicures. acupuncture; acupuncturist Charlotte The clinic is also home to two clinical Johnston, who has a special interest psychologists, Katy Rees and Lynne in women’s health and chronic Gravell. conditions; Shiatsu practitioner Emma Goude, whose style supports spiritual Ola’s next open day, with free tasters awakening and Hele Oakley who is and talks from the practitioners, is also practising Shiatsu in a dynamic, Saturday, February 2. intuitive form. To find out about Ola events, join/like Ola’s massage therapists include: the Facebook page Ola Chiropractic Glory Merit, who has been practising or visit www.totneschiropractic.co.uk. for 30 years; Ailsa Lucas, whose Call 01803 862565.

THREE new people have joined Exmouth’s Handson Health team to help meet demand for massage therapies and yoga classes. Vics Lark is Introducing Vinyasa Flow yoga to the Victoria Road studio on Friday evenings and a lunchtime yoga class on Wednesdays. Toby Taylor, who has a wide range of massage skills and a special interest in treating chronic stress, postural problems and the effects of trauma, is available for appointments from Tuesday to Thursday. And Louise Heath, a sports massage therapist and reflexologist with a wealth of experience, offers appointments on Tuesday and Thursday. For more information, see www.hands-onhealth. co.uk or call 01395 224207.

Toby Taylor

Vics Lark

The Butterfly Model The Ultimate Gift to yourself

Set yourself free, be the best you can be, get away, let go, relax, revitalise and enjoy

A Wonderful, Weekend, Workshop You will be taught: Transformational Personal Development Skills that can change your life utilising the art of NLP Totnes Glastonbury

27th & 28th April 2013 13th & 14th July 2013

Deborah de.Mornay Penny

BA (Hons), PGCE, NLP Practitioner (INLPTA) IFL member 01458 835946 www.rapportaccord.co.uk

Enrolling now for January 2013

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

Editorial: 01392 346204 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

Do you want to advertise in Wellbeing?

Now Claire is turning her hand to others Beating fear in society LEARNING Claire, who lives She has now qualified in both from personal experience is always a good starting point for those who want to teach. Having solved her own health problems, therapist Claire Richards was determined to pass on her lessons to others. After qualifying with an honours degree in Occupational Therapy from St Lloyes College, in Exeter, Claire worked locally with people with learning disabilities.

in Exminster near Exeter, suffered constantly from rhinitis, hay fever and eczema that she was determined to clear. With that in mind she trained in crystal healing and Reiki and is now a Reiki Master. Later on her experiences of pregnancy and her desire to find the best way to nourish herself and her baby led her to look into nutritional healing and later Creative Kinesiology.

areas and is adding them to her growing portfolio. Said Claire: “Nutritional therapy and Creative Kinesiology are closely linked. It was my allergies which were a constant problem for me and led me into healing. “Both these therapies have played a massive role in healing my allergies. I’ve been through a massive physical/mental/ emotional/spiritual detox and the two therapies have worked hand-in-hand.” To contact Claire call 01392 833568 or 07969 131024.

December 22 - the end or a new beginning? SOME say December 21 marks the end of an era before entering a new spiritually transformative age; others that we face a global catastrophe and that’s the day the world will end. On balance, we prefer the former theory, so if you want to celebrate on December 22, Exeter holistic health practitioner Jacqueline Kareh is holding a “planetary BIRTHday celebration” at Exeter Mind and Body Clinic Says Jacqueline: “Barbara Marx Hubbard (Birth 2012 and Beyond) and others are looking at December 22 as Day One of the new era of Unity Consciousness, and are encouraging the idea of birthday celebrations around the globe. This day also marks the start of the next Mayan

calendar era of 5,125 years. This is a time when increasing numbers realise we all need to live, work and think as a one-world community, respecting ourselves, each other and the Earth see www.theshiftnetwork.com. “It will be a celebration for mind, body and spirit, helping us develop a stronger sense of belonging and community; we’ll explore how our lives can be when we are guided by unity consciousness and we’ll have an opportunity to relax and rest deeply in that energy.” The celebration will be held at Exeter Mind and Body Clinic (near Debenhams in Princesshay). Please call Jacqueline in advance on 0785 000 8133, so she has some idea of numbers.

IT is fear, says tai chi teacher Master Choy, that is the real terrorist in today’s society. But the good news is it can be beaten using a simple but effective tai chi technique. Master Choy says: “I see fear in the bedroom, fear in the office, fear when driving, fear when walking in dark alleys - and fear too when we see and hear more negative news of tragedy, war, famine, hunger and crimes.” He admits fear can also have a more positive function – as the catalyst to help us grow into stronger, more self-confident people; or as the trigger when we need the adrenalin drive to act in a dangerous or threatening situation. “But there is a more effective way of both overcoming inappropriate fear and of achieving what we want without feelings of fear that can become the master of our fate.” In the face of fear, says Master Choy, the “real terrorist can be beaten by stillness in emotion, without a fight.” “Over the past 42 years, and after working with thousands of people, I have seen fear conquered quietly and unglamorously by the unique Heart Beat method of Light of Loving and Peaceful Listening,” he says. To find out more about tai chi healing courses with Master Choy, email Peterchin2@btinternet.com or visit www.rainbow-taichi.org.uk.

Psychotherapy with Lucia Capaldi (UKCP) BA Hons

Experienced and qualiﬁed psychotherapist currently offering: Conﬁdential sessions for individuals and couples experiencing:

• Relationship difﬁculties • Anxiety • Depression • Low self-esteem • Addictions • Bereavement • Stress Supervision at reduced rates for counsellors and psychotherapists

Ongoing workshops:

Personal Development (co-facilitated group)

Building A Successful Practice FREE workshops for psychotherapists, counsellors and complimentary therapists “Mindfulness In Relationship”

A two-day introductory workshop to Core Process Psychotherapy

Please get in touch to arrange a free initial meeting or for dates of upcoming workshops and groups

Bridge Farm Ofﬁces, Harberton, Totnes. Tel: 07809 441 519 or 01803 840424 luciacapaldi@yahoo.co.uk www.luciacapaldi-psychotherapy-devon.co.uk

Advertising: 01392 346342 adverts@reconnectonline.co.uk

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

adve

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

CLASSIFIED INSIDER ART Bowen Therapy ADVERTISEMENTS Sidmouth and Central Exeter Courses in Exeter 2012/13 ART THERAPY

BOWEN THERAPY

ART IN HEALTH: Practical Applications ART IN MENTAL HEALTH: A Foundation Course in Art Therapy Short courses in Sandtray Therapy - Practical Applications; Art, Conflict & Anger Management. Also supervision/mentoring for arts and health practitioners. For information see www.insiderart.org.uk or e-mail info@insiderart.org.uk

A gentle therapy helpful for many conditions, general aches and pains, stress, migraines and much more...

Louise Pritchard, Cert ECBS RGN email: louisepritchard@aol.com

t: 01404 813537 m: 07800 777272

CHOCOLATES

A warm Truffle Bear Welcome awaits you, along with a selection of Quality Chocolates, for Christmas, as a Special Gift, or just a treat for yourself! 62 Fore St - St.Marychurch - Torquay TQ1 4LX Tel 01803 314845 - Find us on Facebook e.mail trufflesofstmarychurch@gmail.com COUNSELLING

Pat Hoare

Therapeutic Counselling Supervision Hypnotherapy and Stress Management

Over 32 years’ experience - offers confidential therapeutic counselling for individuals and couples.

PAT HOARE. DIP. COUNS. B.A.C.P. ACCREDITED HEALING

24a Gandy Street Exeter EX4 3LS Tel: 01392 410090 Email: pat@pathoare.eclipse.co.uk Web: www.caseconfidential.com MASSAGE

TRAUMA RELEASE SPECIALIST

David Boldick, international teacher and healer, specialises in the release of physical, emotional and spiritual trauma. Trauma lies at the root of most conditions. Through a unique synthesis of natural healing methods David can help you release even the most deep-seated traumas.

‘Massage to ease the body so your life can flow’ Holistic massage, Aromatherapy, Reiki, Indian head massage

Email: david@boldickhealing.co.uk or www.boldickhealing.co.uk or phone 00447831 336762. Practice in South Devon

Sara Jennett M.A. MTI (Massage) ITEC (Aromatherapy) now in Plympton and Waterloo Wellbeing Centre, Stoke, Plymouth

MASSAGE

REIKI

MTI, Dip Couns, BSc (Hons)

Gift Vouchers

A gift that feels good to give and deeply nourishing to receive at Ola Chiropractic, Totnes 01803 849039 / 07999 486059 ailsa.clare.lucas@gmail.com

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

www.easenflow.co.uk

OUR classified ads are the perfect way to put your green or sustainable living products or services in front of Reconnect readers. The single and double column advertisements, left, are £55 and £98, respectively. Lineage ads, like those below, are 90p a word, with a minimum of 20 words. And you can include a photo FREE OF CHARGE! Just email your ad for the Feb/Mar issue to adverts@reconnectonline.co.uk (with a phone number) and we’ll contact you about payment. The deadline is Friday, Janaury 4. COUNSELLING

JUSTIN ANDREWS, Bsc(Hons)Psych, MBACP. Safe, reliable and effective Counselling Therapy practising in Plymouth and Ashburton. For initial chat and appointments Tel:01364 654122 email:justinandrews@ macace.net DAVID AGASEE BA (Hons) BACP Member, Diploma in Counselling and CBT. Experienced Person-Centred Counsellor, practising in Crediton and Exeter. Call 07964714172 email dagasee@gmail. com JANE BARCLAY Therapeutic Counsellor & Psychotherapist in central Exeter. AHPP accred. Specialist trained to work with survivors of Boarding School. 01392 433796, www. jbcounselling.co.uk, www.boardingconcern. co.uk AFFORDABLE Creative Counselling: Depressed or Anxious? Reconnect with your life force. First session free, thereafter £1540. Littlehempston & Newton Abbot. Ruth Jenni 079740977877 oakflowercounselling@ yahoo.co.uk. 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 WENDY SAVAGE. Experienced and Accredited

Psychotherapeutic Counsellor and Supervisor offering a warm, confidential space in the heart of Exeter www. wendysavage.com wendyjsavage@gmail. com 07722 064 856. BUSINESSES FOR SALE.

BUSY vegetarian/vegan catering business based in South Devon. Selling due to other commitments. Regular food fairs/ events, website, market stall equipment and contacts all included in sale. For more information please contact Virginia 07875 217 970 and see www. cafeom.co.uk. HEALTH food shop for sale in East Devon. Email healthshop@ phonecoop.coop for full details. poultry

RUNNER ducks. Two blue (dark grey) females, one white female and Mr Ice - one very cool male. Good layers. All home-bred at Thornleigh Saddle. They can’t wait to clear your garden of slugs! £22 each. Call Jenny on 01803 868455. LAYING hens. Three Welsummer hens, around 18 months old and already in lay. £10 each. Call Jenny at Thornleigh Saddle, 01803 868455.

Editorial: 01392 346204 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

You can read past Living on less columns in our online archive...

Living on less...

‘It was time to kill the fatted pig...’

IT seems to me some people talk a load of baubles about the commercialisation of Christmas. Back when I was a kid, when the only two things I wanted for Christmas were bigger presents and more of them, I never really sympathised with my mum’s view that it was “all getting too commercial”. But as an adult, and particularly when I had kids of my own (and, sadly, when it was too late to share it with her), I realised just what she meant. Although I still can’t quite stretch to understanding why I never got that Scalextric set. As the only child of a poorly paid farm worker, as they all were then, presents were a little limited in their scope, although full use was made of the mail order service known in our house as ‘the catalogue’. For my parents it was the perfect way to pay for things they would never otherwise have afforded, with payments spread over 20 weeks – plus a longer (38-week?) option for even more expensive items. For me it was the forerunner to shopping online and many an hour was spent browsing and dreaming, deliberately leaving the page open by way of a heavy (and always ignored) hint. But what I lacked in presents was made up for by… well, I was going to say food, actually. Almost everything we ate was grown on the farm or in my dad’s veg patch, so Christmas was time to kill the fatted pig (he received pork and bacon joints but no extra cash as his ‘Christmas box’), to enjoy extra cakes (we got free eggs too) and to get the extended family together for a shared meal and one of my dad’s marathon joke-telling sessions

WITH its emphasis on buying and giving gifts, Christmas has become a consumerist festival - but Martin Foster says it’s never too late to celebrate what’s REALLY important to us...

Pud it all together... (but then every childhood has its dark corners…). Years later, as an adult and family man myself, we had five kids (now you know what I thought of being an only child) and opening pressies took most of the day. It became a family tradition for one of us to be ‘postie’ and hand out the presents one at a time, while the rest of us watched them open it. That way, we reasoned, the giving and receiving is savoured and each gift appreciated – right down to the last novelty tubes of Smarties… In fact, with a sometimes erratic freelancer’s income, we often had to get a little creative in sourcing the pressies and there was often a mix of secondhand and new items – which actually made it really tricky to give everyone roughly the same value of goodies. ‘You’ve got this apparently really expensive pressie because we

found it really cheap at an auction’ just doesn’t have that festive ring to it… So yes, it was all very commercial and still is – but only if you choose to buy into it. Statistics show that last year the average family spent around £600 on gifts, decorations, food and drink – not a fortune when compared with what they spend on holidays, going out, electrical goods and other nonessentials throughout the year. But I think the pressure comes from the expense of doing what we’re expected to do, of buying what other people are buying - or what we’re told or assume they’re buying. This is most obvious around kids’ presents. The pressure on children to want (no, NEED) stuff is immense – from retailers advertising on TV and online and from their peers too. And, of course, they then transfer that pressure to their parents. And forget Scalextric, today the ‘want’ lists include laptops, tablets, mobiles and MP3 players. But have you checked out your mental ‘want’ list lately? Is it so different? And have your kids heard you getting excited about new techno developments all year? Or maybe your tastes are more earthed… have you been saying how much you want new garden tools? Or wishing you could go on that brilliant (but expensive) drumming camp? How much are your kids’ material demands something of a reflection of your own? Could at least some of it be learned behaviour? (I’m reminded of Quentin Crisp’s comment that you should never keep

Passionate Presence events with

Life Coaching & Self Esteem Specialist

Katheryn Trenshaw

“Come unwrap your magnificent life and purpose.”

Are you ready for real freedom? Do you long for creative expression of your fullest, truest self? Come live in your own wild and precious skin through art, movement and creative practices. Upcoming: Sunday evenings Passionate Presence Practice Group - Edenrise nr Totnes: Dec 2, then mainlky last Sundays in 2013: Jan 27, Mar 3 & 31, April 28,May 26, June 30Jan 27, Mar 3 & 31, April 28, May 26, June 30.

t: 01803 847674 m: 0777 949 6240 www.kateharris-lifecoaching.co.uk

AS everyone knows, Costa have decided to give those weird folk in Totnes a miss. But not everyone is toasting the decision with their independently brewed espressos. An increasingly vocal contingent say the high street should look after itself - let all the chain stores come and if The People don’t want them, they won’t get enough business and they’ll have to close. Of course we have already tried the anti-interventionist approach. All over the rest of the country. And the result is the clone town that everyone from Mary Porter to the New Economics Foundation (who coined the phrase) agree is “highly damaging to society”. Left to their own devices the economic muscle of the the multi-nationals will take over every square inch of our commerical space, driving out everyone and everything that can’t afford to compete. It will happen anywhere we don’t make a stand. How was it Einstein defined madness? Doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.

2012-13

Kate Harris Using cognitive behavioural therapy and life coaching to help you release your inner confidence ‘Kate’s compassion and empathy, and her ability to share and support, made a huge difference to my progress and my continued success’ Paula, Devon By phone (including Skype) or in person in a relaxed farmhouse setting near Totnes

up with the Jonses but rather “drag them down to your level”…) Seems to be the best (and possibly only) way to counteract all that material madness is to put the emphasis back on the human element of celebration. So gather your friends and family, sing songs, play games, tell stories, praise your God if you have one, eat, drink and yes, yes, yes, BE MERRY!

Advertising: 01392 346342 adverts@reconnectonline.co.uk

In Your Own Skin Sourcing continues www.inyourownskin.org

01803 863552 • info@ktrenshaw.com www.passionatepresence.org www.reconnectonline.co.uk

check out ALL our back issues at...

WORKSHOPS & COURSES DIARY To advertise your workshops or courses here, simply email us the words, along with your name, address and phone nunber and we will invoice you. The cost is just 90p a word, with a minimum of 20 words. Email adverts@ reconnectonline.co.uk, or call Pete on 01392 346342. MONDAYS FORTNIGHTLY

THE ALCHEMICAL KITCHEN, ongoing fortnightly group at Arcturus Clininc Totnes - Who’s sitting in the Directors Chair? Seven conditions for feedom for life. Sound, movement, meditation, clay and colour. Mon eves 6-8pm; Six sessions - £60 (in advance). 01803 762574, b.connolly@ virgin.net, www.myfreedomforlife.co.uk. Every Tuesday

QIGONG at The Exeter Mint Methodist Church with Brad Richecoeur, 5.30-7pm. Suitable for all levels. 0845 3305086 www.qigongsouthwest.co.uk. Every Friday

QIGONG at St John’s Church Hall, Totnes with Brad Richecoeur, 10-11.30am. Suitable for all levels. 0845 3305086 www.qigongsouthwest.co.uk. Until December 20

ROBIN CURRIE – exhibitions of ceramics, Unearth Studio, 46 Preston Street, Exeter. www.robincurrie.co.uk. DECEMBER Friday 7

GERMAN New Medicine – talk by Bill Tucker, Arcturus Clinic, 47 Fore Street, Totnes. 7.30pm. Call to book. 07598 288 446 www. eftandmatrix.com.

December 12

Unity 2012. An evening of meditation, movement and chanting on 12/12/12 with Srimati, The Studio Lounge, Totnes, 7.15-9.45pm, tickets (£8) and info at www.srimati.com/events. Saturday 15

A JOURNEY Round the Year - 2012-13. Journeying, Shamanism and Ecopsychology. Cost £60 per day. To book call Louise Page 01392 860509. email louise. page@campion.f2s.com JANUARY EVERY FRIDAY

ADVANCED Diploma in Humanistic Counselling. A one day a week – term time only – two year course starting in January. Dartmoor Centre for Counselling and Psychotherapy. 01803 867744. Monday 7

INTRODUCTION to counselling skills and concepts. Part-time 10 weeks. RIQTA Torquay. 01803 315075. Tuesday 15

THROWING and sculpting, 10-week course, 7-9pm, The Potting Shed, 01803 865033, www.potting shedworkshop.com Wednesday 16

THROWING and sculpting, 10-week beginner’s course

7pm-9pm. The Potting Shed, 01803 865033, www. pottingshedworkshop. com

e.co.uk

VOUCHER

FOOT CLINIC DO YOU NEED ORTHOTICS? • Foot and lower limb consultation and examination • gait scan analysis • Report of findings including pictures of your feet.

Only £25 with this voucher (worth £110) • Valid only for December and January. • Limited discounts available - book now. 39 Devon Square, Newton Abbot, TQ12 2HH • Tel: 01803 814 329 align.limited@gmail.com • www.alignyourhealth.co.uk New Exeter practice: 51 Queen Street, Exeter EX4 3SR Please book all treatments through Newton Abbot office or email

We look forward to seeing you at ALIGN!

SatURDAY 19

And Sunday 20 MEN MOVING - Body Listening, weekend workshops for men with Paul Beaumont, guided movement exploration and bodywork, £60, 10.15am-4.30pm, near Totnes, www. paulbeaumont.net, 07967 558 254. Monday 21

Until Friday 25 ICGT CRYSTAL Therapy Certificate. Kenn Centre, Kennford. Call 01392 832005, or visit www. mcscourses.co.uk/diary. html Saturday 26

QIGONG workshop, South Brent Village Hall, South Devon, with Brad Richecoeur, 10am-5pm. 0845 3305086, visit www.qigong-southwest. co.uk or www.qigongsouthwest.co.uk. Sunday 27

CRYSTAL Therapy. Preseli Blustone: Medicine stone of the ancestors, Kenn Centre, Kennford, 01392 832005. www. mcscourses.co.uk/diary. html.

One Billion Rising

Our chance to join in! Our own One Billion Rising Dance event is being organised by Kay Chambers and Miriam Summers at South Brent Village Hall on February 14th starting at 10:30am with a luscious choice of dance through day and evening. To ﬁnd more about this global event visit www.onebillionrising.org . The latest news about the South Brent One Billion Rising Event is on our Facebook page.

Join us at ‘One Billion Rising-Devon’

Eve Ensler of the Vagina Monologues is calling for one billion women (and those who love them) to ‘Strike Dance Rise’ - on 14th February 2013. The idea is for so many people to be seen to act together, that attitudes change. Eve believes it will show the existence of a movement that is demanding an end to violence against women and girls! For more info contact: kaydancedelicious@hotmail.com

FEBRUARY Saturday 2

INTRODUCTION to Macrobiotic Cooking. Learn how to cook delicious and healthy food in one day. £75 including lunch, 01803 762598. Saturday 23

And Sunday 24 Devon School of Shiatsu, Discovery Weekend. Totnes, 01803 762593, info@devonshiatsu. co.uk, or visit www. devonshiatsu.co.uk.

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

www.reconnectonlin

Transform your thoughts, feelings and behaviours jCreate confidence and motivation jHave less anxiety and stress jAchieve your goals and get results jNo more phobias jGet healthier jEffective communication jSolve difficult relationships Lyn Price NLP Coach and Hypnotherapist provides one-to-one coaching and workshops to help you take control of your mind and make change happen

Tel: 01803 866312 or 07779127965

www.lynpricehereandnow.com

Editorial: 01392 346204 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

Want to make your money Work for you and the planet? planning your finances in ways that reflect your ethical and environmental values can make a real difference.

Barchester Green Investment is the UK’s longest established Independent Financial Adviser (IFA) specialising in

But with so many green options out there, how do you choose what’s best for you? How do you make sure you have the most beneficial impact on the planet and your finances?

socially responsible, environmental and ethical investment. ServIceS environmental and ethical investment Lump sum investment and portfolio management

Barchester Green Investment are here to guide you through this increasingly complex world, offering impartial advice that takes into account all aspects of your life and values.

ISAs and other tax efficient investments retirement planning Self Invested Personal Pensions (SIPPs)

We have advisers on hand throughout the West country

Mortgages and equity release Protection insurance Inheritance tax planning Tax planning cris Iles-Wright, rupert Lovesy, Andrew Faulkner and Tim Bradford

Trustee investment planning

to arrange a free consultation, call or email Jackie adams:

01722 331 241 • info@barchestergreen.co.uk barchestergreen.co.uk

twitter.com/barchestergreen

BARCHESTER GREEN INVESTMENT

facebook.com/barchestergreeninvestment

Barchester Green Investment Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority