Reconnect 5 Feb-Mar 10

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

ISSUE 5 FEB/MAR 2010

MAGAZINE

local people local events local food local health local environment

FREE

Village hall goes solar

please take one and pass it on

Logging on to renewables

Sharing land, swapping seeds

Shock of the moo

Looking for local fare

Our unique mix of events

One city, two festivals

local people local events local food local health local environment

local people local events local food local health local environment

HoLisTiC MEdiCiNE EXpERiENCEd pRACTiTioNERs WidE RANgE of TREATMENTs pRofEssioNAL TRAiNiNg

EXETER NATURAL HEALTH CENTRE Holistic healthcare in the heart of the city

Health is the fullest expression of you as an individual with the least friction with your environment. it implies adaptation, fluidity, freedom and ease and is truly a blessing.

Here at the Centre, we work with you to find the most suitable ways for you to restore and sustain your health. We work from a holistic perspective and with an integrated approach. situated just off queen street right in the heart of the city we offer a wide range of complementary therapies all provided by respected and experienced practitioners. our consulting rooms are light and airy and many of our visitors have been delighted by the tranquil ambience of the centre.

THE PRACTITIONERS: AlexAnder Technique dawn robinson

hoMoeoPAThic Medicine Mo Morrish

MAssAGe TherAPy Alice Brockington

Bowen Technique Andy Pryke

holisTic hyPnoTherAPy Katherine Jenkins

core Process PsychoTherAPy Andy Gibb

hyPnoTherAPy Amanda Kirtland-Page

PreGnAncy yoGA And AcTive BirTh Patricia or Karin

clinicAl hyPnoTherAPy richard Murphy crAniosAcrAl TherAPy Katherine ukleja

inTeGrATed MAssAGe TherAPy carina rutherford KinesioloGy Marcia Fletcher

enerGy heAlinG Michaela Krispler

KA hunA (loMi loMi) MAssAGe And PreGnAncy MAssAGe Julie Bladon

herBAl Medicine isobel ravden

MAssAGe And reiKi deirdre richards

PsychosynThesis And deeP MeMory Process Julia collett sPorTs inJury rehABiliTATion rebecca lane TrAdiTionAl AcuPuncTure Philippa hynam

PERHAPS it’s time again to look for the simple answer.

As constantly curious creatures in an ever-more complex world, all too often we are left in that most stressful of states – powerlessness, when the way forward is dependant on the decisions or actions of others.

But before you think this is just another rant from another grumpy old man (and we have just moved home, so I need very little provocation – just don’t mention BT and we’ll be fine), this is actually a message of hope. A gentle reminder that there are some fundamental problems to which we do have the answer. And, as is often the place, the more fundamental the issue, the more simple the solution.

Take that most basic of human requirements, food. Not so simple these days, is it?

Our consumerist world has done its best to turn food into a product, processed and packaged, branded and traded, a token in the complex game of international commerce – sometimes leaving us confused and unsure about what’s in it, how it’s made, where it’s come from or even if it’s healthy for us to eat at all.

The solution?

We can buy food we recognise from people we recognise – fresh local food and produce direct from local growers, producers and traders.

Simple.

You can find out more about local farmers’ markets and specialist shops in Local Food on page 6.

You can source your food even more directly, of course, by growing it yourself. But not everyone has enough space to grow fruit and veg. And, conversely, some people have the land, but not the time or inclination to cultivate it.

The solution?

Garden share schemes and community farming projects that bring the two sides together for mutual benefit. Simple. You can find out more about them on pages 6-8.

And staying with the basic requirements of life, the same principle can be applied to energy.

Energy too is one of the world’s hottest commodities, traded across continents by faceless corporations with no thought for the long-term impact on the planet. And there is no thought either for their staff, housed in battery-style call

centres – no wonder they leave us hanging, powerless and frustrated, on the end of a phone… however important our call is to them.

The solution?

Local energy, produced from renewable resources, the hardware supplied and sometimes manufactured by local companies, the fuel sourced locally. Simple.

Find out more on page 14.

But what of society’s more complex problems?

Crimes against person and property, against human rights and social justice, against the Earth we all have beneath our feet. Surely these answers aren’t as easy to come by?

Well, maybe the solution to many of them is to simplify the way we actually live our liives.

But although that answer might seem simple, it does raise some altogether more complex questions about our priorities…

A new-found energy WE had a number of interesting and exciting Local Energy stories we wanted to run in this issue, so we’ve included them all and turned it into something of a Local Energy Special.

The most exciting thing of all is that it’s all now actually happening. When we produced the original Connect magazine, a few years back, we ran renewable energy stories, but they were all a bit ’fringey’, all very alternative, and in many cases a little theoretical.

But just check out pages 14-17 of this issue – a huge village hall solar project, a humble terrace house heated by wood and solar, locallyproduced bio diesel and a Government-funded scheme to put solar PV panels on 10 per cent of a town’s homes.

This isn’t alternative power – this is the beginning of a new mainstream.

What a giveaway reconnect is available free through a wide range of outlets, from specialist wholefood and craft shops to mainstream places like libraries and community centres.

But we’re always looking for more, so if you think reconnect is right up your street, but it’s not available up your street, get in touch.

Email us at adverts@ reconnectonline.co.uk, or call 01392 346342.

COMMERCIAL EDITOR Pete Hardy - 01392 346342 2 Withall’s Gardens, Lympstone, EX8 5JH adverts@reconnectonline.co.uk EDITOR Martin Foster - 01392 346204 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk 45 Punchards Down, Follaton, Totnes TQ9 5FD DESIGNER Andy Gooding - 01626 353977 www.visiongraphicdesign.co.uk PUBLISHER Robin Currie - 01392 411630 robin@reconnectonline.co.uk PUBLISHED BY Reconnect Publishing Ltd, 15 Sylvan Rd, Exeter EX4 6EW PRINTED BY Kingfisher Print, Wills Road, Totnes TQ9 5XN. www.kingfisherprint.co.uk ADVERTISE IN THE NEXT ISSUE Advertising for the April/May issue (out April 1) must be booked by March 5.

To talk about advertising (no hard sell, we promise!), call Pete Hardy on 01392 346342 or email adverts@reconnectonline.co.uk.

Advert sizes and prices are on our website: www.reconnectonline.co.uk WEBSITE Visit www.reconnectonline.co.uk and you’ll find: • an online PDF version of this issue • a day-by-day events diary • more news and articles • advert sizes and prices • details of our magazine stockists • loads of useful links To contribute, please email Martin or Pete ECO ETHOS reconnect is written, designed, printed and distributed locally, using materials from sustainable sources. The magazine is printed using vegetable-based inks and biodegradable fount solution, and the paper is 75 per cent post-consumer waste and 25 per cent virgin fibre from a sustainable source. It is also chlorine-free and FSC-accredited (www.fsc-uk.org).

All by-products of the production and printing processes are recycled. Please recycle reconnect by passing it on to a friend

COPYRIGHT

© Reconnect Publishing Ltd 2009. 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 do what we can 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

TrAdiTionAl AcuPuncTure Anna Paris

great design requires a strong vision

yoGA visvadakini

• logo creation, corporate id & branding • advertising & promotional material • leaflets, newsletters, magazines & brochures • business stationery • small business start-up

SCHOOL OF BODYWORK Graduate & post graduate diplomas in massage and bodywork comprehensive professional training APnT accredited Passionate tutors: continual student support: clinical experience provided

01392 422555 centre Manager: Ali Morrish 2

Advertising: 01392 346342 adverts@reconnectonline.co.uk

exeter natural health centre, queens walk, 83/84 queen street, exeter, ex4 3rP e: info@enhc.org w: www.enhc.org www.reconnectonline.co.uk

t: 01626 353977 m: 07825 432426

www.visiongraphicdesign.co.uk info@visiongraphicdesign.co.uk

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

For all your design, print & web needs visit our website...

Editorial: 01392 346204 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

3

local people local events local food local health local environment

artspaces

Connecting coaches Relationship Difficulties?

Discover a positive way forward

Relationship counselling can help you: Understand where you are & what has happened Avoid unhelpful blame & judgement Deal positively with conflict Repair what has been damaged Build something stronger for the future

Chris Cowen MBACP (Accred.)

email: chris.cowen@btinternet.com website: www.chriscowen.co.uk

WHEN Liz Scott and Stuart Newberry first trained as coaches, people would ask them, ‘what is coaching?’

Today people ask them for tips on how to become one.

“You might be forgiven for thinking it’s raining coaches,” said Stuart. “There are team coaches, relationship coaches, leadership coaches, well-being coaches, stress coaches – there’s a coach for just about everything.”

But developing a coaching business from scratch as a sole trader can be quite daunting.

So, in September last year, Liz and Stuart pooled their expertise and experience and created Coaching Connect to help coaches develop their businesses through events and online.

“New coaches can learn about building a business from scratch, and more experienced coaches

LCE meetings EXETER’S climate action group, Low Carbon Exeter (LCE), hold open meetings at the Global Centre in Exeter, every third Thursday.

“They are a chance to meet each other, share ideas, hear speakers and show films,” says LCE’s David Mezzetti.

“We need some help organising 2010 events, so it would be great to hear from anyone with ideas and time to help organise.”

Find out more from David - dmezzetti@ ukonline.co.uk.

4

www.artspaces.co.uk

First details can learn about marketing, social networking and diversifying,” said Liz. “Our website is packed with articles written by coaches for coaches, covering things like NLP, Action Learning, coaching events, tips and techniques and CPD opportunities.”

And there are chances for networking too - the next Coaching Connect CPD session is Friday, March 5, at the Exeter Racecourse Conference Centre.

Email info@coachingconnect.co.uk to book a place.

Visit the website at www. coachingconnect.co.uk, call 07884 063592, or follow them on twitter@coachingconnect.

Loud and proud EXETER Pride, a free community event promoting lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans pride, will be based in and around Exeter Phoenix on March 27.

All are welcome to the free event that starts at noon and includes a parade, stalls, workshops, panel discussions, youth space, women’s space and chillout café with music and various performances.

Exeter Phoenix, Gandy Street, www. exeterphoenix.org.uk, 01392 667080.

Advertising: 01392 346342 adverts@reconnectonline.co.uk

local people local events local food local health local environment

art rental for business and

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Gallery hours Tuesday – Saturday 10 - 4

07956 412 278

The 2010 event runs July 8-11 and includes all the regulars plus some new features and the development of areas most popular with visitors.

A full programme of personal development workshops will this year include artist and therapist Kathryn Trenshaw, psychotherapist and Alternatives co-founder Malcolm Stern, and Kit Berry of Stonewylde books.

More details in our next issue.

The

Arcturus Clinic

Leading the way in Complementary Medicine

The music line-up includes Sudha and Tarisha, Jewls and Sheelanagig on Friday night; Lucinda from Bliss and The Exile Project with Carolyn Hillier and Nigel Shaw on Saturday night; and Ravi and Madrum and Presence on Sunday night.

professional holistic medicine, therapy & healthcare

Organiser Fiona Bicknell said: “Each year we try to improve and bring in more of what visitors have requested, so next year we want to develop the outdoor entertainment with theatre and more dance.

47 Fore Street • Totnes • Devon • TQ9 5NJ T: 01803 868 282 • info@arcturusclinic.co.uk www.arcturusclinic.co.uk

Workshops will include tai chi, yoga and circus skills, and the organisers promise more on sustainability and green initiatives. Look out too for a new healing pyramid – more on that too in the next issue of Reconnect.

CONVERTED barns and seven acres of countryside on the edge of Totnes, previously home to Kindred Spirit magazine, has become a local facility, run by trustees from the community.

Edenrise is the name given to a project, at Sandwell Barns on the road to Avonwick, set up by local man Sky Chapman, whose family trust has provided the funding.

“I want to see Edenrise facilitate the birth and growth of many things that will help to create the culture and community we want,” he said.

“This place is part of a long-standing vision of mine and will be available for short-term let to people running training workshops, family gatherings, local events and healing retreats.

“It will be a place for inspiration, celebration and thanksgiving for life – aimed towards community, sustainability, care of sacred earth and wildlife, and nourishment of our bodies, hearts and spirit.”

The two former barns are situated around a courtyard, with three sleeping rooms, including a dormitory split into ‘pods’, to accommodate up to 20 people on residential courses in the 35x17ft workshop space on the first floor.

Outside, an orchard and two vegetable gardens will be created, one near the barns, the other on the banks of the River Harbourne, to provide growing space for community-supported agriculture.

To find out more about Edenrise, and the Friends’ Association currently being set up, call Annabel on 01364 652487, or visit www. edenrise.org.

54B High Street Totnes Devon

Held at Newton Abbot racecourse (which works a lot better than you’d think), it’s four days of workshops, exhibition and performance, featuring some of the biggest local and national names in complementary health, personal development, music and dance.

“There will also be a children’s marquee, with morning and afternoon storytelling.”

Dawn of Edenrise

the bowie gallery

PEOPLE travel from all over the UK to visit and stay at Quest, but we are fortunate to have one of the biggest alternative lifestyle festivals right on our doorstep.

There’s also camping space on site, with proper toilet and wash facilities, and a range of tasty food stalls.

Don’t forget that you need to book workshops and talks in advance to ensure you get a space. For the latest updates on Quest, visit www.questuk.co.uk - the full programme will be posted there at the end of March

Arise & Shine AFTER the excesses of the festive season, the body has its work cut out filtering out all those toxins.

Detox expert Melanie Davies says that giving your body a herbal helping hand can build a stronger immune system ready to take on the bugs that life can throw at us - and help with stabilisation of weight.

Greens in town TWO of the biggest names in sustainable politics and lifestyle will be speaking in Totnes as guests of the local Green Party.

On Monday, February 22, Satish Kumar (above) will present his film, Earth Pilgrim, at St Johns Church, Bridgetown.

And on March 31, the ever-listenable Jonathan Porritt will talk about sustainable living and Green politics from 7.30pm in the Civic Hall.

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

Melanie is an aromatherapist and Reiki healer, who has been working with cleanse programmes in many countries since 1983 and with Arise and Shine herbal products since 1989.

Supporting your journey - to greater awareness Restore your natural state of balance, spiritual alignment and well being

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Incorporating Energy Healing and Spiritual Counselling www.iessaiah.com 07738 681 483 iessaiah@yahoo.co.uk

Southernhay Clinic, 4 Barnfield Crescent, Exeter Help with many problems including phobias, anxiety, habits, sports performance, PTSD, fears and many more.

John Maclean Dip Hyp Dip Sports Psych AMNACHP is the creator of the

Programmes range from four weeks to a gentler seven-day internal detox.

Call her on 07732 046 616, email mcjtdavies@ yahoo.co.uk, or visit www. melaniedaviescleanse.com.

The World's No.1 gastric band hypnotherapy Contact: 07858 169011 or Email john@newwavehypnotherapy.com www.newwavehypnotherapy.com

Editorial: 01392 346204 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

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local people local events local food local health local environment

local people local events local food local health local environment Ashburton’s Upmarket Market!

OUR regular Local Food feature brings you news of specialist shops, farmers’ markets where you can buy direct from producers, and community seed swap and garden share schemes. Send your Local Food stories to editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

NOW OPEN 5 DAYS A WEEK

TUESDAY TO SATURDAY Open all day

National Trust sparks community farm project WHEN the National Trust offered East Devon parish councillor Cerian Henshaw a 40-acre farm for the use of the community, she had no idea if the project would work - or how many people would back her.

But from the spark of an idea for a community farm near her home at Killerton, Exeter, Cerian is on the verge of seeing her dream become a reality.

A public meeting last November set the ball rolling and following two further steering group meetings the project is set to start around Easter.

Cerian, now the Broadclyst Community Farm’s chairman, said: “We had 150 people at the inaugural meeting and a good 100 people showing interest through our website.

“We would really like everyone, whether they live in Broadclyst or not, to become part of creating partnerships between local growers, local businesses and local people.

We want everyone to get involved, to enjoy the mutual benefits, and for people to be part of what happens on some of the land around them.”

The farm is part of the National Trustowned Killerton estate and includes a Dutch barn, a machinery shed and cattle shed. Eight acres are to be set aside for allotments and the remaining 32 acres make up three fields.

But, says Cerian, those three fields were once divided into around 12 fields.

She explained: “We are looking to reinstate the historical field boundaries and we would then have fields more appropriate for community-scale farming.”

The group has a map showing what the farm looked like 100 years ago and the new boundaries would mean the reinstatement of hedgerows, with the planting of traditional sloes and blackberry bushes, and the return of associated wildlife.

Each field would have a grassed area on its perimeter for wild flowers, and beehives are to be introduced along with orchards and habitat to encourage the local deer population.

By popular demand, our well-established, under - cover Local Produce Market is now open 5 DAYS A WEEK in Tuckers Yard, Chuley Road, Ashburton TQ13 7DG.

They also plan to rear pigs, poultry and turkeys, but currently, the group does not have any equipment and would like to hear from anyone who can help.

Cerian said they would be very much working in partnership with other local food producers and suppliers, not in competition.

If you are interested in getting involved with the farm, call the secretary on 01392 469715, or email communityfarm@broadclyst.org

Come along and enjoy an easy, friendly shopping experience...there’s a host of award winning locally produced meat, organic vegetables, cakes, bread, cheese, flowers, preserves, ice cream, fresh fish, Fairtrade goods, handmade baskets, jewellery, textiles, greetings cards and even more.

TEAS/COFFEES every day, LIGHT LUNCHES on Thursdays, BARBEQUE LUNCHES on Fridays and Saturdays. Free parking right outside the door!

NEW COOKERY SCHOOL SCHOOL OF NUTRITIONSCHOOL & COOKERY NEWBRAHMI COOKERY FOOD IS MEMORY

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Come and learn how how to make mouth watering pastry. made Doyou you remember how good home cooking useBread to .

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Come and learn how to make mouth&watering pastry. and Bread made Make your own Breakfast Cereals Healthy Snacks much flour. ofto cooking with Spices. from more.freshly At our milled school flour we willMaster teach the you art how cook delicious food Make your own Breakfast Cereals & Healthy Snacks from scratch using the freshest local ingredients.

Weand alsomuch run workmore. our school we will teach you how to cook delicious food shops At and offer nutritional consultations. from scratch using the freshest local ingredients. We also run workshops and offer nutritional consultations.

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Personally speaking

THERE are many people who would like to grow some, or more, of their own food but who do not have spare or suitable garden or land.

And there are those who have spare garden or land, but who do not have the desire, or ability, to grow food.

Putting the two together like that, the answer might seem obvious, but for years most would-be veg gardeners were left to chase their councils for more allotments, while patches of ground were sown with easily maintained grass, paved-over, or left to grow wild.

Now though, the two are being brought together through garden share schemes, like the one launched by a branch of environmental group Crediton Climate Action.

Anne Tucker, from CCA’s food group, said: “This new scheme for the Crediton area will try and match up people with large gardens with those who do not have enough outdoor space.

“The garden owner can share in the pleasure of seeing part of their garden being looked after and developed into a vegetable plot, as well as having a share of the produce.

“The garden share scheme tries to match and introduce keen, enthusiastic growers with garden owners who want to see their garden

6

being used more productively.”

The group want to hear from people who have a garden or a piece of land that is underused, or goes unmanaged due to a lack of time, interest or physical mobility. And, of course, from people, who have no access to a garden or too small a garden, and who would like to grow their own food.

“People who are on the waiting list for an allotment might also wish to get involved in the scheme,” said Anne.

Find out more and register your interest at www.creditonclimateaction.org.uk/food and farming, or call Anne Tucker on 01363 772823.

Contact your local Transition or climate action group to see if they are running a similar scheme – or start one up. There is also a national landshare scheme, featured on Channel 4’s River Cottage with Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall.

Find out more at landshare.channel4.com

Advertising: 01392 346342 adverts@reconnectonline.co.uk

New cookery school AYURVEDIC nutrition, acupuncture and Iyengar Yoga will give a new South Devon cookery school an Eastern approach.

Husband and wife team Michael and Jackie Newman are opening the Brahmi School of Nutrition and Cookery at Baltic Wharf in Totnes.

Among their first events is a Valentine’s Chocolate Making Day, and there will also be ongoing bread making courses using flour they have milled.

Said Michael: “Life is full of pressures and it can be hard to find time for the basics, such as cooking, correct exercise and balanced nutrition.

“Jackie and I believe that working with the principles of Ayurveda can help people get back to understanding the importance of eating with the seasons, preparing and cooking fresh food and using foods as medicines.”

Michael has been a therapist for 21 years, specialising in the treatment of injuries that brought him into contact with professional footballers, athletes and ballet dancers, including Rudolf Nureyev. They have also helped people with MS, stroke patients and those with paralysis.

Said Michael: “Ayurveda recognises a person as an individual.

It incorporates nutrition, herbs, exercise and a guide to living your life in balance with nature. When used correctly, it becomes the perfect vehicle to health and happiness.”

Call Michael or Jackie on 01803 866259, or email michaelnewman525@btinternet.com

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

open five days a week, Tuesday to Saturday – think of it as a shop (it’s even got a roof) selling wholesome, local produce.

As well as award-winning meat (Helen of Proper Pork is the driving force behind the market), you can also buy fruit and veg, cakes, bread, preserves, etc – and get a snack or barbecue lunch. Oh, and pick up a copy of Reconnect…

Market forces THERE can be few better practical examples of sustainability in action than the farmers’ market.

The producers grow, rear or process the food or drink and take it to market - and we buy it from them. That’s it. No pointless food miles to and from factories, processing plants and distribution centres; no middlemen creaming off profits and hiking retail prices. The producers get fair prices and we get to meet them when we shop.

Our area is bursting with high quality food producers, of course, and as a result here are popular, well-stocked farmers’ markets in most towns.

If you haven’t shopped at yours, give it a try – they’re less expensive than you might think.

BOVEY OVEY TRACEY: every other Saturday, call Marion Carpenter on 01626 835363.

ASHBURTON: Tuesday to Saturday, call Helen Wakeham 01364 643836.

BUCkfASTLEIGH: every Thursday, call Russell Ashmore 01803 762764.

CREDITON: first Saturday, call Dodie Huxter, 01363 775928.

DARTMOUTH: second Saturday, call Jenny Farmer 01803 861202.

EXETER: every Thursday, call Malcolm Littler 01392 665480.

EXMOUTH: second Wednesday, call Rupert Ormerod 01395 267237. kINGSBRIDGE: first and third Saturday, call Jenny Farmer 01803 861202.

NEWTON ABBOT: every Tuesday, call Mick Ford 01626 215426.

PLYMOUTH: second and fourth Saturday, call Geoff Carter 01752 306552.

SOUTH MOLTON: fourth Saturday, call Peter Stanford 01769 572252.

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

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Sharing the harvest

ONE of the great things about producing a local magazine is that we often have personal experience of the subject we’re writing about, and editor Martin and wife Jenny frequently shop at the Ashburton farmers’ market when they’re in the area.

It might not be the biggest farmers’ market around, but you can get most things you need there, the quality of produce is superb and it’s

Phone: 01803-866259 Mob: 0784-6614420 E-mail:01803-866259 Phone: michaelnewman525@btint Mob: 0784-6614420 ernet.com E-mail: michaelnewman525@btint ernet.com

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Editorial: 01392 346204 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

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local people local events local food local health local environment

local people local events local food local health local environment Somewhere safe to talk Tibet benefit

cont.

Sowing the seed THERE’S something very satisfying about saving seed from one year’s harvest as a means of creating the next. And swapping seed with fellow growers takes the practice to a whole new level.

A seed swap works simply by taking along seeds they have saved – and taking away other people’s seeds to use.

And, given the friendly and relaxed nature of these things, most swaps won’t be too worried if you haven’t any to take along – they’d just hope that by next year you will have saved some and can contribute then. Certainly that’s the case at the Crediton seed swaps, organised by Crediton Climate Action’s Dee Ross.

“There is no charge, just voluntary donations, but there are so many benefits,” she said.

“Seed swaps help protect biodiversity and keep locally adapted varieties going; they keep seed swaps in the garden and out of the laboratories; they bring gardeners together and develop a sense of community; and they get around the National List, which makes it illegal to sell some varieties.”

To keep things even more informal and sociable, CCA also try to organise an additional activity – the January swap was preceded by storytelling for the children and followed by a screening of Rebecca Hoskin’s film A Farm For The Future and a discussion about local food. The newly formed Crediton Garden Club also had a stall.

Find out more about Crediton seed swaps from Dee email deeross@silversmith.eclipse.co.uk, or call 01363 775146.

Similar seed swaps are happening across the region, of course.

Bovey Climate Action are holding Seedy Saturday III at the Methodist Hall on Saturday, February 13, which they describe as “your yearly opportunity to swap, or inexpensively buy, a wide range of seeds (many of them this year’s seeds from Suttons, or similar) and find out more about growing your own!”

The bee word ANYONE interested in natural beekeeping will want to catch a talk by Philip Chandler, author of Barefoot Beekeeper, at Embercombe, outside Exeter. It starts at 7.30pm on Friday, March 26.

For the more committed, it is followed by a weekend course, running until March, introducing “bee-friendly practices” to novice and expert alike.

Other residentials at Embercombe, which aims to inspire and promote a sustainable lifestyle, include The Journey, Finding Earth, Finding Soul, from March 21-26, for those seeking a fulfilling, meaningful and authentic life; and Storytelling for Change, to help cultivate natural storytelling skills, from March 19-21.

A free seed swap event, Seedy Sunday, will be held at Emercombe on Sunday, Macrh 14, 11am-4pm.

Embercombe is between the A30 and the A38.

Find out more at www.embercombe.co.uk, or call 01647 252983.

Find out more by emailing BCA’s Audrey Compton audrey@boveyclimateaction.org.uk.

Ermington’s Companion Planters are holding their own Seedy Saturday in the village primary school on Saturday, February 27, 1.30-4pm.

Find our more details from R Hughes on 07815 627 803, or visit transitiontowns.org/Ivybridge/Ivybridge.

Meanwhile, The Embercombe centre, at Higher Ashton outside Exeter, are holding Seedy Sunday, with craft, entertainment and food, as well as seed swapping, on Sunday, 11am-4pm, on March 14. Find out more at www.embercombe.co.uk, or call 01647 252983.

And The Seedy Sisters in Totnes are running their 4th Totnes Seedy Saturday at Birdwood House on February 27, 11am-3pm.

“There will be a wide range of vegetable and flower seeds,” they tell us.

“And don’t worry if you don’t have any seeds to swap - all seeds will be available for a small donation.”

For more details, contact Alison Williams - alisonwilliams@fsmail.net.

HOW often do you find that some of the most important things in life are unnoticed until they go wrong, or are lost? By then, sadly, it may be too late and you are forced to accept that something irreplaceable has been lost or irreparably damaged.

According to Exeter-based relationship counsellor Chris Cowen, counselling offers a lifeline when things seem out of control and you feel overwhelmed by it all.

Said Chris: “It can provide shelter from the storm; offering somewhere safe and confidential to talk things through, without blame or judgment.

“It is somewhere, with some help and support, you can begin taking positive steps towards healthier and sustainable relationships for the future.”

Over the last eight years, Chris Cowen has built up a practice as a counsellor and life coach and spends much of his time working with individuals and couples on a wide range of relationship issues.

Having trained at the Iron Mill Institute in Exeter, Chris is a fully accredited member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). Visit www.chriscowen.co.uk, or call 01392 496126.

Tracy’s green mums

Greener pastures we are moving!

      Please join us for our grand opening day,   Monday, February 15, at 10am.   We are offering a 10% discount across the  board on that day plus loads of free samples,   vouchers and goodie bags. We are also having

cooking demonstrations, raffles and in-store advisers as well as events in the market square.

Don’t miss it!

Visit our new town store in Totnes or shop online* when you return home.

New store

1-2 Birdwood Court, Market Square, Totnes TQ9 5SG 01803 866738 www.greenlife.co.uk

8

*Free postage on orders over £30 subject to conditions.

Our range is huge, including many brands of:

aromatherapy, flower remedies, herbal remedies, Ayurvedic remedies, vitamins, minerals, organic wholefoods, Fairtrade, baby care, body care, household care, local produce, fresh fruit and veg, vegan, gluten free and dietary foods.

A PIONEERING food and health store is moving into new primesite premises at the top of Totnes – confident that their impact on the town will be a positive one.

Greenlife started in a tiny Totnes shop 20 years ago, and moved to its now famous position at 11-13 Fore Street in 1994 – doubling their turnover within the first month.

Since then, the shop has become a major player in the Totnes retail community, opening a warehouse on the Totnes Industrial Park in 1999 and developing a successful online business, which now delivers products to more than 80 countries.

But on Wednesday, February 10, the store will close – and reopen on Monday, February 15, at Birdwood Court in the Market Square at the top end of town. Greenlife’s Jamie Sermon admits it’s a gamble: “We currently have around 600 customers a day and not everyone will want to walk up the hill,” said Jamie.

“But we are confident that our shop will increase the number of shoppers visiting the top end of town.”

It will, though, also mean increased competition for food and health stores already established at that end of town – Riverford, Sacks and Seeds “We’ve spoken to staff at all of them and said we want to work with them – not just be in competition,” said Jamie. “They all have their own

Advertising: 01392 346342 adverts@reconnectonline.co.uk

specialities and we expect shoppers to move between us to get everything they want.”

Frustrated by the limited space at their Fore Street store, Greenlife have been searching for larger premises for years and believe the Birdwood Court store, formally a chemist, will suit them well.

“The new shop is around a third bigger in floor area,” said Jamie, “but with higher ceilings and larger windows it will feel so much bigger.

“We already stock a huge range of products, including organic and Free Trade food and drinks, and a comprehensive variety of remedies – that will increase in some areas, but, more importantly, we will be able to display them properly and improve the shopping experience for all our existing, and new, customers.

“And, just as crucially, it will allow us to create a behind-the-scenes area for the staff, who have until now had to share a small back room with the office!”

The new store will also feature a larger till area, a customer service desk, where shoppers can get help and advice, and a demonstration area. Greenlife’s online business will continue as before at the warehouse.

For more information, call in at the store or visit their website at www. greenlife.co.uk.

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

LIVE music described as being “of a psychedelic jazz-funk-punklounge nature” from The Invisible Opera Company of Tibet, will be served up with a sideorder of performance poetry to raise money for the Free Tibet Campaign.

Stand-up poet Jackie Juno will compere the show on Saturday, February 27 – Tibetan New Year and a full moon, incidentally – at The Dolphin Hotel in Bovey Tracey, starting at 8pm. Expect “competition, prizes and surprises and general anarchic fun.”

Bookings and enquiries, call 01626 835802, or email jackiejuno@ yahoo.co.uk.

Gig of hope IF you know anything about local stand-up poet Matt Harvey, you’ll know you’re in for a much funnier evening than the title of his forthcoming gig, Newton Abbot, Town of Despair, might suggest.

Hosted by Transition Newton Abbot (TNA), it’s at the Jolly Farmer pub in Market Street (opposite the Alexandra cinema), on Saturday, February 6 at 7.30pm. We know Matt and guarantee you’ll love it. Well, okay, we won’t actually give you a refund or anything, but he is very funny…

See www.natransitiontown.org.uk.

After Copenhagen IF you’re left wondering ‘what next?’ after the climate change conference in Copenhagen, here’s your chance to hear the experts discussing exactly that.

Beyond Copenhagen – The Outcome and What Next? is a conference hosted by the Exeter branch of the United Nations Association at Jurys Inn, on Western Way in Exeter, on Saturday, February 20, at 1.30pm.

The speakers will be Dr Jeff Ridley, Cryoshere scientist at The Met Office Hadley Centre; Dr Duncan Russel, lecturer in the politics of climate change at University of Exeter; and Dr Stewart Barr, University of Exeter senior lecturer in sustainable development.

After the speakers, the conference will break into three discussion groups, after which there will be a feedback session. Space is limited, so call 01392 256559 to book.

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

AFTER producing their first child, Tracy Dixon and her husband Nick also decided to launch a new business and Green Mums too was born.

The online business, launched from their Plymouth home after the birth of Lily in 2006, was a steep learning curve for the couple.

The core business is selling natural and organic products for babies and children, including washable nappies, toiletries, clothes and toys.

Said Tracy: “The ethos of Green Mums is to sell products we would want our children to use, wear and play with. So that means reusable nappies, organic clothing, environmentally-friendly chemicals – the day-today stuff that can make a real difference to the world around us.”

Tracy is also a part of the Devon Real Nappy Project and gives talks and advice to individuals and groups about washable nappies, their benefits and which is best suited to each family and situation. With Nick at work full-time, the burden of responsibility falls to Tracy, who has to juggle the business with running a home and two children. But Green Mums continues its steady growth, catering for people striving to live a green and ethical life.

Visit www.greenmums. co.uk, or call 01752 661 835.

Kate Harris — Life Coach

LOW SELF ESTEEM? FEELING STRESSED? Individual or workshopsStressed? near Totnes Low Selfsessions Esteem?

Using cognitive behavioural therapy and life coaching

Learn to relax and life your life with confidence

Self Esteem Group Stress Management Workshops Individual sessions and workshops using cognitive behavioural therapy and life coaching.

For further information contact Kate Harris: Self Esteem Group – 8 weekly sessions Thursdays 10-12 Tel: 01803 847674 Mobile: 0777 949 life.

6240 Improve your self esteem and make meaningful changes in your th th site: www.kateharris-lifecoaching.co.uk RunningWeb 4 Feb to 25 March £20 per session

Fountain International Conference

3 Stress Management Workshops 10-3pm Saturdays

Invest in yourself and learn practical techniques and tools to manage your stress levels. Cognitive behavioural therapy will help you rebalance your life. £40 per session. 20th Feb,20th March,17th April.

For further information

17th - 18th April 2010, Torquay. £50.00

Inspiration for Healing and Earth Energies For further info contact suzanne@ eaglebear.fsworld.co.uk see Fountain-International.org or Fountain International, 35 Padacre Road, Torquay, Devon TQ2 8PX.

SpEakErS: Hamish Miller, Nicholas Mann, Sig Lonegren, Chris Street, Colin Kingshott, Peter Knight, Dr Andrew Tresidder & Suzanne Thomas

For further information contact Kate Harris: Web site: kateharris-lifecoaching.co.uk

Newton Abbot Mobile: 0777 949 6240 Tel: 01803 847674 Natural Health Centre 14a Union Street, Newton Abbot, TQ12 2JS

We offer:

Acupuncture, Bowen, Counselling, Counselling Supervision, Holistic Massage, Homeopathy, Hypnotherapy, Indian Head Massage, Life Coaching, One Light Healing Touch, Psychotherapy, Reflexology, Reiki, Shiatsu and Sports Massage.

Active Birth classes, Astrological readings, Buddhist Meditation, Chi Healing, Feldenkrais, Hatha Yoga, Laughter Yoga, Lifestyle Yoga, Qigong, Rainbow Tai Chi and Reiki Trainings I and II. All our practitioners and group leaders are fully qualified, experienced and insured.

Visit our Website:

www.newtonabbotnaturalhealthcentre.co.uk for more information.

and sign up online: to receive regular e-newsletters about discounts, free workshops and special events.

01626 360622 contact@newtonabbotnaturalhealthcentre.co.uk

‘We care about your health and well-being’

Editorial: 01392 346204 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

9

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local people local events local food local health local environment

Question of perception

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Discover the Presence of Love within you.

Jackie offers one-to-one sessions, workshops & talks.

“Sessions with Jackie are truly transformational, she works in a very loving and accepting way, and I always feel completely safe to uncover deeper aspects of myself.”

D.B. Exeter “A source of inspiration and insightfulness. Jackie’s patience and compassion shines through all her work. The pathway is made smooth and purposeful, the destination joyous.”

W.T. Teignmouth For more information visit the website: www.jackiewatson.co.uk or email: info@jackiewatson.co.uk / Tel: (0)1626 854367

Individual Psychotherapy We offer an approach that brings the wisdom and compassion of Buddhist understanding to Western psychotherapy For a free initial meeting in Exeter, Plymouth or Totnes call Colin Sutton MA 01363 774837 07811 285875 UKCP Registered Core Process Psychotherapists Professional Code of Ethics

Mark Craig MA 01803 865672

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Emma Fein MA 01364 631512

HOPEFULLY we don’t need to bang on about the virtues of terry nappies over nasty polluting, resource-consuming disposables (the clue’s in the name).

But once you start looking around the terry nappy market you’re faced with a bewildering variety and it can be hard to decide what is best for your situation – and pocket.

But The Totnes Nappy Company (TNC), actually based at South Brent, has the solution – free demos of their whole range, and answers to every nappy-related issue that could possibly be troubling. All in your own home.

We said in the last issue that these very popular demos had been suspended, while TNC’s Ali had her baby, but Kai is now safely, if a little noisily, among us now and the demos are up and running again.

If you know which nappies you want, and don’t need to handle them before you buy, you can buy online, and see their full range of baby equipment, at www.totnesnappycompany.co.uk.

To book a demonstation, by Ali, in your own home, email info@totnesnappycompany.co.uk

After the flood TALES of burst pipes and flooding have been all too common over recent weeks, and although an accident in Rhythm and Light, a shop on the high street in Totnes, wasn’t due to the freeze, it brought back some unpleasant memories from last year.

This year the flood, from a burst pipe in a neighbouring shop, caused relatively little damage, and was soon dried out with heaters, but last year it was catastrophic when previous tenants above the shop flooded it from above.

But despite their recent adventures, Sandi has still managed to find time to source a new range of products for forthcoming 2010 events, including gemstone hearts for Valentine’s Day, rainbow lightcatchers and unusual gift ideas for Mother’s Day.

Cracking Eigg film IF you picked up this issue of Reconnect promptly, you will have time to see how the people of Eigg came to generate their own power – and discuss how Bovey might be able to do the same.

Former BBC man Malcolm Baldwin travelled to the Scottish island to make a film about how wind, hydro and diesel generators were installed.

Electric Eigg will be shown at the Phoenix Hall in Bovey on Tuesday, February 2, at 7.30pm, followed by a discussion of Bovey opportunities led by the local climate action group.

Visit www.boveyclimateaction.org.uk, or call 0845 478 6311.

Advertising: 01392 346342 adverts@reconnectonline.co.uk

FINDING contentment and peace in today’s fast moving world is hard for those whose lifestyles leave them with few choices.

Jackie Watson believes you can be at peace, whatever life throws at you, because what we experience is what we perceive.

Said Jackie: “It’s all about perception, how we choose to view our lives, what choices are we making in every moment. When old hatreds become present loves, this is a very special place.

“Most of us long for more love in our lives.

I help people to drop their stories about not being worthy to give and receive love.

“It is important we come to understand the nature of mind, so we are not enslaved by it, but become the watcher of our thoughts with ease and grace.”

Jackie offers one-to-one sessions, workshops and talks aiming to “discover the presence of love within us”.

She uses the Deeksha or Oneness Blessing in sessions and workshops, because “it helps people to go deeper, to expose and experience old hurts, anger and guilt.”

Visit www.jackiewatson. co.uk, or call 01626 854367.

Hot news WILDWISE, the Dartington-based environmental education, project and event management organisation, has collaborated with filming company Breeze and Freeze to film the first of a series of Bushcraft DVDs about Firecraft.

Chris Salisbury of WildWise leads you through a selection of fire-making methods, including fire-by-friction, lots of firelighting tips and a traditional story about the origins of fire.

The DVD is £25 from Breeze and Freeze at www. breezeandfreezedirect. co.uk or from WildWise at www.wildwise.co.uk.

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

ORGANIC & NATURAL SKINCARE 101 HIGH STREET, TOTNES | WWW.AROMATIKA.CO.UK

Boost Business with Spiritual Intelligence Professional development training day with Srimati.

For life coaches, therapists, consultants & entrepreneurs.

• Attract ideal clients & new business telepathically • Feel super prepared, relaxed & inspired in your work • Trust your hunches & find brilliant ideas & direction

Feb 18 at The Royal Seven Stars Hotel, Totnes - £65 (£55)

Open season LOCAL artists will have the chance to try for space in an open exhibition at the Harbour House gallery in Kingsbridge.

Entries are invited for the first of the gallery’s two open art exhibitions for 2010. Artists may enter up to four pieces of work, in any medium, on the theme of Positive Earth.

Entries will be considered by an invited panel of artists, who will be looking for “new and inspiring works of art celebrating the new season”.

Handing in day is Monday, March 22, 9.30am-noon, and the exhibition will run from March 26-April 21, with an opening view from 6-8pm on Thursday, March 25.

Other exhibitions at Harbour House include: Primary Colours, featuring the work of pupils from 12 local primary schools, from January 23-February 10; Uncertain Things, recent drawings and paintings by Jeremy Scrine, February 16-21; A Wash with Colour, with the work of Rob and Sian Dudley’s watercolour students, February 23-28; art and photography of Kingsbridge Community College sixth form students, March 2-6; Deborah Alexander’s giclée prints from original digital images, March 9-14 March; and Routes and Branches, oil paintings by Miranda Benzies, March 16-21.

More on the open exhibition and others shows at www.harbourhouse.org.uk, or call 01548 855666.

Start at the centre FOR complementary health practitioners thinking of starting out on their own in 2010, the Exeter Natural Health Centre can provide the perfect springboard.

The centre, which lies between Queen Street and Gandy Street in the centre of the city, has plenty of room to accommodate a wide range of CAM (complementary and alternative medicine) practitioners and also has a beautiful training room for workshops and training courses.

September last year saw the relaunch of the centre under the management of city homeopaths Mo and Ali Morrish, who say that 2010 has started brightly.

The centre’s School of Bodywork began its diploma massage courses

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

on January 11 and the Peninsula Seminars (continuing professional development training for homeopaths) continue on a six weekly basis.

Said Mo: “Feedback so far has been very positive. More and more people are becoming aware that health is a personal responsibility and that there are a number of ways for each person to restore and sustain their health”.

He added: “Sustainability is not only relevant to our community, both locally and globally, but also to the well-being of each and every human organism.

“We need to attend to ourselves and each other and the centre is focussed on encouraging just such attention.”

Visit www.enhc.org, or call 01392 422555.

Info at http://thrivecraft.wordpress.com/events/

Call 01803 812904 Visit www.thrivecraft.co.uk

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THE WISE WOMAN WITHIN Get to know your wise woman with Dr Jill Treseder’s book

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09:59

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A path that will uc

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Ashburton, Devon

A groove called Vibraphonic

The Wise Woman Within: Spirals to Wholeness

Touch the Spirit poster

PsychotheraPy

EXETER’S Vibraphonic has earned itself a deserved reputation for quality since it started seven years ago.

From a music scene that’s increasingly diverse and hard to pin-down, creative programming by the Vibraphonic people has pulled together an eclectic mix of high quality acts that include jazz, blues, urban, soul, drum ‘n’ bass, reggae, hip-hop and much more – “One city under a groove” says the promo material, and that probably says enough.

The best way of describing Vibraphonic 2010 - which runs March 5-21, at Exeter’s main music venues, clubs, galleries, art spaces and independent cinemas – is a rundown of the acts. So see how these fit your aural cavities: electro samplemeisters Utah Saints; blues rock guitar hero Johnny Winter; Cuban boom drivers, Sierra Maestra; Neil Cowley Trio’s “jazz for Radiohead fans”; 2009 Mercury Music Prize winner Speech Debelle; and the unimaginably creative jazzsters Acoustic Ladyland (whose drummer Seb is brother to Devon Tai Chi man Matthew Rochford, incidentally).

And there’s stuff to get involved with too. For the second time, Vibraphonic will host its own ‘Analogue to Digital’ music expo, on Saturday March 6, at Exeter Phoenix, in association with Sound Gallery. Expect live performances, master classes, demonstrations and try-out sessions of the latest music technology, instruments and studio equipment.

And Vibraphonic will offer plenty of other opportunities for aspiring musicians to get involved in other music-related workshops, when local and regional stars in the rising will perform in support of some of the biggest names, during the festival or at one of the smaller fringe venues on the edge of Exeter.

When the Vibraphonic circus packs up its tents and stalls and rolls out of town, the vibe is kept alive by Exeter’s unique playlist-free radio station Phonic FM, which will be celebrating its second birthday as a permanent radio station in March.

It will broadcast a mix of Vibraphonic-related music, features and exclusive interviews throughout the festival.

We’ve included many of the big Vibraphonic gigs in our diary, but full rundown of acts, and venues would take over the whole mag (and there’s already a festival programme), so visit www.vibraphonic.co.uk, or pick up the official guide from the Phoenix or many other city venues.

For a free initial meeting, call

07974 936008

• MA in Core Process Psychotherapy, working towards UKCP accreditation • 15 years experience as a counsellor & skills trainer working with wi groups & individuals • Over 10 years specialist experience in the field of addictions & craving

For more information about what I offer, visit:

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The Neil Cowley Trio

Sierra Maestra

The Johnny Winter Band

AN animation event could never be complete without Shaun the Sheep.

This year’s Animated Exeter is no exception, with the famous Aardman Animations character the subject of a screentalk by animator Richard Haynes.

Richard, one of the guests at the independent animation film festival that runs between February 11-20, will be hot from the Shaun the Sheep film set, with extracts from films and original models to give an insight into the craft of animation at the Bristol base of UK’s foremost studio.

Animated Exeter was established in 2000 and is funded by the Arts Council England South West, Exeter City Council and South West Screen.

It includes exhibitions, screen talks, artist talks, films, music and workshops at the Spacex gallery, Exeter Phoenix, Exeter Castle and Exeter central library.

During the week before the festival, local schools will be taking part in educational workshops linked to the event, with opportunities for youngsters to look at a career in animation.

For more festival information, visit www. animatedexeter. co.uk, or call 01392 265208.

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Rachel Bolton channeling intuitive healing, touching the spirit we all have but rarely embrace.

Dartington • Totnes

Freephone 0800 434 6595

Healing, Acupuncture, Aquadetox, Massage, Life Coaching, Lifestyle Advice, Nutritional Advice, Australian Bush Flower Remedies.

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Rape & Sexual Abuse Helpline

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Contact Rachel Bolton on: Tel: 0844 335 0402 (local rate) or mobile 07957 597 618 or e-mail rachel.bolton@touchthespirit.com www.touchthespirit.com

12

Getting animated

Bill Plympton

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

Editorial: 01392 346204 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

13

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special feature

local people local events local food local health local environment

OUR Local Energy pages give the power back to the people. Read on for news of a village hall solar project; a couple who changed their heating system – and their lives; a ground-breaking community energy scheme; a local producer of bio diesel; and a supplier of DIY solar systems. Plug into the Reconnect grid and email us at editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

Solar Energy Systems For Fast, Friendly Efficient Service Call:

01392 277199

Something in the woodshed

Village’s solar performance TO be entirely self-sufficient in solar power and on course to repay the cost of the installation within eight years would have a major impact on a household’s finances.

But imagine the benefits when that sort of performance is enjoyed by an entire community.

Last summer, a massive array of 102 photo voltaic (PV) panels was installed across the south-facing higher and lower roof areas of Rattery Village Hall by Totnes-based solar specialists Beco.

But while other communities can learn lessons from the project, it must be said that this is no ordinary village hall – and the driving force behind the project, Rachel Coaker, is no ordinary resident.

“The village hall is my great passion,” says Rachel, and as if the determined tone of her voice isn’t enough to prove it, she goes on to explain that, with the help of other villagers, she, her husband and son actually built the place in 1996. Needing the paid expertise of only an electrician, they completed the project for an impressive £90,000.

But last year Rachel was driving another village project – to spend as much again on a huge solar power system.

14

“The whole hall is powered by electricity and with two big, south-facing roofs, it seemed the obvious solution,” said Rachel.

Half of the funding for the project came from a Low Carbon Buildings Programme (LCBP) grant, £3,500 from South Hams District Council, £1,000 from the village garden show, who use the hall, and £500 from Rattery Parish Council.

The remaining £42,000 was provided by the hall, which makes an annual profit of £10-11,000.

We said it was no ordinary village hall…

It seems their return will be every bit as impressive as their investment – and more.

That LCBP grant will be phased out by the Government in April to be replaced by a feedin tariff, which will boost the 9p they currently receive for every kilowatt of power produced to 28p per Kw – plus 5p for very Kw they export to the national grid.

So, as well as providing the majority of the power used by the hall, the panels will earn them close to another £5,000 a year, repaying their initial investment in around eight years.

All the hall committee have to do is check the inverters every few weeks (which involves lifting a trapdoor and checking little green lights are still glowing), take an extra meter reading and

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sit back and wait for the money – which takes, says Rachel, a “ludicrous” 4-5 months to come through.

She is more complementary, though, of suppliers and installers Beco, whose other local community projects include solar systems at the new Dartington Primary School, Torbay Community College, Ivybridge Watermark centre and The Tamar Valley Visitors’ Centre in Gunnislake.

“They were very helpful and spoke to us in plain English,” she said.

Find our more about Rattery Village Hall at www.ratteryvillage.co.uk and Beco Solar at www.becosolar.com.

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

CAROLINE and Richard, and their terraced Exeter home, are proof that conversion to renewable energy can be a life-changing experience.

Their routines and priorities are now very different from the days when they relied solely on their gas central heating boiler, but they both love the fact that they are no longer totally in the hands of their local energy supplier. Delivering energy to their home is now in their own hands – and the satisfaction of that is very evident when you meet them.

They say building a fire and ensuring there is a regular supply of well-seasoned timber are now constant considerations, and they have both become highly proficient at fire lighting.

Richard has built three log stores in the garden of their terraced home and knows exactly what is ready to burn and what has to stay put - just by feeling the weight of a log he can tell whether it has dried out sufficiently.

During the recent cold snap, they have been comfortable in front of their log burner in the lounge – and comfortable in the knowledge that, at the same time, its back boiler is running the central heating system.

Meanwhile, on the roof, solar panels are patiently awaiting the return of the summer sun to contribute their share of the work by providing most, if not all, of the home’s hot water.

The couple decided to invest in the system because they wanted to become more self-sufficient and more environmentally friendly. The total bill for their system, supplied and fitted by Bramshaw Heating and Plumbing, was just under £11,000. But already their gas bills have shrunk from £150 for the September to December quarter in 2008 to £38 for the same period last year - they continue to cook with gas.

Even taking into account the expenditure on wood, there are still overall savings and these will become even greater once the solar panels kick in to supply their hot water.

Since the system was installed last July, they have switched on their gas combi boiler just once, and that was during one of the coldest winters for over 30 years.

What they had not bargained for was the disruption to their home during the four weeks of installation. Floors had to be ripped up and all new piping installed, and a cupboard was built in a back bedroom to house the massive water tank and solar unit.

Said Caroline: “A wood-fuelled system is a lot more work - we are quite happy to do it, but I think some people have a romantic idea of a roaring fire and don’t consider the work involved and the dust.

“The principle is that the wood burner and back boiler heat the water in the tank, which then drives the central heating and hot water.

“There’s very little solar gain to be had from the panels at this time of year.

You might have a lovely sunny winter’s day but because of the angle of the sun at this time of year you don’t get a lot of solar gain.

“The panels have to be on a South Westfacing roof and in the summer the system starts working from about 10am.”

Bramshaw advised Caroline and Richard about taking advantage of a £400 grant from the Low Carbon Building’s Programme – visit www.energysavingtrust.co.uk - but who can put a price on the satisfaction of creating your own energy?

Said Caroline: “The system is unbelievable and I can’t praise it enough.”

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Renewable Energy Systems designed for the UK climate Homes, Businesses, Hotels & Swimming Pools

Government Grants Available FREE Site Visit & Estimated Costs Covering Devon 19 Ashwood Road, Exeter EX2 8JL www.bramshawheatingandplumbing.co.uk

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your local biodiesel recycled from used cooking oil suitable for cars, vans and heating 72% less carbon emissions cheaper than conventional diesel Greenearth Biodiesel Unit 4, Marsh End, Crediton, Devon EX17 1DN 01363 777750 www.greenearth-biodiesel.co.uk

Editorial: 01392 346204 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

15

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Powered by veg

Government funds local green schemes RENEWABLE energy plays a crucial role in a sustainable lifestyle: it’s local (is on your roof or under your garden local enough for you?); it doesn’t rely on ever-diminishing reserves of fossil fuels; and, as grid-supplied energy continues to soar in price, it now makes more economic sense than ever.

We’ll be looking at aspects of renewable energy in every issue, so if you’re involved in the industry and want to spread the word, call the editor on 01392 346204

Wholesale Solar Heating Suppliers • • • • • •

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16

SOLAR panels for around 10 per cent of all homes might seem an ambitious target for a local environmental action group.

But with £500,000 of grant funding, and the full support of South Hams District and Totnes Town Councils, a new Transition Town Totnes (TTT) scheme aims to do just that – and more.

Transition Streets will take small groups of homes through a whole programme of sustainable living, from food to transport, and culminating, if the home is suitable, with a heavily-subsidised photo voltaic solar panel installation.

TTT expects to work with around 350 homes during the life of the scheme.

And although details are being finalised as we go to press, it’s hoped the subsidy, funded by the Department of Energy (DoE) grant and the district council, will mean a householder aged over 60 and on benefits will pay nothing for the solar panels. Better funded households will pay a contribution towards the cost.

For TTT, the funding is quite a coup – more than 300 groups across the UK took part in the Low Carbon Communities Challenge and just 10 have received £500,000 each in the first phase, with another 10 grants in the pipeline.

As TTT’s Rob Hopkins explained, the DoE thought the Totnes project impressive (one of the most impressive proposals, in fact) because it has measurable effects.

“The question the Government is asking is: ‘how much carbon emissions can we cut for £100?’

– how they can encourage people to make changes, and then make those changes stick,” said Rob. “We believe Transition Streets will be the pilot of a scheme that can be rolled out across the country, creating lasting behaviour change that becomes infectious – keeping up with the Joneses, but in a good way.”

Totnes TTT will build on a pilot scheme called Transition Together to create Transition Streets, which will at first take groups of 8-10 homes from 15 Totnes streets (chosen to be representative of the whole community) through a four-stage ‘greening’ process: Stage 1 sees residents forming groups among themselves, applying to TTT and, if successful, completing a seven-session course in which they pool sustainable living experiences and resources, with TTT advice and support, to inspire practical changes like reducing waste and transport and energy use, and increasing the production and consumption of local food.

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Rob Hopkins In Stage 2, the homes receive bespoke energy audits from the Energy Savings Trust and apply for subsidised energy efficiency measures through South Hams District Council’s Cosy Devon scheme, overseen by Energy Action Devon, including loft and cavity wall insulation, and in some cases, secondary glazing and external wall cladding.

In Stage 3, one participant from each Transition Street group will receive training from Devon Association for Renewable Energy (DARE – featured in our previous issue) and assesses the homes for photo voltaic solar panels – for which grants of at least £3,000 will be available.

And Stage 4 sees Transition Street leading right into the town centre and, in partnership with Totnes Town Council (and Devon County Council), carrying out an energy retrofit of the Civic Centre, with TTT’s matchfunding to the tune of £50,000 to provide solar PV. Finally, a TTT Open Streets event will showcase some of the upgraded houses so the whole community can see what the project has achieved.

“This £500,000, along with grants from South Hams council, should take us a good way towards our target of getting PV panels on 10 per cent of Totnes roofs,” said Rob. “And because Transition Streets has received such substantial support from the Government, and local and regional councils, it should make the scheme more attractive to other funding in the future.”

If you live in Totnes, there will be more details available in February – email transitionstreets@gmail. com, or visit the TTT website at totnes.transitionnetwork.org (there will also be a phone number posted there by the time you read this).

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

GIVEN that cars play such an important part in most of our lives, but also contribute hugely to the world’s growing carbon emissions, recycling vegetable oil to produce green diesel is a bit of a win/win no-brainer.

But despite what would seem to be an enormous potential market, Greenearth Biodiesel, in Crediton, say they are still the only commercial manufacturer of the stuff in Devon and Cornwall to be fully licensed by the Environment Agency.

Using a process called ‘transesterification’, Greenearth take in waste vegetable oil collected from chip shops, restaurants and catering companies, and turn it into something called B100, which can be used in all modern diesel engines and oil-fired heating systems.

“It’s less toxic than table salt and as biodegradable as sugar,” says Greenearth’s Bill Brown.

“It also produces around 78 per cent less CO2 emissions than normal diesel and is the only road fuel available in this country to be acknowledged as carbon neutral

by Friends of the Earth.

“I’m not trying to tell people how to live their lives or run their businesses, but if I can put waste to work in a way that helps the environment and saves people money, well, that just makes sense to me.”

Current prices are cheaper than the usual variety. Current prices are: B100 road fuel, £1.03 per litre, B100 for off-road use, £0.80 and B100 heating oil, £0.60 - all inclusive of VAT. Greenearth will pump biodiesel straight into your car at their Crediton premises, or you can buy it by the drum for off-road and central heating use. They also deliver bulk orders – and can supply a range of tanks if you don’t have one.

As well as loads of private users, their current customers include Exeter City Council, Mid Devon Community Recycling, South Molton Recycle and a number of private transport and plant companies.

Find out more at www.greenearth-biodiesel.co.uk, or call 01363 777750.

Trading places YOU can call in a company to provide and fit solar panels, or, if you have plumbing skills and know your pipe-cutter from your PTFE tape, you could buy the parts and do a DIY job. But there is a third way…

National wholesale suppliers Logical Energy, based in the South West, will sell you all the parts for a complete thermal solar system (that’s when panels on the roof heat fluid, which is then pumped through your water tank to provide you with hot water during the summer months) and put you in touch with fully qualified fitters who will install it.

Logical is a family-run firm and Julian Lack and business partner Tony Robbins between them have almost 30 years’ experience in solar thermal sales and marketing.

Their pUre brand of panels are made specially for them by a ChineseItalian manufacturer and use U-pipe technology, which they say, improves performance, can be fitted at any angle and allows damaged pipes to be replaced easily, without draining down the system.

The wholesale side of their business is thriving and they have recently struck a deal to provide panels to a multi-national company, and regularly ship systems abroad.

Logical will also soon be able to provide cornbased glycol (the fluid which runs through the panels) as an alternative to traditional petroleumbased propylene glycol. This is a much more environmentally friendly product than the traditional ‘anti-freeze’ currently in use in the UK. In addition they are shortly adding photo voltaic panels (which convert solar rays into electricity) to their range.

Trade and retail customers can find out more from their website, www.PureSolarEnergy. co.uk, or call them on 0845 505 2012.

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

YURT HOLIDAYS IN CORNWALL

Sustainable, dog-friendly site in wonderful countryside, near beautiful beaches.

Available for a weekend break, a week or longer. Open all-year round.

Mill Valley Tipis & Yurts

See website for details, pictures, etc www.millvalley.co.uk Or call 01208 841163 / 07725 055370

Integrated Acupuncture Mark Edlund-Plater M.B.Ac/C Totnes, Torquay, Teignmouth Donations in Totnes (Tues) Introductory offers 01803 862803 0780 4661 078 mark.edlundplater@googlemail.com

Editorial: 01392 346204 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

17

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local people local events local food local health local environment SUNDAY 28

WELCOME to the Reconnect Going Out Diary, a unique guide to community, nature and arts events across South Devon.

We think we’ve come up with a mix that will tickle the fancy of each and every one of you but we want to make it even more wonderful and diverse, so if you’re involved in something you know Reconnect readers will love (our next issue covers April and May), email us at editor@reconnectonline.co.uk.

As always, it makes sense to check before going to events, so call the organisers or visit their website to ensure it’s still happening – and hasn’t sold out.

And don’t forget to check our courses and workshops diary in The Guide – see page 23.

FEBRUARY UNTIL WED 10 Primary Colours, exhibition of work from 12 local primary schools, Harbour House Gallery, Kingsbridge, www. harbourhouse.org.uk, 01548 855666.

UNTIL SUNDAY 28 Paper Works, paper objects hand-made by international artists, open seven days a week, Devon Guild of Craftsmen, Bovey Tracey, www.crafts.org.uk, 01626 832223 UNTIL TUESDAY 16 Kate Russo & Tom Butler, exhibition of drawing and painting, The Flavel, Dartmouth, www.theflavel.org.uk UNTIL SATURDAY 20 Game Keepers Without Game, exhibition by film-maker Emily Wardill, Spacex gallery, Preston Street, Exeter, 01392 431786, www.spacex.co.uk TUESDAY 2 Electric Eigg, Malcolm Baldwin shows his film about community power on the Scottish island of Eigg, Phoenix Hall, Bovey, 7.30pm, www. boveyclimateaction.org. uk, 0845 478 6311 WEDNESDAY 3 Storytelling, 1-5yrs, free, Exeter Phoenix, Gandy Street, 10.45-11.15am, www. exeterphoenix.org.uk, 01392 667080 Green Drinks, hosted

by Transition Town Exmouth, Park Hotel, Exeter Road, 7.45pm onwards Outer Space Art Club for 12-15-year-olds, Spacex gallery, Preston St, Exeter, 5.30-7.30pm, £3, www.spacex.org.uk, 01392 431786

18

TTT and Schumacher College present Tim Kasser - The Real Cost of Consumerism, Totnes Methodist Church, 8pm, £5/3, totnes. transitionnetwork.org, 01803 867358

WEDNESDAY 10

Open mic night, DIY stand-up, Royal Castle Hotel, Dartmouth, 6pm, free, over-18s, www. theflavel.org.uk

Storytelling, 1-5yrs, free, Exeter Phoenix, Gandy Street, 10.45-11.15am, www. exeterphoenix.org.uk, 01392 667080 Traditional woodland coppicing, work on ancient woodland and learn coppicing, Occombe Farm, Paignton, 9am-4pm, free, www.countrysidetrust.org.uk, 01803 606035 Outer Space Art Club for 12-15-year-olds, Spacex gallery, Preston St, Exeter, 5.30-7.30pm, www.spacex.org.uk , 01392 431786

SATURDAY 6

SATURDAY 13

Dartmouth Comedy Festival launch night, 7pm, The Flavel, Dartmouth, £9 (comedy gigs throughout Feb – see www.theflavel.org.uk) FRIDAY 5

Matt Harvey’s Newton Abbot Town of Despair, in aid of Transition Newton Abbot, Jolly Farmer pub, 8 Market Street TQ12 2RB (opposite the Alexandra cinema), 7.30pm, 01626 872721, www. natransitiontown.org.uk Rudyard Kipling’s Just So, classic storytelling for all the family, Lympstone Village Hall, 2.30pm Stone-faced earth banking, rural crafts workshop, near Strete, Dartmouth, 10am-5pm - 01803 770856/07801 369753, www. southdevonaonb.org.uk SUNDAY 7 Matt Harvey, Comedy Poetry Brunch, 10.30am, The Flavel, Dartmouth, £12, over18s, www.theflavel. org.uk monday 8 Stornoway and Beth Jeans Houghton, contemporary folk, www.exeterphoenix.org. uk, 01392 667080

Seedy Saturday III – swap and buy seeds, Methodist Hall, Bovey, www.boveyclimateaction. org.uk, 0845 478 6311 MONDAY 15 Magnificent Muddy Masterpieces, soil sculpture for children, The Seashore Centre, Goodrington, Paignton, 1-3pm, £2.50, 01803 528841, www. countryside-trust.org.uk.

Under an Iceberg, workshop with play and stories, The Seashore Centre, Goodrington, Paignton, 1-3pm, £2.50, 01803 528841, www. countryside-trust.org.uk WEDNESDAY 17 Wondermentalist: Taking The Mic, poetry, songs, stand-up, 7,30pm, Exeter Phoenix, Gandy Street, www. exeterphoenix.org.uk, 01392 667080 Nestbox building, The Bungalow, Berry Head, Brixham, 10.30am-12.30pm, £5 per box – booking essential, 01803 606035, www. countryside-trust.org.uk.

Chick Chick Chickens, collect eggs and bake fairy cakes, for children 7+, Occombe Farm Education Centre, Paington, 10amnoon and 2-4pm, booking essential, 01803 606035, www. countryside-trust.org.uk.

TUESDAY 16

Green woodcrafts workshop with Liz Turner (Trees for Health), Kingsbridge, 10am-4pm, www. southdevonaonb.org.uk

Until Sunday 21 Uncertain Things, recent drawings and paintings by Jeremy Scrine, Harbour House Gallery, Kingsbridge, www.harbourhouse.org. uk, 01548 855666.

From Tree to Rafter, tour of timberframe builders Carpenter Oak workshop, East Cornworthy, 10.30amnoon, 01803 732 900, www.southdevonaonb. org.uk

UNTIL SUNDAY 28

THURSDAY 18

Exhibition of Dartmouth photographs from local newspaper reporter Phil Scoble, The Flavel, Dartmouth, www. theflavel.org.uk Bird feeders workshop, Occombe Farm, Paignton, 10amnoon, £2.50, www. countryside-trust.org.uk, 01803 606035

Rockpooling and hot chocolate at Saltern Cove, 1-3pm, meet The Seashore Centre, Paignton, £3.50/2.50, booking essential, 01803 606035, www. countryside-trust.org.uk Low Carbon Exeter meeting, Global Centre, Exeter, email dmezzetti@ ukonline.co.uk.

Advertising: 01392 346342 adverts@reconnectonline.co.uk

Bovey Tracey: every other Sat 01626 835363.

Ashburton: Tues to Sat 01364 643836.

Buckfastleigh: every Thurs 01803 762764.

Crediton: first Sat 01363 775928.

Dartmouth: second Sat 01803 861202.

Exeter: every Thurs 01392 665480.

Exmouth: second Wed 01395 267237.

Kingsbridge: first & third Sat 01803 861202.

Newton Abbot: every Tues 01626 215426.

Plymouth: second & fourth Sat 01752 306552.

South Molton: fourth Sat 01769 572252.

For more details see the Local Food section - pg 6-8

SATURDAY 20 Climate Change Conference, Jurys Inn, Exeter, speakers from Met Office Hadley Centre and Exeter University, 1.30pm, United Nations Association, 01392 256559, www.una.org.uk.

Paper jewellery with Jane Price, Devon Guild of Craftsmen workshop making brooches and necklaces from sheets of cotton paper, Phoenix Hall, Bovey Tracey, 10am4pm, www.crafts.org.uk, 01626 832223 SUNDAY 21 Slaters, Farmers and Fishermen, guided walk from Kingsbridge with Valerie Belsey, start 10.50am, end around 3.20pm, www. southdevonaonb.org.uk MONDAY 22 Handing in day for open exhibition, Harbour House Gallery, Kingsbridge, 9.30am-noon, www. harbourhouse.org.uk, 01548 855666.

Satish Kumar presents his film, Earth Pilgrim, St Johns Church, Bridgetown, Totnes, 7.30pm, www. southdevon.greenparty. org.uk TUESDAY 23 Until Sunday 28 A Wash with Colour, work of Rob and Sian Dudley’s watercolour students, Harbour House Gallery, Kingsbridge, www.harbourhouse.org. uk, 01548 855666 WEDNESDAY 24 Green Drinks, social evening, The Barrel House, Totnes, 7.30pm, southdevon.greenparty. org.uk

Storytelling, 1-5yrs, free, Exeter Phoenix, Gandy Street, 10.45-11.15am, www. exeterphoenix.org.uk, 01392 667080 Outer Space Art Club for 12-15-year-olds, Spacex gallery, Preston St, Exeter, 5.30-7.30pm, £3, www.spacex.org.uk , 01392 431786 FRIDAY 26 CRAMP open mic night, live music, 8-11pm, Lamb Inn, Sandford, Crediton, www.crampdevon.org Supporting Act, basketry workshop to make willow plant supports, with Angela Holland, Dittisham, 10.30am-2pm, 01803 722402, www. southdevonaonb.org.uk.

SATURDAY 27 The Seedy Sisters’ Seedy Saturday seed swap, Birdwood House, Totnes, 11am-3pm, free, totnes.transitionnetwork. org, 01803 867358 Performance poetry and live music with The Invisible Opera Company of Tibet, compered by Jackie Juno, 8pm, £7/5, 01626 835802, jackiejuno@yahoo. co.uk, www.myspace. com/jackiejuno, www. theinvisibleopera companyoftibetuk Family Sunday, Exeter Phoenix, Gandy Street, 12noon, www. exeterphoenix.org.uk, 01392 667080 Outer Space Art Club for 12-15-year-olds, Spacex gallery, Preston St, Exeter, 5.30-7.30pm, £3, www.spacex.org.uk , 01392 431786 Endurance Life marathon and halfmarathon, Beesands, Dartmouth, 9am, 01548 853524, www. southdevonaonb.org.uk

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

Propagation A to Z, hands-on workshop, Organic Garden, Cockington Court, Torquay, 10am-4pm, £15 – booking essential, 01803 606035, www. countryside-trust.org.uk.

Rockpool Ramble with marine ecologist Nigel Mortimer, Salcombe, 10.15am-12.15pm, www.southdevonaonb. org.uk MARCH TUESDAY 2 Until Saturday 6 Exhibition of work

by Kingsbridge Community College sixth form students, Harbour House Gallery, Kingsbridge, www. harbourhouse.org.uk, 01548 855666 WEDNESDAY 3 TTT & Schumacher College present Vandana Shiva, food, farming and climate change - peoplecentred solutions, Totnes Methodist Church, 8pm, £5/3, totnes. transitionnetwork.org, 01803 867358 Storytelling, 1-5yrs, free, Exeter Phoenix, Gandy Street, 10.4511.15am, www. exeterphoenix.org.uk, 01392 667080 Green Drinks with Transition Town Exmouth, Park Hotel, Exeter Road, 7.45pm Outer Space Art Club for 12-15-year-olds, Spacex gallery, Preston St, Exeter, 5.30-7.30pm, £3, www.spacex.org.uk , 01392 431786 Hazel hurdling workshop with Think Nature’s Ed & Emma Parr Ferris, near Strete, Dartmouth, free, booking essential, 01803 770856 / 07801 369753, www. southdevonaonb.org.uk SUNDAY 7 Fairtrade cooking day, part of Fairtrade Fortnight, Occombe Farm Education Centre, Paington, 11am-5pm, free, no booking, 01803 606035, www. countryside-trust.org.uk.

Winter tree identification with Liz Turner of Trees for Health, Totnes, 11am1pm, 0548 4569325, www.southdevonaonb. org.uk

Events to celebrate International Women’s Day, Exeter Phoenix, Gandy Street, www.exeterphoenix.org. uk, 01392 667080 Louise Parker Quartet, Plymouth Jazz Club, The Mermaid, Frogmore Avenue, 8pm, 01752 84761, john. amos1@talktalk.net TUESDAY 9 Until Sunday 14 Deborah Alexander’s giclée prints, Harbour House Gallery, Kingsbridge, www. harbourhouse.org.uk, 01548 855666 Transition Exeter, monthly action meeting, Global Centre, St David’s Hill, 7-9pm (and every second Tuesday of month), www. transitionexeter.org.uk WEDNESDAY 10 Storytelling, 1-5yrs, free, Exeter Phoenix, Gandy Street, 10.4511.15am, www. exeterphoenix.org.uk, 01392 667080 Outer Space Art Club for 12-15-year-olds, Spacex gallery, Preston St, Exeter, 5.30-7.30pm, £3, www.spacex.org.uk , 01392 431786 SATURDAY 13 and sunday 14 TTT Building and Housing Group presents Taster day, practical sessions on strawbale, cob, rammed earth, clay plastering, etc, in a barn or outside depending on the weather, time tbc, totnes. transitionnetwork.org, 01803 867358 Drystone walling workshop with Rural Skills Trust instructor David Carlisle, The Grove Woodland, Churston, Brixham, 9.30am-4pm, £20, booking essential, 01803 606035 UNTIL April 25 Tall Stories, exhibition of automata, kinetics and craft pieces that tell a story, open seven days a week, Devon Guild of Craftsmen, Bovey Tracey, www.crafts.org. uk, 01626 832223

Markets, Mills, Quays & Kilns, informative walk with archaeologist Robert Waterhouse, Kingsbridge, 2-4.30pm, www.southdevonaonb. org.uk Seedy Sunday, Embercombe, near Exeter, seed swapping, organic food, craft, entertainment, 11am-4pm, free, 01647 252983, www. embercombe.co.uk TUESDAY 16 Until Sunday 21 Routes and Branches, oil paintings by Miranda Benzies, Harbour House Gallery, Kingsbridge, www.harbourhouse.org. uk, 01548 855666 Population - is it an issue? Discussion of population and sustainability, speakers from Optimum Population Trust and Oxfam/Global Centre, 7-9pm, Global Centre, St David’s Hill, Exeter WEDNESDAY 17 Wondermentalist: Taking The Mic, poetry, songs, stand-up, 7,30pm, Exeter Phoenix, Gandy Street, www. exeterphoenix.org.uk, 01392 667080

SATURDAY 20 Aly Bain and Phil Cunningham, award-winning traditional Scottish folk, Ariel Centre, Totnes, 7.30pm, £12/£8, 01803 869200, ariel@ arielcentre.org.uk.

SUNDAY 21 The Journey Finding Earth, Finding Soul, five-day residential course, Embercombe, near Exeter, 01647 252983, WEDNESDAY 24 Storytelling, 1-5yrs, free, Exeter Phoenix, Gandy Street, 10.45-11.15am, www. exeterphoenix.org.uk, 01392 667080 Outer Space Art Club for 12-15-year-olds, Spacex gallery, Preston St, Exeter, 5.30-7.30pm, £3, www.spacex.org.uk , 01392 431786

THURSDAY 25 Tile Painting Workshop at Penny Simpson’s Moretonhampstead ceramic studio, 10am12.30pm, Devon Guild of Craftsmen, www. crafts.org.uk, 01626 832223 FRIDAY 26 UNTIL APRIL 21 Open exhibition of local artists’ work, Harbour House Gallery, Kingsbridge, www. harbourhouse.org.uk, 01548 855666 Natural beekeeping, a talk with Philip Chandler, Embercombe, near Exeter, 7.30pm, , 01647 252983, www. embercombe.co.uk Natural Bees, threeday beekeeping course, Embercombe, near Exeter, 01647 252983, www.embercombe.co.uk SATURDAY 27 Exeter Pride, free community event promoting lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans Pride in Exeter, from 12pm, free, Exeter Phoenix, Gandy Street, www. exeterphoenix.org.uk, 01392 667080

Seedy Saturday, hosted by Ermington’s Companion Planters, Ermington Primary School hall, 1.30-4pm, R Hughes, 07815 627 803, transitiontowns. org/Ivybridge/Ivybridge SUNDAY 28 Easter egg workshop for children and adults, The Flavel, Dartmouth, 10am, £8, www. theflavel.org.uk WEDNESDAY 31 Storytelling, 1-5yrs, free, Exeter Phoenix, Gandy Street, 10.45-11.15am, www. exeterphoenix.org.uk, 01392 667080 Jonathan Porritt talks about sustainable living and green politics, Civic Hall, Totnes, 7.30pm, southdevon. greenparty.org.uk Outer Space Art Club for 12-15-yearolds, Spacex gallery, Preston St, Exeter, 5.307.30pm, £3, www. spacex.org.uk, 01392 431786

Storytelling, 1-5yrs, free, Exeter Phoenix, Gandy Street, 10.4511.15am, www. exeterphoenix.org.uk, 01392 667080 Outer Space Art Club for 12-15-year-olds, Spacex gallery, Preston St, Exeter, 5.30-7.30pm, £3, www.spacex.org.uk , 01392 431786 THURSDAY 18 TTT present Kanyini – film, discussion & story with Joanna Lathan, Totnes Methodist Church Hall, 7.30pm £4/£3, totnes.transitionnetwork. org, 01803 867358 Low Carbon Exeter meeting, Global Centre, Exeter, email dmezzetti@ ukonline.co.uk

SUNDAY 14

FRIDAY 19

Flours and Flavours, intermediate breadmaking course with local artisan baker Emma Parkin, Occombe Farm Education Centre, Paignton, 9.30am-4pm, £50, booking essential on 01803 606035, www. countryside-trust.org.uk

Planning & Planting an Orchard, workshop with Think Nature’s Ed & Emma Parr Ferris, near Strete, Dartmouth, 10am-3pm, 01803 770856/07801 369753, www. southdevonaonb.org.uk

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

Storytelling for Change, three-day course on storytelling skills, Embercombe, near Exeter, 01647 252983, www.embercombe.co.uk

Editorial: 01392 346204 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

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local people local events local food local health local environment

Ch-ch-ch-changes…

SOME things seem so enormous and so terrible we feel we can’t possibly have any effect on them. But it could just be that applying some thought – and action - to the smaller things we can change might just change the bigger picture too. Let Robin explain…

WELL, it’s been quite a hard winter, hasn’t it?

The recent weather seems to have had quite a negative effect on people. As has the financial recession, of course. And so many deaths Afghanistan and Pakistan and Haiti and all over the place. So there’s something of a feeling of pessimism going around. And weird reactions.

For example, despite the downturn, shops’ profits at Christmas were higher than last year because people were spending money rather than saving or investing it. Equally, even though governments around the world have been shouting at the banks and investment sectors which made the economy both shoot up and fall down… they’ve given them enormous resources to get back to what they were doing previously.

And then there’s climate change. Despite all the governments saying that they want to decrease carbon emissions, the Copenhagen meeting was a disaster when it came to making a global agreement. And that seems to have been because they couldn’t (or wouldn’t) co-operate over the long-term because they wanted to make money in the short-term.

All of which seems to relate to people’s emotional reactions. Positive experiences, such as safety, success, profitability and good weather, help us to feel optimistic, from where we tend to be willing to change things so that we can have even more (even different) positive experiences.

Whereas negative reactions to things like terrorism, bad weather and drops in the financial market lead to pessimism, which has the perverse effect of us wanting to avoid change and stay where we already are. Even if it’s what has caused the problem in the first place.

So effectively, positivism can lead to revolution whereas negativity leads to stasis – and even more negativity.

And that seems to be characteristic of what’s going on. There is a high degree of volatility in society and substantial changes are occurring but many of us don’t recognise them, or we try to deny them or leave them out of our strategies.

And some of us will do almost anything to try and make sure that they don’t happen.

Interestingly, I’ve been reading an excellent book called The Reluctant Buddhist by William Woolard, which touches on all sorts of issues and seems to make it possible to see them within a different context.

One of the things he points out is that the brain thinks that whatever it perceives is the actual case. But that everything – literally, ‘every thing’ is constantly shifting. It’s just that we don’t notice it. Nothing stays still, but we’re so addicted to familiarity that we will deliberately (although not consciously) ignore what’s going on and pretend that nothing is changing.

The reason for this is partially because it’s physically difficult for human beings to make an emotional commitment to a long-term outcome.

It’s an idea, a concept. And it’s tough for us to genuinely care about things we don’t physically experience now. Whereas it’s extremely easy for us to want something we’ll actually feel now.

And, of course, it works in virtually all other areas. Most of us are basically conventionalists.

We avoid change because we think we’re supposed to act in the way we already recognise.

Being genuine, being creative, is different.

Not least because it means that we start to trust ourselves rather than just acknowledging things that we’ve been told.

It’s like smoking. When I was growing up, everyone did it. There were no judgements, it was just what you did. And then suddenly we started to notice that it was killing us and people began to change. They started to stop because they had made a commitment to a different practice. And because they didn’t smoke, most of their children didn’t start. So now there are five times more people in the UK who don’t smoke than who do.

And it’s no longer the standard thing to do.

We became conscious. And started to stop.

It’s the same in the financial market.

It’s OK to invest money only to feel safe and successful, but there’s a very good argument for using your funds to support certain areas – that being the process rather than the outcome.

Not least because, if you’ve been investing in something like sustainable and renewable energy because you’re committed to environmentalism, you’ll notice that the government’s recent input means that you’re likely to make a pretty damn good profit while saving the world.

Pretty optimistic, eh?

local people local events local food local health local environment Celebration of women INTERNATIONAL Women’s Day (IWD) is celebrated annually on March 8 and events are held around the world throughout March to mark the economic, political and social achievements of women.

Exeter Phoenix is hosting Inspirational Women’s Voices, a not for profit event, on Sunday March 7. It will feature female artists from the across the region working in music, dance, poetry, live art and film – none receive a fee and all ticket sale profits go to Exeter Women’s Aid. The line-up includes folk/soul/blues singer Holly Ebony, choreographer/performer Gemma Kempthorne and filmmaker Emily Keene, stand-up poet Liv Torc (recently made Bard of Exeter), performer Elizabeth Jane Pennington and singer-songwriter Ella Turk-Richards. Inspirational Women’s Voices starts at 8pm, tickets £6 (£5).

At 4pm on the same day, another IWD event, For The Record, in the Phoenix Voodoo Lounge, will see a performance by young people inspired by women’s stories discovered at Devon Records Office. Tickets are £4 (£3).

Exeter Phoenix, Gandy Street, www.exeterphoenix.org.uk, 01392 667080

Think of climate change – we agree that it would be a good idea for the atmosphere not to be polluted, for the weather to be so appalling that literally millions of people starve to death and the seas wipe out a substantial proportion of the land. But most of us haven’t quite got round to doing anything about it.

We think of the outcome as a concept and the process as an experience. And, if we’re feeling pessimistic about climate change, it’s difficult for us to want to do what it takes to alter what’s causing it.

And that suggests there may be a genuine way forward - that commitment to the right short-term process can lead to achieving a perfect long-term outcome. And wanting the ideal result makes it easier to change the way we do things now.

It’s rather like being at school and doing the homework because we are fascinated with the project rather than simply to get a particular grade. Enthusiasm in the short-term means that we are stimulated to do the work creatively (which can include questioning the information we are already offered), doing our own research and coming up with our own valid conclusions.

Details about the workshop Making Friends with Money are available at www.makingfriendswithmoney.co.uk or by calling Sharn Kern on 01392-346336

Road to health HAVE you fallen asleep behind the wheel of your own life?

To explain Toyohari, the advanced form of acupuncture he practises, Ramin, also known as The barefoot Doctor, asks people to imagine their body as a vehicle and their mind as the driver.

“The presence of any dis-ease, whether physical, emotional or psychological, is a clear indication that the system has lost its ability to regulate itself,” says Ramin. “It is like the driver has fallen sleep behind the wheel of the car.”

Ramin sets out to address the problem in three steps: “First, through acupuncture, I support the regeneration of the system,” he explains.

“Second, through raising awareness of food appropriate to their own energy, I provide an environment which would best support recovery.

Dartington 31st January

Cheltenham 28th March

Jersey 3rd April

Paris

10th April

Bristol

20th June

Exeter

18th July

“And third, through self-healing Qigong, attitudinal healing and meditation, I provide the know-how that will keep my clients in a state of constant balance.”

Ramin practices from Foxhole in Dartington – call 0800 4346595.

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www.reconnectonline.co.uk

FOUNTAIN, the international healing project, is holding its Spring Conference Weekend in Torquay.

Fountain is based on a concept that, like people, places and communities can be dis-eased – and that healing of the place filters down to the people.

The organisation began as an antidote to the negative energy produced by anti-social youths looking for a fight in Brighton back in the early eighties.

Using healing techniques, earth energies, and 100 healers, the experiment resolved the problem, say Fountain, to the point that the local papers recorded there had been little trouble in the town. Dowsing before and after the experiment confirmed the earth energies had changed to allow this.

Fountain International has grown since then, with some groups being set up in Australia. Its Spring Conference Weekend will be at St Anne’s Hall in Torquay on the April 17 and 18.

Visit www.FountainInternational.org

Folksters’ return

Robin Currie is an Independent Financial Adviser and a specialist in green, ethically-screened and environmentally-sensitive funds.

For an appointment, call Robin direct on 01392-411630 or e-mail robin.currie@barchestergreen.co.uk.

Healing places

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

IF you attended either of the massive sellout Aly Bain and Phil Cunningham concerts in Totnes in 2006 and 2008, you’ll know a gig featuring this famous folk duo is not to be missed.

If you didn’t, the ‘sellout’ bit might give you a clue.

Dr Phil Cunningham MBE and Dr Aly Bain MBE, to give them their non-stage titles, were 2005 winners of The BBC National Folk Awards and return to the Ariel Centre with their fine Scottish traditional music on Saturday, March 20, at 7.30pm.

Tickets are £12/£8 and will go very quickly – call the Ariel Centre reception through KEVICC school on 01803 869200, or email ariel@arielcentre. org.uk.



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

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

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

  



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

Inspired Gifts of wonderful Crystals Fossils, Jewellery World Music Jazz & Instruments Fabulous Gemstone Carvings.

Feng Shui and Tibetan Artefacts 47 High Street, Totnes The Butterwalk (opposite the Market and Civic Hall)

Tel: 01803 862236

www.rhythmandlight.co.uk www.crystalsukonline.com

Editorial: 01392 346204 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

21

local people local events local food local health local environment

ADVERTISING in The Guide, Reconnect’s busy classified section, is the most cost-effective way of reaching thousands of like-minded people across Exeter, South Devon and Plymouth.

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INSIDER ART We are running the following courses in Exeter in 2010 ARTS & HEALTH COURSE, accredited by University of the West of England Short courses in SANDTRAY THERAPY, DANCE MOVEMENT THERAPY & CREATIVE WRITING. For more information visit the website www.insiderart.org.uk or e-mail info@insiderart.org.uk

Transformational Breathwork, Mythology, shamanic journeying, ritual drama and deep exploration of the psyche through archetypes Intro 1 Day Wkshops Bournemouth

Learn to teach Drama, Dance and Voice as Therapy Book Now for 10 day International Training/ Holiday in Cyprus – Foundation Module Spring 2010

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CREATIVE WRITING THRESHOLDS – creating the year you want Annual day workshop using writing for clarity & insight with poet & author Roselle Angwin.

Sunday, February 7th, 10 - 4, Nr Totnes.

01548 821004 www.fire-in-the-head.co.uk COUNSELLING David Oxley. Experienced ,qualified and fully Accredited BACP Counsellor trained in Psychosynthesis and completing MA in mindfulness-based psychotherapy (Core Process) with Karuna Institute, offers counselling in Central Exeter & Dartington. Sliding scale. david_oxley2@hotmail.com, 01392 258855, 07876051093 www.davidoxleycounselling.co.uk

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

PAT HOARE. DIP. COUNS. B.A.C.P. ACCREDITED COUNSELLOR AND SUPERVISOR Email: pat@pathoare.eclipse.co.uk

DOWSING LEARN to dowse for water, utilities, archaeology. Trace ley lines. One-day courses in Devon £16. Aaron 07973 120244 www.discoverdowsing.com HERBAL PRODUCTS

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NATURAL PRODUCTS

Group facilitator, Louise Hay Trainer, Inner-Child work Family/Sex Therapy.

Critical Incident Debriefing.

G.H.R. Accredited Hypnotherapist.

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Suggestion Therapy to stop smoking, for weight control, nail biting, confidence, study, driving tests etc.

Free 20-minute consultation: Telephone 01392 410090 for appointments.

24a Gandy Street, Exeter EX4 3LS

Cognitive Behavioural Hypnotherapy Clinical Hypnotherapy

Helping you to take control of your life

Viridian Nutrition, the leading brand of ethical vitamins.

Call 01327 878050 for a free catalogue & details of your nearest health store stockist.

www.viridian-nutrition.com PAST LIfE REGRESSION PAST-LIfE Journeys, Regression Therapy, Life Between Lives with Maggie Salter, practices near Bovey and at the Arcturus Clinic, Totnes. Maggie@transformations.plus.com 01626 835115 www.devonregression.com REIkI REIkI Practitioner/Master/Teacher East Devon Area. Reiki Treatments and Attunements. Contact 01395 443888 or 07933 026950 or email hootonsreiki@hotmail.com.

LIVING with no agenda – the heart that allows all things. 14 - 16 May. This residential silent retreat near Totnes will include sitting meditation, paired inquiry and group sharing.

Cost £95 + donation for facilitator. Information and booking: Janey Francis 07522041905/ janeyfr@yahoo.co.uk.

QIGONG QIGONG with Master Zhixing Wang at Foxhole Gym, Dartington, South Devon March 27/28th. An excellent opportunity to study with an authentic Qigong Master. 0845 3305086 or www.qigong-southwest.co.uk.

QIGONG for self healing, weekly classes and Saturday workshops in Totnes and Exeter with Brad Richecoeur. 0845 3305086 or www.qigong-southwest.co.uk.-

WORKSHOPS AND COURSES DIARY EVERY TUESDAY

Help with Anxiety, Depression, Habits, Phobias, Confidence, Insomnia, Pain and more Clinics in: Exeter ~ Sidmouth ~ Axminster ~ Seaton

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holistic health life guidance feng shui gong Bring balance to your body, mind and relationships with a fully tailored approach to healing Jools Bond t: 07546 349 768 www.joolsbond.com e: joolsy@rocketmail.com consultations • workshops • retreats

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I offer a safe, confidential space to explore emotions and patterns. I hope to help you acknowledge yourself and your emerging purpose. Totnes 01803-864594

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Qigong at The Exeter Phoenix Centre with Brad Richecoeur, 5.30-7pm. 0845 3305086 www.qigong-southwest.co.uk.

EVERY fRIDAY Qigong at St Johns Church Hall, Totnes with Brad Richecoeur, 10-11.30am. 0845 3305086 www.qigong-southwest.co.uk.

DATES TO BE ARRANGED Train as a Traditional Leatherworker. Basic Leatherwork Skills – Weekend courses and Evening classes. Use traditional hand tools and organically tanned leather to make belts, pouches and bags.

Venue: Dartington Estate, Totnes, Devon. Cost: £95 plus materials (approx £25) More information from tannerbates.co.uk Or phone John Hagger 01803 866257 07738 634136 fEBRUARY SATURDAY fEBRUARY 13 Help Yourself! 10am - 11.30am, 4-week Holistic health workshops with Jools Bond. Helping you improve your health, relationships and emotional wellbeing. Tel: 0754639768 www.joolsbond.com

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Core Process

Psychotherapy

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Dartington Chudleigh Exeter Free introductory session

01626 834599

O in difficult Times CO E

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– CHO HE

achael h

a 01364 631478

–

Offe in the p ibility t e pl e, nde tand and chan e y e pe ience and c ntact e fy inhe ent well-bein . kin with b dy, ind and pi it in a welc in and acceptin envi n ent.

www.hcpsychotherapy.co.uk

cc edited C e i te ed a tin t n, tne ( nitial e i n f ee f cha e)

ZERO BALANCING

REPARATIVE TOUCH

Cathy Towers Cert. Zero Balancing With over 30 years experience in health and well-being, and a good reputation for professional, skilled care, Cathy is a fully qualified therapist in Zero Balancing, counselling and psychotherapy.

“The body therapy of choice for abuse and boundary issues” Available in Bovey Tracey, Exeter and Exmouth Contact for more information:

01395 278 437 or 07989 564660 SATURDAY fEBRUARY 20 Help Yourself! 10am - 11.30am, 4-week Holistic health workshops with Jools Bond. Helping you improve your health, relationships and emotional wellbeing. Tel: 0754639768 www.joolsbond.com SATURDAY fEBRUARY 20 An Evening with Diana Cooper - 2012 and Beyond. Palace Theatre, Paignton at 7.30pm, £8. Tel. Box Office 01803 665800.

SATURDAY fEBRUARY 27 Help Yourself! 10am - 11.30am, 4-week Holistic health workshops with Jools Bond. Helping you improve your health, relationships and emotional wellbeing. Tel: 0754639768 www.joolsbond.com MARCH fRIDAY MARCH 5 Help Yourself! 10am - 11.30am, 4-week Holistic health workshops with Jools Bond. Helping you improve your health, relationships and emotional wellbeing. Tel: 0754639768 www.joolsbond.com fRIDAY MARCH 19 – SUNDAY MARCH 21 Storytelling for Change - Cultivate your natural storytelling skills - explore how the power of story and metaphor can inspire change.

www.cathytowers.com

For more information on any of these courses and events contact Clare on 01647 252983 or info@embercombe.co.uk or our website www.embercombe.co.uk SUNDY MARCH 21 – fRIDAY MARCH 26 The Journey, finding Earth, Finding Soul - A 5-day residential for those seeking a fulfilling, meaningful and authentic life. For more information on any of these courses and events contact Clare on 01647 252983 or info@embercombe.co.uk or our website www.embercombe.co.uk fRIDAY MARCH 26 – SUNDAY MARCH 28 Natural Bees - For novice to advanced beekeepers who care about bees and would like to learn bee friendly practices. For more information on any of these courses and events contact Clare on 01647 252983 or info@ embercombe.co.uk or our website www.embercombe.co.uk SAT MARCH 27 – SUN MARCH 28TH Qigong with Master Zhixing Wang at foxhole Gym, Dartington, South Devon.

0845 3305086 www.qigong-southwest.co.uk.

To Advertise here call Pete on 01392 346342 or email adverts@reconnectonline.co.uk

Editorial: 01392 346204 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

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Ok, so the government’s going to spend £75 billion on offshore wind energy.

So what?

Why would it mean that I would bother to consult somebody like whatshisname, the green money bloke?

Just because he can let us have pensions and savings and investments that help us and don’t destroy the environment.

And life insurance and inheritance tax planning and all that stuff…

I mean, it’s easier just to go to the bank, isn’t it?

Or…er…somebody who’s advertises in yellow pages about how green they are…

And he runs that amazing workshop ‘Making Friends with Money’, doesn’t he?

That Triodos bank have recommended and are hosting in Bristol.

I checked out the website and it blew me away…

H’mmm

.

Well, I suppose I could send him an e-mail…

BARCHESTER GREEN INVESTMENTS SERIOUS ABOUT MONEY, SERIOUS ABOUT LIFE ON EA RTH

Call Robin Currie on 01392 411630 15 Sylvan Road, Exeter, Devon EX4 6EW • mob: 07973-533352 e-mail: robin.currie@barchestergreen.co.uk • www.barchestergreen.co.uk www.makingfriendsithmoney.co.uk

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Independent Financial Advisers regulated by the Financial Services Authority.