Reconnect aug-sep no.44 by ReConnect Magazine

The good living and community magazine for Exeter, Plymouth and across South Devon AUG/SEPT 2016 ISSUE 44

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

A PLACE FOR ADVENTURE Social climbing is a good thing

Pleas e tak e one

FREE !

WALKING TOGETHER Take steps to join a walking group

OPEN DOOR POLICY

GROWING COMMUNITIES

Everyone round to your place

Sow the seeds of friendship

48pages!

Free communication for YOUR community - powered by people!

Visit us online at www.reconnectonline.co.uk

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

School of Bodywork Training you to be the best in your field Professional qualifications in Massage & Myofascial Release, advanced post graduate training.

www.schoolofbodywork.com info@schoolofbodywork.com 07711 656 011 Devon School of Reiki Providing High Quality Usui / Holy Fire Reiki Training & Treatments Retreats, Courses for Children, Workshops & 1-2-1tuition also available

THE DEVON SCHOOL OF REFLEXOLOGY Award-winning Training in Professionalism and Excellence Spring/Autumn courses 2016

Contact: Samantha Goddard, Principal 07870 167701 • info@devonschoolofreiki.co.uk www.devonschoolofreiki.co.uk www.reikirascals.com

For more details: www.devonreflexology.com Email: devonreflexology@hotmail.com

MORE EXETER NATURAL HEALTH CENTRE PRACTITIONERS MO MORRISH RSHOM Homeopathic medicine www.the homoeopathicpractice.co.uk Authentic Ceremonies www.authenticceremonies.co.uk ANNA PARIS Ac.M.MBAC Traditional acupuncture, Toyohari 5 element & Manaka styles E: amparis1@btinternet.com SARAH HENDERSON Remedial and Therapeutic Massage Therapist APNT Dip, BCMA reg, www.renewmassages.co.uk LISA TATE Remedial, pregnancy & therapeutic massage, Myofascial release T: 07561 519344 E: lisa@lisatatetherapies.co.uk IESSAIAH Psycho-spiritual holistic therapist and transformational energy healer T: 07568 504347 E: info@iessaiah www.iessaiah.com KATHERINE JENKINS Hypno-counselling T: 01392 811836/07890 364847

TANYA DESFONTAINES Craniosacral Therapy T: 07971 913002 E: Tanya@fifthworldcranial.co.uk JULIA RYDER Wellbeing and workplace coaching with NLP therapies and tools T: 07952 956418 E: lifescenecoaching@gmail.com www.lifescenecoaching.com RACHEL CAREY Bi-aura Bio-energy Healing, Tui Na Chinese Medical Massage, Therapeutic Oil Massage, Reflexology www.rachelcarey.co.uk T: 01392 758439 NOVA JONES MASSAGE Traditional Swedish Massage Therapy T: 07939004890, Nova Jones Massage on Facebook JESSICA OATES Hypnotherapy and NLP T: 07590 821199 E: unruffleme@hypno4swans.com W: www.hypno4swans.com

SHYRON MAIDSTONE Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) practitioner, Wellbeing Coach and Reiki Master T: 07541 510317 E: healingforyoumail@gmail.com W: www.healingforyou.org

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

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

SAMANTHA GODDARD Reiki, Massage, Sound Healing, Hopi Ear Candles, Mindfulness, Stress Advice T: 07870167701 E: sam@devonschoolofreiki.co.uk LESLEY HARPER Nutritional Therapy www.lesleyharper.co.uk DR SARAH BRYAN PH.D Holistic therapeutic, sports, remedial & deep tissue massage, Myofascial Release, Clinical Aromatherapy T: 07949 654779 W: www.sbholistic.co.uk

Advertising: 01392 346342 adverts@reconnectonline. co.uk

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Upfront

WELCOME...

IT'SWHATWE'REABOUT

Broughttoyou by...

IN THISISSUE...

Page 17

A GREAT MAG... 4

...with great readers EDITOR Martin Foster

GOOD MOVES

artworks finds new home

TALK THE WALK

Jon’s rambling on again WELLBEING EDITOR Kate Philbin

GOING OUT

Our unique diary pages

ORGANIC GARDENING 12 SALES SUPPORT Melissa Merrington-Pink

Harvest time with Joa

PERMACULTURE

LOCAL PRODUCE

More a way of life ADMIN MANAGER Beth Foster

Homegrown wonders

MAGIC BEANS 17

...to the August/September issue. As ever we didn’t set out with a theme in mind but as often happens, we stumbled across one anyway - and, as you might expect at this time of year, it’s outdoor activities. Amazing play equipment courtesy of those masters of play, Earth Wrights; exploring the local landscape on foot with Jon Stein as your guide; and a whole load of outdoor events, from open-air cinema to festivals. And don’t miss our Wellbeing section - it’s like nothing you’ll ever find in another UK magazine. As you read this, we’ll already be working on the next (Oct/Nov) issue, which I wouldn’t mind betting might just have an Autumnal flavour to it. So if you want to be in there, get in touch. Or maybe you see yourself playing a more significant role in the future of the magazine turn the page and find out how some day all this could be yours...

Martin

Jane’s got broad appeal

ECO HOMES 18

People in green houses...

MORE FOLLOWS

The ‘kind’ in mankind

CHILD’S PLAY

COVERSTORY... The good living and community magazine for Exeter, Plymouth and across South Devon AUG/SEPT 2016 ISSUE 44

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

A PLACE FOR ADVENTURE Social climbing is a good thing

Please take one

FREE !

A sense of adventure

WELLBEING

The natural health pages

EMOTIONAL HEALTH

FEATURES WRITER Jon Stein

FOOD WRITER Jane Hutton

WEBSITE EDITORS www.doetsdesign.com

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Jenny Foster

STAY IN TOUCH... EDITORIAL: 01803 868455

NEW ADVERTISING: 01803 868455 CURRENT ADVERTISERS: 01392 346342 EMAIL US: editor@reconnectonline.co.uk or adverts@reconnectonline.co.uk SEND US STUFF BY POST: 45 Punchards Down, Follaton, Totnes TQ9 5FD FOLLOW US AND READ US ONLINE: www.reconnectonline.co.uk facebook.com/reconnectmagazine twitter.com/reconnectmag

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WALKING TOGETHER

Leigh’s sunny outlook Page 23

CLASSIFIED INFO

Small ads, big surprises

Take steps to join a walking group

OPEN DOOR POLICY

GROWING COMMUNITIES

Everyone round to your place

48pages!

Sow the seeds of friendship

Free communication for YOUR community - powered by people!

Visit us online at www.reconnectonline.co.uk

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Main image: building places to play - Earth Wrights (page 7). Left to right across the bottom: eco home self-builders open their doors (page 19); Jon Stein meets up with local walking groups (page 24); School Farm community growers offer training courses (page 14).

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OCT/NOV issue out end of Sept - next deadline Sept 1 THESMALLPRINT... PUBLISHED BY Reconnect Magazine, 45 Punchards Down, Follaton, Totnes TQ9 5FD PRINTED BY Kingfisher Print, Wills Rd, Totnes www.kingfisherprint.co.uk WEBSITE Visit our website at www. reconnectonline.co.uk. And visit our Facebook page at www.facebook. com/reconnectmagazine

ECO ETHOS Reconnect is written, designed, printed and distributed locally, using materials from sustainable sources. It is printed using vegetable-based inks and biodegradable fount solution. The paper is 50 per cent post-consumer waste and 50 per cent virgin fibre (from a sustainable source), chlorine-free and FSC Certified (www.fsc-uk.org). All by-products of the production and printing processes are recycled. Please recycle this magazine by passing it on to someone else after you’ve read it

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

Editorial: 01803 868455 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

news&views Welcome to Dadfest No 2 INNOVATIVE as ever, the organisers of DadFest came up with the perfect solution when they sold out their September 16-18 event – they organised a second one for September 9-11. DadFest’s Simon Pearson says it will follow much the same formula of “mayhem and fun” with one or two new additions, including seafood cooking and pig racing - or is that pig cooking and seafood racing? Other DadFest activities will include storytelling in the woods at night, camping, bushcraft skills, campfire cooking, woodland games, beach exploration;, paddle boarding, archery, star-gazing, Silly Science, kids’ talent contest, kids’ entertainer and magic shows, local food by award-winning Britannia at the Beach, beer and cider, wildlife walks – and its highlight, the 2016 World Dad Dancing Championships. Find out more at www. dangerousdads.org.uk/ dadfest.

A great magazine - with great readers!

S you might have read in our last (June/July) issue, Reconnect is for sale. After seven years as editor/publisher, it feels the right time for me to move onto pastures new and hand over the magazine to someone to continue the good work. As we go to press, it’s still business as usual here at Reconnect Towers. We have had a number of enquiries, but no-one’s come up with a suitcase full of cash yet (if you’re planning to drop one off, incidentally, do knock – the bell’s not working). So, if you are interested we’d still love to hear from you. Incidentally, one enquiry came from someone who would be interested in joining forces with one or more other investors – so get in touch even if you think you might not have sufficient funds to buy the whole project. So, what of the future after I’ve given up the editor’s chair (think director’s chair with just a hint of Bond villain…)? Well, I would hope (and actually expect) that it will improve. And that’s not all down to selfdeprecation and modesty. We’ve been inundated with kind comments and messages of support since I mentioned the sale in the last issue – it’s hugely rewarding, and humbling too, to be

reminded just how much you love the magazine. But the exciting thing is that there is so much scope to make it even bigger and better. Each and every section of the mag (eco homes, local produce, wellbeing, events – all of them) could be extended. There’s just so much going on right across Reconnectland. And there’s loads of potential advertising to be had (a free magazine’s lifeblood) from each of those sections too. There are a number of things that make Reconnect unique: that it is entirely dedicated to informing and inspiring a greener, more sustainable life (all the editorial and all the advertising); that all the content is sourced from within our South Devon distribution area (again, all the editorial and all the advertising); and that Reconnect has somehow become greater than the sum of its parts. This last quality is less easy to define, but Reconnect represents something that’s good and honest. It’s a magazine with integrity about people and organisations and products and services with integrity – and people want to be part of it. Any more trumpet blowing and I’ll get chapped lips – but I am proud of the

The good living and community magazine for Exeter, Plymouth and across South Devon AUG/SEPT 2016 ISSUE 44

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

A PLACE FOR ADVENTURE Social climbing is a good thing

WALKING TOGETHER Take steps to join a walking group

OPEN DOOR POLICY Everyone round to your place

48pages!

through the pages of Reconnect – so prepare for an Oscar acceptancestyle speech! Take it away, Doug! “We’d like to give massive thanks to: the incredibly supportive planning team - Paul Tyler, James Shorten and David Corsellis; Jane Knight (Karuna Design) for the beautiful flyers and artwork; Tom Williams (Small Torque IT) for www.savehillyfield.co.uk web design; the musicians for making such a great EP - Sam Walker, Ashley Height, Treva Who, Sam Alty, Algy Behrens; Robin Tysedale-Biscoe (Light Vessel Mastering); Annabel Allison (Wax Films) for making a film of such amazing quality that’s now been

MARKETING DESIGN

GROWING COMMUNITIES Sow the seeds of friendship

Free communication for YOUR community - powered by people!

Visit us online at www.reconnectonline.co.uk

magazine and while I take my little bit of credit for what I’ve done, it really, truly, wouldn’t be what it is without all of you. So whoever buys Reconnect will get a real bargain – they’ll pay (a very reasonable price) for the magazine and get a wonderful, wonderful readership free of charge! If you want to be a part of Reconnect’s future, call me on 01803 868455.

Thanks to Hillyfield supporters! HEY did it! The Hillyfield Crowdfunding campaign has raised an amazing £35,000 in six weeks to pay for the legal fees in their battle for the right to sustainably manage the woodland, engage the community and build up a sustainable rural business. “Just getting the word out so far and wide about the need for small woodland management was a great success,” said The Hillyfield’s Doug King-Smith. “And now we can help Dartmoor take a step in the right direction.” The campaign has been a huge effort by a lot of people so we’ve agreed that Doug can thank them

Please take one

FREE !

LOG chopping at The Hillyfield’s Woodland Olympics coming soon to a woods near you (The Hillyfield on September 3). Visit www. thehillyfield. co.uk

seen by over 20,000 people; Brian Sedgbeer (BRS Images) for drone footage over the woods; Andrew & Emma (Defacto Films); all the friends and volunteers who came to help make the film, and especially Bea Lewis and Harry Jennings for their roles in the funny tango music video; The Bay Horse in Totnes for hosting the launch and raising the first 1% of the huge target and friends and family for their support and encouragement in what was a very intense six weeks! “And big thanks too to all the supporting businesses artists and donors who provided over £15,000 worth of in-kind contributions: Yvonne Coomber, Mike Boyer, Jonathan Walker, Jean Fenton, Martha Tilston, Martin Shaw, Nathan Ball, The Crow Puppets, Rob the Voice, Ambios, Almond Thief Bakery, Church House Inn Rattery, Time House Museum, Gilbert’s Cider, Kyleighs Papercuts, Willow Freeman, Ben Love #wildswimming,

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The oil man from Crete, Suna at Stoves Online, Emma Cunnis (Dartmoor’s Daughter), Good Game, Brigit Anna Mcneill, Matthew Bailey and the Devon Bird of Prey Centre. “And yet more thanks for all the professional and media support, especially from Rob Penn, Rob Hopkins, Angus Oglivy Stewart, Oliver at Natural Homes, Inez Aponte (Growing Good Lives), Richard Lumley Smith, Dave Barker (Village Farm), Adrian Colston (National Trust), Dr Kelly (Quartz & Feldspar), Dr Greeves (Dartmoor Society), the Bishop of Liverpool (independent Panel on Forestry), and the magazines - Reconnect, Permaculture, Small Woods, Country Smallholder and The Land. “And finally (and especially) thank you to all 689 people who have pledged their support to allow us to stand up in court on more of a level playing field.” Visit www.thehillyfield.co.uk.

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NEWS&views New home for artworks - three doors away

ARLIER this year Jane and Penny, who run artworks, the amazing local crafts shop in Station Road, South Brent, were told the building had been sold. It wasn’t a complete surprise because the building had been up for sale for a while, but there was a realistic chance that whoever bought the building would be happy to keep the shop in situ. This turned out not to be the case, and they received notice to leave. At first they thought it meant closing down for good, but then another shop, just three doors up the road, became available, and after a lot of hard graft the new shop is open – and it’s bigger and even better than the original shop. “The refurbishment at our new shop, 10c Station Road, was

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undertaken by local tradespeople and friends,” explained Penny. “From packing up the old artworks, to floor stripping, painting and decorating and lighting – we’d like to thank everyone who made this possible.” Jane said that the new shop has plenty of wall space for hanging paintings and artists’ prints – “and an amazing old shelving unit that was built by the present owner’s grandfather when the shop opened as a hardware shop over a century ago.” Artworks is in the centre of South Brent – a stone’s throw from the A38 between Ivybridge and Buckfastleigh, and only about six miles from Dartington. You’ll find it in between a lovely little deli and the Royal Oak pub. The new shop/gallery is open and bursting at the seams with

Time to enter DEBIs

art and crafts and greetings cards. And look out for details of a ‘grand opening’, to celebrate 11 years of artworks, later in the Summer – “everyone welcome,” says Penny.

EVON’S green awards are inviting entries for the 2016 honours. Devon Environmental Business Initiative (DEBI) Awards are open to any organisation of any size in the Devon region, and encompass business, community and education. Entrants just need to show how their organisation is committed to operating in environmentally friendly ways, whether through day-to-day operations or a specific green initiative. Entry is free, and all shortlisted entrants will be invited to attend a free awards event at the Met Office later in the year. The 2016 awards were officially launched at Higher Wiscombe Holiday Cottages in Southleigh, which last year won the Enjoyed in Devon category. Higher Wiscombe owner Alistair Handyside said: “We thoroughly recommend entering the DEBI Awards. It helped us look at our business’s eco credentials and the judges input was invaluable.” Other 2015 winners included Ostlers Cider Mill, Devon Wildlife Trust and, in the first ever Members Award, City College Plymouth. The overall winner was Stallcombe House Farm, as featured in Reconnect. The categories this year are: Enjoyed in Devon, Sustainable in Devon, Retail, Educated in Devon, Public Service in Devon and Environmental Champion, as well as the DEBI Member Award. Organisations can enter as many categories as they wish. Find out more at www.debi-online.org.

Editorial: 01803 868455 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

news&views Party in Totnes

TOTNES will turn into “one huge party” for the August bank holiday weekend, August 26 and 27. The Sea Change Festival will feature more than 30 gigs at venues across the town, including the Civic Hall, The Barrel House Ballroom, The South Devon Arts Centre, St Mary’s Church, Birdwood House and “a whole host of more intimate spaces”. The line-up features British Sea Power, TOY, Heavenly Recordings, Bo Ningen, Richard Dawson, BC Camplight, Rival Consoles and loads more. Weekend tickets are (or were – be quick or they might have sold out) £45 from The Drift Record Shop (who have organised the festival) and online at www. seachangefestival.co.uk.

Hall together now

HOMEGROWN folk duo Show of Hands (they both live in Exeter) are marking their 25th year with a gig at the Royal Albert Hall. They are taking on the gamble of hiring and selling out the historic 5,000-seater hall for a fifth time and will again be accompanied by their long-term special guest, double bass player and vocalist Miranda Sykes. Visited www. showofhands.co.uk.

Top work on gallery walls

On the beach - just one of the free Bounce & Rhyme events.

Toddlers bounce on beach

NDER 5s and their families celebrated National Bookstart Week with free Bounce & Rhyme events on Devon beaches. Over 350 parents and children attended the events, designed to encourage reading as a fun activity and run by Devon Libraries in conjunction with Bookstart and Children’s Centre staff. Themed Under the Sea, events were held at Ilfracombe, Teignmouth, Dawlish, Dartmouth and Exmouth. Throughout the

week, BookTrust gave away 450,000 underwater adventure books, one for every child who attended an event across the UK. Libraries Unlimited, the independent mutual that now runs Devon Libraries, hopes to duplicate the success of these events in October when they will be delivering a further programme of activities also funded in part by Devon County Councillors. Find out more about Devon libraries and book events at www.facebook.com/Devon. Libraries.

YOU can expect the usual wide range of work at forthcoming exhibitions at the Harbourhouse Gallery in Kingsbridge – and you can be sure it will all be of a high standard. August 2-15 sees Stone Paper Ink take to the walls, bringing together the printmaking of Val Jones and Orangutan by Steve Nayar the paintings of Richard Sunderland. Look out too for demonstrations of printmaking August 2-5 and watercolour painting August 10-13. A Brush with Life is Steve Nayar’s exhibition of paintings, August 16-21; and on August 23 Emma Carter will show her paintings under the title Island Artist. It runs until September 4. Contemporary Passions, September 6-18, will feature the work of South Hams Arts Forum members and will include painting, printmaking, textiles, pastels, hand-cut paperworks, wood turning and stone carving. Cookworthy Museum takes its popular Then and Now photographs to the art gallery at Harbour House September 20-25 and the photography of Maureen Douglas-Green is on display September 27-October 9 under the title Beyond the Void. Find out more at www.harbourhouse.org.uk.

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Ramblers on Dartmoor, right, and, below, the Totnes Walk and Talk group enjoys a little refreshment.

You’ll never walk alone Whether you’re an ambler or a rambler, there’s so much to explore on foot in South Devon. In the first of two articles about walking, JON STEIN laces up his boots and sets off to meet up with some local groups.

ooking to get fit? Enjoy the countryside? Meet new people? Happily, you can do all three at the same time. Walking – especially in nature – has been shown to have tremendous health benefits as well as providing a social activity that’s cheap and fun. Here in Reconnectland we’re spoilt for choice with a huge range of interesting and attractive places to walk, including moorland and coast, forest and field, and many pretty villages. Sometimes it’s just a matter of taking the first step… Finding a local walking group is a good place to start. The South Devon Ramblers is one of 12 walking groups within the Ramblers Association in Devon. Area secretary David Hinchliffe says: “We have a variety of beautiful landscapes to explore and are very happy to welcome newcomers who can benefit from the

local knowledge of our walk leaders.” Their outings are on Thursdays and Sundays and vary between three and 10 miles. Other groups in the area offer walks taking in teashops or a pub lunch and the Devon Bootlegs group is specifically for walkers aged 20-40. If rambling seems too ambitious, why not start with something gentler? The Totnes Walk and Talk group is part of the national organisation Walking for Health and offers routes graded by difficulty – ideal for people wanting to start exercising or who are getting back into fitness. Recent recruit Celia Minoughan says: “I love the idea of walking and getting to know more people in Totnes.” Bill Saunders by contrast is an old hand (or foot?) having been on every single walk since he joined the group nearly five years ago. “After being made redundant and spending time as a carer I needed something to get out of bed for in the morning. I’m now a walk leader myself and have even managed to lose two and a half stone in weight!” What if you’d prefer to walk with people sharing a particular interest? Aside from loads of general advice and walking maps,

John Harris’s Walking in England website lists nearly 70 walking groups in Devon. Many of these cover a particular geographical area, while some - the Gay Outdoor Club (GOC), for example - offer activities for specialist groups. Walking is just one of the activities offered by the Women’s Challenge Club who offer a range of outdoor pursuits in Devon. Dartmoor, with its 368 square miles of wild and beautiful nature, has always been a popular location for walking and it’s the setting for a brand new Walking Festival running from late August to early September (see right). Director of Moorland Guides Simon Dell says: “Dartmoor lies on the doorstep for thousands of residents of Devon yet still remains a place of mystery. The walking festival is all about showing what it has to offer.” In addition to modest guided strolls and children’s rambles, the organisers promise full day walks and “ambitious challenges”. Using local cycle trails means those using mobility scooters can take part too. So, whatever your capacity and interest, there’s something out there for you. Whether you’re going for a stroll or embarking on a journey of a thousand miles it all begins with a single step. So what are you waiting for? l Next issue Jon looks at independent walking, ie without an organised group, and also explores coastal paths and Devon’s fascinating network of green lanes.

Take it a step further

Dartmoor festival Dartmoor Walking Festival is open to all ages and abilities and runs from Saturday Aug 27 to Sunday September 4. Each day features four events including walking, running, cycling and Nordic walking (that’s the one using walking poles). More info at www. moorlandguides.co.uk/ dwf Ramblers’ festival The Ramblers new Walk About festival runs from September 3-11. More info at the Ramblers website, www.ramblers.org.uk/ devon. Other websites www.southdevonramblers. com www.walkingindevon.co.uk www.goc.org.uk Womenschallengeclub. org.uk Walk and Talk groups - visit www.walkingforhealth. org.uk More about Jon Jon Stein is a writer and musician living in Totnes. See and hear more of his work at: www.jonstein.co.uk.

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Editorial: 01803 868455 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

NEWS&views

Coming soon to Landmatters - courses, workshops. retreats and a conference.

Busy times at Landmatters

T’S a busy time ahead for the lovely people at the Landmatters Permaculture Community – and that’s good news for anyone who wants to get involved in land-based learning projects. On August 6, Landmatters hosts the Community Conference, which features speakers from Westcountry communities (and Vale Das Lobos Community in Portugal), workshops, music and craft stalls. From August 14-16, a Cultural Emergence Foundation course is aimed at “anyone with a desire to make a change, drawing on the frameworks of social permaculture and deep nature connection”. The organisers say the intention of each course is to “bring minds together to create solutions for ourselves, our communities and the planet.” There’s a full Permaculture Design Certificate at the end of a course they’re running from August 20-September 3 to explore what permaculture is, where it came from and why it’s relevant today. September 16-18 sees Women Going Elemental, a weekend retreat that offers women the chance to “deepen their connection with self, other women and nature.

There’s an opportunity to check out Landmatters and meet the people while you lend them a hand or two at their volunteer gardening day on September 24. Then from September 30-October 2 there’s another Cultural Emergence Foundation course with “an intention to bring minds together to create solutions for ourselves, our communities and the planet.” If you’re interested in permaculture but not yet committed enough for the full design course, there’s an Introduction to Permaculture on October 22. Finally, there’s another volunteer gardening day on October 29. You can find full details of these events, and more about the community, on their website, www. landmatters.org.uk.

Short Courses at Schumacher College Indigeny Today – Connecting to Community and Place

Co-Creation: The Future Of The Masculine And The Feminine

With Colin Campbell and Eve Annecke

With Pat McCabe and Charles Eisenstein

12/09/2016 to 16/09/2016

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26/09/2016 to 30/09/2016

Pat McCabe and Charles Eisenstein explore how to be a man and how to be a woman at this point in history when we face the breakdown of our historical narratives and archetypes.

The Right Livelihood Programme Finding Deeper Purpose 2016/17 14/11/2016 to 27/10/2017

Ha Vinh Tho, Julia Kim, Satish Kumar, Otto Scharmer, Julie Richardson and guests

Join us for a year-long transformative learning journey that aims to align your livelihood with a deeper purpose in service of happiness and well-being of people and planet. This programme includes residentials in the UK and Bhutan.

Did you know, we offer locals £150 discount if accommodation isn’t required? Call us when booking: 01803 865934

Book online: www.schumachercollege.org.uk/short-courses 8

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Goingout OURBIGGUIDETO BIG LOCAL EVENTS ARTS&CRAFTS A CONVERSATION PIECE - CAROLINE MERCER 06 Aug Innovative ceramic portrait artist Caroline Mercer will be in the Brownston Gallery, 36 Church Street, Modbury, 10.00am to 5.00pm. DEVON ART SOCIETY SUMMER EXHIBITION Until 14 Aug A Summer visit is a must for this exceptional art exhibition. Join our group, Devon Art Society, St Annes Hall, Torquay, 10.00am to 6.00pm. OUTLIER DETECTION BY ROD DICKINSON Until 20 Oct The artwork monitors the frequency with which UK legislation is passed, Royal Albert Memorial Museum RAMM, Queen Street, Exeter, 10.00am to 5.00pm. FLOWER POWER BOTANICAL ILLUSTRATIONS IN INDIA Until 11 Aug An exhibition of beautiful early 19thcentury illustrations of Indian flora, Royal Albert Memorial Museum - RAMM, Queen Street, Exeter, 10.00am to 5.00pm. A SOUTH HAMS SUMMER EXHIBITION 2016 Until 31 Aug New summer exhibition filled with “wonderful new work”, Brownston Gallery, 36 Church Street, Modbury, 10.00am to 5.00pm. EXETER’S FINE ART COLLECTION Until 20 Aug This exhibition features a selection of drawings, watercolours and oil paintings, Royal Albert Memorial Museum -

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2016

How to get YOUR events into Going Out... WELCOME to Reconnect’s GoingOut pages... Trust us to bring together all the hot stuff from across the region, all now categorised for easy access. And check out our even more comprehensive online version at www.hubcast.co.uk/reconnect - or visit it via our busy website at www.reconnectonline.co.uk. To get YOUR event listed online (and be in with a chance of it being listed here in the mag too), simply register at ReconnectHub and enter the info free of charge. And to advertise here or online, email sales@ reconnectonline.co.uk or call 01803 868455. RAMM, Queen Street, Exeter, 10.00am to 5.00pm. COMMEMORATING THE FIRST WORLD WAR: ACTIVITY Until 01 Sep This display recalls the activities at the museum during the First World War, Royal Albert Memorial Museum RAMM, Queen Street, Exeter, 10.00am to 5.00pm. YESTERDAY REMAINS Until 06 Aug Exhibition of paintings by Artist Julie Ellis, Artmill Gallery, 83 Hyde Park Road, Plymouth, 9.00am to 5.00pm. ILLUSTRATING HARRY POTTER Until 23 Sep Artwork from the latest edition of JK Rowling’s Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, Hannahs at Seale-Hayne, Howton Lane, Newton Abbot, 10.00am to 4.00pm. SUMMER IN DARTMOUTH Until 31 Aug The gallery is bursting with new paintings, ceramics, jewellery and sculpture, Baxters Gallery, 12 Foss Street, Dartmouth, 10.00am to 5.00pm. WHAT DO YOU COLLECT? MINIATURE

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MENAGERIE Until 25 Sep Simon Tonge’s love of animals and biodiversity developed within his collection, Royal Albert Memorial Museum - RAMM, Queen Street, Exeter, 10.00am to 5.00pm. CAFE EXHIBITION: EFFLORESCENCE BY JUDE FREEMAN Until 02 Oct Artist Jude Freeman explores her response to a garden through the seasons, Royal Albert Memorial Museum RAMM, Queen Street, Exeter, 10.00am to 5.00pm. MOOR TO SEA Until 29 Aug An exhibition celebrating the light, life and landscape of the Westcountry, Brook Gallery (Exeter), 1 Barnfield Crescent, Exeter. SUMMER EXHIBITION DEVON GUILD OF CRAFTSMEN Until 04 Sep The annual exhibition of new craft work by Devon Guild of Craftsmen Members, Devon Guild of Craftsmen, Riverside Mill, Bovey Tracey, 10.00am to 5.30pm. SUMMER EXHIBITION Until 03 Sep Paintings, prints and

sculpture from gallery artists, White Space Art, 72 Fore Street, Totnes. THE GREAT BIG RHINO TRAIL Until 09 Oct A life-sized painted rhino sculpture is visiting RAMM with another small rhino, Royal Albert Memorial Museum - RAMM, Queen Street, Exeter, 10.00am to 5.00pm. INTERNATIONAL GARDEN PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR 01 Aug to 28 Aug Top entries from the International Garden Photographer of the Year competition, Royal Albert Memorial Museum - RAMM, Queen Street, Exeter, 10.00am to 5.00pm. CLAY, PAPER, INK 02 Aug to 14 Aug An exhibition of printmaking, painting and works in clay, Harbour House, The Promenade, Kingsbridge, 10.00am to 5.00pm. FLOWER POWER BOTANICAL ILLUSTRATIONS IN INDIA 11 Aug to 11 Sep An exhibition of beautiful early 19thcentury illustrations of Indian flora, Royal

Albert Memorial Museum - RAMM, Queen Street, Exeter, 10.00am to 5.00pm. A BRUSH WITH LIFE 16 Aug to 21 Aug An exhibition of paintings by Steve Nayar, Harbour House, The Promenade, Kingsbridge, 10.00am to 5.00pm. EXETER’S FINE ART COLLECTION 20 Aug to 20 Oct This exhibition features a selection of drawings, watercolours and oil paintings, Royal Albert Memorial Museum RAMM, Queen Street, Exeter, 10.00am to 5.05pm. ISLAND ARTIST 23 Aug to 04 Sep Paintings by Emma Carter, Harbour House, The Promenade, Kingsbridge, 10.00am to 5.00pm. COMMEMORATING THE FIRST WORLD WAR: ACTIVITY 01 Sep to 01 Nov This display recalls the activities at the museum during the First World War, Royal Albert Memorial Museum RAMM, Queen Street, Exeter, 10.00am to 5.00pm. CONTEMPORARY PASSIONS 2016 06 Sep to 18 Sep Annual exhibition by

members of the South Hams Arts Forum, Harbour House, The Promenade, Kingsbridge, 10.00am to 5.00pm. KURT JACKSON: REVISITING TURNER’S TOURISM 10 Sep to 04 Dec Jackson visited 12 locations in Devon/ Cornwall depicted in the work of Turner, Royal Albert Memorial Museum - RAMM, Queen Street, Exeter, 10.00am to 5.00pm. MICHAEL SHAW: SCULPTING THE MUSEUM 17 Sep to 13 Nov Artist Michael Shaw’s sculpture, Royal Albert Memorial Museum RAMM, Queen Street, Exeter, 10.00am to 5.00pm. MUSEUM ON THE QUAY KINGSBRIDGE NOW AND THEN 20 Sep to 25 Sep Kingsbridge Cookworthy Museum brings a temporary exhibition to Harbour House, Harbour House, The Promenade, Kingsbridge, 10.00am to 5.00pm.

CHILDREN AND FAMILY EVENTS DAWLISH CARNIVAL WEEK 13 Aug to 20 Aug Annual week long action packed event. Something for everyone to enjoy, Dawlish Carnival, Town Centre, Dawlish. ACCORDING TO ARTHUR 04 Aug to 05 Aug Interactive storytelling with Paddleboat Theatre, Exeter Phoenix, children £3, adults free, www.exeterphoenix. org.uk.

CONTINUED

Orangutan by Steve Nayar, left - at Harbour House Gallery , August 16-21. Right: Illustrating Harry Potter, at Seale Hayne until September 23. Far right: comic Rob Beckett - at Babbacombe Theatre on September 30.

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GOING OUT

Billy Bragg - at Beautiful Days August 19-21.

PIRATE WEEK Until 05 Aug Captain Jack and his crew are back for more piratical fun, Powderham Castle, Kenton, Exeter, 11.00am to 5.30pm. WONDERLAND WEEK 07 Aug to 12 Aug A second week of Wonderland Tea party Mayhem, Powderham Castle, Kenton, Exeter, 11.00am to 5.30pm. ROBIN HOOD WEEK 14 Aug to 19 Aug Swashbuckling pocketwatch action with the merry men, Powderham Castle, Kenton, Exeter, 11.00am to 5.30pm. BRITISH FIREWORKS CHAMPIONSHIP August 16 Fun and fireworks on Plymouth seafront, www. barbicanwaterfront. com. PIRATES AND MERMAIDS WEEK 21 Aug to 29 Aug Captain Jack and his pocketwatch crew bring the summer themes to a close, Powderham Castle, Kenton, Exeter,

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11.00am to 5.30pm. OUTDOOR THEATRE: THE RAILWAY CHILDREN 26 Aug Greenway and Chapterhouse Theatre Company, Greenway National Trust, Greenway Road, Galmpton, 6.00pm to 8.30pm. THE COLOUR RUSH PAIGNTON 17 Sep Sign up for the brightest 5k of your life, The Colour Rush, on Paignton Beach, Rowcroft Hospice, Paignton Beach, Paignton, 11.30am to 5.00pm. SEATON DOWN HOARD: A FIRST GLIMPSE Until 26 Sep Thanks to a number of donations and grants, the Seaton Down Hoard event has Your been purchased, Royal Albert Memorial will also gain Museum - RAMM, Queen Street, Exeter, valuable 10.00am to 5.00pm.

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and

immediately COMEDy

EXETER COMEDY exposure online GROVE 09 Sep

Live stand-up from Exeter Comedy Grove, Barnfield Theatre, Exeter, 8.00pm. JOHN HEGLEY - new and selected potatoes, 25 Sept Exeter Phoenix, www. exeterphoenix.org.uk. ROB BECKETT MOUTH OF THE SOUTH 30 Sep Rob Beckett - Mouth of the South, Babbacombe Theatre, Torquay, 8.00pm to 10.00pm.

FARMERS MARKETS ASHBURTON Six days a week Tuckers’ Yard, Ashburton. BOVEY TRACEY Alternate Saturdays Town Sq, Bovey Tracey. BUCKFASTLEIGH Every Thursday Globe Inn car park 9am till 12 noon DARTMOUTH Every second Saturday The Old Market, Dartmouth. EXETER Every Thursday Junction of South Street and Fore Street.

reconnecthub The new way to get YOUR event into Reconnect’s GoingOut pages TO ADVERTISE your event on our new diary website, Reconnecthub, simply visit www.hubcast.co.uk/reconnect and register - then you can enter your own events. AND some of them will appear in the next (October/November) issue of Reconnect magazine. AND they will be viewed through other EventHub websites (across the SW). AND it’s all FREE! (There are some online advertisements available too and it’s first come, first served - so call Martin now on 01803 868455)

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Qigong Summer Camp - August 4-14. EXMOUTH Every second Wednesday The Strand Gardens, Exmouth. ILFRACOMBE Every first and third Saturday St Peter’s Church, Ilfracombe. IVYBRIDGE Third Saturday of every month Hartford Road car park, Ivybridge. KINGSBRIDGE Every first and third Saturday Town Square, Kingsbridge. MANATON Third Thursday Manaton Parish Hall Manaton. NEWTON ABBOT Every Tuesday Courtney Street,

Newton Abbot. PLYMOUTH Every first Sunday Royal William Yard, Plymouth. TEIGNMOUTH Every last Saturday The Triangle, Teignmouth.

FESTIVALS, GIGS AND SHOWS DARTMOOR FOLK FESTIVAL 05 Aug to 07 Aug A small festival described as “so DIY... and so professional.” South Zeal, Dartmoor, www. dartmoorfolkfestival. co.uk. QIGONG SUMMER CAMP 05 Aug to 14 Aug Qigong Camp on

Storyteller Martin Shaw - at The Big Celebration, August 28.

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Dartmoor with 4.5 hours of Qigong teaching each day, Qigong Southwest, Holy Brook Meadow, Buckfastleigh. WILDHEART FESTIVAL 12 Aug to 14 Aug Return of festival that combines music (this year the line-up includes The Turbans and Under Cover Hippy) with 75 workshops, www. wildheartgathering. com. LOVE SUMMER FESTIVAL 12 Aug to 14 Aug Festival with ‘cartoon camp’ fancy dress theme and secret location, www. lovesummerfestival.com. BEAUTIFUL DAYS 19 to 21 Aug A big one for local festie fans. Very impressive line-up includes Leftfield, James, The Coral, The Proclaimers, Terrorvision, Billy Bragg, Baaba Maal, Ezra Furman and The Levellers who organise the event. Sadly sold out so enjoy if you’ve got tickets . TOTNES WI PRESENTS CEILIDH WITH BAND RUMPUS 20 Aug Toe tapping fun with the

highly acclaimed band Rumpus, Harberton Village Hall, 7.30pm to 11.00pm. GARDEN AND PRODUCE SHOW 20 Aug Classes for Flowers, Vegetables, Fruit, Kitchen Produce and Floral Art, Chudfest, Chudleigh Town Hall, Chudleigh, 8.30am to 4.30pm. SEA CHANGE 26 and 27 Aug 30 gigs at venues (and some surprise spaces too) across Totnes. Lineup includes British Sea Power, Rival Consoles and TOY. Tickets online and at www. seachangefestival. co.uk. THR GREAT CELEBRATION 28 Aug Fundraiser for The Hillyfield woodland campaign with music from Martha Tilston and Natah Ball, plus silent disco, story telling with Martin Shaw, stargazing with Dartmoor Skies and more at www. thehillyfield.co.uk, tickets from www. wegottickets.com. THE KINGSBRIDGE SHOW 03 Sep

Traditional show with something for everyone, Kingsbridge Agricultural Show, Showground, Kingsbridge. EXETER OPEN STUDIOS 10-25 Sept A chance to see artists’ work where it was created as they open their doors, www. devonartistnetwork.co.uk. RSPB EXETER WILD CITY & THE SWIFT PROJECT 13 Sep Exeter Wild City & the Swift Project and Gardening for Wildlife in the City, RSPB (South West Regional Office),

Southernhay United Reformed Church, Exeter, 7.30pm. WIDECOMBE FAIR 2016 13 Sep Traditional fair & Folk Festival, Widecombe Fair, Widecombe In The Moor, Newton Abbot. DADFEST 2016 16 Sep to 18 Sep The only festival in the UK just for dads and children, Dadfest, Forest and Beach Centre, Beeson, 3.00pm to 4.00pm. STOP PRESS: Fully booked so now second DadFest Sept 9, 10 and 11. www. www.dangerousdads. org.uk/dadfest.

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ORGANICGARDENING JOA GROWER has tips on harvesting potatoes, squashes and sweetcorn - but wonders if, like her, you’ve had problems with your onions?

Time to gather in the harvest

O here we are in August already - where does the time go? Well, mainly into the garden and, to be more precise, the vegetable garden. No time to sit back and relax – it’s harvest time. By now you should have dug up a large proportion of your first early potatoes and probably quite a few of the second earlies. And don’t forget that seconds, unlike firsts, store very well through the Winter months, just like main crops. Do be careful not to save any damaged potatoes though, because these will rot and cause any other spuds touching them also to deteriorate. Store in hessian or thick paper sacks and place in a cool shed or garage. And so to onions. Has anyone else had a problem this year? So many of ours ran to seed or bolted (not the only crops that have done that this year) and I think it was due to the strange weather we had in the late Spring/early Summer. If you remember, we had a very hot spell and when the ground temperature goes above a certain temperature, this flips a switch in the plant to produce flowers and seeds very rapidly and to abandon leaf growth almost completely. Bolting is a survival mechanism in a plant. If the weather goes beyond where the plant will survive, it will try to produce seeds as quickly as possible.

That’s all the technical stuff! But back in the garden you need to pull up any that are still OK. Leave them to dry out properly, either on the ground, weather permitting, or on a bench in the greenhouse or polytunnel. Once fully dry, store in net bags or plait the dry stems together. They should then stay good throughout the Winter months. Pumpkins and Winter squashes may need a little bit of help to ripen. This can be done by removing some of the large leaves that are covering the fruits, allowing the sunshine to get to them. Also, place an old piece of slate or wood under each squash to lift them above the ground - this will prevent rotting from damp soil below. It’s also finally time to pick sweetcorn and I just can’t wait. How can you test if the cobs are ready to eat? First, the tassels on the end of the cobs should be starting to turn brown. Second, if you peel them back and then dig your fingernail into a kernel it will release a little milky white sap if they are ready. The sugars in corn start turning to starch as soon as picked, so waste no time in getting them in a pan of boiling water for the best tasting sweetcorn ever! All other crops, including peas, beans, calabrese, etc, can be frozen to use at a later date.

Planting out Winter crops

START preparing your beds for the Winter brassicas - that’s any plants in the cabbage family, brussels, purple sprouting broccoli and kales. The ground will probably benefit from a bit of a feed. Use a general fertiliser, such as seaweed meal or chicken manure pellets, taking care to follow the manufacturers’ instructions. Give the plants a good distance between each one - approximately 30-45cm (12-18”) for the larger varieties and 25-30cm (10-12”) for cabbages. Now this might seem quite a distance but when fully grown they will need it! I like to interplant so the space isn’t wasted - lettuces and quick growing salad leaves are always good for this. There is also time to get a few leeks in the ground. Use a dibber (this can be a piece of old broom handle or similar) to make a hole about 10-15cm deep. Trim the roots on the leeks to 1-2cm and drop the plants down the holes. Fill each hole with water. It’s as simple as that! Harvest from December to February. Reconnect’s Organic Gardening column is written by Joa Grower of Growers Organics. Meet her at Totnes market on Fridays and Saturdays. Visit www.growersorganics.com, or call 01752 881180.

A creative kickstart from Playback

N need of a bit of a creative kick-start? Playback Theatre SW is offering a 10-week training course starting on Wednesday September 28. The idea is to help people to connect with their intuitive creative expression in an atmosphere that encourages playfulness and collaboration. Artistic director Amanda Brown, who will be running the programme alongside fellow director Alison Fairlove, said: “This training is for people from all walks of life. In the past it has helped to stimulate creative flow for artists, dancers, actors, writers, carers and facilitators. If you’re feeling stuck or

in need of more creative inspiration, come along.” The training is aimed at complete beginners as well as those with experience. It is accredited by the School of Playback Theatre UK. Amanda and Alison have been running Playback Theatre since 1995 and are also Artistic Directors for Tarte Noire and Mirror Mirror Playback Theatre Companies. They also deliver projects for refugees and asylum seekers, young carers, women who have experienced domestic violence, and work alongside mental health services. Visit www.playbacktheatre-sw.co.uk.

Why brand 11-year-olds ‘failures’? ALAN SWINDELL, below, principal of Steiner Academy Exeter, agrees we all have to learn about success and failure, but asks: does it have to start at 11?

HIS recent headline has been and gone, but the ripples can still be felt: ‘Almost 50% of the nation’s 11 year-olds fail SATS’. Is the government to blame for this failure? Schools? Parents? Somebody must be. But aren’t we all missing the point? Isn’t there an earlier question that needs answering? What on earth does `failure` look like at that age? And which educational framework or philosophy allows us to speak of `failure` when children have only just started their learning journey at school? Of course we all have to learn about success and failure. We all have to learn how to win and how to lose, but does that really start at age 11, with test papers which, this year, were clearly well beyond the capability of the children sitting them? Put alongside this an even more discreet headline: ‘Ofsted re-defines progress`. Quite rightly, in recent years Ofsted has been looking more and more for progress, not just attainment. We can all make progress relative to where we are, regardless of our abilities. But now the results from

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some very prestigious schools are prompting a re-think. Using current measures, some of the nation’s brightest students appear to be making less, not more, progress as they grow older. The rate at which they improve is slowing. Might there be a connection? Might students’ enthusiasm for learning be decreasing as they get older? And might this reduced enthusiasm, and therefore this slowdown in progress be a result of – whisper it quietly – being asked for too much too soon? And of branding nearly 50% of 11 years-olds as `failures`? At the Steiner Academy Exeter we still have to administer SATS, even though we don’t use the National Curriculum. Steiner schools will never top any SATS league tables because we begin formal education at age 6, not sooner. In the younger classes we teach as much through activity and creativity as through desk and book work. Why? Because it leads to academic excellence that is deeply embedded. It leads to a sustained enthusiasm that reflects in exam results, career aptitude and work habits. It supports the idea that `progress` is something you are capable of for the rest of your life, not something that trails off towards the end of your (reluctant) school days. Here is an alternative headline for the not-too-distant future: ‘100% of the nation’s 11 year-olds engage fully with the challenge of learning.’

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Permaculture in action - GroCycle in Exeter grow mushrooms on coffee grounds from local cafes.

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Grow your business Grow yourself • Discover how to grow your business without compromising your ethos • Learn tools and insights you can continue to use in your life and business • Call for free initial consultation

Permaculture - as a way of life

ERMACULTURE can be difficult to define because it is not so much A Thing, as a way of thinking. It is in essence an ecological design process which can be applied to all areas of human life. ‘Permaculture’ is a combination of the words ‘permanent’ and ‘agriculture’, created by the founders of the movement who aimed to find sustainable alternatives to conventional agriculture practices. From these roots the movement has evolved to incorporate everything from agriculture to personal wellbeing, so it is now about creating a permanent (sustainable and resilient) culture. The principles of permaculture design come from observing natural ecosystems. Nature is not only selfsustaining but abundant, so we have a lot to learn from understanding what makes these systems work so well. Nature’s ability to cycle resources is largely down to biodiversity, many different species making use of the environment in many different ways. An important part of diversity is the way in which these different species interact in order to co-exist. Beneficial relationships are prevalent in nature, contrary to our general perception of a ‘dog-eat-dog world’, and it is co-operation that allows ecosystems to thrive and make best use of the available resources. Our human systems have moved away from these principles due to the availability oil, which has allowed us to live beyond our means. We now need to relearn how to live well with local, renewable resources. We can apply ecological principles to our own situations, by starting to see everything as a system. When starting a business, for example, you think about where your market is and find your niche within it. You can survey that market and identify other businesses that you can form relationships with. Who will supply you with your essential resources? Are there any waste products from local businesses that could be a resource for yours? How can the waste products of your own business be reused either within the business or by other local businesses? A great example of these principles in action is the Exeter/Totnes based

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Contact Brian Durkin on 07831 630956 and visit www.kestrel.biz

THE concept of permaculture originally grew out of the study of natural ecosystems – but it can be applied to many other aspects of life, as permaculture teacher CAROLINE AITKEN explains

Jeff Sleeman Life Coaching, Personal Development and Wellbeing

“Simple and profound

business GroCycle, who collect used coffee grounds from cafes on which to grow gourmet mushrooms. The mushrooms are sold to local eateries and the coffee grounds become fertile compost for local food growers. The GroCycle mushroom farm is in a disused office building in central Exeter, right where the waste is produced and the food is needed. They fit perfectly and harmoniously within the ‘system’ that is their local food market. Personal design may begin with analysis of lifestyle and habits, and mapping out patterns you see in your life which you may want to change. Your resources will be things like: food (diet), money (income), rest (personal space, sleep), relationships (fun, support, sharing). And where is there imbalance in your lifestyle? How would you like it to look? What simple interventions can be made in order to redress the balance? Tools such as brainstorming and mind-mapping can be helpful to build up a picture of your whole situation, so you can start to see individual issues in context and find holistic solutions. Permaculture design offers many tools which can help us to streamline our systems and keep them balanced and healthy. These tools can be applied as easily to a kitchen garden as they can to a business, a community, a project or us as individuals. A big part of modern permaculture is finding ways for humans to co-operate in order to inhabit and manage these sustainable systems in a way which feels sustainable for us. By teaching us to think like an ecosystem permaculture offers a holistic understanding of our world which allows us to be a harmonious part of it. l To contact Caroline and find out more about permaculture, visit www. patrickwhitefield.co.uk.

techniques to get you to where you want and need to go” T: 01392 811 168 | M: 07977 272 174 contact@jeffsleeman.com | www.jeffsleeman.com

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LOCAL PRODUCE Community farm to run two organic growing courses

CHOOL Farm Community Supported Agriculture, on Dartington estate, is one of the UK’s only organically certified, no dig, community farms. Run by three women growers, the farm operates a membership scheme where the local community sign up to receive vegetables for the growing season. The pioneering farm has worked hard to involve the local community through offering volunteer days, traineeships, and courses. And from September, School Farm CSA will be running two practical organic vegetable growing courses, in conjunction with Bicton College, for anyone keen to learn new skills on the land. Current student Clare told us she “can’t wait for Fridays! “Walking down the track to get to the farm I start to forget about my busy work life. It’s such a beautiful site, brimming with wildlife and the chatter of birds. “You don’t need any prior horticulture experience to enrol on the course - I joined having only grown a few veg in tubs in my back garden. Through doing the Level 1 course this year I’ve learned so much about

Forage for your lunch SHARPHAM’S popular foraging days continue this Summer as interest grows in finding food in nature. There are Family Forage Days planned for Sunday August 14 and Sunday October 23. Both events include exciting wildfood finding, plant identification and a fun cook-up round the campfire at the end, where everyone gets to eat their finds. Each event costs £20 per person and up to two children go free. Price includes lunch. Find out more at www. sharphamtrust.org. l Find out more about Sharpham’s mindfulness and meditation events on page 30.

Volunteers take a break at the School Community Supported Agriculture.

organic vegetable production and crop planning that I am now considering a career change to work in horticulture. The teachers and staff at the farm really know their stuff and make the days really fun as well as informative. There is a real community feel to the place, I’ve made a lot of new friends and lunchtimes are really special when held under the apple tree by the hammocks.” Jenny Gellatly, one of the teachers and directors of School Farm CSA, said: “The Level 1 course will enable complete novices to get started with veg growing, and the new Level 2 will provide students with the opportunity to deepen their horticultural knowledge and practice through experimenting with different organic practices and learning new techniques. “We feel it’s really important to be training growers of the future in sustainable techniques that care for planet and people, whether that’s growing veg in your own back garden or moving into a career in horticulture.’” To find out more, contact Bicton College (01395562400 or www.bicton.ac.uk) or Jenny (07898117890 or at jenny@ schoolfarmcsa.org.uk).

Make pledge to buy locally

Call Andy on 07980 746622 - www.laydilay.co.uk

EVON has one of Sima Cutting of the highest number The Kitchen Table. of small farms and food producers in the country - but much of the food produced here leaves the county. The more we can localise supply chains so that food may be bought directly from the producer, the more money remains circulating locally, which greatly benefits local communities. And the human scale of these interactions - of community members meeting the farmers and learning about how food is produced - raises farm products from our region, and awareness of the quality and to enjoy a jam packed line-up of affordability of good local food. music, storytelling, arts and crafts, A new project, Totnes10, is asking theatre and more. the local community to pledge to “We want to support emerging ensure 10% of the food they buy is local food producers, and new produced within 30 miles of Totnes. enterprises making food products And on October 8, Totnes10 is with wholly local ingredients. What teaming up with wholefood caterers better way to really celebrate our The Kitchen Table to run a truly vibrant local food culture?” local food festival Saturday across The festival will also include some several community spaces in Totnes, suitcase pitches for businesses that including Vire Island, and in some want to trial new food products or of the smaller spaces in the centre sell on a ‘suitcase’ scale. of town. Find out more at www. One of the organisers, Myrtle transitiontowntotnes.org or www. Cooper of Totnes 10 said: “This is a totnes10.org, or email Myrtle@ chance to meet your food producers transitiontowntotnes.org. and sample the amazing diversity of

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Raspberry Kanten - vegan and delicious (but with no sugar or artificial ingredients).

LOCAL PRODUCE

Time for a cooling Japanese jelly FRESH from the International Macrobiotic School (IMS), based at Littlehempston, near Totnes, comes a recipe for a kanten (Japanese jelly), based on a seaweed called agar agar, that’s vegan, high-fibre, doesn’t contain sugar or artificial ingredients - and has cooling and relaxing properties...

NSTEAD of reaching for unhealthy ice cream and sugary drinks this Summer, why not make a delicious kanten (a Japanese jelly)? Children love them and they are easy to make. The recipe is macrobiotic, a healthy fusion of East and West that offers an effective solution to disease and health problems. In the macrobiotic approach, seasonal foods help the body to adapt to the changing weather patterns. Founder of the International Macrobiotic School and leading macrobiotic practitioner Oliver Cowmeadow explained: “Without this process, the body will remain tight and contracted from the Winter months, leading to tenseness, irritability and other health problems. “Agar agar is a great summer ingredient. It might seem strange to use seaweed for jelly, but it’s colourless and has no flavour. Ice cream and sugar-laden drinks seem appealing but have a detrimental effect on health, with much

evidence that over consumption is contributing to the epidemic of obesity and diabetes.” IMS runs short holistic vegan cooking courses aimed at introducing the alchemy of macrobiotic cooking, which “uses the energetic nature of foods to create daily healing”. Love Health Love Cooking offers “an inspiring weekend of handson cooking”, and Looking After Your Health is a five-day intensive, which includes cooking lessons, understanding the effects of food on the body and emotions, and Oriental health diagnosis techniques. See www.macroschool.co.uk for more information on the macrobiotic approach to health.

Raspberry Kanten Ingredients: 400ml apple juice, agar agar (this comes in different strengths depending on the manufacturer, so follow the guidelines on the packet), a punnet of raspberries, small pinch of salt. Method: Put the raspberries into the moulds. Bring apple juice, agar agar and salt to the boil and simmer for approximately five minutes, stirring constantly, until the agar agar has dissolved. Pour into the moulds to set. Ideally, the kanten should be soft and wobbly, but hold together. If too much agar agar is used, it will be too solid, and if not enough, it won’t set.

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news&views Best in show

Learn rural skills at Trust workshops THERE’S a chance to learn new rural skills – or to develop existing ones – at workshops planned by the Devon Rural Skills Trust. Coming up over the coming months are: cobblestoning at Broadclyst House in Exeter on September 3; tool sharpening at South Devon Steiner School in Dartington on September 24; stone facing at Pittescombe Farm, near Tavistock, on October 1; and hedgelaying at Lordswood Farm, near Kingsbridge on October 1. The Devon Rural Skills Trist will hold its annual Hedgelaying Competition at Ham Farm, Loddiswell, on October 29. Courses run 9.15am-4.30pm and cost £25 for members and £35 for non-members. Find out more from Mick Godfrey on 01548 821156 or visit www.drst. org.uk.

AN exhibition looking at our relationship with man’s best friend runs at Radiant Gallery in Plymouth until September 30. Dog Show is the latest in a series of shows created by local children and young people in collaboration with the Plymouth City Centre Company of the Year, Effervescent. Works on display include photography, drawing, installation, jewellery, sculpture and a Pooch Photobooth – take along your own dog and have your photo taken with them for the Gallery wall. Visit www.radiantspace.co.uk.

Open-air city cinema

LYMOUTH Arts Centre is on tour again this Summer with Open Air Cinema, a programme of offsite film events. All the films are carefully chosen to suit their location - and all of last year’s events sold out so chase tickets now if you fancy it. Mount Edgcumbe’s gardens in south east Cornwall is the location for August’s screenings, with romcom Bridesmaids and Star Wars: The Force Awakens, on August 19 and 20, respectively. The three days of Open Air Cinema at Royal William Yard, from September 15–17, are part

of Plymouth’s Ocean City Festival. The films shown will be cult comedy The Big Lebowski, smash-hit classic Dirty Dancing, and this Summer’s blockbuster, the rebooted Ghostbusters. The screenings run from Friday July 22 to Saturday September 17. Tickets are £8, with VIP tickets £17 (including a chair

in the VIP area with blanket, and a glass of Prosecco) from Plymouth Arts Centre on 01752 206114 and online at www. plymouthartscentre.org.

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Naturally nourishing

Magic beans with broad appeal

Healthwise, it doesn’t get any better: very high in protein and energy, they are a rich source of dietary fibre and bursting with phytonutrients like isoflavones and plant sterols, which have been found to protect against breast cancer and reduce blood cholesterol levels. As one of the highest plant sources of potassium, these beautiful beans support your heart and blood pressure too. As if that weren’t enough, they’re also an excellent source of folates, essential components of DNA synthesis and cell division, vital for energy metabolism and nervous system function, aiding in the synthesis of DNA, RNA and red blood cells. People who eat folate-rich foods regularly have been found to have a decreased risk of heart disease, cancer and depression. With a plethora of other essential nutrients like iron, copper, manganese, calcium, magnesium, selenium, zinc, chromium, potassium, molybdenum, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, biotin, vitamin E and vitamin K, piling broad beans on your plate is doing yourself good in far too many ways for me to elaborate on here - broad by name, broad by nature! So, next time you go out to pick your own produce (or vow to grow something), think of all the amazing benefits to body, mind and spirit. Happy harvesting!

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OOD is fabulous all year round, but in Summer the freshest flavours really explode onto our plates. I’m a firm believer in all fresh foods as superfoods, and I love seeing Summer really ripen along with the veg and fruit in my garden. No matter what you’re growing, regardless of space, if you planted anything, now will be that magical time to pick and enjoy your own produce. I’ve written before about the health benefits of growing your own fruit and veg, including the positive psychological and emotional effects that the process of growing has. This month I’d like to go into depth with one of my favourite minicrops – broad beans. Every year I plant a different variety to see what’s new to discover in taste, texture, or growth. Finding heritage seeds at a garden fair was a real delight, and I’ve been entranced by the deep purple and creamywhite flowers that gave way to delicately pale green beans. If all that pleasure wasn’t enough, the actual eating is even more satisfying when you know how much good each forkfull is doing you! So what are they all about? Broad beans are one of those real nutrient powerhouses that absolutely must be seen regularly in a healthy diet, making the most of these seasonal stars.

BOOK E A R LY

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THERE’S so much fresh veg around at this time of year it’s hard to choose a favourite. Not for JANE HUTTON it isn’t...

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Minty broad beans with lemon THE delicate flavour of freshly podded broad beans doesn’t really need anything else to make it sing, but this recipe, with just three other ingredients, turns up the taste dial to maximum - gorgeous as part of a main meal, on toast for lunch, or scattered over leaves for an amazing salad. Get podding, and enjoy! INGREDIENTS: 450g broad beans;

2 tbsp garlic-infused oil; grated rind and juice of 1 lemon; fresh mint, chopped; seasoning. METHOD: Unless the beans are very fresh and young, skin them so you’re left with the very green inside part. Blanch in lightly salted water for around four minutes until just tender. Drain and toss with the oil, lemon juice, rind and mint. Season to taste and serve.

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

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ECO HOMES

Cutting grass without smelly, noisy engines...

Shape of things to come? MILESTONE or tombstone? That is the question posed by members of Transition Newton Abbot (TNA) and Teignmouth Energy Communities with the seventh in a series of sculptures on the theme of renewable energy. The 7th features at the opening of the Edge Sculpture Trail at Heathercombe on Dartmoor, following on from the recent successful installation of number 6 in the newly re-developed Golden Lion Square in Newton Abbot. Find out more at www. teignenergycommunities.co.uk or www.highheathercombecentre.org.uk. Pictured left: TNA and TEC members Jane Baker and Helen Chessum.

The life-friendly way to cut grass

Handmade Garden Gates & Fences I Natural rustic style Bespoke Designs in Green Cleft Wood Alastair Inglis 07796 805453 al.inglis@yahoo.co.uk

F you look after any green space, you don’t need us to tell you that the recent combination of warm temperatures and plentiful rain has meant a massive growing spurt for grass and perennial weeds. One way of managing grass and weeds on your plot, be it a smallholding, community orchard, or garden, is to use a scythe. “It's a much more user-friendly method than mowing or strimming,” says Al Inglis. There’s none of the noise, vibration and smell of using machinery. You're much more connected to your surroundings (and less sweaty) as there's no need for "protective" clothing. The difference in the smells arising from the vegetation you're cutting is remarkable, and really awakens your senses. Your neighbours may thank you for using a scythe too - they won't even notice you're cutting the grass, with a gentle 'swish-swish' sound.” Scything isn't just about mowing grass or weeds, however. Said Al: "I've also used scythes to manage row crops on market

gardens, regularly cut beds of comfrey for mulching and plant food, cut hemp which stood eight feet tall, and harvested lentils grown at the Discover Forest Foods project at Beeson. “It's a really simple, versatile tool that's often underrated. I'm constantly surprised at new or forgotten applications for the scythe!" After teaching a couple of successful Beginners Scything courses at Schumacher College recently, Al is looking forward to further courses in Devon over the Summer. "I'd like to organise some Improvers scything workshops, aimed at folk who've recently learnt to scythe, have had some practice this season, and now want to get to grips with peening or to iron out specific problems with their mowing technique. Let me know if you're interested in attending, or even hosting an event." Al also sells scythes and associated tools. Contact him for new scythe sets, spares, and support. Find him on Facebook at Rural Skills and Scything South West, email al.inglis@yahoo.co.uk or call/ text on 07796 805453."

Rare central village plot for sale THERE’S a rare opportunity to buy an affordable building plot near Totnes. The plot, in Harbertonford, has full planning permission for a two-storey one-bedroom house and the asking price is £60,000. “My mother got the planning

permission,” says Tarquin Gillespie, “and it was her wish that it be sold at an affordable price.” The central village location has offstreet parking and excellent views. To find out more, call Tarquin on 07538 339322.

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Visit us at www.reconnectonline.co.uk Tiny home with big attention to detail

HERE’S been a massive online buzz around tiny homes for some time now, whether for use as minimalist full-time dwellings or as overspill/ holiday rentals. Aside from the obvious challenges of actually fitting living space into such a limited area, it can also be difficult to make such a small home look interesting. But a company based near Hay Tor on Dartmoor have succeeded on both the practical and aesthetic fronts. Black Dog Carpentry created the wagon shown here for display at Bovey’s Contemporary Craft Festival – and it’s now for sale.

It was designed and built to be lived in, or rented out, all year round, with full insulation and woodstove heating. The attention to detail, both in terms of design and build, is amazing (who doesn’t love that upwardly curved roof?) and its caravan status means it avoids many of the issues around planning. They’re asking £34,000 for the wagon, complete and ready to go, and they can also deliver it. Find out more at www. blackdogcarpentry.co.uk (check out their amazing galleries), or call Kian on 07801 560362.

Throw open the doors of your eco home

EOPLE in the Totnes area are invited to throw open their doors and inspire visitors with their domestic eco features. The Totnes & District Open Eco-Homes weekend will this year be held October 14-16, and Transition Town Totnes (TTT) is looking for people prepared to invite visitors into their homes. Homes featured in the past range from the small to off-grid; from renovated older properties to highspec new builds and eco-communities. They have demonstrated a range of ways to reduce environmental impact; from simple measures like draughtbusting and secondary glazing, to the use The people of the self-build eco-home project at Broadhempston - opening their of natural materials, or doors to the public as part of the Totnes and District Open Homes weekend. cutting edge technologies, “Properties as far afield as Dittisham and Ilsington or considering the have been featured, and Bob the Bus trips from consumption of water, waste, food and transport too. Totnes can be arranged to more remote locations.” TTT’s Mary Popham said: “Homes are opened If you’re interested in opening your home and to suit the owner, so you could do one tour or a would like to find out more, please contact Mary drop-in session for a few hours, or open for one or Popham on marypopham@btinternet.com, or call two days, or several tours over the weekend. This 01803 867358 or 07815 799996. The deadline year a Friday evening session has been added to is Monday August 15. the programme.

Atmos project could soon be put to vote THE people of Totnes are a significant step closer to a referendum on plans for Atmos Totnes on the former Dairy Crest site in Totnes. Having reviewed the representations made by members of the community and statutory organisations, South Hams District Council have confirmed the Community Right to Build Order meets the Basic Conditions and complies to local and national planning regulations. At the time of going to press, the council and the Totnes Community Development Society have jointly applied for an independent examiner to decide if a referendum can be held. If it can go ahead, directors of Totnes Community Development Society have said they will not campaign for a ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ vote in the run up to this electoral vote. Anna Lodge of Totnes Community Development Society said: “The directors have always been committed to facilitating a community-led process at Atmos Totnes. We will continue in this role if a referendum is called, ensuring the community have access to impartial information, helping everyone locally to make an informed vote.” If a referendum is called, and if there is a ‘yes’ vote, the majority of the land at Atmos Totnes would pass into ownership of the community of Totnes in perpetuity. There are 62 affordable residences currently planned on the Atmos Totnes site as well as community and enterprise space – for at least 160 jobs. Find out more about Atmos Totnes, Totnes Community Development Society and the Community Right to Build Order at www. AtmosTotnes.org.

...and don’t miss the TTT Eco Fair! TRANSITION Town Totnes’s notto-be-missed Eco-Homes Fair this year falls on Saturday October 29, at Totnes Civic Hall as usual. The event, now in its eight year, attracts around 500 people interested in eco-homes and includes stalls from Devon-based companies and organisations specialising in renewable energy, water, waste and recycling, decorating, eco-materials and design and build. The programme will also feature talks and demonstrations, children’s activities to give parents

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time to look round, and a café this year provided by the hugely successful Pop-Up Thai. If you’re interested in having a stall at the fair and would like to find out more, contact Mary Popham on marypopham@ btinternet.com, 01803 867358 or 07815 799996. The Open Eco-Homes programme and full details of the Fair will be available in the next issue of Reconnect! And don’t forget to check out the Open Eco-Homes Weekend - see above.

Editorial: 01803 868455 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

ECO HOMES A celebration of solar energy at PEC’s Ernesettle array, near Plymouth, and, inset, the rare Bee Orchid discovered there..

Second time around - clocks made using upcycled materials.

Refurnish ups the upcycling Lottery funding for city energy project

HE local social enterprise Plymouth Energy Community (PEC) has been awarded more than £460,000 to help people facing fuel poverty in the city. The four-year project, Warm and Well, will reach 3,500 households that have health conditions, physical and learning disability or mental health needs, to minimise the causes and symptoms of fuel poverty. “We are absolutely thrilled that Big Lottery is backing us with this grant” said Alistair Macpherson, CEO of PEC. “Two thirds of the fuel poor households we’ve supported over the last 18 months have a disability or long-term illness. Far too many people have to choose between heating and eating and it affects residents’ physical and mental health. There is an urgent need for this project and we can now work to find effective and accessible ways to improve the situation”.

The project aims to “improve confidence to manage home energy needs”, as well as improve physical and financial circumstances. Free services will include home visits, help to claim welfare benefits and grants, community advice drop-ins and education on controlling energy use and cost. Other PEC news includes their online petition calling on OFGEM to stop energy suppliers forcing vulnerable customers into debt. Visit www.change.org and search ‘OFGEM’ to sign - and share it! And finally, a Bee Orchid has been found growing among the panels of Plymouth’s new community-owned solar array at Ernesettle, proving yet again that energy generation doesn’t have to have a negative impact on the natural world! Visit www.plymouthenergycommunity.com or call 01752 477117.

EFURNISH, the furniture and household goods recycling charity, is expanding its upcycling operation to find new ways of reusing broken and damaged donations. “Our core business, offering low-cost furniture and appliances, is as busy as ever,” said Refurnish’s David Banks. “But with such a wealth of talent at Refurnish branches, including our ReStore workshop and outlet at Dartington, introducing new and upcycled products at more of our branches is a great way to expand the operation.” The Wrangaton branch (also home of the Refurnish

head office) recently set up a workshop to design and produce new and unusual furniture and other products, including wall clocks crafted from wooden pallets with a distressed paint finish. Everything used to create them is recycled, right down to the paint and the nails. Find out more about Refurnish and ReStore at www.refurnish.org.uk. l ReStore at Dartington also runs Repair cafes on the last Saturday of the month - take along nonelectrical household items and learn to repair them in exchange for a donation to the project.

We are Kingfisher Print & Design. Working in partnership with Reconnect to print this magazine in an environmentally responsible way

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NEWS&views Time for a new response narrative? IS how we respond to a crisis part of the crisis we face? BAYO AKOMOLAFE, right, who will be teaching at Schumacher College in October, opens the debate here in Reconnect…

POWERFUL narrative flows unhindered in many activist and civic society circles. It is the notion that the world is in crisis, and that this crisis is largely man-made (hence the popularity of the megaconcept, Anthropocene). Whether it is climate change brought about by unbridled industrial activity, or species extinction and ecocide engineered by giant techno-economic consumerism, the response is largely the same: we must save our species from an external threat, and we must do this by mobilizing political action in favour of our continued survival. But what if the way we respond to crises is part of the crises? What if, by seeking a convenient solutionism and by drawing linear causal links with the most stubborn ‘problems’ of our time - and by situating the ‘human’ as the take-off point of politics - we are imprisoning ourselves in a paradigm that no longer serves? What if we respond from the position of a different narrative? What about a story of a world that is alive and vibrant and beyond fixity? Against the old creed that the world is dormant, mute and passive unless animated by culture, we could think about a nonhuman world that is responsible, substantive and loud: a material world that matters. The very framing of ‘crisis’ (and the architecture of civic engagement) excludes other spaces of power and other ways of thinking about our humble place ‘with’ (not ‘in’) the world. This is a post-humanist invitation to the critical recognition that we are the world in its ongoing materialization. As such, we need a new ethic that brings us to the edges - to places where we are ruptured, where we

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grieve, where we can slow down and fall apart, where we meet the inevitability of death and exclusions, where becoming-different is becomingwith, where language is sensuous, and where play is vital. This is an activism of dancing and not-knowing. It’s simple: if we are going to survive, we are going to have to partner with the world - and, yet, there is no guarantee we ‘win’. There are two main questions that we need to hold space for: 1 How do we meet the world now that we are no longer its centre? 2 What kind of un/learning practices can facilitate a deeper intimacy and movement-with the world - and what are we excluding from our conversations when we frame learning as distance from land, tree and mountain? In October, Manish Jain and I will be teaching My Partner, the World: Radical Activism, Education and Emergence at Schumacher College. Please join us: if you feel like we need a different politics to address our troubles; if you feel disenchanted with the ‘normal’ and the many palliatives to the ‘normal’; if you think that a more radical shift is not just desirable but perhaps necessary to address a world in pain; if you suspect that political action - even when total hasn’t reaped the kinds of outcomes you want to see; if you sense that the many modern institutions that litter our landscapes and lives are just as complicit in sustaining our troubles as the so-called enemies; and, if you do not mind dancing and slowing down as the world is engulfed in flames of bureaucracy and urgency. Visit www.schumachercollege.org.uk.

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Exeter’s Holistic/Ethnic Shop and Healing Centre 117 Fore Street, Exeter EX4 3JQ

Mike, the original owner is back and the name has reverted to Evolution We’re selling a great range of incense (including Tibetan), candles, crystals and crystal jewellery, books (new and secondhand), essential oils, clothing and accessories, bags, singing bowls, prayer flags, Buddha and other statues, wall hangings, tarot and other decks, pendulums, dowsing rods, greetings cards, drums, didgeridoos, original art and much more.

Take a deep BREATH...

Learn how to use the power of your own breath to overcome stress and re-energise your body. Improveyour health and help clear emotional blockages. Workshops and 1:1 sessions available. Intro workshops in Teignmouth by arrangement. 2-day retreats in April and July - see website.

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The Healing Centre above the shop is now open and we have reiki, crystal healing, reflexology, massage, tarot and psychic readings available. More practitioners are joining us all the time. Rooms are available to rent at reasonable rates on an hourly or percentage basis. We also have a large room (approx. 7x5m) with chairs available for groups, workshops, classes, etc. Please ring for latest information.

Tel: 01392 410759 Email: info@evolution-exeter.co.uk www.evolution-exeter.co.uk https://www.facebook.com/evolutionexeter Editorial: 01803 868455 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

MORE FOLLOWS... Yoga class for all abilities

CONFUSED by the current political and social turmoil? MARTIN FOSTER has a simple but potentially effective suggestion...

There IS something you can do

OW, politics has suddenly come over all real and relevant, hasn’t it? After years of wandering through a political landscape of gentle inclines and panoramic vistas (with perhaps a little occasional fog on the higher slopes), we’re now on some terrifying rollercoaster of democracy – and it feels like any day now it could be your turn to sit up-front and build the track, like a nightmarish version of that model railway chase sequence in Wallace and Grommit. So we did have a choice all along - democracy works. Or be careful what you vote for. And don’t forget that when you create winners, you also create losers. Some really bad ones. But as we go to press, it’s (Theresa) May in the middle of July, which by my reckoning means we should have a good two month’s warning of any impending apocalypse so perhaps that buys us enough time for reflection. She’s said no general election yet but sooner or later, or indeed later or sooner (it could go either way), she will go to the country again. And if you want to you can think of your own jokes about her holiday home or hoping she won’t come back. I’m much too focussed on the big questions here. Maybe it all comes down to basic anatomy: do you vote with your heart or your head? If we’re to believe those online policy-led surveys, which ask a series of questions and then, based on their answers, suggest the party that’s closest aligned to their beliefs, a huge percentage of us would vote Green. Caring for the environment, caring for people, what’s not to like? But wait... better schools and decent care for the elderly would cost money? You mean I’d have to pay more taxes? Ah… what else have you got? Labour has the same problem (among a whole database of other problems). The beating heart of the socialist movement is throbbing with social justice and redistribution of wealth and workers’ rights – but when the MPs actually sit down and think it through, they’d actually really rather get re-elected and keep their jobs thanks all the same. Even when politicians are elected on relatively radical policies, once they’re in they still have to carry the majority of their

colleagues with them to make anything happen - and suddenly every-one’s getting twitchy and maybe things should be taken a little more slowly. It’s like decaff crowd mentality - with none of the recklessness (or passion). Ask Mr Obama. So what’s the answer? I’ve no idea, obviously. Like most people, I just come up with largely unsubstantiated opinions and share them with other people and wait until someone asks me to vote again. Trouble is, it could be years before the next general election (or it could be days – if we’ve learnt anything recently it’s to hedge our bets), Brexit negotiations are already under-way, and the last time I looked the opposition parties were a bit tied up right now. So we can join political parties; we can support pressure groups to fight social injustices and the hideous cruelty of global starvation and disease; we can even tell our friends on FaceBook how angry we are about it all (just don’t tell me quite so often, ok?). Still feeling a little powerless and disenfranchised? Well, surely we’d feel better if we did something on a more practical personal, everyday level. We could all get involved in local politics if you can handle all the meetings (no, me neither) but we don’t all have the time to make that sort of commitment. So let’s bring it down to the really personal, to the individual, to the micro. What can you and I do, every day, to make our own world a better place? We can treat people as we would like to be treated. Be the change we want to see in the world, as Mr Gandhi has said on so many t-shirts, posters and FaceBook posts. Yeah, yeah, it’s the stuff the hippy liberals have been saying for years but that doesn’t mean it’s not good and true and probably our only real hope for a positive future. It doesn’t mean making massive changes in your life (although I can’t resist a brief non-commercial break to urge you to buy less stuff and support the local economy wherever you can) but perhaps being consciously caring and considerate, in every aspect of our lives, is the most radical change we can make. I humbly suggest that the biggest, most important thing we can all do is be kind. Now that, my friends, is democracy in action.

Mart

THE benefits of yoga are well known: improved flexibility and an increased sense of positivity – increasingly valuable in these turbulent times. But it’s not always easy for everyone to enjoy a class of mixed abilities without feeling awkward. There are no such issues in Vicky Rippin’s Dru Yoga classes, which are specially designed to be easily adaptable within the group to all levels of ability. Vicky says it’s a small friendly group, held 1-2.30pm on Wednesdays at Dartington, with street parking and the possibility of lift sharing from Totnes. The group restarts in September after a Summer break – call Vicky on 07890 660183 for more information.

Vicky Rippin

Mat and Jon Price at Totnes library.

Proud to be at library

SOCIAL enterprise Proud2Be have teamed up with Totnes Library to launch a new section of LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans &/ or questioning+) books. For the first time ever, members of the library will be able to borrow a diverse mix of books that cover the histories, issues and the lives of gender and sexual diversities. Totnes library’s Jo Longhurst said: “We’re extremely excited to have our new LGBTQ+ selection of books, kindly loaned to us by Proud2Be. Totnes Library now has the largest collection of LGBTQ+ books in the county. Libraries offer an inclusive space for everyone to use. We have loads of diverse resources, free computer access and a huge range of events – and you only need one (free) library card to access our network of 50 branches across the county.” Find out more about Proud2Be at www. proud2be.co.uk.

Business must get core message right

“We work with LL businesses our clients to find need to ask sustainable print and themselves packaging solutions one vital question that won’t cost the before they start earth – for our client putting together or the environment.” promotional material – have we got our BWA specialises in core message right? printed literature, display materials That’s why Sue and packaging. Blagburn at BWA, a local marketing Sue Blagburn Sue says: “We can and design company, produce the design, also offers a coaching artwork and digital service to look at their branding pre-press production for all kinds of and marketing communications as designed printed matter: from 100 a whole. leaflets to 1,000,000 leaflets; from a tiny 3mm x 3mm label, to a large “We work for local food producers, 3m x 3m canvas exhibition display charities and social enterprises where backdrop; from 50 table talkers to it is crucial to get across our clients’ 50,000 64-page catalogues; from a values, vision, integrity and the range of weatherproof countryside quality of the experience or service outdoor interpretation panels to they are providing,” says Sue. “With packaging made from compostable a food producer this is about getting and biodegradable materials.” across the experience of the taste ‘the sizzle, not the sausage’! With BWA, started by Sue in 1991, was charities and social enterprises it’s until recently based in Dorset, but about the story or experience of how she now offers her “truly holistic, the end users are benefiting.” sustainable and creative approach to marketing communications and Whether a charity, social enterprise branding” from her base in South or food producer, Sue works with Devon. clients who are also committed to embracing environmental Call Sue on 07831 865259 sustainability and reducing their to find out more or visit www. carbon footprint. bwamarketingdesign.co.uk.

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Fire jumping at the midsummer St John’s Festival at South Devon Steiner School.

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PAYROLL AND PENSION SERVICES • Hourly Pay, Day Works and Salaries • Expenses and Benefits • Holiday Pay • Sickness Absence • Maternity, Paternity and Adoption Leave • Childcare Vouchers

Connecting to rhythms of the year

N our increasingly hectic lives, it’s all too easy to lose our connection with the rhythms of the year that pulse through nature. But one South Devon school is working hard to renew that connection. South Devon Steiner School trustee Christopher Cooper said: “As is tradition in Steiner Waldorf Schools across the world, we pay great attention to the celebrations of festivals which punctuate the great rhythms of the year. “The festival calendar moves from the quiet reverence of the Advent Spiral, lit only by candlelight, through to the exciting and dramatic fire jumping and theatre of St John’s Festival at midsummer, giving students the opportunity to ignite

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and sustain a tangible connection to the Earth’s rhythms - while also being nourished and enriched by the wealth of context these varied festivals present. “Through the festival calendar, students at SDSS learn the art of celebration and take joy in the anticipation, the preparation, the celebration itself and the memories of each event. “Parents meanwhile, cherish the chance to join their child at each special ‘marking stone’ throughout the school year.” The school’s next Prospective Parents Afternoon is Friday September 23, 12:45 – 3.30pm. Call 01803 897377 to book a place and find out more, or visit www. steiner-south-devon.org.

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Caring about People, Animals and the Planet

New name, same positive message IT’S that man Pete Scott again – back with some important advice about connection and news about a name change…

NTERESTING

times, eh? With the country in such turmoil and with likely challenges ahead, cultivating connection, rather than arguing about economics, is probably going to lead to better outcomes for everyone in the long run. I think we have had enough division lately. To me it looks like a time for Reconnection! Managing our own wellbeing is crucial. We already have plenty of depression, anxiety and stressrelated illness. How about we focus on what makes us healthy and feel good? Ah, singing – good thought! I have been making a promotional video for the choirs, and the choir members have been telling me that no matter how

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they feel when they come in, they leave feeling buoyant, cheered up, happy, with spirits raised and with increased energy. It’s all about wellbeing and connection - SING Devon! And that’s not only my suggestion to you all – it’s also notification of a name change. Funky-Bizness Community Choirs have transformed and rebranded and we are now SING Devon – community choirs in Exeter and Plymouth. SING Exeter meets on Tuesdays at St Sidwells Community Centre in Exeter (EX4 6NN). And SING Plymouth meets Thursdays at Pomphlett Methodist Centre in Plymouth (PL9 7BL). Both run 7.15 to 9pm and the first session is free. It’s all on the website, www. singdevon.com. Simple and connected - that’s how we like it. But still funky!

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Helping children climb back into nature

HILDREN love and need adventurous play, but finding the right place can be something of a balancing act in itself - it’s got to be exciting and fun enough to engage the children, but safe too for parents’ peace of mind. Fortunately for parents across the South West, there’s a company right here in South Devon that is a leader in natural play – and you can explore their work for free! From a busy woodland workshop in Dartington near Totnes, landscape architect Mike Jones and co-director Mark Renouard have made the designing and building of natural play spaces and equipment their life’s work. With a wealth of expertise and passion for natural play, they founded Earth Wrights in 2008 and have since worked on play projects for clients including the Eden Project, National Trust, councils, schools and nurseries. Play space designs created by Earth Wrights incorporate robust wooden structures within organic landforms, including climbing structures, swings, tunnels, mounds and balance logs. The resulting play environments are then enhanced by natural planting and loose natural materials – all designed to bring children close to the natural world around them. Says Mark: “A major part of what we’re doing is giving children the opportunity to experience and enjoy nature. It’s about fostering a more connected attitude towards the environment. “We make complex, natural landscapes for children to discover and play in. Using earth forms, planting and structures, we mimic nature in the bigger landscape. And we like to really push the limits in terms of adventurous play. It’s part of being a child - you have to experience risk. We really try and cater for that.” The wonky and wonderful character of trees also play a big part in the character of Earth Wrights. Carpenters and playground builders are encouraged to craft structures

PARENTS are always looking for ways to encourage their children to connect with the natural environment – particularly through the long Summer holiday. One local company is taking play seriously, with adventurous designs, sustainable local materials and natural planting… that celebrate the natural, organic quality of larch logs, sustainably felled from local Devon woodlands. Beyond the many beneficial physical challenges that are provided, Mark describes the social benefits of play. “When children have a new play area built by us in their neighbourhood, not only do they get a good area to burn off lots of energy and get some exercise, they also have an environment where they can develop new narratives of imaginative play and new games with rules which can become more elaborate with time. “Play areas are some of the only spaces that children in this country are allowed to be on their own, where they have the freedom to do what they like. It’s important to give them the opportunity to develop those storylines. “Children learn how to communicate with each other, how to argue and resolve conflicts, how to make up rules, break the rules and see what happens. It’s all about finding out how to socially interact with other children.” And it’s a movement he sees gathering momentum. “There’s a resurgence going on,” he says. “For too long there’s been a disconnection from the natural world, and there is now a great appetite for play in nature again. We are at the forefront of that wave, which is a good place to be.”

Earth Wrights to create adve environments

Plenty of places to play IF your children want some adventurous free-range fun, Earth Wrights have a number of natural play spaces nestled in and around the region as well as a range of portable play equipment aimed at home and early years play environments. Play spaces across the area: Leechwell Gardens, Totnes – TQ9 5EA; Aveton Gifford TQ7 4LS; Noss Mayo - PL8 1EQ; Holne, South Dartmoor - TQ13 7SH; South Brent Adventure Play Trail – Palstone Recreation Ground, TQ10 9JP; Brixton Pocket Park - PL8 2BW; Follaton neighbourhood park, Totnes- TQ9 5FQ And in Plymouth: King George V Playing Fields - PL9 8AR; Freedom Fields Park - PL4

8RJ; F Street To find includ pits an earthw

Drawing on those early childhood creativ CHILDREN’S illustrator KATZ COWLEY rediscovered the creative child within her – and invites you to do the same…

NCE upon a time, as a small, pure, freshly embodied version of yourself, in the formative years of your life, you probably picked up a coloured crayon (or six), in one hand and become utterly mesmerised as you delightedly watched the magical line it created as you moved it impulsively and with delight, across your parents’ wall. For however long or brief a time, we all have glimpses and recollections of these carefree, playful parts of ourselves. As we ‘grow up’ we become responsible, sensible and ‘think first’. But what of that curious, delighting child within? That voice can all too often become withered, wounded, damaged, dusty or forgotten along the twisty way. This is common. Blocks are natural,

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like an unexplored shadow that simply requires the light of our childlike curiosity to transform it. Bringing creativity more into our lives helps us stay inspired, open and curious, and more engaged with life and the world around us. And it goes beyond having tools of art in our hands. Life is our canvas and creativity can be expressed in all areas that we allow it. Living creatively can manifest in many ways, from how we dress and express ourselves to how we meet and experience the world around us as well as the world within us. My classes grew out of my own blocks as I realised I was crippling myself by creating from my head and taking myself too seriously. So one day, full up with stifled creative energy, I picked up a pencil, a large blank drawing pad, closed my eyes and gave myself absolute permission to create like I never had before. Not a care for the outcome, only total

surrender to From that, m blossomed, a that renewed curiosity also within thems So often, we the truth is th how to. We’ our curiosity consciousnes the magical Having lived New Zealan and became illustrator, a l shook me ou my motherla establishing l Katz has September o and 13, 12. House in To com to find

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NEWS&views

Facts of life

s use natural materials enturous play s.

Frontfield Crescent - PL6 6RY; Neswick - PL1 5JN d out more about play equipment, ding mud kitchens, water pumps, sand nd climbing structures, visit www. wrights.co.uk/products.

RESEARCH has shown, says Earth Wrights, that: l As humans, we’re in the top three most playful creatures on Earth – a spot we share with bonobo apes and chimps. l Evolution gave us the gift of play as a tool for experimenting with our life, emotions and surroundings. l A large part of a child’s development is in place by the age of eight, assisted enormously by their experiences of play. If they cannot find adequate outlet for the instinct to play, this foundational period can be compromised. l Play is a crucial driver of evolution for many creatures, without which a species might not adapt and continue.

Sharpham Events & Retreats

SEPTEMBER Sat 3 Sat 10 Thu 15

ve sources

o the freedom of the process. my workshops were born and and I discovered the processes d my childlike delight and new o brought others to that place selves. e tell ourselves ‘I can’t...’ when hat we simply don’t know ’ve misplaced the magic of in a forgotten pocket of our ess. In reclaiming it, we reclaim essence of ourselves. d most of the last 15 years in nd where I taught my classes e a best-selling children’s book life-changing earthquake ut and I am now back in and; here in Totnes enjoying this work I love here in the UK. s two classes coming up in on Tuesdays September 6 .30-3.30pm at Birdwood otnes. Visit www.katzcowley. out more.

Fri 16 Sat 17 Sun 18 Sun 19 Thu 22 Sat 24 Wed 28 Thu 29

Mindfulness practice drop-in session (Torquay), 10am - 12noon Mindfulness for Health & Well-being: 8-week course (Totnes), 11.00am - 1pm Mindfulness and Nature Connection retreat for women 3 nights, see website for details Mindfulness for Health & Well-being: 8-week course (Torquay), 9.30am - 11.30am Introduction to Mindfulness: 1-day course, 10am - 4pm Introduction to Mindfulness: 1-day course (Torquay), 10am - 4pm Taking Mindfulness Deeper retreat - 5 nights, see website for details Mindfulness practice drop-in session 7pm - 8.45pm A Day of Silent Meditation 9.10am Mindfulness for Health & Well-being: 8-week course (Sharpham), 7pm - 9pm Creative Writing & Nature Connection retreat see website for details

£7 £185 £295 £160 £68 £68 £395+ £7 £8-£10 £185 £295+

OCTOBER Sat 8 Tues 11 Mon 17 Sun 23

Introduction to Mindfulness: 1-day course, 10am - 4pm Mindfulness & Yoga retreat - 3 nights, see website for details Mindfulness for Beginners retreat - 3 nights, see website for details Family Forage Day, 10.30am - 2.30pm (children 12 and under free, max 2 children per adult) Thurs 27 Sustaining Ourselves - breaking free from burnout, see website for details Thurs 27 Mindfulness practice drop-in session, 7pm - 8.45pm Mon 31 Mindfulness through Singing retreat - 4 nights see website for details

£68 £295+ £295+ £20 £345+ £7 £295+

01803 732542 • bookings@sharphamtrust.org www.sharphamtrust.org SharphamTrust The Sharpham Trust, Ashprington, Totnes, Devon, TQ9 7UT Katz Cowley, far left, is running classes to help people rediscover their inner creative child. Pics by SAIF ALI

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Retreats also take place from every Sunday at The Barn Retreat Centre, on Sharpham Estate Volunteer with us weekly. Email volunteer@sharphamtrust.org for details

BarnRetreats

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

Finding Active Hope

Listen to your body Retreat care for carers Training rated ‘outstanding’ The kids are all right

28 30 32 33

Busy days at Nautilus Rooms

One man’s journey of change Your mind is not your brain Funerals to fit the life Why hope is so important

38 38 44 45

01392 422555 e: info@enhc.org w: www.enhc.org

And there’s lots more to read inside

Place of peace for military vets

ERSONAL experience of losing a son in Afghanistan in 2008 convinced Katy Gostick, who has a background in energy release work and healing therapies, of the need for more support for veterans and their families. Her son, Dale, died at the age of 22 while serving in the Royal Marines. In conjunction with Pat Byrne, who has worked in animal therapy healing for many years, Katy has just realised her dream of opening a Veterans Peace Centre in a magnificent 17th century manor house near Kingsbridge. Ranscombe Manor will be available to people who have experienced trauma, particularly service men and women who have returned from military conflicts. Katy said: “Britain has one of the highest numbers of veterans in the developed world - The Royal British Legion estimated there to be around 4.8 million in 2009. When we lost Dale, I realised how little support there is when you lose someone close to you in this way. Ranscombe Manor will offer a place of peace and sanctuary for veterans and their families.” Pat added: ‘When veterans come back to civilian life, they can feel quite alone, with no one around who has shared their experiences. Some suffer from acute depression, anxiety or other mental illnesses. We hope to provide a place for emotional restoration and camaraderie, where people can

come, be quiet and talk to people who understand.” Among the people who have pledged their support for the project is Warrant Officer Matt Tomlinson, a Royal Marine based at Stonehouse barracks in Plymouth. He said: “This centre will support and enable us to try and get back to the person we once knew. Ranscombe Manor is truly a place of peace and solitude.” The Veterans’ Peace Centre is in need of urgent funding. If you would like to contribute visit www.generosity.com/communityfundraising/support-the-veteranspeace-centre. The centre is also looking to build a core team council of 12 people to help manage and bring this vision together. If you would like to get involved, call Katy on 07919 121052 or Pat on 01548 854545 or visit their website, www. veteranspeacecentre.com/

Kate Philbin

The home of natural wellbeing WELLBEING is the home of natural health and personal development in South Devon - the perfect place to find your perfect therapy, retreat or workshop. And if you work in natural health, it’s the perfect place to get your message out there. A 1/8-page advertisement, like those below, can be yours for just £41.85 a month. A 1/4-page is only £66.60 a month. And you can tell the story behind what you offer in our free editorial - with help from our Wellbeing editor, Kate Philbin. Our designers will even put the artwork together for you at very affordable prices. The Wellbeing deadline for the next (Oct/Nov) issue is September 1 so get in touch today and let’s get the ball rolling. Call Martin on 01804 868455 or email editor@ reconnectonline. co.uk

Devon School of Reiki Providing High Quality Usui/Holy Fire Reiki Training & Treatments Courses for Children, Workshops & 1-2-1 tuition also available Next classes with availability: Usui / Holy Fire Reiki I - 20 September and 12 October Usui / Holy Fire Reiki II (Practitioner Level) - 28/29 September For further information on classes, contact: Sam Goddard, Principal 07870 167701 • info@devonschoolofreiki.co.uk www.devonschoolofreiki.co.uk www.reikirascals.com

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Teenagers on a Hunger Games camp.

WELLBEING

The endangered wild child

F we are going to save environmentalism and the environment we must also save an endangered species - the child in nature. These words by author and journalist Richard Louv resonate powerfully with Robin Bowman, who works with WildWise to run camps for young people based on the Hunger Games books and films. He explained why these camps – he has two running in August - have such an important role to play in the lives of modern teenagers. “Many problems of teens today, such as self-harming, depression and obesity, have been attributed by researchers, at least in part, to a decrease in the time children spend outdoors compared to previous generations – this is now known as Nature Deficit Disorder.” The problem is particularly acute among teenage girls, who are generally less willing than boys to participate in activities such as bush craft and woodland skills. Said Robin: “The challenge is to coax teenage girls out into nature and

into experiencing a deep connection with the natural world. This is where the Hunger Games comes up trumps because the hero of the story is a strong, empowered teenage girl. “Bestselling stories that portray young women in this light are few and far between and we have seen the Hunger Games lead to an increased enthusiasm among teenage girls to learn bushcraft skills and spend time in nature.” The five-day camps are inspired by the books and films of the Hunger Games, which tell the story of 16 year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives in a post-apocalyptic nation and survives thanks to the bushcraft and wilderness skills she learnt from her father. Robin describes the camps as “a unique and magical time immersed deep in the woods and in the rejuvenative connective power of nature.” The Hunger Games camp runs August 20-24 and the Mockingjay camp August 26-30. Their Facebook page is WildWise Hunger Games, or visit www. wildwisehungergames.co.uk.

Kay is for kinesiology with 50% off

to gentle pressure. INESIOLOGY This indicates to the practitioner therapist exactly what Kay Avalon is is going on for the offering Reconnect patient on a physical readers an exclusive and emotional level. 50% discount off their first treatment. She added: “There is no guess work She said: “Kinesiology in Kinesiology. The is an amazing patient communicates treatment and I would through their muscles, like more people to allowing the therapist discover how it may to tailor a health help them with their regime absolutely right path to wellness. It for them. is unique in that it is the only therapy Kay Avalon “As the client leads completely tailored the way throughout for and by the individual patient. The the treatment, any imbalance can therapist puts together a health regime be addressed and explored, from based on information that comes dehydration and stress to deep directly from the patient’s brain by emotional issues. It depends very much means of muscle testing.” on the patient’s healing priorities and their readiness to start their healing Kay explained that the patient lies fullyprocess.” clothed on a couch, while the therapist applies gentle pressure, usually to an Kay is also an advisor for Weleda in arm muscle. In response to a particular Totnes. Right now, anyone who hosts test phial, supplement or question a Weleda get-together will receive a about an emotional issue, the muscle free facial. For more information, email will either remain strong or give way kay@homearome.co.uk.

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WELLBEING Find your inner place of peace

Listen to what your body is telling you

UMMER is the time of year when we are naturally more extrovert, outward and active. There are plenty of fun things to do, and places to be… festivals, parties and holidays to name but a few. This can place extra demands on our minds, hearts and nervous systems and this Summer in particular - perhaps more than most - has been one of fast-paced change, uncertainty and challenging things going on in the world around us. According to craniosacral therapist Lea Zaccari, this presents us with a wonderful opportunity to pause, reconnect and renew.   She said: “Craniosacral therapy can offer the chance to sink and settle more into our deep innerstillness and our innate state of okay-ness. This place of rest is deeply healing and rejuvenating, helping us to maintain our energy levels and integrate our experiences of the changes that have been happening within and around us. ” As with many therapies, Lea explained, craniosacral therapy works most effectively as a series of treatments, allowing the client’s system to build potency and resources over time.   “To make this treatment plan

approach more accessible and also to support people through this particularly challenging summer of change, I have introduced a special offer for treatment plan bookings. For a limited time all block bookings of five sessions will be charged as 3½ sessions, which means you get 1½ sessions for free.” She added: “Why not take this chance to rest deeply, and support your whole being to heal, integrate and rejuvenate, helping you to enjoy the very best of the rest of the Summer” Lea works in Totnes. Sessions cost £35 (£20 per session for babies and young children) and concessions are available. For more information call Lea on 0747 332 4730, or email cst.with. lea@gmail.com.

or feeling I have to do T’S really important them. If I continue to to listen to what our ignore what my body is bodies are telling saying, it will try to say us, says Focusing it louder and sometimes therapist Fiona Parr. it feels like my body is And illustrates the point screaming at me. If I with the story of client continue to try and carry Kerry, who said her on anyway, I will more heart “seemed to have than likely catch a cold a mind of its own”. or get an illness so I “Kerry’s old tactic of have to stop. simply blocking out what her body wanted “Kerry probably has Fiona Parr to tell her just wasn’t other reasons why she working any more,” says suppresses or ignores the Fiona. “She felt her heart had a feelings in her body. One way to need to be heard and that if she find out is by listening to that part of ignored it, the shout got louder in the you in a friendly and open way. It form of an ache or unsettled feeling might feel like it is ‘you’ suppressing in her chest. the feelings, but if you try to say ‘something in me’ is suppressing the “Kerry said she was so wrapped feelings, it helps you to dis-identify up with whatever life had thrown from it - enough that you can hear at her, she thought focusing was a how it is feeling from its point of view. luxury she could manage without - but she finally realised she didn’t “It may be trying to prevent have a choice. something, or control something, because it is frightened of what “Still, though, her main approach may happen. Give it some good was to suppress and ignore these listening, as if you were listening feelings in her body, even though to a friend who needed to tell you she found focusing ‘incredibly their problems, and it will begin to powerful or insightful’ every time ease and release what it has been she practiced.” holding. In this way, you will feel Fiona told Kerry we often do not much better, less conflicted and more want to hear what our hearts or integrated and whole.” bodies are saying to us. Fiona is offering an introductory “They might be pointing out an Focusing course on October 1 and ‘inconvenient truth’,” said Fiona. “For 2, and a further four weekends of instance, I might get an inner-message training at five week intervals. that my body wants me to slow down To arrange an introductory session, and get some ‘being’ time, but I call her on 07799 027332. may be enjoying what I am doing,

Scar healing for return to painless sex

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“Scars cut down the NJURIES while circulation to tissue giving birth, and create challenges c-section, surgery in the pelvic area… all with the lymphatic of these can lead to drainage,” she says. scarring for women “This effects the proper and can diminish the functioning of organs, enjoyment of sex. muscles and glands and, especially in the Catherine Hale, who pelvic floor, can cause runs Tantric Awakening, pain in places we is running scar tissue may consider to be healing sessions to unrelated to the scar.” enable women to Catherine runs pelvic experience pain-free scar tissue healing and joyful sex and Catherine Hale sessions for women liberate themselves from at her practice in suffering. Totnes. They involve remedial massage, “The scar we see on the outside is just both internally and externally where one part of it” explained Catherine. appropriate. The scar tissue is stretched “Internally there is significant scarring and manipulated, gently separating too that, over time, can spread through the adhered tissue in all directions to the body. This scarring can have a increase the elasticity of the scar. After dramatic effect upon our sexual and treatment, women typically experience postural lives, leading to the possibility better health and wellbeing, reduced of painful sex, urinary and fecal pain, more pleasurable sex and fullyincontinence, IBS, constipation, prolapse functioning pelvic organs. of the uterus and vaginal wall, and a Catherine is also running: a Self-Love consequent reduction in libido resulting for Women with Cacao ceremony in relational challenges. Many women series of events starting on August 7, are suffering in silence, not realising that and continuing September 24, October the pain and damage from scars can 16, November 20 and December 4; be healed.” a monthly Moon Lodge in Totnes for Catherine believes that scarring is an women; and regular events for both inevitable part of life for most women, men and women locally. especially those in the abdominal and Email Catherine@tantricawakening.org. pelvic area.

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WELLBEING

There are a wide range of mindfulness courses and workshops on offer at Sharpham.

Learn to shake off your tension

HAKING is our body’s natural way of reducing its own stress and restoring a sense of wellbeing, although we may not always relate to it as a positive thing. Muscle tremors help to increase the body’s resilience by provoking a sensation of deep relaxation that naturally brings down stress levels. TRE is an exercise that teaches people to use these therapeutic muscle tremors to improve their sense of wellbeing, as practitioner, Nandan O’Leary explained: “TRE is a body-based (or somatic) process which, when done properly, through a Certified TRE Provider, can enable the individual to discharge tension from the body without necessarily having to “revisit the story”. (ie: verbally describing or talking about the

traumatic experience). It is easy to see why this is beneficial for people suffering from anxiety or stress. TRE is designed to be a self-help tool, so once it has been learned people can use it as needed throughout their life.” Anyone can benefit from TRE and it has been used to release emotions ranging from mild upset to severe anxiety, whether they are caused by work stress, excessive worry, conflict in relationships, physical stresses or traumas from accidents. People who have received treatment report a range of benefits including reduced anxiety, a lessening in PTSD symptoms, less workplace stress, improved sleep and greater emotional resilience. Nandan added: “Whether you are a parent/spouse who would like more patience with your family, a victim of violence or accident, a soldier suffering from PTSD, an athlete, or simply a person who wants to become more resilient and just feel better about life, you can benefit from TRE.” To find out more, call Nandan on 07825 447860 or email nandanoleary@ gmail.com.

Retreat care for the carers

CTIVISTS, campaigners, carers and helpers experiencing burn-out and stress can be rejuvenated at Sharpham on a new retreat. And, thanks to a benefactor, there are a number of bursary spaces offering 50% off the price for participants needing financial assistance. ‘Sustaining ourselves - breaking free from burn-out’ is a four-night retreat in Sharpham House offering reflection, restoration and practical resources to help campaigners and carers in their daily work. The retreat takes place from October 27-31 and is repeated March 24-28, next year.. Maya Herbolzheimer, programme manager at The Sharpham Trust, said: “This is offering mindfulness as a tool for resilience and reflection for people working to make the world a better place.” The bursary spaces are available to those experiencing financial hardship on a first-come, first-served basis. Bursary applications for this retreat should be sent to bookings@ sharphamtrust.org, before September 15 for the October retreat and before February 10 for the March 2017 retreat. Other retreats on offer in Sharpham House during the Autumn include: Taking Mindfulness Deeper, a five-night retreat for those more experienced at meditation (running from September 18); Creative Writing & Nature Connection, offering artistic expression and contemplation amid Sharpham’s amazing landscape (from September 29); and further mindfulness through singing, yoga and for beginners retreats. Sharpham’s mindfulness retreats continue with mixed and women-only retreats in August and September. Participants stay in spacious and comfy, furnished bell-tents, and explore meditation, awareness, nature-connection and mindfulness in the great outdoors. The women-only woodland retreats allow for a safe space for women to explore mindfulness and nature connection, with experienced leaders. The next Women-Only Woodland Retreat begins on September 15 and runs for three nights. But what if you are new to the concept of mindfulness? Sharpham’s one-day Introduction to

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Mindfulness sessions are planned for Saturdays September 17 and October 8, running from 10am-4pm in the South Wing of Sharpham House. These days, led by experienced mindfulness teachers, cost £68. And a new 8-week Mindfulness for Health & Wellbeing course begins at Sharpham on Wednesday 28 September, 7-9pm. The same one-day introductions and eight-week courses (developed by mindfulness pioneer Jon Kabat-Zinn) are also run in Totnes and Torquay. In Totnes, there’s an eight-week course beginning on Saturday September 10, 11am-1pm, at the Forge Yoga Centre. In Torquay there’s a one-day Introduction to Mindfulness session on September 18, 10am-4pm, and an eight-week course begins on September 16, 9.30-11.30am. Both events take place at the FlowPhysio Studio in Tormohun House. On the final Thursday of each month (apart from August), there’s a drop-in mindfulness practice session in the South Wing at Sharpham, 7-8.45pm. You’ll be meditating in a supportive, friendly group with an experienced teacher, great for those who want to strengthen their practice, or who may want to pick up a lapsed practice. And a new drop-in session is planned for Torquay, in FlowPhysio Studios, from 10am to 12pm on Saturday 3 September. For both sessions, the suggested donation is £7. For details of all mindfulness events at Sharpham, and in Totnes or Torquay, visit the website: www. sharphamtrust.org Finally, The Barn Retreat Centre – run by The Sharpham Trust – is home to A Day of Silent Meditation on Saturday, September 24. There will be no teachings nor guidance, so it is geared for people with some experience in meditation. Participants meet at 9.10am outside the Steam Packet Inn in Totnes and start the walk up towards The Barn in silence, experiencing the day there from 10.30am until around 5pm when they’ll walk back down. Take your own packed lunch, but teas are provided. Cushions, meditation benches or chairs and blankets are provided at The Barn. Visit www.sharphamtrust.org

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T HE N AUTILUS R OOMS

COURSES AND WORKSHOPS

Fabulously located in the centre of Totnes, yet tucked away in a quiet alley, with easy access to short and long-term parking. Check out our amazing list of highly qualified therapists and interesting events. Leaflets are available at the end of the alley way opposite The Mansion and next to Lloyds Bank. If you are looking for a wonderful venue for a group, meeting or CPD event, do come and check out our lovely group room. er R u th B ak

36 334454

Call now 077

gmail.com

ruthbaker1@

otherapy.co.uk ruthbakerpsych

07419 7459

info@mares amae.co.uk www.mares amae.co.uk

Consultant r • Coach & isor & Mento llor • Superv ist • Counse

Psychotherap

Chinese chniques used in Exercises and te ncer patients ca t and suppor hospitals to treat (Phy) an D.Ac, LCSP Michael Newm 07846 614420

SEPTEMBER 1st Cancer Academy. Weekly workshop supporting people in their cancer journey. Michael Newman Call: 0784 6614420 SEPTEMBER 3RD and 4TH Introduction to Sandplay Therapy facilitated by Ruth Baker – Association of Integrative Sandplay and Therapeutic Arts Ruth Baker Email: ruthbaker1@gmail.com 10th SEPTEMBER Seated Massage Workshop with Anna Karthauser - simple and effective back, shoulder, neck and head massage treatment using Indian and Swedish techniques Anna Karthauser Call: 07912612462, Email: anna@karthauser.org or visit www.annakarthausermassage.co.uk 16th, 17TH, 18TH SEPTEMBER (1st Module) Certificate in Integrative Sandplay Therapy facilitated by John Daly – Association of Integrative Sandplay Therapists accredited course. Ruth Baker Email: ruthbaker1@gmail.com SEPTEMBER 24TH Mindfulness and Trauma with Sarah Clevely using mindfulness skills as an important resource in the process of recovery. Sarah Clevely Email: sclevely@gmail.com, or call Call: 07779470746/ 01392 432952, visit Visit: www.sarahclevely.co.uk OCTOBER 1st and 2nd Introduction to Sandplay Therapy facilitated by Ruth Baker - Association of Integrative Sandplay Therapists accredited course. Ruth Baker Email: ruthbaker1@gmail.com 8th OCTOBER Seated Massage Workshop with Anna Karthauser simple and effective back, shoulder, neck and head massage treatment using Indian and Swedish techniques Anna Karthauser Call: 07912612462, email: anna@karthauser.org or visit www.annakarthausermassage.co.uk OCTOBER 15th and 16th Introduction to Alchemy - Exploring in the sand the world of Edward Edinger with John Daly an international expert in the psychotherapeutic understanding of the alchemical process. A treat not to be missed. Ruth Baker Email: ruthbaker1@gmail.com 13-15 JANUARY 2017 (MODULE 1) Certificate in Integrative Therapeutic Art (weekend 1 of 4) with John Daly - accredited by the Association of Integrative Sandplay Therapists For John Daly courses: Email: ruthbaker1@gmail.com. Call: 07736334454. www.sandplay.co.uk

REGULAR GROUPS & EVENTS

Mark Wright Depth psychotherapy Exeter & Totnes watermarktherapy.net 07799 226989

Creative Therapy Courses

in Specialising d Sandplay an Art c uti Therape

Accredited By Aist

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Contact Rut

ail.com ruthbaker1@gm

The Work of Byron Katie with Sylvia Karathanos - a supportive and small group to learn and practice the work of Byron Katie (Fortnightly on Sunday evenings 7-9.30pm) Sylvia Karathanos Call: 01803 868379 Email: skarathanos@phonecoop.coop Viasit: www.thework.com. Waking Women with Katheryn Hope - a group to support women in awakening their potential (Alternate Weds 7-8.30pm) Katheryn Hope Call 01647 441235

TRE Group: Trauma and Stress Releasing Exercises Group with Nandan O’Leary. (Thursday mornings) Email: nandanoleary@gmail.com. Call: 07825 447 860 PLEASE ENQUIRE FOR DATES Energy Work with Lori King - Munay Ki: Ancient Rites for a Modern World Monthly Women’s Journey Circle with Lori King Lori King courses Email: lori.king27@gmail.com Call: 07896 569678, Visit: www.beatthatdrum.com Waking Women’s Workshop with Katheryn Hope - awakening our inner-potential and moving beyond self-limiting beliefs. Katheryn Hope Call: 01647 441235 Resonance Repatterning with Katheryn Hope Katheryn Hope Call 01647 441235

The Nautilus Rooms • 35a Fore Street • Totnes • TQ9 5HN Journeying the Labyrinth Lisa Garvey Williams www.nautilusrooms.uk Email: lisa@lisagarveywilliams.com Call: 07879 405925 info@nautilusrooms.uk Visit: www.lisagarveywilliams.com www.reconnectonline.co.uk Editorial: 01803 868455 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk Call Ruth on 07736 334454 or Peter on 07826 414404

WELLBEING Health mapped out on feet

EFLEXOLOGY is a form of therapeutic foot massage, based on all the body structures and systems being mapped onto the feet with corresponding ‘reflex’ points. The stimulating power of Reflexology helps to cleanse toxins, tone, strengthen and balance the body structures. It can improve blood circulation, nutrient absorption and nerve supply. Reflexology also releases patterns of tension, helping to improve mood and the ability to cope, and is suitable for all ages. Nicola Moulton is a reflexologist based at Totnes Natural Health Centre. She said: “Working on the physical body, through the feet, we are also helping to encourage the free-flow and balance of the body’s energetic meridian system - unseen energy channels within the body. Negative thought, stress and physical ailments may bring about energy blockages and stagnation in these channels. “By balancing the body as a whole, the holistic approach of reflexology works to acknowledge symptoms and causal factors of disorder and to bring release and balance more effectively.” Nicola is offering £5 off the first treatment and a further discount for a course of three. She is based at Totnes Natural Health Centre, Monday afternoons/evenings, Wednesday evenings and Saturday all day. Other days are possible by arrangement. Call 07522 344291 or email nicolasuzanne@hotmail.co.uk.

Julie Jeffs, left, leading a group at Lotus Training.

‘Outstanding’ Lotus working ‘at depth’

OTUS Training has a lot to celebrate as it comes to the end of its two-year mindfulness-based counselling diploma. The course venue recently received a visit from a Counselling & Psychotherapy Central Awarding Body (CPCAB) external verifier, who reported back that the students were working “at depth”, and that the course was “outstanding and substantial”. Mindfulness practice has been sustained throughout the course as a cornerstone to the training and development of the students as counsellors. Part of the course curriculum is a three-day residential mindfulness retreat in Year Two, which was recently held in the grounds of Sharpham. Lotus’s Julie Jeffs said: “The intention of the retreat was to support the students to have an experience of being in silence, which is fundamental to their development as counsellors. As tutors, we were able to witness their growth and capacity to be

with themselves and with each other. “The students were blown away by the beauty of the environment and were all profoundly impacted by the whole experience of being on retreat.” Lotus Training is now recruiting for its next Diploma In Mindfulness-based Counselling (Level 4), which starts on September 22. There are a few places still available. “We’re also really excited to offer a Level 5 diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling, starting on 19th October 2016,” said Julie. “The emphasis of the Level 5 course will be on developing an increasing depth of relationship: relation to oneself, to others and one’s therapeutic capacity. Mindfulness practice will play a large part in this process.” For more on Lotus Training courses, contact Julie Jeffs on 0796603872 or Heather Morfett on 07941915265, or visit www.lotustrainingco.co.uk.

MINDFULNESS COURSES IN PLYMOUTH SAT MORNING OF MINDFULNESS SAT 16TH JULY, 10AM - 12.30 & SAT 20TH AUG, 10AM - 12.30 AN INTRODUCTION TO MINDFULNESS SAT 30TH JULY, 10AM - 4PM 8-WEEK MINDFULNESS COURSE FOR TEENS TUES 13TH SEPT, 4PM-5.30PM 8-WEEK MINDFULNESS STRESS REDUCTION COURSE MON 3RD OCT, 7PM-9PM

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Practicing what they’ve learned

HAT is love? That was the question posed at a recent evening seminar hosted by InterBe. Conversations for Living are monthly evening sessions for people who have done InterBe’s Genesis programme, along with their guests. The idea is to give programme participants an opportunity to practice what they’ve learned and to introduce their family and friends to some of the ideas and practices covered by Genesis. InterBe director Simon Daly, who facilitates the Genesis programme, explained: “People come on the Genesis programme and are inspired. We introduce them to new ways of thinking and being in the world. Many people have experienced extraordinary breakthroughs over the course of the weekend. “But maintaining these new ways of thinking and being takes practice and that’s what the monthly Conversations for Living are all about. Each month we cover a different topic, all of which are at the heart of what it means to live a meaningful and fulfilled life.” To date, the evening seminars have covered topics including Not Taking Things Personally, Having an Abundance Mindset and Being

Love. You need to have completed the Genesis programme to be able to attend the evening seminars, or to come as the guest of someone who has done it. The Genesis Programme is a two and a half day introduction to Narrative Transformation. The programme changes lives by helping people to uncover the thoughts, beliefs and ideas that hold them back in life and showing them how to choose something more empowering for themselves. This deceptively simple process has the power to transform lives. One participant said: “I got reconnected to a part of myself that I have been missing for a considerable time.” Another commented: “I am committed to working with the idea that I am a wonderful woman full of everything I need to be as whole and complete as I am.” The Genesis programme is coming up on September 9-11 and November 25-27. For more information, visit www. interbe.co/courses. InterBe also offers one-to-one and group coaching, conflict transformation and business transformation. Call 01392 346224.

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WELLBEING

Busy days at Nautilus Rooms

T’S been a busy couple of months at The Nautilus Rooms in Totnes. The Party in the Town celebrations saw them packed out for most of the evening with standing room only and an extended set by local band Jambones. The open day was also a celebration of the Nautilus Rooms’ first birthday and many people visited the centre to enjoy taster sessions and talks in the various therapies on offer. Says Nautilus co-founder Ruth Baker: “If you enjoyed your session and haven’t yet got around to booking in with the therapist, don’t forget to do so. We were overwhelmed by the universal feedback on what a lovely venue we have which has a great atmosphere and such experienced and knowledgeable therapists.” The following weekend Anna Karthauser ran one of her popular massage workshops at the centre. She has an Autumn series of Seated Massage Workshops coming up entitled Treat Each Other. In the workshop you will learn techniques for simple and effective back, shoulder, neck and head massage for every day – see the diary in the Nautilus Rooms advertisement for dates. Anna is also happy to provide workshops for 4-6 people on request. “If you would like to celebrate a hen weekend with a bit of a treat do get in contact with Anna,” says Ruth. Ruth herself was involved in a highly enjoyable Introductory Integrative Sandplay Course which ran on the same weekend. There has been a great increase in interest in the sandplay and therapeutic art courses running from the Nautilus Rooms over the last few months and the mini sandplay taster at the Open Day was so successful that Ruth Baker put on an extra

taster session on the day to meet demand. Participants on the sandplay courses can choose from Ruth’s extensive collection of sandplay miniatures which really help them to understand the use of symbolism in this work. The next Introductory weekend is at the beginning of September and a Certificate Course starts in the middle of September. Places for these courses are looking to be in high demand. In October, there’s a real treat coming up, say Ruth: John Sandplay and therapeutic art teacher John Daly with recent graduates Daly a highly respected and experienced teacher of sandplay from the Diploma in Therapeutic Art and Certificate in Advanced and therapeutic art will be Alchemical Studies courses, accredited by the Association of Integrative teaching an Introduction to Sandplay Therapists. Ruth Baker is pictured centre bottom. Alchemy weekend. Sandplay Mark Wright is a psycho-spiritual psychotherapist will be used as a medium to understand the work and has been involved in the world of of Edward Edinger and the alchemical process psychotherapy, and “in the work of attending to in relation to psychotherapy. There are limited soul”, for almost 30 years. spaces on this course. The Cancer Academy will launch at The Nautilus A number of new practitioners have recently Rooms on Thursday, September 1, facilitated by joined The Nautilus Rooms. Michael Newman. These weekly workshops are Marisa Mae is a nutritionist who undertakes food designed to support people in their recovery by intolerance testing, diet assessments and bespoke looking at the underlying causes of illness and programmes. She is BANT certified. working with them to support each individual. Nandan O’Leary works in massage, Cranial Sacral Techniques used will draw upon Chinese medicine and take a holistic approach. Call Michael direct Therapy and TRE (Trauma and Stress Releasing on 07846 614420 for more information. Exercises). She has a couple of TRE groups running on Thursday mornings and she is also happy to Finally, visit the Nautilus Rooms website (www. undertake this highly successful technique 1:1. nautilusrooms.uk) or facebook page, or pick up a leaflet at the end of the alley way by Lloyds Bank, Julie Clark is an Integrative counsellor and for information about the centre and its therapists psychotherapist and is highly experienced at and events. working with children, adolescents and adults.

PROFESSIONAL COUNSELLING TRAINING IN PLYMOUTH (CPCAB) AN INTRODUCTION TO MINDFULNESS-BASED COUNSELLING SKILLS SAT 10TH SEPT, 10AM-4PM TWO YEAR DIPLOMA IN MINDFULNESS BASED COUNSELLING (LEVEL 4) STARTS THURS 22ND SEPT, 5.30PM-9.00PM ONE YEAR DIPLOMA IN PSYCHOTHERAPEUTIC COUNSELLING (LEVEL 5) STARTS WED 19TH OCT, 5.30PM-9.00PM

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An exciting time at Iron Mill College - a new building, new courses and new students.

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Now’s the perfect time for training

AVE you been thinking about training as a counsellor or developing your counselling skills? Now could be the perfect time. Thirty-five years since it opened its doors, Iron Mill College has grown to become one of the South West’s leading providers of education and training in mental health and wellbeing. Autumn sees a new influx of students to its entry level Certificate in Counselling, Advanced Diploma in Counselling (accredited by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy) and higher education courses (validated by the University of Worcester), including the Foundation Degree in Integrative Counselling. It is an exciting time for the college, which is based in a historic building on Barnfield Crescent in the centre of Exeter, as college principal Rose Bedford explained: “The college is undergoing a fantastic time of

expansion, with more teaching space, thanks to the recent acquisition of an extra building, an increasing number of courses on offer, and an ever-growing, lively community of students.” Iron Mill College offers an inspiring learning environment for its diverse range of students, representing a variety of cultures, backgrounds and age groups. Rose added: “We are delighted to provide a whole range of courses, from entry level to advanced level and right through to post-qualifying. So whether you’re looking for professional training or a university degree, if you’re exploring counselling or psychotherapy for the first time or already practice in this field, Iron Mill College has an opportunity for you”. Visit www.ironmill.co.uk, call 01392 219200, or email enquiries@ironmill.co.uk.

Nandan O'Leary 07825 447860 nandanoleary@gmail.com

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INSIGHT MEDITATION IN THE BUDDHIST TRADITION

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Psychic visit not what you’d expect

AROT reading can conjure up all sorts of images and misconceptions, as Bell Bartlett who is a full-time professional reader is the first to admit. “People think it’s a bit oldfashioned, maybe even a bit weird, but visiting a modern psychic reader is likely to be very different than people imagine. To quote one of my clients ‘it’s a bit like counselling, coaching and information gathering all rolled into one’.” Bell explained that her practice as a channel and intuitive reader is informed not only by decades of experience but also by the extensive spiritual growth and personal development work she has undertaken. She said: “Currently, for example, I’m practicing Loving Kindness meditation, which is really helping to diminish negative thoughts and keep me centred in my heart.” Asked what people can expect from her readings she said: “We are living through uncertain times and it is my intention to provide both reassurance and/or positive, practical ways of moving through challenging situations. My readings are both sensitive and straightforward and this quality is particularly valued

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by those who are looking for help when making important financial decisions, such as buying property or developing a business. “Occasionally people imagine a reading will only focus on matters of the heart or concerns about family, but questions relating to the future direction of personal and business life make up a large amount of the work I do.” A client recently said to Bell: “You are so inspiring. I never expected it to be so helpful.” She believes that helping people is what being a psychic reader is all about. Over the summer, Bell is offering daytime workshops in Reading the Oracles and Introduction to Tarot. Call Bell on 07796 900509 or visit www.conscious-tarot.co.uk.

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WELLBEING ‘I found freedom from fears that stopped me living life fully’

nder a perfectly sunny blue sky nine springs ago, I sat on a bench in Oxford and wept. Through streaming tears I stared at the nondescript office building that had housed my first ‘proper’ graduate job. I’d been asked to resign after raising ethical objections about some of my tasks. Now I was cast adrift, just as my career was meant to be beginning, and seemingly with no map or compass. Battered by alternating waves of emotion, despair came crashing down first. I’d applied myself so diligently for so long; had it all been for nothing? At school I excelled academically, submerging myself in study as a refuge from social anxiety and loneliness. Yet I was also driven by curiosity and tenacity; the same traits that drew me to a fascinating and infuriating physics degree, and helped me to endure it. Like many of my peers, I had graduated without a clue as to my ‘calling’. I knew only that I yearned to solve meaningful problems and enjoy Oxford with friends, free from the pressure of a degree. I secured a job as an analyst at a corporate ‘intelligence’ firm, which I hoped might meet both needs. In reality, it fulfilled neither: I toiled relentlessly at work as exhausting as it was pointless. Yet pressure to perform couldn’t overcome my morals and my need for meaning that were agitating below the surface. Waves of worthlessness also broke across my rudderless bench as I contrasted my plight with the success of my peers thriving in more prestigious jobs in London. Yet underpinning the many painful emotions was an ocean of relief. Relief at my respite - albeit fleeting from the fear and futility pervading the end of the beginning of my formal working life. After another false start, I wondered if the Universe might have thrown me a bone in the form of the book, Heat by George Monbiot,a climate

AS we all try to come to terms with momentous change at home and abroad, LAURIE WARMSLEY, interim marketing manager at Embercombe near Exeter, reflects on his own personal transition and the part played by The Journey, Embercombe’s self-leadership programme change call to action. I couldn’t put it down and was helpless to resist its implications. I simply had to make some contribution to what I felt must be the defining challenge of our era. So I brushed off a recent promotion, quit my second job and moved in with my parents to volunteer in the environmental sector in London. I was questing for work to provide both meaning and means to exist in the system I was born into. Work that would employ my gifts (whatever they were!) in service of responsibilities I could no longer ignore. At stake was my wellbeing and no less than my life itself. I threw myself into the superficially satisfying world of environmental politics and policy. Immediately, I relished the intellectual challenge of the work, which I convinced myself would make some kind of impact. Trying in vain to influence the wrong people in the wrong way, the intensity of the work let me ignore gaping holes in my ‘theory of change’. Yet if I’m honest, I can recall a little voice questioning “will this change anything?” as I researched yet another policy report destined to gather electronic dust in the forgotten recesses of some government IT server. I hushed the unwelcome voice and threw myself into my first paid ‘meaningful’ job, working for the Department of Energy and Climate Change. The work was demanding and going well but the voice was getting louder. Hushing it once more, I soon became ill; bed-bound for a fortnight with some mystery bug. Fearing for my job, I dragged myself back to work. I knew something was wrong: I wasn’t unfit, yet I struggled

to climb two flights of stairs to my first floor office. My memory was failing, I couldn’t speak coherently and felt like I was dragging lead weights behind me. Now a researcher by trade, I self-diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome, which was confirmed medically six months later. Life had thrown down its most formidable gauntlet so far against my march for meaning. Yet it would take me three more years to accept that I’d set off on the wrong path and some formidable force was doing its best to redirect me - and three more years finally to recognise that cautionary, guiding voice as my own. Grappling with the collapse of my physical health and the resulting isolation and hopelessness, my mental health began to unravel too. In a deathly dance with depression familiar to many with this illness, I chose life. I became determined to save the only life I could save. I subjected myself to a mountain of a masters degree and another stress-induced health collapse before I finally allowed my heart to guide my head, reversing a life-long way of being. I can’t tell you exactly when I learned to listen to the voice of my intuition, but three years ago, almost to the day as I write, I let it guide me to Buddhafield Festival in Somerset. Among the many blessings bestowed by this bubble of love and aliveness lay a new friendship forged through cooking together in the joyful madness of Buddhafield Cafe; the wholesome heart of the festival. After sharing some of our life journeys, my new friend bid me: “You have to go to Embercombe and do The Journey!” While not knowing what this entailed, on hearing these words I

A new day dawns at Embercombe, which is itself going through a period of change. Top right, Laurie Warmsley.

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felt the now familiar tug of the golden thread of my intuition. Returning from the magic of the festival I resolved to explore this ‘Embercombe’, a mysterious land-based self-leadership centre in a captivatingly beautiful valley on the edge of Dartmoor. Though wholehearted, my intentions were soon waylaid in a blizzard of work. Some weeks later I saw on Facebook that a friend (also working on environmental issues) had just committed to The Journey, Embercombe’s main self-leadership programme. I felt with all my being that this was a door I must step through and that now was the time. Mac Macartney founded Embercombe as a ‘garden to grow people’. Yet in the five days of profound transition, connection and healing that comprised my Journey, to me Embercombe felt more like a chrysalis. A safe space for transformation and transition, held by a team of capable and caring mentors. The feelings of beauty, community and connection that arose from speaking our truths with courage and vulnerability forming a rich soil for personal growth and transformation. I felt empowered to dissolve old constraints and find freedom from fears that for so long had held me back from living life fully. Central to the Journey is the exploration of three questions: l What do you most deeply and profoundly love? l What are your deepest and most profound gifts? l What are your deepest and most profound responsibilities? The answers that came gave me the confidence to spread my wings, fly out of my comfort zone and use my gifts with confidence. To help organisations that mentor leaders and change-makers to come alive in service of the world - organisations like Embercombe - to embody and to share authentic and compelling stories of their work and of the lives they transform. Through this work, I’m exploring the power of the stories we tell ourselves to create our reality. Regarding the way that stories can govern the expression of our gifts, ‘lifequester’ and author Colin Beavan cautions: “Sometimes we cling to stories that divorce us from our abilities because we are scared of what we would become if we accepted those abilities.” He also warns us to be wary of the stories we associate with our responsibilities: “We tell ourselves stories of personal powerlessness partly because if we acknowledge that we are powerful, then we must also acknowledge that each of us is in some way responsible for the world.” Beavan invites us to consider a particular ‘big question’: “Is the world your stories are creating the one you actually want to live in?” In combination with the three

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questions from The Journey, I’ve found this enquiry to be invaluable in reconciling the succession of abrupt changes and slower transitions that characterised my twenties. Transitions expert William Bridges explains the distinction between the two: “...change is situational. Transition...is psychological. It is... the inner-reorientation and self redefinition that you have to go through...to incorporate...changes into your life...Unless transition happens, the change won’t work.” Bridges asserts that all transitions have three phases: they begin with an ending, followed by an important period of emptiness or confusion and distress, after which a new beginning emerges. Perhaps you find yourself in one of these phases in a transition in your life? The looming ‘Brexit’ and disruption to our weather and climate are some of the more major changes we’re experiencing, corresponding to inevitable transitions. Locally, regular readers may reflect on Reconnect’s pending change in ownership. Or the corresponding transition of Martin (the magazine’s long-serving editor and owner) from grower of community across South Devon to community and food grower in Totnes. Embercombe itself is navigating a period of profound and exciting change and transition, with a new managing director, several new staff joining the team and long-serving staff moving onto new adventures, leaving a formidable legacy.

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Whatever changes and transitions you’re enduring, they’re inevitable and defining aspects of our lives that occur both internally and externally; a ‘twin trail’ of personal growth and action in the world. As author, speaker and philosopher, Charles Eisenstein asserts, “We live today at a moment of transition between worlds,” a transition that “internally, is nothing less than a transformation in the experience of being alive. Externally, it is nothing less than a transformation of humanity’s role on planet Earth.” Returning to Buddhafield this Summer, it feels like I’ve completed a full cycle of my own transition through a journey I embarked upon three years ago. I now feel blessed by the freedom and fulfilment that arise whenever I listen to the voice of my intuition and open to the beauty and synchronicity of life. Charles Eisenstein said: “At a certain moment it will become necessary for you to go on a journey...to find yourself outside of whomever your conditioning trained you to be. You must put yourself in a situation where...who you were becomes inoperative; then, who you will be can emerge.” To embark on your Journey, visit embercombe.org/the-journey, or give the friendly Embercombe team a call on 01647 252 983. To help you take the first step, use code Reconnect44 to save 10% on your Journey in 2016. Prices are tiered depending on your income.

Health & wellbeing

Seek peace of mind? Contact Peter Crowe Counselling & psychotherapy 01392 966845 www.petercrowe.co.uk

Editorial: 01803 868455 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

WELLBEING Do you have a sense of purpose? Do you have work you enjoy? Do you feel your gifts are appreciated? Is your work aligned with your personal values?

Meaningful Work; Fulfilling Life Gain a deeper understanding of your unique gifts; find more clarity about the difference you want to make in the world; create steps towards doing work you love, or being more fulfilled/effective in the work you already do. 1:1 sessions at Staverton, Totnes or via Skype * Free exploratory session, with no commitment GILL COOMBS Coaching Dip (Distinction), author of Hearing our Calling www.gillcoombs.co.uk · gillcoombs@gillcoombs.co.uk · 01803 762840 · 07729 331676

Self Love For Women

WORKSHOP SERIES

with

Heart Opening Cacao Ceremony Exploring self love through the themes of: Body Love 7th August Menstrual Empowerment 24th September Womb Health 16th October Let’s Talk About Sex 20th November Self-Pleasure 4th December

New pathways to peace of mind

OUR mind is not your brain, writes author and founder of Body Mind Workers, Matt Hudson, who believes his programme can provide genuine and long-term help for people suffering with mental health issues, chronic pain, and other mind-related conditions. Matt explains how the medical profession currently treats such conditions: “You have a presenting problem that produces certain chemicals in your brain. Neuroscience has researched your condition and you are prescribed drugs to counteract these chemicals. “As time goes by, your condition usually needs greater doses of medication plus other meds to offset the side effects of the original prescription. With this current model, science is looking at which chemicals your brain is producing owing to some perceived threat. (This is known as Nociception). One area of your brain that certainly will be fully engaged is the amygdala.” Matt explained that the amygdala’s practiced responses include: Fight - you attack the threat. Flight - the adrenaline and increased sugar in your blood stream helps you to run away. Freeze - by freezing the predator will usually move on. The trouble with this response in a modern age is that you might find yourself frozen in a job or relationship because of lack of finance or resources. This may lead to shame - feeling embarrassed or ashamed for freezing - which can lead to a build-up of energy. Chronic pain and dis-ease of the body and mind may very well be linked to this. Flock - move into a group - safety in numbers. Fawn - seeking safety by being compliant with the wishes, needs and demands of others. People who exhibit this behaviour will have been indoctrinated into a life of low selfworth and little sense of self. Fawning

Body Mind Workers practitioners, above, and below, Matt Hudson.

may lead to accepting the misery of a poor quality relationship, or the degradation of working in an abusive workplace, just to pay the bills. Matt developed Body Mind Workers to show people how to seek out these threat responses within the body and mind and create new neurological pathways within the brain. He has spent 20 years working as a Behavioural Change Consultant and trained with many leading authorities, including Richard Bandler, Paul McKenna, John Grinder, Steve Andreas. He wrote a best-selling book on self-sabotage called The Saboteur Within and has co-authored a peer-reviewed article with the Centre for Pain Research, School of Clinical and Applied Sciences, Leeds Beckett University, which is being published in the Chronic Pain Journal this summer. Body Mind Workers training courses are running in Totnes in August, September and November. Find out more at www.bodymindworkers.com or call 01803 463775.

Mark Edlund Plater

Member of the British Acupuncture Council

Acupuncture Integrated Method

Acupuncture integrated method

Practice for 19 years in Totnes Fees are based on income or means

01803 556038 07506 179808

mark.edlundplater@gmail.com

SMALL INTIMATE GROUP BOOK AT WWW.TANTRICAWAKENING.ORG

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Gaia House - inviting applications for discounts of 50% and beyond.

WELLBEING

Counsellor and Psychotherapist FREE INTRO SESSION Drawing and/or Sand Tray as optional therapeutic tools w w w. j u l i e t t e m e d d e r. c o . u k

Centre offers 50% retreat discounts

AIA House, the silent meditation retreat centre, is inviting applications to its Financial Assistance and Bursaries Fund (FAB Fund), which offers a 50% discount off their standard retreat rate. Founded in 1983, Gaia House offers meditation instruction and teachings drawn from a variety of Buddhist traditions and is dedicated to ensuring their teachings are accessible to all who wish to participate in its programme. In 2015 it made FAB Fund grants totalling £40,429, supporting 369 people to come on retreat who may otherwise not have had the financial means to do so. They also offer further discounts, beyond the 50%, on a case-by-case basis – “we do our utmost to support all sectors of the community to come on retreat,” said a spokesperson. Gaia House is a charity, located in peaceful countryside a few miles outside Newton Abbot, committed to preserving, protecting and enhancing emotional, psychological, physical, and spiritual health through meditation.

The extensive programme of group, personal and work retreats are led by experienced teachers from around the world and are open to all experienced meditation practitioners and those new to meditation are welcome. Going on a silent meditation retreat offers the opportunity to explore and develop serenity, wisdom and compassion through meditation and mindfulness practice in a supportive environment. Developing greater mindfulness can help alleviate stress and worry, and assist us in bringing wise and compassionate responses to each moment in our lives. If you would like to attend a silent meditation retreat at Gaia House but cannot currently afford the rates, you are invited to fill out a short, confidential application form for support from the FAB Fund. Find out more at www.gaiahouse. co.uk or call 01626 333613 to request an application form. l A free peer-facilitataed meditation group meets at Newton Abbot Library every Tuesday from 7-8.30pm. All are welcome. For more info, email newtonabbotmeditation@gmail.com.

One thing every business needs

O matter what size the business, from sole trader to large organisation, they have one common need, says Brian Durkin of business coaching, training and consulting company Kestrel. “They all want pragmatic tools and guidelines that enable them to: better understand and define their current situation and issues; and to better design and implement effective change.” Every business, and every business leader, has strengths and limitations, in relation to achieving their goals. So Kestrel first gives their clients guidelines for a thorough business or project

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review – and then follows that with guidance on how to design and implement effective change. Depending on the specific business or project, support can take many forms but often includes: 1-to-1 coaching with individual leaders; or team development workshops; or a thorough review conducted by Kestrel leading to a report of findings and recommendations for change. “The overall goal is always to transfer skills and awareness that enable the client to quickly operate more effectively - and to continue to do so,” says Brian. Find out more at www.kestrel.biz or call Brian on 07831 630956.

01803 529 892 | 07923 894 499 | info@juliettemedder.co.uk

SHAMANIC BODYWORK The Birth of Miracles UK Tour 7~28 Sept, 2016 - Hawaiian Lomi Lomi Massage Training, Ho’oponopono Sacred Circle, Hawaiian Shamanic Bodywork for Families & Sacred Alignment with Kealohi from Kauai

‘THE WAY OF ALOHA’ OFFERS INFINITE POSSIBILITIES Location: South Devon / Info & Registration: Karen: 07703784129 / Fran: 07939936193 www.shamanicbodywork.com

Craniosacral Therapy Able to cope, a sense of wellbeing, energised, relaxed, feeling more fully alive, whole again, healthy…… Craniosacral therapy is a very gentle, yet powerful hands-on therapy. It works with the whole person at any stage of life and can be very effective in a wide range of areas, including: • Back/neck problems • Depression • Muscle strains and injuries – old and new • Anxiety • Headaches and migraines • Chronic fatigue • Pregnancy and childbirth support

• Stress-related conditions • Digestive problems • A general sense of “not feeling quite right” • Sleep disorders • Colic • Panic attacks

This list is not exhaustive and I am always happy to talk with you about your individual needs and how I can help. Treatments are in Totnes and cost £35 an hour, conc available.

LEA ZACCARI R.C.S.T 0747 332 4730 cst.with.lea@gmail.com www.craniosacral-therapy-lea.yolasite.com

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WELLBEING We all have power to transform

LCHEMY. Traditionally it means transforming base metals into pure gold. But, in its broader definition alchemy is ‘a seemingly magical process of transformation, creation or combination’. Coach and workshop facilitator Gill Coombs, right, believes that, according to this definition, everyone has the potential to be an alchemist. “Each of us has the ability to transform a small or large part of the world we live in,” said Gill. “But because our skills come so naturally to us, we often don’t recognise them as our unique gifts. We might sometimes wonder why other people don’t do what they do, or why they can’t do it as well as we can. We make what we do look easy to others - until they try it themselves, which is when the alchemist’s skill suddenly looks magical!” She added: “In the years I’ve been working with people seeking to find or express their gifts, I’ve learned everyone is able to look at their life with an alchemist’s eye if they choose to. As if by magic when they do this they can discern what is current and what is potential; and they intuitively understand what needs to happen

next to bring about positive change. And isn’t that the point of all self-development work?” Gill’s own form of alchemy is to discern people’s gifts: to see what is current and what is potential, and to work with them to transform their gifts and passion into a form of livelihood that contributes something positive to the world. She explained: “I help people find ways of doing their work better: whether by developing more harmonious and fruitful working relationships, improving a technical skill or bringing their work into the world with greater confidence.” People go to Gill at different stages on their journey. Some attend workshops or coaching sessions knowing what their gifts are, but unable to make a living from them. Others passionately want to make a difference in the world but are not sure how to do that. Sometimes people come not knowing what their gifts are, or believing that they don’t even have gifts. “They always do!” says Gill. “Everyone is an alchemist. All it takes is a little understanding and guidance to turn what we have into pure gold.” Visit www.gillcoombs.co.uk, or contact Gill at gillcoombsmail@gmail. com.

Healer brings on the horses

LTHOUGH Antoinett Bruin, right, is a psychic healer and acupuncturist, she finds herself increasingly reaching not for her needles but for the lead ropes of her horses. “Not only is it more nourishing, healing and fun to be out in nature with the horses,” explains Antoinett. “My horses Breeze and Gypsy are also perfectly attuned to giving individuals their unique required medicine on an emotional, behavioural or spiritual level. “And my insights and leadership support and hold the whole experience.” To experience the delight of a horse laying down on the ground and placing their head in your lap, looking for connection is touching to say the least, says Antoinett. “Bathing in unconditional love while stroking, brushing or just hanging out with them is not only nourishing for the heart but deeply healing. Others share their stories of what it felt like to ride these horses on the wide open moor, bareback and at one with the horse - an unforgettable experience. “There is a peacefulness when we are around horses as they are not in conflict with their nature and we

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can benefit from this transmission - allowing us to relax deeper in our relationship with ourselves and them.” As well as healing workshops, Antoinett holds a Moved by Horses morning, which allows participants to just be with the horses. And participants at the Grieving with Horses workshop explore the natural nature of the horse to let go and feel into loss. For more information visit www. innersense.me.uk or call 07886 036102.

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WELLBEING

EMOTIONAL HEALTH SUMMERTIME and the living is... easier. LEIGH SMITH looks at how the sun can improve our state of mind

Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)

Plug into solar-powered wellbeing

The Bowen Technique

s I write this I’m experiencing a wonderfully sunny day in a not so wonderful Summer. It feels unfamiliar on my skin, like some strange warmth that has a special comforting quality. There were times during the long wet Winter that I felt I was losing hope of ever seeing the sun again! ‘Here comes the sun, doo be doo be...’ A sunny day like today seems to bring out the best in people; my students come into the training room with an extra bounce in their step and there is a feeling of positivity and hope. The change in the weather is the big topic on everyones lips: “Isn’t it a glorious day?” “Do you think it will last?” We are so deprived of our old friend the sun that we hardly dare hope that we will get more than a quick visit. I can relate to Icarus as he fashioned his wings and prepared to get closer to this powerful force of life giving energy. We are constantly bombarded with warnings about the dangers of the sun, and for good reason. I am the first to reach for the factor 50. But perhaps being over-zealous with the sun cream is inhibiting our ability to take advantage of some of the good stuff the sun has on offer. Don’t get me wrong, I am not for one minute suggesting we ignore these important warnings, and I will continue to slap on the white stuff, but let’s try to make the most of the little sun we have, and reap the benefits to our emotional wellbeing, and our vitamin D intake. Let’s make hay while the sun shines! A stroll in the early evening as the sun slowly sets and the sky is filled with incredible light can be so much more uplifting than watching another episode from your latest box set. Spending time bathed in glorious sunshine is such a mood lifter, it can shine hope and positivity into even the darkest corners of our emotional inner-landscape. The sun seems to have a magical power to lift the spirits and create a sense of improved wellbeing. It can bring a sense of a new perspective and release motivation to challenge our stuckness and intolerance. I feel so much more able to accept a challenge when the sun is shining, and the cheery brightness seems

to help me to see even the dullest of tasks through rose-tinted specs! Over the years in my work as a psychotherapist I have observed that clients seem much more resilient and able to face ongoing emotional issues when we have had a few days of sunshine. One of the most recently recognised factors in creating positive outcomes in counselling has been found to be the presence of ‘hope’. When a client feels there simply is no hope then it can be really challenging to find positive outcomes in therapeutic practices. I have recently been asking people what they feel more of when the sun shines, and they tell me they feel cheerful, love, warmth, brightness, excited and they feel ‘hope’. But the power of the sun to improve our wellbeing isn’t all in our minds; there is a recognized scientific connection between sunshine and positivity. So how does it work? Spending time in the sun can increase serotonin levels, the hormone associated with lifting moods. The sunlight actually cues special areas in the retina, which triggers the release of serotonin. When our serotonin levels are low we are at more risk of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) a mental health disorder triggered by changes in the seasons. One of the treatments for SAD is light therapy, which is also known as phototherapy. Your doctor can recommend a special light box designed to stimulate the brain to produce serotonin. Exposure to sunlight can also benefit those suffering from: non-seasonal depression, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, and a whole host of mood disorders according to the Journal of Psychiatry & Neuroscience. Anxiety-related disorders and panic attacks have also been linked with changing seasons and reduced sunlight. So we can safely say the sun plays a big part in our emotional and physical wellbeing. In order to give ourselves the best chance of happiness and emotional health let us cash in on some of the most natural, free, and life giving tonic that we have available to us - our shy old friend, the Sun!

Leigh Smith is director of studies, course designer and tutor at Heartwood Centre for Counselling and Psychotherapy Training. Visit www.heartwoodcounselling.org or call 01803 865464.

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(Stimulates the immune system to function optimally)

Arcturus Clinic, Totnes Home Visits AMANDA MORRIS

CLT – MLDUK – CertECBS – BTPA

For an appointment please call 07931 505 312

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

BEAUTIFUL ROOMS for Counselling & Psychotherapy.

FOR TALKING THERAPIES AND HOLISTIC HEALTH

www.thepracticerooms.co.uk 15 - 16 Castle Street, Exeter EX4 3PT

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

BioEnergetic Health

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

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

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WOMENs POWER find strength explore and connect your energies into a broader field Uli Baysie is a shaman living in practise of the one-woman-tradition info@baysie.co.uk facebook.com/shamanUliBaysie/

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Visit us at www.reconnectonline.co.uk

WELLBEING

Liz plans yoga and outdoor classes

O AR NI NG ·

QUINE · E

I L I TAT E D

C FA

Develop compassion and empathy with Focusing For self-development and growth. Introductory weekend course Level 1 The Essence of Focusing October 1 and 2, 10am - 5pm Please call Fiona on 01626 821110 / 07799 027332 for more information

K, so you might still be wearing your flip flops and chilling out at the beach, but even as we bask in the (hopefully) warm Summer sunshine, Autumn is just around the corner. Liz Turner from Into Yoga and Nature and Trees for Health will be running yoga sessions, mindful walking in nature, spiritual heart meditation, Goethean Science with trees, wild food and consultancy for Winter planting (throughout the season). And to coincide with Samhain – the Celtic year end – she is hosting a weekend yoga and nature retreat on the beautiful south Devon coast. If you love outdoor work, you might enjoy joining the Land Projects Network a social gardening group who help out at land projects, including Discover Forest Foods, where there are also camps. Liz is also available by arrangement for wild food forages, agroforestry

tours (for groups and societies) and consultancy on growing edible perennials. Liz said: “I will be running some yoga classes over the school holidays at Harbour House in Kingsbridge and Chapel House Studios in Totnes. I also do small classes and private sessions, so get in touch for a tailor-made session.” To compliment this, she is leading a Hridaya, or Spiritual Heart meditation (Thursdays fortnightly), and Goethean science sessions connecting with and ‘studying’ trees at the Aller Park Project in Dartington. She said: “Hridaya can help us connect to our ‘witness consciousness’ that observes our thoughts, reactions, emotions, body and mind. This is particularly important in the chaotic world we live in.” Visit www.intoyogaandnature.co.uk.

Dawn Chaffey - offers the tools to break away from debilitating feelings.

www.fionaparr-focusing.co.uk

Anxiety’s not an inevitable fact of life

Real food, Real life,

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

email: enquiries@trinityholistics.co.uk more info: www.trinityholistics.co.uk 42

Jane Hutton The Functional Foodie

T: 07841 344934

EELINGS of anxiety and panic can be debilitating when they become a regular occurrence. But people get so used to feeling anxious they may just accept it as an inevitable fact of life and not seek help. Dawn Chaffey, at Light Mind Therapies, points out that feeling anxious and panicky is not something people just have to live with. And she offers people the tools and techniques they can use to break free from these debilitating feelings. “If you are experiencing these symptoms it can be really useful to talk to a counsellor about what is happening in your brain and body,” says Dawn. “A greater awareness of what triggers these feelings and symptoms can lead to increased understanding and help us to feel more in control. “Understanding the reasons behind physical symptoms helps both

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the counsellor and the client work more effectively to determine which strategies may be useful.” Dawn believes this awareness allows people to move closer to their true self. “This can be our greatest gift to ourselves, giving us the opportunity to explore what we want in life and how we would like our life to be. Becoming aware of limiting thought patterns and unwanted behaviours and exploring where these have come from can bring a sense of enormous relief and release.” Dawn teaches people coping strategies and helps them to discover tools that can empower them and enable them to work towards greater happiness, contentment and freedom. She provides a safe, non-judgmental space to share thoughts and feelings. For more information contact Dawn on 07823 493609 or visit www. lightmind-therapies.com.

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Katheryn Eliane Hope “wanting change isn’t enough.”

WELLBEING

Step outside the cage of our self-doubt

Barnfield Hill Therapy Rooms

ANY people are feeling anxiety and turmoil at the moment and the old ways of doing things no longer seem to be working. People question those in authority and want change. “But wanting change isn’t enough,” says Katheryn Eliane Hope, who offers both Transformational Coaching and Resonance Repatterning. “We need to resonate with the way we’d like things to be. And for that to happen, we first need clarity and then the conscious and unconscious beliefs, habits and wisdom to achieve new goals.” Katheryn says the way things are now represents our existing comfort zone. “It may not be what we want, but it‘s what we have come to expect and our expectancy level is all-important. Over time we set an inner-level where we feel comfortable (even if it doesn’t feel like it) but this becomes our default position, so when we begin to change, our mind will do its utmost to get us to return to our default programming. “It may create self-doubt, internal criticism, self-sabotage and to rationalise why we can’t have the

New therapy rooms for rent Light and airy rooms with own waiting room. Flexible hours and low rates for counsellors and therapists Central Exeter location new in our life. The problem with remaining within our expected limitations is that they turn into a cage where we eventually feel trapped.” To ensure our comfort zone has time to expand at a more comfortable rate, Katheryn suggests a step-bystep approach. “Our biggest growth comes from noticing, then stepping over, our moments of resistance. We listen to what is arising, take a deep breath then tell our self that this is an old story and we are creating a new healthier more positive one. “The key to opening to the new is something new every day. Introduce something fresh. Do one thing that’s different every day. It also helps to have support and this is why Transformational Coaching and Resonance Repatterning helps to recalibrate outmoded patterns.” Katheryn Hope has created a new programme called Keys To Change. Contact her on 01647 441235.

Contact: Julie McNichol 01392 256711 4 Barnfield Hill, Exeter, EX1 1SR

Thanks for yoga charity support

HE organiser of a charity International Yoga Day class, Natalie Austin, would like to say a big thank you to everyone who attended the event at Chapel House Studios. It was held in aid of the Little Footprints Memorial Garden as part of an international celebration of yoga. The class attracted a mix of new and familiar students and combined Vinyasa and Yin yoga techniques. Natalie said: “Thank you to everyone who came and donated so generously - and especially to those who donated even though they couldn’t attend the class. Natalie is continuing to run her Monday Yin yoga and Thursday Vinyasa classes throughout the Summer holidays, both at 6.30pm at Chapel House Studios in Totnes. She explained: “Yin and Vinyasa are really the ying and yang of yoga. Vinyasa is dynamic and active while YIn is passive and meditative. It is really important

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to find a style of yoga that suits your body and where you are at this time, physically and emotionally. “If you are new to yoga, I would recommend you try as many different styles as you can to find a time that suits you, a teacher you feel a connection to and a class and venue you feel good in and where you feel you can grow. “Regular yoga practice will improve your health and general sense of wellbeing on all levels - physical, psychological, emotional, mental, spiritual. Some of my students have been coming to one or both of my classes for nearly two years and the change and improvement in their practice is amazing. Yoga is challenging, but the rewards are worth every second.” She points out that classes tend to slow down over the Summer so it can be a great time to come along and try something new. Call Natalie on 07516720246 or visit www.loveyogatree.co.uk.

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WELLBEING

Bonhays Retreat Centre in Dorset venue for weekend break.

You decide what to pay for eco health retreat

MAGINE a weekend retreat in a quiet, ecofriendly location, where you can meditate, practice yoga and enjoy healthy organic food. What would that be worth to you? Yoga teacher Wendy Brooking is hosting a threeday break in Dorset in September – and you can decide how much to pay. In the spirit of Dana, a Sanskrit word meaning giving or gift, a booking deposit of £265 will cover the event costs and at the end of the event participants will choose how much to pay Wendy for her teachings and time organising the event. “I wanted to move away from traditional retreats and present a slightly more lighthearted yet healthy weekend opportunity for people interested in learning how to maintain a balanced lifestyle,” says Wendy Brooking.

InnerSense Animal Communication and Healing

Moved by horses workshop 5, 19, 27 Aug 2, 15, 24 Sept

Grieving with horses: 13 Aug, 10 and 30 Sept

07886 036102 www.innersense.me.uk

44 44

“Some yoga and meditation every day yes, but not all day. Extremely healthy food, of course, but we will be serving a glass of bubbles with the Saturday night dinner, followed by an uplifting singsong lead by a local voice coach. “On the Sunday morning after yoga we will walk down the river to the beach and enjoy a raw picnic lunch. “Top London naturopath Rhaya Jordan will join us to talk about Intuitive Eating, which is all about listening to the body. She would say put in the good stuff, of course, but the occasional treat is permissible - food is to be enjoyed and life is to be celebrated.” The yoga will be Scaravelli-inspired. Classes will be gentle and nurturing, and the emphasis will be on unravelling tension and deep release.

Wendy works with groups of mixed ability and welcomes all levels, from complete beginners to advanced and teachers. The weekend will be held at Bonhays Retreat Centre in Whitchurch Canonicorum, Dorset. To find out more and to book your place, visit www. wendybrooking.net/holistic-holidays or call Wendy on 07870 578431.

Creating a fitting tribute SIMON SMITH, of Heart & Soul Funerals, explains how funeral ceremonies can be tailored to reflect a person’s life and personality.

FUNERAL ceremony has the capacity to either contribute to the healing process or to upset because it did not ‘hit the mark’. By making the ceremony integral to the whole process of arranging a funeral, the family can draw on its own rituals as well as traditional funeral rituals to create a personal experience to say their farewells. Jack had for years played saxophone for the Sunday lunchtime jazz session at his local pub. This was a weekly ritual in his life - his religion. So when he died aged 53, his family decided to recreate the jazz club for his funeral ceremony. Following a cremation to which his sons drove him in the silver Chrysler Voyager he used for gigs, his ashes were brought to the ceremony as the centrepiece of a table of photographs and memorabilia, set out with candles. The mourners sat at tables with drinks and live music was played. Within this a more formal ceremony took place. People from different aspects of his life spoke about him, two hymns were beautifully abridged and read by a priest. Where there would normally be a committal, the ashes were removed from the room and a black and white photograph put in their place during a minute of silence. A highly unconventional funeral, everyone said it was “just Jack”, a fitting and memorable tribute to his life. Not everyone wants an unconventional funeral. The beauty and atmosphere of many churches, the liturgy, the act of singing together, radiate a sense of ancient ceremony and ritual bringing comfort to many, and this may be enough. But when the family and mourners are invited to light a tealight and place it on the coffin,

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weave a flower into a woven coffin or to leave their places and look at the pictures and messages written on a cardboard coffin, a new sense of participatory ritual is involved. It becomes their event. If the funeral needs more time and a more relaxed space, then it can take place away from the crematorium, or at least a double time can be booked. Or perhaps the family would like people to paint or write on a coffin as part of the ceremony, and so a cardboard or plain pine one needs to be chosen. The venue, coffin, type of transport and choice of person to hold the funeral all impact on the resulting ceremony. The funeral director has the opportunity to help the family think about the ceremony early in the process and to keep things open for long enough for ideas to gestate and evolve. If she links the processes leading up to the funeral with the content and nature of the ceremony itself, as an integrated whole, she helps families towards a funeral that moves them through a vital transition and which they are pleased to remember. You can demand this. You don’t need to be rushed into decisions. Simon Smith is a director of Heart & Soul Funeral Directors. He and Jane Morrell also run Green Fuse Funeral training, training run courses in Funeral Arranging and Funeral Celebrancy. Call 01803 840779 or visit www.heartandsoulfunerals.co.uk or www.greenfuse.co.uk/training.htm.

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WELLBEING Why hope is so important

OPE… Have you ever thought about the importance of it in your life? Do you have a sense of hope? Have you ever felt an absence of hope? How does having a sense of hope help you? One of the most recent breakthroughs in the field of counselling and psychotherapy has been the recognition of the importance of hope as a factor in positive therapeutic outcomes. Hope is fast becoming the main tool in the therapist’s tool bag. At the Heartwood Centre for Counselling and Psychotherapy Training student counsellors are A training session at the encouraged to ask the Heartwood Centre and, question: ‘where is the below, Dartington Estate, hope?’ home of Heartwood. Director of studies Leigh Smith said: “Working into more serious problems.” therapeutically with a client who She added: “One of the things we feels hopeless can seem like filling teach our students at Heartwood is a bottomless pit using a teaspoon. that there are times in a therapeutic When there is an absence of hope, journey when it is down to the people tend to experience a sense counsellor to hold the hope for the of pointlessness, lethargy and lack client. When a client cannot find of belief that things could ever even the faintest ember of hope it change. is the counsellor who will keep the “Our counselling training invites hope alive, blowing gently on the the students to think about their embers until the client can see the own relationship to hope, and light and feel the warmth of hope how they can facilitate working for themselves.” therapeutically when a client feels The skills required to become a there is no hope. They explore what good counsellor are very basic: the obstacles to hope might be, listening, acceptance, remaining and how to encourage even the non-judgmental, showing smallest glimmer of hope within the compassion and warmth, being counselling session. present with an open mind and an “The search for hope can feel like a open heart. The Heartwood Centre futile and lonely endeavor. People has delivered courses for over a seeking counselling for anxiety, decade which foster these natural depression, loneliness or loss can human instincts and have supported feel they have lost any chance of hundreds of students to become ever feeling hopeful again. The pain fully-qualified counsellors. they feel in relationship to this can The Heartwood Centre is situated feel excruciating, and impossible in the Dartington Hall Estate, to endure. Hope can be lost in the near Totnes. It delivers a range moment we come face to face with of training courses starting with a challenge, the situation can seem a short introductory course, right hopeless, but our hope can reappear through to graduate programs for when we have navigated the qualified counsellors. Heartwood obstacle successfully. The ebb and is accredited by the National flow of hope is natural, but when the Counselling Society and meets the hope tide is permanently out we run requirements for BACP membership. The diploma course provides students with accredited access as professional counsellors into the profession, giving direct access onto the Professional Standards Authority Register. For more information on courses starting in September call 01803 865464 or visit www. heartwoodcounselling. org.

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NEW TO THE UK – ONE DAY WORKSHOP INTRODUCING: Uses breath, bodywork and energy release to activate the Higher Brain, together with the Integral Systems approach in a daily practice to move into a fearless, authentic, deeper adventure that is your true potential. One amazing day to upgrade your physiology and truly shine!

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Love Nature? Love Yoga?

www.treesforhealth.org www.intoyogaandnature.co.uk liz@treesforhealth.org liz@intoyogaandnauture.co.uk 07765 631877

Yoga classes & nature retreats Pop-up yoga outdoors Agroforestry volunteering, tours & camps, wild food Advice on edible gardens/landscapes

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BODYMIND THERAPY

classifiedads - WELCOME TO THE RECONNECT SMALL ADS -

then £30 per session. 07974427419, adrian@gn.apc.org www.adrianharris.org COMING home to yourself - Somatic Therapy and Creative Expression Coaching for Women with Agata Krajewska. New performance group starting in September 07795002816 www. yournaturalpresence.com

COUNSELLING

DAVID OXLEY MA Fully qualified Accredited BACP counsellor and psychotherapist. Psychosynthesis and Core Process. Working with Relationship, Depth, Integrity and Soul. Central Exeter, Totnes and Plymouth. Www. davidoxleycounselling. co.uk 07876051093. FOCUSING-ORIENTED Therapy and Counselling. For people who are experiencing anxiety, stress or overwhelm. Giving you the resources to get space, peace and calm back into your life. Fiona Parr MBACP, at The Gandy Centre, Exeter, and in Liverton. 01626 821110 / 07799 027332, www. fionaparr-focusing. co.uk.

CATALYZING CHANGE Counselling and Psychotherapy with Adrian Harris, PhD, MSc. Integrative humanistic approach grounded in embodied spirituality and ecotherapy. Free initial consultation

help any problem (physical, emotional, mental, spiritual). Bookings, call 01752 500426. Distant healing available. Many blessings from illona.

REFLEXOLOGY

FOR READERS... an at-a-glance guide to services and products - plus diary dates. FOR ADVERTISERS... an affordable way to get your message across. Boxes are £55 and £98 and the lineage ads cost just 90p a word, with a minimum of 20 words. THE DEADLINE... for the Oct/Nov issue is Friday, September 1. Call 01803 868455 or email adverts@reconnectonline.co.uk.

WORKSHOPS&COURSES HOLISTIC COUNSELLOR specialising in trauma/ abuse, and for those feelings/emotions difficult to put into words working with art, sand and outside amongst nature. Annie, www. naturesway counselling.co.uk, 07760 439760.

RELAX, cleanse, balance. Full-hour, £5 off first treatment. Discount for course of 3 treatments. Based Totnes Natural Health Centre, Mon afts/ eves, Wed eves, Saturday all-day. 07522344291, nicolasuzanne@ hotmail.co.uk.

REIKI HEALING CREATIVE COUNSELLOR Heartful, Supportive Counselling. Creative Exercises including Art, Sandplay, etc. Adults, Young People, some concs available. Ruth Jenni Adv Dip Couns, 07974097787, www.oakflower. co.uk. Dartington, Buckfastleigh, Newton Abbot and on Skype.

GRIEF SUPPORT

GRIEVING and want relief? Supportive sessions by donation @ Bowden House, Totnes with counsellor/ author, Carmella B’Hahn. carmella@ heartofrelating.com 01803 867005 www. heartofrelating.com.

SO IS IT HEALING USING Words, Sound, Music, Movement, Energy, Mudras. To

BLOSSOMING TOUCH: AngelicReiki Healing with Samantha. Great for whole-being, etc. Mobile text only: 07525 361362. Email: samangelic@ gmail.com, www. samanthasangelic reikihealing.co.uk.

Small ads with BIG impact! Advertise on these classified pages for just 90p a word - email your advertisement to adverts@ reconnectonline.co.uk or call us now on 01803 868455

TUESDAYS YOGA class Tuesdays 7.30-9pm Chapel House Studios, Totnes (check dates during Aug), liz@ intoyogaandnature. co.uk, 07765631877. THURSDAYS YOGA class Thursdays 10-11.30am Harbour House, Kingsbridge (check dates during Aug) liz@intoyogaandnature. co.uk 07765631877

AUGUST Sat 13-Fri 19 DIPLOMA in Hypnotherapy, book now - a few places remaining, Totnes, admin@ bodymindworkers.com Sat 20-Sat 3 Sept FULL permaculture design certificate, Totnes, www. landmatters.org.uk

SEPTEMBER FRI 2-TUE 4 THREE-DAY retreat including yoga, meditation, singing, discussions and food. Bonhays Retreat Centre, W.Dorset. More info at www. wendybrooking.net/ holistic-holidays.

SUNDAY 4 LIFE DRAWING & Yoga Topsham... Relax,Stretch,Draw - a meditative approach to drawing the human form.10.30 to 4pm £40, 01395 223048, louisealive@outlook.com. SUNDAY 4 MINDFUL Nature Walk - 12-4.30pm East Prawle. Outdoor yoga/ meditation/ harvest wild berries/seaweed. £15. liz@intoyogaandnature. co.uk, 07765631877 Saturday 10 AN introduction to mindfulness-based counselling skills, 10am – 4pm, Plymouth, www. lotustrainingco.co.uk SAT 10-SUN 11 LOVE health, love cooking – introduction to holistic nutrition. Hands on cooking weekend, £190 including meals. Totnes, www.macroschool.co.uk. Sun 11-Fri 16 Catalyst, a development and leadership course empowering young adults to discover their true passion and purpose. 5-day

residential for 18-25yr olds, Exeter, www. embercombe.org SAT 24-SUN 25 AN introduction to Relational Body Psychotherapy – an ERT approach. A weekend workshop for practitioners, with Jayne Johnson and Stephen Tame. Studying together your and your clients’ embodied experience and the relationship between you. Bovey Tracey. Earlybird price £155. More information: http:// www.stephentame.com/ workshops/ SAT 24-SUN 25 Change your mind, change your life. A stand alone two day course for curious people. Totnes, admin@ bodymindworkers.com MON 26-FRI 30 A deep Ecological History of the Earth. How we can each play an active role in nurturing our planet’s evolution, www. schumachercollege.org. uk/short-courses TUESDAY 27 AN evening of Playback Theatre with TARTE NOIRE. Women Only. 8pm, Bogan House, High St, Totnes TQ9 5NP. Donations £10/£8, www.tartenoire.co.uk. Thursday 29 Creative writing & nature connection retreat, see website for details, www. sharphamtrust.org.

OCTOBER FRI 28-MON 31 YOGA and Nature Samhain retreat, Beeson, South Devon, liz@ intoyogaandnature. co.uk, 07765631877.

Katheryn Trenshaw Passionate Presence Centre for Creative Expression phone: +44 (0) 1803 863552 skype: katheryntrenshaw email: post@ktrenshaw.com

Re-Membering l Re-Invention l Re-Vision Two-hour, one-to-one sessions for professional, personal and artistic development - by phone or Skype

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Feel welcome to sign up for our free newsletter at

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Genesis

Create a life you love

The Genesis programme is a two and a half day programme that will change your life. In this extraordinary course, will introduce you to the exciting, life-changing power of Narrative Transformation. You will learn: ▶ What’s holding you back in life ▶ How to become the author of your life not a victim of circumstance ▶ The secret to creating a life you love By changing the negative beliefs, perceptions and ideas that hold you back, anything becomes possible. If you only do one thing for yourself this year, do this.

Here’s what people say about Genesis: “I got a huge amount from the programme. Far more than I could ever have imagined. It was brilliantly conceived, perfectly paced and really exciting.” “I got reconnected to a part of myself that I have been missing for a considerable time.”

The Genesis programme costs £199. It is part of the Experience Living series. For more information call 01392 346224 Dates of the next programme: September 9-11 November 25-27 To book, visit https://www.interbe.co/archive/experience-living-genesis/

Changing stories, changing lives

“I made a massive shift at the weekend and let go of something that had kept me stuck and caused me pain and anguish for as long as I can remember.” “I would love to have the opportunity to send every member of my family on this course (and friends) what a wonderful gift that would be…”