Reconnect dec jan 46

The good living and community magazine for Exeter, Plymouth and across South Devon DEC 16/JAN 17 ISSUE 46

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

WINTRY ILLUMINATIONS

Pleas e tak e one

FREE !

Adding sparkle to the landscape

THEY'LL GET BY... with a little help from their friends

GROWING COMMUNITY

A TIME FOR REFLECTION

Sharing space and time

Celebrating the love inside

48

fat pages full of festivities, feasting and family fun - 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.

Experience Neurogenic Yoga ! ...and Shake it off Naturally!

This deeply restorative blend of TRE® and Yoga activates our instinctive tremor release mechanism.

Described as a pleasurable, relaxing experience, Neurogenic Yoga™ effects a gentle but profound release of held tension or trauma whether emotional or physical, without having to talk about it!

It’s accessible to everyone, honouring your pace and ability in a deeply nurturing stress sensitive space.

The session completes with a deeply relaxing Yoga Nidra.

Looking forward to welcoming you.

IESSAIAH INTUITIVE HOLISTIC BODYWORK/MASSAGE ONE TO ONE FAMILY CONSTELLATIONS INTEGRATED ENERGY HEALING SPIRITUAL MENTORING

07568 504347 Devon School of Reiki Providing High Quality Usui / Holy Fire Reiki Training & Treatments

THE DEVON SCHOOL OF REFLEXOLOGY Award-winning Training in Professionalism and Excellence

Retreats, Courses for Children, Workshops & 1-2-1tuition also available

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 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 www.lisatatetherapies.co.uk IESSAIAH Psycho-spiritual holistic therapist

KATHERINE JENKINS Hypno-counselling T: 01392 811836/07890 364847 TANYA DESFONTAINES Craniosacral Therapy T: 07971 913002 E: Tanya@fifthworldcranial.co.uk

ANNA PARIS Ac.M.MBAC

BEA SVANOVA Full body massage (Swedish), Deep tissue massage, On-site/ seated massage, Indian Head massage

Hopi Ear Candles, Mindfulness,

T: 07562 755845

LESLEY HARPER

E: svanovab@gmail.com Facebook: Bea’s massage

Nutritional Therapy

VIDYADASI Buddhism & Meditation Introductory Courses (6 x Wednesdays) 5th October, 25th January

Traditional acupuncture, Toyohari 5 element & Manaka styles E: amparis1@btinternet.com SAMANTHA GODDARD

Jo’s additional practices: TRE® Tension and Trauma Release, EFT Emotional Freedom Technique, Matrix Reimprinting, Yoga, iRest, Total Yoga Nidra. www.itsallaboutfeelingbetter.co.uk

Jo Hamilton 07714253992 or email jopureyoga@gmail.com

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

Stress Advice T: 07870167701 E: sam@devonschoolofreiki.co.uk

www.lesleyharper.co.uk DR SARAH BRYAN PH.D Holistic therapeutic, sports, remedial & deep tissue massage, Myofascial Release, Clinical Aromatherapy

T: 07568 504347 E: info@iessaiah www.iessaiah.com

www.triratnadevon.org

W: www.sbholistic.co.uk

2

£10 per person.

First session £5.

Booking essential

Reiki, Massage, Sound Healing,

Ongoing group: Wednesdays 7 - 9.15 (suggested donation £5)

and transformational energy healer

Classes see www.itsallaboutfeelingbetter.co.uk/classes/ 1:1 sessions also available.

T: 07949 654779

Advertising: 01392 346342 adverts@reconnectonline.co.uk

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

Upfront IT'SWHATWE'REABOUT

Broughttoyou by...

IN THISISSUE...

HE’S SCOTT IT!

5

Your new editor...

EDITOR Martin Foster

RUBBISH CHRISTMAS 6

And how not to have one

FESTIVE FUN 9

Seasonal events snapshot EDITOR-IN-WAITING Scott Williams

GOING OUT 11

Places to go, people to see

ORGANIC GARDENING 12 WELLBEING EDITOR Kate Philbin

Giving up digging

DADFEST/MUMFEST 12 2017 dates revealed

ADMIN MANAGER Beth Foster

FESTIVE FEASTING 16 Topical tips from Jane

Sharpham - page 36

Mudtots - page 23

SHARE SHOP

20

WELCOME... to the December/January, Christmas/Solstice/New Year issue - and I wish you a joyous and happy season whether you celebrate religion, custom or simple (but most powerful of all) human spirit.

This is a hugely significant issue for me for all sorts of reasons.

For one, it’s my last as editor/publisher. Yes, as from the next issue, the lovely Scott Williams will be in the driving seat and I will only be co-driver. And thereafter, merely an occasional hitch-hiker.

It’s been an absolute blast and you’re all absolutely wonderful... but I’m starting to get emotional and none of us need that, so turn to page 5 to find out more about Scott, and to page 22 to read a more sensible and considered farewell from me.

And on page 4 you’ll find the saddest farewell of all - to the lovely Robin Currie.

Otherwise the issue is pretty much full of festive celebration and kids. So, farewell, thank you, love each other and do what you do for the kids.

EARTH WORDS 22

Caspar Walsh inspires

MORE FOLLOWS 22 Such sweet sorrow

MUDTOTS 23

COVERSTORY...

The good living and community magazine for Exeter, Plymouth and across South Devon DEC 16/JAN 17 ISSUE 46

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

WINTRY ILLUMINATIONS

Please take one

FREE !

Adding sparkle to the landscape

It’s simply child’s play!

WINTER WILDLIFE 24

How to help wild birds

WELLBEING PAGES 29

FEATURES WRITER Jon Stein

A little seasonal kindness FOOD WRITER Jane Hutton

WEBSITE EDITORS www.doetsdesign.com

THEY'LL GET BY... with a little help from their friends

Homegrown holistic health

EMOTIONAL HEALTH 32

GROWING COMMUNITY

A TIME FOR REFLECTION

Sharing space and time

Celebrating the love inside

48

fat pages full of festivities, feasting and family fun - powered by people!

Visit us online at www.reconnectonline.co.uk

And if you book six, you pay for just five - a saving of 16%

howto advertise...

PLACE an advertisement in Reconnect and we’ll put your message out across South Devon 8500 copies every other month.

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x

Martin

Library of stuff to open

COVER IMAGES Main pic by Samjhana) www. samjhanamoon. com). Bottom pics, from left: life at Embercombe (www. embercombe.co.uk); Winter feeding

by David Tipling (rspb-images.com); advent spiral at South Devon Steiner School (www. steiner-south-devon. org.

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All that and editorial too!

Editorial is free for advertisers and is written by our team of professional journalists who will get your message across without compromising your ethos.

Like you, we are a small, ethical, independent business doing what we love. And we’d love to help you.

Call us now for a chat.

FEB/MAR issue out end of January - next deadline Jan 1 THESMALLPRINT...

PUBLISHED BY Reconnect Magazine, 18 Millin Way, Dawlish Warren EX7 0EP PRINTED BY Kingfisher Print, Wills Rd, Totnes www.kingfisherprint.co.uk WEBSITE Visit our website at www. reconnectonline.co.uk. 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: 01392 346342 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

3

news&views Fun and games in the orchard

Free tickets for young people TWO hundred young people from Exeter’s secondary schools and colleges are being given free theatre tickets.

The Bike Shed Theatre has teamed up with Hawksmoor Investment Management to give complimentary tickets to students who might not ordinarily be able to attend.

Visiting in small groups up to five, they will also have the chance to meet the cast and the creative team to find out more about the production and how new shows are created.

Students from West Exe school, Isca College, St James and St Peters, Exeter College and Exmouth Community College will receive free tickets for any show until next September.

Jill Gill of Hawksmoor Investment Management said: “This will enable students to experience theatre in a way they would never have done before - if at all. We very much look forward to supporting this exciting initiative within the local community.’

The project is part of The Bike Shed Theatre’s wider aim to connect local businesses with culture and offer opportunities to people in the local community.

To find out more, email kelly@bikeshedtheatre. org.uk. l Fancy a trip to the theatre or a local gig over the holiday period?

Check out our snapshot of local shows on page 9 and our unique Going Out guide on page 11.

Seed sale

THERE’S an opportunity to stock up on your vegetable seeds for the coming year at a seed sharing/buying event in February.

Bovey Tracey’s Seedy Saturday is at 10am2pm at the Community Garden, Methodist Church Hall.

Seeds are just 50p per packet, entrance is free and you’ll find gardening advice, homemade soup, cakes and a tombola.

There’s also disabled access.

Put it in your diary.

4

Winter sun inspires a time of quiet reflection

W

ITH the sun at its lowest in the sky and the nights at their longest, advent (the weeks preceding Christmas), is a time for quiet reflection and preparation.

“It’s a time to find the light within to carry one through the darkness of Winter,” says Kaycee Fordham of South Devon Steiner School.

Symbolically, Steiner Schools globally mark the start of this period with an Advent Spiral or Winter Garden. Children (from three years), parents and teachers walk a spiral form on the floor made from greenery, moss and crystals, to a central lit candle. They light a candle of their own and re-trace their steps out of the spiral, placing their candle within the spiral along the way.

“This takes place in a darkened space, usually accompanied by very soft lyre or recorder music - no words are spoken,” Kaycee explained.

“As the number of candles grows, so does the magical atmosphere. It has a serenity, a subtle beauty and provides the participants with a deep feeling of peace.

“At the end of Advent comes Christmas, a celebration of the Birth of Light as the days begin gradually to lengthen and nature slowly begins to re-awaken. Marking the weeks of Advent with candles upon a wreath, creates an inner picture of the outer light preparing to return.”

Visit www.southdevonsteinerschool.org.

Farewell to a loving man and pure life force

I

T is with a truly heavy heart that I report the death and celebrate the life of Robin Currie, right.

Robin will be best known to many of our readers as ethical financial adviser and Reconnect columnist. But what you might not realise is that without Robin, Reconnect would simply not exist.

He had been an enthusiastic supporter and contributor to Reconnect’s predecessor, Connect, and after its demise campaigned long and hard for my partner-in-crime Pete Hardy and I to come back with another publication.

Eventually, with some financial assistance from Robin, Reconnect was born (he even suggested the name) and he went on to support it with advertising from Barchester Green, the ethical investment company of which he had become a director. And then, of course, there were his columns, which were always, but somehow never entirely, about money and its energetic effects on individuals and communities.

When his illnesses, first

Semantic dementia, and later Motor Neurone Disease were diagnosed, he reluctantly stepped back from professional life, but kept a presence in the magazine with advertisements for what he called his “weird and wonderful” (and they were certainly both of those) ceramics.

But as big a part as he played in the creation and success of Reconnect, his life was so much bigger than that.

Bigger than many lives, in fact. Robin has always been a writer (how I wish he’d finished that novel featuring

Advertising: 01392 346342 adverts@reconnectonline.co.uk

the spiritual detective) and a performer too: from comedy sketches in earlier life; through clowning (he ran workshops to help people discover their inner-clown); onto his explosive Making Friends With Money workshops (which used people’s relationship with money as a gateway to far deeper inner-exploration) and, more recently, other spiritual exploration.

But beyond, and undoubtedly at the foundation of, everything he created and explored and shared and inspired, Robin was the perfect example of pure life force – a dynamic, positive, sharing, inspiring and loving man.

There was much talk at his funeral about Robin’s farewells, which frequently (and always in his latter days) included the words ‘I love you’ and ‘Have a wonderful life’.

But it’s his greetings that live on for me; his simple welcoming, open-armed, human warmth.

And at a time when we’re all saying goodbye, I think Robin might quite enjoy the irony of being remembered for his hellos.

MF

THE lovely people at Orchard Link have got a couple of interesting events coming up.

First up is a winter pruning workshop, which will take place at Ashprington Community Orchard, where they have 50 different traditional varieties, which were planted in 1999, so there are plenty of different trees to work on.

It will be led by Charles Staniland on Saturday, December 3, 10am3pm. The workshop’s free – just take gloves, secateurs, pruning saw, lunch, waterproofs, strong footwear. Or any of those that you have.

If you prefer something a little more creative (I know, I know, a well-pruned tree is itself a thing of beauty), you might fancy a workshop called How To Run A Wassail Event.

It’s on Thursday December 1, so you need to move fast, but it does sound fun, including “an overview of wassail traditions, activities, creating atmosphere, ceremony, music, outcomes for your group…”

And it’s just in time for 2017 wassails – they’re usually held around 12th night, which is January 17.

This one’s at Follaton House, 6-8pm, so it’ll be cosy warm with plenty of parking.

The workshops are part of the Growing Orchard Communities project, both free, but both with a limit on spaces, so email first community@orchardlink. org.uk.

Herbal day

THERE’S a chance to help out with a great project, learn from a herbalist and hang out with some lovely people at the Althaea Healing Garden and Dispensary, near Littlehempston.

Get along to their volunteer gardening sessions, 11am3pm on the first Thursday of the month. Call Peter on 07905 517972.

City market

EXETER’S Christmas Market returns to the Cathedral Green, open daily until Sunday December 18, with stalls offering “unique, handmade and unusual gifts, decorations and food items”.

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

The new Mr Reconnect, Scott Williams.

NEWS&views Exeter choir

Scott’s the new man at Reconnect controls Show of Hands plan local gigs FANS of folk heroes Show of Hands (we saw them at Dartington a while back and it somehow seemed like we’d known them forever) can catch them at a series of gigs in Exmouth – the last chance to see them before their big Albert Hall concert next Easter to celebrate their 25th anniversary.

The Topsham duo, Steve Knightley and Phil Beer will again be joined by their long-standing double bassist/vocalist Miranda Sykes.

They’ll be at Exmouth Pavillion (just yards from the folk club where it all began for them) on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, December 8-10, appearing each night at 7.30pm. Tickets are £22 on 01395 222477.

THE Exeter Male Voice Choir tell us they are holding a concert in the city’s South Street Baptist Church at 7.30pm on Saturday, December 10.

The programme will include traditional, spiritual and popular songs with some singalong festive favourites.

Tickets are £7 on the door. Call 07733 135711 for more information.

D

EAR readers, will you please give a warm and friendly welcome (as only you know how) to the new publisher and editor of Reconnect, Scott Williams.

As regulars will know (and sorry for the shock if this is the first you heard of it), I have decided to hand on the business so I can concentrate on other things (see my More Follows columns on page 22 for lots more about how I’m not saying much about that at the moment).

I have been hugely encouraged and humbled by the fact that so many people expressed an interest in the Reconnect business. But while they all had good intent and their hearts were undoubtedly in the right place, not everyone had the whole package: a passion for the subject; the practical and technical knowledge to put it together; the means to make it happen.

Enter Scott Williams. I liked Scott from his first email. It’s immediately obvious he cares about people - individuals, family and community – and values everything that Reconnect stands for. He’s also got the practical skills necessary for putting together a regular magazine – his portfolio includes books, magazines and, for the past seven years or so, putting together efestivals.co.uk, the lively and reliable festivals website.

And, most important of all, he has a relaxed, self-deprecating manner that makes him easy to work with. Friendly and professional: it’s what makes Reconnect work.

But let’s hear from the man himself: “I’d first

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like to say hello to all Reconnect readers and advertisers,” said Scott. “I’ve enjoyed reading the magazine for years now and, like many readers, already somehow feel a part of it.

Now though I am privileged to be able to take it on and work with you all to produce future issues.

“I love the magazine for what it is and don’t want to lose any of that – I’ll be working with much the same team and all the much-loved regular features will remain. Even Martin’s More Follows column will still be there (You can’t get rid of me that easily – MF).

“But I hope I can also bring something new and look forward to growing some areas of the magazine over the coming years. It’s important to me that I continue to get the same feedback and input that Martin has enjoyed over the years. You know where I am – please get in touch!”

You can call Scott on 01392 346342 or email him at editor@reconnectonline.co.uk.

Late shopping

TOTNES will once again stage late-night shopping nights on the three Tuesdays leading up to Christmas – December 6, 13 and 20.

Many of the town’s unusual mix of shops will be open into the evening and there will be a wide range of eclectic gift and food stalls. We’ll be near a mulled wine stall...

Wreath-making THERE’S a Christmas wreath-making workshop at Exeter Phoenix on Saturday, December 3, 2-4.30pm. Find out more at www.exeterphoenix. org.uk

Editorial: 01392 346342 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

5

news&views Why we’d love you to stay local OKAY, so this is where we get slightly naggy and maybe a little preachy - and make no apology for it whatsoever.

Please, please, buy locally this Christmas.

Please support local, independent stores - and tell the people for whom the presents are intended where you bought them and why.

Please support local makers. Yes, it will cost you more than stuff imported from overseas - that’s because the local craftspeople have to pay to live here like we do. But without our support, these skills will die out - or become the preserve of the wealthy.

Please buy consciously. Don’t just hand over your cash because the marketing departments and TV commercials tell you to. Buy what you really want to buy.

Please support local producers, markets and shops. Even if you only source your Christmas dinner locally, it will make a difference.

And you’ll taste the difference too.

So please keep it local (or at least more local) this Christmas. Keep money in the local community and help businesses, businesses that really care and matter, to thrive.

6

How to avoid having a rubbish Christmas OVER Christmas, the average UK household generates at least 25% more rubbish. Devon Community Recycling Network co-ordinator Ben Bryant gives his tips for reducing waste Wrapping and cards THE UK uses more than 8,000 tonnes of wrapping paper annually. That’s the equivalent of 55,000 trees and enough paper to reach the moon. If paper tears easily and the paper fibres are visible it’s generally good for recycling - so avoid shiny foil wrapping or plasticised paper with glitter unless you can re-use it. Plain brown paper makes nice traditional wrapping and you can beautify with your own decoration - just simple ribbon looks good.

Brown paper can be reused as a liner for your food waste caddy or put into your home composter.

Or try something truly alternative.

Furoshiki is a traditional Japanese wrapping cloth that can be used for bundling or gift-wrapping all sorts of things. Imagine origami using fabrics. It’s a simple,

multi-functional piece of beautiful cloth being reused again and again - it can even be tied into a handbag or used as a scarf, a baby blanket or a wall hanging.

Online demonstrations of the many different folds can be found on YouTube.

Don’t feel like a miser for saving decent pieces of wrapping paper

Advertising: 01392 346342 adverts@reconnectonline.co.uk

for next year or for cutting up Christmas cards to use as gift labels. It makes good sense. By using ribbon or string rather than tape it’s easier to salvage materials for reuse.

It’s estimated that up to a billion Christmas cards are exchanged across the UK each festive season.

So try to buy Christmas cards and

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

Christmas tree recycling, left, and bottom, an example of furoshiki, a traditional Japanese wrapping cloth. other paper-based products with high recycled content, or better still try sending ecards.

Visit www.recyclenow. com for lots of Christmas craft and waste saving ideas.

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You can make your own Christmas decorations, Christmas cards out of scrap resources, even your own Christmas crackers. For more info and inspiration contact your local Scrapstore - Plymouth, Torbay, Kingsbridge and Exeter all have one. They often run Christmas decoration making workshops to help get you into the spirit.

Visit www.dcrn.org. uk/projects to locate community recycling projects in your area.

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BEAUTIFUL ROOMS for Bodywork practitioners.

Food Love Food Hate Waste campaign www. lovefoodhatewaste.com provides great recipes for using Christmas leftovers and gives excellent guidance on planning Christmas shopping, freezing and reusing leftovers plus saving energy.

Birds love Christmas leftovers too; scraps of fruit cake and mince pies will also provide energy and nutrients to help them through the winter months.

Be sure to Home Compost all those vegetable peelings and all uncooked food (except meat). For tips on home composting visit Devon Community Composting network www.dccn. org.uk

Presents of mind Consider calling a present amnesty between friends or family, and focus on spending quality time together, or buy presents from charity shops for proper retail therapy.

You don’t have to buy new stuff for people - choose to reuse. And don’t feel it’s wrong to pass on an item you no longer use as a present for someone else who will like it and use it. Consider making presents for your friends and loved ones -

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FOR TALKING THERAPIES AND HOLISTIC HEALTH

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

remember that personal touch is much more meaningful.

Festive leftovers Any unwanted presents can be donated to charity shops or given to someone in need. Try using online sites like Freecycle or Freagle, and for local people offering and requesting items for free or fair price visit www.trashnothing.com

(Exeter’s Holistic and Ethnic Shop)

Find out more Search for ‘Devon Community Recycling and Composting Networks’ on Facebook for regular updates and recycling tips. If you are interested in recycling and resource-related projects to help your community recycle more and waste less, email info@dcrn.org. uk for info and support.

Visit www.recycledevon.org for details of Christmas waste services offered by your local council, including revised collection dates and recycling centre opening times. A list of recycling bank locations is also worth checking to help you keep on top of the waste produced over Christmas.

Remember, local authorities can be overstretched over Christmas and the New Year, so you could store your dry recycling for a while if you have enough space.

Has now moved up the road to:96 Fore Street, EX4 3HY

(same side, top of Fore St, opposite St Olave’s Church) Come and see our incredible, expanded range of products Many wonderful gifts for Yuletide/Christmas!

Tel: 01392 410759 Mobile: 07773282861 Email: info@evolution-exeter.co.uk Website: www.evolution-exeter.co.uk Facebook: www.facebook.com/evolutionexeter

Editorial: 01392 346342 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

7

news&views Do you recall your first story?

C

AN you remember the first time someone told you a story?

Elly Crichton Stuart, right, was fortunate to have an Irish grandmother who “told us stories after Sunday lunch…”

She says: “They were all true and about her connection with animals and spirit. They Elly Crichton Stuart opened a gateway for me” Now, after working as a professional storyteller for years, Elly loves to pass on her skills and will be offering a course over six evenings, starting on February 28 in central Totnes.

Her first Totnes-based group has been running since October, and Elly is really looking forward to hearing their final stories.

Brenda, who is on the course, said: “I’m enjoying your class very much and finding there are many spin-off benefits....it’s also great fun and very absorbing.”

Elly says: “People are always surprised the effect storytelling has on them. It connects us to the part of our brain, which scientists have come to understand is where creativity is located. Storytelling is now being employed in many different ways. I have worked with Richard Olivier, who works in business with story; with historic royal palaces in the process of re-branding and wanting to understand how they could tell their many stories in a different way; and with families, teachers, young people and children through The British Council on their exhibition The Magic Pencil. I feel very privileged to have had such enriching experiences.”

Visit www.ellystoryteller.com, call Elly Crichton Stuart on 01803 847986, or email ellycstuart@gmail.com.

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Pride already looking good for 2017

W

ORK has already begun on Exeter Pride 2017 – Devon’s biggest free celebration of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender, and one of the first in the UK summer LGBT+ calendar.

The ninth annual event will be held on May 13, 2017, and will begin with the always popular rainbow flag parade from the St Sidwell Centre, down Exeter High Street to Northernhay Gardens, Exeter Phoenix, Exeter Library and Rougemont Gardens - where a packed programme of activities will await.

Plans include: a bigger Pride Marketplace, with dozens of stalls from various organisations, a health zone, workshops, film shows, panel debate, trans workshop and many other activities.

A full programme of stage acts will include local performers, bands, choirs and one or two exciting surprise guests throughout the day - plus a yet to be announced headline act at the Exeter Pride Live Eurovision Party in Exeter Phoenix during the evening.

Chris Scadden, the newly elected chair of Exeter Pride committee, said: “Exeter Pride is a celebration of the city and county’s LGBT+ communities. It’s about us having pride in

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our contributions to not just a vibrant and diverse city, but all of Devon - and the city and county having pride in us.

“It’s also important that, in the 50th anniversary year of the passing of the Sexual Offences Act and the beginning of the decriminalisation of homosexuality in the UK, Exeter and Devon show a message of hope, solidarity and support to International LGBT+ communities still facing oppression, imprisonment and often violence.

He added: “We are currently welcoming approaches from those who would like to get involved as volunteers, have a stall or be a partner or sponsor.”

Email Chris at chair@exeterpride.co.uk or pr@exeterpride.co.uk . Visit www. exeterpride.co.uk, Twitter (@exeterpride), or Facebook (Facebook.com/exeterpride).

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ALL rested up with nowhere to go? The festive/New Year season gives many of us extra leisure time to enjoy - but what to do? Well, we’ve got our usual unique guide to alternative events across the area on page 11, but wouldn’t a snapshot of arts and theatre events be useful? Look no further (and allow Foster one last bad pun)...

Elementary, my dear - what’s on?

U NPLUG the Christmas TV and get out there for some live, Christmas stage action!

In no particular order, we’ll start with Exeter, where the award-winning Bristol-based theatre company and folk band Fine Chisel are staging a brand new show for Christmas at the Bike Shed Theatre.

Bursting with foot-stomping live music, Beneath The Blizzard is a playful piece of theatre, set in a near-future version of Exeter and about the search for Christmas cheer down the darkest of tunnels.

It runs from December 8 until January 7 and you can find out more at www. bikeshedtheatre.co.uk, or call 01392 434169 to book.

Exeter revellers looking for something a little wilder, and definitely for the over-18s, visit Exeter Phoenix on Saturday, December 10, and immerse yourself in the fourth Annual Steampunk Yule Ball for a night of naughty and nautical music, drama, images and fun.

The same venue is also home to the Phonic FM Christmas Party with Don Letts on Saturday, December 17, and Quirk Theatre’s family Christmas show, Ernie and The Sea of Ice from December 18 until January 3 (with a special ‘relaxed performance’ on December 18 for audiences including, but not exclusive to, children and adults with an Autistic Spectrum Condition or learning disability.

Beneath the Blizzard, left; Geoff Lakeman, top, and Miles Jupp, above.

Snow business IT’S not all Christmas capers, of course - there are loads of simple great one-nighters on too.

The ever-impressive Kingskerswell Parish Church have Changing Room (with support Dr Al & The Snowbirds) on December 2; a YuleTide Special Revue with Tobias Ben Jacob, Jess McAllister and guests on December 9; Glorious Chorus (with support from Estuary Bells) on December 10; and Jo Harman (with support from Exeter Lucia Singers) on December 11. More info and tickets from www. worldunlimited.co.uk and 01803 875527.

Exeter Phoenix has: The Damned (December 4); Glen Tilbrook (December 16); and The Simmertones (January 28). Full rundown at www. exeterphoenix.org.uk.

Geoff Lakeman will launch his first solo CD on Thursday January 12 at the B-Bar (at Plymouth’s Barbican Theatre).

And there’s comedy too including Miles Jupp at Exeter Northcott, where he’s added an extra show due to public demand. He’s now there January 10 and 11. More at www. exeternorthcott.co.uk.

All the facts and figures and online booking at www.exeterphoenix.org. uk.

Exeter’s Northcott is playing host to a production of Peter Pan until January 1, directed by Paul Jepson and featuring all your favourites. Check out www. exeternorthcott.co.uk to find out more.

In Plymouth, the Barbican Theatre’s Christmas show is The Jungle Book, courtesy of the zany Le Navet Bete – the sixth Christmas show they have staged at the theatre. Jam-packed with jungle japes and animal antics to amuse and entertain the whole family.

It runs from December 13 until January 15 with just a couple of days off (December 25 and 26). Get the full story at www.barbicantheatre. co.uk.

Christmas lights - with added glitz LOOKING for something a little different to tickle your festive fancy? Get down (get on down) to Astro Raggi, artist Megan Broadmeadow’s disco-inspired solo exhibition at the Plymouth Arts Centre. Broadmeadow’s installation of sculptural and video works takes us inside the mind and machines of Pasquale Quadri, the Italian inventor who revolutionised the world of disco lighting from his mother’s kitchen table.

The installation runs until January 7 - www.plymouthartscentre.org.

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9

Swami Aliyananda Paramahansa of the World Peace Mission.

NEWS&views School report

Exploring the art of shopping locally Conference for world peace THE World Peace Mission annual conference will run February 25-26 at the Queens Hotel in Penzance.

The World Peace Mission was founded 20 years ago by Penzance-based Beth Holman (now Swami Aliyananda Paramahansa).

The conference brings together a variety of international speakers and filmmakers, addressing the theme of working towards peace in a world of extreme conflict.

Speakers will include Mark Kidel, who will show a documentary film of the life of Ravi Shankar. For bookings, call The Queens Hotel on 01736 362371, or to find out more, email emerald.giogio@ worldpeacemission.com.

S

HOPPING locally is one thing… A really good thing, obviously, but consider too where the goods you’re buying are actually made.

Jane and Penny of artworks, the crafts shop/ gallery in South Brent, say they have so much creativity right on their doorstep that they have little need to travel for stock.

“Printmaker Louise Scammell lives no more than 20 metres from the shop,” says Jane, “and if you want a handmade book, it will have been produced at the most 50 metres away.

“Slightly further, perhaps a minute’s walk from the shop, an accomplished knitter produces wonderful hand-knitted hats, scarves, cushions and snoods.”

Looking for a candlemaker? There are two in South Brent, one using her own South Brentproduced beeswax, says Penny.

“And within 10 minutes’ walk of artworks you can find an origami-maker, some wonderful painters and sculptors, a producer of silk scarves, the source of Jane Wellens’ pottery and Foxgloves knitwear, and Colin Ross’s furniture workshop.”

Almost everything at Artworks is made in Devon, and most of the work is made within 10 miles of South Brent.

Find out more at www. artworksouthbrent.co.uk.

PROPOSALS for a new secondary school for South Devon have been submitted to the Department for Education.

The Dart School, proposed by a group of local educators and parents, has submitted an application for a new secondary school for 600 students to open in 2018. If their application is approved, the next stage will be a “rigorous interview” with the Department for Education, after which they will hear whether their school has been given the go-ahead.

Find out more at www. thedartschool.org or email thedartschool@gmail.com.

Make incense

YOU’VE probably seen Peter Neumann’s Touchfire multi-coloured, multiperfumed candles at South Devon shops and markets.

There’s a chance to get along to one of his incensemaking workshops in Totnes on December 4, 1.305.30pm.

Choose from over 200 materials, £30. Find out more from Peter on 07905 517972 or email peter@ touchfire.co.uk.

A is for... a really fruitful year!

I

T has been a truly fruitful year for the 22 community orchards signed up to Growing Orchard Communities (GOC) in South Devon.

The project, which aims to support local people to manage healthy orchards for the whole community to enjoy, is run by Orchard Link, supported by the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Unit and funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Over the past 12 months, GOC has run its target number of 10 site development workshops, which have been very popular with volunteers from the member groups.

There have been three “successful, fun and busy” network days on themes of biodiversity, produce and involving communities, where members met up to chat over ideas and development in their orchards - as well as learn a few things along the way.

For the Autumn even,t the Holbeton community orchard played host to a day cooking, tasting and chatting about all things harvest, produce and preserving.

At this time of year it has all been about the apples – and many of the community orchards have been organising and running Apple Days.

10 took place across the project area and many apples were peeled, bobbed, pressed, scrutinized and juiced Fran McLoughlin, head at Sparkwell school, said: “We worked with the local community to plant an orchard and host an Apple Day in the village hall. We really enjoyed and benefitted from being part of this and hope to continue to engage

10

in this wider way again.”

Nicky Bailey AONB community projects officer said “We also went to Dartmouth Food festival where we were mobbed all weekend! People were so interested to see the press working and taste the juice made in the community orchard just up the road. The Dartmouth group had lots of interest form potential volunteers.”

Another part of the project has been about the new Orchard Link website (www. orchardlink. org.uk), which offer information on all aspects of orchard organization and care, from apple day activities to tips for bench grafting.

Looking ahead there will be a programme of group development workshops to run over Winter and Spring and the next network event on February 4, which will be all about Celebrating Heritage.

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Goingout OUR BIGGUIDETO BIG LOCAL EVENTS ART&CRAFT KURT JACKSON: REVISITING TURNER’S TOURISM Until 04 Dec Contemporary British artist Kurt Jackson visits 12 locations in Devon and Cornwall depicted in the work of landscape painter Turner. Royal Albert Memorial Museum RAMM, Queen Street, Exeter, 10am to 5pm.

CAFE EXHIBITION:THE NUMINOUS BY JEMMA CHOLAWO Until 08 Dec Exhibition of black and white photographs and paintings captures the forces of nature in landscapes touched by wild weather.

Royal Albert Memorial Museum - RAMM, Queen Street, Exeter, 10am to 5pm.

CHRISTMAS 2016 Until 14 Jan The gallery celebrates a decade of festive shows with this mixed exhibition. Artmill Gallery, 83 Hyde Park Road, Plymouth, 9.30am to 5.00pm.

MAKE 2016 CONTEMPORARY CRAFTS FOR CHRISTMAS Until 02 Jan 50 designer-makers from across the UK, with works in a variety of disciplines and with a range of prices to suit everyone. Devon Guild of Craftsmen, Riverside Mill, Bovey Tracey, 10.00am to 5.30pm.

PRESENT MAKER Until 11 Dec Jewellery, glassworks,

DECEMBER 16/JANUARY 17

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 01392 346342.

GO ON, UNPLUG THE TV AND CATCH SOME LIVE LOCAL ENTERTAINMENT - SEE PAGE 9 textiles, printmaking and painting in an eclectic exhibition just in time for Christmas.

Harbour House, The Promenade, Kingsbridge, 10am to 5pm.

HIROSHIGE’S JAPAN: STATIONS OF THE TOKAIDO Until 16 Feb Exhibition showcasing a selection of Japanese woodblock prints from the series that made Utagawa Hiroshige one of the best known of all Japanese artists.

Royal Albert Memorial Museum - RAMM, Queen Street, Exeter, 10am to 5pm.

WINTER EXHIBITION THE ART OF GIVING 01 Dec to 23 Dec A mixed show, including Robert Lenkiewicz, Charles Jamieson, Michael Hill and John Hurford.

Brownston Gallery, 36 Church Street, Modbury, 10am to 5pm.

RE-IMAGINED STATES 03 Dec to 17 Dec This exhibition

seeks to highlight the relationships “in our social lives, the imperative of innovation and the societal search for personal equality, economic, cultural quality, and community wellbeing”, Peninsula Arts, Peninsula Arts Gallery, Plymouth, 11am to 4pm.

EXETER’S FINE ART COLLECTION: SEASONS 25 Dec to 25 Feb A selection of drawings, watercolours and oil paintings from RAMM’s collection with a seasonal theme.

Royal Albert Memorial Museum - RAMM, Queen Street, Exeter, 10am to 5pm.

DAVE ROPER IS ARTIST IN RESIDENCE 17 Jan to 28 Jan Watch Dave Roper’s mixed media plaques and sculptures being created.

Harbour House, The Promenade, Kingsbridge, 10am to 5pm.

The Damned - Exeter Phoenix on December 4.

Reeves and Mortimer - Plymouth Pavillions on December 7

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CLASSICAL MUSIC CONCERT FOR ADVENT 03 Dec Music by Poulenc, Handel, Rutter, Adams, Chilcott and others. West Devon Chorale, Buckfast Abbey, Buckfastleigh, 7.15pm to 9pm.

HALLELUJAH! IT’S CHRISTMAS! 10 Dec (and other dates) The choir will be singing Christmas classics - South Devon Choir, Central Church, Torquay, 7.30pm to 9.30pm.

CAROLS IN THE CATHEDRAL 14 Dec to 15 Dec Carol concert, performed on two nights Tickets £10/14 at www. exephil.org.uk, Exeter Philharmonic Choir, Exeter Cathedral, Exeter, 7.30-9.30pm.

CLASSICAL MUSIC 08 Dec Plymouth University Orchestra performs as part of Plymouth

University Music Week., Peninsula Arts, Davy Main Hall, Plymouth, 8pm.

CHRISTMAS CONCERT 10 Dec Uplifting and celebratory music, Peninsula Arts, Minister Church of St Andrew, Plymouth, 7.30pm.

JOSEPH HAYDN 11 Dec Christmas Concert in the Great Hall, Dartington, Dartington Community Choir, The Great Hall, Totnes, 7.30pm.

COMEDY REEVES AND MORTIMER - THE POIGNANT MOMENTS TOUR 07 Dec Much madness from the legendary duo.

Plymouth Pavilions, 7.30pm.

MILES JUPP 10/11 Jan The host of Radio 4’s News Quiz, and a brilliant stand-up in his own right, performs

two nights at the Northcott Theatre in Exeter.

JACK WHITEHALL AT LARGE 21 Jan Biggest tour ever by the stand-up star who parents hate. Plymouth Pavilions, 8pm.

CRAFT WORKSHOPS ONE-DAY COLLAGRAPH PRINT WORKSHOP 02 Dec Join artist printmaker Simon Ripley and celebrate your favourite spot in Devon whether it is your street, a local landmark or a sweeping vista. Royal Albert Memorial Museum - RAMM, Queen Street, Exeter, 10.00am to 4.00pm.

CHRISTMAS WREATH MAKING 06 Dec and 08 Dec Make your own Christmas wreath in the Castle’s Servants Hall with Sarah Pepper. Booking essential on 01626 890243, Powderham Castle, Kenton, Exeter, 10.00am to 4.30pm.

FAMILY EVENTS HANNAHS WINTER WONDERLAND Until 23 Dec The Edwardian Quad at Hannahs is transformed into a Winter Wonderland, with a skating rink, a giant 50 foot snowman, pop-up gift and food stalls, musical Christmas light shows and regular snow showers - www. winterwonderland. org.uk, Hannahs at Seale-Hayne, Howton Lane, Newton Abbot.

TOTS GO WILD FOR CHRISTMAS 05 Dec to 09 Dec A Christmassy morning for tots with festive storytelling, a glittering Christmas trail and Christmas CONTINUED OVER

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11

GOING OUT

westdorsethub

Kevara Kelzmer Ceilidh - St Matthew’s Hall, Exeter, December 9.

CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

day at the Kids Cookery School All ingredients provided and goodies to take home and share at Christmas time, Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust, Occombe Farm, Paignton, 10.00am to 4.00pm.

craftswork, Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust, Occombe Farm, Paignton, 9.30am to 11.30am.

THE BEST CHRISTMAS PRESENT IN THE WORLD 02 Dec Narrated by Michael CHARLIE Morpurgo and Virginia HEARNSHAW’S McKenna with songs MUNJENTA CAFE performed by cappella 04 Dec group Voices at the Saxophonist Charlie Door. For children Hearnshaw and his and adults of all ages exciting Latin-American in aid of, Farms for band, Plymouth Jazz City Children, Exeter Club, The Royal British Cathedral, Exeter, THE NEW WAY TO GET EVENTS Legion Club, Plymouth, 7.30pm to 9.00pm.

7.30pm to 10.30pm.

INTO RECONNECT MAGAZINE ACCORDING TO THE DAMNED ARTHUR 04 Dec 14-23 Dec Your event Post-punk rockers Young, energetic and will alsoExeter gain still rocking. inventive show for all Phoenix, Gandy Street, the family - from 3 valuable www.exeterphoenix. upwards! Barnfield org.uk. and Theatre, Exeter. immediately PLYMOUTH CHRISTMAS KIDS UNIVERSITY exposureMUSIC online COOKERY WEEK - SOUNDINGS 19 Dec 05 Dec to 09 Dec A Christmas Special

Get your events in RECONNECT mag MUSIC GIGS Register at: reconnecthub.co.uk then add your events.

It’s easy & totally free.

Sharpham Events & Retreats

DECEMBER Sat 10 Sat 17 Thurs 22 Thurs 22 Thurs 29 Thurs 29

Christmas willow decorations workshop: 10am - 4pm Christmas willow decorations workshop: 10am - 4pm Christmas meditation retreat at The Barn - 6 nights Christmas meditation retreat at Sharpham House - 5 nights New Year meditation retreat at The Barn - 6 nights New Year meditation retreat at Sharpham House - 5 nights

£25 £20 FULL FULL FULL FULL

JANUARY Fri 6 Wed 11 Sat 14 Mon 16 Wed 18 Sun 22 Sat 28

Mindfulness for Beginners retreat - 3 nights Creating Space - mindfulness for women retreat - 4 nights Mindfulness taster session (Torquay), 10am - 12pm Mindfulness & Yoga retreat - 3 nights Mindfulness for Health & Well-being: 8-wk course, 7pm - 9pm Mindfulness taster session (Totnes), 10.30am - 12.30pm Introduction to Mindfulness: 1 day course, 10am - 4pm

£315+ £365+ £4 £325+ £175 £4 £68

FEBRUARY Sun 5 Sun 5 Fri 10 Sat 11 Thurs 16 Sun 19 Fri 24 Sat 25

Mindfulness for Health & Well-being: 8-wk course, (Totnes) Mindfulness through Singing retreat - 4 nights Taking Mindfulness deeper retreat - 5 nights Mindfulness for Health & Well-being: 8-wk course, (Torquay) Mindfulness for Beginners retreat - 3 nights Mindfulness & Yoga retreat - 4 nights Creative Writing & Nature Connection retreat - 3 nights Introduction to Mindfulness: 1 day course, 10am - 4pm

£175 £365 £425+ £175 £315+ £375+ £315+ £68

01803 732542 • bookings@sharphamtrust.org www.sharphamtrust.org SharphamTrust The Sharpham Trust, Ashprington, Totnes, Devon, TQ9 7UT Retreats also take place from every Sunday at The Barn Retreat Centre, on Sharpham Estate

BarnRetreats

Volunteer with us weekly. Email volunteer@sharphamtrust.org for details

12

Showcase of work by staff and students, Peninsula Arts, Plymouth University, Plymouth.

ACOUSTIC NIGHTS AT ARTIZAN 05 DEC First of many acoustic, “stripped back music and melody” nights.

Secret Garden Cafe at Artizan Gallery, Torquay.

FOLK SINGING WITH JAKE SONNY ROWLINSON 05 Dec Jake Sonny Rowlinson, who graduated from Plymouth University in 2011, hosts this session in an informal and inclusive style.

Part of Plymouth University Music Week. Bread & Roses, Plymouth, 8.30pm.

KEVARA KELZMER CEILIDH 09 Dec Just like a normal ceilidh - but with Jewish and Eastern

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 (December/January) 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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European music! St Matthew’s Hall, Exeter, 7.30pm THE STEAMPUNK PIRATE YULE BALL 10 Dec The fourth Annual Steampunk Yule Ball returns to Exeter Phoenix, and this year there has been a mutiny on board…

It’s a Pirate Takeover!

Music, theatre and more. Exeter Phoenix, Gandy Street.

GLENN TILBROOK 16 Dec Solo gig from the enigmatic former frontman of Squeeze.

Exeter Phoenix, Gandy Street.

TWIXT CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR CEILIDH 27 Dec Dance your (new) socks off with Buttoned Up and caller Kate Fincham-Powell. Doors open 7pm. Tickets £7.50 from artworks in South Brent. South Brent Folk, South Brent Village Hall, 7.30pm to 11pm.

IMPROVISATION TALK AND BOOK LAUNCH 07 Dec Book of disparate

essays united by the theme of diversity, by improviser, composer and writer Sam Richards who teaches part-time at Plymouth University. Peninsula Arts, Upper Lecture Theatre, Plymouth, 7pm.

CHRISTMAS EVENT WITH NEW ORLEANS HEAT 18 Dec Plymouth Jazz Club presents New Orleans Heat, a seven-piece band playing the old style New Orleans jazz, The Royal British Legion Club, Plymouth, 7.30pm to 10.30pm.

STEVE KNIGHTLY 25 Jan Half of the Show of Hands duo performs a solo gig, Exeter Phoenix, Gandy Street, 8pm.

Countryside Trust, Occombe Farm, Paignton, 10.00am to 12.00am.

THEATRE SHAKESPEARE 400 03 and 04 Dec Selection of scenes and songs from Shakespeare plays to mark 400th anniversary of his death. Blackmoor Theatre, Exmouth.

THE WITCHES 13 Jan - 21 Jan A faithful adaptation of Roald Dahl’s classic story, Blackmoor Theatre, Exmouth.

The Jungle Book - Plymouth’s Barbican Theatre, December 13 - January 15.

Below left: Glenn Tilbrook - Exeter Phoenix, January 16. And below right Steve Knightly - Exeter Phoenix, January 25.

OUTDOOR EVENTS WINTER BIRD WALKING 04 Dec Torbay provides some great opportunities to study gulls and wintering seabirds often at close range.

Torbay Coast and

Short Courses at Schumacher College Tender is the Night – Exploring Darkness

12/12/2016 to 16/12/2016 With Chris Salisbury and Jay Griffiths Come and explore the dark with us. During this week we will be stargazing, walking at night, searching for gifts and writing poems to the dark. Collectively we will search for understanding and connection with this under-appreciated realm of our existence.

The Ecological Self - Three Week Intensive 06/02/2017 to 24/02/2017 With Emmanuel Vaughan-Lee, Jonathan Horwitz, Zara Waldeback, Stephan Harding and guests This three week intensive will explore the philosophical basis, the history and evolution of two mutually exclusive narratives: the first, that humans are outside of the natural world and have dominion over it; and the second, that humans are part of an interconnected web of life.

Community, Place and Play: A Post-Market Economics

06/02/2017 to 10/02/2017 With Shaun Chamberlin, Rob Hopkins, Mark Boyle and Stephan Harding What does ‘life well lived’ look like in this time of economic, ecological and cultural collapse? Inspired by the work of the late David Fleming, we think it’s time to reclaim this question from the economists. Join us to reflect on our struggles, successes and joys in building lives grounded in nature and community, in redefining our relationships with money, and in working for a future worth the bother!

Art At The End Of The World (As We Know It) – The Dark Mountain Project

20/03/2017 to 24/03/2017 With Paul Kingsnorth and Dougald Hine Through a mixture of workshops, teaching sessions, creative exercises and space to explore the big issues, this short course aims to give writers, musicians, performers and artists of all kinds a stronger sense of their place in a time of upheaval, change and unexpected possibilities.

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 www.reconnectonline.co.uk

Editorial: 02392 346342 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

13

ORGANICGARDENING This issue sees JOA GROWER suggesting how gardeners can give up digging for their New Year’s resolution...

Step away from the spade... individual beds. They don’t need CRIKEY, another year nearly to be raised, although I find raising over - how time flies when you’re them up with wooden boards having fun! All in all I think it around them does also help to keep has been a pretty good year in the slugs at bay. The main purpose the vegetable garden. Lots of is to avoid walking where you plant successes and only a few failures. your crops. 4ft wide by 8ft long Many people seem to have is an ideal size - not so wide that struggled with the usual problem you can’t reach the middle and not of slugs and snails. I suggest that so long that you if you can keep can’t be bothered the weeds under to walk around control it will lessen it. Make sure the the slug problem. paths between are The Cabbage wide enough for White butterflies a wheelbarrow to were also out in go down and for force in the late you to comfortably Summer, causing kneel down. no end of damage.

If your soil is in a Maybe now would The Cabbage good condition it be a good time to White butterfly. will be ideal for a design and make a no-dig system, but netted construction if not you might to tackle the not be able to give up the spade or problem next season. Don’t forget fork just yet. Add as much garden that nets are also great for keeping compost or rotted manure as you hungry pigeons off of your brassica can to heavy clay soil . plants (anything in the cabbage family, such as broccoli, kales, Cover beds with black woven brussels etc.) ground cover (available from DIY stores or Garden centres) when New Year is a time when folk beds are not being used. You often think about giving things should be clear of weeds when up - so how about all you organic these are removed in the Spring gardeners out there doing and you can loosen just the top something a bit different, and layer of soil with a rake or hoe and giving up digging? Yes, that’s right sow your seeds or plant seedlings. digging! Sounds great doesn’t it?

Any annual weeds that come But can we really have beautiful through can be dealt with by weed-free plots if we don’t dig? hoeing - which you should always Well, you need to put in a bit of try to do before they flower or they hard work to start with. First, you will only cause more problems in will need to deal with any perennial the future. weeds like couch grass, bindweed It will take two or three years to and docks by actually digging achieve the perfect no-dig system, them out, but by doing it thoroughly but, believe me it is worth it! they shouldn’t return. Next create

DadFest/MumFest 2017 dates revealed

D

ANGEROUS Dads, and its sister project Muddy Mums, have announced the dates for their big 2017 events - DadFest will be held September 15-17 and MumFest September 22-24.

DadFest (also home to the Official World Dad Dancing Championships – you have been warned) is the only festival in the country just for dads and children.

The event was awarded ‘Best Small Event’ in the UK in 2015. The National Outdoor Events Association judges said: “This is an event that understands its community and speaks to it. It has a clear vision, is innovative in doing so and reflects part of its society in its representation.

How can you go wrong with dad dancing?”

Held at the Forest & Beach Centre, Beeson, in South Devon, DadFest is run by Dangerous Dads, which was established as a Totnes Children’s Centre project in December 2007 and has since gone national - and international.

Dangerous Dads, and the DadFest festival give dads, male carers and

granddads the chance to get together and share activities like bushcraft skills, den-building, campfire songs and stories, jam making, archery and lots more.

MumFest, held at the same venue, has much the same objectives (“To inspire, to engage in our natural resources and to learn through play”), but obviously aimed at mums, grandmothers and female carers and their children.

You can find out more at www. dangerousdads.org.uk, and by searching for Dangerous Dads and Muddy Mums on Facebook – and if there isn’t one in your area, they will give you all the help you need to create one.

Plan ahead for next season

SEED catalogues are now available and there are more organic ones coming onto the market. Winter is a great time to plan next season’s vegetable beds from the comfort of your armchair. Don’t get too carried away (easy to do), perhaps get together with gardening friends and place your order together, share packets of seeds and also some companies offer free delivery on larger orders. When your seeds arrive store them in an air tight container, an empty sweet or biscuit tin left over from Christmas is perfect. Place it in a dry dark cool space and your seeds will stay fresh. Never keep them in the greenhouse as they will become damp in the winter and be too hot in the summer months.

Growers Organics is now shut for the winter season. We will re-open in February 2017 and back at Totnes Market then too.

We will be looking for new staff members both full and part-time to work from March to September 2017. Anybody interested please give me a call on 01752 881180. And finally would Mr F who rang the nursery about a greenhouse he was looking to get rid of (after reading my last article) please call again as the contact number you left was unattainable. Happy gardening.

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.

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FESTIVAL! THE NEXT (FEB/MAR) ISSUE OF RECONNECT IS A FESTIVALS GUIDE SPECIAL! Our annual guide to the best festivals across the South West is back - and it’ll be bigger and better than ever! Email editor@reconnectonline.co.uk to be in it!

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NEWS&views Empowering families across Devon & Cornwall since 1999

Starfish class for special needs

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ANNAHS School at Ivybridge is opening a nursery class to provide for children with special needs aged 3-5 who need the best possible start to their learning.

The school is building on the established holistic model of integrated, multi-disciplinary support to create Hannahs Starfish nursery class.

Chris Freestone, head of education at Hannah, said: “The class will support children in reaching their potential using the Early Years Foundation Stage to help to develop and acknowledge each unique child, positive relationships for each child and family, and opportunities for learning within a fully enabled environment.

“They will have access to a broad range of resources and will be able to learn at different rates and in different ways.”

The nursery class will offer half or full-day sessions and the teachers, support assistants, nurses and therapists are all experienced within the field to offer a bespoke package for each child.

Additional services on offer are physiotherapy, occupational therapy, hydrotherapy, rebound therapy, music therapy and nursing.

“The Starfish Nursery class is within the school, catering for children with special needs. The class will cater for children from the age of three and we are really excited to be able to offer an environment in which children can have the best possible start to their learning.

“Building on our existing model of sensory learning we aim to make learning fun and unique for each child who will have access to the sensory resources on offer at Hannahs”.

Call Chris on 01752 892461 or email chris.freestone@ discoverhannahs.org. l Hannahs Ivybridge is also launching a Step Centre, a therapy and assessment centre for children who need to step out from school. Head teachers will be able to refer pupils to the Step Centre for individual days, blended placements or week blocks.

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LOCAL PRODUCE

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

How to make your festive feast a safer place to eat!

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Raw Chocolate.

HRISTMAS lunch has to be the one meal that we love and dread in equal measure.

No other meal engenders so much thought, preparation, fanfare or aftermath. Turkey leftovers still being used as the new year celebrations begin is an almost legendary consequence of that glistening, burnished bird gracing the festive table. If you eat turkey on Christmas Day, that is. In my family, it has almost exclusively been a rather impressive sirloin of beef from a local farm - apart from the year we raised geese and kept one for our own Christmas lunch (an exercise that was never repeated as my brother and I both refused to consume our once-feathered friend).

If you’re vegetarian or vegan, the options may seem to be more limited, but actually there are numerous exotic ways to use nuts, pulses, spices and herbs to create a wonderfully rich and satisfying replacement for meat.

Try roasting butternut squash, with the hollow filled with a nut roast-type mixture of your choice. Seriously

delicious, you don’t have to be vegan or veggie to appreciate it.

Even veg side dishes can be elevated to the extraordinary with a few customised tweaks. Just before the end of roasting your parsnips and carrots, coat with a little maple syrup and scatter with sesame seeds for a final flavour flourish. Braise your red cabbage in bone broth or stock along with slivers of beetroot, a little brown sugar and a tablespoon of aged balsamic vinegar. Add grated fresh turmeric to your cauliflower and leek

Enjoy a drink without the guilty after-effects PARTIES are obligatory over the festive season, but unfortunately contribute hugely to the postparty pounds that we spend time furiously shedding as the new year gets under way. So, how do we enjoy ourselves, avoid being labeled party poopers, and keep the indulgence as reined in as our belts? Top tip number one is not to go to parties hungry: if the party falls at a time of day when your stomach is likely to rumble, drink a glass of warm water before leaving. This will trick your stomach into thinking it has eaten, and leave

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OUR foodie nutritionist JANE HUTTON has come up with a super spread of tasty tips for seasonal feasting. And don’t miss her regular column, over the page - it’s bursting with the beauty of Brussels!

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you less likely to eat more than the acceptable morsel or two.

Remember too that alcohol is also packed with empty calories – stick to spirits like gin or vodka with slimline mixers like tonic or soda water to reduce your intake.

Alternating an alcoholic drink with a nonalcoholic one cuts this still further.

Coke, lemonade and the usual soft drink suspects are extremely unhealthy, especially the low calorie versions – steer clear all year! There are plenty of lovely cordials on offer now that are so delicious, you’ll never want to go for fizzy drinks again!

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LOCAL PRODUCE cheese sauce for a sunshine yellow colour and a massive health kick.

These twists aren’t just for taste, they add nutrients too.

But what about that most knotty of problems – dessert? An alternative dessert showstopper that is as decadent as it is healthy isn’t as impossible as you might think. My Christmas roulade combines a healthified sponge with a light filling,

and a chance to dress it up with either a seasonal element like chestnut puree, or any fruit filling of your choice. A jam would work nicely too. Make your own by simmering a bag of frozen raspberries with a little sugar and a drop or two of rosewater – taste and test to get it just right.

I wish you all the merriest of Christmases, and an absolutely amazing 2017. See you next year!

Celebration Chocolate Roulade INGREDIENTS: 6 large eggs, separated; 175g good quality chocolate (for a less rich roulade, mix plain and milk); 175g coconut sugar (or golden caster sugar).

FILLINGS: Jam or compote, plus Quark or marscapone, sweetened with icing sugar and vanilla; sweetened chestnut puree (tinned or homemade) with soft cheese as above or whipped cream.

• Wholefoods

TOPPINGS: A dusting of icing sugar; melted chocolate, drizzled over the top.

Melt the chocolate in a bain marie and cool slightly. Whisk the yolks and sugar until thick and pale. When the chocolate is just warm, whisk into the eggs and sugar. Whisk the whites to stiff peaks, then stir a tablespoon into the chocolate mixture. Gently but confidently fold in the rest of the egg whites in two batches. Bake in a parchment-lined tin for about 20 minutes at 180C. Turn out onto another piece of parchment, remove the baking paper, cover with a damp tea towel and leave for about 30 minutes. Cover with the creamy filling, then the jam or puree, leaving the edges about ½ inch clear, and roll carefully using the parchment. Decorate, and enjoy!

How to beat the temptation of the buffet ANOTHER potential festive food trap is the buffet. Easy for the host and hostess, a buffet lays out a seasonal selection of tasty temptations, which along with the extra alcohol calories can torpedo even the most conscientious Christmas moderation. With tables laden with pastry, fat and sugars, and a tummy to fill, what are the best choices?

Proteins like chicken or meat and

options that are fruit, veg or saladbased are obvious green lights, while minimising anything too creamy, sugary or full of empty calories.

Quiche and pizza can be amber light items – keep it to one portion.

Don’t arrive too hungry, use a small plate, make a couple of choices, then going back again later - eating slowly helps too.

• Remedies • Natural Bodycare

Market Square Totnes

01803 866738 New Opening Hours: Monday-Friday 9am-6pm; Saturday 9am-5.30pm

www.greenlife.co.uk

Drop in with your alternative foodie list THOSE of us looking for vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and organic versions of traditional Christmas foods are lucky to have one of the largest Health Food Shops in the South West right here on our doorstep.

Greenlife, on market square at the top of Totnes, also stocks a large range of luxury foods, chocolates and gifts, including various natural bodycare gift packs, scented candles, aromatherapy oils and a selection of eco gifts.

“We have expanded our gift range substantially this year,” says Greenlife buyer Matt, “and we have an even larger selection of organic, raw, dairy free and sugar-free chocolates and Christmas novelty chocolates than ever before.”

Many of these products carry the Fair Trade logo too, so if you are an ethical Christmas shopper Greenlife is worth a visit.

Matt says they are proud to have received a prestigious Fair Trade business award for three years in a row.

“We also carry a substantial range of organic spirits, liqueurs and wines,” he said. “I have managed to get hold of a new Organic

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Sambuca and a very special aged Organic Armagnac this year.

“And we also sell many herbal supplements that can help you with your Christmas or New Year party hangover, and detox programs and superfood powders to bolster your January detox or new health programme.”

Greenlife is now open 9am-6pm, Monday to Friday, and 9am5.30pm on Saturday, and will also be open until 9pm on Tuesdays throughout December as part of Totnes late-night shopping.

Visit www.greenlife.co.uk.

Editorial: 01392 346342 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

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LOCAL PRODUCE Birthday awards for town beers THE New Lion Brewery has celebrated its third birthday with a party at the Bay Horse in Totnes.

As always there were special brews created for the occasion, which also marked the release of its 2015 Reserve, a ‘Quadrupel’, of which only 450 bottles will be released this year, as well as the second issue of the 2014 Reserve, a Russian Imperial Stout, the first issue of which sold out in just two weeks in 2015.

The brewery also picked up three trophies at the 2016 Food and Drink Devon Awards (a gold for their ‘modern session bitter’ Mane Event and silvers for Pandit pale ale and Totnes Stout).

And it’s not the first time New Lion Brewery have been recognised with awards Totnes Stout also won Gold in the Porters, Stouts, Old Ales, Strong Milds and Strong Brown Ales category at the 2016 SIBA South West Independent Beer Awards.

Find out more at www. newlionbrewery.co.uk.

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Grocycle project grows worldwide

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OUTH Devon’s gourmet mushroom project is slowly working towards world domination!

Adam Sayner and Eric Jong founded the Dartington Estate-based community interest company that pioneered growing gourmet Oyster mushrooms on coffee waste.

And the pair are hoping 2017 will see more mushroom farms popping up worldwide, as they offer online training to future mushroom farmers across the globe.

“It’s been a fantastic year for us in which we’ve been able to collect more coffee grounds, produce more mushrooms and grow kits and also welcome more people to our Online Course” said Adam Sayner.

The small CIC has been able to

Adam Sayner checks out a new batch of mushrooms, above, and right, the grow-at-home kit that brings fresh mushrooms into your kitchen.

grow its team and further expand its positive impact. Over the last 12 months the team have collected and reused around 35,000 kg of Exeter’s

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coffee waste. Through training others the concept is catching on fast.

“We used to train people at our base in Dartington but since moving to an online course format it’s been much easier to reach more people. There are now people on our course from 50 countries on all continents of the world. We both hope this will lead to more farms popping up worldwide!” said Eric Jong.

Their Gourmet Mushroom Grow Kits can be bought at Totnes Late Night Shopping Market on December 6, 13, and 20, and online from their website, https://shop.grocycle.com.

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Naturally nourishing Why eating local is healthier too

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ATING local food is not only better for the environment, it’s also better for your health.

Local foods are ideally suited to their climate and the season they grow in, thus helping us to adapt to that environment and sustain good health, explains founder of the International Macrobiotic School Oliver Cowmeadow.

“Eating tropical foods is just what is needed in a tropical climate, as they cool the body, but they are not what is needed in the south of England, particularly in the winter,” he said.

“At this time of year, we need foods that will create warmth and help strengthen our immune systems.

Eating a lot of tropical foods will lead to health problems. ” Oliver, a teacher and health counsellor for more than 30 years, explains that the ideal diet in our climate is plant-based, centred around whole grains, pulses, and a wide variety of vegetables, seeds and fruits, with some optional use of fish or other animal foods.

“This creates warmth and physical and mental strength, combined with

Love ‘em or... no, you’ll love ‘em!

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physical and mental flexibility,” he said.

A ‘tropical diet’ high in potassium, and sugars, creates coldness in the body, muscular weakness, low vitality and poor immunity, leading to a susceptibility to colds and other infections, diabetes, varicose veins, asthma and hayfever.

A ‘polar diet’ high in sodium and saturated fats from animal food creates arteriosclerosis and heart disease, high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol and strokes, and contributes to the growth of cysts and tumours.

The International Macrobiotic School at Littlehempston, near Totnes, runs introductory weekend cooking courses, as well as a five-day course that includes cooking classes, oriental health diagnosis and medicinal recipes for common ailments. In February, a day course will focus on diabetes.

Barley has been a staple grain in Great Britain for at least 6000 years, and this is a traditional way of cooking it with vegetables.

Ingredients: 1/4 cup barley, 1 leek, ½ fennel, 100g horse mushrooms, rape seed oil, 2 tbsp white miso, sea salt, sage, thyme.

Method: Bring the barley to the boil and simmer on a low flame for two hours, until soft and creamy. Cut the leek and fennel up finely, and dice the mushrooms. Fry them in 1-2 tbsp oil with a pinch of salt, until they are tasty and sweet. Add the cooked barley and cooking water to the vegetables, add more water if necessary, add 1-2 pinches each of sage, thyme and sea salt. Simmer for 20 minutes. Dissolve the white miso in a little cold water and add to the pan, cook another 5 minutes, and serve.

Try the one-stop food shop destination

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ITH some wonderful seasonal greens, here’s a healthy diet Christmas side dish that’s not just suitable for the festive feast, it’s great all through the Winter for some serious nutrients, and uses the love-them-or-hate-them Marmite of greens – Brussels Sprouts!

There’s no doubt about it, sprouts cooked properly are gorgeous green nuggets of deliciousness, and being basically miniature cabbages, they boast the broad vitamin and mineral range, especially high in manganese, potassium, magnesium and phosphorus, A, C, B1, B2 and B6. As my regular readers will know, magnesium and B6 are hugely important in a happy brain!

What is less well known is that they contain a substance called sinigrin, which has been identified as having a protective effect against cancer, particularly lung cancer.

As with all foods, it’s their combined qualities which make the meals we eat synergistically powerful in preventing ill health.

So, what goes with sprouts to amplify their effect and convert sprout haters to the wonderful flavour of these crucial little health weapons? A couple of tasty partners, and cooking tweaks, can make all the difference!

In this case, leeks, mushrooms, bacon and a good dash of chicken stock, along with a steam fry method results in a beautiful dish bursting with benefits as well as flavour.

Bacon and Brussels Greens

THIS recipe doesn’t have specific quantities – the ratios and amounts are totally dependent on the number of people you want to serve, the number of other dishes, and the proportions you prefer between the different ingredients. Customise, experiment and make it your own!

INGREDIENTS: Fresh (preferably local) Brussels Sprouts, prepared and sliced; mushrooms, sliced; leeks, sliced; unsmoked bacon (preferably organic and nitrate/nitrite free) cut into small pieces; 1 garlic clove, crushed; butter and rapeseed oil; chicken stock; seasoning to taste (at the end).

METHOD: Melt a splash of rapeseed oil and a chunk of butter in a large frying pan or saucepan. Fry off the bacon for a minute then add the mushrooms, cooking on a medium to high heat for a couple of minutes to colour. Add the leeks, turning down slightly to a medium heat, continuing to cook for a couple more minutes, stirring to stop them burning. When the leeks are beginning to soften, add the sliced sprouts, and cook for a couple of minutes, stirring occasionally.

Add the crushed garlic, mix well, and pour in enough chicken stock to deglaze the pan (most of the water released by the veg should have cooked away at this point). Stir well, dissolving any caramelisation in the pan. Add another half a centimetre or so of stock to the pan, bring to a simmer, and steam the mixture, stirring occasionally, for a couple of minutes until the veg are tender but not too soft.

The stock should have reduced to a delicious glaze while contributing a rich backnote to the veg and bacon combination. If the stock reduces away before the veg is cooked, add a little more, but don’t swamp it – you want a glaze or slight sauce, not a stock broth! Season at the end to test how salty the bacon and stock make the final dish.

When all is tender, rich, and perfectly seasoned, serve to your expectant family without even mentioning sprouts, and watch them tuck in!

Who could resist?

Creamy Barley Pottage

WE’RE always banging on about shopping locally (you might have noticed), but what if you want to go somewhere a little different to buy your Christmas fare?

Tuckers Produce Market at Ashburton is unique in that it really is a one-stop food shop destination, with masses of parking right outside – and, despite its compact dimensions, it really does stock everything you need.

Alongside a wide range of locally sourced organic veg, you’ll find prize-winning meat and meat products (courtesy of the farm run by market boss Helen Wakeham and her husband), home-made cakes and pies, local honey, eggs, Fairtrade products, and even locally made gifts.

And if you’re feeling peckish, you can

OUR foodie, JANE HUTTON, continues her festive feast theme - check out her tips on pages 16/17 too!

even enjoy a barbecued locally made sausage or burger with a cuppa.

Oh, and you can pick up the latest issue of Reconnect…

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 Kate falls in love with ReStore - and now she’s in charge!

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The ReStore’s new project co-ordinator Kate Mattinson.

PCYCLING enthusiast Kate Mattinson first discovered The ReStore in Dartington when she was debating moving to Devon from London - and six months later she was working there as the shop’s new project co-ordinator.

“After seeing the wonderful array of furniture being up-cycled by the volunteers, I knew it was something I wanted to be a part of,” says Kate.

“The opportunities the ReStore offered played a determining factor in my decision to relocate and I couldn’t wait to start volunteering.

On my first day volunteering I felt so welcomed and could see the wonderful social benefits The ReStore had to offer and I felt instantly part of the community.

“It provided me with the opportunity to learn new skills in a fun, friendly and welcoming environment while helping to

reduce waste by working on pieces of furniture that had been donated to the project.”

A few months later, Kate discovered The ReStore was looking for a new project coordinator – she applied for the position and was thrilled to be given the role.

“The ReStore is a nourishing and enriching environment that brings people together,” says Kate, “and I intend to support the wonderful volunteers who dedicate their time to the project, and who produce amazing products of creativity for the store.

“Over time I aim to increase awareness of the project in the local area, giving others the opportunity to use the resources available and benefiting from the skills shared, offered and to be gained at The ReStore with increasing workshops running in the new year.”

The ReStore is run by Refurnish, the furniture and household goods recycling project, and a current project involves Refurnish HQ at Wrangaton providing The ReStore with clocks made from pallet wood.

Call 01803 868637 or 07710 023150, or email dartington@ refurnish.org.uk. To keep up to date with everything The ReStore offers, join them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ RestoreDartington.

Share Shop to open in 2017

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SHARE Shop will open in Totnes in 2017 offering a ‘library of things’ available for a minimum charge so people don’t have to buy something they will only use occasionally.

The Network of Wellbeing (NOW) is running the project with assistance from the Devon Community Recycling Network and £5,000 of Big Lottery funding has already been secured.

The shop will open Saturday mornings using a shed space provided by Totnes Town Council, close to the Guild Hall, at the top of Priory Avenue. There are plans for it to expand into bigger premises in the future.

NOW project coordinator Kate Reed said: “People will be able to borrow all sorts of useful things, ranging from ladders, drills, camping gear, gardening equipment, dinner sets, fancy dress outfits, toys, musical instruments - the list is as big as your imagination!

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“The Share Shop aims to build community, allow people to use things they may not be able to afford and help people de-clutter their garages and houses without things going into landfill. By sharing we use less of the Earth’s precious resources in creating more ‘stuff’ and the associated pollution this entails, reducing our impact on the environment.”

But the project needs your help and input and they’d love to hear from you if you can offer: l Free-standing shelving to cover the walls – it’s currently an empty shed; l Volunteer help with DIY work, serving in the shop, help with promotions, publicity, social media, admin, etc; l Household items to donate to Totnes Share Shop.

Share shops are springing up throughout the country and can currently be found in Frome, London and Edinburgh, with more in the pipeline. You can watch

Ben Bryant, Marcus George and Kate Reed of the new Share Shop. a video about the Share Shop at https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=yY9p2yICfts And if you

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would like to offer help or get involved in any way, email Kate Reed at kate.r@networkofwellbeing.org.

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Visit us at www.reconnectonline.co.uk Major power in renewable market

Free Sample of Logs

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Ready to burn hardwood logs from sustainably managed woodland

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T’S been a tempestuous time for solar energy over recent years. But after the initial excesses of the poorly handled Government incentives, the market has now settled down and we’re left with companies with the expertise to provide real-world advice and installations.

Beco Energy Solutions in Totnes has worked with all sizes of installations since their formation in 1979 – from major clients (including the Breitling Orbiter balloon project and the Environment Agency) to local schools, community projects and domestic homes.

And they have on and off-grid expertise - the latter of which has proved particularly useful to editor Foster just recently.

Domestic solar continues to make economic sense (and even more sense sustainably) and Beco have currently notched up no less than

Wood shelters built to any size & shape

01364 643776 4500 customers across the SW. They are also active in the construction of solar-equipped car ports and charging stations (and have one installed at their own premises) and wind turbines – they are MSCaccredited Kingspan installers.

But energy production has only ever been part of the alternative or off-grid energy supply story and Beco also provide expertise around energy efficiency (particularly LED lighting and de-stratification fans for industrial and commercial clients.

Off-grid installations are proving increasingly popular, for off-grid homes like Foster’s but also for living vans and remote agricultural and horticultural applications – Beco’s solar-powered water pump for the Totnes Allotment Society has featured before in Reconnect.

If you’re looking for renewable energy advice or hardware, call Beco on 01803 866329 or visit www. becouk.com.

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Caspar Walsh - “nature as an inspiration for writing and a mirror to your inner-life”.

MORE FOLLOWS...

OH no, Foster’s saying his farewells (sort of) and reflecting on his years at Reconnect. If he starts getting all gushy and huggy I’m out of here...

Seven years of telling stories

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S you might already have read on page 5 (we’ll wait here for you if you want to go and check that out first), Scott, the new Reconnect owner/ publisher/editor is in the driving seat. Or, as I write this, he soon will be. Or, as you read this, already is. Oh, the joys of the publishing time warp.

One thing that’s for sure, the whole business sale decision/ action/response process has been, as they say in reality TV land, quite a journey. Long dusty paths stretching ahead to an apparently shifting horizon; heavy going through boggier ground; breath-taking vistas of patchwork landscapes spread before me… oh yeah, I’ve traversed many a metaphorical terrain over the past couple of months.

The whole process of deciding to sell the business and hand on the solar-powered torch, from the initial decision, through the sales process and finally leaving it in Scott’s capable hands, has been at times sad, enlightening, fascinating and, yes, exciting.

There would be, after all, no point in moving on if I wasn’t looking forward to what comes next. I won’t say too much right now about exactly what that will be, but Scott has kindly asked me to continue this regular column in the magazine so there will no doubt be clues (subtle and not so subtle) over the coming months.

But if you’ll allow me a little nostalgia and reflection, I would like to say a few words (well, ok, several hundred – when have I ever said something in a few words?) about the last seven and half or so years of Reconnect.

So where to begin? Well, sadly that was decided for me by the death of Robin Currie at the end of October. You can read more about the very lovely Robin, and the significant part he played in the very existence of Reconnect, on page 4, but suffice to say here that it was him who provided the initial spark (financial, emotional and practical) back in 2009 when business partner Pete Hardy and I created the first 16page issue.

It has to go down as one of the easiest magazine launches of all time. We were modest in our ambitions (hence that first 16-page issue), and we had input and support from both our earlier days on its predecessor Connect magazine and our personal activities and friends and contacts

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across the region, but most importantly there was clearly a real need for a magazine to link up, inform and publicise the various aspects of the alternative, sustainable community we know and love.

Over the years, we’ve reached out to community groups, voluntary organisations, ethical businesses, food producers, art and craft makers and anyone else in the area who’s doing their bit to help create a more sustainable, creative, caring and holistic community.

We’ve listened to their stories and done our best to share them with all of you.

And we’ve been realistic about the business side of things too. Local businesses need to advertise and they need a safe and positive means of getting their message across.

Reconnect is, I hope, trusted as that safe pair of hands – and the support of those local businesses continues to ensure we stay in business too.

What Reconnect is really about, of course, and what most of life is really about, is relationships.

And putting Reconnect together over the years has given me the opportunity to meet some wonderful people, many of whom have become friends.

Thank you all for the contributions you have made to the magazine and for the part you have played in creating a more positive and resilient life.

So what of the future? Well, personally I’m planning not to plan. After years of print schedules and deadlines, I intend to give things some time, to see what happens, to have time to spot opportunities and the energy to pursue them. We’re still settling into our new (off-grid and very small) home, there are many, many jobs to do on the land and… well, keep an eye on this column – I’ll let you know when I know.

The future of Reconnect is now down to Scott, of course, and he will tell you more of his plans over the coming months. I do know, though, that he loves Reconnect – so much, in fact, that he bought the company – and he wants it to continue to do more of the same. Hopefully much more.

And that means more input from you. Remember, Reconnect is powered by people!

Caspar’s natural way with words

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RAWING inspiration from the ancient landscape of Dartmoor, Words from the Earth is a unique combination of nature connection, creative writing and personal enquiry.

The man behind the project, Caspar Walsh, says: “Through sensitively guided time in nature, you are supported to discover and rediscover internal resources to help let go of unwanted patterns and behaviours and step in to your ‘one wild and precious life’.

“You work with nature as an inspiration for your writing and as a mirror to your inner-life. Placing discoveries on the page, emotions can be more clearly understood, experienced and integrated into your everyday life.”

Sessions are designed around participants’ personal and physical needs - you can sit and watch, or walk and talk, through carefully structured, one-to-one work, primarily based in the outdoors. The

workshop begins and ends round the warmth of a crackling fire.

Bespoke programs for organisations are also based outdoors on the moors.

Caspar has over 20 years’ experience as a writing tutor and mentor.

As an author, journalist, poet and founder of the award-winning charity Write to Freedom, Caspar says he brings a keen eye for the many layered truths of our human experience.

He says: “My journey through life and work is guided by a passion and belief that artistic expression, nature connection and personal enquiry lay the foundations for a nourishing and fulfilling life.”

Caspar is offering a 30% reduction for Christmas and New Year resolutions gift vouchers, based on a sliding scale fee. They are valid December 2016 to February 2017.

Visit www.wordsfromtheearth.co.uk, email caspar@wordsfromtheearth. co.uk, or call 07771 561447.

in

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NEWS&views Red hot natural gift idea WE’VE mentioned The Hillyfield’s Rocket Logs before but they make such great presents, it seemed appropriate to include them in this issue.

Imagine a Swedish fire candle crossed with a rocket stove and you have the Rocket Log, a kind of onelog bonfire that makes an excellent focal point to any outdoor gathering and burns for 3-5 hours - and you can stand it on your patios or lawn without burning the grass.

They can be delivered for just £10-12, anywhere in the UK, individually gift-wrapped in brown paper.

Check them out at www.rocketlog.co.uk.

For other unusual gifts, such as tree planting ideas or locally grown timber, visit www.thehillyfield. co.uk/, or find them at Totnes late night shopping.

Outdoor plays for growing confidence

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HILDREN and their families are enjoying some serious outdoor play time at Mud Tots Forest School on the Dartington Estate.

Mud Tots offers children and their parents or carers regular opportunities to develop confidence through handson learning experiences in a natural environment.

“Being part of a group helps children to develop social skills and helps to prepare them for school life,” says Mud Tots Forest School leader Victoria Bryant.

“Mud Tots has a child-centred approach within a nurturing environment, allowing for deep-level learning and progression to take place.

Spending regular time in nature has a positive impact on child development and

Hands-on experience to develop confidence in a natural environment welcome to Mud Tots.

wellbeing.

“By fostering a connection between children and nature Mud Tots Forest School also hope to develop a respect for nature in the future guardians of our fragile natural world.”

Parents have said Mud Tots is “a relaxed and fun

environment for children and parents” and has “such a lovely community feel”.

The Friday morning sessions include singing with Holly Ebony and the Wild Birds (as featured in the last issue of Reconnect), storytelling, seasonal and themed activities, craft and games, mud kitchen, campfire cooking and a snack and drink for all.

To find out more, email vic@mudtots.uk or call 07817997300, or like the Facebook page Mud Tots Education to receive updates.

We are Kingfisher Print & Design.

Working in partnership with Reconnect to print this magazine in an environmentally responsible way

www.kingfisherprint.co.uk sales@kingfisherprint.co.uk 01803 867087

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Editorial: 01392 346342 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

23

A little help in Winter A Yui - The Treacherous Coast at Satta Peakb by Utagawa Hiroshige I (1797 – 1858).

City museum hosts show of Japanese art A NEW exhibition of woodblock prints from one of the best known of all Japanese artists has opened at Exeter’s Royal Albert Memorial Museum & Art Gallery (RAMM).

Hiroshige’s Japan: Stations of the Tokaido Road features 21 prints from Fifty-three Stations of the Tokaido Road, the series that made Utagawa Hiroshige (1797-1858) famous.

Hiroshige is considered one of the last great masters of the ukiyo-e tradition and his work had a direct influence on renowned Western artists including van Gogh, Monet, Cezanne and Whistler.

The exhibition combines the selected prints from the Ashmolean Museum collection with a display of Japanese woodblock printing tools, a 1850s Japanese triptych and other digital resources from RAMM’s collection.

The exhibition runs until April 16, 2017. Tickets (£4) can be bought online or both at RAMM reception. Concessionary (£2) tickets are available and under19s get in free. l The museum is also running a series of events associated with the exhibition including: a six-week course in mindfulness organised in association with MIND starting Friday January 13; a dementia-friendly gallery tour on Thursday March 16; a mindfulness workshop organised in association with MIND on Saturday March 18; and a Sumi-e Japanese Ink Picture Painting Workshop on Saturday March 25.

Visit www.rammuseum.org.uk

24

S temperatures drop our garden birds will need a helping hand when it comes to finding food, water and shelter this Winter.

During the colder months birds need a lot of energy just to maintain their body temperature, so it’s important to feed them foods that are high in fat, such as black sunflower seeds (they have a higher fat content than the stripped ones), peanuts or fat-based food bars.

If these fatty foods come in a mesh sacking, be sure to remove them from the netting and place them into a feeder or directly onto a bird table birds can become trapped and injured by getting caught on the mesh.

Monitor how much food your garden birds eat and adjust the amount you put out according to their appetites

OUR wild bird expert, MORWENNA ALLDIS from RSPB, is back with more helpful hints on how to care for our backyard feathered friends as the colder Winter months close in...

– a build-up of uneaten food in or around feeders and tables can quickly turn rancid. So regularly discard any leftovers.

During cold weather it’s a good idea to feed twice a day (if demand calls for

it), once in the morning and again early afternoon.

Make sure that you also provide daily fresh water for your garden birds either in a birdbath, pond or even an old container such as an ice cream tub - birds need this not only to drink, but to bathe too. During the winter your garden water becomes even more vital as natural sources could freeze.

Ensure that you regularly check your bird baths in case a sudden frost causes the surface of your water to freeze, making it inaccessible for birds. If your garden water has frozen over, pour hot water over the surface to melt it – but be careful when doing this, we don’t want you scorching your own wings! l A handy tip to ensure access to your water source for birds – a light ball floating on the surface of your pond or bird bath will be moved by even a gentle breeze, and will keep a small amount of water ice-free!

Provide a cosy shelter

WINTER is also the perfect time to install a nestbox in your garden. It will allow your garden birds to investigate the box before nesting season begins in the spring. And you may even find that some birds use the box now to roost in, again valuable shelter from blustery weather. For more info on nestboxes and the best place to position them, visit: http://bit.ly/ RSPBnestboxes Birds very quickly get used to a regular food supply, so by starting to feed your garden birds now, you should encourage regular visits from your local bird population all year round – just in time for our Big Garden Birdwatch Survey which runs from Saturday January 28 – Monday January 30 January, 2017.

To find out more about how you can give nature a home in your local patch, visit www.rspb.org. uk/givenatureahome.

Picture: Mark Thomas (rspb-images.com)

EVEN if we don’t sing regularly, most of us manage a tune or two at Christmas.

If you’re inspired to carry it into the New Year, PETE SCOTT would love to hear from you...

T

HE power of music never ceases to amaze me! In the last few weeks I have been singing in care homes – the Swing thing mostly, a la Frank Sinatra, Fred Astaire, etc, alongside some of my Afro/Latin-style guitar tunes.

How music creates the intense joy of being I have been playing to elderly people, some with dementia, some barely able to communicate. Some show appreciation while others are undemonstrative.

There was Eleanor, for example.

Someone else had to tell me her name because she was unable to. She moved slowly with a zimmer frame. She refused to sit and, leaning on her zimmer frame, her feet constantly moved in a slow dance. She fell over at one point and, though completely disorientated, within

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10 minutes she had recovered and when we carried on she was back on her feet doing her zimmer dance.

Then there was Iris, who has acute dementia and is unable to communicate in words. She shuffled past me with her carer as I was singing. On the way past she took my hand and kissed it. I kissed hers.

Simple communication, way beyond words. My heart was touched. I felt their hearts touched also, but how can you ever really know what happens inside another person? Fleeting

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mome feelin expre Music emoti to be time.

I see choirs perfo you w love t SING

NEWS&views A Great Tit feasts on a traditional seed feeder and, left, on a fat-filled coconut shell. PICTURES: Chris Gomersall (rspbimages.com)

PAYROLL AND PENSION SERVICES • Hourly Pay, Day Works and Salaries • Expenses and Benefits • Holiday Pay • Sickness Absence • Maternity, Paternity and Adoption Leave • Childcare Vouchers • Healthcare Deductions • Automatic Enrolment for Pensions

being in that particular moment in time

n

te in arer

rs.

an

moments, a look in another’s eye, feeling, interpreting what this person’s expression means.

Music touches people and creates an emotional response, often an intense joy to be alive in that particular moment in time. I like that. That’s why I do it.

I see and experience that in the choirs too. Both are preparing for performances before Xmas right now. If you would like to come see us we would love to see you.

SING Plymouth is at Pomphlett Methodist

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

Church on Thursday December 15 at 7.15pm. SING Exeter is at St Katharine’s Priory on Friday December 16, also at 7.30pm - followed by Half The Hothouse Band, with me on lead guitar, playing some of those guitar tunes I mentioned earlier for a joyous party atmosphere.

Emma Charlotte 07933 595147 Basepoint Business Centre, Exeter EX2 8LB

If you would like to come to either, phone me on 07896 276577, or email pete@singdevon.com. Or come join one of the choirs in January - all details at www.singdevon.com.

payroll@a-count.org.uk

Caring about People, Animals and the Planet

Editorial: 01392 346342 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

25

NEWS&views

Alozaina at night and, bottom, a rainbow over the village.

Creative Writing • Nature Connection • Personal Enquiry Mentoring • Personal Development • Professional Development (Personal, Organisational,Corporate) • Training • Retreats • Public Speaking • Performance

Christmas and New Year Gift Vouchers 30% New Year discount to explore and support the creation of positive life changes for the coming year. Walking, being and finding inspiration from the natural world with founder, Caspar Walsh.

Available December 2016 to February 2017.

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“Caspar’s energy is focused, insightful and loving - an able guide in the borderlands of personal narrative.’’ caspar@wordsfromtheearth.co.uk

www.wordsfromtheearth.co.uk

07771 561 447

Jeff Sleeman Life Coaching, Personal Development and Wellbeing

“Simple and profound 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

Hannahs at Ivybridge NEW NURSERY CLASS

IS OPEN!

The provision is for 3-5 year-olds with special needs supported by Hannahs teachers, support assistants, nurses and therapists in a wonderful and fully enabled environment.

Half or full day sessions available as well as additional services including physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, rebound therapy, music therapy and nursing.

For more information please contact Head Teacher Chris Freestone on 01752 892 461 or chris.freestone@discoverhannahs.org

www.discoverhannahs.org Ivybridge, PL21 9HQ Dame Hannah Rogers Trust, a charity with number 1148882

26

Group builds link to Spanish region

W

HILE some people in Britain seem intent on pulling away from Europe, one group of folk from Reconnectland is trying to strengthen links with our continental cousins.

The recently-formed Totnes Malaga Association (Toma is Spanish for ‘take’ – as in ‘take it!’) is a loose collective of therapists and healers who are developing connections between South Devon and Southern Spain.

For Toma coordinator (and Reconnect columnist) Jon Stein, it is both the fulfilment – and the beginning – of a lifelong dream. He has been visiting Spain each winter for more than a decade and says: “I’ve wanted to find a way of bringing together the wealth of talent we have in this area – particularly in the field of holistic health – with the natural advantages of Lynne Holmes, Nick Cape and Ramiro Ortega the milder climate, hospitable at inaugural meeting of Toma. people and exciting culture of Andalucía, especially the explore the surrounding countryside Malaga province.” and culture.”

Now Jon has teamed up with fellow Other Toma supporters include lovers of Spain to create a vehicle Ramiro Ortega, who came to Totnes through which to develop further from Malaga to practice Buddhist exchange between the two areas. meditation. He believes the link offers Toma co-founder Lynne Holmes has benefits both ways. been working in the fields of health, “People in Spain are becoming therapy and mindfulness for many more receptive to the skills and years and has a strong connection knowledge we’ve built up here,” he with Southern Spain, and Orgiva in says, adding that Totnes practitioners particular. “might appreciate a bit of winter “I love the Spanish ambience,” sunshine too!” she says - so much so that she has Psychotherapist Nick Cape wants to recently sold her home in Ashburton see Toma playing a specific role in with the idea of spending more time supporting the growing interest in the in Andalucía.

Dharma within Andalucía.

“I’d love to co-create a space for “We have an opportunity to support people to refresh or recharge their the meditation community in the batteries in a peaceful environment.” region and to do it in a way that Jon explains that the range of interests integrates Spanish and foreigners.” among members is broad but shares This Winter, members of the group the common thread of mindful, will create a temporary community conscious living: “My personal space in the Malaga area. They also vision is for an holistic health centre hope to put on an ‘Experience Week’ bringing together the healing spirit in which Totnes practitioners can of South Devon with the vibrancy meet Spanish locals and ex-pats to of Andalucía. I’d love to see a exchange skills and share ideas. multi-purpose space which could run courses and retreats, as well Over coming months, Jon will be as providing a base from which to keeping Reconnect readers up to date with the progress of Toma and invites anyone with relevant ideas and energy to get in touch (jonstein1@hotmail.com). l FIND out more at: www. artealozainagroup. weebly.com (overview of Alozaina and its cultural activities); www. greenguidespain (for alternative therapies in Malaga); www.lachispa. net (for natural living in Andalucia) and see Jon’s blog ‘Sketches of Spain’ at www.jonstein.co.uk.

Advertising: 01392 346342 adverts@reconnectonline.co.uk

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NEWS&views The story of how Evolution continues to evolve in the words of owner Mike AT the time of putting this edition together Evolution, Exeter’s long established New Age and ethnic shop has taken on the lease of new premises at the top of Fore Street and by the time we go to print should be well settled in. Mike Davies, the original owner of the business, returned in February of this year - here’s his story in his own words: WAS rather shocked when I received the news that the then owner of Evolution was about to leave well before the lease ended in July this year.

Since I still had the head lease I was still responsible for the rent so I decided to repossess the building and the business.

At the time I really wasn’t sure what I was doing.

Strangely it felt right to be back but was I nursing a building to the end of the lease or was I taking Evolution on to it’s next stage? It soon became

I

obvious that I had to go for it in a big way.

Just before the lease end, I was confronted with a huge dilapidations bill on the building. I decided my only way forward other than bankruptcy was to exercise my right of renewal and take on a new lease. Meanwhile the landlords had put the building on the market. When I put it to them that I wanted to stay they said they definitely wanted to sell the building “with vacant possession” and they made me an offer I couldn’t refuse!

So, now relieved of that burden, I started to look for new premises. A shop came up at the top of Fore St on the same side. It has been empty for a few years, but strangely it is almost exactly opposite where Evolution started in 1989 in what was then the Pickwick Arcade and is now the Bike Shed, so Evolution has come forward one revolution!

A time to nurture our inner-child HE’S back.

ALAN SWINDELL, principal of Steiner Academy Exeter, reflects on celebrating Christmas with the inner-child

C

ELEBRATE Christmas? Schools are damned if they do and damned if they don’t. In recent years the issue has become a minefield of politically correct compromise and awkwardness.

Schools might get away with a decorated tree and some neutered carols, but please don’t mention angels or Herod, and what is the Hindu/Muslim/Buddhist/Pagan take on virgin birth?

Our school community includes parents from a whole range of religious and non-religious backgrounds. Whether humanist, atheist, pagan, Christian, Muslim, Hindu, or of course agnostic, they all have one obvious thing in common: a commitment to children and childhood.

One of the first principals of Steiner education is that the teacher’s job is to remove obstacles to learning and personal development.

Linked to this is the experience that children naturally have a sense of wonder and mystery, an innate sense of something magical around them. This sense of wonder evolves and develops; as the child grows it becomes reverence, respect, tolerance, empathy and a willingness to try and understand and, ultimately, to help others. By extension therefore, the teacher’s task is to remove anything that gets in the way of this sense of wonder as it evolves, finding ways to nurture and protect it.

There are many ways of doing this: through the gestures and words we use as adults; through a deep connection to the natural world, and through the celebration of

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human qualities and achievements.

In Steiner schools, festivals are another way of reinforcing this.

They punctuate the year and enliven the cycle of the seasons, they access fundamental human values, including courage, generosity and reflection. Many are drawn from Christian traditions, but Steiner schools around the world celebrate the festivals that are most appropriate to their culture and context in order to nurture wonder, tolerance, connectedness and engagement.

So where does Christmas fit? Many cultures acknowledge that dip into the darkness of winter, reaching a turning point, followed by an outward journey towards the light of spring and rebirth. Celebrating this journey certainly pre-dates Christianity and is acknowledged in our school by the journey from St Martins (November 11), through Advent, Christmas, St Bride’s or Candlemas (February 2) to the joys of spring and Easter.

But Christmas touches on something else; something very deep indeed; and something else that unites all of us, regardless of our belief systems.

It is the concept of the inner-child.

Whether you see it as a cultural metaphor, a working hypothesis or a wise product of psychology, there is no doubt that the concept of the Inner-Child is now well established in our culture and psyche. It is a relatively modern idea, familiar since the 1970s when psychologists Lucia Capacchione and later John Bradshaw explored the concept. They describe the Inner-Child as a collective term for our `physical, emotional, creative and spiritual needs`.

If nothing else, Christmas can be a time when we nurture our own inner-child, our own physical, emotional, creative and spiritual needs, indeed everything that remains to us as adults of that sense of wonder, mystery and magic we had as our birth right.

It is also opposite St Olave’s Church and next to the fashion shop Blue Banana. A good thing about this unit is that being at the top of the hill it is closer to the city centre and easier for people to get to from there.

I’m very excited by this new development. It is a new beginning and I can start from scratch and make it the way I want it. Things have changed a lot since I first started in 1989 and it has to appeal to young people as well as the old ‘stalwarts’. In many ways it will still be the old Evolution. I have been really touched by the number of people who have expressed their appreciation that the shop is still running. Above all I want it to be a place where people can feel inspired and uplifted, a sanctuary of harmony and relaxation where people can shelter from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Hope to see you there!

BEAUTIFUL ROOMS for Therapy and Healing.

FOR TALKING THERAPIES AND HOLISTIC HEALTH

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

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Storytelling Training 6 Tuesdays: 28th Feb – 4 April, 7 – 9.30 pm Central Totnes with storyteller/educator Elly Crichton Stuart.

“Totally captivating. I realized the importance of storytelling for the first time. I will definitely make the effort from now on” Teacher at British Council Workshop for teachers in Mumbai, India For information and to book call: 01803 847986 ellycstuart@gmail.com www.ellystoryteller.com

Editorial: 01392 346342 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

27

Community groups are celebrating the launch of The Grass Roots Fund.

Give the gift of wellbeing

wellbeing

HAVE you decided email: wellbeing@ reconnectonline.co.u k what to give the loved THE natural heal ones in your life this th and personal development PAGE Inside wellbei S ng...

Christmas?

F If you want to stay away from stoking the fires of materialism, don’t want your gift to be tucked away in a cupboard come the New Year and want to give something that really means something, how about a gift voucher for a session with a local practitioner?

Ideal for male or female, or even for an entire family, you can give the gift of wellbeing - from a massage session to relax away those Christmas stresses to the first step in addressing that issue that’s been bugging you all year...

And you need look no further that the Wellbeing pages of Reconnect to find some of the best practitioners in the area.

Some of those featured here specifically mention that they offer gift vouchers; some are even for wellbeing centres, so the receiver can choose how to spend their voucher.

But even if they haven’t mentioned vouchers, it’s certainly worth asking - most will be happy to give you something that can be exchanged for a session or two.

Pop it into a locally made card and a fancy envelope and you’ve got the perfect gift.

Happy giving!

Finding Active

Hope

Sea School’s new gallery space 30 The ‘loving’ gift your really want 31 A little season al kindness Intuitive healer 32 Iessaiah 34

Retreating to The Barn

Following the flow of sound Sounds baths at Nautilus Building a homeplace The classified ads And there’s lots more to read

Community groups celebrate new funding

C

OMMUNITY organisations are celebrating the launch of new funds to support groups across Exeter.

The Grass Roots Grants Fund has been launched by Exeter Community Forum and Exeter City Council and is expected to invest £3.7m over 10 years.

Round one is open until the end of December and will consider applications for an overall grant pot of £50,000. There will be three grants rounds a year.

The fund has been set up from the levy developers pay towards infrastructure when houses are built. The money will enable communities to invest in projects and community assets, such as community halls, that make a real difference to a local area.

The launch of the fund comes after two years of work by Exeter’s community organisations to put together a plan for strengthening communities to face the changes, challenges

and opportunities of the Exeter’s growth over the next decade.

Diana Moore, chair of the Exeter Community Forum, said: “These funds are a great start to putting our plan into action. They will be put to very good use by community organisations wanting to involve more people, provide valued services, renew community buildings and really consider how they can best work with other organisations to support and help local people.”

But its isn’t just money alone that will make the difference, Councillor Paul Bull, portfolio holder for Communities and Neighbourhoods, said: “This money will have so much more impact because the application process will recognise the dedication who help people feel safe and belong, provide help and practical support, get active and create pride in their neighbourhoods.”

Visit www.exetercommunityforum.net.

Are periods a blessing or a curse?

OR generati ons menstrual cycle the was seen as there were a curse and many taboos around the subject.

Further back in time, however, it was different story. a In Native America, women on ‘moon time’ went to the Moon Lodge – free from domestic duties they would rest, pray commune with and bringing back the earth, for the whole wisdom community.

Menstrual blood revered in early was goddess templesIndian and it has links to agricultural early practices.

Many of the old 36 taboos are now dying away and there been a resurgen has ce of interest in the Nikki Chambesubject.

MoonSisters, rs runs offers Womb which Yoga Nidra Yoga, and Moontime Wisdom.

She says: “The question I ask women is do you Nikki Chambe see your periods rs of MoonSis as a ters. blessing or a curse? We to learn from have much the monthly cycle has its from our own other cultures, as well qualities and own unique as wombs.” sorts of tasks, lends itself to different Nikki suggests women start understandingNikki explains, and 39 recognising by the need to easier, richer this makes life much their period. rest during and more producti 41 “MoonSisters ve.

“Given space and time alone, discovering is a year-long journey possible to 42 it is the achieve deep cycle through blessings of your states, where meditative Womb insights and 46 Menstrual Awarene Yoga and wisdoms naturally inner ss. We meet arise,” she a month in out. once points Dartington, with further exploration inside and online And, what support in between.” about the rest month? Each of the week or ‘season’ Visit www.mo of onsisters.co.uk Nikki on 07541 or call 098865.

The Children ’s Reflexology Prog

Kate Philbin

The home of natural wellbeing

WELLBEING is the home of natural health and personal development South Devon in perfect place - the to find your perfect therapy, retreat or workshop.

And if you work natural health, in it’s the perfect place get your messageto out there.

A 1/8-pag e advertisement, those below, like be yours for can just £41.85 a month.

A 1/4-page is only £66.60 a month.

And you can story behind tell the you offer in what editorial - our free with help from our Wellbein g editor, Kate Philbin.

Our designer will even put s the artwork together for you at very affordable prices.

The Wellbein deadline for g next (Dec/Janthe ) issue is Novemb er get in touch 1 so and let’s get today the ball rolling.

Call Martin on 01804 868455 or email editor@ reconnectonline. co.uk

ramme

Our award -winning, fun, anybody to interactive make use workshops improve health of simple, gentle reflexo enable times. Cours , strengthen bonds logy to , and help es for everyo at difficu ne for parents of children including special course lt with additio s nal needs .

Visit our websit e and find instruc tor an near you or even becom e an instruc

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tor yourse lf! www.kids reflex.co.uk

Run your own ethical business support ing parents and children in your community.

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Complementary

Editorial:

Healthcare

01803 86845 5 editor@ reconn

ectonline.co.

uk

29

Events at Embercombe Discover the hope, strength and courage of the leader within you What is Embercombe?

Experience Embercombe Embercombe Experience Weekends 16th-18th Dec 2016 (please call for 2017 dates) Come and learn about life at Embercombe - join us for a weekend of working on the land, cooking, eating and sharing with our community. www.embercombe.org/volunteer-weekend

At Embercombe, we see the glowing ember as your leadership potential, and we seek to provide the inspiration and experience that will turn it once again into a roaring fire, that you can then tend and care for.

Embercombe is a training organisation that offers programmes for adults and young people in authentic and active leadership for a better world. Nature-based and indigenous wisdom is at the core of our work.

Email: info@embercombe.org Or call: 01647 252983

www.embercombe.org facebook.com/embercombe @embercombe Embercombe - Nr Exeter - EX6 7QQ Charity Number: 1116793

28

Advertising: 01392 346342 adverts@reconnectonline.co.uk

The Journey 5th-10th Mar & 14th-19th May 2017 A 5 day leadership and personal development course uncovering your deepest love, your greatest gifts and your true responsibilities. www.embercombe.org/the-journey

The Catalyst 2nd-7th Apr 2017 A 5-day course for 18-25 year olds who want to develop authentic leadership and change-making skills, and gain a clearer understanding of who you really are, your gifts and where you are going. www.embercombe.org/catalyst

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

The Children’s

Reflexolog

y Programme

wellbeing email: wellbeing@reconnectonline.co.uk

THE natural health and personal development PAGES

Are periods a blessing or a curse?

Inside wellbeing...

Finding Active Hope

Sea School’s new gallery space The ‘loving gift’ your really want A little seasonal kindness Intuitive healer Iessaiah

30 31 32 34

Retreating to The Barn

36

Following the flow of sound Sounds baths at Nautilus Building a homeplace The classified ads

39 41 42 46

F

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

And there’s lots more to read inside

OR generations the menstrual cycle was seen as a curse and there were many taboos around the subject.

Further back in time, however, it was a different story. In Native America, women on ‘moon time’ went to the Moon Lodge – free from domestic duties they would rest, pray and commune with the earth, bringing back wisdom for the whole community.

Menstrual blood was revered in early Indian goddess temples and it has links to early agricultural practices.

Many of the old taboos are now dying away and there has been a resurgence of interest in the subject.

Nikki Chambers runs MoonSisters, which offers Womb Yoga, Yoga Nidra and Moontime Wisdom.

She says: “The question Nikki Chambers of MoonSisters.

I ask women is do you see your periods as a the monthly cycle has its own unique blessing or a curse? We have much qualities and lends itself to different to learn from other cultures, as well as sorts of tasks, Nikki explains, and from our own wombs.” understanding this makes life much Nikki suggests women start by easier, richer and more productive. recognising the need to rest during “MoonSisters is a year-long journey their period. discovering the blessings of your “Given space and time alone, it is cycle through Womb Yoga and possible to achieve deep meditative Menstrual Awareness. We meet once states, where insights and inner a month in Dartington, with further wisdoms naturally arise,” she points exploration and online support in out. between.”

And, what about the rest of the Visit www.moonsisters.co.uk or call month? Each week or ‘season’ of Nikki on 07541 098865.

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 (Feb/Mar) issue is January 1 so get in touch today and let’s get the ball rolling.

Call Scott on 01392 346342 or email editor@ reconnectonline. co.uk

The Children’s Reflexology Programme Our award-winning, fun, interactive workshops enable anybody to make use of simple, gentle reflexology to improve health, strengthen bonds, and help at difficult times. Courses for everyone including special courses for parents of children with additional needs.

Visit our website and find an instructor near you or even become an instructor yourself!

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

R b a c

Susan Quayle Complementary Healthcare

Editorial: 01392 346342 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

29

WELLBEING

Couple opens new art space

Real food, Real life,

Real health

T

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

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

Jane Hutton The Functional Foodie

T: 07841 344934

Mark Edlund Plater

Member of the British Acupuncture Council

Acupuncture Integrated Method

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

01803 556038 07506 179808

mark.edlundplater@gmail.com

30

Acupuncture integrated method

HE couple behind the Sea School of Embodiment, which you will have read about in Reconnect over the last few years, have opened a new gallery, studio and performance space – with the aim of opening your senses.

In fact, the Sea Light, on The Strand in Dawlish, is more than an art space – it’s also home to The Sea School of Embodiment and the couple behind it, Katie Sarra and Kian de la Cour.

And the Sea Light will open with a creative bang on Tuesday December 13, with a performance by the Tarte Noire Playback Theatre company, 7-9.30pm.

“It’s an opportunity to come inside the newly transformed old Hole in the Wall and share some reflections,” says Katie. “It’s been a massive move for us. We moved in to the Sea Light on May 24 and we have been immersed in replacing floors, ceilings, stripping away the old wallpaper and paint and painting in the light! It’s now transforming.”

Kian and Katie founded the Sea School of Embodiment in 2013 and have since hosted leading edge international trainings to “share our passion for creating opportunities for fearing less and to feel safe enough to feel more, which is the journey into embodiment and consensual life, trusting spontaneity.”

Their plans for 2017, based at the Sea Light, will include: hosting a series of Consensual Touch weekends and monthly Cuddle Parties, putting into practice Dr Betty

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Katie Serra and Flamenco guitarist Adam Westcott, above. And, top and below, the new Sea Light gallery/studio/performance space.

Martin’s wheel of consent; the third UK Certified Sexological Bodywork and Somatic Sex Educator’s training (starting in January – last chance for applications!); and Consensual Life training with international and UK teachers Caffyn Jesse and Roger Terry.

The Sea Light will also host creative events, including exhibitions of Katie’s own oil paintings and a collaborative project called Eye of Sound, where she works with Flamenco guitarist Adam Westcott, creating spontaneous oil paintings while he plays.

What arises when the creative duo perform together “is entirely spontaneous and improvised,” says Katie, “a wordless conversation or ‘dance’ between two creative mediums.”

Find out more at www.thesea.co

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

Natalie Austin who runs yoga classes in Totnes.

When a ‘loving gift’ isn’t what you want

A perfect time to try yoga

T

HIS time of year can be hard on body, mind and spirit, so if you’re not already a yoga aficionado, now could be the perfect time to become one. Natalie Austin runs a Yin Yoga class at Chapel House Studios in Totnes on a Monday evening at 6.30pm and on Wednesdays at 10.45am.

Yin yoga is a restorative, gentle and meditative style of yoga which works to mobilise and strengthen the joints, ligaments and deep facial networks. It combines traditional yoga, Chinese medicine and mindful meditation and, according to Natalie, it has similar effects to having an acupuncture treatment.

“Regularly practicing Yin yoga cultivates and strengthens our overall health and wellbeing as well as bringing about positive change to our mental, emotional and psychological states,” she explained.

Natalie also runs a drop-in Vinyasa Yoga class on Thursday evening at 6.30pm at Chapel House Studios. “This is an active, yang practice for people who prefer a more dynamic style of yoga to build strength and stamina,” said Natalie.

Gift vouchers are available for both yoga classes and also for massage treatments. “I run a monthly massage clinic at Chapel House Studios on the first Sunday of every month, combining Swedish, Deep Tissue and Indian Head Massage with Thai Foot Massage and Reflexology. Booking is essential for longer appointments, particularly at this time of year. I am booked up for the December clinic, so I am currently taking bookings for the next clinic on January 8.”

For full details of treatments and prices, visit www. loveyogatree.co.uk, call Natalie on 07516 720246, or email natalie@loveyogatree.co.uk.

A

S we embrace the season of giving and receiving, sexual shamanic healer and empowerment coach Catherine Hale has some words of wisdom for us about a form of giving and receiving that has nothing to do with the gifts under our tree.

“Sometimes in the receiving of gifts from family and friends, we are grateful as the gift has been carefully chosen and reflects what we want and need, however many of us know the disappointment of opening a present only to discover something we really don’t want,” said Catherine. “It is the same in intimacy and sexuality. How often have you received a ‘loving gift’ from your partner in the form of touch that you really didn’t want, that didn’t feel right for you at that moment, that didn’t meet how you were feeling in that moment? You received a passionate kiss when really you needed a hug, or you received a kiss on the head when you wanted to be ravaged!”

Catherine points out that it is false to believe that we

Catherine Hale should be able to read our partner’s minds and know exactly what they want moment by moment.

“Once we let go of this belief, and we find the courage within, we can begin to ask for what we want in intimacy and sexuality. This is scary territory for most people as asking for what we want requires self-worth, confidence and the willingness to take risks.

Even knowing what we want can be a minefield for many of us.”

According to Catherine it is all too easy to get stuck in a pattern of only requesting what is familiar - the shoulder rub, kisses on the neck or the familiar touch to the genitals.

“These patterns create a really small container in which we can experience ourselves as sensual, sexual loving beings. In reality, our bodies are capable of vast pleasure and by sticking to the familiar, we are limiting our freedom.”

Catherine teaches clients, including couples, how to step out of these limitations and make pleasure a priority in their lives, to become willing to take risks and to fully communicate their desires.

“With these skills in place, giving and receiving in intimacy and sexuality becomes a place of gratitude, generosity and fulfillment.”

For more information on one-to-one sessions, couples sessions, workshops or retreats, as well as Christmas gift vouchers, email Catherine@ tantricawakening.org Or visit www.tantricawakening. org.

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31

EMOTIONAL HEALTH In this issue of Emotional Health, Leigh helps us to navigate the demands of Christmas with a touch of seasonal kindness!

Be kind - and include yourself

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stocking. It is the little acts of IS the season to be jolly kindness that bring us closer to or is it? Social, emotional people, and that can connect us and financial demands at in a meaningful and authentic Christmas can leave us feeling way. Never underestimate the as roasted as the turkey. importance of a kind word, a Even the most emotionally robust smile, a warm welcome, or a amongst us can feel our tinsel little encouragement. dulling and baubles cracking Reaching out to an isolated or under the pressure of Christmas lonely friend, neighbor or family expectations. member with kindness and The seasonal frenzy starts company can bring joy and lift early and becomes almost the spirits of someone who might unavoidable to a soundtrack otherwise feel overlooked or of Slade, wishing it could be unloved.

Christmas every day! and Kindly donating to a charity inducing a collective anxiety, that you care about, and giving causing havoc with stress levels cards to people explaining that and emotional wellbeing. this is what you have done in At this time of year, the emphasis their honour, can avoid hours on family is everywhere, spent buying meaningless creating an added layer of trinkets, and also make more sadness to those grieving time for the things that really do or lonely. The matter. stereotypical happy Of course there’s no loving family starts to avoiding shopping look like the norm and can create a sense of So how can completely but planning ahead, failure if we fall short we avoid and starting early is of this idealised view kinder of the perfect family. becoming emotionally than braving the last Add to all of this an as minced minute shopping over indulgence of mayhem. rich food, excessive as the pies Show a little kindness alcohol, enforced social events, financial your body, fresh air this festive to burden, challenging and exercise is a real social demands, and energy raiser and can season? a partridge in a pear increase your natural tree! And it’s easy to endorphins making understand why we see you feel happier and more emotional breakdowns and healthier. mental health emergencies during Being kind to your liver and this season than any other. avoiding excessive alcohol can The not so twinkly reality is that help to create a more balanced Christmas and the New Year can emotional state, and avoid for many people be a very real unwisely saying too much at trial of endurance. The seasonal those social gatherings. mask of joy and goodwill can And in among the mulled wine hide a myriad of unsettling and present wrapping take emotional hurdles which need to some time to be kind to yourself, be navigated in order to survive schedule time for you, to take the holiday season unscathed. a walk, a long bath or a foot So how can we avoid becoming massage. as minced as the pies this Being kind isn’t just a selfless festive season? The answer may act, it produces a strong feelactually be quite uncomplicated, good factor, and spiritual boost, and the antidote may be found that cannot be bought on ebay in something as simple as or found in a selection box. ‘kindness’.

Being kind doesn’t need to cost Being kind may be the perfect the earth but it can mean the antidote to the seasonal stress, world. anxiety and depression, and Merry Christmas - and an may well bring us closer to emotionally healthy New Year to feeling joyous and triumphant you all. than any over filled Christmas

Finding our natural way to be

H

UMANS evolved over millions of years to travel at walking pace. Our senses of sight, sound, touch, taste and smell were never designed for the fast-paced mechanistic world we now inhabit. Digital technologies have speeded up our lives even further and many of us are struggling to keep up.

Rosalyn Maynard, above, a Somatics Movement Educator, explained: “Human beings are tremendously sensitive, tender creatures. As we adapt and respond to a life less human, something starts to happen in the organism that is us.

“We begin to develop habits of tightening up and holding on in an effort to keep up. This tightening up over time gradually becomes habit to a lesser or greater degree and we can stop sensing our self and stop sensing our environment. In essence, we are no longer living our lives thoughtfully or sensitively.”

Somatics is an umbrella term for the many practices that facilitate sensory movement awareness or body-mind integration. A Somatics movement education in Body-Mind Centering is all about slowing down and recovering our senses.

Rosalyn said: “By slowing down and simply paying attention to how we go, we can discover for ourselves

about how our organism wants to be and we can begin to function more fully, more efficiently, more easefully.

“There is something inside us that knows how to be without thinking about it; a sensory motor intelligence and a Somatics movement education offers us the time, space and conditions in which to reacquaint ourselves with this way of being.

“Fundamentally, it is about reconnecting with our inner-sense of balance and tranquillity through gentle guided exercise, hands-on touch and dialogue. Somatics can be supportive and restorative in recovering from injury, illness, trauma or stress.”

Rosalyn is certified by the school for Body-Mind Centering and has over 20 years experience of teaching in community, state and private sector.

She runs a regular monthly, drop in workshop called Saturday Somatics and teaches intensive weekend courses in Body-Mind Centering, as well as one-to-one lessons at Buckfastleigh town hall.

Body-Mind Centering was developed

by Bonnie Bainbridge Cohen.

Visit www.tsoel.org.uk or email Rosalyn at rosalynjmaynard@ gmail.com.

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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.

32

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T HE N AUTILUS R OOMS

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14th December

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Waking Women with Katheryn Hope - a group to support women in awakening their potential (Alternate Weds 7-8.30pm) Katheryn Hope Hope.

Call: 01647 441235 Creative Therapy Group Using Sand and Art Fortnightly group. For more information please contact Ruth Baker Email: ruthbaker1@gmail.com.

Call: 07736334454 PLEASE ENQUIRE FOR DATES Resonance Repatterning with Katheryn Hope Call: Katheryn Hope: 01647 441235 Journeying the Labyrinth Lisa Garvey Williams Email: lisa@lisagarveywilliams.com Call: 07879 405925 Visit: www.lisagarveywilliams.com 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 Treat Each Other with Anna Karthauser

Massage for beginners The Nautilus Rooms • 35a Fore Street • Totnes • TQ9 5HN Anna Karthauser Call: 07912612462, www.nautilusrooms.uk • info@nautilusrooms.uk email: anna@karthauser.org or visit www.reconnectonline.co.uk Editorial: 01392 346342www.annakarthausermassage.co.uk editor@reconnectonline.co.uk Call Ruth on 07736 334454 or Peter on 07826 414404

33

WELLBEING

Iessaiah - intuitive healer.

‘Healing brings together intuition, training and life experience...’

T

HE experience of supporting a close friend as she died from cancer taught energy healer and seer Iessaiah to integrate what she had instinctively known from childhood with the knowledge she had gained through many years of training and her varied, and sometimes challenging, life experiences.

This gives Iessaiah a unique perspective and enables her to provide an embodied and integrated style of healing that defies labelling.

She describes herself as part-healer, part-mystic, part-shaman, but adds that none of these descriptions adequately describe the breadth and depth of her healing work.

“People often come to me when they are facing big challenges in their life and are ready to let go and move on” she says. “When we go through trauma we can psychologically, physically and spirituality fragment.

I support the process of putting the pieces back together, of remodelling and reshaping our energetic blueprint. I provide a safe haven to evolve through your crisis, bringing peace and light back into the heart of your being.”

Although Iessaiah recognises that her gifts of intuition are unusual, she points out that all of us have the

potential to know what she knows: “At certain points in their lives, people can sometimes feel there is more to life than this. They are ready to ‘lift the veil’. I am simply a channel for the greater wisdom and healing that is accessible to all of us if we allow it. And the more we integrate this wisdom into our lives, the more peaceful, fulfilled and harmonious we will be.”

Iessaiah says she spent much of her childhood coming to terms with her own highly tuned intuition and observing what it is to be human in this world.

“I saw so much pain and suffering and I knew I wanted to do whatever I could to help to ease the suffering of others.”

She undertook extensive training, including: integrated energy healing; advanced therapeutic bodywork and massage; soul midwifery; family constellation facilitation; channelling and ecstatic awakening dance.

“I work in a completely integrated way,” says Iessaiah, “calling on the skills I have learned through my training and my own life experience.

No two treatments are ever the same because each one is determined by whatever the client needs in that moment.”

Reconnect’s Wellbeing editor Kate Philbin said: “Iessaiah has made a difference to me in coming to terms with challenges in my life, in letting go of difficulties and in moving forward to a place of greater empowerment. Treatments involve a mix of talking and lying on the treatment couch receiving healing. After each session, I have experienced a place of greater peace and harmony and also clearer understanding of the issues I’m facing in my life.”

After the death of her friend from cancer, Iessaiah spent several years working with people with terminal illnesses at Kingsbridge Hospital and St Luke’s Hospice.

“I realised how important it was for my friend to have me as her confidante. I helped her to discover

the truth of her inner-journey, which she couldn’t always express to her family, and to be a bridge for her between this phase of her existence and the next. I was a spiritual resource and mentor and the healing sessions helped to support her soul to move on.

“People ask me whether it is possible to ‘heal’ someone with a terminal illness and I say healing is not about making people better, it is about supporting life. I believe each of us is a soul expressed in form and matter.

Beyond life as we know it, we are still that same energetic expression but it takes another form that we can’t fully comprehend.

“Disease, crisis and trauma take us to the edge of the abyss. As a healer, I work through the different levels of someone’s experience to help them travel onto the next phase of their journey.”

Iessaiah acknowledges that all of this can sound quite vague - possibly even scary - to some people.

“I would simply say, if you are facing challenge or difficulty in your life, whether emotional, physical or spiritual; if you are stuck and want to move forward; if you are seeking help but don’t quite know why or what, please come and talk to me.”

Iessaiah practices from The Arcturus Centre in Totnes and Exeter Natural Health Centre. For more information call 07568 504347 or email info@ iessaiah.com.

Visit www.iessaiah.com.

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‘30 minutes of bliss and relaxation’

L

OOKING for some relief from the pressures of the festive season?

Marian Sorenson, right, is inviting people to enter the Aroma-Dome for 30 minutes of blissful peace and relaxation.

The Aroma-Dome is a mini-tent like structure that sits over the client’s upper-body (fully clothed) as they lie on their back on the therapy bed. This custom-designed contained environment allows for intensive inhalation of aromatherapy oils as they are diffused into the chamber. The oils affect the breath and limbic system which, in turn, have an impact on all the systems of the body.

Marian combines The Aroma-Dome with two processes called The Raindrop Technique and Vita-Flex.

She said: “With the Raindrop Technique, essential oils are applied to the feet and spinal canal, dripped from roughly six inches above the body to mimic the pattering of raindrops, hence the name. Applied in this way, these amazing, powerful oils have the power to promote physical health, relieve stress, energise and lift the mood. I also use a Native American technique called

feathering and effleurage, which is a style of gentle massage.

“Finally, I use Vita-Flex, which translates literally as vitality through the reflexes. It is a pressure point form of reflexology that helps access more than 5,000 reflex points on the feet.

These points are capable of releasing many kinds of tension, congestion and imbalances from the body. At the end of the treatment, I use a hot towel compress to enhance infusion of the oils and to deepen and enhance the process.”

Marian trained as a Raindrop Technique Practitioner in the US after receiving a treatment herself. A single session released a damaged sciatic nerve that had been causing pain and restriction for seven years and she was determined to offer the same relief to others.

Marian also offers 30-minute sessions in the Aroma-Dome for clients who don’t have the time for a full treatment. She practises at the Ola Centre in Totnes as well at home in Torquay and in clients’ own homes.

For more information email vitalityoils7@gmail.com or call 07913 633732.

Bell’s reminder to ‘stay open-hearted’

A

T a time when our thoughts are largely focused on giving, psychic reader and spiritual counsellor Bell Bartlett, right, wants to remind us of the benefits of receiving.

“I frequently remind my clients (and myself) to pay attention to how our hearts are feeling,” said Bell.

“Are they relaxed and open, or tense, fearful and less open?

When our hearts are less open, we may be less able to receive.

If I am feeling cross or fearful, I notice it is more difficult to accept offers of help when I most need it. So, my gift to everyone this Yuletide is to remind them to keep their hearts as open as possible so that they may receive the abundance of love which Spirit wants to give us all.”

Some people choose to give a session with Bell as a gift. She is offering gift vouchers at the same price as last year, including postage and packing,

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

to make our festive budgets stretch a bit further.

“The gift vouchers are valid for a year which means recipients can use them when they are most needed. This is a lovely gift to give someone because it offers them the prospect of help and support for the year ahead. Many people do decide to come for a reading early in the year in order to have a sense of how, when and where to best use their energies in the coming months, but there is no obligation to do this.”

Bell, who works from her home in Dartington, offers her thanks to all of the people who have been to see her in 2016. She added: “To all Reconnect readers, my wish is that you have a peaceful heart and joyful days. These are the real gifts in life and the only ones truly worth having.”

Call Bell on 07796 900509 or visit www.conscious-tarot.co.uk.

‘New edgy-cation’ programmes AFTER three years of transformational weekends and evenings, InterBe is retiring it’s successful Experiencing Living Series and launching four revised and revamped programmes: Inside Stories; The Spiral of Possibility; Mastery of Nothing; and Flying Solo.

“Each programme stands alone,” explains Interbe’s Simon Daly.

“Each introduces new ways of thinking, seeing, relating and being. Each leads you

towards living life as a Space of Possibility. The programmes are challenging and inspiring.

They all draw on the creative arts, including poetry, theatre, creative writing, collage, movement and music. We heard them being referred to recently as ‘new edgy-cation’.”

So if you want to “step outside your usual repertoire and play on a wider stage” call Mo Cohen or Simon Daly on 01392 346 224, email team@interbe.co.uk, or visit www.interbe.co.uk.

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35

WELLBEING Managing ‘a magical place’

M

EET the new manager at The Sharpham Trust’s Barn Retreat Centre - Tasha Bassingthwaighte, who’s come from Canada to take over from Peter Mallard after he left in September.

Tasha is now in charge of a place that enjoys an excellent reputation UK-wide as a centre for meditation in the Buddhist tradition.

“The Barn is a very magical place which has helped change many lives for the better,” she says. “Many people have started a mindfulness practice through coming to The Barn.

Connections have been made that will last a lifetime; connections with a spiritual practice or with individuals.”

Tasha was interested in spiritual practice from a young age and did her first Buddhist meditation retreat at the age of 18. She has lived in various intentional communities in Canada, the USA and the UK. She is also inspired by the natural world: “The Barn is an amazing meeting of three of the things that I am most inspired by: nature connection, Buddhism and community. They’re also the things that Barn founder Maurice Ash named as the three pillars supporting the vision for The Barn: meditation, community and working on the land.”

She has worked in the realm of social services, social justice and non-profit organisation for the past decade, including community-building while working with refugees, immigrants, and women in poverty.

So what of the future of The Barn?

Says Tasha: “I want to remain true to the spirit of The Barn in terms of remaining accessible to all so that if you have a 30-year practice, coming to The Barn is wonderful. If you have never meditated before, coming to The Barn is wonderful. I’d also like to encompass other forms of diversity in terms of age, gender, ethnicity of The Barn retreatants. And I’d like to see more teachers coming from a wider variety of Buddhist traditions.”

The Barn has a series of themed

retreats programmed for 2017, as well as the weekly six-night communal retreats that start each Sunday.

For anyone who plans to begin (or extend) a mindfulness practice in the New Year, Sharpham is continuing with its programme of retreats, courses and tasters.

And for those who are new to mindfulness, The Barn has one-day taster courses (including in Totnes and Torquay), as well as their ever-popular Mindfulness for Beginners retreat, which is held in Sharpham House.

Or, if you want to go a bit deeper, you can explore the Trust’s clinicallyrecognised eight-week courses, or sample retreats exploring mindfulness through creativity, yoga, creative writing, singing or even cookery.

All Sharpham Trust events are listed online at www.sharphamtrust.org/ Calendar.

The Barn Retreat Centre; new manager Tasha Bassingthwaighte, left; and, below, a mindfulness group.

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Kickstarting our natural healing

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NEW form of all-natural, noninvasive pain relief will be available at the Exeter Natural Health Centre from the New Year.

Sonia Norman, right, massage therapist and practitioner, is offering InterX, a neurostimulation treatment that’s clinically proven to provide great results – as Sonia knows from personal experience.

“I trained to become an InterX practitioner after experiencing its remarkable results myself,” she said.

“I had suffered 15 years of terrible back pain and tried everything, I was giving up hope, especially following a depressing MRI diagnosis after which the consultants could offer only strong pain meds. It was so bad I couldn’t drive or sit for very long, and I was in constant pain. Ten years ago I had three months of InterX treatment for long-term chronic pain and I’ve been pain-free ever since.”

Sonia says InterX therapy kickstarts the body’s own natural healing

response. She explains: “This relaxing treatment can speed up postoperative healing -following knee or hip replacements, for example - by up to 50%.

“It is used in hospitals and pain clinics around the world, as well as for the treatment of sports injuries. In clinical trials, the device has been shown to reduce pain and inflammation and increase the individual’s range of movement and mobility. I am very excited to be able to offer this to people in Devon.”

Sonia explained that clients relax on the treatment couch, and experience a tingling sensation.

“If the injury is fresh, results are often immediate,” said Sonia. “One client with severe acute lower-back pain experienced almost complete relief from the pain within 20 minutes.”

Treatments are available at Exeter Natural Health Centre. Call Sonia on 01398 361486 or 07813 609998, email info@astralpainrelief.co.uk, or visit www.astralpainrelief.co.uk.

Mindfulness integral to training MINDFULNESS is about being present to what is happening in an accepting and non-judgmental way.

Contemporary approaches to mindfulness are based on Buddhist practices that are over 2,000 years old but which have absolute relevance for the modern world Lotus Training regards mindfulness as an essential quality for counsellors - and mindfulness training is an important part of their curriculum at levels 2, 3, 4 and 5.

Julie Jeffs explained: “We use this approach as a resource to help support and nourish the trainee counsellor. As well as being the foundation for

counseling practice, mindfulness is an approach that you can apply in everyday life.”

All Lotus Training courses lead to a qualification awarded by the Counselling and Psychotherapy Central Awarding body, which is the only Ofqual-approved awarding body specialising in the field of counselling and supervision.

The Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills and Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies start in January 2017. The Level 5 Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling begins in April 2017.

For more information, visit www. lotustrainingco.co.uk or call Julie Jeffs on 01752 560002.

Virginia Compton Holistic Yoga and Ayurveda Therapist Yoga Classes • Workshops Retreats • Courses Private Yoga and Yoga Therapy Ayurvedic Massage Therapies Wellness and lifestyle assessment Torquay • Totnes • Teignbridge

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BEAUTIFUL ROOMS for Counselling & Psychotherapy.

FOR TALKING THERAPIES AND HOLISTIC HEALTH

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

Try something different in 2017 with Iron Mill College

Entry level courses in Exeter Part-time, entry level courses starting in January:  Certificate in Counselling: 14 day course with weekend and weekday study options available.  Foundation Certificate in Counselling Psychology: Runs on 10 Saturdays, over 5 months.  Foundation Certificate in Positive Psychology Coaching: Runs on 6 weekends, over 6 months.

Learn about future courses at our January 21st Open Day

For further information or to apply: 01392 219200 / enquiries@ironmill.co.uk

www.ironmill.co.uk

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Participants of a recent Body Mind Workers workshop.

WELLBEING Body Mind Worker @ The Grow Edge

Discover how your mind works.

Body Mind Work is a cutting edge educational process with therapeutic effects freeing you of chronic pain and chronic dis-ease such as ME, CFS and Fibromyalgia.

Sue Maris sue@thegrowedge.com | 07973717939 www.bodymindworkers.com

B

UDDHA said: “With our thoughts we make the world.”

Author and founder of Body Mind Workers, Matt Hudson is setting out to show people exactly how their mind works and how to transform limiting beliefs into powerful drivers for change.

He has created a two-day workshop called ‘Change your Mind, Change your Life’ to teach people how they can make a better world for themselves and the people around them.

Matt explained: “This approach is like nothing else that’s out there. It works by coaching the individual’s unconscious/ non-verbal communication and creating a way for them to explore the hidden meanings below the surface.”

Matt spent 20 years working in private practice as a Behavioural Change Consultant. He found himself asking himself: ‘Why is it that some clients remain with their problem even after every avenue for help and relief has been explored?’ Matt became convinced there must be another way and he founded Body Mind Workers in answer to this question.

His educational training and development program sets out to show people how to change their life by changing their limiting beliefs. It has been shown to be hugely effective in the treatment of chronic pain and long standing dis-ease such as Chronic

Transforming limiting beliefs Fatigue, ME and Fibromyalgia, but also for emotional issues such as anxiety, depression, phobias and many more.

By disconnecting neurologically from the original stimulus of your dies-ease, your system can have a new and different response.

Matt said: “The workshops are always fun and engaging and will enable you to make profound changes in your life.

You might be amazed by the amount of control you can have over pain, anxiety and negative emotions.”

Matt will be running Change Your Mind, Change Your Life in Devon in the New Year. The workshop is also suitable for therapists as an introduction to the Body Mind Workers Chronic Pain Programme.

Body Mind Workers training courses are running in Dartington in March 2017. Find out more at www. bodymindworkers.com or call 01803 463775.

Festive discounts on therapies

A

And he’s discounted his reflexology treatments too – four treatments for £100, instead of the usual £120.

The discounts are Recent or longvalid for bookings standing infections in December and can make us prone January only, to further infection, and massages even after we think and reflexology that they have have to be paid cleared our system. for up-front. EAV, EAV (Electrowhich originated Acupuncture) from Germany Andy Thompson screening is a way over 50 years of diagnosing ago, has been the infectious causes behind poor shown to be particularly effective health – and local practitioner at identifying the underlying Andy Thompson at the BioEnergetic pathogens (viruses, bacteria etc.) involved in chronic conditions Health Clinic has come up with a such as unexplained fatigue, IBS, range of Winter discounts fro this migraines, fibromyalgia and skin and other therapies he offers. conditions.

His initial EAV consultation is £40, At the initial appointment, Andy instead of £70 (ie, the same price takes a detailed history which is as a follow-up appointment). updated at each follow-up session, He’s also offering three full-body taking into account the client’s massages (one and a half hours symptoms, feelings, experiences each, using organic oils, towels and intuition. and sheets) for £130, instead of the To find out more or make usual £165, or three upper-body bookings, call Andy on massages, which each last one 07503 111057, or visit www. hour) for £100, a saving of £20. bioenergetichealth.net.

S we enter the coldest months of the year, our bodies can struggle to keep us healthy and well.

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Sound healing practitioner Teresa Wicksteed, below left, and the view from her healing room, left.

WELLBEING

Busy year for children’s reflexology

I Relaxing to the flow of sound

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HE voice is the most simple, powerful and easily accessible instrument available to us all, according to Teresa Wicksteed MCSH, MA, PGCE who recently qualified as a Sound Healing Practitioner with the College of Sound Healing UK. Teresa uses her voice during her sound healing treatments, making vocal sounds or ‘tones’ over the client while they relax on the therapy couch.

“The sounds are somewhere between chanting and singing,” she explained.

“They are interspersed with periods of meditative silence to allow the client to integrate the sound healing.”

Our bodies are around 70 per cent water so they allow sound waves to flow through them easily, re-balancing our internal tissues as they go - and as sound flows through the body we experience a feeling of very deep relaxation, says Teresa.

“Sound Healing is a complementary, holistic treatment. It is non-invasive and deeply relaxing and works on physical, emotional and energetic levels. It is a form of healing derived from the Old English ‘Haelen’, meaning to make whole, to restore, to balance. This includes restoring the balance between the internal organs and our mind, body and spirit.”

As well as using her voice, Teresa also sometimes uses instruments such as tuning forks, rattles or singing bowls to treat specific conditions.

Clients report improvements with a range of problems including anxiety, sleep problems, raised blood pressure and depression.

Teresa added: “Sound healing is as old as history itself and was used by ancient civilisations all over the world. In the Bible it is written that David played his harp to lift King Saul’s depression; and Handel wrote his Water Music to help King George’s problems of memory loss and depression. In all major spiritual traditions, creation myths feature life beginning with sound…and even today we recognise the Universe as probably beginning with a Big Bang!”

Teresa practises near Rame Head, close to the sea, so sounds of nature blend with the relaxing sounds created during the session. Treatments cost £30 for the first appointment and £40 thereafter. A block of three is recommended.

Visit www.teresawicksteed.co.uk, call 07968 941854 or email teresa@ teresawicksteed.co.uk.

Do you find it hard to trust yourself To know what is really right for you, and to act on what you truly believe? Can you make good decisions with confidence?

Or do you suffer from troubling anxiety?

I can help you to find and trust your own inner-sense of forward life direction… and to open up your life possibilities.

Working with Troubling Anxiety Thursday mornings 2, 9, 16 and 23 February, 9.30am-12.30pm in the Exeter area.

One-to-one Focusing sessions are also available.

Contact Fiona on 07799 027332 fiona@fionaparr-focusing.co.uk www.fionaparr-focusing.co.uk

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T’S been a busy year for The Children’s Reflexology Programme (TCRP). 2016 has seen the publication of their second book (Mouse’s Best Day Ever), the launch of their additional needs course and the very first awards from Holistic Therapist Magazine for best new business and the very prestigious FHT Excellence Awards for complimentary therapist of the year.

They have also collaborated with Sure Start to reach an even greater number of children and will be celebrating the release of their third book, Mouse and the Storm, in February 2017, to support their additional needs course.

Creator and founder Susan Quayle said: “This Spring we are running instructor training courses in both our programmes so if you have been thinking of joining our growing family do get in touch.

“In March we are launching our additional needs course here in Devon, the first of its kind and already having a huge impact on young people’s lives.

“Our pilot courses ran in Kent in 2016 with life-changing results for many families - especially one little boy who was able to return to school after years of exclusion due to his autism-related behavioural issues. Using strategies learnt on

Susan Quayle our course, he has been able to self-manage his condition well enough to allow him to resume his studies at a new school where he is doing very well.”

TCRP welcomes applications from anyone who has a healthy interest in working with parents of children with additional needs and their families, no pre-requisite is required.

“This work is very much needed and we want to share it far and wide across the Westcountry,” said Susan. “You will be the first instructors in this course in this area, so great business opportunities await you.”

Visit www.kidsreflex.co.uk or email sue@kidsreflex.co.uk.

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WELLBEING Handmade, herbal, vegan, natural & eco-friendly body care products Local outlets: •

The Chelston Wellbeing Centre, Torquay

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New courses, new building, new year

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XCITING news from Iron Mill College… new programmes from its new building in Exeter for the start of a New Year.

Iron Mill College has become known as one of the region’s leading providers of education and training in mental health and wellbeing. From its recently expanded city centre venue in Exeter, the college is offering a growing range of opportunities for students and the local community.

College principal Rose Bedford said: “We have an extra building and improved facilities for our students which is very exciting and, as well as this, we are launching some inspiring new programmes, beginning in January. These include part-time, entry level courses which are open to all, such as our Foundation Certificate in Counselling Psychology and our Foundation Certificate in Positive Psychology Coaching. We are also

delighted to offer a Post Qualifying Diploma in Creative Arts Therapies, available to existing counselling, psychotherapy and mental health professionals.”

The college is keen for its new building to become a centre for the local community, offering services and experiences related to emotional health, personal development, lifestyle, creativity and wellbeing.

Rose said: “We have affordable spaces to rent for people offering counselling, psychotherapy and supervision sessions, as well as yoga, pilates, mindfulness, creative activities/ groups, massage, acupuncture, aromatherapy, choir meetings, movement, drama, professional group meetings, study days, music workshops and more.”

For more information about courses or room rental call 01392 219200, or email enquiries@ironmill.co.uk.

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

BioEnergetic Health

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

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

www.bioenergetichealth.net Celebrations at the Organic Arts community garden.

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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Grant funds community arts garden

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RGANIC Arts is celebrating after being awarded a grant of £158,385 from the Big Lottery Fund.

The fund will support Organic Arts’ community garden for the next five years, giving people the opportunity to engage in a variety of gardenbased practical activities on the outskirts of Exeter in Ide. It offers volunteering opportunities for anyone who wants to get involved but is particularly targeted at people with mental health issues, physical disabilities, learning disabilities and people recovering from addiction.

Volunteer days are offered on

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Wednesday and Fridays, from 10.30am - 4pm, with a minibus pickup from Exeter.

Christine Duff from Organic Arts said: “We are absolutely delighted to receive this support from The Big Lottery Fund. It gives us our project security for the next five years, enabling us to continue to offer an environment where people have the opportunity to take part in meaningful volunteering opportunities, build their confidence and skills and socialise with others in their local community.”

To find out more, visit www. organicarts.org.uk, call 01392 811080 or pop into Exeter CVS.

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

WELLBEING The perfect place for regeneration

T

HIS is the perfect time of year to be thinking about regenerating ourselves - giving ourselves or loved ones some pampering, or looking at our lives and seeking support in discarding old patterns that no longer serve us - and creating new ones.

And Ruth Baker says The Nautilus Rooms, of which she is co-founder with her husband Peter, is the perfect place to find an experienced Scott Grant and his quartz crystal singing bowls. practitioner or workshop to help you can inadvertently hijack our beliefs, do this work - whether emotions and patterns of behaviour”. it is mind, body or spirit.

Sylvia Karathanos continues to run “Clients and therapists say The her highly successful groups based Nautilus Rooms provides a sense of on The Work of Byron Katie. A new peace and beautiful energy,” says group starts in January 2017, where Ruth. “We provide the perfect home participants can learn powerful tools for a wide and rich range of therapists to become aware of and question the and practitioners. This month we thoughts, beliefs and assumptions that welcome Scott Grant with his beautiful cause difficult emotions (anger, fear, Crystal Sound Baths.” depression) and keep us stuck in old Scott Grant works on a one-to-one patterns of behaviour. Find out more basis and as a workshop facilitator. at www.thework.com.

He is an international spiritual teacher, The course runs 7-9.30pm on workshop facilitator, sound healer Sundays, and individual sessions and intuitive life coach and teaches are available for a reduced rate of meditation, psychic development, Usui £30 for group members. Call Sylvia & Angelic Reiki healing. He has also Karathanos on 01803 868 379, or been “lucky enough to channel Sacred email: SKarathanos@phonecoop.

Heart healing and Arcturian healing, coop.

Body Energy Mapping and Heart Alignment therapy”.

There are still some places available on Virginia Compton’s Welcome to the Scott has studied for many years Focus Yourself Samvatsara Journey! in various practices, including Chi This one-year journey incorporates Kung, Tai Chi, NLP, EFT, CBT, BSc Ayurveda, Yoga and meditation and Psychology, Yoga, Angelic Reiki “and includes practical cookery sessions, various other healing modalities”. a Spring and Autumn cleanse and a He will be running Crystal Sound residential Summer retreat weekend.

Baths with Angelic Reiki on December Meetings will be held monthly on 14 and January 26.

Saturdays. Virginia is also available “The Crystal Sound Baths take you for 1:1 sessions. on a wonderful journey through your The Nautilus Rooms are also the South chakras,” says Scott. “Be bathed in West home to the Association of the beautiful energy of 12 quartz Integrative Sandplay courses, which crystal singing bowls, each of which provide professional development resonates with the various chakras. for counsellors, psychotherapists, Crystal singing bowls work to release social workers, teaching assistants built-up stressful emotions, blockages and coaches who are interested in and trauma from your past and developing a creative approach present; stopping them manifesting to their work or deepening their physically.” knowledge of these powerful Angela Percival has been building techniques. In addition to a focus on her practice at The Nautilus Rooms creative therapies the courses integrate for the last few months. She is child development theories and the an experienced solution-focused, theories of Jung and transpersonal integrative counsellor who has been psychologists like Wilber, Almaas, working with people for 18 years.

Washburn and Grof.

“I am committed to working And finally, enjoy a little Christmas collaboratively to help you discover pampering or New Year revitalisation your own inner-resources and to try with a massage from Anna Karthauser different approaches that work more or one of our other massage therapists. effectively for you,” says Angela.

Anna is running a Treat Each OtherSeated Massage Workshop on She integrates a wide variety of Saturday 11th February 1- 4.30pm research, therapeutic approaches and A fun and informal workshop to learn techniques into her practice. She has how to give a simple and effective a special interest in the latest research back, shoulder, neck and head on Neuro-Science as this field “gives a massage. clearer understanding of how the mind works and how unconscious processes Visit www.nautilusrooms.uk.

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

Shift your brain to a higher mode

S

HIFTING your brain from lower survival mode to a higher more evolved mode is the essence of Higher Brain Living.

Michael Traynor is an experienced neuro physio, who has been training in many complementary and alternative techniques from around the world since 2001. He is passionate about understanding the brain and in 2015 he took a leap of faith and went to Mexico to investigate Higher Brain Living at the organisation’s annual retreat.

He said: “I wanted to see if it was for real. I was so impressed with the team and my mindblowing experiences from the sessions that I went to Chicago in July 2015 and again in October to become the first person in Europe to train as a facilitator in Higher Brain Living.”

Higher Brain sessions combine elements of bodywork, breath modification, energy point release and lifecoaching, based on Ken Wilber’s integral theory. The shift from lower to higher brain creates a move from old cycles of stress, worry and anxiety to new cycles of confidence, joy and abundance.

Michael added: “There have been many EEGs done to show the increased level of activity in the prefrontal cortex after a Higher Brain Living session. It makes a difference for people with fatigue, stiffness, breathing difficulties, grief, lack of clarity (thinking or in life) and certain types of pain.’

Michael is holding a series of workshops in 2017 to introduce Higher Brain Living, including two in Exeter on April 1 and September 9.

He also runs a weekly, Exercise, Meditate and Transform Class at the Courtney Centre in Newton Abbot.

Call 07956 409300 or email: miketraynor2003@yahoo.com.

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Visit us at www.reconnectonline.co.uk

WELLBEING

Building a homeplace

Counsellor and Psychotherapist With optional use of Sand Tray and Drawing/Painting as Therapeutic Tools w w w. j u l i e t t e m e d d e r. c o . u k 01803 906 731 | 07923 894 499 | info@juliettemedder.co.uk

KICK-ASS LIFE COACHING & WORKSHOPS INTRODUCING HIGHER BRAIN LIVING™ New to the UK.

Sessions and workshops with amazing bodywork and tools for ENERGY, CLARITY and INSPIRATION! Upgrade your Body, Breath, Mind and Brain to achieve your goals (and your clients’) in all areas.

www.michaeljtraynor.co.uk Call 07956 409300

E

MBERCOMBE will be holding another Experience Weekend in December, just before the Winter Solstice.

These days, Embercombe Experience Weekends, where families and individuals come together to work and live on the land for a weekend, are hugely popular, elaborately planned events for which pre-booking is essential. But this was not always the case.

In one of my favourite stories that he tells about the early days of Embercombe, founder Tim ‘Mac’ Macartney recalls a time when he and Joey, Chief of the Embercombe Council, would often find themselves standing expectantly outside the hangar, which would eventually become Centre Fire, on the mornings of volunteer work days, gazing up the drive, waiting hopefully for helpers to arrive.

According to Mac, he would often turn and say with a sigh: “Well, Joey, it looks like it’s just you and me again...”

I wonder how many of us who have a close and passionate relationship with Embercombe, and feel ignited by the great beacon of inspiration which it has become, have been around long enough to remember a time when, for many years, it was all about faith, hope and the extremely hard work of a handful of people who carefully kindled the vision in their hearts - a vision which was still many difficult years away from bearing the fruit that we all now feel so nourished by.

Mac’s simple story about the early days resonates with me because it has an important lesson to teach me.

Like so many others who have been called to Embercombe, I understand I am in recovery from a sickness which is caused by our modern Western civilisation. One of the symptoms of my own particular strain of this

Oliver Bettany, of Sacred Earth and himself a graduate of The Journey at Embercombe, explores Embercombe’s Experience Weekends

sickness is a chronic difficulty making long-term commitments – to stick with someone or something when the honeymoon period comes to an end and the going gets tough. As a young man I drifted from one romance to another, from one job to another, from one exotic destination to another, looking for somewhere to feel at home with myself without understanding that ‘home’ is something which has to be made not found.

Naomi Klein sums it up beautifully: “After listening to the great farmerpoet Wendell Berry deliver a lecture on how we each have a duty to love our ‘homeplace’ more than any other, I asked him if he had any advice for rootless people like me and my friends, who live in our computers and always seem to be shopping for home.

‘Stop somewhere,’ he replied. ‘And begin the thousand-year-long process of knowing that place.’”

For many of us perhaps, Embercombe symbolises this ‘homeplace’. Certainly there’s a feeling of coming home to a place of safety, inspiration and

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

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uk Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) (Stimulates the immune system to function optimally)

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welcome challenge when I return to Embercombe, but I have also recently chosen another homeplace, a community land project in East Sussex which is now at the stage Embercombe was fifteen years ago.

This project is called Sacred Earth, and it has similar aspirations and aims to Embercombe. The vision we’re holding in our hearts is that one day Sacred Earth will become a beacon and an inspiration to others in the South East, just like Embercombe is in the south west. I wonder how many sapling projects, spread all over the country, have these kinds of ambitions? Lots I hope! Many readers, I trust, are involved in these kinds of projects and draw energy and inspiration from the example which Embercombe offers us.

Some of these projects could also benefit from the experience we have had over the last 12 months of becoming a Community Benefit Society, a new kind of organisation, similar to a co-operative, which is owned and run by the local community through the issue of community shares.

Community shares have proved a powerful way for people to take control of the things that really matter to them – from starting new community energy schemes to saving vital assets in their local area like shops, pubs and libraries. Valuable institutions such as Embercombe and Sacred Earth offer a contribution in their different ways in terms of supporting the development of resilient, strong, supportive and inclusive communities.

Recently we launched our first community share offer. We’re hoping our project will be supported not only by our local community in East Sussex but also by the activists, farmers, business folk, craftspeople, artists, visionaries and dreamers who make up the wider community of committed change makers in the UK. If the CBS model of community building appeals to you, please consider becoming a Sacred Earth

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

shareholder, or contact us if you’re curious about whether it would work for a community project you are involved in.

When Sacred Earth was inaugurated and blessed in 2011, Mac attended the ceremony. Even though I wasn’t involved in the project back then this means a lot to me. I participated in a phenomenal Descent programme at Embercombe last year, my main reason for signing up was a powerful desire I was feeling to spend time with an elder.

Without putting him on a pedestal, the fact that Mac feels like the only true elder in my life is something that grieves me, but I imagine this may also be true for others who have spent time with him. Many years from now, when the time comes for me to enter the eldership phase of my life, I hope Sacred Earth and all of the other local community projects with big ambitions so many of us are in the early stages of establishing are flourishing in the way Embercombe is now, providing a network of homeplaces throughout the country which are accessible to all who seek them. The Community Benefit Society model could prove to be a really helpful way to make this vision a reality.

The Sacred Earth community share offer is now underway. Visit http:// sacredearthland.co.uk/invest for more information or to download our share offer document and business plan.

For an appointment please call 07931 505 312

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

BEAUTIFUL ROOMS for groups and individual practice.

FOR TALKING THERAPIES AND HOLISTIC HEALTH

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

l Embercombe, a “centre of inspiration,imagination and action” near Exeter that seeks to “ignite the spark of leadership within each of us so that we take courageous action for a better world”. Visit www. embercombe.org to discover more about its experiential programmes, built on nature-based and indigenous wisdom, to help you develop your own authentic and active leadership, and its taster events such as the Experience Weekends.

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WELLBEING Shiatsu’s role after cancer diagnosis

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N aching neck and shoulders led Freya to sign up for six weekly sessions of Shiatsu with therapist, Kirsty Hurd-Thomas.

Freya was concerned that her stressful life was manifesting as pain in her body and was keen to seek some support.

Unbeknown to her, Freya would receive a diagnosis of breast cancer soon after starting her Shiatsu sessions. After the initial shock, she decided she wanted to take an holistic approach to her treatment and opted to continue her weekly Shiatsu sessions alongside conventional medical treatment, including chemotherapy. Although not the reason that she began receiving regular Shiatsu, Freya has found it to be an exceptional support during her journey through chemotherapy. This is her story: “At the time of diagnosis I felt like I was facing a life and death situation; my own mortality was staring me in the face. This is such a fearful and vulnerable place to be and at that time I didn’t know whether I would be ok. Shiatsu gave me the reassurance that I needed to take each step at a time.”

Freya continues: “My main experience of chemotherapy was a sense of being blasted from the inside out; feeling my insides burnt, and a scattering of my sense of self, so that although I could feel all the parts of myself, I was not really able to contact them or that contact felt tenuous. This led to confusion and a sense of loss of control. The shock and trauma felt overwhelming at times. The best way I can describe having regular Shiatsu is that it felt like Kirsty acted as a kind of sheepdog to the scattered spiritual, emotional, mental and physical parts of myself, guiding them back home in a beautiful and reassuring way.

“This relieved my panic and enabled my body to feel safe, and that was very healing for me. Throughout the awful trauma and shock of chemo my core felt supported, and strengthened by the Shiatsu. My energy was very low throughout my course of treatment, but it was not always easy to recognise that for myself.

“It was very useful to be reminded of that by Kirsty so I could be more mindful of how I used my energy.

Another very practical thing was that before I began the course of chemo, she showed me certain points on my wrist that would give immediate relief from the constant underlying nausea which followed each treatment. That was really helpful.”

Kirsty added: “Freya knew that a lot of what happened in our sessions was about the relationship between us rather than me doing something

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to her. With my guidance she was able to stay mindful of her body experience during Shiatsu treatments and this meant she experienced the Shiatsu at a deeper level. Because of this, she was able to access the feeling of wellbeing that she experienced during her treatments at other times. Freya used this as a resource immediately after chemotherapy, reminding her body of the safety and reassurance it had felt.

“Part of her success with Shiatsu has been down to her willingness to take responsibility for her own health. In some ways, I think this can become easier during a time of crisis. When you have something like a cancer diagnosis suddenly your health is highlighted in a way that makes you want to do something about it. I’m sure most of us can think of areas of our lives where we need support to take responsibility for our own health, but unless we have a shocking diagnosis it is often easier to bumble along in the way we always have.”

Reflecting on her journey, Freya said: “Shiatsu helped me to maintain a sense of wholeness and trust throughout my treatment for cancer.

I wouldn’t like to imagine how it would have been without it. I never felt that the process was solely in Kirsty’s hands, though. It has been my process, but she has been there to guide and support me. Throughout I have been completely aware that it is up to me to take the support that Kirsty provided to me.”

Kirsty is offering gift vouchers for people looking to give a Shiatsu treatment for Christmas. She said: “We make New Year’s resolutions intending to keep them, but sometimes we might need a little support to stay in touch with our intentions. A series of Shiatsu treatments can help with that. There are many areas where Shiatsu can be supportive to your health, and of course it can also be a delicious nurturing treat.”

Visit www.kirsty.hurd-thomas. shiatsusociety.org, email kirsty. shiatsu@btinternet.com or call 01803 862808.

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WELLBEING Now’s the time to make real change

W

ITH the New Year nearly upon us, now could be just the time to give attention to something that has been bothering you all last year, says Focusing practitioner Fiona Parr, right.

The New Year brings fresh energy and impetus for change, so why not go with the flow and make that important, courageous and nurturing decision to make real changes? Focusing has helped thousands of people to make genuine change, says Fiona.

“Some have experienced change so complete that they forget what the problem was, and how it was before.

People are saying it has literally changed their life. I keep hearing from clients and students how valuable Focusing is for them.”

So what would you like to change?

What has been bothering you, or how is something in your life not working?

“The Focusing way of being with something in you that feels anxious, angry or sad, is to find out how that feeling is living in your body,” says Fiona. “How do you actually experience the painful feeling and what does it actually feel like? You might start with an overall or general feeling of discomfort. As you stay with it, it gradually reveals more

information to you. Shifts and changes happen as you pay close attention in a friendly, nonjudgemental way.

“The process of listening to yourself in this way is the change. The very fact of bringing attention to your body and listening to it in a specific way brings change. This kind of change cannot be controlled or predicted.

What comes is often surprising. You might say ‘where did that come from?’

And you can tell that there is a sense of rightness about it. You could not have made it up, and yet, there it is.”

So what life situations might call for inner-change? There are two main entry points for Focusing, says Fiona.

The first is when you have a problem or something feels stuck and not working in your life. The second is when you are working on a creative endeavour, and you need to sense inside for the right next step.

“Carol Poole and myself are running a short course in February for people who suffer from troubling anxiety,” she says. “You will learn ways of dealing with your anxiety, and the skill learned will help you to check into your body wisdom, whenever you need to.”

Call Fiona on 01626 821110, or 07799 027332, or visit www. fionaparr-focusing.co.uk.

Working with life’s natural energies

A

S human beings, we are not alone, says lifecoach Katheryn Eliane Hope, right.

“There is a natural intelligence that exists within the universe,” she says, “but when we are going about our day-to-day lives there is a tendency for us to forget this. By working with, rather than against, these natural energies and rediscovering our connection to the greater whole, we have an experience of being helped along our way in everything we choose to do and be. This is called ‘The Perelandra Approach’ and it is something I advocate to everyone that I coach.”

Katheryn encourages people to think of aims and ambitions as projects.

“Seeing our aims and ambitions as projects helps us to frame them in a positive way and giving our projects a timespan helps us to establish clear steps towards achieving them. Our projects can be major life decisions, like deciding on our next career step, or something much more simple, such as becoming happier in our lives.”

She explained that our habits are the foundation of our life and so encouraging someone to have

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positive habits from the outset of a project is very important.

“The Perelandra approach – where we work co-creatively with life’s natural energies – applies to every aspect of our lives: job, personal and professional projects, education, home and dreams. It can be helpful to regard our projects as being like gardens. First, we need to do the groundwork and sow the seeds (of a new relationship/a new career/a new aim for ourselves or whatever).

Then we need to tend our garden regularly. For example, we might need to do a bit of weeding here or a bit of clearing there. Are there places where we are struggling and need to find the gift of greater support? It is important to trust and be open to receive whatever is waiting for us. By planting our ideas in well-laid ground and giving them regular attention, we can enjoy a more fruitful harvest in time.”

“The world needs what we have to offer and coaching gives us the support to help to grow our own unique garden. This is why I refer to myself as The Seed Coach.”

Call Katheryn on 01647 441235, or visit www.theseedcoach.co.uk.

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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.

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HOLISTIC Counsellor specialising in trauma/ abuse, and for those feelings/emotions difficult to put into words working with art, sand and outside amongst nature. Annie, www. natureswaycounselling. co.uk, 07760 439760.

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