Reconnect Oct - Nov 2015 Issue 39

The good living and community magazine for Exeter, Plymouth and across South Devon OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2015 ISSUE 39

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

Plea

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DEPORTATION STREET Corrie star seeks asylum in Plymouth

eco comforts OF HOME Ideas germinate in green houses

A BIT OF A SQUASH

NATURAL WELLBEINg

The potential of pumpkins

Pages of holistic health & beauty

goingout

All dressed up with somewhere to go - see our what’s on guide!

local people local events local food local health local environment

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MORE EXETER NATURAL HEALTH CENTRE PRACTITIONERS MO MORRISH RSHOM Homeopathic medicine www.the homoeopathicpractice.co.uk Authentic Ceremonies www.authenticceremonies.co.uk ANNA PARIS Ac.M.MBAC Traditional acupuncture, Toyohari 5 element & Manaka styles email: amparis1@btinternet.com SUSAN QUAYLE Maternity reflexologist, fertility, ante natal, labour, post natal & baby, aromatherapy, massage Tel: 01626 862469 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

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TANYA DESFONTAINES Craniosacral Therapy T: 07971 913002 E: Tanya@fifthworldcranial.co.uk LESLEY HARPER Nutritional Therapy www.lesleyharper.co.uk

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

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GUNDA FIELDEN MSTAT Alexander Technique 01803 782743 gundafielden@tiscali.co.uk ELEMENTS MASSAGE THERAPY Cathy Payne Hot Stone Massage, Swedish Massage, Indian Head Massage, Reiki, Pregnancy Massage www.facebook.com/elementsdevon 07595 479463 JULIE BLADON Lomi Lomi Massage / Yoga / Meditation T: 07754 983498 W: juliebladon.com

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Upfront IT'S WHAT WE'RE ABOUT

Broughttoyou by...

IN THISISSUE...

ARTS MENTORS

5

Training at Barbican EDITOR Martin Foster

TRANSITION FILM FEST 6 On-screen inspiration

VIVA LA REVOLUTION 7 High street support

WELLBEING EDITOR Kate Philbin

CRUX OF THE MATTER

Makers go to market

GOING OUT DIARY SALES SUPPORT Melissa Merrington-Pink

Our events listings

8

9

JOA ON GARDENING 12 Weathering the storm

ADMIN MANAGER Beth Foster

LOCAL PRODUCE 14 Eating for Winter

Page 16

Page 5

FOOD FEST 16 Juicy day out

ECO HOMES

18

Sustainable living

EXETER STEINER

20

WELCOME...

I DID think we might have something of an Autumnal theme to this issue (it being Autumn and everything), with lots of stories about filling the larder and stocking the woodshed in readiness for the harsh Winter days ahead.

But while there’s a flavour of that (and a distinct pumpkin flavour for the foodies), there’s also news of a film festival, two local apple days, a craft show and a whole load of other things to get you into your wintry togs and out and about. Oh, and a hint of diary news to come!

Look out too for Jon’s piece on the great work being done by the LandWorks project (page 22), a couple of topical theatre productions around refugees (cover and pages 5 and 7) and a story about the Steiner Academy in Exeter, which I visited and absolutely loved.

The next issue is all very Christmassy (or adventy if you prefer), so get in touch if you want to be in and don’t miss it if you want the best and most sustainable festive season ever!

Martin

COVERSTORY...

The good living and community magazine for Exeter, Plymouth and across South Devon OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2015 ISSUE 39

Ins and outs of teaching

PRIDE UPDATES

21

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

Plea

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Totnes and Exeter latest

LANDWORKS 22

Project for prisoners

WELLBEING 24

FEATURES WRITER Jon Stein

Can you help a friend?

DIARY EDITOR Rachel Foster

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Jenny Foster

STAY IN TOUCH...

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Corrie star seeks asylum in Plymouth

Natural healing pages

AND FINALLY... 32 FOOD WRITER Jane Hutton

DEPORTATION STREET

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eco comforts OF HOME Ideas germinate in green houses

A BIT OF A SQUASH

NATURAL WELLBEINg

The potential of pumpkins

goingout

Pages of holistic health & beauty

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Main image: Krissi Bohn, whose amazing performance in The Bogus Woman is coming to Plymouth (page 5). Bottom images, left to right: squashes (pages 14 and 16); Swete Sigford on Dartmoor (page19) and The Clay Company natural products (page 39).

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Editorial: 01803 868455 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

3

news&views Hard news

Food and fun at Embercombe

Neo Meso Vessel by Matt Jobling

Look through glass week THE results of a weeklong collaboration between established and up and coming glassmakers will go on display in Plymouth in October.

Richard Glass, who manages the Teign Valley Glass workshop, had the idea to bring fellow glassmakers and friends together for a week in his newly refurbished Teign Valley Glass workshop.

45 Southside Gallery owner Mathias Landwehr said: “By exchanging their skills, experiences and creativity within a defined time frame of one week, completely new and exciting works of art will be made.”

The glass artists taking part all live in the South West or have strong connections to the region.

The exhibition runs October 12-November 12 at 45 Southside Street in Plymouth, with an opening view on Sunday October 11, 3-6pm, all welcome. Visit web: www.45southside.co.uk.

THE annual Autumn open day at Embercombe is the perfect way to mark the season, find out what they’re up to at the land-based learning centre near Exeter and have a great family day out.

That it’s called The Pizza, Apple and Pumpkin Day gives you some idea of what to expect, but as well as feasting on Embercombegrown produce (make sure you check out their wood-fired pizzas), there are lots of familyfriendly activities too.

Look out for traditional games and crafts, wild wood shelter building, tree swinging, fire making, apple pressing and, of course, the now legendary porridge jousting. Trust us, it’s not to be missed.

It all happens on Saturday, October 17, 11am-5pm, entry is free (with a suggested £3 contribution for parking) and there could be a smattering of seasonal mud so take your wellies. Find out more at www. embercombe.org. l More Local Produce news on pages 14-16.

Apple-bobbing at Embercombe Pizza, Apple and Pumpkin Day.

Artists produce works on parenthood theme THE venue for this one, White Moose Gallery in Barnstaple, is outside Reconnect’s patch, but it does sound really interesting – and it is the brainchild of Exeter-based artist/curator duo Mila Oshin and Kris Jager (aka Joy Experiment).

Project AfterBirth includes 39 international works, all on the theme of early parenthood.

Mila Oshin said: “The contrast between the representation of pregnancy, birth and new parenthood in the media and women and men’s actual lived experiences thereof is starker than ever

Father and Son, from the series Out of the Woods,

by Carole Evans.

before, and is a major cause of the ever increasing sense of isolation felt by 21st century parents.”

The exhibition runs October

3-November 13, with a planned tour of UK, European and USA art spaces and online platforms 2016-19.

Visit www.whitemoose.co.uk.

IF looking at and being in the Devon countryside just isn’t enough for you, how about running, climbing and crawling through it?

The GoHARD Obstacle Run Series is a 3km and 6km run incorporating various obstacles, including a camouflage net crawl, a Bulgarian bag carry, log lunge, farmers walk, balance beam and ‘over and under’ hurdles.

Ellie Guest from Exeter was the first woman home at the first event in a time of 54 minutes and 45 seconds.

She said: “The race was by far the most challenging, both physically and mentally, that I’ve ever done.”

The course is suited for all abilities and the entry cost of £22 includes an event vest, with spot prizes for the event winners.

Find out more, see photos and enter at www.facebook.com/ gohardevents.

Go flamenco FLAMENCO is coming to South Devon!

The renowned Mi Flamenco troupe will perform at the Ariel Centre at KEVICC school in Totnes at 7.30pm on Saturday, November 21. The organisers say it promises to be an exciting and vibrant evening.

Tickets are £12 (£10 conc) from wegottickets. com or in Totnes from The Albert Inn, The Curator Café, Seeds2Bakery and Totnes Children’s Centre. And they are expected to sell real fast so don’t delay!

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news&views Theatre team trains and inspires young leaders

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ARBICAN Theatre in Plymouth is running a free training programme for aspiring arts leaders aged 15-25.

FORCE is a free training programme for dancers, actors, technicians, performance makers and young promoters/art managers, and is taught by professional practitioners and artists with years of industry experience.

The programme is aimed at young people who aspire to run community workshops in dance or theatre, develop practical leadership skills or to create their own arts activity or project.

There are four FORCE groups covering dance, theatre, arts and tech.

Lewis McIntyre who recently graduated from Tech FORCE said: “I joined Tech Force because I wanted to set up my own company. I learnt basic technical skills in the sessions and got to practice on a diverse range of performances as an assistant at festivals like From Devon with Love.

“I stage-managed the performance training platform in July and have just finished assisting on A Midsummer Night’s Dream. I operated three of the outdoor performances at Residence ONE in Royal William Yard and one of the performances at Barbican Theatre.

“Barbican Theatre helped me achieve First Class Honours in my degree and they have given me a bridge from student to working life.”

Dance FORCE is led and mentored by dance director and practitioner Jules Laville, who has over 20 years

of experience working in the dance industry.

Mark Laville, Barbican Theatre’s artistic director, who has directed many of their hugely successful productions, leads and mentors Theatre FORCE. Both Dance FORCE and Theatre FORCE combine technique and artistic content, covering topics such as leadership skills, safeguarding, marketing, legal requirements and health and safety.

Tech FORCE is led by the theatre’s highly experienced production manager Jamie Smith, who offers training in lighting and sound, and hands-on

experience as technical assistants with professional companies, including the opportunity to design, rig, plot and operate a performance or event.

All FORCE trainees can earn accreditation via Arts Award and Dance Leaders 2 Award from Sports Leaders UK. In 2014-15, Barbican Theatre’s team helped 11 young people to successfully receive arts leadership accreditation.

To find out more, get along to the FORCE open evening at the Barbican on October 1, 6-8pm, visit www. barbicantheatre.co.uk or call 01752 267131.

Woman’s struggle to call a land ‘home’ FORMER Coronation Street actress Krissi Bohn, right, takes o grittier challenge when she brings to life 51 characters to tell the story of an African woman seeking asylum in the UK. The Bogus Woman, at The Barbican Theatre on October 24, portrays a young woman who is indefinitely confined, interrogated, humiliated and abused. Right here in the UK. Directed by Zoë Waterman, The Bogus Woman was described by The

Jeff Sleeman Coaching and Training

Independent as “essential watching” and they said Krissi Bohn “acts to vividly realised and blistering perfection.”

The Plymouth performance is part of a nationwide tour and is supported by the National Lottery through Arts Council England. The Barbican Theatre recommends an age guide of 16+.

Find out more at www.barbican theatre.co.uk and www. theboguswoman.com.

Alternatiba fest comes to town

WE were told about this one by some lovely people at The Green Fair in Exeter.

Alternatiba Exeter, November 21, is a oneday-festival that aims to “present the existing solutions to climate change, environmental and social issues in a positive atmosphere.”

Alternatiba is a movement that was born in 2013 in the Basque country and promotes Exeter and Devon events linked with the environmental and social crisis. There are now more than a 100 Alternatiba festivals across Europe.

The Exeter festival, at venues across the city, will include stalls, talks, debates and animations.

To find out more or get involved visit www. alternatiba.eu/exeter or email exeter@ alternatiba.eu.

ToPS results

ONE of the UK’s smallest schools has excelled expectations with their latest GCSE results.

Pupils at Totnes Progresssive School (ToPS) in Totnes achieved an A-C pass rate of 88%.

School director Dale Lockett said: “Although we are not a results-driven school, our educational model proves small class sizes, no compulsory homework and a studentcentred approach really works. We believe that small is beautiful and these results help us understand how our pupils are thriving.”

Visit www.totnes progressiveschool.co.uk, or call 07717 172691.

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news&views Grannies feature in Transition film festival

L VIA line-up VILLAGES In Action, Devon’s touring entertainment project, has a feast of music, comedy and drama lined up for us in Oct/Nov. Village halls and churches across the region will play host to a wide range of groups and artists, including: Birthday Girls, a female sketch trio featuring Bea Edmondson whose parents, Jennifer Saunders and Ade Edmondson, live on the Moor; BBC Folk Award nominee Maz O’Connor; and drama company Travelling Light with Strictly Balti (above), a funny and moving tale of 21st century Britain.

For the full rundown, get a leaflet from your library or visit www. villagesinaction.co.uk.

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AST year Totnes hosted the first ever Transition Town Film Festival in the country – as far as the organisers know, only the second ever in the world.

And this year they are building on their success with a second Transition Town Totnes Film Festival at the Civic Hall over the weekend of November 14-15.

The festival will comprise of a mix of feature-length and short films, of film-maker-led workshops for both beginners and experienced participants, (young and all ages) and discussions with film-makers and other experts to shed light on climate change and how we can respond in a positive way.

“As climate change is coming

more loudly to the public attention it is so easy to feel overwhelmed, despairing, angry, numb and unsure how to respond,” said Kate Reed, one of the organising team.

“The film festival offers information, inspiration, community and sharing to help us understand what resilient communities can look like, and how we might work towards this in our own locality.”

Films already scheduled include: Two Raging Grannies, in which two

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grandmothers challenge the idea that we must continue to shop to keep the economy growing; Microtopia, about living in Micro dwellings, downsizing and off the grid; and Inhabit, which explores the environmental issues we are facing and how permaculture can offer some solutions.

As we go to press, the organisers are also hoping for licence permission to show Naomi Klein’s This Changes Everything.

“We are also wanting volunteers to help on the weekend in an exchange for a film day or weekend pass,” said Kate.

To find out more about helping, tickets and the full programme, visit www. transitionfilmfestival.org.uk.

Totnes cinema project grows THE team behind the new Totnes Community cinema has launched a founder membership scheme to help finance the project.

The building, on Totnes High Street, had been used as a library since the Seventies, but before that had been The Romany Cinema.

“Its been 50 years since the old Romany closed and it’s going to take a lot of work to restore the cinema to its former glory,” said Jane Hughes, who with her husband Will bought the building and set up a Community Interest Company to create and run the project.

The building needs a complete rebuilding and fitting out but they got off to a great start with the donation of former Film 4 theatre equipment, including old but top quality projectors, sound system, seating and bar equipment.

To find out more, look out for the next issue of Reconnect or visit www. totnescinema.co.uk, email: totnescinema@gmail.com, or call 01803 269832.

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

Members of the Mirror, Mirror performance company, left.

news&views

Don’t panic, city team have a message of hope!

I Theatre groups working with vulnerable people TWO theatre companies are working with vulnerable people, hearing their stories and turning them into theatre on the spot.

And both companies are giving public performances on different themes over the next few weeks.

Playback Theatre South West, which was recently registered as a charity, acts as an umbrella body for both Mirror Mirror and Tarte Noire, which is for women only.

Mirror Mirror works with asylum seekers and refugees, carers and young carers. They also give local public performances and their next one is on the theme of ‘Fathers and Daughters, Mothers and Sons, Your Stories…’ and will be performed at the Ice Factory in Teignmouth on Saturday October 17 following a Playback Theatre one day Workshop.

Tarte Noire works with asylum seekers and refugees, women who have experienced domestic violence and young women. They also give public performances addressing issues that affect women’s lives.

Their next performance is entitled ‘What binds you? What frees you? Your stories…’ and will take place in Teignmouth (Tuesday October 13 at the Ice Factory), Totnes (Tuesday November 3 in Bogan House) and Exeter (Tuesday November 17 at the Cygnet Theatre).

The groups’ work with refugees in the Plymouth area is especially poignant at this time when their countries are in such devastating turmoil.

Mirror, Mirror regularly performs at Cultural Kitchen, organised by the START (Students and Refugees Together), which provides a social meal for asylum seekers and refugees in Plymouth. They have also been working with Unlock Democracy on issues of freedom and human rights and took a group of refugees to Westminster Hall in London.

Tarte Noire has developed new ways of working with women refugees, with some of them going into local primary and secondary schools to talk about their experiences.

Visit www.playbacktheatre-sw.co.uk.

N these drastically changing times we live in, the staff at Revolution, in the middle of Exeter’s Fore Street, know that it is increasingly difficult to feel secure.

Everything is changing so fast, how are we to truly know for sure that ‘everything is going to be ok’?

“It is paramount that we are grounded and settled in ourselves, so we can face the world with optimism and hope,” says Julie Ruth Bramley, shop manager and therapist at Revolution.

A big hand

ALL three members of multi award-winning band Show of Hands have received Honorary Doctorates in Music from the University of Plymouth.

Steve Knightley, Phil Beer and Miranda Sykes are on a 24-date tour of England and Wales which will culminate in three nights at Exmouth Pavillion – 100 yards from the folk club where they first played.

Visit www. showofhands.co.uk.

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“’Who are we and what are we doing here?’ are questions that an increasing number of people are asking, even if they had not really considered their own spiritual beliefs before.

“Here at Revolution we consider ourselves a beacon of positivity, where we may be able to help you answer those questions, and further enlighten you to the many spiritual and even religious beliefs that exist.

“Inevitably it is all about choice, so come and share Julie Ruth Bramley, shop manager and the knowledge therapist at Revolution. and expertise that quest. Whatever the world is we have to offer in throwing at you,” says Julie this area.” “you can be sure that WE “Revolution has qualified CARE!” and experienced therapists Visit Revolution at 117 Fore St. who offer healing, advice Exeter, email revolutionexter@ and support to all in need, hotmail.com, call 01392 besides selling a wide range 410759, or search for of books, crystals, and tools revolutionexeter on Facebook. that will support you on your

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The SWAT team, left, at the presentation of almost a thousand pounds to the charity SAFE (Stop Abuse for Everyone). And below, the girls in action – pic by RollerDerbyPhotography.co.uk.

Craft show still makes a difference

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RUX craft show, which brings together the work of high quality makers from across the region, is this year celebrating its 20th anniversary.

Over that time its grown from its humble beginnings with seven stands and tea and cake to the 32 stands and lush café you can enjoy at Rattery Village Hall over the weekend of November 27-29.

Among the makers selling their wares this year will be potters RAMP and Taja, wood wizard Peter Lanyon, basketmaker Hilary Burns, jewellers Sam Photic and Charmian Harris and bag creator Hilary Johnson.

The café will again be run by Anna Stewart from Brittany and American Tara Vaughan-Hughes, who together are Cuisine Maison.

Crux always supports a local charity and this year it’s Erme Valley RDA – find them at www. ridingatthebrook. co.uk.

The show is open 4-7pm on the Friday and 10am5pm on Saturday and Sunday. Find out more at www. cruxcraftfair.co.uk.

SWAT - on the hunt for fresh meat!

ANOTHER first for Reconnect – roller derby!

The South West Angels Of Terror (otherwise known as SWAT) describe themselves as “like-minded, intelligent and athletic individuals” and since their formation in 2010, they have become a force to be reckoned with across the SW and the UK. They are now the only SW team to have won the SW:UK Championship and they are ranked an impressive 12th out of 46 teams in the UK and 28th out of 358 in Europe.

If you don’t know the game (no, us neither), points are scored when the team’s ‘jammer’ passes opposing team members – that other team members are called ‘blockers’ tells

you what they’re up to. Games (they actually call them bouts) are fast and furious, with two 30-minute periods split into ‘jams’ which last a maximum of two minutes each.

Like the sound of it? They are looking for new team members - or ‘fresh meat’ as they call them. Find out more at www. southwestangelsofterror.com.

Driving a better deal with investments CAN sustainable transport put your returns in the fastlane?

Barchester Green’s TIM BRADFORD, right, has some answers.

ORMULA-E, the new Formula 1 spin-off using electric cars, recently came to London and cast a spotlight on some of the exciting investment opportunities in the sustainable transport sector.

The sector is growing fast, driven initially by tightening regulations and climate change. For example, in 2012 the US introduced a policy requiring 90% of all vehicles sold in the country to have fuel efficiency of 54 miles to the gallon by 2050.

Regulation is driving innovation Most major car manufacturers, including Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Volkswagen and Toyota, now produce either hybrid or electric vehicles. And although electric cars currently only make up about 1-2% of the total market, demand is growing. In 2014 registrations for alternatively fuelled cars were up nearly 61% on 2013.

How can I get my investments on the sustainable transport road?

Sustainable transport isn’t just about electric car makers. Companies improving fuel efficiency and battery life are also well placed to prosper.

F

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Research shows only 15% of energy from fuel is used to actually move the car. Start-Stop technologies, developed

by Johnson Controls, turns the engine off when a car’s at standstill and restarts it when the driver’s foot is removed from the brake, improving a vehicle’s fuel efficiency by 3-8%. Better for the environment and better returns for investors.

A fully-charged industry It is not all good news for the industry.

Uptake of alternatively fuelled vehicles has been slower than forecast - hindered in part by consumer concerns about battery life, range and price. Batteries currently account for about 25% of the cost of an electric car and the cheapest have a range of about 130km while the best performing ones range over 400 km So, just like the recent race in London, the potential of this sector is electrifying.

You can read the full article at www. barchestergreen.co.uk. l Call Tim Bradford on 01722 33241. Barchester is a trading name of Barchester Green Investment Limited (BGI) and the property of Castlefield Capital Limited. BGI is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

Goingout

Read Going Outfood onlinelocal at: www.reconnectonline.co.uk/diary local people local events local health local environment

the south devon events guide Exhibition of glass makers’ work from Oct 12-Nov 12

Skatz Harvey - exhibition at Harbour House gallery in Kingsbridge until October 4

Spoon camp - one of Dartington’s new programme of craft workshops from Oct 1-Oct 4.

OCTOBER Thursday 1

Until January 3 EXHIBITION: For Now - new Tim Etchells solo audio and collage works alongside neon text works, Plymouth Arts Centre, Looe Street, Plymouth, www. plymouthartscentre.org.

DANCE: Dance in Time - dance and music extravaganza to mark International Day of Older Persons, Dartington Hall Estate (Lower Drive), Totnes, 10.30am – 4.45pm, 01803 868116, www. danceindevon.org.uk.

Until Oct 10 EXHIBITION: Independents of Exeter - portraits of independent Exeter business owners, Walkway Gallery, Exeter Phoenix, Gandy St, www.exeterphoenix. org.uk, 01392 667080.

Until Oct 4 EXHIBITION: Black by Day and Red by Night - photography by Skatz Harvey exploring the Industrial Revolution, Harbour House gallery, The Promenade, www. harbourhouse.org.uk, 01548 854708.

Until Oct 4.

CRAFT: Spoon Camp - make a spoon and bowl at four-day workshop with Barnthe-Spoon, North Woods, Dartington,

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER

book online at www. dartington.org, call 01803 847070.

FILM: The Age of Stupid, starring Pete Postlethwaite followed by discussion. Exeter Phoenix, Gandy St, www.exeterphoenix. org.uk, 01392 667080.

Friday 2

STAGE: Taste - show inspired by the tapestries of Grayson Perry featuring dance from choreographers Sally Knight and Neil Paris and writing from Murray Lachlan Young, 7.30pm, Barbican Theatre, Castle Street, Plymouth, 01752 267131, www. barbicantheatre.co.uk.

Saturday 3

Until Nov 13 EXHIBITION: Afterbirth - 39 international works exploring the theme of early parenthood, White Moose Gallery, Barnstaple, www. whitemoose.co.uk.

Tuesday 6

Until Oct 11.

EXHIBITION: Synthesis - paintings by Louise Bougourd, Harbour House gallery, The Promenade, www. harbourhouse.org.uk, 01548 854708.

Wednesday 7

STAGE: The Ballad of Martha Brown Angel Exit Theatre

drama based on life of last woman publicly hanged in Dorset in 1856. Flavel Arts Centre, Dartmouth, 01803 839530, www. theflavel.org.uk.

Thursday 8

FILM: Baby-friendly screening of 52 Tuesdays, open to parents, grandparents and carers with their babies - no matter how noisy! Plymouth Arts Centre, Looe Street, Plymouth, www. plymouthartscentre.org.

Monday 12

Until November 12 EXHIBITION: Results of week of collaboration at Teign Valley Glass workshop, 45 Southside Street, Plymouth, www.45southside.co.uk.

Tuesday 13

THEATRE: Tarte Noir performance of ‘What binds you? What frees you? Your stories…’, created with asylum seekers and refugees, women who have experienced domestic violence and young women, 8pm, Ice Factory Theatre, 10 Somerset Place, Teignmouth, www. tartenoire.co.uk.

Friday 16

MUSIC: Chroma Chamber Ensemble concert featuring violin, cello and CONT OVER PAGE

Last Friday of each month at St John’s Church, Bridgetown

October 30th

Martha Tilston returns!

November 7th

Our diary’s about to get even better!

WE’VE always received great feedback about our Going Out diary - we seem to have identified just the type of events you want to hear about!

In fact, the only negative remark we’ve received is that you wish it were bigger - and we hope to address that very soon!

The plan (it’s a plan ok? don’t hold us to it!) is to run a special festive version of the diary in our next Dec/ Jan issue.

And then we have something very exciting lined up for the Feb/Mar issue. Very, very exciting!

Can’t say any more right now, but we promise it will be worth waiting for.

In the meantime, why not join the local organisations and venues who are buying advertisements on our diary pages?

A 1/8-page (like those below) is £93 and a 1/4page (like those over the page) is £148. Or you can pay monthly by direct debit - just £41.85 or £66.6o, respectively.

The GoingOut diary deadline for the bumper Christmas/ New Year issue is November 6 - but if space gets tight, it’ll be first come, first served, so get them in now. Email the details to: goingout@ reconnectonline.co.uk.

If you book tickets for these events, please tell them you saw it in Reconnect. And although the info was correct when added to the listing, it’s worth visiting the organisers’ website to check things haven’t changed.

‘It’s truly a refreshing and spellbinding place’ - Martha Tilston

HANG MASSIVE! Live acoustic set, exclusive DJ set. Book early

November 27th Ombiviolum Orchestra & Susie Ro Prater

Tickets at Sacks Wholefoods in Totnes or online www.wegottickets.com Doors open 6.30pm for delicious organic soup, locally brewed craft beers, and scrummy cake.

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

Loving the land: Acoustic Haven supports The Hillyfield and The Living Projects. www.thehillyfield.co.uk

Editorial: 01803 868455 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

9

GOING OUT

LOTS more events and info online: CONT FROM PAGE 9 harp, 7.30pm, The Courtenay Centre, Newton Abbot, www. nadsa.co.uk.

Saturday 17

FOOD: Pizza, Apple and Pumpkin Day traditional games, crafts, wild wood shelter building, tree swinging, fire making, apple pressing and porridge jousting at Embercombe Open Day, 11am-5pm, free entry (suggested £3 parking donation), www.embercombe.org.

MUSIC: OXJAM multi-venue, multigenre music event across Exeter in support of Oxfam.

Main stage event at Exeter Castle. www. oxjamexetertakeover.org.

THEATRE: Mirror, Mirror, after working with asylum seekers, refugees, carers and young carers, performance of Fathers and Daughters, Mothers and Sons, Your Stories, Ice Factory Theatre, Teignmouth, 8pm, www.tartenoire.co.uk Friday 23

Until Nov 18 ART: Green - open art exhibition of work by local artists on theme of Green, Harbour House gallery, The Promenade, www. harbourhouse.org.uk, 01548 854708.

Saturday 24

THEATRE: The Bogus Woman - story of woman seeking asylum in UK, featuring former Corrie star Krissi Bohn, The Barbican Theatre, 7.30pm, Barbican Theatre, Castle Street, Plymouth, 01752 267131, www. barbicantheatre.co.uk.

Tuesday 27

CRUX CRAFT FAIR FRI 27 NOV OPEN 4pm - 7pm SAT 28/SUN 29 NOV OPEN 10am - 5pm AT RATTERY VILLAGE HALL DEVON TQ10 9LD THE BEST WORK FROM LOCAL DESIGNER-MAKERS WWW.CRUXCRAFTFAIR.CO.UK SUPPORTING WWW.RIDINGATTHEBROOK.CO.UK

10

THEATRE: Grandmothers interactive event created by Encounters Arts with 15 grandmothers from Dartmouth, Paignton and Totnes. Flavel Arts Centre, Dartmouth, 01803 839530, www. theflavel.org.uk.

Friday 30

MUSIC: Martha Tilston - hugely popular performer returns with her band to

Advertising: 01392 346342 adverts@reconnectonline.co.uk

Tarte Noire - in Exeter on October 17.

Acoustic Haven in Totnes. Doors open 6.30pm. Tickets £10 (£8 conc) from Sacks Wholefoods in Totnes or £12 (£10) on door, St John’s church, Bridgetown, Totnes, www.dougkingsmith. wix.com/acoustichaven.

Saturday 31

FILM: Twenty Feet From Stardom (12) - music documentary about backing singers, those unsung heroes of the record industry, 7pm for 7.30 start, Follaton Community Cinema, Follaton Community Centre, Totnes, www. follaton communitycinema. co.uk, 01803 868455.

COMEDY: Fred Macauley Twenty Fifteen - Scottish comedian, as heard on Radio 4, on his UK tour, The Flavel Arts Centre, Dartmouth, 01803 839530, www. theflavel.org.uk.

MUSIC: Halloween Special - music from Haunt The Woods plus DJs, 7.30pm, Barbican B-Bar, Castle Street, Plymouth, 01752 267131, www. barbicantheatre. co.uk.

NOVEMBER Monday 2

CEREMONY: Remembrance ceremony - All Souls’ Day ceremony, Sharpham Meadow natural burial site, all welcome, 7-9pm, 01803 732542, www. sharphamtrust.org.

Tuesday 3

THEATRE: Tarte Noir performs ‘What binds you? What frees you? Your stories…’, created with asylum seekers and refugees, women who have experienced domestic violence and young

women, 8pm, Bogan House, Totnes, www. tartenoire.co.uk.

Friday 6

THEATRE: The Lady’s Not For Walking Like An Egyptian - show combining words of Thatcher with words of 80s female artist hits featuring Rachel Mars and Nat Tarrab, 7.30pm, Barbican Theatre, Castle Street, Plymouth, 01752 267131, www. barbicantheatre.co.uk.

Saturday 7

MUSIC: Hang Massive - hang drum duo play acoustic and then perform exclusive DJ set. Doors open 6.30pm. Tickets £10 (£8 conc) from Sacks Wholefoods in Totnes or £12 (£10) on door, St John’s church, Bridgetown, Totnes, www.dougkingsmith. wix.com/acoustichaven.

FRIDAY 13

STORYTELLING: Two Folktales - two story-poems written and performed by Peter Oswald, The Flavel Arts Centre, Dartmouth, 01803 839530, www. theflavel.org.uk.

Saturday 14

Until Nov 15 FILM: Transition Town Totnes Film Festival - weekend of feature length and short films, of filmmaker led workshops for beginners and experienced participants, discussions with filmmakers to shed light on climate change, Civic Hall, Totnes, www. transitionfilmfestival. org.uk.

MUSIC: Song and supper - fundraising concert in aid of SSAFA, the UK’s oldest military charity, featuring Culme Valley Crusade Choir,

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

www.reconnectonline.co.uk/diary seven piece swing band Déjà Vu, plus wine and cheese and raffle. 7pm, St Luke’s Church, Buckfastleigh, £10 (8.50 conc), devon@ ssafa.org.uk.

TUESDAY 17

THEATRE: Tarte Noire performance of ‘What binds you? What frees you? Your stories…’, created with asylum seekers and refugees, women who have experienced domestic violence and young women, 8pm, Cygnet Theatre, Exeter, www. tartenoire.co.uk.

Friday 20

MUSIC: Tim Kliphuis Trio - jazz concert featuring violin, guitar and bass, 7.30pm, The Courtenay Centre, Newton Abbot, www. nadsa.co.uk.

Saturday 21

Until Nov 28 ART: Energy exhibition of paintings by Peter King, combining professional skills and experience as a draughtsman and graphic artist with

lively brushstrokes and vivid colour, Harbour House gallery, The Promenade, www. harbourhouse.org.uk, 01548 854708.

DANCE: Flamenco!

The renowned Mi Flamenco troupe perform at Ariel Centre, KEVICC, Totnes, 7.30pm.

Tickets £12 (£10 conc) from wegottickets. com or The Albert Inn, The Curator Café, Seeds2Bakery and Totnes Children’s Centre.

DISCUSSION: Alternatiba Exeter a one-day festival aiming to ‘present the existing solutions to climate change, environmental and social issues in a positive atmosphere’, at venues across Exeter, www. alternatiba.eu/exeter.

FAIR: Advent Fair - “Delicious food, fabulous seasonal activities, wonderful shopping and some exciting new experiences...” South Devon Steiner School, www.southdevon steinerschool.org,

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

01803 897377.

Friday 27

Until Nov 29 CRAFT: CRUX craft show - 32 stands of quality crafts from local makers, plus refreshments, open 4-7pm on Friday and 10am-5pm over weekend, Rattery Village Hall, www. cruxcraftfair.co.uk.

MUSIC: Ombiviolum - African/folk/classical fusion band featuring Zimbabwean mbira music, classical influences and soulful harmonies.Doors open 6.30pm. Tickets £10 (£8 conc) from Sacks Wholefoods in Totnes or £12 (£10) on door, St John’s church, Bridgetown, Totnes,

www.dougkingsmith. wix.com/acoustichaven.

Saturday 28

FILM: Inside Out FREE family screening of the Pixar animation movie. All children must be accompanied by an adult - and all adults must be accompanied by children! 3.30pm for 4pm start, Follaton Community Cinema, Follaton Community Centre, Totnes, www. follatoncommunity cinema.co.uk, 01803 868455.

FILM: The Past (12A) subtitled Iranain film directed by Asghar Farhadi, Follaton Community Cinema, Follaton Community Comedian Fred Macauley - at The Flavel Arts Centre in Dartmouth on October 31.

7pm - Film

7.30pm

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October 31

Free film for community

(12)

IT’S been a really strong year so far for nd! tary arou documen Follaton Community st music The hotte Cinema (FCC) in Totnes.

“Despite the continuing high costs, and the fact that we still haven’t increased our admission prices, the larger audiences mean we are now self-supporting,” said Martin. “So we thought it would be good to put on a free show for all those hard-pressed families out there.”

On November 28, the cinema is planning a FREE showing of Pixar’s Inside Out. The free show starts at 4pm (doors open 3.30 – get there promptly to be sure you get in) on Saturday November 28 and money raised from refreshments will go to local charity Rowcroft.

“All we ask is that all children are accompanied by an adult – and that all adults are accompanied by children!” added Martin.

On the same day, starting at the usual 7.30pm, is The Past (12A), a subtitled Iranian drama from director Asghar Farhadi, whose previous movie, A Separation, was hugely popular at the cinema in 2014.

The FFC’s October 31 screening is Twenty Feet from Stardom (12), a documentary about backing singers, the unsung heroes of the music industry.

All FCC evening film shows start at 7.30pm (doors open at 7). Find them at the Follaton Community Centre and online at www. follatoncommunitycinema.co.uk, or call Martin on 01803 868455.

Editorial: 01803 868455 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

11

ORGANICGARDENING How to cope with whatever the weather can throw at us? Our expect JOA GROWER has some valuable seasonal advice...

Coping with weather weirdness

I

It’s a good idea to pick those now T’S Autumn again (sorry to and either try to ripen them on rub it in) and what a strange a sunny window sill or turn them growing year it has been. into green tomato chutney. Yum! Quite a few successes but also a few failures due to the strange As for the potatoes, if you still weather we’ve had. have some of your first or second Lots of very warm and very hot early crop these will need using days but we up fairly soon never seemed because they to have will not keep very warm over Winter. evenings or Main croppers nights to go will store really with them. well but make On a few sure they are occasions, dry and not when I was too muddy. up in the The most early hours important (4.30am) thing is that getting ready they are not to attend damaged Totnes market or they will (every Friday rot - and it and most will spread.

Saturdays Store them throughout the Green tomatoes - pick them now to in hessian or season), the ripen on a sill or to make chutney. brown paper morning dew sacks in a cool almost looked shed or garage. like we had had a frost! These weather conditions can really slow Onions and garlic are now plants down. available to plant. I always find the over-wintered onions are the biggest And then of course the later and the best but they don’t store as Summer weeks were really quite well, so make sure you use lots up wet which brought with it the ideal conditions for blight, which will in all that green tomato chutney that probably have affected your potato you are going to make. crop and tomato plants.

Those of you who are organised Avoid placing the diseased foliage and have cleared your plot ready in your compost bins because our for the Winter could put in a own home composting systems few rows of broad beans. It will often don’t heat up enough to kill mean you can harvest beans off the spores. Pop them in your slightly earlier next Spring and council green waste bin! it’s a good way of deterring blackfly who tend to gather on While we are on the subject of potatoes and tomatoes, those the very fleshy tops of the beans of you with outdoor toms will – Winter-grown ones are a bit probably have a large amount of tougher and not so tasty for green fruits still on your plants. them.

Leaf yourself time to make the mould MANY jobs in the garden are about forward planning and it is now time to think about Spring 2017(yes, I do mean 2017!).

If you want to make leaf mould (and you really should), you should start collecting leaves.

If you have enough space, a basic wire cage is the best way of storing them but if you don’t you can achieve the same result by filling black bin bags. Old compost bags work just as well at Growers

Organics are more than happy to provide you with some, cos we have flipping loads of them!

Fill the bags to the brim then tie them up. Make a few holes in the bag with a garden fork and store them somewhere out of the way until they are ready to use.

Only use leaves from deciduous trees such as ash, oak, beech, etc.

Go on give it a go! It really is that simple – and it’s free!

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.

12

Village church hosts top gigs LOOK through the tour schedule of some top musicians and comedians and you’ll see an unlikely addition to usual big-name venues - the beautiful, medieval church in the village of Kingskerswell near Newton Abbot.

In the next issue we’ll look at the full story of promoter Graham Radley and how he moved to Devon and added his local church to so many tours.

In the meantime, October and November gigs include Vinny Peculiar, Jackie Oates, Songdog, Jon Gomm, Fred Macauley, Calan, Ruarri Joseph, Tobias Ben Jacob & Lukas Drinkwater, Sharon Shannon Duo and The Roving Crows.

Get more info at www. worldunlimited.co.uk and tickets from 01803 875527 (no booking fee) or www.seetickets.com.

Gallery dates AS always there’s a full and varied programme of exhibitions at the Harbour House gallery throughout October and November.

Check out our diary pages for brief details and dates and visit their website www. harbourhouse.org.uk for the full story.

Why Doug’s a busy feller

A

LTHOUGH there is now no sign of disease in their trees, Dartmoor woodland farm The Hillyfield is being forced to fell all the Japanese Larch across nine acres of mixed woodland under a Statutory Plant Health Notice.

“That is approximately 1000 trees,” says Doug KingSmith who bought the farm five years ago and is managing it for ecological and community benefit.

“I had planned to gradually fell the Larch and replace them with mixed broadleaf, but I imagined this taking 30 years, not just three! As we fell, we will be planting about 1500 trees, each one with an individual guard to protect against deer.”

The felled wood is being sold as well-seasoned firewood, planks for cladding and raised beds, and something called The Rocketlog - a kind of flaming garden candle or mini-moveable bonfire.

“The felling is being done by hand rather than using heavy harvesters,” says Doug, “aiming to protect the wildlife, bluebells and young trees which make Hillyfield such a special place.”

If you want to help, felling and extracting trees from the woods, get in touch.

“We need a team of people who can commit a regular day a week or block of time - then the job is really fun, no matter what weather Dartmoor throws at us!” says Doug.

Dealing with disease at The Hillyfield involves longterm volunteers, staying in the woods as seasonal forest workers, and organisations like students from Bicton College. Visit www.thehillyfield.co.uk.

First Dartmoor fest creates community

L

IFE got in the way of the Reconnect crew being there, but we’re hearing great things about the first Wildheart Gathering on Dartmoor.

Wrapped in a truly stunning Dartmoor view, and despite the wet start, the capacity attendance created a real community feel.

Workshops included African dance, Taiko drumming, four different types of yoga, and inspiring talks from the likes of Satish Kumar, Yakov Darling Khan and Cathy Whitefield.

A bustling crafts and children’s area kept everyone busy and creative.

Music-filled evenings peaked with the Turbans and Lloyd Yates, followed by Cabaret for those that burned the midnight oil.

The organisers thank everyone who contributed and took part – and they’d love to hear any ideas for making it an even more magical experience next year. Email them at whginfo@yahoo.com.

Advertising: 01392 346342 adverts@reconnectonline.co.uk

“To add to the festival afterglow,” said one of the organisers, Pip Portley, “we discovered that land owner Russell Ashford is donating all the funds he received for the event to a Ugandan farm charity. Thank you Russell and your family as you made this event possible in Devon.”

And if you can’t kerb your wildheart until it returns to Dartmoor next year, check out their Spring Sussex event at www.wildheartgathering.com.

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

Editorial: 01803 868455 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

13

local people LOCAL PRODUCE local events local food local health local environment Eat well now for Autumn and Winter

W

25 YEARS • Wholefoods • Remedies

Market Square Totnes

01803 866738 www.greenlife.co.uk

HAT you eat now, according to Oriental philosophy, will impact on your health through Autumn and Winter, either nourishing or weakening the lungs and immune system.

Autumn is the Metal or Lung energy time and taking advantage of seasonal foods such as root vegetables will help the body to fight off colds and flu.

Leading macrobiotic practitioner, lecturer and author Oliver Cowmeadow, founder of the International Macrobiotic School at Littlehempston, explained Pumpkin soup - food to strengthen the lungs. that a balanced diet now was vital to strengthen the immunity, the lungs and mucus membranes to help protect the body from common respiratory illnesses that are prevalent over the Winter. l whole grains such as brown He said: “Metal energy is strong now rice, millet and quinoa; so we can strengthen and nourish the l root vegetables such as lungs. In Oriental medicine, the lungs carrots and parsnips; are a barrier, along with the mucus membranes, which help to protect our l small beans especially green bodies from invading microbes. and brown lentils; “The more we strengthen them now, l well cooked squash and the better equipped we’ll be in the pumpkins; coming months, and the better our l pungent root vegetables like overall health will be.” root ginger, horse radish and Oliver is one of the UK’s leading mooli. practitioners of macrobiotics and has more than 30 years of experience.

Macrobiotics is a system of selfhealthcare and personal development offering an effective dietary approach l refined sugar; to many health problems. The l tropical fruits or too many school offers both short courses and temperate fruits; professional training.

Some foods that strengthen the lungs:

Some foods that weaken the lungs:

l dairy products.

Find out more at www.macroschool. co.uk or call 01803 762598.

Try Macro School’s pumpkin soup INGREDIENTS: one pumpkin (the more orange the flesh the sweeter it will be); one onion; white miso; salt; sesame oil.

METHOD: Slice the onion, transfer to a saucepan and sauté in a little

sesame oil until transparent. Cut the pumpkin into cubes and add to the pan, cover with water and simmer.

When soft, blend and add white miso and sea salt to taste. Serve garnished with parsley, or a little oat cream.

Eat Yourself Well!

- natural ways to treat health and well-being problems -

We specialise in mental health nutrition, digestive conditions and weight management!

One to one consultations, in person, online or by phone, are available for short or longer term treatment.

Advice and information packs are now available - targeted, user-friendly, and easily put into practise. A perfect place to start your natural health journey!

Call with no obligation if you’d like to see how we can help.

Call 07841 344934 or email enquiries@trinityholistics.co.uk Visit us at

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Advertising: 01392 346342 adverts@reconnectonline.co.uk

www.trinityholistics.co.uk www.reconnectonline.co.uk

School Farm CSA, home

of the new practical local people local events local food local health local environment LOCAL produce horticulture course.

Farm cultivates horticulture course

T

HE UK’s only no-dig, certifiedorganic, community farm, the School Farm CSA on Dartington estate, is teaming up with Bicton College to run a Practical Horticulture Skills course.

The 35-week course is aimed at both complete novices and those who already have some gardening skills but want a qualification in growing organic vegetables. It runs until June 2016 and participants can enrol up until the middle of October.

The farm’s Jenny Gellatly said: “The farm grows a variety of crops, utilising different methods, to provide enough vegetables for 50 box customers.

“Course teaching is delivered by our staff, all experienced growers who have themselves been through the process of gaining qualifications in organic growing before they launched their own farm enterprise.

“Working in the farm’s fields, glasshouses, and polytunnels, participants will learn about soil

and compost, no-dig methods, transplanting and planting out, aftercare, crop rotation, green manures, weed control, mulching and more!”

The course runs 9am-3pm on Fridays and costs £415 (free for 18 and under, and those on JSA and ESA).

To find out more, visit www.bicton. ac.uk, call 07898 117890 or email jenny@schoolfarmcsa.org.uk.

Green store celebrates 25 years

O

NE of the South West’s biggest health shops, Greenlife in Totnes, is this year celebrating 25 years of trading in the town.

Shop manager Katy Browne said: “Greenlife was originally conceived as a ‘green’ lifestyle shop by Mike and Jamie Sermon.

“Today we are a busy health food shop offering a wide range of natural and organic foods and supplements, plus an extensive range of natural bodycare products, green household products and other sustainable goods.

“We also offer a wide range of Fair Trade, vegetarian, vegan and raw foods, organic fruit and vegetables from local suppliers.”

The store’s efforts for the Fair Trade organisation were rewarded with a Gold Fair Trade business award at this year’s Fair Trade awards in Bristol.

“Over the past 25 years,” says Katy, “Greenlife has become a part of the local community, not only through its links with local suppliers, including many farms and small businesses, but also through a popular community notice board and a constant stream of in-store

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

tastings and demonstrations.

“We can offer nutritional advice, a healthy snack for your walk in the beautiful Devon countryside, and the largest range of raw, organic, Fair Trade and dairy free chocolate you will ever find in one place!” l Greenlife also sells online and has just launched a new and improved website www.greenlife. co.uk, which sells a wide range of ethical products and quality nutritional supplements.

“We hope the new site will be a far more user-friendly and enjoyable shopping experience for customers,” said Katy.

Visit www.greenlife.co.uk.

Editorial: 01803 868455 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

15

Naturally nourishing OUR seasonal squash theme continues with more pumpkin action from JANE HUTTON

Oh gourdy, more pumpkins!

T

HIS issue I’m going into full functional foodie mode. This is what I do, after all. My whole philosophy rests on a nourishing, natural and ultimately necessary, diet based around real food.

I see clients with all kinds of health complaints, some of them easily resolved, others more complex.

In the end, though, it’s my real food ‘prescription’ that supports their bodies’ healing processes. It’s the knowledge of foods as pieces of a whole jigsaw that allows me to do what I do.

We all love to eat delicious food, but how much do you know about what the components of your plate actually do for your body, and your mind? Harvest season is a corker for food heaven, especially making the most of the autumnal carnival of pumpkins. Healthy? Very!

Pumpkins, and indeed squash, are available in a huge range of varieties, all with different shades of flavour and texture. More and more are locally produced, and not hard to grow, so make fabulous seasonal additions to any Autumn kitchen adventures.

Bursting with antioxidant vitamins A, C and E, with a supporting spectrum of B vitamins, folate, and vitamin K, plus potassium, molybdenum, selenium, iron, zinc, copper and manganese, these gourdy wonders are great for immunity, energy, appetite and weight control, heart health and even fighting wrinkles!

The carotenoids, particularly alpha-carotene, are the real heroes of pumpkin benefits, with an increasing body of research linking to protection against ageing, cardiovascular disease and even various cancers, working with other nutrients like magnesium.

The carotenes became a prime example of why we should be using food as our nutrient source, not supplements.

A very famous study found that although beta-carotene appeared to reduce the risk of lung cancer, when smokers supplemented beta-carotene on its own, the incidence of lung cancer increased.

The upshot? While there are circumstances that need supplementation, the kinds of supplements or sources of extra nutrients should be carefully, and professionally, considered.

The nutrients in foods work synergistically. For every nutrient needed for a process, there are a number of other co-factors required to make that process work. A varied range of fresh foods, bought locally, and cooked carefully are the best way to be healthy. It’s why certain foods grow together or go together - they usually work well together for our bodies.

Keep hold of any post-Halloween beauties knocking about - it would be criminal to waste all that delicious, nutritious goodness.

Enjoy!

Pop some pumpkin in your pancakes FRUIT or fruit purees and compotes work really well added to pancake batter, either before cooking or a scoop on top of the cooking pancake before flipping. Here the pumpkin puree works best added to the mixture.

INGREDIENTS: A quantity of pancake batter (use whichever recipe you’d normally use, based on 200g of flour); 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/4 tsp ground ginger; a good grating of nutmeg; 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted; 100g pureed pumpkin

Apples ready for juicing at Sharpham last year.

A is for apple and C is for connection

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WO events at Sharpham near Totnes will bring together local produce, the season and our connection, or need for connection, with nature.

The annual Apple Day and Autumn Festival is on Sunday October 4, 10.30am-4pm, when visitors can try fresh Sharpham apple juice straight from the press. Or they can take their own apples to juice (just not windfalls from orchards grazed with animals in the last six weeks) and in exchange will receive half the freshly-pressed juice back in bottles. The other half will be kept to sell to help support the charitable work of the Trust.

If visitors don’t have apples to bring, they’re still welcome on the day, which will include a host of apple-themed activities for all the family.

This Open Day is free entry, with free activities (although donations

A celebration of local abundance THE Buckfastleigh Food Festival on Sunday, October 4, is described as “a celebration of local abundance” and will give visitors the chance to meet local growers, producers and distributors and try their produce.

There will also be face painting

by Clockworth Moth, storytelling

by Neil Martin and home-grown musicians.

The event is at St Luke’s Church and runs from 1-4pm, organised by the church with Buck The Trend (Buckfastleigh Transition Town), Food Forever and The Seed.

Find out more at www. buckthetrend.info or contact Belinda Martin - call her on 07871 075616 or email her at belindamartin34@ gmail.com.

METHOD: Make and rest the pancake batter as normal.

When ready to cook, mix in the pumpkin, melted butter and spices and cook as normal, allowing for the extra minute or so needed for a denser texture of pancake.

These work best as smaller, thicker pancakes or drop scones. Extra pancakes can be reheated gently the next day, or frozen. Dollop with a spoonful of crème fraiche, drizzle over a little maple syrup, and sprinkle with a dusting of more cinnamon to warm those Autumn cockles…

Naturally Nourishing is written by nutritionist and “confirmed foodie” Jane Hutton. Find out more about her eating plans, masterclasses and recipe blog at www.trinityholistics.co.uk.

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are welcome to support the Trust’s charitable work). There will be a charge of £4 per car for parking and visitors are encouraged to walk, cycle or use the Bob The Bus free shuttle from Totnes.

On Sunday, October 25, 10am4pm, Sharpham will hold a Wild food foraging session and Nature Connection Day, with a foraging session with their wild foods and medicines expert Brigit-Anna McNeill.

The Nature Connection aspect aims to help visitors restore their emotional balance in nature and include a medicine walk alone in nature, open-air meditation, drumstalking, fire circle sharing and a wild food lunch with foraged ingredients and organic infusions.

Find out more at www. sharphamtrust.org, call 01803 732542 or email bookings@ sharphamtrust.org.

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

Magazine for Awakening Women She Who Knows

news&views local people local events local food local health local environment Magazine for Awakening Women

Autumn 2015/Edition 3

£4.50

£4.50

Exciting line-up at town’s Haven for live music

AMAZON WATCH Celebrate One Woman’s Fierce Stand To Protect Her Homeland SPIRITUAL CRISIS When Emergence Becomes Emergency

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CELEBRATING HOLY WATERS CREATING SACRED GROUND WILD MEDICINE For Menopause & Every Day Health SPLIT HEART Should I Stay Or Should I Go? JEWELS WINGFIELD Shares Her Journey To EarthHeart CAROLYN HILLYER ~ Featured Artist SWEET PUMPKIN PIE!

New mag is ‘a reliable mirror’

WE know how difficult it is to launch and publish a small independent magazine, so please check out She Who Knows, a South Devonbased new magazine for women.

Isabella, one of the team behind the mag, says: “She Who Knows brings a reliable mirror of the true value of women’s voice, beauty and power in todays society.

“We aim to support and nourish the emerging paradigm that fosters balance, respect and love in the birth of a sustainable new world.”

Order your copy and subscribe at www. shewhoknowsmagazine .com.

HE amazing Martha Tilston and her band are renowned for soulstirring live performances – and she’s back in Totnes at the end of October.

Martha (www.marthatilston. com) makes her annual visit to the Acoustic Haven, at St John’s church in Bridgetown, on Friday October 30.

Supporting her will be Kuki and the Bard (www. kukiandthebard.com), who Haven organiser Doug King-Smith says are an “interesting young brother and sister sharing songs to make your spine tingle and heart smile.”

The Haven has sneaked in an extra gig on November 7 – the highly acclaimed Hang Massive (www.facebook. com/HangMassive), who will play acoustic and exclusive DJ sets.

And on November 27, the Haven plays host to the Ombiviolum (www. ombiviolum.com), an African/folk/classical fusion band featuring Zimbabwean mbira music, classical influences and soulful harmonies.

Their support comes from singer/songwriter Susie Ro

(www.susiero.co.uk).

Acoustic Haven tickets can be bought at Sacks Wholefoods in Totnes for £10 (£8 conc) or for £12 (£10) on the door.

Find out more about the Haven (and hear songs from the performers) at dougkingsmith. wix.com/acoustichaven.

COMING soon to Acoustic Haven: Martha Tilston, above, and Hang Massive, below.

Hedge fund for rural groups DEVON Hedge Group is offering free advice to people who would like to harvest free firewood, while learning how to lay traditional hedges.

Group chair Rob Wolton says: “Devon Hedge Group has been helping people in rural communities learn how to harvest wood from hedges for their hearths, stoves and log burners.

This saves them money, while helping restore overgrown hedges and reducing farmers’ costs.”

The groups now has Lottery funding from Awards for All to help five more communities set up woodfuel groups, and reach agreements with farmers. We’d be very happy to hear from anyone who would like to do this in their community.”

If you would like to set up a group in your community, email Andrew Shadrake at andrew@ boveyclimateaction.org.uk, or call 07976 743461.

www.steineracademyexeter.org.uk 01392757371 Places available for reception NOW admin@steineracademyexeter.org.uk Open mornings every first Friday of the month - visit the website for more details Steiner Academy Exeter, Thomas Hall, Cowley Bridge Road, Exeter EX4 5AD

www.steineracademyexeter.org.uk 01392 757371 admissions@steineracademyexeter.org.uk

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The Totnes Neighbourhood

Planhealth team. local people local events local food local local environment ECO HOMES

Secondhand furniture centre is easy to access

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easily accessible from right across South Devon.

From the north, Totnes direction, simply take the turning signposted Modbury, Ermington and Ivybridge park and ride.

Then turn right, across the A38 signposted Bittaford, left at the T-juntion and Refurnish is half a mile on the left. You won’t miss the massive sign.

From the south, Plymouth direction, the simplest route is through Ivybridge, past the station, and Refurnish is two miles on the right.

The site has plenty of parking and disabled access.

And with the cooler weather creeping in, it will soon be cosier for shoppers – they’re currently getting prices for gas central heating.

Communityminded heating companies please get in touch!

To find out more about all Refurnish centres IF you live in an eco house, or run a business that makes other in the region, visit people’s houses greener, we’d love to hear from you. Call www.refurnish.

Martin on 01803 868455 or email editor@reconnectonline.co.uk org.uk or call 01364 73206.

OCATION (and indeed location, location) is a major factor when considering where you’d like to live, as we know. But it can also be absolutely crucial for the success of a business.

And especially when the mainstay of your business is selling furniture.

The big mainstream furniture outlets have long since moved out of town, seeking the benefits of plentiful display space, ample parking and ease of access by car for collection of goods.

Refurnish, the community reuse project, has taken a similar route for their HQ – and they have to bear in mind that people will be dropping off furniture too.

“It’s crucial that we have plenty of space around us,” says Refurnish’s David Banks, “but of course we don’t have the resources of the big-name stores.”

The solution came in the shape of a business unit at Anna Mill at Wrangaton, just off the A38 between Totnes and Ivybridge, making it

How green is YOUR home?

Reaching out for views THE Totnes Neighbourhood Plan team has had a busy Summer, hosting events, undertaking surveys and research, recruiting volunteers, supporting student placements and more.

In July, around 150 people visited a workshop, their first event since they re-launched earlier this year, and they were pleased to see a broad range of people taking an interest.

Over the Summer, the team also distributed a housing needs survey to households across Totnes. The “huge stacks of surveys” that were returned will tell them what kind of affordable housing local people want.

The information will also help inform the housing mix at the Atmos Totnes community project.

The Neighbourhood Plan team have set up two new task groups looking at culture and heritage and the environment and workshops will be held in schools to make sure the voices of young people are represented in the plan.

The next Neighbourhood Planning workshop is on October 12, 7-9.30pm. Venue TBC. Visit www.totnesniehbourhoodplan.org and find them on Facebook.

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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local people local events local food local health local environment ECO HOMES Ethical award finances new project

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T’S been a while since we dropped in on Plymouth Energy Community (PEC), a social enterprise heavily supported by Plymouth City Council – and, as always, they have been very busy.

We hope to come back to them in the next issue, but in the meantime PEC team members Jen Coles and Jemma Knowles, we wanted to centre, at the Observer Ethical Awards with Observer touch on two columnist and Ethical Awards organiser Lucy Siegle (right) of their new and Stewart Bailey, of the National Grid. projects – one PEC have teamed up with the Four funded by Greens Community Trust, set up to some recent award winnings. improve services and facilities in In July, the PEC’s work won them the Plymouth’s Ernesettle, Whitleigh, prestigious Observer Ethical Award Honicknowle and Manadon areas. for Best Community Energy Group, The plan is to install a groundsponsored by National Grid. mounted solar PV array capable of The award also included a £5000 generating up to 4.1MW – the site cash prize, which the PEC team they’ve identified is the restricteddecided to spend installing solar use, former landfill land adjacent panels on the Shekinah Mission dropto the sewage treatment works and in centre on Plymouth’s Bath Street.

MOD munitions site in Ernesettle.

“We really wanted to help Shekinah As we go to press, planning but their roof was too small to be permission has yet to be obtained financially viable for inclusion in our (a decision is expected by the larger community funded project”, end of September), but if it goes says Jon Selman, Renewables ahead, the project will be funded Advisor to PEC. “We had some by a loan ahead of a share issue – spare solar panels from a previous local residents would be given first installation which we wanted to see chance to buy the shares. used and saw our award winnings Look out for more in the Dec/Jan as the perfect opportunity.” issue of Reconnect and visit www.

In another major solar project, plymouthenergycommunity.com.

ReFURNISH Helping people and reducing waste

ReFURNISH your home with furniture and appliances at prices you can afford* *Discounts on proof of benefit entitlement

SHOPS AT WRANGATON, NEWTON ABBOT, TOTNES, BUCKFASTLEIGH, CREDITON & TAVISTOCK + Upcycling - The ReSTORE @ Dartington Shops

FREE COLLECTION of reusable furniture, appliances & other household goods.

www.refurnish.org.uk 01752 927002 Charity Reg No. 1129455

Eco homes open doors to public ECO home owners in South Devon will open their doors over the weekend of October 3 and 4 to show how they are reducing their energy bills and their environmental impact.

The Open Eco Homes Weekend has been organised

by Transition Town Totnes for the past seven years and this year features several renewable energy installations Swete Sigford on Dartmoor. including a community wind turbine, a hydro scheme and and water for the vegetable plot is the new field solar and biomass brought up from the stream using a boiler at Dartington Trust. hydraulic ram.

A special Bob the Bus service The following Saturday, October will tour homes further afield, 10, the Eco-Homes Fair, in Totnes including Swete Sigford, a medieval Civic Hall 10-3pm, will showcase Dartmoor ‘hall house’ that is being suppliers of eco-friendly goods and completely restored using natural services, home energy installers local materials by Julie and Gordon and eco-builders. Visitors can of Apse Architects in Totnes. also enjoy inspiring seminar speakers, children’s activities and The roof is thatched using organic refreshments. wheat grown on the land and timber felled on site was worked To find out more, visit www. using hand tools. The house is earth transitiontowntotnes.org, call Mary plastered using clay sourced on Popham on 07815 799996, or site, heating is mostly wood-fired email marypopham@btinternet.com.

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local people local events local food local health local environment NEWS&views A mindful approach to photography THE amazing landscape images produced by South Devon photographer Phil Hemsley always get a big reaction when we run them in Reconnect. So what makes them so special? First, he says, we need to learn to really ‘see’...

IGHT, the wonderful invisible waves of energy that give colour, depth, form and texture to our world.

Learning to interpret the way zillions of photons react with myriad surfaces to produce an image is something that most of us, with the gift of sight, take for granted.

We commonly talk of ‘looking’ at things and for many situations in life simple glances are sufficient to give us basic information about the world around us.

Learning to ‘see’, however, is something deeper. A mindful approach to observing our surroundings can lead to a rich experience, one in which we may feel more connected to a time and place. If we choose to engage our senses richly in such moments,

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we have the potential to produce a response that resonates with emotive or visceral depth.

Techniques learnt in using a camera or a paintbrush are merely the fundamental steps in using tools with which to help us construct our interpretations of what we observe.

To create an image with gravitas, we must learn to understand the way that light interacts with the earth and sky: how it varies with time; the effects of weather; it’s angle to the view in front of you; which type of light suits which subject.

We then have the challenge of making implied depth and journey in a 2-D picture, using leading lines, curves, arcs, triangular relationships, visual mass, ‘punctuation marks’ but maybe that’s for another day. l Phil is available for commercial photography and also runs workshops and one-to-one sessions. Find out more at www. philhemsley.co.uk or call him on 07973 538857.

Pictured left: Phil’s Royal William Yard afterglow.

‘We use the curriculum as a springboard for innovation...’

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T’S open! After years of work, onsite and behind the scenes, Steiner Academy Exeter’s new six-acre school finally opened its doors to pupils for the new term in September.

The school, which currently has 250 pupils but which will grow to more than 600 over the next five years, is one of just four state-funded Steiner academies in the UK. Principal Alan Swindell, who has taught in Steiner schools since the early 80s, welcomed us into his office, situated in the old part of the school.

“We’re just so fortunate to be here,” said Alan. “The original Grade 2 listed Thomas Hall has so much wonderful history behind it. Now it houses our reception, admin centre, IT suite and two very special rooms for the Year 11s.”

The 17th century building’s history actually includes being used to house troops during the two world wars (when it was known as Great Duryard Hall) and later as accommodation for university students – including, incidentally, JK Rowling, who is rumoured to have used the hall’s secret passages (yes, it has secret passages) as inspiration for some of Harry Potter’s subterranean adventures.

But even the current 250 pupils need more space than the old hall could muster, so beyond the old hall are new buildings (“I really don’t like the word ‘blocks’”, says Alan), which house a range of spaces from fully-equipped science labs to big halls for PE, dining and Eurythmy, a ‘movement

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art’ developed by Rudolf Steiner himself.

But not all the school is housed within the walls of the buildings.

The site is a massive six acres, including rolling grassy areas, shrubs and established woodland with some trees over 200 years old. And that outside space will be used as teaching space too, with as much as possible of traditionally considered ‘indoor’ subjects being taught there.

“People think, for example, that science ‘happens’ in laboratories, but actually it’s part of our everyday world,” says Alan, “and that’s the best place to teach it, where it is truly relevant.”

Growing food (there’s a amazing walled garden in the grounds that will be cultivated by staff and children to provide food for the school) will also be part of the curriculum.

And it’s worth saying that the Steiner curriculum, while including some variations that are unique to the school’s philosophy (like academic study not starting until the children have turned six, for example), complies with National Curriculum requirements.

“We would be breaking the law if we didn’t base our teaching on the Steiner curriculum and Steiner methods,” said Alan. “But I urge our teachers to constantly revisit the

First day for one class, above; the Thomas Hall’s grand entrance, far left; and there’s chickpea curry for lunch, left.

basics and use the curriculum as a spring board for their own innovation.”

Currently the school has pupils aged from 4-14, but when numbers swell that will go up to 16 and, although demand for places has been extraordinary high, they do have “limited availability” in their reception class. There are waiting lists for all other classes.

One area where the Steiner approach has a different emphasis is in motivating its pupils.

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“We work on the basis of ‘aspiration without anxiety’,” says Alan. “We have found anxiety to be a very destructive force – inside and outside of school.”

Contact the school now about open days for prospective parents of children for Reception and Year 7 classes – they’re being held on the first Friday of every month, starting October 2, from 10am-noon, and also on Saturday October 17, 10am-1pm.

Visit www.steineracademyexeter.org. uk or call 01392 757371.

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

local people events local food local health local environment Saiflocal in the willow peacock led the procession.

Pic by Al Cliffe NEWS&views Oxjam takes over the city

OXJAM is a multi-venue, multi-genre festival in support of Oxfam.

This year, more than 50 towns and cities will take part, including Exeter, which last year was the third biggest in the UK and which this year will be “bigger and better than ever”.

The main Exeter gigs will take place at Exeter Castle on October 17 in conjunction with the largely anticipated Exeter Castle Festival of Rugby.

Other events will include live gigs in the newly reopened Hole in the Wall, and at Timepiece and Old Timers with multiple DJ and band stages.

Visit www.oxjamexeter takeover.org.

Men who meet OPEN Men’s Meetings, an opportunity for men to “listen and be heard in the company of other men” take place on the fifth day of the month at venues in Totnes.

The group’s Robert Moore believes there is “untold value” in the simple practice of speaking and listening.

He describes the drop-in meetings as a “respectful listening environment where each man speaks in turn, freely and without interruption.”

Young men 13-16 are welcome if accompanied by an adult.

There are also regular men-only dances on the third Sunday of the month. Email totnesomm@gmail.com.

Free tickets for city residents THE Bike Shed Theatre in Exeter is offering free tickets to people living in the city.

If you haven’t yet been to the venue, simply select the show you’d like to see and get along to the theatre on Fore Street with postcode proof that you live in the city and a free ticket will be yours.

There’s a wide range of productions over the next couple of months, including Fellswoop’s Ghost Opera, which plays with what theatre is or can be, and Hugh McCann’s Ensuite, an intimate, honest and witty exploration of human nature. And then there’s the Christmas show, Eloise and the Curse of the Golden Whisk, a family-friendly adventure story.

Get the full rundown at bikeshedtheatre.co.uk.

Pride attracts over1000 and city names the day

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ORE than 1000 people gathered in Totnes for the town’s third Pride event. And organisers of Exeter Pride celebrations have announced their 2016 date.

Totnes celebrations, organised by social enterprise Proud2Be, began with the ceremonial raising of the rainbow flag above the town’s Civic Hall. Proud2Be founders Mat and Jon Price led the procession through the town with black bisexual activist Jacq Applebee and LGBTI and transgender rights activist and singer/songwriter CN Lester.

Totnes Methodist Church again showed their support by standing alongside two large banners in front of the church with the message ‘Christians for an inclusive world! God loves us all just as we are’. They were joined this year by Christians from other local churches.

Visit www.proud2beproject.org or email info@ proud2beproject.org.

Exeter Pride organisers have announced the county’s biggest LGBT celebration will next year be on Saturday May 7.

The 2016 event will include activities for children, young people and adults at Exeter Phoenix and plans include a heath zone, ceilidh, workshops, panel debate, drumming circle, trans workshop and many other activities.

To find out more, visit www.exeterpride.co.uk or contact the organisers on Twitter or Facebook.

BEAUTIFUL ROOMS for Bodywork practitioners.

FOR TALKING THERAPIES AND HOLISTIC HEALTH

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

Unearthing the culture beneath our feet THE work of six important international artists is to be exhibited together for the first time in the South West.

The exhibition, Soil Culture: Deep Roots, will feature works by Paolo Barrile, Mel Chin, Herman de Vries, Richard Long, Ana Mendieta and Claire Pentecost.

It will be at Peninsula Arts, Plymouth University, from January-16 to February 27 after its current run (until November 21) at Falmouth Art Gallery.

The exhibition is part of the UK contribution to the United Nations International Year of Soils (2015) and a final stage

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of the three-year Soil Culture project initiated by the Centre for Contemporary Art and the Natural World (CCANW), launched at Falmouth Uni in 2013.

Visit www.ccanw.co.uk.

Editorial: 01803 868455 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

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editor@reconnectonline.co.uk of Michelle Hebbard, left. local people local events local food local health local environment Samjhana’s Goddess Portrait

‘When we lock people up, we miss an opportunity...’

As the prison population – and re-offending rates – continue to rise, one local charity is giving ex-offenders a chance to learn new skills and reconnect with the local community. JON STEIN goes to find out more.

Synchronise with pulse of mother nature SOUTH Devon portrait photographer Samjhana Moon will be among the speakers at the first TEDxTotnes event in Dartington on October 9. As a taster, and as some compensation for the many who missed out on the early sell-out tickets (you should find it online in October), she’s written a short piece for us on ‘How portrait photography can reconnect us with our true nature’

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E live in a world of multimedia sensory overload that demands action, connection and doing. Mainstream media uses imagery to influence us in profound ways, fear based marketing fuels a comparative culture, making us feel small and separating us from the rhythms of nature. For a moment, imagine a world where we used positive imagery to inspire our connection with the natural world and expand our human potential.

Photography has always been a channel for me to capture, inspire and

share life’s beauty. I’ve been fortunate to enjoy a life full of wild adventures around the world and captured it all through my lens. But there are few moments more rewarding in my life than when a woman I’ve photographed says ‘Wow, is that really me?’ Over the past seven years I’ve seen my photography help hundreds of women say ‘YES’ to themselves.

And not with a make-over but by exploring and celebrating our human nature through the cycles, elements and the corresponding archetypes of the feminine.

Our land has resonance, it speaks to us, it shapes us with daily, monthly and annual tides of light and dark. Should we choose to surrender to mother nature’s seasonal call and synchronise our ‘doing’ with her pulse, we can find our true self and discover our greatest happiness through the sacred cycle of life.

Find out more at www.goddess portraiture.co.uk.

Advent fair date set for November SOUTH Devon Steiner School’s Advent Fair in Dartington is something of a season marker.

This year it’s on Saturday November 21 and the organisers say they’re “pulling out the stops to make it the best one ever!”

Expect the usual delicious food, fabulous seasonal activities and wonderful shopping - plus some exciting new experiences too.

Find out more at www.southdevon steinerschool.org or call King Winter (he’s new) on 01803 897377.

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T first sight, LandWorks looks like any other outdoor community project. Among a nest of wooden huts, Portacabins and polytunnels, one man’s making a wooden table in the carpentry shop; another’s selling produce to the public from a market-stall by the front gate. Beyond the vegetable garden, a young woman helps someone build a wall with cob. It’s about as far from the image of convicts swinging pickaxes on a chain gang as you can imagine. But in just two years this former quarry on the Dartington Hall Trust estate has become a haven for land-based learning, and a home for current and former prisoners seeking a second chance.

LandWorks is the brainchild of Chris Parsons, who acts as day-today manager and recently won an award from Devon and Cornwall police for his “selfless work within rehabilitation.”

Chris’s interest in social inclusion began 16 years ago within his own landscape gardening business when he started to employ people who were “finding life difficult or hadn’t had much of a chance”. He saw the potential for a dedicated project helping people to reintegrate through sharing time and learning skills together. Dartington provided a location and in July 2013 the project opened its doors to four men from the HMP Channings Wood prison near Newton Abbot.

Since then, 23 trainees have passed through the project, typically attending full-time and staying an

average of 6-9 months. Within the overall aim of resettling ex-prisoners are many different opportunities to build social skills and gain confidence. Trainees are encouraged to express their creativity through art, sculpture, wood and stone-carving.

Part-funded by Arts Council England, artist-in-residence Sarah Jane Hodge is working on a cob and stone structure which will display a timeline for the project as well as providing a space to gather.

Sarah Hocking works behind the scenes as project coordinator and is responsible for

Big day out at Gr

Please, just don’t tell him you can’t sing...

WE take our hats off to Peter Scott, right, who has explored the practical aspects of singing in Reconnect over the last eight months or so. We weren’t sure reading about singing would work that well but he has, it does and we were wrong. This time he’s confronting those of us who say ‘I just can’t sing!’ Take it away, Peter...

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RE you one of those people who think they can’t sing?

Guess what – you are 95% sure to be completely wrong!

In my role as community choir leader you would not believe how many people tell me what a horrible sound they make when they try to sing.

Yes, there are people who are tone deaf and cannot hear the pitch of

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a note. Singing is very difficult for them, but the chances of you being one is miniscule. You can check here http://tonedeaftest.com/) When I present to conferences I ask the audience: ‘Who here thinks they can’t sing?’ A forest of hands shoot up. I ask them to give me a chance to prove them wrong, Gareth Malone style.

First I show them the breathing.

Within two minutes we are all singing together and no-one is making the horrible sound they promised.

After 10 minutes of sound in harmony, the faces are all lit up – partly at the sheer physicality of all that breathing (and how it makes them feel more alive, vital and awake than they have all day, maybe even all week), and partly that they could be a contributing part of this beautiful

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sound that makes them feel so wonderful.

If you want to check it out for yourself come and visit us at the FunkyBizness Community Choir. We meet every Tuesday 7.15-9pm in St Sidwell’s Community Centre (EX4 6NN) in Exeter. The first session is free.

You can find out more at www.funkybizness.co.uk/choir/.

And if you tell me you can’t sing, forgive me if I take it with a pinch of salt!

THE Cathedral Green in Exeter, that wonderful stretchout-in-thesun area around the cathedral was crammed with stalls last month for the Exeter Green Fair.

Among them was the Reconnect st great time chatting with readers, in to new people and making new co up stories for future issues.

And organiser Mark Cox deserves hard work and bringing it al toget Well done, Mark – see you, and w stall holders – next year.

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NEWS&views local people local events local food local health local environment

fundraising and marketing. Though the scheme has been awarded a three-year grant from the Big Lottery Fund, it’s the high level of community involvement that makes LandWorks unique.

Sarah says: “We could not exist without the fantastic interest and support from local people, whether it’s with a donation or popping by with a cake.”

Chris would like to see the project expand – but not necessarily on the Dartington site. He wants to maintain the ‘family’ feeling, with its high staffto-trainee ratio and shared lunches, but the model could be exported, first perhaps to the Channings Wood Prison estate, then beyond. The need is acute, explains Chris, who believes “when we lock people up, we miss an opportunity.”

Sitting around a big table, sharing soup and salad with trainees, staff and volunteers, words like ‘prisoner’ and ‘criminal’ fall away. What’s left are people working together and helping one another. As if on cue, as I was getting ready to

leave, Chris received a text message from someone who had spent time at LandWorks during his release period from prison.

He had just landed a job with one of the project’s supporting employers - KJ Thulborn - and wrote simply: “Thank you for everything you’ve done for me. You have all made such a huge difference to so many people’s lives - me being one of them. I will always remember you all with a great deal of fondness.”

Landworks is aiming to reach their target of 1000 supporters by the end of the year. If you want to know more or can help in any way visit www.dartington.org/landworks or call 01803 847289. l Read Jon’s blog ‘Totnes Eye’ at www.jonstein.co.uk.

Empowering families across Devon & Cornwall since 1999

Facts and figures

There are 86,000 people (predominantly men) in prison in England and Wales. Each prison place costs the state more than £36,000 per year. 46% of prisoners re-offend within one year of release and the cost of re-offending to the economy each year is £13bn. The cost of a LandWorks place per year is £6000.

reen Fair

tall and we had a ntroducing the mag ontacts and picking

s a medal for all his ther so successfully. we hope even more

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wellbeing

email: food wellbeing@reconnectonline.co.uk local people local events local local health local environment

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

Spreading the word

Finding Active Hope

What conditions who we are?

Why Autumn’s bad for skin The whole family homeopath Win a copy of Carmella’s book

25 26 28 29

Hearing loss can have a real impact in busy social gatherings.

Multibed option is popular

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Find your authentic voice 32 Help for new practitioners 34 Emotional Health with Leigh 37 ‘A perfect time for craniosacral’ 39 And there’s lots more to read inside

Kate Philbin

Hearing loss is not painful - but it can seriously hurt your relationships

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OSING the ability to hear clearly and naturally is a medical condition that does not hurt. Or at least, not physically in the same way that other ailments can.

But it can hurt relationships and your enjoyment of the world around you.

You become disconnected. You can even withdraw if you cannot carry out everyday conversations at work, play, or in the home.

You may find that you are being left out and ignored – especially when you are in a meeting, in a restaurant or family gathering.

It makes those who know you are losing your hearing feel uncomfortable; those who don’t wonder why you don’t answer. You may even appear rude.

bloom™ hearing are specialists in treating all hearing conditions, many of which are resolved by hearing aids, but that’s not always the case.

Wax management is one service provided by a free consultation.

Wax is a very common cause of temporary, partial deafness.

Consultation for sufferers of tinnitus, annoying ringing and noises in the ears, is also free. Sometimes tinnitus can be reduced using a variety of measures. Sometimes hearing aids can help if they include a Zen Therapy programme.

If you need help or advice on any hearing healthcare, you can call 0800 612 7994 – quoting “reconnect” – to talk to a qualified bloom™ hearing specialist, or to book a free appointment.

IF you are looking for complementary therapists or personal development practitioners in South Devon, you’ve come to the right place.

And if you work in natural health and want to spread the word, this is your natural home.

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

A 1/4-page is £66.60.

And our Wellbeing editor, Kate Philbin, will write the editorial free of charge.

Our designers will even put the artwork together for you - for prices that would make most graphic designers run for the hills.

The Wellbeing deadline for the next (Dec/Jan) issue is October 30, but call now and you’ll beat the rush.

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

INSIDER ART FORTHCOMING COURSES IN EXETER ART IN HEALTH: Practical Applications ART IN MENTAL HEALTH: A Foundation Course in Art Therapy SANDTRAY THERAPY WITH PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: All courses are suitable for practitioners and students of many disciplines Clinical supervision, arts supervision and mentoring for artists and arts and health practitioners For information visit www.insiderart.org.uk or e-mail info@insiderart.org.uk

24

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The Karuna Institute on Dartmoor - three decades

of experience psychotherapy local people local events local food localdeveloping health localcourses. environment WELLBEING

, IT !

RN P IT EA E U KE YO OU Y

Relationships and who we are

T

HE idea that we are created from our relationships is common to both Buddhism and Psychotherapy.

The Karuna Institute on Dartmoor has spent three decades developing psychotherapy courses that combine an understanding of the power of mindfulness and the centrality of relationship.

Tutor Jonny White explained why these two concepts are the key tenet of all of its training: “As people, we can see it is relationship that conditions who we are and how we meet and behave in the world.

“Psychotherapy places particular emphasis on the nature of our relationships with other people and, in particular, on the formative relationships we have with our primary caregivers.

“But, of course, relationships exist between all things, not just people… oxygen molecules, political orders, DNA, the environment.

We are created out of our relationships.”

Mindfulness has grown in popularity in recent years.

Jonny added: “Mindfulness is understood to give us tools to help us with stress and anxiety, and to help us gain a wider perspective on who we are.

“Current research even shows that mindfulness can re-sculpt the brain. Our course, entitled Mindfulness in Relationship, explores how the awakening qualities

of Awareness and Mindfulness, combined with a willingness to engage in relationships, can help to create the possibility of healing and transformation.”

The Karuna Institute is regarded as a world leader in relational Mindfulness-based Psychotherapy trainings. It is based in a beautiful manor house in a quiet location in the middle of Dartmoor.

The institute is running several shorter Diploma and Foundation courses, as well as two full-length MA trainings in Core Process Psychotherapy, which are validated

by Middlesex University. It also runs training courses in Craniosacral Biodynamics.

There are still a few places left on this year’s courses. Find out more at www.karuna-institute.co.uk or call 01647 221457.

START-UP PROGRAMME FOR NEW PRACTITIONERS Grow your business in a professional clinical environment

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Start your journey to

better hearing From diet to looking after your ears in damaging environments – common threats to your hearing in the home – how to defend your ears at work and play – causes of hearing loss – and more.

Discover how to tailor your lifestyle in the environment you live in to reduce the level of hearing impairment you might encounter later on in life.

Get your free Hearing Fitness Guide today!

Call us free on 0800 488 0106 01803 431289 07508 524356

Please quote FF RC 01 when calling or complete and return the FREEPOST form below. Lines are open Monday to Friday 9am-5pm.

Hearing Information Service, Unit 3 Eastern Wood Road, Plympton, Plymouth PL7 5ET Hearing Information Service - publishing hearing care advice on behalf of commercial providers of hearing aids.

Aleph Therapeutic Learning A liberating approach for learners of any age Is school, college or university work causing worry and depression?

Aleph Therapeutic Learning can: • Ease learning-related anxiety • Bring pleasure, meaning and relevance to learning • Develop confidence and a deep sense of self-worth • Uncover innate ability • Reveal creativity Call or email Carrie Gaye without obligation www.alephway.co.uk • carrie@alephway.co.uk

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25

WELLBEING local people local events local food local health local environment Facialist Norah McCullogh working with a client.

Beating Autumn’s challenges to skin AUTUMN brings new challenges for our skin, caused by the cooler weather and the drying effects of central heating.

Norah McCullagh, facialist and member of the Association of Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology, has some timely advice for us on maintaining a healthy, radiant glow through the change of season.

“The cooler weather causes blood vessels to constrict which reduces microcirculation and can leave your skin a bit dull and lacklustre,” said Norah. “In nature, the trees are shedding their leaves, and Autumn is also an appropriate time for us to shed dead skin cells. I recommend treating it with an enzyme peel for gentle but effective instant brightening.

“After exfoliating, your skin is better able to absorb nourishment.

Massaging in a blend of warm plant oils will combat dryness, stimulate the blood and lymph and increase

cellular nourishment. You can boost moisture levels by layering a hydrating serum underneath your day cream.

“It is important to help your skin adjust to the Autumn by changing the way you feed and dress it, just as you naturally do with your body.”

Norah offers a range of bespoke facials and skincare at centres in Exeter, Sidmouth and Bristol.

For more information visit www. purefaceworks.com or www. thepracticerooms.co.uk

Great first year for unique workshops

H 01803 862565 Ola Chiropractic Centre, 5a Fore Street, Totnes, Devon TQ9 5DA

www.totneschiropractic.co.uk

TOTNES THERAPY ROOMS AVAILABLE Therapists are invited to share our beautiful, calming space in the heart of Totnes.

We offer: • Flexible, low-cost bookings • Marketing support • In-clinic referral network • Online presence

To find out more, call 01803 862565 or visit www.totneschiropractic.co.uk 26

APPY first birthday to The Sea School of Embodiment in Dawlish.

It has been a great first year for the pioneering training organisation, which offers workshops in creativity and embodied sexuality for professionals and the general public.

Founders, Katie Sarra and Kian de la Cour have hosted training sessions by internationally renowned teachers, including Dr Betty Martin from Seattle in the USA, a pioneer in the field of boundaries and consent, and Deej Juventin and Australian Uma Furman who specialise in sexological bodywork and embodied therapy.

Katie said: “I am in a place of humility and gratitude for the successes of our first year. The generosity of the teachers sharing their work and the willingness and trust of the participants, learning, healing and expanding, has been overwhelming.

People have come from near and far - from Devon to New Zealand - to participate.”

Betty Martin’s hugely popular five-day Like a Pro training was aimed at anyone who uses touch in their work.

It supported participants to develop professional skills in working with boundaries and consent.

Also fully booked was this year’s Certificate in Sexological Bodywork training with Joseph Kramer, Deej Juventin and Uma Furman – the second time this training has been run in the UK. Sexological Bodywork supports people to direct their own erotic development, learn about their bodies and work through any sexual issues. Twenty people are currently participating on the training and are due to graduate in October, which will significantly increase the pool of Sexological Bodywork practitioners in the UK.

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Internationally-renowned Roma singer and teacher Ida Kelarova.

Looking forward, Kian and Katie already have some exciting plans for their second year. Kian said: “We are looking forward to building on our first year’s successes and working with more people who are interested in exploring what is possible when we wake up the direct sensory route to experiencing.

“We describe this as moving from the cognitive to the somatic route, or, more simply, the body as experienced from within.”

In November, The Sea School will be hosting internationally-renowned Roma singer and teacher Ida Kelarova for a profound weekend of singing that aims to connect participants to their deepest emotional truth. In 2016, as well as welcoming back Betty, Deej and Uma, they will be bringing California-based somatic educator and healer Ellen Heed to the UK for the first time to run a workshop focused on the treatment of scar tissue, inflammation and trauma.

For more information visit www. seaschoolofembodiment.com.

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

Mindfulness and Photography - a one-day workshop at Sharpham on October 11.

DRAGON CLINIC

WELLBEING

Community Multi-bed Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine

@ Cliff House Cliff Road, Salcombe, tq8 8jq Every Wednesday

SALCOMBE

12.30 until 6 pm Please book online or phone drop-in is often available

dragonclinic.uk

Learning in the landscape

Antoinett Bruin 07886 036102 Michael Pringle 07800 594452

A

FOR TALKING THERAPIES AND HOLISTIC HEALTH

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

Equine facilitated learning and connecting with horses...

Workshops, adventure days and one-to-one sessions for both adults and young people from £45 per person AC

I L I TAT E D

LE

A R N I NG ·

Genesis

BEAUTIFUL ROOMS for Counselling & Psychotherapy.

QUI NE · E F

seeing’ using your camera as a UTUMN sees the beginning of creative aid.” a wide range of new courses at Sharpham.

Sharpham Meadow Natural Burial Ground will host an All Souls’ Starting on October 5, a new Day celebration from 7-9pm on course will explore how working November 2 with a ceremony outside can support young people around the Ancestors’ Fire. The to recover from mental health event is free and there will be a problems. The three-day adventure warming soup for visitors. All therapy course, called Working are welcome, especially those Therapeutically with Young People with family and friends resting at in the Outdoors, includes canoeing, Sharpham Meadow. archery, bushcraft…and CBT. It is aimed at outdoor educators, New retreats and courses are also counsellors, teachers, youth planned in Sharpham, Totnes and workers and mental healthcare Torquay. professionals.

Ben said: “We have retreats and Ben Ballard, programme manager courses scheduled until March at The Sharpham Trust, said: “This 2016, including our popular is a unique opportunity to gain an Beginners’ Mindfulness retreats understanding of the benefits of in Sharpham House, new themed working outdoors, using adventure retreats including art and cookery, therapy for young people. The as well as further Woodland retreats Sharpham Estate provides a in our tranquil campsite. We’ll also wonderful backdrop and setting for be offering one-day introductions to connecting people to nature.”

Mindfulness.”

Also coming up on October 11 Find out more on 01803 732542 or visit www.sharphamtrust.org. is a one-day Mindfulness and Photography course, which helps us to use our ‘smart’ gadgets to aid our connection with the world around us rather than distracting from it.

Workshop leader Duncan Moss is an experienced mindfulness teacher with a passion for photography.

“This is not a lesson in the technical skills of photography,” he said.

The Ancestors’ Fire at Sharpham’s natural “Rather it’s an opportunity burial ground - venue for their All Souls’ Day to practise ‘being through celebration on November 2.

Change your stories, change your life

“It was truly mind-blowing.” “Inspired and inspiring”

Held back in life?

Book onto this two and a half day transformational course and learn how to change your life by changing your beliefs.

Sue Blagburn BHSAI

October 9-11 January 22-24 £199 – bursaries available

07831 865259 www.interbe.co/courses 01392 346224

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sue@adventureswithhorses.co.uk

www.adventureswithhorses.co.uk Editorial: 01803 868455 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

27

WELLBEING local people local events local food local health local environment Kinship is about more than family

Accessing hidden emotional blocks

HE’S back - Rupert Callender, right, of the Green Funeral Company, on DNA, kinship and dogs.

H

AVING been a ceremonial undertaker for the past 15 years, not to mention an orphan, albeit an adult one for over 20, I have an obsession with the idea of ancestors. For me, this bone chain of family that stretches behind us all is poignant and fascinating.

I feel an obligation to them to try and live more, to fill my senses with all the things they once enjoyed or probably, like the rest of us, just took for granted.

So my wife’s birthday present to me of a full genetic DNA profile was inspired. You spit into a vial, send it off to California, and bingo, everything about exactly where you come from is there in an email.

No big surprises - largely Northern European, with an intriguing 5% from South Asia. But it was my Neanderthal ancestry that made me most excited. People in Northern Europe contain an average of 2% Neanderthal DNA but I have an unusually high, 3.5. Cue much family hilarity and jokes about clubs and dragging women by their hair into caves. Even funnier if you’ve met my wife. The lady’s not for dragging.

But of course, like so much so called knowledge in our lives,

this is all prejudice. It turns out our Neanderthal ancestors were remarkably like us, certainly when it came to emotion, family and ritual.

Graves have recently been discovered dating back tens of thousands of years; graves that have been lovingly prepared, filled with flowers and objects to accompany the dead. One such Neanderthal grave was of a disabled adult, someone who would have needed looking after by their community.

Our image of a stupid, violent caveman rightfully supplanted by the moral, thoughtful Homo sapiens lies in tatters. It’s like the recent MRI scans of dogs brains that shows their brains work exactly like ours; fear, contentment, boredom, compassion, even humour, which anyone who has ever loved a dog already knew.

Why is it so difficult for us to consider the possibility that anything that lives, loves? Why do we think we are alone in feeling? Why shouldn’t a butterfly, like us, delight in a day in June?

And so, as we stand beside another grave, lowering the physical remains of a whole universe of experience, I feel a kinship, not just with my family.

Craniosacral Therapy Able to cope, a sense of wellbeing, energised, ralaxed, feeling more fully alive, whole again, healthy……

Craniosacral therapy is a very gentle, yet powerful hands-on therapy. It works with the whole person at any stage of life and can be very effective in a wide range of areas, including: • Back ache • Muscle strains and injuries – old and new • A general sense of “not feeling quite right” • Pregnancy and child birth support • Depression • Chronic fatigue • Stress-related conditions

• Digestive problems • Headaches and migraines • Anxiety • Depression • Chronic fatigue • Stress-related conditions • Digestive problems • Headaches and migraines

This list is not exhaustive and I am always happy to talk with you about your individual needs and how I can help.

Treatments are in Totnes and cost £35 an hour, conc available.

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

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blocks as vibrant HAVE you ever had the sense that something colours, which she is wrong but you can’t describes to the put your finger on client as a way of what it is? It may be a identifying what physical or emotional may be holding problem your them back in their conscious mind cannot life. Releasing these quite access but that is blocked energies creating a sense of dishelps to realign the ease or discomfort. mind, body and spirit, producing a feeling of Kaiamea is a deep relaxation and non-contact energy calm and optimising therapy that realigns physical health and the aura and chakra Kay Arwen vitality. system. According to its creator, Kay Arwen, Kaiamea is “Aura drawing can help to reduce an ideal way of identifying physical stress and anxiety, enabling people and emotional blocks and starting to break free from limiting beliefs to release them. She describes and behaviours to discover a sense the therapy as “aura drawing for of self-worth and experience their personal development.” full potential. Feeling more secure Kay said: “I often work with and confident in themselves often clients who don’t actually know enables people to access greater what is behind the symptoms they levels of creativity and perception,” are experiencing. Through the said Kay. therapy sessions, they can begin The newest member of the to understand what is going on for Reconnect team, Melissa, had a them on a more unconscious level session with Kay and described her and then look at how some of these as “warm and friendly as well as blocks can be unravelled. I am a very professional.” great believer that each of us has all “I have to say that everything she the answers within our own energy said to me felt spookily accurate,” fields. I am merely the facilitator said Melissa. “It felt a very helpful of this healing by letting people and validating experience.” know where I can see blocks and tension.”

Visit www.kaiamea.co.uk or call 07716 804656.

Kay experiences these energy

Generations of healing in the city HOMEOPATH Mo Morrish, who also runs the Exeter Natural Health Centre with his wife and fellow homeopath Ali, is this year celebrating 25 years of practice. Here he discusses the power of continuity…

OMING in to my practice one day a few months ago, a young man who was waiting outside, leapt up and cried, “Hello, Mo! Do you remember me?” He looked vaguely familiar but my facial expression obviously seemed suitably puzzled for him to prompt; “James! You cured my asthma about 20 years ago, when my mum said I never had asthma on holiday in Gran Canaria you knew exactly what medicine I needed. Don’t you remember?”

And then I did; I remembered how his condition was worse in cold wet weather but better in hot and dry, and I remembered the homoeopathic medicine that had done the trick!

Looking at this tall, broad shouldered rugby playing student I could still see the pale faced, spindly little boy as he was when we first met and it struck me…what a joy and privilege (an over-used term yet appropriate here) to be able to see the long-term effects of one’s work!

This kind of thing has happened many

C

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times over my 25 years of practice in Exeter, often engaging me in the treatment of three, and on several occasions four, generations of a family.

This means that I can get a real sense of what is going on for whichever family member I am working with and, more importantly I think, it gives families the experience of having a health practitioner who really knows them, over time.

“It’s like having an old fashioned family doctor” wrote one grandmother. “You know us all so well”. A proud father once brought his new teenage step-daughter to me and said: “I have told Maria that you have helped my family get through births, deaths and marriages and I’m damn sure that you can get her through her painful menstruation!”

The dear old NHS no longer seems to be able to offer such a continuity of treatment from one practitioner and, it does seem to provide an experience which people value.

As well as learning so much from listening to what goes on inside human beings, I feel blessed having been able to follow the Hippocratic dictum; “either help, or at least do no harm”.

Visit www.homoeopathicpractice.co.uk.

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

email: localwellbeing@reconnectonline.co.uk people local events local food local health local environment WELLBEING How to get a free copy of this book

Y

OU might have read about Carmella B’Hahn’s new book, Heart of Relating, Communication Beyond Ego, before in Reconnect - now we have three copies to give away.

Heart of Relating shows how to relate and communicate “from the heart of who we are”. It can be read straight through, dipped into as a resource when needed, or engaged with as a 52week course to “thoroughly transform/enhance our relating skills”.

Says Carmella: “The readership is wide and includes therapists, healthcare workers, couples, parents, teachers and groups. And it is being featured in diverse publications such as The Daily Express and Practice Business, for managers of GP practices.”

To be in with a chance of owning a copy yourself, simply watch the video ‘Heart of Relating: The Essential Message’ on Carmella’s website at www.heartofrelating.com/books_/ heart-of-relating/details/ and then answer this question: What question does Carmella believe we have to ask ourselves in order to have fulfilling relationships?

Your new centre in Torquay for mind, body and spirit A place of balance and calm offering healing, treatment and meditation rooms over three floors Treatments include: Traditional Body Massage, Chakra Balancing, Reiki, Crystal Therapy, Holistic Aromatherapy Facials, Hot Stones Therapy, Body Treatment and Guided Visualisation Meditation

Email your answer to <editor@ reconnectonline.co.uk> and your name could be picked from our virtual hat at the end of October.

There is an opportunity to work with Carmella on her upcoming Communication Beyond Ego days (see her ad on page 33) and she also offers individual Conscious Communication Coaching from her home at the Bowden House community, which she co-founded 10 years ago.

8th October - Sounds for the Soul Gong Bath 10th October - Energy Workshop 10th October - Up Close and Personal Clairvoyance evening hosted by Ricky Whitemore with Brenda Sawyer 17th October - Dual Massage Day. Back, neck and shoulders, 2 people for £40 17th October - Trance Mediumship with Ricky Whitemore Guided Visualisation and Angels and Ascension meditations - Call for dates 5th November - Sounds for the Soul Gong Bath 7th November - Christmas Wellbeing and Gift Event 14th November - Up Close and Personal Clairvoyance evening hosted by Ricky Whitemore 21st November - Neals’s Yard Remedies all-day Extravaganza 28th November - Christmas Party Pamper Day

Pure Holistic Therapies 1A Castle Road, Torquay TQ1 3BB 01803 295391 • info@pureholistictorquay.co.uk

Karuna Institute

International Training and Retreat Centre

The combination of the stunning position and the uniqueness of the teaching has made Karuna Institute renowned throughout the world as a centre for residential training and retreats. The Institute provides opportunities for deepening embodied awareness and cultivating presence and open-heartedness in relationship.

Core Process Psychotherapy Introductory Workshops held in Devon, London and Scotland Foundation Trainings held in Devon, London and Scotland Diploma in Relational Mindfulness held in Devon Post-Qualification MA Mindfulness Based Psychotherapeutic Practice and MA Mindfulness Based Core Process Psychotherapy

Craniosacral Biodynamics Therapy

Kum Nye Retreat Programme 2015-16

Introductory Workshops Two Year Professional Training 2015-17 and Post-Graduate Advanced Trainings and Primal Sympathy Training

NB: You do not have to be a Karuna student in order to join retreats. They are open to all – you just need experience / feel comfortable with silent retreats.

For information on all our courses and for application forms visit www.karuna-institute.co.uk or contact: Jacqui Aplin, Administrator, 01647 221457 | office@karuna-institute.co.uk Karuna Institute, Natsworthy Manor, Widecombe-in-the-Moor, Devon, TQ13 7TR

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

Editorial: 01803 868455 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

29

Antoinett Bruin, right, and Michael Pringle, below, at their Salcombe clinic.

WELLBEING

Let Shiatsu prepare you for Winter AT this time of year, nature is preparing for Winter. The energy is moving inwards as the trees drop their leaves and strip to the core, letting go of everything that’s not essential for life.

Shiatsu practitioner Kirsty HurdThomas is urging us to do the same. She points out that holding onto non-essentials means we are using up precious resources that are meant to help get us through the long, dark months.

“Like the trees, we are called at this time in the year to let go of all we don’t need and focus on our core, the heart of our energy,” she said.

“Of course, this is often easier said than done...not many of us shed our worries as easily as a tree drops its leaves! But you can support this process for yourself by working with the metal meridians, lung and large intestine. They love to be fed whole grains, e specially short grain brown rice, and root veg like carrots and parsnips cooked slowly. Aerobic exercise is also great for metal energy, and so is having a good clear out and clean up.”

Kirsty points out that people tend to think of Shiatsu as a treatment that works with bad backs, knees, shoulders and so on.

“In my experience, Shiatsu is wonderful for all of these things, but

it can do so much more and often there is less awareness of the other health problems it can help with.

“The metal element governs our respiratory system, which people often struggle with at this time of year, suffering from frequent colds, sore throats and coughs.

“A friend was surprised when I showed her some points to help relieve her son’s chesty cough, and I showed another friend some points to relieve her asthma when she forgot to bring her inhaler to a party. Shiatsu is a holistic therapy, and as such it works with all aspects of health - all of the systems (respiratory, digestive, cardiovascular, muscular, and skeletal) are affected in a treatment, and can be focused on if there is a particular problem, or symptom which relates to them.”

In Japan most people have Shiatsu monthly as a matter of course, regarding it as a kind of MOT for the body. This approach can help people to maintain their health so that they don’t get ill, stiff or stuck so often, as well as helping them change the way they feel about life. Shiatsu is also ideal for treating chronic conditions.

Kirsty practices at Exeter Natural Health Centre, as well as Totnes. Call her on 01803 862808.

Psycho-Spiritual Counselling Trainings

Sweet-Track is a training centre for Psycho-Spiritual counselling in Glastonbury. Our accredited courses are designed to create a learning environment, where we support the development of self-actualisation by integrating physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual growth. Our aim is to empower people’s core beliefs and respect each other’s differences.

Multibed option proving popular

I

N the last issue of Reconnect, we introduced the concept of multibed community acupuncture, which is being offered by practitioners Michael Pringle and Antoinett Bruin at The Dragon Clinic in Salcombe.

The idea is to reduce the cost of acupuncture by offering clients the chance to have their treatment in a communal area where multiple treatments take place simultaneously.

The treatment is exactly the same as if the client were receiving one-toone attention in a private treatment room, but the cost is significantly reduced.

Multibed treatments have been on offer at The Dragon Clinic since the beginning of July and it is proving a popular option with clients. A regular client base has developed and people are receiving treatment for a wide range of conditions including bad backs, chronic digestive problems, allergies, support to recover from flu and headaches.

Antoinett told Reconnect: “We have been extremely busy over the Summer but now we are into Autumn, we are looking forward to welcoming more local people as well as holidaymakers.

“This is a great way for people to receive individual, tailored treatments, and acupuncture works effectively alongside any pharmaceutical drugs. Michael and

I are always available for a chat before people commit to receiving a treatment.

“We are really grateful to the staff of the Cliff House Trust and the Salcombe Yacht Club who have supported us since we started.”

The first acupuncture treatment costs £40, with £20 for followups. Local people receive a 10% discount and further reductions are possible in order to make the treatment accessible to all. Chinese Herbal costs £50 with £30 for follow-ups, plus the cost of the herbs (averaging £12 a week).

Facial revitalisation acupuncture is also offered as a multibed option.

Visit www.acupuncturesouthhams. co.uk or call 01548 580073.

These courses are a Path of the Heart •Our accredited Psycho-Spiritual Courses 2015 & 2016•

Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling (PC-L5) 23rd October 2015 Effective Listening Skills (ELSK-L2) 1st, 28th & 29th November 2015 Certificate in Counselling Skills Level 3 (CSTL3) starts 17th June 2016

•Counselling with Spirituality. A CPD course for therapists• March 25th - 27th 2016

44a High street, Glastonbury, BA6 9DX www.sweet-track-counselling.co.uk

30

Tel: 01458 835552

info@sweet-track-counselling.co.uk

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www.reconnectonline.co.uk

Master Choy, founder of The Rainbow Tai Chi School in Ashburton.

WELLBEING

Open your heart and feel what Tai Chi is Christine Chin, assistant director at Rainbow Tai Chi Chi Kung School & Chi Self Healing Fountain Centre at Ashburton, challenges the popular notion of what Tai Chi is all about…

W

HEN somebody reads the words Tai Chi, they often have a stereotypical, romantic image of some Chinese guy, or even Helen Mirren in Calendar Girls, waving their arms about out on the moors. All very nice, but how can this help me in daily life…?

Maybe we can ‘bust your Tai Chi balls’ and challenge you to slow down, open your heart and actually see and feel what Rainbow Tai Chi is really about and the message that Master Choy, the founder, is bringing.

The Rainbow Tai Chi School in Ashburton offers a whole lot more than just physical Tai Chi movements, although these, in themselves, are amazingly energising and powerful. Students consistently share about the buzzing, tingling, healing chi energy - vital force - they feel throughout their whole body when practising the Tai Chi movements. We call this the ‘hair standing ceremony’ but it is just one part of the picture. There is a whole inner-world to explore through Tai Chi which we call Heart Body Mind Spirit education.

est. 1999

Every day Master Choy is receiving guidance directly from Source, tuning in to what we call ‘Galactricity’, the energy pouring in waves ever since the planetary alignment in December 2012. The most recent revelations are coming from the 8 Taoist Immortals who are connecting directly with Master Choy and the school energy.

Master Choy wrote recently: “The Mayan date of December 21, 2012, has created a mass opportunity for conscious souls around the world to tune into the extraordinary importance of the message of the Capricorn Age of Synthesis of Joy. “All my life, I have been prepared to bring the message of how humanity can find Happiness and apply this attitude in their daily life on every Heart Body Mind Spirit level.”

Weekly classes are available at The Rainbow Tai Chi School in Ashburton, and South Brent Old School Community Centre.

Visit www.rainbow-taichi.org.uk.

“I have attended over 4,000 funerals in my career and I have never seen such a beautiful, heart-felt funeral.”

Chapel Attendant

Funeral Home Riverstone, 18 Dart Mills, Buckfastleigh TQ11 0NF High Street Shop 7 High Street, Totnes TQ9 5NN

01803 840779 / 01364 643522 www.heartandsoulfunerals.co.uk

The Nautilus Rooms Totnes Centre for Counselling, Psychotherapy, Mindfulness and other mind-based practices.

Now Open

Rooms to hire for individual, play, body, couples and family therapy. Group and training room.

Please contact Ruth or Pete Baker at: info@nautilusrooms.uk or call 07736334454.

Nautilus Rooms courses:

A programme of courses has been developed including mindfulness, sandplay and therapeutic art. See the website for details.

Courses coming up:

Introduction to Sandplay Therapy Courses in October and November 2015 Certificate in Sandplay Therapy Starting November 2015 Diploma in Sandplay Therapy Starting Spring 1016

Ruth Baker counselling and psychotherapy

Call now 07736334454 ruthbaker1@gmail.com ruthbakerpsychotherapy.co.uk

Ruth Baker BSc Hons Psychology, MA, Dip SW, Adv Dip Couns, Dip Supervision Integrative Psychotherapist • Counsellor • Supervisor & Mentor • Coach & Consultant Areas: Newton Abbot • Teignmouth • Totnes • Torquay Individuals, couples and groups • Mindfulness • Sandplay • Therapeutic Art

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

Certificate in Therapeutic Art Starting January 2016 All the above accredited by the Association of Integrative Sandplay Therapists Seeing ourselves in the Sand - using sandplay and the Enneagram Date tbc Mindfulness: An Introduction Dates in October and December Psychosynthesis Fundamentals Starting in 2016

Editorial: 01803 868455 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

31

WELLBEING

Mac, a founder member of Embercombe, who is running a workshop there called Speaking Out.

Share celebrations with £10 off!

KATY and Hannah, of recently opened Pure Holistic Therapies in Torquay, are celebrating a fantastic start to their business!

And they’d like Reconnect readers to go in and join in with their celebrations with an exclusive £10 off their first treatment. Just quote ‘Reconnect’ when booking.

The centre has a lot to offer including a variety of treatments for mind, body and spirit, including Holistic Aromatherapy Facials, Aromatherapy Massage, Chakra Balancing and more. A full list of treatments can be found at www.pureholistictorquay.co.uk.

A reward scheme is offered to all clients which means that by investing in some ‘you’ time, Pure Holistic Therapies invests for you too by giving you points to get money off further treatments!

The centre also offers Guided Visualisation and Angel Ascension Meditation, which are held regularly. Creative Energy

Workshops are held over a course of six weeks and they are currently using the Zentangle method to create beautiful art while refining your mindfulness skills.

Clairvoyance evenings are held once a month hosted by medium Ricky Whitemore who also offers private readings at the Centre. Gong baths led by Sounds for the Soul’s Sally Free are held every month and are extremely popular.

You can relax and listen to the harmonious sounds of gongs, Tibetan singing bowls, crystal bells and more.

Also on offer at the centre is Holistic Yoga and Ayurvedic massage from Virginia Compton. Ayurveda (science of life) helps to rebalance you and leave you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated. Virginia offers yoga on a one to one basis or in a small group.

Contact Pure on 01803 295391 for further information or email to info@pureholistictorquay.co.uk.

Health & wellbeing

Speaking with your authentic voice

I

T was 1958 and Mac Macartney, aged nine years, was starting at a new school one term late.

It was a hostile and dangerous environment for a young lad, not least entering into a group of boys who had already forged the bonds of friendship.

Mac quickly discovered a gift for storytelling, which was enough to keep him out of danger. He said: “I wove a fantasy world of a childhood spent in the remote wilds of the African bush. Every evening, the other boys would ask for another story of hair-raising adventure, imminent death, and heroic triumph. I soon realised that they were as lonely and scared as me. My stories gave them comfort.”

By the time Mac was in his early 20s, his natural storytelling ability had become submerged under feelings of intellectual inadequacy which resulted from poor schooling.

A need to develop a deeper understanding of life eventually took him to live with North American Indians, with whom he studied for 20 years. Their traditions were steeped in oratory.

Mac, now one of the founders of land-based learning centre Embercombe, near Exeter, explained: “Every night around the lunch and dinner table we would be asked to speak.

“At first they would say to me ‘Mac, why bother, we cannot hear your voice?’ and then ‘We can hear you, but where is your authenticity?’ and then ‘We hear your authenticity,

where is your fluency?’ It wasn’t until I could put all of these skills together, that I knew I could truly be heard.”

Some years later, Mac made a pledge by the lake at Embercombe – to be true to his values and the vision of a just, peaceful and environmentally sustainable world. He set about employing his passion and skills to influence major corporate decisionmakers to implement a more sustainable way of doing business.

He also began writing a book, which would give him access to the speaking circuit and the chance to send his message into the wider world.

Despite suffering crippling panic attacks, which would often render him speechless, Mac kept his word.

“My belief that I still wasn’t resourced or talented enough to speak publicly collided with the fierce resolve to honour my pledge. I had to seek a way to find my voice.”

He soon discovered that letting go of predetermined ideas of success allowed him to move forward.

“I believe that everyone has the gift to speak. If you find your passion and speak true to your heart, your authentic voice will shine through… and people will listen, be touched, and perhaps inspired to action.”

Based on his own experiences, Mac will be running a two-day Speaking Out course at Embercombe on November 4-6. To join him, please visit: www.embercombe.org/ speakingout or call Clare on 01647 252983.

Mark Edlund Plater

Member of the British Acupuncture Council

Seek peace of mind?

Contact Peter Crowe Counselling & psychotherapy 01392 966845

Acupuncture Integrated Method

Acupuncture integrated method

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

01803 862803 07506 179808

mark.edlundplater@gmail.com

www.petercrowe.co.uk 32 32

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www.reconnectonline.co.uk

WELLBEING

email: wellbeing@reconnectonline.co.uk Private location - in town centre

T

HE Nautilus Rooms are tucked away in an alleyway off Fore Street in Totnes.

And that unique location, in the centre of town and yet away from the sounds of the main street, is already proving popular with clients and therapists.

In the few months The Nautilus Rooms have been open, they have attracted a number of highly experienced and well-trained professionals.

Ruth Baker had a vision to bring together a group of professionals with expertise in psychological health and the interrelationship between mind, body and spirit.

Said Ruth: “The Nautilus Rooms now has a range of professionals working across all age groups with a broad spectrum of difficulties including trauma, abuse, anxiety, depression, relationship and family issues, life transition, women’s and men’s health, sexuality and gender identity to name but a few.

“There is also considerable expertise in working with couples and families and children of all ages.”

The Nautilus Rooms team currently consists of Ruth Baker, integrative trainer, psychotherapist, counsellor and supervisor, working with individuals of all ages and couples; Peter Brown, Reiki Seiki, Chi Kung and Zen Shiatsu practitioner; Karar Hill, psychotherapist (senior student) and craniosacral therapist; Jane Hughes, clinical psychologist who specialises in working with children and families, particularly in relation to bereavement, loss and divorce; Anna Karthauser, holistic Swedish masseur offering massage, body treatments and other techniques, including courses in massage for individuals, couples and groups; Mel McMahon, counsellor and

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

Rachel Carey

Dip. Tui Na Master BhTEC, ITEC

Energy Healing and Massage Exeter, Devon • Bi-Aura Bio-Energy Healing by donation only until 31st December • Tui Na Chinese Medical Massage • Therapeutic oil Massage, Reflexology

Please visit www.rachelcarey.co.uk for details of further discounts and session times

Angie

Jacobs

psychotherapist, working with all ages and specialising in families and children, ADHD and autism; Katy Rees, Chartered Clinical Psychologist who works with adults and young people over 13 years, is a integrative practitioner with expertise in trauma, EMDR; Andrew Rose, cognitive behavioural and EMDR therapist.

The building is now finished and the group room already has bookings for courses in sandplay therapy, therapeutic art, supervision and alchemy. Next year a Psychosynthesis Fundamentals course will run from the centre.

“There is still space to join our team,” says Ruth. “We welcome fully qualified practitioners from a range of disciples. The group room is a lovely comfortable room with a large open space, where the rug can be rolled back to utilise the floor, and is suitable for ongoing groups, meetings and courses.

There is also access to a fully operational kitchen for all users of the building.”

Contact Ruth or Pete Baker at info@ nautilusrooms.uk or call 07736 334454.

REE

F tasters Tui Na 2-4 riday 1 Every F lution at Revo t Exeter re Stree 117 Fo 15 th Dec until 18

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Editorial: 01803 868455 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

33

Training in a therapy is just the beginning...

WELLBEING Helping new practitioners build a strong client base IF you’re a practitioner about to set up in business, Ali Morrish at the Exeter Natural Health Centre has some advice for you – and an offer you’ll find it hard to refuse…

H

AVING run a busy practice for over 20 years and been manager of Exeter Natural Health Centre for the last six, I have had to learn how to market a business and build a large and profitable client base. Since starting as manager of the centre, I have seen many new practitioners come and go and I have noticed some recurrent themes that characterise the successes and failures. Based on this, I believe we have come up with a way of maximising someone’s chances of creating a sustained and profitable practice.

When a person qualifies in their particular discipline, there tends to be a passion and energy for their work accompanied by a strong desire to go out and practise. This energy can fade and fizzle out, however, if the initial impetus to practise is not met with the right conditions to get up and running quickly and build a successful practice.

Sometimes problems getting things off the ground can be due to family

34

circumstances, work issues or a move to a new location. Often, though, it is because finding the right place to work from can be cost-prohibitive.

Few of us are fortunate enough to have an ideal room or space in the family home that we can use as our own private therapy space. And I believe working within a well-established multidisciplinary clinic is best for new practitioners because it gives them plenty of opportunities to learn and grow. Individuals generally value being part of a team and are able to make and take advantage of referrals.

Most therapists I speak to agree with me, but they often express concern about how to build a client base if they don’t work from a clinic - and how to pay the clinic if they don’t have a client base!

This led me recently to consider if the Exeter Natural Health Centre could do more to help those people who are just starting out and I believe we have come up with a great proposal.

As well as managing the day-to-day running of the centre, I have had the privilege of watching hundreds of students graduate through both

our School of Bodywork and Devon School of Reflexology, it occurred to me that a natural progression for students who study here might be to build a practice from here too.

So, we set about creating the Start Up in Business Programme, which is designed to support new practitioners over their first 12 months. The programme consists of four blocks of three months each. Practitioners start by paying a monthly rental

Advertising: 01392 346342 adverts@reconnectonline.co.uk

sum of £50, which gives them unlimited ad hoc hours over that month, with no commission payable to the centre – in other words, they keep whatever they earn.

Over each three-month period, there is a small incremental increase in fee (which is, hopefully, accompanied by a matching rise in client numbers), but the same rules apply – therapists keep whatever they earn).

The centre offers a business plan review after each three months, or more often if people want it, as well as other incentives to help them develop their business. Other than the month being paid for, there are no tie-ins or other commitments, so if things don’t work out therapists can leave at any time. This provides great peace of mind for new practitioners.

I believe the programme is a great way to help people get off the ground. The centre benefits from a regular influx of talented new practitioners and therapists benefit from the low costs and tailored support to build a client base within a well-established centre.

Call me (Ali) on 01392 422555 or email info@enhc.org. You can read more about the programme at: http:// exeternaturalhealthcentre.co.uk/startup-in-business-programme-for-newpractitioners.

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

WELLBEING Training to help elderly

P

SYCHOTHERAPIST Anne Hayward says we are wrong to think the elderly believe in the ‘stiff upper lip’ and being stoical about emotional and physical stress.

There are currently more than 18million people aged over 60 in the UK living with mental health problems that will only increase with age.

“For example, depressive symptoms affect about 40% of people aged 85 years and older,” says Anne. “Yet they are very underrepresented in receiving psychological treatments.”

She believes another significant barrier to them accessing help is our assumption that mental decline and hopelessness about change in later life is inevitable.

“In fact,” says Anne, “research and my own experience show that older adults have greater emotional stability and this is really useful in working towards change in therapy.”

Anne offers training courses in cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) at The Practice Rooms in Exeter, and her two-day workshop, ‘Making sense of emotional and mental health problems in later years’,

looks at psychological therapy with older adults, particularly Anne Hayward using CBT. The course is for people working in the caring professions, including mental health and residential care workers, counsellors and psychologists.

“As a psychotherapist in the NHS I have worked with many older adults. They have higher than average mental health problems but have less access to help from psychological therapies.

“I hope this course will be useful and encouraging to health care professionals who work with older adults or simply want to understand more about the possibilities for good mental health throughout life.”

To find out more about this, and Anne’s other CBT courses, visit www. cbtexeter.com, email cbtexeter@gmail.com, or call 07986322678.

BEAUTY CONSULTING ROOMS (Conveniently situated opposite The Magdalen Chapter Hotel, Exeter)

Are you a Beauty Therapist, Reflexologist, Sports Massage Therapist, Pilates Instructor, etc?

• We have converted five Luxury Suites at our Exeter Beauty Practice into Therapy/Consulting Rooms for you to hire • Perfect location for clients to enjoy morning coffee or lunch at The Magdalen Chapter before or after a Treatment/Consultation • Plenty of parking

Call Jayne on 07856 251581 or Email: jottyslifestyle@icloud.com

THE VOYA SPA SUITES AT JOTTY’S 4&5 Charlotte Mews | Pavilion Place EXETER | EX2 4HA

Become a life, biz and spiritual coach THERE’S another chance this year to train with Maggie Kay to become an accredited Thrivecraft Coach.

Thrivecraft is Maggie’s unique blend of life, business and spiritual coaching and is recognised and registered by the International Institute of Complimentary Therapists (ICCT), allowing graduate coaches and meditation teachers to acquire professional insurance.

The six-month Thrivecraft Coach training programme is mostly home study - along with tutorials, workshops, mentoring and case studies - and runs from October until April in Totnes. It costs £1500 and scholarships and payment plans are available.

Maggie Kay is also running her popular Thrivecraft workshop Set Your Life Free over the weekend of October 17/18, also in Totnes.

The weekend serves as the first module of the Thrivecraft Coach training

Charlotte Turner, left, receives her Coach certificate from Maggie at her Thrivecraft graduation. programme, but is also open to all as a one-off experience at £149/£99.

For more info and to find out about Maggie’s one-to-one coaching, meditation courses and innerwisdom meditation CD, see www. maggiekaywisdom or call 07905 628905.

PSYCHIC INTUITIVE GUIDANCE AND READINGS

Lucie Dudley • Fourth generation healer and intuitive offering Angel oracle and tarot readings and one-one consultations • Spiritual development circle in Totnes • Spiritual house clearing and blessing work FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT luciedudley@btinternet.com OR CALL 0797 99 88 753

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

Do you want to experience true in0macy?

Do you desire to live a more empowered life?

Do you long for more in sexuality but don’t know how to ask for it?

Do you want to shi= pa>erns that damage your rela0onships? !e all have the poten,al to live a truly 1ul2lling se5ual and in,mate li1e, but many o1 us miss the educa,on, skills and guidance needed.

Through my coaching and healing I o?er trans1orma,ve and power1ul individual sessions, couples sessions, workshops and bespoke retreats.

Woman’s workshop in November: Anatomy of Arousal -­‐ Her Hidden Pleasure Date and venue (Totnes) to be announced

catherine@tantricawakening.org

www.tantricawakening.org Editorial: 01803 868455 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

35

A training workshop at Sweet Track

Counselling in Glastonbury local people local events local food local health local environment WELLBEING

Rainbow Tai Chi & Chi Kung School, Creek Farm, Pitley Hill, Ashburton, Devon, TQ13 7JY, UK 01364 653618 or 653810 Master Choy email: peterchin2@btinternet.com www.rainbow-taichi.org.uk

HEART BODY MIND SPIRIT EDUCATION FOR HEALTH AND RELAXATION Weekly Classes in Ashburton with Master Choy starting Friday 9th October 2015 6.45pm to 8pm—15 Fundamental Tai Chi & Chi Kung based on the best selling book ‘15 Ways to a Happier You’ 8.15pm to 9.30pm—Rainbow Tai Chi Form based on the best selling book ‘37 Steps to Happiness’ £45 for each 9 week cycle, £7 drop-in 9th October to 11th December 2015 Weekly Classes in South Brent Old School Community Centre, Totnes Road, TQ10 9BP Starting Wednesday 7th October 2015 6.45pm to 8pm—15 Fundamental Tai Chi & Chi Kung 8.15pm to 9.15pm—Rainbow Tai Chi Form £30 for each 6 week cycle, £7 drop-in 7th October to 18th November (pause for half term 28th October) Contact Christine Chin to enrol - 01364 653810 by 1st October 2015 Cheques payable to ‘Chi Self Healing Fountain Centre’

Advantages of going away to study

W

HEN it comes to training, the benefits of travelling outside your local area can be a compelling reason to jump in the car or onto the train. Being away from the day-to-day distractions of home and work can give people a more focused and intense training experience.

Sweet Track Counselling in Glastonbury has certainly noticed this and is inviting people living in South Devon and further afield to come along to its accredited courses in psycho-spiritual counselling.

Collette Barnard said: “All our courses are held in Glastonbury, a town with a long established history of spiritual pilgrimage, which still attracts seekers of different faiths and which is renowned for its transformational energies.

“Courses are held over weekends to allow those living in other areas to attend and to accommodate those with work commitments, so if you’re thinking of undertaking counselling training, why not take time away from home to do it?”

At the heart of all of Sweet Track Counselling’s training programmes is the principle that no two people are

the same; and therefore no single theory, philosophy or practice will meet all needs.

Courses range from a Certificate in Listening Skills, for people with no previous experience, through to a full Diploma which allows trainees to begin working as independent practitioners.

The training includes experiential and written work, with the balance in favour of more hands-on, experiential training. Trainees explore Transpersonal, Eco-psychology, Somatic embodiment, Person-centred, and Mindfulness models of working with others.

“All participants undergo a process of personal self-development, creativity, spiritual exploration and selfresearch,” says Collette. “This allows them to develop their own personal core belief system, which is regarded as vital for effective practice. The centre has its own counselling agency, which serves both as a place for local people to access low-cost talking therapies and as a place for final year students to gain experience.”

For more information visit www.sweettrack-counselling.co.uk.

Learning how to love all of ourselves SEXUAL Shamanic Healer and Sexual Empowerment Coach Catherine Hale works with women, men and couples who have the willingness to look deep inside and learn to love all of themselves. She describes the process as “a journey of unconditional friendliness and infinite kindness to yourself.”

Catherine explained: “Most of us have been shamed, made to feel guilty or have experienced fear in our bodies around our sexuality.

This keeps us small and unable to experience the full pleasure that our bodies were designed to give us.

Furthermore, it limits the connection between our sexuality and our spirituality.

“In our relationships we get caught in battles, step into codependency, become disempowered and fail to live the fulfilled life that we dream of and have a deep knowing that is possible.

“My passion is about empowering people in their sexuality, which then directly affects ALL aspects of their lives. I work with the body, the mind, the soul and spirit to connect people more deeply to their Truth

36 36

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beyond the shell of conditioning that we carry.”

Catherine trained in Tantric Temple Arts, Shamanic Energy work, Energy Orgasm, Emotional Release, and Psychotherapy. She is a faculty member of the International School of Temple Arts (ISTA) Catherine offers one-to-one sessions, workshops and retreats which she runs with partner Bart, in the Totnes area.

Catherine’s next workshop is for women, Anatomy of Arousal – Her Hidden Pleasure, followed by a workshop for men, Sharing the Secrets of Female Sexuality.

Visit www.tantricawakening.org, or email: catherine@tantricawakening. org.

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

local people local events local food local health local environment WELLBEING

EMOTIONAL HEALTH

WELCOME back to Emotional Health, our continuing exploration into all things emotional. This time Leigh Smith tells us why we have panic attacks and what we can do to help ourselves, and others, if we fall foul of them.

Understanding panic attacks

T

he NHS Choices website tells us that at least one in 10 people experience occasional panic attacks.

Panic Disorder is where a person has recurring and regular panic attacks. In the UK, it affects roughly two in 100 people, and it’s about twice as common in women as it is in men.

Panic attacks are really commonplace and it is highly likely that you are aware of someone who suffers from them - maybe even you!

The physical symptoms of a panic attack are caused by your body going into ‘flight or fight’ mode in response to something your brain thinks is a threat. Your body is actually trying to help you, and it does this by taking in more oxygen and speeding up your heart rate.

Muscles become tense, your heart beats faster and hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol are released. You might feel sick, sweaty, numb and dizzy, you might get chest pain, irregular heart beat and feel confused and unable to think clearly.

These symptoms can be overwhelming and quite terrifying, you might even believe you are actually dying.

The best way to deal with panic attacks is to avoid having them!

Understanding what might trigger your attacks and learning to recognise the early warning signs of anxiety building in the body can help you to avoid attacks.

But what can you do if you miss the clues?

Start with the breath. The simplest way to regain control of the breath is to do the opposite of what you are trying to do. Instead of sucking breath in, try blowing out for as long as you can. Force as much air out of your lungs as possible and then do nothing - your body will automatically respond to the vacuum you have created in your lungs.

Give it a go now, blow out for as long as you can, keep going, and a bit more, more, then do nothing and watch as your body does the work for you of replenishing the lungs with a healing breath, as if by magic.

During an attack your brain believes that you are in danger,

so look around and tell yourself: “I am safe, and nothing here is going to harm me”.

Distract yourself by focusing your attention on something else, perhaps watching a TV show or listening to music. You might find it useful to have a Panic Busting Playlist on standby (I recently heard that Disney songs are extremely effective!).

Exercise can help to channel the adrenaline into a positive outlet, even jumping up and down on the spot can help - while singing the soundtrack to the latest Disney movie.

Panic attacks can affect anyone at any age and can last for a short period of your life or be a problem for many years. There are lots of therapies available to help with panic attacks and they are often a symptom of anxiety which can be treated in a holistic way by exploring your emotions, thinking patterns, diet and exercise.

Changes in our lives like menopause, puberty, divorce, or moving home, can cause us to suffer panic attacks.

Seeing someone struggling with an attack can be really frightening and we can feel helpless, especially if it is a child.

We want to help them to see that they are safe and there is no need to be afraid because we can see that the fear is irrational.

But remember that no matter how irrational the fear seems to us, it feels like a very real threat to the sufferer. If you find yourself in this situation, stay calm, use soft gentle tones and oodles of reassurance. Point out that they are safe and encourage them to look around and describe the non-threatening aspects of their environment. Remind them to blow out the breath and maintain slow steady breaths. Stay with them and tell them that you are there and nothing bad is happening.

Attacks normally last between 5 and 20 minutes so let them know that it won’t last much longer; that it is already starting to subside.

It is important to let your doctor know if you have attacks that last longer than 20mins, or if they become frequent or leave you feeling unwell.

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.

www.reconnectonline.co.uk www.reconnectonline.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

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Experienced psychotherapist, counsellor and supervisor

sensitivity, kindness, and calm, combined with her “ Hélène’s non-judgemental insight have enabled me to make immensely significant and positive personal changes. ” Hélène Demetriades MBACP Senior Accredited Dartington, Totnes info@helenedemetriades.co.uk 01803 868655 www.helenedemetriades.co.uk THE GENTLE BUT POWERFUL METAMORPHIC TECHNIQUE IS ALSO AVAILABLE.

FAMILY HOMEOPATH PRACTISING IN EXETER FOR 25 YEARS “The beauty of homeopathy lies in its simplicity, the power of homeopathy lies in its depth.”

Mo Morrish at Exeter Natural Health Centre

01392 214074 • mo@thehomoeopathicpractice.co.uk

Visit www.thehomoeopathicpractice.co.uk Editorial: 01803 01803 868455 868455 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk editor@reconnectonline.co.uk Editorial:

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local people local events local food local health local environment WELLBEING Rachel Carey, right, and working with a client, below.

Nature will show us how to just be IMAGINE the crashing thunder and wildness of the storm, the raging water taking everything in its path, the beauty of the sunlight on water…

According to Holistic Psychotherapist Annie Wilson, nature shows us how to cope and “if we only take the time and let it, it will feed our senses, help heal our soul and it will show us how to just BE….”

Annie is inviting people who are interested in exploring the healing powers of nature to join her for “therapeutic sessions” taking place over a year, starting in November.

She said: “As a small group we will meet monthly letting the ebb and flow of the months and seasons guide us as we explore and release that which is holding us back allowing us to access our very essence - our freedom, wildness, love, innocence and renewal.”

The course (12 days in total) starts in November and consists of either one day (£60) or one half day (£30) a month. It will take place outside in all weathers – with minimal shelter. For more information call 07760 439760, email anniwils@ talktalk.net or visit www. natureswaycounselling.co.uk.

BEAUTIFUL ROOMS for Therapy and Healing.

FOR TALKING THERAPIES AND HOLISTIC HEALTH

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

‘The Chinese equivalent of physiotherapy’

T

UI NA is Chinese medical massage used to treat long-standing physical problems such as back pain, and problems affecting the neck, shoulders, arms and hands, including frozen shoulder, carpal tunnel, tennis elbow and general tension caused by stress.

Rachel Carey, who has been practising massage for nearly 20 years, finds this approach to be particularly popular with clients.

She said: “Tui Na is used in China alongside acupuncture and herbal medicine, so it could be seen as the Chinese equivalent of physiotherapy. It works by using deep, rhythmic massage techniques along the meridians, acupressure and light manipulation of the joints.

“It is great for increasing energy flow, removing blocks and freeing up the physical body. Clients often come for Tui Na having tried other forms of treatment for a number of years and find this approach reaches into the system in a way that many western style approaches have not.”

Alongside Tui Na, Rachel uses Biaura, a physical therapy that works on the bio-energy field, or aura, and balances the chakras. She

explained: “Like Tui Na, Bi-aura has its roots in Chinese culture. The movements used are similar to Tai Chi, or Chi Gung, and it sometimes feels very similar to carrying out Tui na, except that I am working away from the body.

“In fact, with Bi-aura, even though I’m not touching the body it can feel as though I am contacting the physical body on a deeper level than when using hands or elbows to work into the body’s tissues.”

Rachel is available for appointments at locations in central Exeter, including Exeter Natural Health Centre in Queens Walk and Revolution, in Fore Street. She is offering Bi-aura by donation only, up to the end of 2015.

For more information call Rachel on 01392 758439 or text 07804 575787 for appointments.

The Dartmoor Centre

Counselling Psychotherapy

Courses for the New Year

Advanced Diploma in Counselling

The professional qualification for a new caree

Professional Diploma Children and Young People - creative skills to support our vulnerable youth - get the knowledge

Diploma Supervision quality insights

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• Death and Dying • Managing life changes

An alchemical journey of transformation also

• Meditation, Stress and relaxation

Diploma Creative CBT First Certificate Counselling

Email : office@safespaceforcounselling.com

or speak to Ken Rabone tel 07801 248421 website : www.safespaceforcounselling.com

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spiritual counsellor

and healer

jbarr_38@btinternet.com 07930 370 595 Buckfastleigh/Home visits arranged/DBS checked

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

local people eventssupport’ local food local health local environment ‘Perfect time forlocal craniosacral FROM releasing the spinal trauma of a motorbike accident, to helping a new born out of constrictive birth patterns, to enabling a woman to move on from early childhood trauma, to supporting a depressed army veteran... Lea Zaccari has, from day one been amazed at the potential of craniosacral therapy.

Twelve years ago Lea trained at the College of Cranio-Sacral Therapy in London, where she began practicing and tutoring. Her work with children is complimented by her experience as a qualified play therapist and she offers herself as a craniosacral birthing partner, giving craniosacral support during pregnancy, labour and childbirth.

She says: “As the evenings start to close in, it can be the perfect time of year to offer yourself, or a loved one, a series of Craniosacral sessions in support of your health and wellbeing.

“It can promote a more easy and free mode of functioning throughout the body. People often find that it enhances vitality, wellbeing and the body’s natural ability to recover and resource, experiencing

Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) (Stimulates the immune system to function optimally)

The Bowen Technique Arcturus Clinic, Totnes Home Visits sessions as profoundly relaxing and rejuvenating.”

Craniosacral Therapy is a gentle, yet powerful hands-on therapy that can address a range of conditions - Lea is happy to discuss your individual concerns and how she can help.

She offers craniosacral sessions in Totnes for £35 an hour with concessions available and further discounts for block booking.

Children’s sessions are shorter and cost less.

Call Lea on 0747 332 4730 or email cst.with.lea@gmail.com.

AMANDA MORRIS

For an appointment please call 07931 505 312

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

CLT – MLDUK – CertECBS – BTPA

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

The Chelston Wellbeing Centre, Torquay

•

Oats Healthy Living Store, Brixham (or mail order)

www.greenwyse.co.uk --Consultations with Dawn Ireland Medical Herbalist www.torbay-herbalist.co.uk 07962 664 294

CBT COURSES Iona (see Reconnect’s Apr/May cover) gets the natural clay treatment.

Below, some of The Clay Cure Company’s new range of salts.

The ‘pre-industrial’ beauty treatment

B

EFORE the modern day ‘industrialisation’ of beauty, Mother Earth had a natural alternative for our beauty and wellbeing that a local company is keen for us to rediscover.

This amazing beauty ingredient is clay.

Zeljko and Ana Bozic, founders of The Clay Cure Company, explained:“We tend to think of clay as the stuff of pots, but The Clay Cure Company’s clay-based products are not only natural, but they actually work better than many man-made alternatives.

“We use pristine sources from unspoilt regions of France, Sardinia and Turkey, and combine formulas used and proven over millennia with contemporary flair and alchemy. Clay pre-dates ‘factory beauty’ by thousands of years and many people are rediscovering it

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

as an effective and pure alternative to modern products.

“Our range now includes salts from across the world and Zeolite, a 100% natural volcanic mineral, that has been shown to safely and effectively remove toxic heavy metals from the human body. Then there is our latest creative venture, a unique blend for the bath that is detoxifying and which people have said is almost hypnotic when they use it.

“In my own home, all our personal care products, from toothpaste, shaving cream to shampoo, are all based on and made with our clay.

Clay has allowed us to feel so much more connected to Mother Earth, and every day we are in conscious gratitude at having clay in our lives.”

To find out more about how clay can make you look and feel better, go to www.theclaycure.co.uk.

IN EXETER

These courses are for practicing therapists and trainees who wish to integrate Cognitive Behavioural Therapy into their current practice.

WORKING WITH OLDER ADULTS Making sense of emotional and mental health problems in later life two days from November 20-21 INTRODUCTION TO COGNITIVE BEHAVIOURAL THERAPIES (CBT) A two-day course from November 27-28 SHY NO MORE: INTEGRATIVE CBT FOR SOCIAL AND PERFORMANCE ANXIETY A two-day course from January 22-23, 2016 CBT PROFESSIONAL DIPLOMA A 12-day course over seven months for practicing therapists and trainees who wish to integrate CBT into their practice, including Third Wave CBT - Mindfulness and Compassionate Mind approaches.

Starts January 16 and 17, 2016.

SUPERVISION IN THE HELPING PROFESSIONS A 12-day course starting on January 8 and 9, 2016

ALL COURSES RUN AT THE PRACTICE ROOMS, EXETER Email cbtexeter@gmail.com • Call Anne on 07986 322678 Visit CBTExeter.com

Editorial: 01803 868455 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

39

MASSAGE

Myofascial Release Deep Tissue Massage Discount off first treatment only £25 (normally £35) Vimmi Vatish IIHHT BA Hons APNT vvatish@gmail.com www.mfrmassageindevon.com 07859 915353

MEDITATION MP3

Positive Affirmations & Meditation MP3s Health and Well Being • Better Breathing • Better Confidence, Vitality & Energy • Confidence for Children and Teens • Rose Quartz Meditation • Amethyst Meditation •

Search for “Stefania Lintonbon” on iTunes, Amazon and in the Google Play Android Store www.positiveaffirmationsandaudiostories.co.uk PositiveAffirmationsAndAudioStories @AffirmationTym stefsvoice@mail.com • 07946190026

classifiedads - WELCOME TO THE RECONNECT SMALL ADS -

FOR READERS... our classified ads are the at-a-glance, alphabetical listing for Wellbeing

services and products.

Who can resist the small ads? Who knows what, or who, you might find?

Central Exeter, Totnes and Plymouth. Www. davidoxleycounselling. co.uk 07876 051093.

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.

FOR ADVERTISERS...

these pages are the most affordable way to get your message across.

The single and double column boxes, below, cost just £55 and £98, respectively.

The lineage ads cost just 90p a word, with a minimum of 20 words.

Call to find out more about the single and double column boxes or email your classified ad to adverts@reconnectonline.co.uk (please include a postal address and phone number if they’re not in the ad) and we’ll simply send you an invoice.

THE DEADLINE...

for the December/January issue is Friday November 6. But call now on 01803 868455 to beat the rush! bodywork therapy

counselling

oakflower.co.uk.

Dartington, Buckfastleigh, Newton Abbot and on Skype.

COMPASSIONATE and creative counselling with Chris Smith MBACP, qualified integrative counselling for anxieties, depression, stress and a wide range of life issues.

Based in Dartington, also in Newton Abbot. Www. heartseedcounselling. co.uk, 07886 917937.

REFLEXOLOGY

RELAX, CLEANSE, STRENGTHEN. Full hour or 40-minute treatments at Totnes Natural Health Centre. Nicola Moulton - Reflexology Practitioner MBRCP R Assoc BRCP OM, 07522 344291, nicolasuzanne@hotmail. co.uk.

REIKI

AWAKENING in a Woman’s Body and Creative Performance Groups; Bodymind Therapy with Agata Krajewska, in Buckfastleigh, 07795 002816, www. yournaturalpresence.com.

DAVID OXLEY MA Fully qualified Accredited BACP counsellor and psychotherapist.

Psychosynthesis and Core Process. Working with Relationship, Depth, Integrity and Soul.

SHIATSU

CREATIVE COUNSELLOR Heartful, Supportive Counselling. Creative Exercises including Art, Sandplay, etc. Adults, Young People, some concs available. Ruth Jenni Adv Dip Couns, 07974097787, www.

sunrise BACK issues of Sunrise (Theosophie Perspectives) magazine.

Details and price to Douglas Palmer, 19 Home Meadow, Totnes, Devon TQ9 5XY

THERAPEUTIC COUNSELLING

Pat Hoare

Therapeutic Counselling Supervision Hypnotherapy and Stress Management

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

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

Small ads with BIG impact!

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

WORKSHOPS - JOURNEYING

A Journey Round the Year - Courses & Retreats Journeying, where Shamanism and Psychology meet Workshops and Retreats for modern day mystics who wish to walk in deep connection with the earth and the natural cycle of the year, within a sacred circle of fellow travellers.

Reconnect classified lineage ads are just 90p a word, with a minimum of 20 words and a single column box (like those above) are just £55, or £24.75pm.

For those new to, or experienced in, Inner Journeying who are seeking spiritual and emotional depth to enrich their life and creativity. Drawing from Celtic spirituality and transpersonal psychology.

Call us now on 01803 868455 or email us at adverts@reconnectonline.co.uk.

For further information and to book your place please contact Louise Page - T: 01392 860509 M: 07530 959559 • E: louise.page@campion.f2s.com • www.louisepagehome.wordpress.com

40

Course - 6 Saturdays starting 7 November 2015 at the Quaker Meeting House in Exeter.

Retreat – 17-18 October 2015 at the East Down Centre, Cheriton Bishop.

Advertising: 01392 346342 adverts@reconnectonline.co.uk

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

email: localwellbeing@reconnectonline.co.uk people local events local food local health local environment Spanish lessons

WORKSHOPS&COURSES OCTOBER SUN 4-FRI 9

LEARN Spanish this Autumn/ Winter with individual lessons by Luisa Polanco or attend her ‘Taste of Spain’ workshops (a mix of Spanish cooking and culture conducted in Spanish and English), in Totnes - or your area (minimum 10 people)! 01803 862912 or girasoles1976@gmail.com.

SPIRITUAL HEALING

THE JOURNEY - five-day leadership and personal development course, Embercombe, near Exeter, www.embercombe.org.

MON 5-WED 7 WORKING Therapeutically with Young People in the Outdoors course, Sharpham Trust, near Totnes, www.sharphamtrust. org, call 01803 732542.

Thursday 8 SOUNDS for the Soul – gong bath, Pure Holistic Therapies, 1A Castle Road, Torquay, www. pureholistictorquay.co,uk, call 10803 295391.

FRIDAY 9 MINDFULNESS course, eight weeks, Sharpham Trust, near Totnes, www. sharphamtrust.org, call 01803 732542.

SATURDAY 10

HEALING - an effective therapy assisting the body to renew each cell and heal itself. Helps with fertility, stress, cancer, plus more.

Emma Burgess, Teignmouth, 01626870740, www. healinglight-tarot.com.

MORNING of Mindfulness, 10am-12.30pm, Crownhill Ford, Plymouth, www. psychotherapyplymouth. co.uk, 01752 560002.

UP-CLOSE and Personal, clairvoyance evening hosted by Ricky Whitemore

To advertise your workshops or courses here, the cost is just 90p a word, with a minimum of 20 words.

Email adverts@reconnectonline.co.uk, or call us on 01392 346342. with Brenda Sawyer, Pure Holistic Therapies, 1A Castle Road, Torquay, www. pureholistictorquay.co,uk, call 10803 295391.

SAT 10-SUN 11 FRIENDS Working Weekend, Embercombe, near Exeter, www. embercombe.org.

SUNDAY 11 MINDFULNESS and Photography, one-day course, Sharpham Trust, near Totnes, www. sharphamtrust.org, call 01803 732542.

SAT 17 THRIVECRAFT Coach Training: with Maggie Kay. 6 month IICT accredited course. Home study with mentoring, tutorials & workshops in Totnes. £1500 / scholarships / payment plans. For application & info contact Maggie at www. maggiekaywisdom.com or ‪‪07905 628905‬‬.‬‬‬‬‬‬ SAT 17 / SUN 18 SET Your Life Free: Complete life coaching

Restore-me Therapies Holistic Therapies for the Mind, Body & Soul

] Body Massage (Swedish, Aromatherapy, Therapeutic) ] Indian Head Massage ] Reflexology ] Hopi Ear Candling ] Holistic Facials ] Reiki ] Special Offers ] Packages ] Mobile service

journey in a weekend.

Thrivecraft workshop with Maggie Kay. Totnes Natural Health Centre. £149 / £99.

Contact Maggie at www. maggiekaywisdom.com or 07905 628905.

Tuesday 24 EIGHT-week mindfulness course for flourishing young minds, Tuesdays 4-5pm, Crownhill Ford, Plymouth, www. psychotherapyplymouth. co.uk, 01752 560002.

SATURDAY 24

ADVANCED Training on Digestive problems and Heart/Circulatory issues, International Macrobiotic School, 01803 762598, info@macroschool.co.uk.

Saturday 7 CHRISTMAS and Wellbeing Gift Event, Pure Holistic Therapies, 1A Castle Road, Torquay, www.pureholistictorquay. co,uk, call 10803 295391.

NOVEMBER WED 4-FRI 6 SPEAKING OUT – a two-day public speaking programme with Mac Macartney of Embercombe, near Exeter, www. embercombe.org.

SOUNDS for the Soul –

THURS 5-SUN 8

MINDFULNESS with yoga retreat, Sharpham Trust, near Totnes, www. sharphamtrust.org, call 01803 732542.

MINDFULNESS course, eight weeks, Sharpham Trust, Torquay, www. sharphamtrust.org, call 01803 732542.

Thursday 5

gong bath, Pure Holistic Therapies, 1A Castle Road, Torquay, www. pureholistictorquay.co,uk, call 10803 295391.

Practice Rooms, Exeter, Anne on 07986 322678.

Saturday 21 MORNING of Mindfulness, 10am12.30pm, Crownhill Ford, Plymouth, www. psychotherapyplymouth. co.uk, 01752 560002.

NEAL’S Yard Remedies all-day Extravaganza, Pure Holistic Therapies, 1A Castle Road, Torquay, www.pureholistictorquay. co,uk, call 10803 295391.

FRI 27-SUN 29 OPEN your heart and sing – workshop with inspirational singer Ide Kelarova, The Teign Heritage Centre, Teignmouth, www. seaschoolofembidiment. com.

SATURDAY 28 ONE-DAY introduction to mindfulness, Sharpham Trust, near Totnes, www. sharphamtrust.org, call 01803 732542.

SAT 14-SUN 15 FRIENDS Working Weekend, Embercombe, near Exeter, www. embercombe.org.

FRI 20-SAT 21 WORKING With Older Adults, CBT workshop, The

DECEMBER SAT 12-SUN 13 LOVE Health, Love Cooking, International Macrobiotic School, 01803 762598, info@ macroschool.co.uk.

Hillyfield Hens

Compassionately-reared poultry

We’re making space for some new breeds, so we’re letting go of a few precious birds

Gift Vouchers available To find out more, please call or visit online

Barred Plymouth Rocks: 2yr hens - friendly and robust. £10 each.

“

Beryl Roseblade MICHT MFHT, Brixham ▪ Paignton ▪ Torquay Tel: 01803 853605 Mob: 07753 471618

www.restoremetherapies.com

“

therapy Katheryn Trenshaw dvertised

Centre d We a PassionateotPresence s an e n T n i for Creative Expression s m roo s 863552 ou1803 ri(0) phone: +44 r se had fouskype: katheryntrenshaw just a n i h t i w s email: post@ktrenshaw.com enquirie days of Reconnect couple of lished being pub Centre la Chiropractic O n ya R e ir Cla

Let Reconnect spread the word for YOU Call 01803 868455 www.passionatepresence.org Email adverts@reconnectonline.co.uk

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

And Buff Plymouth Rocks: 11month hens. £20 each.

Or Wheaten Marans: 18-month hens, dark brown eggs. £18 each.

We could be pursuaded to sell a few others - get in touch!

Visit www.thehillyfield.co.uk Email jennfoster58@googlemail.com.

Call Jenny on 07976 504 918 or Doug on 07976 589 827

Editorial: 01803 01803 868455 868455 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk editor@reconnectonline.co.uk Editorial:

41 41

EDITOR Foster’s after your dosh. A friend of Reconnect is in a pretty tough place right now and he’s asking if you can help...

And finally...

Can you help out our friend in need?

W

E interrupt our usual ‘And finally…’ programme to bring you this important message: I want your money.

No, I haven’t suddenly turned into a hard, money-grabbing capitalist – this is not business. Or if it is, it’s about the most important business of all: the business of living.

I’m asking you to give some money, not to the magazine, but to someone who is a friend and colleague to us, and to many of you too; someone who is dynamic and creative and loving; someone who would almost certainly die within the next 10 years without the treatment she is currently undergoing.

Katheryn Trenshaw (that’s her in her regular advertisement at the bottom of this page) is a mother, an artist, a personal development practitioner, a dancer and a walking life force.

Things happen when she’s around.

Now, though, we need to make things happen for her.

A few months back I called in at Katheryn’s home to chat about her artwork project, In Your Own Skin, which I was planning to feature in Reconnect. You might remember one of her amazing photos on the cover of our June/July issue (right) featuring Shanni with the word ‘tough’ written across her face (you can find out more about her work at www.katheryntrenshaw.com).

Immediately Katheryn opened her door that day, it was obvious things were not well. Over a cup of tea in her kitchen she told me she had been diagnosed with breast cancer.

‘

‘

Because I happened to have dropped a donation to help pay for her by that day, I was only the third treatment, you can do so quickly person she had told. and easily online – simply visit www. gofundme.com/katheryncancer and Over the coming days and weeks, hit the buttons.

Katheryn had tests and biopsies and a mastectomy. The diagnosis You don’t have to donate big money. was poor: she had advanced stage You don’t have to leave your name if invasive lobular breast cancer, which you don’t want to. But do please do is rare and hard to treat. it. It will mean everything, almost literally, to Katheryn and those who She undertook extensive research know and love her. to find out everything she could Thank you. about this particular type of cancer, including who are IF you live in the The good living and community magazine for Exeter, Plymouth and across South Devon the most expert Totnes area, you JUNE/JULY 2015 ISSUE 37 people in this very can also make specialised field a more physical produce k energy k land k homes k community k wellbeing k arts (and if you know contribution to a FREE !

Katheryn you’ll fundraising High know just how Quality Sale in extensive that aid of Katheryn’s research would treatment. be). After more We’ve been asked consultations not to publish and more tests the address of they told her the sale because that the most INYOUROWNSKIN it’s at a private effective drugs residence (if you SWEETWITHOUTSUGAR and treatments know Katheryn against this and live in the cancer are Totnes area you WALKIesTALKIES WILDATHEART Hyperthermia can easily find and Insulin wellbeing Big 18-page natural health guide - in our BUMPER 44-page issue! out), but the Potentiated organisers would Chemotherapy LOVE you to donate good quality which are incredibly expensive, and clothes, books, CDs, DVDs and any unfortunately, not available in the other lovely (and, yes we’ll say it, UK. valuable) objects.

The best and least expensive option There is a drop-off point for was for Katheryn to go to Sanoviv offerings at the Greenlife store (see Hospital in Baja California, Mexico, page 15 of this issue) in Totnes. Just and that’s where she is now. tell them it’s for Katheryn.

To fund the trip and treatment, The sale is on October 11, so please Katheryn, with the help get your luscious luxury goodies there of friends, has set up a campaign to raise $110,000. in plenty of time. Thank you again.

Things happen when she’s around. Now, though, we need to make things happen for her...

PlEa

sE ta

kE on

E

Written all over her face

Pudding it another way

Teens go wild - in a good way

As we go to press, two months or so after it was launched, donations have topped $26,000 from 252 people.

If you feel you can make

Social media site for dog owners

IT’S a cruel trick of publishing lead times and deadlines that while the rest of you are pressing apples and applying the Goth make-up

to the kids and/or yourselves for Halloween, we’re starting work on the Reconnect Christmas issue.

Yes, I know how awful it is when the big stores hang up the fire-retardant tinsel in a desperate attempt to get their hands on your Crimbo cash that bit earlier, and yes, if those part-time Santas hit the streets any earlier they will need sunblock, but I think we are justified in broaching the subject now.

Putting together Reconnect is no overnight process. It takes weeks of planning and hard work (not to mention the sweat and swearing) and we want as many of you as possible to contribute to our bumper Christmas/New Year issue.

A quick aside here: we are aware of course that not everyone celebrates Christmas. Or even New Year. But because it would get very laborious, and not a little boring, to mention every religious and non-religious ceremony that happens at this time of year, every time we mention the celebrations, we simply refer to the whole seasonal celebration period as ‘Christmas and New Year’. Apologies to any pedantic ceremonialists. And, indeed, any particularly sensitive Christians.

So, back to the (Christmas/New Year) issue in hand. If you are contributing in any sustainable way to South Devon’s celebrating, gift-giving or feasting, we’d love to hear from you: Fairtrade gift sellers, local producers, festive event organisers and those who give up their time to help people who think of Christmas not as a celebration and as a few days that are even more difficult to get through at this time of year.

Email me at editor@ reconnectonline.co.uk and let’s celebrate together what’s really special about this wonderfully unique community in which we live.

Martin x

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

Re-Membering l Re-Invention l Re-Vision Two-hour, one-to-one sessions for professional, personal and artistic development - by phone or Skype Feel welcome to sign up for our free newsletter at

www.passionatepresence.org 42

Advertising: 01392 346342 adverts@reconnectonline.co.uk

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

Counselling and Mindfulness Practice and training in Plymouth

MINDFULNESS COURSES @ CROWNHILL FORT

PROFESSIONAL COUNSELLING TRAINING

Mornings of mindfulness

Autumn 2015 Two-year diploma in mindfulness-based therapeutic counselling (CPCAB Accredited)

Sat 10th Oct 2015, 10am - 12.30 Sat 21st Nov 2015, 10am - 12.30 8-week mindfulness-based stress reduction course ( b)

New courses starting Jan 2016 Certificate in Counselling Studies (Level 3) Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling (Level 5) Certificate in Supervision (Level 6)

.

Starting Thursday 1st October 10am - 12.30

8-week mindfulness course for flourishing young minds Starting Tues 20th Oct, 4pm - 5pm Individual mindfulness sessions available on request.

ur

passion

Yo

wellbei

ng

ur

o

PSYCHOTHERAPY AND COUNSELLING

We provide therapy and counselling for individuals, couples and families Our team of practitioners are: • Highly skilled and experienced • UKCP, BACP and HPC registered

• Experienced in working with mental health and trauma; and • Abide by a strict code of ethics

NOW AVAILABLE

EMOTIONALLY FOCUSED COUPLES THERAPY Emotionally Focused Therapy is an attachment-based warm and collaborative approach, where couples learn to recognise their habitual negative patterns of ‘blame-distance’ or ‘attackwithdraw’ and are able to change them into a safe and loving way of relating.

Julie Jeffs is trained in Emotionally focused couples therapy.

For more info or to make an appointment call 01752 560002 or email juliejeffs1@gmail.com

For further info or to book an appointment call 01752 560002 or email info@psychotherapyplymouth.co.uk

Crownhill Fort Waterloo Wellbeing Centre Plymouth PL6 5BX Plymouth PL1 5RN Call 01752 560002 Visit www.psychotherapyplymouth.co.uk

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

Editorial: 01803 868455 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

43

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