Spring 2012 by Blue Sax Publishing Ltd

inspiring change since 1993

issue 68 â&#x20AC;˘ spring â&#x20AC;˘ mar - may 2012

FREE personal growth, holistic health, local food and green living in the West

unique events guide + everything from acupuncture to zen in our A-Z directory

WIN Shambala bike holiday, Green Gathering & Devon Yoga Fest tickets

William Bloom

The Power of

Modern Spirituality WORKSHOPS OFFERING CONCEPTS AND SKILLS THAT YOU CAN USE AND SHARE IMMEDIATELY THE ENDORPHIN EFFECT — Mind-Body Health and Well-Being Glastonbury 10/11 March THREE GOLDEN KEYS — The Power of Modern Spirituality Glastonbury 14/15 April THE SWORD AND THE CHALICE — How to Cooperate and Work with the Energies of Nature and Cosmos Glastonbury 12 /13 May YOUR HEROIC JOURNEY — The Psychology of Spiritual Transformation Glastonbury 9 /10 June STRONG AND CLEAR — Holistic Leadership, Group Dynamics and Speak Your Truth Glastonbury 21/ 22 July Spiritual Companions Certificate VENUE St Mary’s Hall, Glastonbury. 10am-5pm each day. For more detailed information, longer blurbs and booking:

www.williambloom.com Phone: 0845 3452102 (local rate), 01372 272400 Email: welcome@williambloom.com

PRAISE FOR WILLIAM’S NEW BOOK The Power of Modern Spirituality “This is a marvellous book full of practical wisdom and helpful suggestions how to nurture spiritual growth in everyday life.” — Ursula King, Professor of Theology and Religious Studies, University of Bristol “A wonderful and accessible text that will serve as a manual for spiritual seekers for decades to come.” — Dr David Hamilton, author Why Kindness is Good for You and The Contagious Power of Thinking “Brilliant, erudite, intellectually delightful, practical, logical, honest... I am loving your book. It is keeping me sane….” — Isabel Losada, author Battersea Park Road to Enlightenment “This deeply reflective book is scholarly, rigorously researched, practical and beautifully written.” — Brian Thorne, Professor of Counselling, University of East Anglia “Deep and beautiful book, full of wisdom and kindness.” — Tim Freke, author of The Jesus Mysteries and How Long Is Now? “This is a milestone book.” — Barefoot Doctor, Stephen Russell “Authority, breadth of vision and inclusiveness … Bloom’s inspiring approach shows how being spiritual does not have to mean a retreat from reality.” — Rev Stephen Wright MBE, Professor of Nursing, Chairman Sacred Space Foundation “A really remarkable synthesis, The Power of Modern Spirituality goes straight to the top of the recommended reading list.” — Rev Nicola Coombe, Director, One Spirit Interfaith Foundation UK “If ever a book were needed by our modern world, this is that book.” — David Spangler, President of the Lorian Association

The Spark

the spark issue 68 spring edition free, thinking and independent: welcome to the UK’s biggest ethical quarterly.

We’re looking forward to life outdoors again and with ‘celebration’ an emerging festival theme this year (St Paul’s Carnival, Shambala), we can’t wait for the annual onslaught of creativity and energy that is the spring/summer festie season! The Occupy movements have ignited a feeling of possibility all over the world and we can feel the ripples here in Sparkland, as people reclaim ideas, spaces and projects ignored or pushed to the margins. Keep supporting eachother and keep celebrating possibility! See you all in a field this summer…

diary dates for your next 3 months

classes, events, meets, retreats

OUT!

quirky, magical, unusual gardens

doing it yourself

cut bottles, vintage tips, champagne

hidden pockets of tranquil garden lushness in the West! 2.

ignite event ads

14 OUT!

the team

ignite

welcome

q&a Elizabeth Harper, St Mungo’s

(1.) Ann Sheldon, advertising manager (2.) Darryl Bullock, publisher (3.) Vicki West, editor (4.) Beccy Golding, production manager (5.) Andy Ballard, ad & cover designer (6.) Naomi Ross, finance worker, Tilly Black (proof reading), Jo Halladey, (photography) Contributors: Darryl Bullock, Beccy Golding, Melanie West, Hannah Latham, Fiona McClymont, Naomi Ross, Joe Smith, Crispin Andrews, Kate Evans, Will Simpson, D Walton, Anton Saxton, Bethany Wivell, Phil Speirs. Intern: Juna Abrams The Spark was created by John Dawson

what we do

The UK’s biggest free independent ethical quarterly, The Spark reaches 120,000 readers in Cheltenham, Gloucester, Stroud, Taunton, Glastonbury, Swindon, Bath and Bristol. Our editorial is independent so no advertorials for us. We report on local solutions and people making a difference to their lives and their communities, while our adverts cover a range of ideas to help make the world a better place. We’re looking for new freelance writers (green issues and social change) so get in touch and share your enthusiasm/expertise.

the business of flowers

Glasto occupiers, cricket for change

18 q&a

20 planet

charity head Elizabeth Harper

native flowers, natural skincare

www.pefc.org

inspiration for every generation

this issue: Gloucestershire!

marketplace

54 changemaker

22 social change

The Reader founder Jane Davis

cricket gets kudos

32 36

green goodies, ethical products

spark listings

A-Z directory of complementary therapists, eco-services and more

letters & comps

postcard from Spain, amazing comps

changemaker

Jane Davis MBE, The Reader founder

advertising

www.thespark.co.uk

PEFC/16-33-228

family

regional spotlight

editor@thespark.co.uk

This product is from sustainably managed forests and controlled sources

the finest ethical eateries uncovered

spotlight on talking therapies

Tel: 0117 914 34 34

PEFC Certified

food

mind, body, spirit

86 Colston Street Bristol BS1 5BB

Tuesday to Thursday 10am - 5pm The Spark is printed on PEFC-certified paper. Please recycle when you’re done.

social change

the small print

Advertisers are advised that all copy is their sole responsibility under the Trade Protection Act. All adverts must comply with the British Code of Advertising Practice. We reserve the right to refuse, amend, withdraw or otherwise deal with advertisements submitted to us at our absolute discretion and without explanation • Blue Sax Publishing Ltd can accept no liability for any loss or damage resulting from omission or inaccuracies relating to telephone numbers, wording, spacing or positioning or other material regardless of how caused • We reserve the right to vary print run by 1000 up or down• Blue Sax Publishing Ltd, who publish The Spark, cannot take any responsibility for the quality of an advertiser’s service or advertiser’s conduct. In choosing an advertiser you may wish to consult the appropriate professional bodies • The Spark title can only be used under current licence from Blue Sax Publishing Ltd • Intellectual copyright remains with the publishers of The Spark - Blue Sax Publishing Ltd© All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without permission of the publishers.

planet

buy an ad to reach 120,000 people

32 regional spotlight: Gloucestershire green, spiritual, radical... alternative Gloucestershire laid bare! 3

rear view

Kate Evans cartoon/BIG Green Week

4 ignite march compiled by Juna Abrams

get involved!

the main event:

email action@thespark.co.uk to give us info on your campaigns/ events & projects

Inspiration 4 Ability inspiring lives

Inspiration 4 Ability at UWE’s Exhibition and Conference Centre, Bristol August 2-3 (please note new date) is a unique show for people living with disabilities. There will be war heroes, sportsmen and celebrities attending alongside artists and their art: dance, music and comedy. Organised in association with Able magazine, it’s a packed weekend, with guests including Channel 4’s Katie Piper, Falklands hero Simon Weston OBE, three times gold medalist Peter Hull, comedian Laurence Clark (pictured) plus local groups Concorde Wheelchair Dancers and Misﬁt Theatre. See the Formula One Experience in the auto zone, Help for Heroes in the main exhibition hall and enter a competition to win a life-changing trip on a tall ship, courtesy of the Jubilee Sailing Trust. www.inspiration4ability.co.uk

let’s get global

North Wiltshire’s arts hub The Pound presents the Global Village Film Festival March 1-31. Events include documentaries, animated features and a free performance of Indian music to kick off the festival. 01249 701628, www.poundarts.org.uk

Sims Hill Shared Harvest (SHSH) is recruiting for their workshare scheme for 2012. SHSH is a Community Supported Agriculture initiative based in Frenchay, North Bristol. It has over 60 members, 45 of whom receive a weekly supply of veg in return for working on the project. Members work at least four hours per week for six months in exchange for a year’s share in the harvest. Starting from mid-march, veg available from July. email James teatimetraveller@gmail.com

Bristol 8th Annual Seed Swap & Green Fair Sat March 10 10-4pm. Easton Community Centre, Kilburn Street, Bristol BS5 6AW. Bring your excess seeds to share (labelled in an envelope). Enjoy live music, stalls, talks, free seeds of new and interesting varieties, workshops, plant sales, ﬁlms, tea, cake. Suggested donation £3

otterly hilarious The comedy “The perfect way to entertain

showthe for ages six andfamily” up, Comedy Club Weeks 4 Kids, Three whole comes to Komedia Bath March 10. With roots in the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the comedy troupe www.comedyclub4kids.co.uk promises side-splitting gags without any rude words. £8.50 (kids), £6.50 (adults). www.komedia.co.uk/bath Sat 10 March OPEN 2.30Pm STARTS 3Pm £8.50 Kids £6.50 Adults

http://incredible-edible-somerset.ning.com/ events

www.komedia.co.uk/bath

no place like home Katherina Radeva

It’s easier and cheaper to book online join us on

Growing Connections in Taunton & Deane Two information evenings for individuals & groups looking for land for themselves or to start community projects, Tues March 27 & Tues April 24. With Linda Hull from Somerset Community Food and Allan Cavill from the National Society of Allotment & Leisure Gardeners. Taking place in Taunton, venue tbc.

WESTGATE STREET • BATH • 0845 293 8480 (TICKET BOOKINGS ONLY) Komedia Bath Box Office open every Saturday from 12 noon until 5.30Pm Outside of Box Office opening hours please buy tickets online, over the phone or at Bath Festival Box Office, 2 Church Street, Abbey Green Bath BA1 1NL Tel (01225) 463362

and Alister Lownie, aka Two Destination Language, present A Journey of a Home at Bath University’s central parade, exploring themes of identity and migration on March 22. Audience members are led, one at a time, around the campus wearing headphones for a unique, interactive, free audio performance (16 mins long). Places limited so booking essential. 01225 386777

Comedy Club 4 Kids A3 poster 2012 v2.indd 1

peace pilgrim

Former Jain monk, nuclear disarmament advocate and editor of Resurgence magazine, Satish Kumar, is coming to St John’s Parish Hall in Keynsham March 14 to give a talk on Reverential Ecology. Places are limited: Satish always draws a big crowd, so book in advance by emailing keynshamt@yahoo.co.uk

spokes people

Bespoked Bristol, The UK Handmade Bicycle Show, returns March 23-25 with independent makers from around the world coming to Brunel’s Old Station to showcase some of the most desirable cycles around. Bike-riding coffee connoisseurs Look Mum No Hands will keep visitors refreshed with their pop-up cafe. www.bespokedbristol.co.uk

almanac

Full moons: March 15 (sunrise 6.28am; sunset 6.16pm), April 13 (sunrise 6.21am; sunset 8.07pm) and May 12 (sunrise 5.25am; sunset 8.24pm). Issue 69 of The Spark will be out from May 28.

the doors are greener

40 homes across Bristol – and more in Bath – will showcase how they have made use of alternative energy supplies during this year’s Bristol Green Doors March 17-18. It’s an ideal opportunity to discover how changing behaviour can save money and keep homes comfortable and warm. Just drop in to ﬁnd out more about how to make your home ﬁt for the future. www.bristolgreendoors.org

make music Bring earplugs and the

kids to The Music Factory at the Wiltshire Music Centre March 24, 3pm. Reed quintet Calefax will show the fundamentals of building instruments, followed by a performance on homemade saxophones. Tickets £10 (adults), £6 (children). Book on 01225 860100 or at www.wiltshiremusic.org.uk

Birthdays, anniversaries etc: March 12 would have been the 90th birthday of Jack Kerouac, author of On the Road and father of the Beat Generation; William Morris, textile designer, artist, author, poet, illustrator and founder of the Socialist League, was born on March 24, 1834; Primo Levi, the Italian

09/01/2012 11:58

paper play Forget the eggs and

turn Easter into origami season by creating everything from rabbits, chicks, baskets and eggcups at the Museum of East Asian Art in Bath March 31. A fun, free afternoon of creative paperplay aimed at kids, booking in advance is essential. 01225 464640 or info@meaa.org.uk

Jewish chemist, atheist and author of If This Is a Man, the account of the year he spent in Auschwitz, died on April 11 1987; on April 17 1960 rock ‘n’ roll pioneer Eddie Cochran died in a road acident while travelling in a taxi near Chippenham, Wiltshire; sing happy birthday to Charlotte Bronte, 196 years

Open bike workshop for women, run by women at Bristol Bike Project, Hamilton House, Stokes Croft, Bristol. Mondays 5-8pm, suggested donation £3. This is an open, drop-in session for women to share knowledge of bike maintenance in a friendly, atmosphere and learn by doing. Bring your bike to ﬁx, clean or check over. If your bike is in perfect condition, ﬁx one of ours up (no charge then!). Second-hand parts here for sale. If you need tyres or brake pads, please bring your own. www.thebristolbikeproject.org

Bristol LETS is a community-based skills swap and barter organization. Members typically trade computer skills, babysitting, DIY jobs, massage, art, lifts etc. They have recently gone online and are actively seeking new members to get involved including administrators. Meetings are held on the 15th of each month. www.bristollets.org.uk The People’s Supermarket in Stokes Croft is an idea sparked from the No Tesco campaign last year (see Spark 67). Their vision is to create a community-owned supermarket selling local, healthy & Fairtrade food from a supermarket run as a not-for-proﬁt social enterprise and owned by its members. There will be a council body elected to represent all corners of the Stokes Croft community. The project is recruiting volunteers so get in touch if you’re interested in hearing more. email bristolpeoplessupermarket@gmail.com www.bristolpeoplessupermarket.org

young on April 21; May 7 sees the 200th anniversary of the birth of poet Robert Browning; national treasure Sir David Attenborough celebrates his 85th birthday on May 8; May 12 is the birthday of hospital reformer Florence Nightingale: she spent more than half her life in bed, you know.

Featuring performances from:

Festival Friday 6 - Monday 9 April 2012 Speaker programme includes:

• Satish Kumar • Gerard Lemos • O.N.V. Kurup

• Rupert & Claire Callender • Dr. Stephan Harding • Philip Franses

• Andy Sheppard & Kuljit Bhamra • Arun Ghosh • Zoe and Idris Rahman • Sanju Sahai • Jaymini Sahai • Soumik Datta • Sheema Mukherjee • Puppet State Theatre Company Jay Ramsay • Vayu Naidu

Schumacher College

Foundation Course, Teacher Training and Yoga Therapy Courses, Classes, Workshops and Retreats in Devon and North India.

The Devon

School

Yoga

Telephone: 01392 420573 Email: info@devonyoga.com

www.devonyoga.com

Soul in Nature: Experiencing the Connection

May 14-25, 2012 Princess Irene van Lippe Biesterfeld, Satish Kumar, Jonathan Horwitz, Stephan Harding

A member of the Independent Yoga Network.

yoga

For more information see: www.dartington.org/tagore-festival

Body and Earth

June 18-22, 2012 Andrea Olsen and Caryn McHose

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

Schumacher College is a department of The Dartington Hall Trust a registered charity.

www.inspiration4ability.co.uk

Thursday - Friday 2nd and 3rd August 2012 UWE - Bristol Exhibition and Conference Centre

Come and be inspired... Featuring... Katie Piper Simon Weston OBE Ruth Gould Tom Doughty Lee Greatbatch Peter Hull Misfits Theatre 5

PLUS.. see all the latest services, products and innovations.

6 ignite april/may get involved!

sustainable, re-saleable

Celebrate the sustainable nature of antiques at Bath Vintage and Antiques Market, Green Park Station, April 1. Bath V&A is backed by the Antiques Are Green Campaign, promoting antiques as sustainable and reusable. www.vintageandantiques.co.uk

pets allowed Pick up the lead and take

a walk with your furry friends for National Pet Month, April 7–May 7. ‘Your pets and you: a winning team’ is the theme, with canine and feline events all over the country. Henry and Felix (above) will be getting involved and so can you at www.nationalpetmonth.org.uk

West fest Cheltenham Poetry Festival

returns with over 95 poets and performers April 18-22. Events include a poetry slam and performances from hip-hop artist Dizraeli and political comedian Monkey Poet. Free to residents. www.cheltenhampoetryfest.co.uk

Bristol Stop Hinkley C are taking part in a global day of action against nuclear power on the anniversary of the Fukushima nuclear disaster on March 10/11 2012. Hinkley C in Somerset is the ﬁrst of the eight new nuclear builds in the UK and is now going through the planning stages. Bristol Stop Hinkley C need people to mobilise and help surround Hinkley Point power station on this day. 12-1pm assemble at the main gate: 1-3.30pm: Surround Hinkley. 3.30-6pm: Rally in front of the main gate, followed by a spokescouncil and a 24-hour blockade of Hinkley Point. Kebele Cafe Collective and Fairfoods from Devon are looking for volunteers to help feed the protesting masses. Help prepare and serve food and drinks over the weekend. For more information contact Marian at marianbristol@yahoo.co.uk Meet every Wednesday at Kebele, 14 Robertson Road, Easton, 7.30pm. Training is available for the day of action. http://bristol.indymedia.org/ article/707277 http://stopnewnuclear.org.uk

knitty gritty

folk it over

Bizarre meets beautiful at the Festival of Creativity at Bristol Paintworks April 18-22. Organised by the mental health charity Milestones Trust, see covertly knitted art, a light show and a tea party with life-sized dolls! A conference and several workshops are also scheduled. www.milestonestrust.org.uk

flock around the rocks

Flock to Avebury for a day of avian activities April 22. Join National Trust rangers for a guided walk in search of native birds at 9am, followed by bird box and feeder-making, plus games for the kids. The walk is free but there will be a fee for the other activities. 01672 538015

Bristol Folk Festival, relaunched last year after a 32-year gap, is back May 5-7. Held at the Colston Hall, headliners this year include Show of Hands and Afro Celt Soundsystem (above), and revellers can ‘camp’ in nearby St Mary-on-the-Quay church for just £12 a night. www.bristolfolkfestival.com

stand and deliver Taking place

centenary special Celebrate

all the fun of the ecofair

May 12-13, Megalithomania includes two days of talks with speakers including Michael Cremo, Robin Heath, Klaus Dona, Brien Foerster, Hugh Newman and more, plus four days of tours to Dartmoor, Avebury, Stonehenge and the sacred landscape of Glastonbury. www.megalithomania.co.uk

100 years of Wildlife Trusts on May 16 by visiting a local nature reserve. Founded in 1912 (as the Society for the Promotion of Nature Reserves), the Wildlife Trusts will host events all across the UK for the anniversary. More information at www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk

Visit Sustainable Thornbury’s second Ecofair May 19 to discover arts, crafts and green ideas for a more sustainable lifestyle, with workshops, interactive events for kids and adults, plus a performance space for talks, music, demonstrations and stories. www.sustainablethornbury.org

reggae, veggie, go! Talisman, one

of the UK’s top roots reggae bands, will be headlining Bristol VegfestUK 2012. Originally formed in 1977, Talisman, who in the past have supported bands as big as The Clash and The Rolling Stones, have reformed with their original line-up after 30 years apart and will be playing the Sunday headline slot at Vegfest, the world’s biggest vegan festival, which this year is held over three days May 26-27. Entry to see the evening headliners is completely free: for the ﬁrst time the festival is ticketless all weekend! Expect stalls from veggie- and vegan-friendly food producers, clothing and cosmetics companies, loads of info from animal rights campaigners, vegetarian cookery demos, a veggie version of Ready Steady Cook and, as always, some spectacular sounds. www.vegfest.co.uk

did you know? Taking place on March 8, International Women’s Day (IWD) has been part of the calendar for over 100 years. Springing from the women’s movement of the early 20th century, the catalyst was a march, in 1908,

when 15,000 women took to the streets of New York demanding shorter hours, better pay and voting rights. The following year saw the first National Woman’s Day in the US. At the International Conference of Working Women in Copenhagen in 1910 Clara Zetkin, leader of the Women’s Office for the Social Democratic Party

best foot forward

May 26-27 is Get Walking Weekend, the Rambler’s Association’s ﬂagship event which promotes the joys & beneﬁts of walking. This year walks will be linked to the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games as Olympic fever sweeps the country. www.ramblers.org.uk of Germany, first proposed the idea of an International Women’s Day. The first International Women’s Day followed in 1911: more than one million women (and quite a few men) attended IWD rallies campaigning for women’s rights to work, vote, be trained, hold public office and for an end to discrimination. Sadly, less than

Bristol 2050 working group has grown out of the Occupy Bristol movement. It proposes a new way of imagining the city, and the group is working to organise a series of open public meetings to explore ideas for a sustainable future in Bristol. They say: “Can we imagine a local system of food production and distribution that is fair? Can we build a local transport system that will survive peak oil? Can we build a local energy system that will sustain us? We want to free ourselves just for a moment from the’here and now’. It does no harm to imagine what society we wish to see in the future. If we as a city have some coherence about what we would like the future to be, then the steps to get there will become clearer to everyone. We also hope that it will also inspire practical actions to move us towards a fairer future. We are inviting a whole cross section of Bristol, and attempting to build a discussion that is truly representative”. First meet was Jan 21 but check out more up-to-date info on the proposed 2050 process http://bristol2050.org.uk www.facebook.com/Bristol2050 Sign up for the low-volume email announcements: http://eepurl.com/g6q9o

The Bristol Pound is a new initiative launching on May 21 2012. Like the Brixton Pound, and other local currencies launched around the world, the Bristol Pound would be a complementary currency that would work alongside (not instead of) pounds sterling, for use by independent local shops and traders. The aim is to keep money in the local community. The scheme is backed by Bristol Credit Union, (in turn backed by the Financial Services Authority). Bristol pounds can be spent elecronically and the council accepts them: the ﬁrst time a local authority has done so. www.bristolpound.org Meetings Feb 29, 7.30-9pm: Knowle West Media Centre, Knowle West; March 6, 7.30- 9pm: The Tobacco Factory, Southville; March 7, 6.30-8pm: The Paintworks, Brislington. Email sarahforresterwilson@hotmail.com

a week later, a fire in New York took the lives of more than 140 working women, most of them immigrants. This event drew attention to working conditions and labour legislation, topics that became a focus of subsequent IWD events. www.internationalwomensday.com

Thispracticalshiatsufoundationcourse,thatincludesafull body routine, will give you a very good grounding in this powerful healing art. One Year and Three Year Practitioner TrainingCourses,alsoavailable.AllcoursesaretaughtinBristol. PO Box 419, Bridgwater TA6 9ES Tel no. 0844 335 0573 Email: info@shiatsubristol.co.uk

Positive Ageing a personal development approach to growing older

Interested in developing your career in:

Are you no longer ‘young’ – and not ready to get ‘old’?

• Counselling? • Complementary Health?

Positive Ageing is a two day transformational course which provides people with the tools to take more control, so that getting older can become a process of opening up rather than closing down.

• Creative Arts Therapy?

Positive Ageing provides a space and process for: learning how to gain a new perspective on your own ageing process  exploring the techniques for cultivating a positive approach to the future  enhancing your emotional resilience to some of the potential challenges of later life

Come along and find out more about our courses in Health, Care and Therapy, including Foundation Degrees.

Open mornings Tuesdays 6 March and 24 April, 10am-12 noon

Open evening

The next Positive Ageing course takes place on Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd April, from 10am to 4pm. To book your place or to find out more information email info@positiveageing.org.uk or phone 0117 942 3310.

Thursday 15 March, 4.30-7.30pm all at Ashley Down Centre, City of Bristol College, BS7 9BU

Call 0117 312 5171 Email HEinformation@cityofbristol.ac.uk Visit www.cityofbristol.ac.uk

Ageing is inevitable – growing old in mind and attitude is optional!

for info on our full range of university level courses, or come along on 15 March!

Moving from Fear to LOVE

music, kids welcome!

Tending the Hearth * Celtic Knot Mandalas * All the Stars Above * Create a Singing Bowl

01453-759034 www.hawkwoodcollege.co.uk

8 ignite

three months of essential events. to book an ad in our summer issue go to www.thespark.co.uk • 90p a word

THE SPARK Logo +110 in courses, groups & workshops

HAWKWOOD College Creativity and Skills for living well Mondays [rest of Logo + 110 words below…] Dynamic courses, tranquil surroundings, delicious food. Only minutes Bath Positive Living40Group – from Bristol or Bath. Come and be looked after! Inspirational talks by expert March: Rosen Method * Joyful Loving * Cathar Spirituality Equinox speakers: subjects*from April: Navigating Mid-Life * EFT * Artist’sconsciousness, Way * Celtic health Mandalas * & creativity Singing Bowls to mysticism, science & ecology May: Open Day * True Colours * Kabbalahwith * Photography * Bees Homethe opportunity to*socialise with like-minded people. £5 incl opathy * Poetry * Mindfulness & Breath * Storytelling refreshments. June: Tolkein * Qi Gong * Landscape in Mixed Media 7pm at Manvers Street Baptist Church, Bath. Year-round courses * venue hire * sculpture studio 07966 253111 www.bathplg.co.uk For full programme and information, contact us now: Learn to laugh more for your Hawkwood College, Painswick Old Road, Stroud GL6 7QW health, wellbeing & happiness Wednesdays monthly 01453-759034 info@hawkwoodcollege.co.uk Experience Bristol laughter workshops www.hawkwoodcollege.co.uk Bristol Feral Choir - group vocal

regular

with Joe Hoare, 07812 159943, www.bristollaughterclub.com Learn laughter facilitation skills: www.joehoare.co.uk 2012 meetings (3rd Tuesday evening monthly): 20/3, 17/4, 15/5 etc 7.30-9.00pm, prices from £7

HAWKWOOD Soap Making 3 March Naturally Nourishing Skincare 4 March The Dance of Light & Dark 24 Mar Easter Retreat 6-9 April Moving from Fear to LOVE 27-29 April All the Stars Above 28 & 29 April OPEN DAY MONDAY BANK HOLIDAY 7 MAY Undefended Heart 19 May Mindfulness & Breath 26-27 May 40 mins from Bristol near Stroud

01453-759034

www.hawkwoodcollege.co.uk

improvisation and performances. Fun, feral and friendly with clearly structured led classes. Cost £5. Fantastic location at Bristol Greenhouse Studio, 292 Ashley THE SPARK MAGAZINE Unitarian Chapel, Brunswick Square, BS2 8PE Down Rd. See listing in Voice section. Spring issue 68 27 Feb—27 May 2012 www.bristolferalchoir.org.uk AGREEMENT FOR 2011-2012email issues 67, 68, 69, 70 £800 bristolferalchoir@gmail.com * 1/8 page colour Issue 67—upgrade to 1/4 page call 07837 599239 or find us on * 110 + log in courses, group & workshops Facebook.

mInD, BoDY & spIrIt FaYres

* Ignite diary box ‘The Friendly Fayres’ • Spring 2012 * Website listings

Thursdays

perr anporth

Devotional Chanting with Tim Chalice. Meditative and ecstatic Additional: web-profile on website (free=trial loading Jan chants quiet the mind and open the meDIUms 2012 heart. The College, BS3 5JJ, 2nd somerset WeekenD Thursday each month, 7.30pm. Brean sanDs Fri-Sun 16-18 March See website for other groups in paVIlIon WeYmoUthEaster Bristol & Bath. Sat 7 April www.timchalice.com allenDale WImBorne ponsmere hotel Sat/Sun 3/4 March

Sat 30 July

Free Fayre entry • Free talks & demonstrations with master palmist robin Lown, astrologer Steve Judd, mediums Jan Harris & Paul Francis & psychic artist Patrick Gamble charity picture raffle

Psychic

tel 07918 657385

www.psychicfayre.com

New Dimensions Bristol Positive Living Group A monthly meeting of like-minded people, to hear talks on a wide range of esoteric subjects

Sunday 18th March 2012 THE GREAT GOD LUGH AND ENCHANTMENT OF OLYMPIC LONDON 2012 Anthony Thorley www.earthskywalk.com Sunday 15th April 2012 LEARNING FROM THE FUTURE Mary Hykel Hunt www.hykelhunt.co.uk Sunday 20th May 2012 WHERE THIRTEEN MOONS AND ‘AVATAR’ MEET Peter Knight www.stoneseeker.net

Held at: The Friends’ Meeting House, 126 Hampton Road, Redland, Bristol. BS6 6JE Everyone welcome. Refreshments included 3.00pm – 5.00pm Entrance £5.00

Ffi contact 01749 678834 leasurs@tiscali.co.uk

Daily Amitabha Buddhist Centre and World Peace Cafe. Daily drop-in meditation classes. Open MondaySaturday 11am-4pm. Old Vicarage, Gloucester Road, Bishopston, Bristol, BS7 8NX. t: 0117 974 5160 www.meditationinbristol.org Weekends in March, Daily from April Friends staying the weekend? Need to entertain the children? Explore your city with a Bristol City Sightseeing open top bus tour. ‘Hop On, Hop Off’ tickets. Quality guides, entertaining and informative commentary. Child travels free with every adult. Additional discounts around the city with your ticket. www.citysightseeingbristol.co.uk

Saturday & every 2nd Wednesday Your Community Clinic - making therapies affordable! Open to all, offering Low Cost Treatments prices £13–£30. Therapies to suit everyone including the pregnant/ elderly. Massage – Deep Tissue, Oriental Facials, Hot Stone, Indian Head, Shiatsu and Thai. Homeopathy, Hopi Candling, Reflexology, Reiki treatments, courses and shares. Ffi Teresa 0798 224 3804 (Wednesdays BS1 3HY), Saturdays (BS2 9QS) 0780 973 6187. Venues, dates etc: www.yourcommunityclinic.com

spring

march March - June

Saturday 10 - Sunday 11 March

Friday 30 & Saturday 31 March

Endorphin Effect - Mind-Body Health and Wellbeing - Glastonbury This seminal training teaches the core strategies of effective and accessible mind-body healthcare and self-management. It combines the essence of the traditional eastern and holistic approaches‚ mindfulness and body awareness - with the insights of modern psychology and neuroscience, as described in William’s book The Endorphin Effect. www.williambloom.com

Inspiration 4 Ability - a full and exciting programme of music and entertainment plus a wealth of innovative displays and engaging speakers to inspire full and active living - in association with Able Magazine: inspiring people living with disabilities to a full and active life. Featuring Katie Piper from Channel 4, Falklands hero Simon Weston OBE, gold medalist Peter Hull, comedian Laurence Clark, Deaf Men Dancing, and much more including local groups. Supporting Help for Heroes. At UWE Bristol Exhibition and Conference Centre, Frenchay, Bristol. For more information www.inspiration4ability.co.uk

Saturday 10 - Weds 14 March ‘Body of Work’: Exhibition exploring healing herbs, the body and emotions. Free admission 11am-6pm daily. Centrespace Gallery, 6 Leonard Lane, Bristol, BS1 1EA. www.centrespacegallery.com Saturday 17 - Sunday 18 March

COOKING for VERONICA March ')*'#th, Bristol Nutritional healing cookery weekend with

Daverick Leggett & Graeme McCracken

www.meridianpress.net "#$% $%& '#%( Get creative and have an adventure, with our useful and inspiring courses. Includes a hot farmhouse lunch ! Beekeeping - Phil Chandler, 9 /11-Mar £130 Wet Felting 1 – Dharmaja, 17-Mar £35 Blacksmithing – Mario Avalos, 17-Mar £65 Willow Baskets – Kamar, 24-Mar £55 Living Willow Structures – Lucas 25-Mar £40 Make a Beehive – Mario Avalos 31-Mar £50 Soap-making – Dharmaja, 31-Mar £35 Pottery + Raku – 14 or 28-April £45 each day Wet Felting 2 – Pippa Gibbon 21-April £40 Stone Carving – Iain Cotton, 28-April £55 Bushcraft Survival – 28 or 29 April £50 each day Natural Navigation - 5 or 6-May £50 each day Natural Cleaning – Dharmaja, 2-June, £35

www.radfordmillfarm.com

Radford Mill Farm Shop, 41 Picton St. Montpelier, Bristol BS6 5PZ or Richard 01761 479391

Thursday 1 March - Mon 30 April Let’s network for change - Bath People’s Assembly and Occupy Bath plan a great spring networking event. Date tbc www.bathpeoplesassembly.org or Facebook Saturday 10 March ‘Take One’ Dramatherapy Taster Day - a practical introduction. Bath. Scenario Arts in Personal Development 01225 427601 www.dramatherapy.org.uk Rachel@scenario59.freeserve.co.uk

Sunday 18 March Sufi meditation jamesburgess7@gmail.com Thursday 22 March Early Bird deadline for The Spark summer issue. Get the discount for your festivals, camps & holiday lets. Then wait for British Summertime to start next weekend! 0117 914 34 34 sales@thespark.co.uk Book and pay for ads online at www.thespark.co.uk Saturday 24 - Sunday 25 March Weekend Pottery Course. All abilities. Intensive throwing. www.ruardeanpottery.com Saturday 24 March “lovedance” Creating positive dance community at DMAC dance studios, 4th floor, Hamilton House 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol 8pm-12am. Join us in honour of yourself, your community, your world. www.lovedance.org.uk Weds 28 March - Weds 2 May Way of Shambhala: Meditation in Everyday Life - introduction to meditation, six Wednesday evenings. Bristol City Yoga, 07505 384628, bristol@shambhala.org.uk http://bristol.shambhala.info/ calendar.php

Friday 30 March - Sun 1 April

Spring Yoga Weekend Residential at the beautiful Rill Estate in Devon. 30 March – 1 April. For more information please call

01392 420573 or email

The Devon

info@devonyoga.com School www.devonyoga.com ofYoga

A MEMbER of thE InDEpEnDEnt YogA nEtWoRk

Saturday 31 March Deb & Nicky’s Do Something! Tour, Clutton Village Hall. Tickets £10. A fun and inspirational evening raising money in aid of Above & Beyond, a Bristol based charity supporting Bristol hospitals. Registered Charity Number 229945. Booking and information: www.dosomethingtour.com Nicky: 07760 483851

april Courses at the

Threshold Centre Cohousing Experience Weekend

Try out this new form of community, having your own space but living intentionally with others. 20th - 22nd April

Cohousing Workshop

Learn the practicalities of establishing a cohousing project. 15th - 17th June

Permaculture Course 2012

Introductory Weekend 28/29 April (£150) Full Permaculture Design Course 6 Weekends May to November. (Accommodation available for courses) To Book 01747 821929 www.thresholdcentre.org.uk

April Bristol City Yoga Teacher Training. 200hr Yoga Alliance Certified Course. 0117 9244 414 bcytraining@gmail.com

A LTERNATIVES

Events inspiring heart, mind and soul

St James’s Piccadilly / London

Jill Purce

MARIANNE WILLIAMSON A Return to Love

The Healing Voice

Saturday 28 April Open yourself to love and see your relationships as holy encounters

Rediscover the Ancient Power of Group Chant Magical Voice Techniques ∞ Mongolian & Tibetan Overtone Chanting ∞ Mantra & Vocal Meditations ∞ Sonorous Mandala Ceremony ∞ Healing Family & Ancestors ∞ Ritual & Resonance ∞

SONIA CHOQUETTE The Power of Your Spirit Saturday 19 May

Healing Voice Week Intensive April 27 – May 4 near Glastonbury May Day Celebration Life changing week. Overtone chanting, vocal purification practices, purification of chakras, sound healing, breath yoga, healing ancestral lines. Extended sonorous Mandala Ceremony of WhiteTara Rainbow Body and the Clear Light.

Awaken your spirit and tune into your vibes

Healing Family & Ancestors - Ritual & Resonance

BYRON KATIE

June 15-22 week intensive near Glastonbury Summer Solstice Celebration Jill’s unique ceremonial shamanic healing rites, using chant and family constellations, restore resonant family fields in magical oracular ways, unavailable to normal therapy. Transforming destructive inherited patterns into blessings. Family members do not need to be living. Individuals and families welcome.

Who Would You Be Without Your Story? Saturday 16 June

Healing Voice and Healing the Family Weekend workshops in London Recognized internationally for 40 years, Jill is the author of The Mystic Spiral, and pioneered both the sound and ancestral healing movements world wide. Her workshops are well known for being extraordinarily powerful, magical and fun.

www.healingvoice.com • 0207 435 2467 • info@healingvoice.com

Question your thoughts and live a joy-filled life

Book now at www.alternatives.org.uk

Dramatherapy ‘Take One’

‘Taster Day Practical introduction March 10th Bath

‘Acting 4 Real’

Weekly group starts 13th March

‘Our Time’

13th-15th April Bristol Drama as therapy for the benefit of the wider society. Exploring the practice of Sociodrama and Forum Theatre and its application to communities, groups, and cultures With Martin Gill & Rachel Perry Also available; Creative Supervision for Psychotherapists & Arts Therapists 1-1 and group Bath and Bristol Scenario

01225 427601 rachel@scenario59.freeserve.co.uk Member of the Health Professions Council

10 ignite

three months of life. to place an ad call 0117 914 3434 or email ads@thespark.co.uk its only 90p a word!

Sunday 1 - Sunday 8 April

Saturday 14 - Sunday 15 April

Saturday 21 April

Tuesday 1 - Tuesday 22 May

Saturday 12 - Sunday 13 May

Goddess Experience in Malta. Thousand years old temples, Mysteries of the Goddess, wonderful people. Investment £400. Koko 0787 056 3882

Three Golden Keys: The Power of Modern Spirituality - workshop in Glastonbury. This weekend provides you with an oasis of experiential enquiry. The core of your spirituality is to understand how you yourself best connect with the energy and wonder of life, and then to repeat it regularly. There are also core skills that help everyone to amplify and embed the experience, including mindfulness, body awareness and internal martial arts. www.williambloom.com

Dance Voice Goes to The Movies. Annual performance at the Feilden Theatre, City Academy, Russell Town Avenue, Bristol BS5 9JH, 7pm. For Tickets (£7) contact Kate at Dance Voice, 0117 953 2055, admin@dancevoice.org.uk www.dancevoice.org.uk Charity No. 1054109

Learn to Meditate - 4-session free Introductory Course in Larkhall, Bath. 7-9pm. 01225 311163 www.easwaran.org lin@phonecoop.coop

The Sword and the Chalice: How to Work with Subtle Energies for Healing and Transformation workshop in Glastonbury. The universe is made of energy. So are we. We influence it and it influences us. The purpose of this weekend is to demystify and clarify precisely how this process happens, so that we can work safely and creatively with these subtle dynamics‚ to benefit ourselves and those around us. www.williambloom.com

Monday 2 - Monday 9 April (Easter) Lycian Way Walking & Yoga Holiday, Turkey. Choose vigorous or more gentle walks. The optional pre-breakfast Yoga/Do-In class with Nigel Walker will set you up for the day. We explore ‘Lycian’ paths and tracks, amid magnificent scenery with our expert guide Nihat Tokdil. www.yuvaholidays.com/ programme.asp Tel: 01760 755888 Thursday 5 – Tuesday 10 April Easter, Spring Walking Holiday. 5-day hill-walking break in Snowdonia, based at the comfortable Trigonos Centre. Chris Bristow, our energetic mountain guide, leads. Choice of gentle or longer, harder walks each day. Excellent vegetarian/vegan cuisine. 5 nights from £340 full-board. Tel: 01760 755888 www.vegiventures.com/holidays/ uk_walking_holidays Friday 6 - Sunday 9 April

Saturday 14 - Sunday 15 April Clowning with Sue Morrison. Clowning celebrates the human, divine, and animal in us all. This work synthesises native American and European clowning traditions. 10.30am-5pm, Centre for Science and Art, Stroud. Jess 0781 392 0287 jess@oogoo.net Sunday 15 April

Friday 6 - Monday 9 April 2012 Celebrating Rabindranath Tagore’s philosophies and relevance to the current day with a programme featuring an array of special performances spanning music, dance, poetry and theatre plus workshops, talks, films, exhibitions and family events. For more information see: www.dartington.org/tagore-festival

Star Consultancy Presents - Healing Group - 8-week group, 6.308.30pm. Venue mid-Somerset. ‘Introducing Soul Healing, Theory and Practice’ with Anna Jacobs. 30 Years experience - healer, therapist, trainer, supervisor. ‘A Safe, inspirational and joyous space to learn and grow.’ H.W. To book place or individual session phone 0780 988 6710 annaplay@hotmail.co.uk Wednesday 18 - Sun 22 April

Meditation with Shen Jin - Harper Adams Shropshire. Find peace at the centre of your mind - with breath, energy and posture work. www.buqi.net Tel: 0117 3770103 or email BuqiBristol@Buqi.net

Saturday 14 - Sunday 15 April Weekend Pottery Course. All abilities. Intensive throwing. www.ruardeanpottery.com

Festival of Creativity 18-22 April 2012 | 10am-6.30pm The Paintworks, Bath Rd FREE!

Men Beyond 50: Lost and Found Find fresh vision in a magical wood with experienced guides and fellow elders. See: www.menbeyond50.net or call 07769 598141. Saturday 28 - Monday 29 April Join Beccy on a ‘Life Healing’ Weekend Workshop based on the work of Louise L Hay, metaphysical teacher and author of ‘You Can Heal Your Life’. Tel: 0785 424 2952 www.lifehealingworkshops.net Saturday 28 April

Discover your Life Purpose Who are you going to be… from now on? How to activate…. your own positive optimism!

Begin your “Hero’s Journey”

As we…. find our inner resources and activate our positive optimism in uncertain times

Saturday 21 April 09/02/2012 11:41:48

www.festivaloflight.biz Winter Gardens, Weston-super-Mare. Free Admission, 10-5pm • Readers • Healers • Therapists • Crystals • Presentations. 01934 624939 Saturday 21 April “lovedance” Creating positive dance community at DMAC dance studios, 4th floor, Hamilton House 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol 8pm-12am. Join us in honour of yourself, your community, your world. www.lovedance.org.uk

Saturday 12 - Thursday 24 May Hybrid II: The second exhibition by a group of 9 women artists who are also practising art therapists. Centre Space, 6 Leonard Lane, Bristol. www.centrespacegallery.com Saturday 19 May Saturday 19th May 2012, 10am – 4pm

Now is the time to:

*move from feeling lost *discover what’s holding you back *change feelings of stuckness *find your inner calling *activate all of your personal optimism *identify your personal pathway *begin the next stage of your journey

Join us on our next 2 day course

May 5 th/6th, 9.30-4.30, Bristol

Discover what you want from life …. and….. what it will take to achieve your life purpose. Contact 0117 942 3310 lifepurpose.org.uk for details. Saturday 12 - Sunday 13 May

May - June

Sri Ramana Maharshi Who am I? What is this life? Wisdom revealed. A day of self-discovery and Satsang with spiritual teacher Derek Thorne. Sessions include teachings from The Upanishads, dialogue, guided meditation, chanting and personal instruction. Horfield Quaker Meeting House, Bristol Open to all cost £30 (£25 to Friends of YogaLiving) To book visit www.yogaliving.co.uk or contact Carley Oates 0791 4495620 carley_oates@yahoo.com

Saturday 19 May “lovedance” Creating positive dance community at DMAC dance studios, 4th floor, Hamilton House 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol 8pm-12am. Join us in honour of yourself, your community, your world. www.lovedance.org.uk Saturday 19 May Alternatives: events inspiring heart, mind and soul. Sonia Choquette: The Power of Your Spirit - awaken your spirit and tune into your vibes. www.alternatives.org.uk Monday 28 May New Spark out today. Summer is go! 0117 914 34 34 sales@thespark.co.uk

www.milestonestrust.org.uk/expressions.html

event box ad.indd 1

Dramatherapy Master Class: ‘Our Time’ Exploring Sociodrama and Forum Theatre and its application to communities, groups, and cultures. With Martin Gill & Rachel Perry, £320, Bristol. Scenario Arts in Personal Development 01225 427601 www.dramatherapy.org.uk Rachel@scenario59.freeserve.co.uk

Thurs 26 – Sun 29 April

may

Thursday 12 April - Thurs 24 May

Friday 13 - Sunday 15 April

Thursday 26 - Sunday 29 April

Alternatives: events inspiring heart, mind and soul. Marianne Williamson: A Return to Love open yourself to love and see your relationships as holy encounters. www.alternatives.org.uk

Friday 6 - Tuesday 10 April

Exploring your Wise Woman, nourishment for the Heart and Soul. £30 for six week course in Clifton. Koko, Priestess of Avalon 0787 056 3882

Final deadline for The Spark Summer issue. Book your ad then get the deck chair out. 0117 914 34 34 sales@thespark.co.uk Book and pay for ads online at www.thespark.co.uk

A day of Shakti Dance and Kundalini Yoga for women. 10am-5pm. Yogasara, Montpelier. £40 (conc available). Contact Anjali 079 611 05780 anjalirahima@gmail.com Wednesday 18 April

Festival

Thursday 26 April

Saturday 5 - Sunday 6 May

The Flame of Ascension Workshop

Tuesday 29 May - Tues 5 June

Sandy Stevenson May – June 2012 Earth is ascending. A special and magical day with many Ascended Masters helping with choices for your future. Many UK locations, see www.lightascension.com

Saturday 12 - Sunday 13 May Weekend Pottery Course. All abilities. Intensive throwing. www.ruardeanpottery.com

Peak District, Hill Walking Holiday. Six full days of lovely walking in the Peak District of Derbyshire will provide a wonderful Spring break, based at Sycamore Farm Barns. Daily yoga class, choice of two guided walks each day, gentle and hard. Our groups are warm and friendly, and provide a chance to make new friends. Great veggie/vegan food. Tel: 01760 755888 www.vegiventures.com/holidays/ uk_walking_holidays

12 ignite june Saturday 2 - Weds 6 June

reach more than 100,000 people in the West from just 90p a word • book online at www.thespark.co.uk

Saturday 16 June

Wednesday 11 - Sunday 15 July

Alternatives: events inspiring heart, mind and soul. Byron Katie: Who Would You Be Without Your Story? Question your thoughts and live a joy-filled life. www.alternatives.org.uk

Thursday 2 - Sunday 5 August The Green Gathering • inspiration • information • entertainment • music • speakers • poetry • films. Ethical, organic, holistic, esoteric, energetic & alternative! Powered by renewable energy. Price goes up each month: March £80, April £85, May £90, June £95, July £100! Children welcome, under 10s free. www.greengathering2012.co.uk

Sunday 17 June

AN ART OF LIVING TRIBAL GATHERING Culminating in the Venus transit on June 6th featuring 5 elemental arenas: FIRE - creativity/dragon stage EARTH - eco paradise WATER - healing village/sauna AIR - awareness/workshops LOVE - unity consciousness

The Green Scythe Fair. Magical one-day environmental event on the Somerset Levels, powered by the wind and sun. www.greenfair.org.uk info@greenfair.org.uk Wednesday 20 - Sunday 24 June Thursday 12 - Sunday 15 July

A journey into opening our hearts in a beautiful setting overlooking Glastonbury Tor. A participation event for the love of it!

august

september Saturday 8 - Sun 9 September

www.lovexperience.net

tel 07968978987 advance tickets only

The Natural Living Health And Wellbeing Expo is coming to Bristol!

Saturday 9 June

8th and 9th September 2012 Be Part Of The Show!

Thursday 21 - Sunday 24 June Saturday 21 - Sunday 22 July

Awakening Your Inner Goddess An Introduction to Tantra for Women

Strong and Clear: Holistic Leadership, Group Dynamics and Speak Your Truth. This workshop is dedicated to giving you the understanding and skills to manage the powerful spiritual, energetic and psychological dynamics that are at work in groups, relationships and communications. Glastonbury www.williambloom.com

A gentle and heart-warming day for women of all ages who want to awaken their inner goddess. Put aside the media hype about ‘beauty’ and open to your own inner beauty in a safe, fun and relaxed environment. FFI and to book - Lilamayi 0773 779 4378 Saturday 9 June 10am-6pm. Central Bristol, £50.00. www.changeyourself-changeyourlife.co.uk

Saturday 9 June

Friday 20 - Wednesday 25 July E-Mei with Shen Jin in Bristol. www.buqi.net tel: 0117 3770103 or email BuqiBristol@Buqi.net Saturday 30 June

Saturday 9 June

The Spark’s Family Food Funday - a day of foodie activities for all the family, including growing workshops, cookery demonstrations, storytelling and more. 10am-5pm at the Park, Daventry Rd, Knowle, Bristol. See back page for more details! contact darryl@thespark.co.uk for free seeds, compost, pots etc

Saturday 9 - Sunday 10 June Your Heroic Journey: The Psychology of Spiritual Development - workshop in Glastonbury. This experiential workshop is an opportunity to explore the core issues of psycho-spirituality to gain insights and understanding that will be immediately and practically relevant to your own personal development and to supporting others. www.williambloom.com

www.festivaloflight.biz Winter Gardens, Weston-super-Mare. Free Admission, 10-5pm • Readers • Healers • Therapists • Crystals • Presentations. 01934 624939

july Monday 2 - Friday 6 July Brecon Mindfulness Summer School, Jon Kabat-Zinn’s MBSR programme, £250. Vicki Worsley (BACP) and Vishvapani. Mindful Space: 0770 683 0313, www.mindfulspace.co.uk

90p a word to have your voice heard 0117 914 3434

Saturday 21 - Sunday 29 July

SING OUT! at

Rise Up Singing Voice Camp

July 21-29th dartmoor www.riseupsinging.co.uk "#$% $%& '#%( Friday 27 - Sunday 29 July Glastonbury Symposium: Investigating Signs of our Times. Speakers include: Dolores Cannon, Ian R Crane, Andy Thomas, Adrian Gilbert, Jude Currivan, Peter Taylor, Harry Oldfield - new consciousness, truth issues, earth mysteries, synchronicity, energy technology and much more. 3-day ticket £110. Day tickets a/v and single lectures. Crop circle tour 26 July. Tel 01278 722000 www.glastonburysymposium.co.uk 12

Well established in Swansea, now at The Old Brunel Station, Temple Meads. Over 150 local and national exhibits available, from holistic therapists to crystals, jewellery and books. Demonstration areas to include yoga, tai chi, belly dancing, drumming etc. Free Talks. To book a stall, or run a mini-workshop contact us now so not to miss out!

Jaynie Sayers: 07810 766366, Sarah Clark 07578 697000 / 01792 851551 www.natural-living-show.co.uk

classified Accommodation wanted Small Flat or Room Wanted In shared house for friendly and considerate teacher. Please call 07949 821517

Space wanted Treatment Room Wanted Quiet, pleasant space wanted for professional Complementary Therapist with own equipment. Please call 07949 821517

Business opportunities For Sale Somerset-based wholefood manufacturing business with well-established customer base, UK-wide distribution and growing order book. Huge potential for growth in the Vegan and Vegetarian markets. Six products produced under own label. For price and full details contact richard_franks_uk@yahoo.co.uk

Jobs Opportunity - Andes Mountains. We are seeking energetic people committed to personal growth and motivated to work towards a new world who can contribute with ecological/cultivation skills to ‘Alma’ our beautiful ecological and personal growth centre in the Andes mountains. In return we offer you free board and lodging, plus a high level of personal development guidance (including workshops, individual sessions and guided retreats, adjusted to your needs), plus the chance to live in this marvellous setting (mostly woodland with many fruit trees and grapes and vegetable gardens - all organic) situated at 6,000’ at the end of an Andean valley in Chile, with its pure water, clean air, permanently blue skies and direct access to large tracts of virgin Andes mountains. Get in touch for more information (including photos) to discover if this is for you and you are for us... John and Veronica, e-mails: almajohnlogan@hotmail.com and veronicatierra@hotmail.com Relate. Counsellors Wanted. Relate Avon is a successful and growing counselling organisation. In addition to relationship counselling we offer family counselling, psychosexual therapy, counselling for young people and educational courses. We are looking for trained counsellors to work in Bath, Bristol, Wells and Somerset. We are recruiting for: relationship, family and young people’s (age 11-18) work. For working with young people and families you will need experience and qualifications in these areas. For relationship work you will need experience and qualifications in general counselling and you may need to attend a Relate training course to ‘convert’ these skills to relationship counselling. We are also interested in hearing from people who wish to become relationship counsellors and are not trained. If you like working with a team of counsellors contact us on: 0117 942 8444 recep.relateavon@btconnect.com www.relate-avon.org.uk

Wanted Part-Time Storage/Parking for Live in Vehicle Conscious-living, gentle spirit and Ivy the spaniel are in transition, looking for a space to park and store a presentable ‘live in’ vehicle. Will consider anything in the South West. I may stay in the van for short periods or be away since I travel a lot. Prefer something rural and quiet. Self-sufficient and off-grid but water access useful. Also looking for storage for woodworking tools and furniture. (URGENT UPDATE: Can the kind gentleman who phoned before Christmas call again, answer-phone ate your number!) Please call Piers 0786 177 5749. Thank you.

NUTRITION AND HEALING Courses and workshops 2012

Cooking for Veronica

March 17-18th, Bristol Chinese dietary therapy in action with a focus on creating healing soups. £190

Chinese Dietary Therapy Course Part 1

May 26-June 1, Dorset A complete immersal in the world of Qi nutrition combining theory, cooking, tasting and wildfood gathering. £875

Nourishing Life Healing Retreat

Sept 7-13th, Devon Focusing on personal healing and including an individually prescribed diet, Qigong, meditation & alone time with nature.

“Profoundly transformative”

Chinese Dietary Therapy Course Part 2

Nov 9-12th, Dorset Focusing on case studies and the creation of healing recipes and dietary guidance. £395

With Daverick Leggett & Graeme McCracken

www.meridianpress.net

"#$% $%& '#%(

Festival of Creativity 18-22 April 2012 | 10am-6.30pm | The Paintworks, Bath Rd, BS4 3EH | FREE

Dreams become life-sized at the Paintworks this April. Join animal-headed dolls at their tea party, add to the Tree of Dreams, stop for games at the nostaglic pub, visit the Museum of Me, and cut through a secret passage... Workshops: voice • electronic music • drawing • knitting • ceramics • more!

Launch: Weds 18 April from 2pm Exhibition and events: from Thurs 19 to Sun 22 April (open 10am - 6.30pm) See website for details or call 0117 970 9300.

“Imagination is part of being alive...” FREE ENTRY

FREE

www.milestonestrust.org.uk/expressions.html Spark advert.indd 1

09/02/2012 14:51:56

OFFERS PART TIME COURSES IN DANCE MOVEMENT PSYCHOTHERAPY: MASTERS PROGRAMME IN DANCE MOVEMENT PSYCHOTHERAPY validated by Canterbury Christ Church University. Interviewing now for September start. Please enquire. INTRODUCTION TO DMP STUDIES - Summer Schools July and August 6 day intensive taster course Students should be aged 16 upwards. NATIONAL CERTIFICATE IN DANCE MOVEMENT AND THE THERAPEUTIC PROCESS (Edexcel Award) - Interviewing now for September start. Please enquire.

Lost and Found: Opening to fresh vision HAZEL HILL WOOD, WILTS April 26 – 29

£180 incl food & accomm

The decades beyond 50 are a time of adventures and losses, a call to re-invent yourself. This long weekend offers Nature as a guide and mirror: a chance to be physically and symbolically lost and found in a magical wood, as a gateway to new vision and adventure.

Led by Alan Heeks, Robert Osborn and Chris Salisbury. Further event July 6 - 8 MATURING MEN: MAKING SENSE OF LIFE PAST 50 Full info: www.menbeyond50.net or 07769 598141

ignite 14 OUT! gardens of the West

three months of essential events and more • 80p a word

Melanie West heads OUT to explore some of the West Country’s most alluring, quirky and magical gardens…

Hestercombe, Somerset

28 Kensington Rd, Bristol

The antithesis to sprawling, rural country estate gardens, No 28 proves that you don’t need acres of space to show creativity and make an impact. To be precise, around 20 feet by 18 feet should do it. Two visionary gardeners, Grenville Johnson and Alan Elms, were inspired by visiting great Italian and English gardens and decided to have a go themselves. They manage to cram a temple folly ruin, water cascade, wildlife pond and exotic garden amongst other delights into their corner of Eden in the city. They have strived to create soul food and magic in their garden to inspire friends and visitors alike. They champion development of city gardens, however small, as beneficial havens of peace that enrich the lives of busy city dwellers (and animals!) alike.

28 Kensington Road, Bristol tel 0117 949 6788 To book a visit in the summer, go to their website for details: www.victorianhousegarden.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk

Hestercombe rests on the southern slopes of the Quantocks with views stretching beyond the Blackdown Hills. There are three gardens from three different centuries on this 50-acre site. The Landscape Garden was created in the 1750s, The Victorian Terrace and Shrubbery followed in the 1870s and finally The Edwardian Gardens were designed in the early 1900s by renowned designers Sir Edwin Lutyens and Gertrude Jekyll. Once abandoned and overgrown, the gardens have been fully restored and include formal terraces, lakes, woodland walks, cascades and temples. Dark pink diorite, a rock rare to Somerset, naturally outcrops in places and slate is a prominent feature. The site also contains a fully restored 17th century watermill.

Hestercombe Gardens, Cheddon Fitzpaine, Taunton TA2 8LG tel 01823 413923 www.hestercombe.com Open Daily: 10am5.30pm. Family: £21.95, adult £8.60, OAP £8, students £4, kids £3.25, wheelchair users £4.30 (helper if needed)

Chalice Well, Glastonbury

Chalice Well has drawn people in to drink from its sacred waters for around 2,000 years and even today you’ll find a cup stained with red iron ore perched ready for you to take your own sip. The gardens themselves exude a peace and tranquillity that make them worth the visit alone. In addition to holding the well head (reported to never run dry even in times of drought) the gardens were designated a World Peace Garden in 2001. There are several different areas, both shady and light, to sit and chat quietly with a friend. The orchard affords you a good view of the surrounding countryside or you can sit by the well, gazing at your reflection imagining all those who have made their pilgrimages here. Meditations and gatherings happen throughout the year.

The Chalice Well, Chilwell Street, Glastonbury BA6 8DD tel 01458 831154 www.chalicewell.org.uk Open daily 10am-6pm (except first Sat in June “Companions Day”). Nov 1-Mar 31 opens daily 10am-4.30pm. Adults £3.70, conc £3.10, 5-17 yr-olds £1.90

Bristol Uni botanical gardens

For a plant-laden Spring outing with an educational twist try the botanical gardens at Bristol University. These gardens aim to educate the visitor about plant evolution and feature four key display zones. Plants from each zone are also grown under glass, ranging from warm temperate to tropical. The glasshouses enable specimens that favour warmer climes to flourish, such as cacti and orchids. To view a selection of species that originate closer to home you can walk through “Local Flora and Rare Native Plants” to see examples of rare Whitebeam trees and Bristol Rock Cress which occur only in the Avon Gorge. The gardens are open to scientists and enthusiasts alike and the organic and informative trail covers nearly two acres of gardens.

Hollybush Lane, Stoke Bishop, Bristol BS9 1JB, tel 0117 331 4906, www.bristol.ac.uk/ botanic-garden Open Nov-March, Mon-Fri 10am-4pm. Apr/May, Mon-Fri & Sun 10am4.30pm. Jun/July/Aug/Sept daily 10am4.30pm. Oct, Mon-Fri & Sun 10am-4.30pm. Adults £3.50, Under-16s free

photo Michael Parrott

Trebah Gardens, Cornwall

Travel further West for a time and you’ll eventually discover Trebah Gardens. The trees, shrubs and plants of this sub-tropical, magical garden descend through the steep, wooded valley to the banks of the Helford River spilling you out onto a small, private beach. If you visit late March to early April you can see dozens of flowering rhodedendrons, including their own “Trebah Gem”. A summerhouse built of cob and oak timbers provides a place for quiet contemplation, surrounded by fragrant flowers in the warmer months. A natural spring feeds into pools forming the water gardens in the centre of the site. Kids can go and hide in the giant gunnera or try to find their way around the bamboo maze.

Trebah Garden Trust, Mawnan Smith, Falmouth, Cornwall TR11 5JZ tel 01326 252200, www.trebahgarden.co.uk Open daily 10am-5.30pm. Adults £4, OAP £3.50, child £1, under-5s free. Mobility scooters available.

Dewstow Gardens, Nr Chepstow

You’ll need to duck underground to discover some of the gardens at Dewstow House in South Wales. In the midst of the Victorian era artificial and natural rocks were etched and carved to form tunnels, caverns and grottoes. Some of the grottoes hold formal pools and carved balustrades, others drip with man-made stalactites. There’s a magical quality about this secret world as water flows between the caverns, turning the footpaths between the caves into steppingstones. Underground ferneries flourish in the damp conditions and are offset by patches of illumination from skylights, including a glass dome that rises above the ground. Six pools were created on the surface as well as a ravine and a stumpery: a curiosity of the time built like a rockery out of tree stumps. Dewstow Road, Caldicot, Monmouthshire, tel 01291 430444, www.dewstow.co.uk/ gardens_home.html Open daily March 17-Oct 2, 10am-4.30pm). Adults £6.50, conc/OAP £5.50, under-18 £4, kids free

Abbey House, Malmesbury

wife Owner Ian Pollard and his ked Na e “Th are better known as of line g lon a ing Gardeners,” join at gre and ers den gar e passionat a 16th British eccentrics. Set around ing olv r-ev eve century abbey, their er wat se ane Jap a garden includes herb and den gar t kno ltic feature, Ce mal for and garden as well as topiary this n the es ros borders. If you love varieties private collection of 2,200 March m Fro y. bus you p should kee . Fruit om until May 150,000 tulips blo e som and den trees grow in the gar for e juic into ned tur of the fruit is from sale. One Sunday a month there’s ber tem Sep to h oug thr y Ma ck the che : day a “clothing optional” ! ails website for det bury, SN16 The Abbey House, Malmes , 650 827 9AS tel 01666 .uk www.abbeyhousegardens.co 0pm 5.3 1131, Oct Open March 21£16, ily fam £6, c con £7, lts Adu ets also under-15 £3. Season tick le. ilab ava

Belmont Sensory Garden, Exeter

The first in the UK (and rumoured to be the first in the world) this garden opened in 1939 for people with visual impairment. It lies in 400 sqm of Belmont Park and was fully restored in 2007. The garden contains an intoxicating mix of scents from lilacs, mints, chamomile, curry plants and a variety of herbaceous shrubs. The plants have a variety of bark and stem textures, and are all within easy reach. Flowers with bright colours and bold shapes are chosen, such as hollyhocks and roses. The garden also includes vegetables such as asparagus, carrots, runner beans and beetroot. The garden tips its hat to the changing seasons and unusual or protruding seed heads appear later in the year. Wildlife is giving it the thumbs up, too, with birds, bees, bats and hedgehogs paying a visit.

Belmont Park, Newtown, Exeter, tel 01392 262630, http://bit.ly/AEHcho Entry free. Open all year round.

Shrine and Sanctuary build special places just for you. Sanctuaries, small and large, to retreat from the world. Shrines for your your contemplations and memories. We offer individual and readymade designs to create personal and sacred gardens.

www.shrineandsanctuary.co.uk info@shrineandsanctuary.co.uk or tel 0300 303 1022

Free!

A complete Qi Gong System Founded by Dr Shen Hongxun and taught by Andy Henry

Bristol Workshops 2012

June 9, part of BIG Green Week

16-17 June 27-28 October

Learn a simple yet powerful system of Chinese healing exercises to clear your body, energy system and emotions. Old tensions are quickly released leaving a sense of lightness, clarity and vitality. Students will also receive healing from the teacher. Open to all. £95 per w/end 10am - 5pm Sat & Sun

The Park, Daventry Rd, Knowle, Bristol A day of fun, foodie events for families. ● ●

● ● ●

Contact: Bristol Weekend Workshops and Healing Clinic T 0117 3770103 / 07766 100383 E Taijiwuxigong@waitrose.com

Container gardening workshops Fun cookery demos with the team at the Square Food Foundation Pizza making A ‘grown at home’ exhibition Storytelling and family-friendly entertainment

10am-4pm Our friends at the Riverside Garden Centre (www.riversidegardencentre.com) are donating seeds, compost and pots so you can start growing now! email darryl@thespark.co.uk

a taste of the good life sent to your door Riverford’s ‘Box to Grow’ will help you grow your own veg, herbs or ﬂowers

Media information: The Spark / Lower Shaw Farm 88 x 132mm / 3rd January 2012

LOWER SHAW FARM

spiring gardeners can grow their own vegetables, herbs and flowers the easy way with vegbox company Riverford Organic’s boxes of organic seedlings. The ‘Box to Grow’ range gives everyone the chance to enjoy their own homegrown food and flowers. The kit includes a box of high quality organic seedling plants, along with a detailed planting guide to get you started. The range features: Veg box to grow, small £24.95/large £30.95 A mix of seedlings, potted herbs, seeds and potatoes to help you grow your own lettuce, tomatoes, courgettes, carrots, broad beans, coriander and more. Herb box to grow, £17.95 A mix of potted herbs to perk up your cooking. Includes parsley, thyme, mint, tarragon, sorrel and more. Flowers, £21.35 A selection of seeds and seedlings to grow your own fresh flowers for cutting. Includes traditional blooms like sunflowers, black-eyed

Connect • Learn • Relax

Affordable Courses, Events, and Weekend Breaks 30 March – 1 April Yoga & Massage 6 – 9 April Easter Family Break 14 –15 April Chicken-Keeping 25 – 27 May Willow Weekend 1 – 4 June Well-being Bank Holiday Weekend

22 – 24 June 6 – 8 July 24 – 27 August 12 – 14 October And Lots More!

Mosaic-making & Jewellery Courses Music Weekend Juggling & Circus Skills Mushrooms or Toadstools?

Delicious meals prepared with local and organic food. There’s a friendly welcome, relaxed atmosphere, lovely gardens and friendly sheep, pigs, chickens, and ducks! Winner of 2009 Observer Ethical Garden Award! Ask for our Brochure: Lower Shaw Farm, Old Shaw Lane, Nr. Swindon, SN5 5PJ. 01793 771080 • enquiries@lowershawfarm.co.uk

www.lowershawfarm.co.uk

Susan, snapdragons and cornflowers. Nick Riley, who delivers Riverford vegboxes to families in the Bristol area, said, “Nine out of ten Riverford customers already grow or want to grow their own. It might sound strange for us to encourage customers to grow their own veg rather than buy it from us, but we think that the more people get connected with their food, the better. “We’ll deliver the boxes in the Easter holidays, so you can have great fun getting your hands muddy with the kids. Even better, if they’ve grown the veg themselves, they’re much more likely to eat it!” You can order your Box to Grow now, with veg and herb boxes scheduled for delivery from 2nd April and flowers from 4th June. Find out more and order your box at www.riverford.co.uk. There will also be a second wave of the herb Box to Grow available for delivery during the summer holidays.

16 doing it yourself Send us your DIY ideas and we’ll give the best one a £25 voucher from renowned independent bookshop Foyles, who’ve just opened their first Bristol branch...

e need your DIY feedback! We want your homegrown recipes, your brewing secrets, our madcap inventions, your best top tips. Send them here to editor@thespark.co.uk and win a £25 voucher for Foyles bookshop if we print them!

make funky things from your old bottles by Anton Saxton

aving spent most of the 1970s collecting wine bottles, I was very excited to discover the lost art of bottle-cutting a few years back. Cut bottles make all manner of gifts for unsuspecting family and friends. I’ve made drinking glasses, candle-holders, flower pots and wind-chimes so far. The first step to bottle-cutting is to remove that annoying label. Try soaking the bottle in hot, soapy water for a few hours before you scratch it off. Any remaining ‘glue goo’ can then be polished off with surgical spirit and a cloth. Now we chase to the cut. I’ve found the best method is to use a purpose-built bottle-cutting ‘jig’ which scores a line using a diamond-tipped glass-cutter. These jigs are either ‘flat bed’ or ‘vertical’ axis. I’ve got a flat bed type which is made of metal and feels very rugged. The secret to getting a clean break is to create a single and continuous score line using only moderate pressure. Just score the bottle in one go, rotating it continuously. The time to stop is when the sound

granny spark says: vintage wisdom from back in the day…

of the scoring changes and sounds like a crunching. Once scored, simply pour a bit of hot water from the kettle around the score line for a few moments (over the sink), while rotating the bottle. Then put it under a trickle of cold water from the tap, and repeat the whole process again and again until the bottle breaks. Be warned: the top of the bottle can unexpectedly fall off! Now carefully inspect the break line, which will have sharp bits. Ideally it will be fairly clean and only needs ten minutes or so of smoothing with sand paper (medium then fine grit) to finish off. It’s worth doing this bit properly, especially if people will end up drinking from it. Note that this lost art requires practice, patience and an endless supply of bottles. It does, however, provide you with some unique and beautiful gifts. I might hold fire on the bottle lampshade though: it brings back too many memories of the 1970s. Bottoms up! www.ephremsbottleworks.com/

☞ baking potatoes. Before baking potatoes, let them stand in hot water for 15 minutes. They will require only half the time for baking! ☞ paint brushes. Paint brushes which have become hard will soften if immersed in hot vinegar. ☞ clothes pegs Short of clothes pegs? Twist two thin ropes together and push corners of the damp clothes between the twists of the rope. This will hold even in a strong wind, and gathering them in can be done very simply!

☞ candles. To prevent a candle dripping, put some salt around the top before lighting it. It will not drip at all!

☞ onion smells After peeling onions, rub hands with celery to remove the

odour.

☞ baking hints. If salt is placed in the oven tin it

prevents your cake burning, and a dish of water placed inside the oven stops a cake scorching.

☞ cabbage A piece of toasted bread put in the water in which cabbage cooks stops any unpleasant cooking smells.

☞ chocolate To remove chocolate stains from washable fabrics, soak in strong borax water for half an hour. Then pour boiling water through it and wash in usual way. ☞ scissors To sharpen scissors, open them on the neck of a glass bottle and close them briskly, as if trying to cut the bottle. Repeat 15 or 20 times for a good cutting edge.

elderﬂower champagne

by Vicki West

ﬂower power by Bethany Wivell

or centuries flowers have been used as a natural remedy to treat minor ailments. Today they are once again finding their way from the garden to the kitchen cabinet, as more of us are seeking natural boosters for health and vitality. Flowers and herbs are commonly added to hot water to make tea but they can also be used to form syrups, oils, salad dressing and even make-up. I’ve done some research on popular garden perennials that are both pretty and practical. With spring around the corner, now is the perfect time to master the art of the home herbal pharmacy… Tulips Crush and rub tulip petals against your cheeks for a natural rosy glow. The juice will also help clear spots! Poppy Crushed poppy petals into a pulp and rubbed it into your nails will achieve a pink polish.

A wet petal placed over an insect bite will also take away irritation and swelling. Jasmine This delicate, star-shaped flower is renowned for its calming properties. Dating back to ancient China, Jasmine can be used in tea and massage oils as a natural relaxant. Try rubbing a few crushed petals on your temples to ease a throbbing headache. Marigolds Ranging in taste from spicy to bitter, tangy to peppery, Marigolds are a cheaper alternative to saffron. Its petals can be sprinkled on salad, pastas and rice dishes or added to soup, spreads and also taste great with scrambled egg!

We love elderflower champagne here at the Spark... pick your elderflowers in May, bottle up your champagne and get all your mates round one summer’s evening for a homegrown, fizzy elerflower reception! Ingredients •50 elderﬂower heads: try to pick them in the morning, and choose heads that have been facing the sun for a better flavour infusion! •6 lb bags of caster sugar •11 tablespoons of white wine vinegar •50 pints of cold water •11 large lemons zested & juiced

Method: • Shake ﬂowers to remove insects • Put the ﬂowers, water, sugar, vinegar, juice and zest from the lemons into a plastic fermentation bucket. Mix well, cover and stand for 72 hours. • Strain the liquid through muslin into sterlised bottles. Use screw top bottles that have PREVIOUSLY HELD CARBONATED DRINKS: this is important, as anything else will explode! If you do use glass bottles, use STRONG beer bottles that have been designed to hold carbonated drink. (Be warned: you do not want exploding glass in your house!) Store in a cool place for 2-3 weeks. Serve very chilled...

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• Yoga/Walking Weeks • Independent Breaks • Organic Food • Fabulous Locations

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• A Choice of Locations • Great Veggie/Vegan Food • Friendly and Relaxed • Environment Oriented

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MSc in Creative Writing for Therapeutic Purposes

Metanoia Institute offers this exciting and innovative part-time MSc (validated by Middlesex University). Running on Thursdays for 2 years. Next intake October 2012 at the CREATE Centre, Bristol. Creative writing offers an innovative intervention to engage with a wide range of health and community needs, as well as a broad spectrum of the problems of living presented by those seeking coaching, mentoring, counselling or personal guidance. This unique programme prepares participants to work at this growing edge. Participants will develop and enhance their ability to work in this field via personal creative and reflective writing, groupwork and research and inquiry projects. Metanoia Institute was among the first organisations in the UK to offer humanistic professional counselling and psychotherapy training programmes in close collaboration with the university system. For more information go to:

www.metanoia.ac.uk/msccwtp

or contact the Academic Coordinator, Mandy Kersey, at Metanoia Institute on 020 8579 2505 or email: mandy.kersey@metanoia.ac.uk

The Relaxation Centre To relax is to enjoy life

18 Q & A

Elizabeth Harper St Mungo’s International Women’s Day is on March 8: how is St Mungo’s working with homeless women? When St Mungo’s started over 40 years ago homelessness was very much a male issue. Now 25% of our clients are women. It is easy to lose sight of women’s distinct needs, which are often very complex. It’s as if women cope a lot longer with difficult circumstances and have to fall an awful lot further before they end up using our services, that’s my impression. So when they finally do get to us they may be dealing not only with substance dependence and perhaps domestic violence but are also likely to be dealing with bereavement issues around children who’ve been taken into care. You end up working across such a complex set of needs; it’s a challenge to us, as an organisation, to make sure we meet that need well. We’ve just developed a piece of research called A Better Deal For Women, and we are finding ways of enabling these women to establish relationships with their children and get in touch with legal services.

Hidden in a quiet street in Clifton the Relaxation Centre is so much more than a health spa – it is a secret which you discover. We are an oasis in the middle of the city. A place to let the cares of the day slip away and replenish your vital energy. There are only a few decisions you’ll have to make. A sauna perhaps? Maybe a steam? Relax in the hot tub or are you brave enough for the cold plunge pool? We also have a blissful relaxation lounge and a full range of treatments including Holistic Massage, Reflexology and Hot Stone Therapy.

Relaxation makes the perfect gift... Everyone could do with more time to relax and whether it’s a heavenly treatment or a rejuvenating spa day we have a gift voucher to suit all pockets.

Buy gift vouchers online at: www.relaxationcentre.co.uk 9 All Saints Road, Clifton, Bristol BS8 2JG

Gift vouchers available

For opening times and information about our spa and treatments please call or visit our website. Tel: 0117 970 6616

www.relaxationcentre.co.uk

Interviewed by Fiona McClymont • photo by Jo Halladey Elizabeth Harper is the regional director of the charity St Mungo’s, a national homeless organisation that provides recovery-oriented support to vulnerable men and women. She previously worked on environmental projects abroad. Locally, St Mungo’s runs Mulberry House and Mews in Bath and The Compass Centre in Bristol’s Stokes Croft. What’s the best thing about the South West? I’m very impressed by how warm the community in and around Bath and Bristol has been to our clients. It’s been lovely to see the real attention and care that people pay to those more vulnerable living amongst them. What would you like to see more of? More (and continued) creative and ambitious commissioning of services for the homeless. And I’d like to see more optimistic intent – where services are about what people can do rather than what they can’t. What is St Mungo’s doing in the South West? We run the Compass Centre in Bristol, providing outreach services, health support, IT training and a cafe run by homeless people. We also run Mulberry House and Mews in Weston village, outside Bath, which provides supported accommodation for 13 people with mental health needs, some of whom may have experienced homelessness. They have access to education and training and the chance to get involved in structured, meaningful activities such as cooking and gardening. There’s a fantastic garden at Mulberry House and we’re very excited about our gardening social enterprise project ‘The Big Grow’. Residents can develop their interest in the outdoors and sustainable

living through woodcraft, growing plants and keeping small scale livestock – currently six chickens – which provide enough eggs for a weekly fry-up! One of our clients has even started a woodworking course after trying carpentry for the first time in our sessions. We’re hoping in March to start building a roundhouse in the grounds, which can then be used as a space for classes such as Yoga, acupuncture, woodworking, things like that.

What’s your favourite book? I can’t get it down to just one! Where The Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak; Annapura (the story of an ascent up the Himalayas) by Maurice Herzog, because I went up to the base camp with my dad a couple of years ago; a funny little book about Japanese aesthetics called In Praise of Shadows by Tanizaki; and Wind, Sand and Stars by Saint-Exupery, a memoir of his time as a pilot flying across the desert. They’re all very evocative.

What’s been your biggest achievement? I thought you might ask me this, so I asked my children last night and they said “Us”. I won’t argue with that or they’ll be cross!

What gets you into trouble? Speaking my mind. I’m very direct, and people aren’t always ready to hear very direct comments. I’m not constantly scrapping or anything, but I do think it matters that people speak plainly to one another occasionally. It’s right, of course, that you’re polite and careful about recognising everybody else’s boundaries, but it’s also important to say, “This isn’t good enough. We need to do things differently”.

What’s been your biggest mistake? Thinking that I could cure my fear of heights by learning trapeze. I got up there, had one go – very high, swung around, legs up over the bar – and it was awful!

What drives you mad? Cars driving too close to me when I’m on my bike. I cycle to work and I’ve had frequent near-misses. Then drivers get cross with you for daring to be on the road; it’s unpleasant.

What, do you think, are the common misconceptions of homelessness? That sleeping out is a choice; that being substance-dependent is a choice or that doing unusual things because of your mental health is a choice; and especially that some blame should be attached to the condition that people find themselves in.

What can we do? Give money where it counts: it’s not always helpful to give money to people on the street, but it’s certainly right to give money to charities that will make sure that money works well for them. So, support agencies that deliver services. It’s important that the wider community – you, in other words – does not pigeon-hole homeless people. People should not necessarily be defined by a certain period in their lives.

What inspires you? People’s ability to transform their lives. People get dealt some really rough cards: I don’t want it to sound like ‘everyone has a choice and they should be able to overcome their difficulties’ because that’s not the case. But the fact that some people can and do transform their lives is what’s inspiring. And you can’t work out who it’s going to be; somebody will always surprise you with their ability to just recover and do incredibly well in their lives. That element of surprise challenges people like me, who develop services, to continue to be ambitious. What’s your greatest fear? Some of the work that you do with very vulnerable people is expensive, that’s just how it is. My fear is that in the rush to save money, public sector funding cuts will have huge and long-term negative effects. The cuts are too risky and not wise.

What has life taught you? That you never know what’s round the corner. You could be doing something one day and then your life’s completely changed the next, so appreciate what you’ve got and don’t take things for granted. You talk to some of our clients and their lives would have been pretty similar to the average person that we all think we are. But one thing or another – a bereavement, an injury, something – will have triggered a whole series of unexpected events. And suddenly you’re at the mercy of the state and the street and you never expected to be there. It is a mistake to think “It could never happen to me,” because none of us is that far away from our lives being very, very different. www.mungos.org

'Another World is Possible'

Festival of Organic Arts - Bruton, Somerset

21st - 24th June

2012

SOLSTICE

SPECIAL Extra Night For First 1000 to Apply! See Website for Details

www.sunrisecelebration.com

In aid of The Natural Communities Foundation 'For People and Planet'

10th - 12th August 2012

GG2012-A6-artwork-revx.indd 1

The Devon Yoga Festival Embracing the holistic practices of yoga!

• Workshops • Classes • Inspiring world-class teachers & speakers • Music & chanting • Award winning food • Comfortable accommodation • Activities for children • Meditation • A variety of yoga styles ranging from restorative to dynamic

For more information & tickets call or click...

01392 420573 www.devonyogafestival.co.uk In association with The Devon School of Yoga.

24.11.11 13:26:28

20 planet

Got a passion for green issues and experience of writing? email editor@thespark.co.uk

petal power D Walton discovers the knock-on effect of the global trade in ﬂowers and speaks to West Country growers about their hopes for the future

ere in the UK we once had a thriving flower trade, from the Scilly Isles to the market gardens of Bristol and beyond. Currently, only about 10 per cent of the flowers we buy in the UK are grown in this country, whereas 30 years ago that figure stood at 45 per cent. Nowadays, many of the daffodil farms on the Scilly Isles are lying fallow and developers on the mainland have ploughed up many old market gardens. The competition from foreign imports has made it impossible for many British flower farmers to make a living. We’re starting to think seriously about where our food and our clothes come from, but flowers often drop off our radar. I went in search of people who could tell me more and found Bella & Fifi flowers. Bella & Fifi source nearly all of their seasonal blooms from small-scale growers in Bristol, Bath, Somerset and the Cotswolds, as well as further afield in Devon, Cornwall and Sussex. They specialise in wedding flowers and are proud to support organic flower farms in the UK, only occasionally using European suppliers if the English weather thwarts their best-laid plans. “Both Bella and I have always loved British flowers,” says Fifi. “We have so many beautiful local growers over supermarkets. One part of flowers growing in this country, and yet we’ve the solution would be for small-scale flower always felt sad that you don’t see the same growers to find regular local suppliers. In that variety in the shops. There are endless varieties scenario we get a closed financial loop. For to offer people on their wedding day, from example, the flower grower sells to a local cosmos and windflower to corn flowers and restaurant then spends some of that money zinnia.” on food, also grown locally. That local food The beautiful appearance of many imported grower might eat at the original restaurant; flowers belies the chemical-intensive growing the money goes from one person to the other process they’ve been through, to make them and everyone benefits: the money never leaves robust enough to travel long distances. the town. “The flowers we use don’t have a shelf But commercial British flower farms also life of two weeks, unlike many commercially need support: in short, it’s time we all got grown flowers,” says Fifi. “They are better acquainted with our great British ephemeral, as nature intended. They look peonies, larkspur and sweetpeas. amazing on their big day Another benefit with and then they are allowed local flowers is that every to die without being bunch picked is different. “The flowers on your dinner pumped full of chemicals. “Every flower is unique table once signified the time of Often flowers grown on and slightly different from year, but now you can buy the a large scale abroad are the last one we picked and grown without scent so we like to celebrate this,” same blooms all year round, just they will last longer and says Fifi. “It’s so lovely like the vegetables that get flown they’ll travel an average of to work in a way that in from faraway countries…” 1,500 miles before they enables you to be part of reach you!” the whole process... from seeing the seeds planted, delicate flowers? to placing the end flowers at the top table on Another important reason to support native someone’s wedding day.” flower growers is to sustain our bee populaAmy Henshaw-Depledge would certainly tion and the other pollinating insects who agree with that sentiment. She is currently depend on local nectar to survive. Fifi agrees. setting up a commercial flower growing “Try to plant dahlias, fennel, angelica, cow business and grows with bio-dynamic parsley, sedums or tubular-shaped flowers, principles in mind. Based just outside Totnes such as foxgloves, snapdragons, and penin Devon, her ambition is to create jobs stemon raven in your garden: these are all in her area for young people interested in favourite haunts for feeding bees.” growing flowers. She’s particularly interested The global flower trade is subject to in working with youngsters who are excluded the same problems and ethical concerns from school, with diagnosed problems such as connected to clothing and food industries dyslexia. around the world: the ethics of flowers “Horticulture is an amazing profession as grown as cash crops in developing countries; it can be used to develop so many different misappropriated water use; issues around skills,” she said. “Take, for example, language workers rights; air miles; pesticide use etc. skills for the Latin names, and the maths skills Many countries, for example, have fewer you need for counting and measuring lines restrictions on herbicide and pesticide use of seed when you’re sowing. Alongside these than European nations. Flowers can be skills you can get fit through the physical sprayed with chemicals such as DDT, banned work. For kids that have been excluded, in this country due to its serious health having a full range of education opportunities implications. It can be sometimes be hard to like this could be invaluable.” trace the origin of imported flowers because Like Bella & Fifi, Amy is passionate about so many come from developing countries local flowers and she remains optimistic for through Dutch auction houses. their future. “Like fresh vegetables, our flowers have a fresh scent you just won’t find soil and trouble with imported supermarket bunches,” If we look at the bigger economic picture, she says. it’s not hard to see the benefits of supporting www.bellafififlowers.co.uk

body conscious Our very own Naomi Ross embarks on a mission to change the face of her family’s skincare

ast year I did a course at the Single Parents’ Action Network (SPAN) in Bristol. The course was called “The Benefits of Natural Oils” and we were taught how to use essential oils in our family’s skincare routine. I was shocked to discover how many nasty chemicals were in many off-the-shelf products, and I went home and threw out all skincare products in our bathroom. My sons are aged two and ten, and I decided to completely change my shopping habits for their sake, and for mine. My skin is often dry and I suffer form occasional acne so this seemed a good time to make some changes. Together with my team at The Spark, we drew up some criteria. I focussed on three types of products: acne treatment, body wash, and moisturiser. I wanted products that were suitable for me and my children and the criteria were (a) the product is made and available in the UK; (b) the product is not tested on animals (either the finished

product or the ingredients) and (c) the product contains no parabens, colourants, synthetic fragrances, petrochemicals or phthalates. I approached 63 companies, after searching in local shops and online for specific brand sites, searching distributers’ websites and putting key words regarding our criteria into search engines. Twenty companies responded and I tested the products they sent me for seven days. Below are my three favourites from each category. If you go to www.thespark.co.uk you can find the whole review in our online edition, which lists many more amazing products (we simply do not have the space here to publish the whole article). I hope this inspires you to seek out more natural cosmetics. We would love you to add to the online edition of this feature so if you know of products that fit these criteria, email editor@thespark.co.uk with details (including price) and we’ll check them out!

Acne treatments

Skin Cocoon Body Wash

Perfect Pores Angela Langford £26.55 30ml www.angelangford.com

It smells great, like lemon sherbert. Slimy texture, so you don’t need to use much. Definitely had less spots after using this.

Evolve Beauty £9.99 200ml www.evolvebeauty.co.uk

Nice smell; rich, creamy texture and felt mild on skin. • Vegan Society Certiﬁed.

Baby Mild Body Wash, Organic Botanics £12.65 200ml www.organicbotanics.com

Bamboo & Pumice Exfoliant Raw Gaia £20.99 120ml www.rawgaia.com

Mild scent, moisturised my children’s skin well. Good for kids’ hair too. • Vegetarian Society approved.

Moisturisers

Very gentle on the skin but effective; makes skin feel clean and revitalised. • The Vegan Society certiﬁed and BUAV certiﬁed

Face Cleansing Balm Rawganic £5 35ml www.lucyrose.biz

Shea butter ingredient meant great smell and uber softness. • Soil Association certiﬁed organic and Vegetarian Society certified.

Skin Salvation Moisturising & Nourishing Salve, Pure Potions £12.99 60ml www.purepotions.biz

Great smell, soothing on the skin and lips. My son had cracked lips and this helped soothe and repair his skin.

Orange Flower Moisturising Body Lotion Skin Blossom £5.90 200ml www.skinblossom.co.uk

No Scent Baby Wash & Shampoo,

Great value for money, and good smell of orange, my children really liked it. Moisturised skin all day and absorbed into skin quickly.

The Green People £6.89 150ml www.greenpeople.co.uk

Vegan Society certiﬁed and Soil Association certified organic.

Body Washes

Brilliant on sensitive skin, can use as a shampoo as well. Mild and moisturising. • Vegan Society certiﬁed and Soil Association certified organic.

Natural Face Cream The Herbjar £17.95 50ml www.herbjar.co.uk

Subtle smell of coconut, light cream you can use all over the body.

Solarsense – the South West’s leading solar company since 1994. • Specialists in solar thermal and PV • Get £300 grants for solar thermal with the new RHI • Get paid per kWh generated by solar PV with the Feed in Tariff • Over 5000 systems installed, including the UK’s most famous solar PV system at Worthy Farm, Glastonbury • REA Company of the Year

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22 social change

brick by brick

the umpire strikes back

Joe Smith on the Glastonbury community that saved an historic building from the bulldozers

photo Jason Bryant

ow often does a concrete wasteland inspire people to squat it and protect it? The old Morlands tannery on the edge of Glastonbury is just such a place: 31 acres of land left abandoned for decades topped by crumbling buildings with broken windows. It was an uncomfortable reminder of a more productive and profitable time in Glastonbury’s recent past. But thanks to local action new seeds are sprouting amongst the broken glass and cracked tarmac. People who knew the place saw its potential and got tired of unrealistic and costly redevelopment plans put forward by government agencies. Now Glastonbury dwellers have saved the last untouched buildings from the bulldozers and transformed them. The Red Brick Project is now a non-profit, community project that provides affordable workspaces for local craft workers and artists.

occupy!

Morlands Sheepskin once employed over 1,000 people, making leather jackets worn by WWII spitfire aces and the boots used by Edmund Hillary to climb Everest. But the company was killed off by recession in the mid 1980s, leaving a hole in the community. Too contaminated by the chemical run-off from the tanning process to build houses on, the site sat empty and boarded up for decades; its only visitors the local kids (myself included!) who would sneak under the builders’ fence. In 2001 the South West Regional Development Agency (SWRDA) acquired the site and said they would decontaminate the land and provide affordable commercial space for community use. Years went by, proposals were drafted but nothing realistic or affordable emerged. In 2008 local people took matters into their own hands. Occupier Chris Black explains: “It started when SWRDA announced in the Christmas Eve edition of the Central Somerset Gazette that when they came back from their holidays on January 5 they were going to demolish the Red Brick building.” The first group of squatters moved in on New Year’s Eve 2009, made up of older locals and enthusiastic young people from nearby Strode College. Anna, one of the younger occupiers, remembers what it was like in the building: “It was so cold the toilet froze over! We spent the days clearing up glass and rubble but the nights were hard; I had 11 blankets on my bed and it was still freezing!” But she says it was worth it: “I love those buildings, I’ve always liked it down there; people say they’re ugly but I don’t agree. They’re part

of the history of our town.” The occupiers endured the sub-zero temperatures for two weeks, until their demands – a moratorium on the demolition and a public meeting at the town hall to discuss the site’s future – were finally met. Robin Howell, a long-time volunteer with the project, explains: “We put together a plan to make the building a viable proposition, which was the birth of the Red Brick Building project. This culminated with the freehold of the building being handed over to us.” Red Brick Project seeks to support three areas of community life. Its first mission is to provide workshop and office space for small, independent social enterprises; the second is to showcase sustainable building and renovation techniques to a high environmental spec; and the third is to give local and international artists space to exhibit and share resources.

“We spent the days clearing up glass and rubble but the nights were hard. I had 11 blankets on my bed and it was still freezing!” (Anna) Renovations are going well. “The roofers are in,” Robin says. “The project is taking place in two halves. Buildings A and B are going to be let as a commercial property in the hope that they will generate revenue which will fund the more ‘cuddly’ bits in building C. The exact direction of what’s going to be in there is likely to be a democratic process because everyone who’s got a share has a vote.” The project’s innovative share scheme has already raised over £105,000 towards refitting the buildings, with 180 local shareholders on board. They are still seeking new investors and offer regular tours of the site for people interested in buying a share or to those who are just curious to see the latest developments. Sarah Sander-Jackson, the project’s director, sums up the driving idea behind the Red Brick Building: “It’s about community ownership. The community can now be involved in a real way after 10 years of frustration with SWRDA. It’s finally possible for people to make a real positive change to their local environment.” The Red Brick Building is always looking for new volunteers and shareholders. For more information visit www.redbrickbuilding.org.uk or contact Sarah on contact@redbrickbuilding.org.uk

Crispin Andrews on how cricket is changing the lives of young people in urban crime hotspots

oung people from Bristol got a shock recently when the police turned up at their cricket tournament. The event was the ‘Cricket for Change’ national final at Bristol’s City Academy and the kids involved were from crime hotspots throughout the city. The youngsters in question weren’t in trouble though, and were surprised to find the police there to ostensibly “offer friendly advice, and build relationships” after the riots of August 2011. “They talked about stop-and-search, and let us know our rights,” says Michael a 13-year-old from Knowle. “The police explained why they stop people, and told us that we have the right to a written record of the search, which I didn’t know.” Cricket for Change are a London-based charity that have rolled out their project nationally. The Bristol leg is organised by Second Chance, a local, not-for-profit organisation set up in 2008. Cricket for Change hopes to reach 7,500 youngsters in 150 of the UK’s most deprived communities by 2013. In Bristol, this means hub sites in ten troubled areas, and lots of cricket for local teenagers. At the Cricket for Change national final, local Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) also chatted to Bristol youngsters (and others from Newcastle, Birmingham, Sussex and Essex) about knife crime and gang culture. “It’s important that police officers interact with kids for positive reasons, rather than only speaking to them when they’ve done something wrong,” says tournament organiser James Mapstone from Second Chance.

street life

Every week, Sophie Cooper from Cricket for Change sets up a game of cricket on the Multi Use Games Area next to Redcatch Park youth club in Knowle, Bristol. The kids here don’t need pads or helmets and Sophie sets up the game without filling out a single health & safety form. The match doesn’t last all day, either. This is Street 20, Cricket for Change’s special version of cricket. It lasts 20 minutes, everyone bats and bowls, and since players use light bats and soft balls, you can play it on any surface. “It’s easy to play and gives everyone a chance to get involved,” Sophie says. “Lots of our kids have problems at home and school, so this gives them a bit of stress-free fun.”

If you check out our Blogs section on The Spark website (www.thespark.co.uk) you’ll find our new Spark Action! blog from our very own Chris Mitchell. Spark Action! is an online update of campaigns, protests, support groups and peaceful direct action happening in your

Michael (quoted earlier) is one of the regulars at Redcatch Park. He lacked confidence when he first came to Sophie’s cricket sessions. “Some of the other kids used to give me a hard time,” he says, “maybe it’s because I’m younger, I don’t know.” Being a non-contact sport, cricket is ideal for a youngster like Michael. “I’ve got quite good at it,” he says. “I think they respect me a bit more now.” Hundreds of children have already turned out across Bristol to play Street 20, rain or shine, summer or winter. James Mapstone explains that cricket is a team game, with individual roles, so young people always have something to focus on. “Cricket’s traditional values help with discipline,” he says. Daniel Hamilton, who runs sessions in Redfield, Bristol, agrees: “You have to respect the rules and the umpire’s authority,” he says. “The kids I coach used to argue, and give anyone who made a mistake a hard time. Now they have a go at anyone who is unkind or uses foul language!”

“The kids I coach used to argue and give anyone who made a mistake a hard time. Now they have a go at anyone who is unkind or uses foul language!”

Sophie Cooper says that since she started running cricket sessions, a gang who used to cause trouble in the neighbouring park now join in with the youth club. For Michael, and the other youngsters who play cricket, the experience has opened up new ways of enjoying themselves, making friends and overcoming issues. “I feel good now, and stand up for myself,” Michael says. He gets on better with the older kids, and although one or two still give him a hard time, it doesn’t bother him so much. “I don’t have to take any rubbish from anyone now,” he says. http://cricketforchange.org.uk

communities. The blog is an extension of the regular Get Involved section (see p4/6) but will be constantly updated. Email us on action@ thespark.co.uk to keep us updated with your meets, events, campaigns and planned actions, so we can help you find each other…

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24 food Darryl Bullock brings you the ﬁrst in a four-part series on the best ethical eateries in the West Country. This issue: Cheltenham & Gloucestershire

ethical eateries: Gloucestershire T

he West Country is positively littered with farm shops, farmer’s markets, great artisan producers and specialist food shops. When you’re dining out or buying lunch on the hoof, though, it’s less easy to make an ethical choice. A growing number of restaurants are joining the Sustainable Restaurant Association (SRA): a national, not-for-profit organisation that provides sustainability advice and star ratings for eateries. They investigate what percentage

of produce is grown locally, whether the business has a sustainable seafood sourcing policy; whether the poultry served is Freedom Food, free range or organic, whether the coffee is Fairtrade, whether they set targets to reduce waste and so on. The Soil Association’s Food for Life Catering Mark is a similar system which recognises best practice in catering for schools, hospitals, canteens and restaurants. Many restaurants aren’t certified by either, though, so it’s not

easy to check out a place before you eat there. In this four-part guide to the best ethical eateries in our region, we’ve drawn up five symbols to illustrate sustainability, (see below left), using similar selection criteria to those used by the SRA and the SA. What follows is our guide to ten of the most ethical bars, restaurants and cafes in Gloucestershire. Next issue: Bristol

Local/seasonal: Uses local suppliers and/or seasonal ingredients Organic: Uses organic ingredients

Fairtrade: Uses Fairtrade (or equivalent) coffees, teas or other ingredients Animal Welfare: Uses free range or organically-farmed meat, or positively discourages the use of factory-farmed meat Environmental Impact: Making positive efforts to deal with and reduce waste. Have policies regarding food miles, carbon emissions etc

288 Bar and Wok, Cheltenham

Fab, canteen-style, family-friendly Chinese restaurant. Owner Pak Wai Hung brings in Chinese vegetables from the family farm in the Vale of Evesham, collects eggs from a small family farm just outside Bidford-on-Avon and supports many other local producers. They also stock FRANK Water, Bristol’s pioneering social enterprise that donates 100% of its profits to sustainable clean water projects. 288 High Street, Cheltenham GL50 3HQ tel 01242 582346, www.barandwok.com

Abbey Home Farm Café, Cirencester

With a mostly vegetarian menu inspired by the vegetable garden that surrounds the café, there’s always a good selection of fresh salads, specials, soups and cakes. Warm yourself by the woodburner during the winter months or enjoy the sunny verandah and terrace in summer. Organic child-friendly menu, high chairs, a small outdoor play area, woodland walk and farm trail. Burford Road, Cirencester GL7 5HF tel 01285 640441, www.theorganicfarmshop.co.uk

The Chef’s Table, Tetbury

Michelin-starred chef Michael Bedford’s deli and bistro, specialising in seasonal, local fare but with a menu inspired by simple, rustic French dishes. There’s restaurant-quality food available to take home from the deli, including ice cream, cakes, pastries, desserts and breads all made on the premises using local ingredients. 49 Long Street, Tetbury, Glouc GL8 8AA. tel 01666 504466, www.thechefstable.co.uk

what’s your flava?

The Inn at Fossebridge, Fosseway

1 Digbeth Street, Stow-on-the-Wold GL54 1BN

A gorgeous Georgian country hotel with a family and dog-friendly bar and restaurant in four-acre grounds. Head chef Matt Wardman and his team use as many local ingredients as they can get their hands on; staff are endlessly friendly and helpful. A finalist in the Taste of Gloucestershire Food and Farming Awards 2011 for Best Pub Food.

www.newenglandcoffeehouse.co.uk

The Daffodil, Cheltenham

London Road, Tetbury GL8 8JJ tel 01666 502251, www.theprioryinn.co.uk

Fosseway, Nr Cheltenham GL54 3JS tel 01285 720721, www.cotswolds-country-pub-hotel.co.uk

Housed in what was originally an art deco cinema, Head Chef Norbert Schon and his team believe that local provenance should be reflected in their dishes, producing a daily changing menu influenced by modern British cuisine and taking full advantage of the best quality local and seasonal produce available. 18-20 Suffolk Parade, Cheltenham GL50 2AE tel 01242 700055, www.thedaffodil.com

Mills Café, Stroud

Feted as the first café in Stroud to serve a cappuccino, the daily changing menu includes meat from herds reared on a nearby farm and a good range of vegetarian options. Set in a lovely little suntrap courtyard, the cakes come very highly rated. 8 Witheys Yard, High Street, Stroud GL5 1AS tel 01453 752222

New England Coffee House, Stow

An incredible find, and quite possibly the only café you’re ever likely to find that roasts its own coffee. The Grade 2 listed building houses a tiny, cosy café serving fantastic coffees, teas, smoothies, milkshakes, locally made cakes and pastries and it’s dog and kidfriendly too. What more do you want?

The Priory Inn, Tetbury

Everything, right down to the soaps in the en suite bathrooms, smacks of local at The Priory Inn: their self-imposed 30-mile food zone means that the vast majority of ingredients, and their beers, come from local producers (they’ll even barter with you for your allotment excess). Very kid-friendly, under12s stay for free; a great place to stay when exploring the Cotswolds or the Stroud valleys.

The Seagrave Arms, Weston Subedge

Charming country inn and restaurant near the villages of Chipping Campden and Broadway. All food is sourced from local suppliers and farms and the bar stocks award-winning real ales and ciders from local breweries Hook Norton, Cotswold and Purity. They even stock a Gloucestershire wine! Friday St, Weston Subedge, Glouc GL55 6QH. Tel 01386 840192, www.seagravearms.co.uk

Woodruffs Organic Café, Stroud

Launched in 1998 as Britain’s first organic café, the menu at Woodruffs is mainly veggie (with a few fish options) and is full of locally sourced, gluten-free, wheat-free, dairy-free and vegan options. Head chef Helen offers vegetarian cookery classes, there’s an outside catering service and the café has an extensive kid’s menu. 24 High St, Stroud GL5 1AJ tel 01453 759195, www.woodruffsorganiccafe.co.uk

f only there were a way to buy great, locally produced food on the weeks you’re pushed for time and can’t get to your local market. Or perhaps you don’t live near your favourite farm shop and don’t want to jump in the car to get there. What we need is a 24/7 digital farmer’s market! Luckily five foodie mates with a background in web design have created Flavrbox: an online community making it easier to buy directly from independent food and drink producers. Buying from the producer, rather than a central shop, is a cheaper alternative, as you’re not paying extra to a middleman. “We don’t set the price; we work on a commission basis,” co-founder Ruben Kostucki tells me. “It’s about empowering the producer; we’re doing a lot to engage them in what we’re doing, especially with our film series.” Ruben is referring to the series of mini-documentaries the boys are producing for the website: showing customers the kind of small, artisan businesses their purchases support. “Food has always been at the centre of life in my house,” says Ruben. “My father always said ‘good food takes time’ and this has stuck with me.” The site is growing fast: at the time of writing they had producers – all within 20 miles of The Spark office – offering teas, coffees, sausages and charcuterie, bread, chocolate and more. “By the end of 2012 we expect to have at least 400 producers signed up, selling more than 4,000 products,” says co-founder Simon Bos. “Our vision,” says Seb Powell, another of the Flavrbox five, “is to draw people away from supermarket shopping habits and big multinational brands and open up a world of culinary delight. We want to reconnect people with their food and encourage them to buy local produce.” Passionate about food, University of Bath graduate Seb is also on the board of directors of The Community Farm in Chew Magna. He sees Flavrbox as a simple way for local food producers to sell direct to customers without having to set up their own websites: “These producers are really good at what they do but they don’t necessarily have the time to sort their marketing out.” “Flavrbox is a great concept because we can sell to individuals rather than via some anonymous buyer,” says Ginny Mayall from Pimhill Farm in Shrewsbury. “Dealing directly with customers is ideal for us; we want to be able to explain how we grow our cereals, why we choose to produce our range of products in the way we do and to describe what makes our products unique.”

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26 family Beccy Golding on spiritual parenting, youth activism, energy-ﬁlled kids’ theatre and a comforting book to help children talk about their feelings

my generation

mother nurture to grow as a person too: to work on ourselves without blame or guilt. I want to support parents to find a peaceful, loving vibration.” So while there is plenty to involve the kids in, what Julia offers is “very much about the parents.” And, practically, what’s on offer? Birth preparation workshops (which include hypnobirthing techniques, exercises and chanting), parent coaching sessions (which can include Theta Healing, reiki or sound healing), monthly spiritual parenting meetings (sharing insights and support), monthly Babachant sessions (sacred music and meditation for parents and children) and a blog where Julia shares her thoughts and experiences. “I try to be an anchor,” says Julia, “I want to help put things into perspective. Everyone knows these things, they just have to remember.”

rom Germany via South Africa, India and London, Julia Jeremiah has finally settled in Frome and opened up the Healing House. Julia is a mother and qualified occupational therapist and is using her wide range of healing, meditation and therapy skills to offer parents ways to nurture their spiritual side. “It’s a reminder that we still have our own spirituality.” she says, “Feelings of stress are huge for many parents, we feel impatience, resentment, our kids demand our presence, but it’s important

www.healinghousefrome.co.uk Babachant facilitator course starts in September www.babachant.com

Why I Do What I Do… Narasser Gordon, 24 film-maker & activist

Describe what you do…

I do a range of different things. I am a budding film-maker, but I am also a community activist (I run an anti-gun and knife campaign called S.T.O.P., which stands for Solve This Ongoing Problem), I run a community film production company called 3domsouls productions, which makes films about issues that affect young people, and I am also the youth representative for Bristol West Labour Party.

of a problem, but once I am talking I am in my element)

What I’ve learnt about others is … that they like to take the time out to

listen to what I have to say and learn from my experiences.

When I was younger I was told … I would

Describe yourself in three words…

work with young people and I always said “No, I want to be an actress.”

When I tell people what I do they say…

Has it been a direct journey or a slow meander? Slow meander: it takes time to get

Determined, hardworking and understanding. “Where do you find all the time to do everything?” and I say I don’t sleep, so I make more hours in the day and this is why I am very protective over my weekends.

Something that might surprise you about my job is... I get to give talks and have meetings

the impact that you want from what you want

In 10 years time I’d like to be… a successful film maker and community activist travelling the world to help different communities.

with some very important people. In October I went to Norway to see the crowned prince and princess of that country.

If I wasn’t doing this I’d… be working in a job that I did not like. I love my job as no two days are ever the same.

I know it’s been a good day when… I’ve

If others want to do this I’d say… Do it,

come home and I am so tired that all I want to do it go straight to bed.

What I’ve learnt about myself is… that I

am good at public and motivational speaking (getting me to the front to speak may be a bit

nothing is stopping you apart from yourself

www.3domsoulsproductions.com Narraser’s blog from attending the ‘One Young World’ Summit in Zurich http://goo.gl/8v1hC Search ‘Solve This Ongoing Problem’ on Facebook

he Bright Ones is a beautiful, simple book designed to help 3 to 6-year-olds who might be living with domestic abuse. Like all good books for little ones there are repetitive patterns and rhythms to hook the imagination and, in this case, help Pixie Parvita, Sammy the Sprite and their friends understand their sad and angry feelings when they witness giants fighting in their garden. The kind woman who lives in the yellow flower helps them express themselves and feel safe again. The idea was developed by Alex Green and her colleagues at NHS Bristol’s Public Health Department, and written by Rebecca Barns, a Phd student at the University of Bristol, and illustrator Lindsay Barraclough. Rebecca said “Some children, particularly young children, may find it really difficult to identify their emotions and I hope that this book will help them to do this as well as them simply enjoying the book. Children should realise they are not alone and that there are lots of different ways of reacting to what has happened and that it’s okay.” A copy of the book, which also includes some useful resources and guidance notes, has been sent to every Children’s Centre and library in Bristol. Rebecca is currently looking for a publisher to distribute the book more widely, but in the meantime, if you would like a copy, please contact Alex.

Alex Green, domestic abuse health improvement worker: alexandra.green@bristol.nhs.uk tel 0117 900 2230

Know a young person who loves music but doesn’t want to perform? 17-year-old Abi Ward told me about Bristol’s New Generation Takeover (NGT). “I got involved through REMIX at Colston Hall where I attended Saturday songwriting sessions. In December 2008 the session leaders were asking for young people to volunteer to help run an event as part of the opening of Colston Hall’s new foyer space. At the start I stage managed the foyer space with the acts that were booked; the following year I programmed the local acts in the Hall’s 2nd space, and in September 2011 I programmed and managed all the acts performing in the foyer (programming is my forte!).” NGT run regular gig nights and “we’ve worked with Brisfest, Bristol Harbour Festival, Pride and the Eco Veggie Fayre, and last year some of us worked at Glastonbury Festival and took local Bristol bands and MCs to Green Man and Shambala.” I asked Abi what sort of person would enjoy volunteering for NGT. “Someone aged 14-25 who has a passion for the kinda behind-the-scenes stuff within music; someone who really enjoys marketing/promoting music and the arts. Pop along to a meeting and see what you can get out of New Generation Takeover and we’ll see how we can get you involved.” Abi also asked me to plug NGT’s big annual event on October 26 (so now’s a good time to get involved). “We’d love people’s ideas for headliners so send an email!” NGT meet every Monday, 5pm, at the Colston Hall. Email info@newgenerationtakeover.com, see http://newgenerationtakeover.com/ or find New Generation Takeover on Facebook.

all the field’s a stage T

heatre Orchard Project delivers theatre, dance, music, storytelling and moving image projects in North Somerset. For June half-term they’ve planned a tour of rural venues by Bristol Old Vic’s new family production; Wild Girl, about a feral child called Memmie. Theatre Orchard’s producer Becky Chapman told me “the production will be very physical with actors playing multiple roles. Everyone in the story is played by two actors, giving interesting opportunities for dramatic juxtapostion and physical inventiveness.” The hour-long performance, suitable for children aged eight and over, is followed by an optional workshop, led by the actors, which “will use drama and spontaneous writing or drawing to encourage dialogue between children and adults on the ideas and dilemmas explored in the play”. Wild Girl, written by John Retallack, will be showing at a variety of indoor and outdoor venues, including the Paradise Lawn at Tyntesfield, Leigh Woods, The Lodge at Goblin Coombe, the Tythe Barn at Nailsea, and Pill Community Orchard.

Tickets: Adults from £7, Children from £5, Family ticket (groups of 4 including one

adult) from £20 (ticket prices dependent on venue) Dates: Spring Half Term 2012 Wed June 6-10 www.theatreorchard.org.uk, email beckytheatreorchardproject@gmail.com

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28 mind, mind body body && spirit spirit

spotlight on counselling/psychotherapy by Hannah Latham

ave you ever been curious about talking therapies but when you flip through The Spark listings you don’t know where to start? What’s the difference between a humanistic approach and an existential one, or between a counsellor and a psychotherapist? What is Gestalt therapy? Or body psychotherapy? Or CBT? NLP? EFT?? It’s no wonder we’re confused. According to the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) there are 366 methods of talking therapies. The distinction between them can be slim at times, and there are conflicting views about the definitions and whether they should be separated at all.

illustration by Kate Evans

Humanistic therapy isn’t concerned with childhood much although it may look at that. It’s more concerned with what’s in the room – the ‘Gestalt’ – which is a German word meaning ‘the reality between us’. It’s about how you feel about your therapist and accessing the here and now. The humanistic approach is used a lot in marriage guidance and relationship counselling.

regulation

Part of the problem is that this work is not legally regulated and despite attempts and discussions within the government nothing has been put in place as yet. Organisations such as BACP and the UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) aim to bring professional standards and accountability into the industry. BACP has 36,000 members worldwide, UKCP has 7,000 members, (psychotherapists and counsellors, despite their name). You can be confident that a therapist who is a member of either of these organisations will be working to an acceptable level of professional capability. If you consult someone and feel their skills are questionable, you can file a complaint with their membership organisation. However, many skilled therapists work independently, choosing not to belong to either the UKCP or the BACP for personal or political reasons. There are many routes to becoming a good therapist that may not meet the standards set out by these two organisations; for example, a therapist might have extensive background experience in a specific field such as mental health, palliative care, addictions or domestic abuse. Another membership organisation – the Independent Practitioners Network – aims for professional standards and accountability through human relationships rather than qualification levels. Individual members become part of a local group who work together through supervision or therapeutic practice. The group supports the individuals within it and stands by each member professionally. The group makes links with other groups and needs to have two links to become members of the IPN. You can also find a list of Bristol-based practitioners who are working privately through another organisation: Counsellors And Psychotherapists in Private Practice, but be aware that this is a membership body for peer support and there are no accreditation requirements.

qualifications

When looking, don’t be afraid to ask what qualifications and experience a therapist or counsellor has and if you don’t understand ask them to explain in more detail. A therapist

recommended by someone you know is worth talking to. Speak to a few and get a feel for them. It is worth meeting in person and talking through how they work and your expectations. Some will offer a free initial consultation. Don’t feel you have to commit to sessions with someone and don’t be afraid to tell them why if you choose not to. The same goes if you try a few sessions and really feel it is not working. However, be aware that it can take a while to feel comfortable when you’re talking about personal or troubling issues. Private one-to-one sessions cost anything from £30-75 an hour, depending on the therapist’s qualifications, skills and experience.

counselling vs psychotherapy

But what is the difference between counselling and psychotherapy? It depends who you ask. “We actually make no distinction,” says Phillip Hodson, BACP’s media consultant and a psychotherapist, author and broadcaster. “We are much more interested in whether our members are competent, reliable practitioners than what they are called.” The UKCP see it differently: to them the distinction is important. For a start, the levels of training can be very different. Psychotherapists train for five years, during which time they have extensive therapy themselves. Some counselling courses are relatively short, part-time and do not require you to do personal therapy. Counsellors who are members of BACP or UKCP will have gone into therapy themselves and done case studies under supervision, bringing their depth of training more in line with that of psychotherapists. So UKCP introduced the title Psychotherapeutic

Counsellors. “We did this to distinguish counsellors whose training and depth of clinical practice was more closely aligned with psychotherapeutic practice and its relational quality (meaning that the treatment’s effectiveness is achieved through the medium of the therapeutic relationship) than with counselling trainings for which this is not the case,” says Katy Rose, a counsellor with UKCP.

“Don’t feel you have to commit to sessions with someone and don’t be afraid to tell them why if you choose not to…”

o place this in context, we need to look at the main approaches. Broadly speaking there are three main types of therapy: psychodynamic, humanistic and cognitive behavioural. Psychodynamic is interested in your childhood and past experiences, which may play out in your relationship with your therapist. This is called ‘transference’. So, for example, say you were a self-centred, attention-seeking, brattish child and you’re now 25 and in therapy, you revert to that behaviour. “The therapist, instead of taking it personally, knows it’s good stuff to work with; it’s present in the room and you can look at it and try and change it,” says Phillip. There is also a term called countertransference where the therapist makes use of the feelings they have towards you in response to your behaviour. “So if you’re incredibly difficult and brattish,” Phillip continues, “they then might want to say to themselves ‘I wish I could smack this person around’. A trained therapist knows how to use that so they say, ‘if I’m feeling this maybe this is what most people feel with this person. Maybe I can work with that and get some adjustment there’.” This is all about our unconscious mind driving our behaviour, those hidden motivations we aren’t able to put into words.

umanistic – also described as personcentred or person-driven – is about an authentic relationship between the client and the therapist. The therapist, whatever their personal misgivings, tries to accept the client wholeheartedly regardless of how they are behaving or feeling. A humanistic psychotherapist will be aware of transference and counter-transference dynamics but will not necessarily work with it directly.

ognitive behavioural therapy is very distinct from the other two approaches. It isn’t concerned with what caused your problem, your history, your childhood or your unconscious mind. It looks at what you do to maintain your problems. Your ‘cognition’ is literally what you think and it drives your behaviour. So, for example, a client might say “my boyfriend dumped me, nobody can love me,” and she doesn’t go out, so she never meets new people, removing any potential of having another relationship. The therapist would challenge that belief to see what evidence there is for its truth. She would then only have to find one person who loves her to prove it is not true. The truth is that one person has left her and that has made her feel terrible. It doesn’t change her potential to have other relationships. CBT therapists may use a method of trying to measure your feelings by getting you to record on a scale of one to ten how strongly you are feeling them. The government loves CBT because it claims to be ‘evidence-based’. It is very measurable and works well at combating the negative patterns of thinking in depression. It is available on the NHS (because it’s also cheap and quick) although only if your symptoms are not too severe and you’re not too old. The depth of CBT you get can be limited, however, and it doesn’t always fix the problem on its own. Many therapists find it useful in conjunction with other techniques. “Common sense says that every therapist, whatever their approach, would use some aspect of CBT,” says Phillip.

crisis point?

The reasons for seeing a therapist may determine whether you see a counsellor or a psychotherapist. Traditionally, counselling is aimed at a specific problem or crisis point: relationship issues, a bereavement, a drug or alcohol problem or an eating disorder, for example. The therapy can be brief with weekly or fortnightly sessions over a period of weeks or months. Psychotherapy looks at the patterns and behaviours underneath that make up the whole person. It’s an in-depth way to address your whole life. The relationship between the therapist and client is paramount: change relies on a deep level of trust built up over time. It continues for years and can be several times a week. However – yet again – there are exceptions to this distinction. It stands to reason that if you find your counsellor helpful then you will want to go back to them because you have a relationship with them and they know some of your history. Or you may find that the issue you started with uncovers deeper-rooted issues. “Counsellors are just as good at looking at fundamental causes of problems as anybody else,” says Phillip. Some psychotherapists also work short-term and less intensively. There are many different schools and methods of counselling and psychotherapy. The box-outs on p30 offer some broad definitions of the most common types of therapy practised in the UK today.

http://i-p-n.org, 0333 321 3004 www.cappp.co.uk www.bacp.co.uk www.psychotherapy.org.uk

NEW YEAR, NEW DIRECTION WITH BCPC

QUANTUM TOUCH IS COMING TO GLASTONBURY ON 29th & 30th APRIL 2012! Learn how to: • Align bones with a light touch using energy • Reduce & eliminate body pain • Work easily with acute conditions • How to use energy for ﬁrst aid • Emotional healing techniques • Self healing And much much more...

Please visit my website to read what others are saying about how Quantum Touch has transformed their health. This workshop is open to everyone.

If in 2012 you want to take a new direction, either professionally or academically and the areas of Counselling or Psychotherapy interest you, then BCPC is the place to consider.

Venue: Chalice Well, Glastonbury Reserve your space today www.karinagrant.co.uk karina@karinagrant.co.uk

Our courses are all part-time and accredited with BACP or UKCP. We run a Foundation Certificate as well as a Diploma in Humanistic and Integrative Counselling which is linked to Bath Spa University and an MA in Humanistic and Integrative Psychotherapy in collaboration with Middlesex University. If you are interested in becoming a counsellor or psychotherapist, then come and visit us at our Open Day on 4th March (please contact us in advance to book a place).

For further information visit our website www.bcpc.org.uk or contact us by email on admin@bcpc.org.uk or by phone on 01225 429720 PSYCHOTHERAPY AND COUNSELLING TRAINING

07973 732 842 see other ad in listings for more info

Rejuvanessence Training in Bath A unique holistic rejuvenating facial massage sometimes known as “Angel’s Touch” or “Fingertip Facelift”. Gentle, very precise massage of 91 muscles of face, neck and shoulders, releasing pent-up stress. Also working on meridians, restores the natural ﬂow of energy, balancing and revitalising body, mind and spirit.

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L I V I N G PR O O F T H A T I T W O R KS! 29

30 mind, body & spirit Dance movement therapy

This approach assumes that we express our inner feelings in how we hold and move our bodies. The client explores their feelings through physical movement, with expert support and creative input from trained dance movement psychotherapists. No dance experience necessary! The process is used to facilitate emotional, physical, social, mental and spiritual growth. www.dancevoice.org.uk

Art, drama & music therapy

The client uses art media – drawing, painting, sculpting etc – to express their emotions. Good for those who find verbalising their emotions difficult. Drama therapy and music therapy are related types of creative psychotherapy which enable clients to experience insight, healing and growth through playing and exploring their imagination. All dramatherapists, art and music therapists must register with the Health Professions Council.

Body/biodynamic psychotherapy

A holistic approach that pays attention to what the client feels in their body which could be through posture, gestures, breathing, pain etc. Uses massage, emotional expression, breathwork and body awareness exercises.

Psychosynthesis

This is a transpersonal therapy; working with the concept of a ‘higher self’. Meditation and visualisation are often used for self-discovery and it is often offered alongside hypnotherapy, dreamwork, breathwork and soul retrieval.

Transactional analysis

Mindfulness / core process

Developed from Buddhist practice, this simple meditative practice focusses on thoughts, breathing and stretching, teaching inner stillness and being in the present by acknowledging your thoughts and letting them go. Can be practised by anyone, anywhere, in as little as three minutes. Excellent for stress management, anxiety and depression. Improves memory and concentration. You may come across cognitive therapies that use mindfulness or Core Process. www.bemindful.co.uk www.karuna-institute.co.uk

Gestalt

A model for understanding our personality, how we relate and our patterns of behaviour. Interested in how we replay childhood strategies that are causing us pain: games we play and parent-child relationships. Integrates psychoanalytical, humanistic and cognitive approaches.

A popular existential/humanistic approach, focuses on what you have brought into the room. Looks at the patterns you are following or communicating in the moment – often through your body language – and how they relate to your past. Conflicts can be addressed through direct dialogue to a cushion or chair. representing other people

Existential

Transpersonal

Equine assisted psychotherapy

Horses do not respond well when you’re carrying emotional baggage. The client develops an authentic relationship with a horse, and releases their baggage. It’s good for trauma, addiction, eating disorders, social exclusion. Works well with teenagers, groups, learning difficulties and those who have not found solutions with talking therapies. LEAP www.leap-etc.co.uk 0776 0776500

This is based in philosophy and looks at everyday problems in the context of the individual within their relationships and the world. By looking at challenges from these contexts you uncover new choices to overcome them. Some humanistic approaches have roots in existential practice.

Meaning ‘beyond the personal’, this evolved out of the humanistic approach. Strips away definitions of ‘self’ such as age, gender, culture, appearance etc and looks at the person at the centre. Working from a holistic, spiritual point of view, beyond the ego.

find a therapist For more info on definitions or to search for a therapist near you, visit: UKCP: 0207 014 9955, www.psychotherapy.org.uk, www.itsgoodtotalk.org.uk/therapists BACP: 01455 883316, www.bacp.co.uk Counselling Directory: 0844 8030240, www.counselling-directory.org.uk British Association of Psychotherapists: 0208 4529823, www.bap-psychotherapy.org Free therapy: The Harbour: offers psychodynamic therapy for people suffering from and affected by life-threatening illness. www.the-harbour.co.uk Rightsteps Bristol: 0117 943 1111. NHS. Basic CBT therapy, referral through GP or self-referral. The Spark is an excellent place to find a therapist, and in our Listings pages you will find a wealth of experienced counsellors and psychotherapists: turn to page 41 for info. Also see our Training section in Listings on page 51 if you are interested in training to be a therapist yourself.

Find out m fascinatin ore about this sp ec g makes th objects are ‘unpa tacular Victorian em e c and cared special and the ked’ for the first t state as hundreds stories of ime. Disc of for them o t f v h o e e r r p o w e v h ople who er 150 ye House op ars. have trea at en from 1 sured 0 Estate & gardens o March (Sat—Wed ) pen every day Visit www .nationalt rust.org.u k/tyntesf ield

Training for Beginner and Practising Hypnotherapists Enrol now for 2012 Courses

Become a Hypnotherapist Hypnotherapy and NLP Training taught locally in a dynamic, interactive way in small classes by a qualified and accredited teacher and full time hypnotherapy practitioner.

Plus, short courses for practising hypnotherapists in NLP Self Esteem and Confidence and helping problem gamblers. Evening, weekday and weekend classes available. For course details and interviews contact Hilary Norris-Evans on 0788 771 4892 or via www.getmindfit.co.uk To download a brochure go to www.hypno-nlp.org Course accredited by the National Council For Hypnotherapy (UK) and the National Guild Of Hypnotists (USA) and NCFE (UK)

A Foundation Year in empathy skills and personal development, which can lead on to the professional training to become a Psychophonetics practitioner (2 years): next intake starting April 17th 2012 in Stroud, Gloucestershire. Taught in 4 blocks of 8 days spread throughout the year.

RELATIONSHIP building ●

●

We are looking for partners to work with us from our building in Newfoundland Road. Altereco will have a renewable showroom on the ground floor and want to have Hot Desk partners on the upper floor for renewables and any associated businesses.

●

Rental terms will be flexible and excellent value for money. We want our partners to thrive and succeed and form an energy hub in the building. Excellent networking opportunities for all!

www.altereco.co.uk Phone Reg 07796 447880

Darryl Bullock reports from Sparkland’s northern fringe, where football’s gone green and ships can heal…

ne of Britain’s most historic counties, Gloucestershire is mentioned in the AngloSaxon Chronicle of the 10th century and later in the Domesday book. Its roots stretch back much further, however, to the ancient Britons of the Iron Age and the Roman occupation, when a settlement was first established. In past centuries the county was a busy hub for the wool and silk trade and Gloucester Docks became a major shipping port. Today the county is best known for its picturesque Cotswold villages, its excellent farming and its brilliant artisan food producers. It’s also a historian’s delight: through its long and colourful history Gloucestershire has been the site of many great battles and civil war sieges; it’s been home to many notable people including the composer Holst, Robert Raikes the founder of Sunday Schools and his father (also called Robert) who pioneered regional newspapers, Edward Jenner and author Laurie Lee, and has witnessed the martyrdom of a protestant bishop (Bishop Hooper, 16th Century) and even the murder of Edward II.

moving the goalposts

by Will Simpson

making ripples

“

My Great Grandfather, Albert Winstone, created Winstones Cotswold Ice Cream in 1925 using a family recipe for Vanilla ice cream which he kept locked in his safe, away from prying eyes,” says Ben Vear. Albert, a piano maker, lost his job when the local factory burned down and to eke out a living he sold home-made ice cream from the side car of his motorbike during the summer, switching to faggots and peas in the winter. “He’d fill up the sidecar with ice,” Ben’s dad Colin tells me, “and drive around the Stroud area making his deliveries.” Demand soon grew, leading Albert and his wife to establish a small tearoom on Rodborough Common. That tearoom is still there today; each year 250,000 people trek there to sample Winstones ice creams and Ben is part of the fourthgeneration of his family to make ice cream from the same site. Today Winstones produce 1.5 million litres of ice cream annually in 13 standard flavours as well as a range of custom and seasonal favourites for shops, restaurants theatres and the take-home trade. Nine time winners of the Silver Challenge Cup in the National Ice Cream Competition as well as dozens of other major awards, sustainability is at the heart of the business, with a recently-installed heat exchange system in the manufacturing plant helping the team massively reduce their carbon footprint. “A few years ago I rediscovered Albert’s recipes, still intact inside his long forgotten safe,” Ben tells me. “I’ve also inherited his insistence on sourcing the finest and freshest ingredients, if possible from the local community. His recipes encourage use of home-grown or locally sourced fruits and the best local organic milk, double cream, and water.” A keen supporter of green business, ethical practice and the local community, Ben’s first book ‘Make Your Own Organic Ice Cream’ was released in September 2011 and he’s already working on his second, which is due out later this year. If you’re out and about this summer you might spot ben hard at work inside his Pop-Up 50s-style Ice Cream parlour. www.winstonesicecream.co.uk

n general, modern football club owners don’t exactly have a positive image. You might think of the billionaire sheikhs, eccentric East European oligarchs and dubious American sports ‘entrepreneurs’ who have bought up many of our top Premiership teams. At best, they’re individuals on some sort of esoteric (and vastly expensive) ego trip. At worst, they’re outright crooks. So fans of the Nailsworth-based Blue Square Premier team Forest Green Rovers were perhaps right to be suspicious when in 2011 their club was taken over by Ecotricity and its founder Dale Vince. Yet as Vince explains, the club was not doing well at the time and there was little other option than for the green energy company to step in. “It was more of a rescue than a takeover,” Dale says. “The club was teetering on the edge of bankruptcy. It was local to us. We (Ecotricity) are based in Stroud and employ a couple of hundred people here. So it was a mixture of their need, our ability and a chance to do something new.” That ‘something new’ soon became plain when the club made the national news last April by banning red meat from all food outlets at their New Lawn stadium. But beyond the jokey headlines it was clear that something unique was happening at Forest Green, something that might change how UK sport as a whole views environmental issues. Vince claims he wants the Nailsworth team to be the first truly sustainable football club. “We’re going to create the greenest football club, probably in the world. But not just for the sake of it; in order to take the eco message to a wholly new audience. And not just football, but the world of sport as a whole.” “The idea is to show what we’re doing at Forest Green and create a best case example of the different things that can be done. We want to show other football clubs and other sports clubs the options that they have on the issues of energy, transport and food.” Aside from binning the burgers, Forest Green have taken steps to install the first truly organic pitch in the UK. The club have also installed PV solar panels and are putting in place a catchment system that collects drain water from the pitch and rainwater from the

stadium roofs. But Vince is going further. “We’re looking at LED floodlights. We’ve got some electric groundskeeping equipment coming: an electronic robot to mow the pitch that will be powered by the sun. “We’re also looking at transport, and seeing if we can get an electric minibus for taking the players to training. We’re probably going to install charging points as part of our electric highway. The idea being that every other football game is an away match so fans have to travel. We want to be able to enable that in electric vehicles. We’ve got the backbone of that through our network of charging points on the motorways and it seems sensible to put some facilities at our club as well, so that you could travel the length of the country, watch a football game and get home again.” At present the idea of fans travelling to away games in electric cars seems far fetched. But every other sector of the British economy has had to embrace (or at least be seen to embrace) green issues, so why not sport? It’s fair to say that football’s environmental track record is pretty poor. It’s not uncommon for Premiership teams to fly their players to domestic away games and at the time of writing another South West club – Bristol City – were still planning to build an unnecessary new ground on greenbelt land. Yet if Vince has encountered cynicism to his ideas from within what is quite a conservative sport, he’s not letting on. “We have football clubs ringing us up probably every week, saying ‘we’re interested in what you’re doing’, ‘how does organic work?’ he says. “The Marylebone Cricket Club have even been on the phone to us for example, rugby clubs as well. As far as the fans are concerned there’s a whole bunch that have always been open minded and another bunch that weren’t, but are now getting into it and going ‘alright yeah I can see some sense in this and actually the food is pretty good’. One lady came up to me a few games ago and said that she’d changed her life because of the ideas that we had sparked at Forest Green. She’d gone vegetarian and said she’d never felt better or had more energy. So it is starting to change people’s lives.” Of course, the big question is will Ecotricity be able to fund both Forest Green’s environmental and on-the-field transformation at the same time? Dale Vince is confident. “Yeah, sure we can. You have to buy the kit, which is a capital cost, but then what you have is a lower running costs so you’re just trading the two off. And football wise, we have a great manager and a talented young squad that have come up so much in half a season. In five years’ time I’d like to see us in Division One.” www.forestgreenroversfc.com

Glorious Gloucestershire! eco emporium

ased in a fabulous eco-building in Bisley, Greenshop is a unique green emporium that’s been selling innovative, low impact and organic products for 25 years. Founder Roger Budgeon strives to make every aspect of his business ecologically sound and his passion for ethical finance and low impact living has shaped the way the shop has evolved over the last three decades. “Greenshop started life as a petrol station,” says Roger. “In the mid-’80s the business began to source products that were more environmentally responsible. Coming from an engineering background we naturally moved into engineering applications for water and energy efficiency, and Rainharvesting Systems, and Greenshop Solar (a subsidiary of Greenshop) was born.” The team carefully research all the products they stock – the full range includes everything

from organic toiletries, eco-friendly household cleaning solutions, books, DVDs, gifts and gadgets, through to solar panels and rainwater harvesting kits – and they can proudly lay claim to being the largest supplier of natural paints in the UK (with their company Auro Paints). Over the years the company has branched out into different specialist areas within the sustainable field. “We try to provide products and services to enable individuals, households and businesses to move towards sustainability,” says Roger. To this end, Greenshop is home to various different businesses which all ‘live’ under the same roof. “The latest company to evolve is GreenerBuild,” says Roger. “We offer consultancy, products and the installation of insulation and airtight systems, all aimed at making buildings more comfortable and healthy to be in.” www.greenshop.co.uk

all hands on deck “ We came up with the idea of starting a centre about seven years ago,” says Jan van der Elsen, “But we knew it had to be different. Finding a lightship seemed very symbolic of what we were trying to achieve and, of course, light illuminates the way forward.” Jan and his wife Agnes run Lightship Therapies from the Sula lightship, permanently moored in Gloucester’s historic docks. They bought the ship – a kind of floating lighthouse – in Ireland and spent three years refitting it; it now has three beautifully appointed therapy rooms, a large room for meetings, group meditation, sound therapy workshops (using authentic, ancient Tibetan bowls and shamanic drums) and a small gift shop featuring work from local artists and craftspeople. “We’d been in Brighton; the harbour master told us that he would love to have us work there but the harbour wasn’t suitable. He asked us if we had thought of Gloucester, somewhere we had never been to, so we came to visit and loved the energy here.” Opening for business in October 2010, Lightship Therapies offers a range of different courses and treatments. Agnes is a qualified Swedish masseuse, aromatherapist, Reiki practitioner and crystal healing practitioner, and Jan is a certified Reiki Master, sound healing practitioner and life coach. The couple will also be hiring out their treatment rooms to other complementary health practitioners. Jan is now using his previous experience in the corporate world to develop workshops in managing change for both businesses and individuals. The

couple are also planning to launch annual music weekends and a holistic health fair. Having visited, I can confirm that it’s a very special space, with the surrounding water creating an almost womblike feeling of safety and nurturing. “The lightship is very special,” Jan says. “It provides guidance for those out there who might be lost, and illuminates our path forward, so that we don’t get lost again. Bright light will pierce through the toughest storm, and will always be there for those who need it: it’s that familiar beacon that will help us to find our path again.” www.lightshiptherapies.net

Persephone College

ased at the Centre for Science and Art in Stroud, the Persephone College is the UK branch of the South Africanbased Persephone Institute, set up by Israeli/ Australian psychotherapist, trainer and international lecturer Yehuda Tagar. Yehuda is the founder of Psychophonetics, a new form of holistic counselling, coaching and psychotherapy based on Rudolph Steiner’s ‘spiritual psychology’ or ‘psychosophy’ as he named it originally. Yehuda’s passionate belief is that deep empathy with our fellow human beings is the route out of much hardship and discomfort in our emotional and spiritual life. “We need to distance ourselves from the herd mentality, and preserve our integrity as individuals while repairing our sense of community,” he says. Students of psychophonetics can work

together, using deep listening techniques, to build a picture of how eachother’s ‘wish’ can be fullfilled. Empathy enables twoway reflection on the issues presented, in a supportive environment. Psychophonetics then uses a unique gesture-and-sound approach in combination with body awareness, movement and visualisation to work out where we hold ‘stuck’ energy in our bodies. Sound work is then used to break through old patterns and blockages. Yehuda’s method can be used with all people, regardless of language and cultural differences. Persephone UK arranges talks, workshops, masterclasses, continuing professional development, and offers consultancy work in Stroud and holds regular courses in Bath, Bristol, Totnes, Glastonbury and Cheltenham. www.psychophonetics.co.uk

HAWKWOOD College Creativity & Skills for Living Well in beautiful, inspiring surroundings Only 40 mins from Bristol in Stroud GL6 7QW

“Combines heart, mind and soul with curiosity and fun.”

ROSEN Method Bodywork Cathar Practices * The Dance of Light & Dark Joyful Loving with Joy Hicklin-Bailey

EASTER Retreat

Navigating Mid-Life Energy Healing & EFT * The Artist’s Way

Moving from Fear to LOVE

OPEN DAY MON 7 MAY

10am-5pm FREE workshops Tours, café, Maypole, music, kids welcome!

Tending the Hearth * Celtic Knot Mandalas * All the Stars Above * Create a Singing Bowl

01453-759034 www.hawkwoodcollege.co.uk THE SPARK Logo +110 in courses, groups & workshops

34 Focus on Gloucestershire urban roots W

ithin walking distance of five schools and in the heart of Gloucester’s inner city, the St James City Farm enables kids from urban areas to experience life on a working farm. Since the running of the farm was taken over by community project The Friendship Café last year, young people of all abilities have taken a lead in designing and building new animal housing units, digging up and planting out vegetables, turning out livestock and dealing with countless visitors. A new project for 2012, Café Corner is designed to teach young people how to grow, cook and sell their own produce. The café will enable visitors to enjoy food produced at the farm or on local allotments, with exciting, nutritious menus created by Michelin-starred chefs. The farm acts as a living, breathing classroom, giving young people real responsibility and the knowledge that they are doing something

valuable. Children who struggle at school, who are often described as ‘disruptive’, ‘underachieving’ or are excluded, spend the day mucking out, helping visitors, handling money, taking phone inquiries, picking litter and demonstrating levels of responsibility and maturity. The idea is to nurture skills in everything from numeracy to animal biology, as well as developing a sense of pride in the kids who are doing something valuable for their community. 23 Albany St, Tredworth, Gloucester GL1 4NG. tel 01452 305728, www.stjamescityfarm.co.uk

Manager Derek Wakefield-Brown

Isbourne Centre

Ruskin Mill

aurus Crafts is an arts and crafts visitor centre situated in the countryside near to lovely, leafy Lydney. Originally set up by the Camphill Village Trust to offer work experience, training and employment to people with special needs, Taurus Crafts provides a base for 15 small artisan businesses who sell directly from their workshops, and gift shop, cafe and farm shop are well stocked by local suppliers. Taurus also provide exciting opportunities for people with learning disabilities and mental health problems through work, work experience and vocational training. Everything Taurus does supports the local community: 90 per cent of the staff are from the Lydney area, more than a dozen local craft enterprises sell through the gift shop; almost two-thirds of the goods used by the café come

from local suppliers – some of it from Taurus’ own four-acre, organic market garden – and all of their service contractors are local. Taurus also work with local care providers, local schools and have actively supported the establishment of new business in the area. Open seven days a week (closed over Christmas/New Year) and free to enter, Taurus always has at least one exhibition on as well as a number of freestanding sculptures. You can watch the artisans at their craft, producing stained glass, textiles and leather goods, distinctive handmade pottery, stone carving and more. A great day out (The Spark team dropped by last summer for a mid-morning cuppa), the centre also runs workshops and courses throughout the year. www.tauruscrafts.co.uk

ex-peck-tations

stablished in 1995 and spread over three Georgian terraced houses, the Isbourne Holistic Centre in Cheltenham is a registered charity which aims to ‘Create Positive Lives through Education’. Many of Gloucestershire’s top holistic practitioners and facilitators teach here, in disciplines ranging from Yoga, meditation, astrology, belly dancing, stress solutions and NLP. There’s a library made up entirely of donated books covering every aspect of positive change and the centre also holds talks by leading international authors and holistic experts, as well as exhibitions, workshops and book launches. Over the next three months they’ll be hosting workshops and sessions with renowned Yoga teacher Ruth White, a talk from Satish Kumar (to be held at the nearby Cheltenham Ladies College), a workshop with Steve Nobel (codirector of Alternatives), courses from the British School of Meditation and sound work with Nikki Slade, amongst dozens of other events. One of the highlights will be the Sacred Music Weekend (March 9-11) with Michael Ormiston and Candida Valentino. “The original plan was for the Isbourne Foundation to establish centres of light around the world. We’ve done that from our base here through outreach programmes, with charities including ITSA – which collects old computers, refurbishes them and then distributes them to schools in Africa – and the Makhad Trust, who work on water projects with nomadic tribes in the Sinai,” says centre manager Janie Whittemore. “I think more and more people realise that you have to give something back; if you have a good, sound core then you’re more likely to be able to go out and help others.” The Centre aims to make holistic heath accessible to as many people as possible: the centre is run on a not-for profit basis and hosts free taster sessions for the public at the beginning of every term. As Janie tells me: “The whole purpose is to help the community and to provide a safe place where people can come and explore.” tel 01242 254321, www.isbourne.org

Taurus attraction

great

ince 1986, generations of students have passed trough the doors of Ruskin Mill College in Nailsworth, one of three further education colleges operated by the Ruskin Mill Trust, and providing practical, therapeutic education for young people 16-25 years with a range of learning difficulties. Inspired by Rudolf Steiner, John Ruskin and William Morris, the Trust’s purpose is to improve opportunities for all people with learning disabilities. With over 100 acres of beautiful wooded valley, fishery and farmland, the College has a biodynamic and organic farm, two market gardens, an organically run trout farm, and a large area of sustainable woodland. Through a rich and varied curriculum involving activities such as felting, leatherwork, basket-weaving, pottery, woodwork, Iron Age forging, animal husbandry, fish-farming, woodland management, gardening, catering, hospitality, and art and drama, students have the opportunity to increase their selfesteem and to develop skills in communication, numeracy, literacy, ICT, team-building, work competence, employability, and independent living. The Ruskin Mill Arts and Craft Centre hosts exhibitions and public workshops as well as having its own organic coffee shop, open to the public. The next Ruskin Mill College Open Days will be held on March 6, April 19 and May 11. To book a place please contact Jacky Taylor, Admissions Co-ordinator, on 01453 837502 or email jacky.taylor@rmc.rmt.org www.rmt.org

limbridge Wetland Centre is open every day of the year (except Christmas day) and is a great place for nature lovers and bird watchers to see rare birds from all over the world. Run by the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, the charity manages and protects wetland habitats and works internationally to conserve endangered species. Visitors can get up close to visiting birds thanks to a network of 13 hides on the Severn Estuary. It’s also a great place to watch the mighty Severn Bore. If that’s not hands-on enough, what about grabbing a paddle and navigating the watery passages of Slimbridge’s Canoe Safari trail? You can cruise down the kilometre-long trail in a canoe of up to three people, keeping a look-out for water voles, otters, dragonflies and ducks. Open every day over the summer holidays, canoe safaris are available most weekends from April to September and on other school holidays. Don’t miss lunch at the Water’s Edge restaurant, which enjoys fantastic views of the flock of Caribbean flamingos. www.wwt.org.uk/visit-us/slimbridge

a pioneering practice

t Luke’s Medical Centre, in Stroud, offers all the services of an NHS General Practice while using anthroposophic medicine, which adds a broader dimension to modern medical practice by taking a holistic view of the human being. Anthroposophic doctors are qualified in conventional medicine and are able to combine modern medical practice with the gentle healing of natural remedies and therapies, especially useful where conventional medicine has difficulty meeting the full needs of patients. The practice was started in Tuffley, Gloucester by Dr. Norbert Glas, a doctor who attended Rudolf Steiner’s medical lectures and who came to England from Austria in the 1930s. Joining the NHS when it was established in the 1940s, the doctors at St Luke’s Medical Centre feel that complementary medicines can aid the healing of illness, whereas many drugs simply suppress symptoms. They do, however, recognise the benefits of conventional drugs, and all medicines used by the practice, conventional or not, are available on the NHS. Doctors frequently recommend other treatments including massage, movement therapy, water therapy and art therapy. Massage and water therapy can further support the body’s own healing, while art and movement therapies give patients the opportunity to be actively involved in the treatment process itself. This holistic approach is very much in keeping with the St. Luke’s philosophy of patients being active partners, rather than passive recipients of healthcare. www.stlukesmedicalcentre.org

Glorious Gloucestershire!

q&a: Katie Lloyd-Nunn Development coordinator for Hawkwood College in Stroud through Resurgence magazine and the Schumacher College, is involved with Hawkwood. How did that come about? Our new Principal, Alicia Carey, comes from Dartington, the home of Schumacher College and knows Satish well. When she invited him to run a weekend on Soil, Soul and Society, he agreed immediately. It is very much in keeping with our plans to grow in the area of sustainability, nature and transition thinking.

What were you doing before you came to work at Hawkwood? My working life has woven together threads from publishing, marketing, education, community and land-based living. Immediately before Hawkwood I worked at Ragman’s Lane Farm, a wonderful permaculture centre in the Forest of Dean. Hawkwood runs a programme of residential courses, and it is the home of the School of Homeopathy, but what attracted you to the place? I came as a guest in 1998 first of all. I lived on a rough and ready Hebridean island (Erraid, part of the Findhorn Foundation) at the time, and sliding into freshly laundered sheets in a gracious country house made quite an impression! When I arrived in 2003, one of my first tasks was to organise the annual Open Day, which appealed to my community spirit. After that I had to oversee the construction of our award-winning, ecological waste water treatment system which was an opportunity to give form to my enthusiasm for sustainable land use and being outdoors.

own merits, but we are also custodians of a particularly beautiful corner of the planet. Many people sense and comment on the special atmosphere of Hawkwood. There is definitely a spiritual energy and positive vibration here.

How important do you think the environment here is to your guests or course organisers? I think it is an integral part of what we offer. The college programme, supported by excellent tutors, needs to stand on its

What events have you got coming up this year? Gosh, where to start? Every weekend there are residential and day courses in anything from creative expression, arts and crafts, nature and environment to spiritual exploration,

wellbeing, life skills and music. The Open Day (May 7) is a great opportunity to have a taste of what goes on, with free miniworkshops, talks and hands-on sessions. We are introducing some beekeeping courses – Stroud is the first Bee Guardian town – and we have a course for 18 to 20-year-olds at the end of June giving young people the chance to find ways to make their transition into an adult life that inspires them. I’ve heard that Satish Kumar, who many Spark readers will know

Is the work you do at Hawkwood influenced by being in Gloucestershire? Yes and no. Our programme includes local, UK and international tutors and guests and we will be increasing our profile internationally with some new education and training ventures. At the same time, we really value our local contacts and are exploring partnerships with local organisations and enterprises. Above all, the stunning landscape of the south Cotswolds certainly influences our sense of well-being, working in a gorgeous place. What’s the one thing about working at Hawkwood that you enjoy the most? Can I cheat and give you a top three? The landscape and atmosphere; the variety of activities and the values of the college; a sense of making a positive contribution. www.hawkwoodcollege.co.uk

feet first…

Reflexologist Jake Stavrinides

ake Stavrinides is a Gloucester-based reflexologist who treats clients for a range of conditions and specialises in fertility and pregnancy issues. “I’ve created a pre-conception treatment programme to help clients become pregnant,” Jake tells us. “I’ve studied fertility issues in both men and women and I know what can disrupt the hormonal balance and contribute to infertility and miscarriage.” Jake’s studies have taught him how important balanced nutrition is in creating healthy sperm and eggs, and how to minimise risks during pregnancy. “Understanding body ecology and how to create the best internal environment to achieve a healthy pregnancy is key. Reflexology is not a one-stop shop as both nutritionists and doctors are integral but I help

clients make educated lifestyle choices that they may have overlooked.” Reflexology is a gentle, soothing therapy performed on the feet. It is based on the principle that there are reflex zones in the feet linked by energy pathways in the body. When gentle pressure is applied it stimulates the movement of energy along those pathways and improves the body’s circulation. “Reflexology can help stimulate ovulation, reduce problems associated with pregnancy and help bring about a harmonious natural labour,” says Jake. “Treatment plans are designed for individual clients, looking at their past and present health and lifestyle factors, and I offer a range of powerful Reflexology techniques for use pre-conception, during the actual pregnancy (second trimester through to birth preparation) and post natal. “After the birth it’s very important to re-balance the hormones to avoid depression. Reflexology can help the metabolism work more efficiently, help bodily tissues return to the pre-pregnant state, improve mood and even stimulate milk production. Reflexology lends itself perfectly to the hormonal factors relevant for fertility and a healthy pregnancy, because the treatment is grounded in holistic thinking. Encouraging the body to get into balance is the key of this amazingly versatile and successful therapy!” Fifteen per cent of the cost of all treatments goes to The Cedars Amethyst Trust, which raises funds for cancer patients throughout Gloucestershire. Bookings via Cedars Health & Beauty, Gloucester Leisure Centre Tel 01452 307767

where the wild things are

he Wilderness Centre is a much-loved environmental education hub in the Forest of Dean that was forced to close last year due to budget cuts. A campaign group calling themselves Friends of the Wilderness took the local council to the High Court in 2011 to challenge the decision but unfortunately the challenge failed. Friends of the Wilderness is currently in discussions with the council about buying the centre with a view to reopening it themselves. Now a new group of volunteers have taken a more direct appraoch and moved into the space themselves. The group, which calls itself Protect the Wilderness, moved in at the beginning of January 2012 to act as caretakers and run it on a voluntary basis, and are now running free courses, skill shares and workshops out of the centre. A spokesperson for the Protect the Wilderness project says: “We wish to work with the Friends of the Wilderness Centre and Gloucestershire councils to keep the centre open for the benefit of the local community and involve them in the process of deciding what the future of the centre should be. We believe there is an urgent need now more than ever to keep community hubs and educational spaces open so people can come together to learn skills and share ideas. These spaces empower and enable communities to collectively forge a truly sustainable economy and local resilience for the times ahead.” A Reclaim The Fields Gathering will be taking place this March 8-9 at the Wilderness Centre. Reclaim the Fields are a collective of diggers, dreamers, and growers who are

passionate about food autonomy and land rights. There will be workshops on how to organise & maintain effective land occupations, land rights and food sovereignty issues. There will also be feedback from the European Reclaim the Field Gatherings, as well as workshops around seed sovereignty, WWOLF (woofing with teeth!) and details of Reclaim the Field Trips. Saturday March 10 is the Wilderness Centre’s public open day so there will also be practical skill-sharing workshops then. Accommodation is available from the evening of Wednesday March 7. Bring sleeping bags, blankets, mats, your own cutlery, bowls. There is indoor sleeping space and room for tents outside. Bring any homegrown food to share & seeds to swap. Food is a £5 donation per day.

The Wilderness Centre, Plump Hill, Mitcheldean, Glouc GL17 0HA; Facebook page link: http://on.fb.me/w2InMx, www.reclaimthefields.org.uk

marketplace

for shops, products & services

art

food & drink

• Arts • Crafts • Gifts OPEN TO ALL

Supporting Children’s Scrapstore.

OPEN: Mon-Sat: 10am-5pm

Artrageous at The Childrens Scrapstore Scrapstore House, Sevier Street, St Werburghs, Bristol BS2 9LB Tel: 0117 914 3025 Reg. Charity No 2624238

cycling

SUNDAY MARKET

Every week 10am - 2.30pm More choice than ever before at the Sunday Tobacco Factory Market. Over 30 stalls offering delicious fresh farm food, locally made bread, home made cakes, cheese, sausages and pies plus many excellent craft and design stalls.

Join us at ‘Facebook.com/tobaccofactorymarket’ for regular updates

TOBACCOFACTORY.COM

who cares sustainable

supermarket Weavers Walk, 33 Silver Street, Bradford-on-Avon

• Organic • Fairly-Traded Vegetarian Foods • Supplements • Remedies • Essential Oils & Toiletries • Organic bread in daily

01225 866590

getting away

services

Ta n t r i c H ea l i n g Massage for Lovers

or people who are curious about yoga not fanatical about fitness. Our programme connects you with the distinct culture, people and landscape of La Alpujarra, Spain.

2 DVD set equivalent to 3 courses Tantra for singles and couples Phone 07875435104

www.tantra.uk.com

www.yogaplusholidays.com info@yogaplusholidays.com Tel: 0034 958851491

book online at www.thespark.co.uk

gift shop

There’s lots of new things happening down at the farm! New Exciting EventsNew Sunday Opening 10-3pm for (locally sourced) Breakfasts. New programme of courses - New Picnic Area-New Nature TrailNew membership scheme Come on down and check it all out! And make sure you follow us on facebook and Twitter! www.windmillhillcityfarm.org.uk @windcityfarm

shopping

Trading in a peaceful environment in the heart of Bristol's busy shopping centre, we offer gifts and homeware, 3/4 of which are bought direct from developing countries and small suppliers. We work with the communities who supply our goods, providing them with access to larger markets and asking them where they need support. Our profits go to fund Buddhist projects internationally and community projects amongst our suppliers.

Looking to promote your ethical business or enterprise and get the attention you deserve? Then Conscious Frontiers can help Inspired by a passion for making a difference, Conscious Frontiers was founded by experienced communications expert and journalist Will Gethin in January 2012 to promote businesses, organisations and individuals engaged in creating a better world. Services include: • Support with messaging, positioning and branding • Media campaigns and social media • Copywriting and editing • Web/graphic design and print • Event management If you’re looking for a passionate and highly experienced advocate for your business, contact Will Gethin today on 07795 204 833 or visit www.consciousfrontiers.com

Visit us on the first floor of the Galleries, Broadmead (next to Waterstones) Tel: 0117 922 5877 E-mail: bristol@evolutiongifts.co.uk For details of our ethical trading policy visit our website www.evolutiongifts.co.uk or pick up a leaflet in our shop.

ISS Building Company with 30+ years practical & management experience can help with your project from inception to completion. • a personal manager for your job • work guarantees • advice on plans & budget • recruiting & managing your builders • technical advice & liaison with architects ISS is affordable, reliable and considerate.

green

gifts

Jewellery, Gifts and Curiosities from around the World. Watches, Silver, Costume and Body Jewellery. Watch Batteries and Straps fitted Free. Aromatherapy Oils, Crystals, Music Tarot and Meditation Cards. Candles Woodcarvings Furniture, Soft Furnishings and more.

0117 914 3311 07785 933 993

18 St Marys Street, Thornbury, Bristol BS35 2AB

www.iss-bristol.co.uk

Fairtrade clothes • Bags • Gifts • Funky Tights Comprehensive range of Jewellery • Body Jewellery Scarves • Cards • Knitting yarns • Haberdashery and other Fantastic Stuff

The Alternative Department Store

op o

Open Tues-Sat 10:00-5:30

of P g n

and

55 Gloucester Road Bishopston Bristol BS7 8AD Tel: 0117 942 5625

mail order & web

gifts

Tel &Fax: 01454 415303 E-mail: bibelotuk@hotmail.co.uk www.mythornbury.co.uk/bibelot

henry@iss-bristol.co.uk

n g er Y

Pop music sample tapes only £10 Tel: 0117 950 1352

marketplace: reach over 100,000 customers! call Ann on 0117 914 3434 email ann@thespark.co.uk

index acu - car want to advertise in advertising? The Spark?more see inside info on back inside cover back forcover info

Welcome to The Spark Listings – issue 68 Find lovely people offering you a plethora of services and opportunities, from courses to counselling, massage, personal development, spirituality and yoga ... plus food suppliers, eco-builders, holiday providers and more. Making the global personal.. the personal global.. we think you can’t separate the person from the world they live in. * When you reply to an ad please say you saw it in The Spark – it’s the advertisers who pay for The Spark and it’s great for them to know their ads are working (and it really helps us). Thanks. Disability access codes are included in the

ads if the advertiser has given them to us:

A Level entrance to building B Room with level access C Adapted toilets S(X) Steps and no. of steps NA Not accessible H Home visits available T Telephone for further info

acupuncture

Listings sections this issue: acupuncture addictions alexander technique architects, buildings & home aromatherapy arts therapies astrology bowen technique breath therapy business consultancy business services career development centres & venues ceremonies & celebrations children chiropractic city farms coaching complementary clinics complementary practitioners

computers & web design cooperatives constellations counselling & psychotherapy: • bath • bristol • bristol north • chippenham • families/young people • groups/group therapy • psychotherapy • relationships • stroud • general c&p training courses - green courses, groups & workshops craniosacral therapy cycling dance death & dying dentists & dental care design, writers & print feng shui food

garden gay, lesbian & bisexual green energy growing older healing health & beauty health shops health testing & screening holidays: • activity • holiday cottages • green • holistic • retreats homeopathy housing & land hypnotherapy kinesiology lightning process massage & bodywork meditation money movement & bodywork

music & sound nlp nutrition & diet osteopathy personal growth courses rebirthing reiki relaxing & winding down rolfing rooms & spaces shamanism shiatsu spiritual paths & practices tai chi training voice volunteering women yoga

Small Print. It’s very rare, but once in a while an advertiser behaves in a way they shouldn’t. If you’re had an experience with one of our advertisers that made you feel uneasy, uncomfortable, cross or bamboozled, please let us know as soon as possible. We’ll do our best to make the situation better – this could be through

gentle persuasion, direct challenge, or in some cases by refusing to accept their custom. Having said that, the small print below still stands.. Blue Sax Publishing Ltd, who publish The Spark, cannot take any responsibility for the quality of an advertisers’ service or advertisers’ conduct. In choosing an advertiser you may wish to consult the

appropriate professional bodies. We gather the info but we can’t and don’t evaluate the advertisers. Advertisers are advised that all copy is their sole responsibility under The Trade Protection Act. All adverts must comply with the British Code of Advertising Practice. We reserve the right to refuse, amend, withdraw or otherwise deal with

advertisements submitted to us at our absolute discretion and without explanation. Blue Sax Publishing can accept no liability for any loss or damage resulting from omission or inaccuracies relating to telephone numbers, wording, spacing or positioning or other material regardless how caused.

alexander technique Alexander Technique on Greek Island of Alonnisos Freedom and awareness mid crystal-clear seas, olives, pines, wild herbs, boat trips, snorkelling. 0207 253 2022 alexpen@onetel.com www.alexanderingreece.com

Safe, effective & drug free treatments. • Nausea • PIH • Breech & Posterior Turning • Post Natal Care • Miscarriage Care • Miscarriage Reduction • Menstrual & Menopausal Complaints • Fertility, Natural, Assisted & IVF (male/female) • and more. Birth preparation treatments studied & seen to reduce labour time, reduce intervention needed & encourage spontaneous delivery around your due date. • Active Birth Sessions. Make informed & empowered choices for the birth of your baby. Groups, Couples & Individuals. • Doula-Birth Companionship; Encouraging a satisfying experience, Pre & Post Natal. • Savings & Concessions Available. Please see website or ring for details. 0117 924 9774 / 07966 249 201 barefootdoula@hotmail.co.uk Bristol www.tothepointacupuncture.co.uk

Isabel James Lic.Ac, MBAcC, MRCHM

• Traditional Chinese Acupuncture • Chinese Herbal Medicine • Experienced children’s practitioner • Gentle effective treatment. Fully qualified practitioner with 10 years’ experience in successfully treating a wide range of conditions, both physical and mental/emotional. Bishopston, Bristol. Tel: 0117 924 1188

addictions

Knowing someone you care about is using drugs and alcohol to cope can be devastating to loved ones. Concerned others often display psychological and physical stress symptoms such as anxiety, depression, insomnia, poor concentration, anger, teeth clenching, back pain, stomach cramps and many more. These symptoms often impact other family members and give rise to a general feeling of powerlessness for all concerned. If you or someone you know is in crisis and affected by someone’s drug and alcohol misuse, whether it’s your partner, good friend, sibling, parent or child you are worried about, we can provide a range of support for you. KWADS 0117 953 3870 info@kwads.org.uk www.kwads.org.uk

Alcohol, Substance, Internet Counselling Concerned about yours or another’s behaviour? Confidential, qualified addiction counsellor with over 10 years experience offering practical support/advice. Sarah 0785 475 2749 bristoladdictionconsultancy@gmail.com

Backache, Stiff Neck, RSI?

Learn how to stop muscular aches, move more easily, become calmer, happier. It’s never too late to change! Veronica Pollard www.veronicapollard.co.uk 0117 966 4797 / 0779 178 5850

architects, building & home

aromatherapy Debbie Latchem. Aromatherapy & Pregnancy Massage/Facials ITEC, MTI, APNT, IPTI

My practice is in Kingswood, Bristol, for female clients. I offer relaxing treatments in ambient surroundings with flexible appointment times. Gift vouchers are available and I sell my own range of natural aromatherapy products. Special offer: £5 off first treatment. 07710 442814 dlatchem@o2.co.uk www.debs-aromatherapy.co.uk

arts therapies Susan Lawrence Dramatherapy Dramatherapy for individuals & groups

The practice, formed in 1984, has specialised in community buildings, doctors’ surgeries, private houses, and many small-scale extensions and alterations. No job is considered too small and all designs are unique and specific to their client and situation. Special consideration is given to sunlight, view, ecological materials, context, inclusive access, to produce quality solutions that the users will cherish. Vic Love Architects Ltd operates a sliding-fee scale and offers a service to suit, from initial ideas to the full service including designs, drawings for regulations, building contract management and site inspections. Nearly all the commissions have come from referrals from satisfied clients, reflecting the close working relationship and service provided as well as the character, design and quality of the completed buildings. Vic Love Architects Ltd has completed over 1000 projects throughout Bristol and the immediate area. If you have any architectural projects in mind of whatever size, we welcome you to ring us or pop in to the shop for an informal chat. Vic Love Architects Ltd - 188 Bedminster Down Road, Bristol BS13 7AF Tel: 0117 963 3007 Fax: 0117 963 3007 e-mail: viclove@viclove.co.uk ABH

Eco-Decorators, Organic Gardeners “Inside Out”

• Quality decorating with attention to detail. Non-toxic paint specialists. • Garden maintenance / design. Pruning, weeding, strimming, hedge laying, fencing. Free estimates. Established 2000. 0779 272 8012 / 01761 452495

Home Maintenance Solutions

• Wooden floors repaired, sanded and sealed. • Plastering • Wallpapering • Interior/exterior painting • Tiling • Carpentry • Garden decking, etc. Reclaimed timber/ eco-friendly materials. Friendly experienced craftsman. Pete: 01225 400137 or 0779 288 3584

Using play, movement, voice and storytelling dramatherapy can help you to • develop your creativity • discover other aspects of yourself • develop your confidence and self expression • heal hurts. Please phone / email for more information or to discuss your individual needs. Phone 0117 933 2607 Email susan_lawrence_evaluation@yahoo.co.uk www.susanlawrencetrainng.co.uk

astrology Patricia Lapins

Astrology and Tarot Readings

I offer individual sessions in which I analyse your horoscope, and with the aid of Tarot cards and studying the movements of the planets, I am able to shed light on the problems and challenges you are meeting in life, and see into the future. Please ring Patricia tel: 0117 924 0129

Spiritual Astrology Readings & Workshops

Do you feel that you are here for a higher purpose? Based on 30 years experience providing uplifting and inspiring astrology readings, my workshops explore planetary influences on our life patterns (e.g. relationships, career, health and past life influences), getting closer to understanding that purpose. Christine 07962 013 914, christine@astrology.vpweb.co.uk www.astrology.vpweb.co.uk

bowen technique Christian Dunham ECBS

Australian Bowen Therapist based in Bath. Telephone: 07910 332393 www.christiandunham.net

Louise Davies ECBS, MFHT Bowen Therapist, Bishopston, Bristol. Special offer for new clients. 0117 944 5279 / 07946 453070

breath therapy Anatomical Breathing Exercises

Dr Andrew Bradford. For relaxation, well-being, healing. 0776 633 0440 www.reconnectivebreathing.org

business consultancy Need Help With Your Marketing?

Designer/Copywriter/Therapist with over 15 years marketing experience both off and online. Visit www.bristolfreelance.co.uk or call Kate 07941 554484

business services Are You Still Looking For An Accountant? Accounts and tax return preparation for partnerships and individuals. Assistance with Revenue investigations. Siri Perera Chartered Accountant. Ashley Down, 0117 923 2113. siri.perera@btinternet.com

Helen Bardle, Chartered Accountant

I know from personal experience how many demands are placed on any business owner. I aim to make life easier by offering a professional service including management and year-end accounts, budgets and forecasts, tax returns, payroll and VAT. Contact me on 01934 744333 or helen@helenbardle.co.uk to arrange a free initial discussion.

career development CV Writing & Interview Coaching

Human Resources professional offers CV and interview consultancy. Amy 0117 944 4088

Heal Your Life Teacher Training

Learn from the foremost workshop leader/trainer in the UK - Gillian Bowles MBA IPTI (certified by Louise Hay). Tel: 029 20710744 www.lifehealingteachertraining.co.uk ABCLT

Public Speaking Fears?

My passion is about helping people find their voice and find their ease in front of groups. It can be done! Take a look at my page ad in Courses, Groups & Workshops, or go to www.speaking-infront.co.uk John Dawson 01225 425300

The Spark

free, thinking, and independent. take one every three months.

adorrates visit on www.thespark.co.uk inside back cover for more info & to book online index cent - comp

centres & venues

Anam Cara Retreat Centre

Peaceful location in the the Scottish Highlands, overlooking the Monadhliath Mountains, Inverness. Offering a diverse range of workshops in Shamanism, Buddhism, Meditation, Soul Quest, Permaculture, Healing Arts, Yoga Training, Hill Walking and Working Retreats. Friendly, rustic atmosphere, grass-roofed venue and delicious vegetarian food. For 2012 brochure Contact: 01463 711702 welcome@anamcara.org www.anamcara.org

faithspace Café La Lumière is an art and spiritual café where various workshops and talks are offered by the founder, including mosaic workshops, reiki, tarot, self-development, wholesome cooking, abundance, and more. Café La Lumière also hosts a mind body spirit library of more than 600 titles which can be joined for a reasonable fee. We aim at serving fair trade and organic products and drinks. This is a small family-run business, run from home by artist and writer Anges de Lumière with her daughter. Opening hours can be obtained by email: contact Anges at mosaicdreamer@gmail.com or phone 0791 460 6729

Community space rental in beautiful old church in Southville

Large/small halls/classroom/kitchens. Looking for space, or to join our Christian Community? Join us on the journey... A place to touch the love of God, a space for dreams, a space for art, a space for family, a space for faith. 0117 963 6194 www.faithspace@bristol.org.uk ABCT

ceremonies & celebrations Charles Kemp, Interfaith Minister

Shadow Work Coaching with Marianne Hill Bristol

I believe deeply in the transformative power of non-judgemental acceptance. Only then can the parts of ourselves that we most want to hide come forward into the light, knowing it is a safe place to be, and that they may finally be witnessed and transformed. “Marianne brings passion, commitment and an open heart. I was able to transform the issue at the deepest level.” Vicky. Please see my website for further information. www.ShiatsuAndShadowWorkBristol.co.uk 0117 941 1012 hillymanril@hotmail.co.uk

Vision Coaching through Expressive Arts Create lifestyle changes with Vision Journal, collage, sandplay mandala, voice dialogue: playful tools for living the life of your dreams. 0790 752 7833 www.creativeliteracy.co.uk HT

www.walkingtomeetourselves.co.uk Offering supported time and space outdoors.... Call Rosalind 0117 330 9024

complementary clinics

Alexander Technique Julia Norman 0117 927 7005 CBT David Wilcox 07766 465 678 Energy Healing James Coombes 07791 496 687, Tara Halliday 07866 495 885 Holistic Massage Kathryn Smith 07906 540 389 Birth and Parenting Dominique Sakoilsky 07969 204763 Psychotherapy and Counselling Bryan Greene 01275 395 215, Matthew Appleton 0117 942 9696, Garth Naude 0770 900 1528, Cheryl Garner 01275 395 214, Susan Gully 07581 325846, Liz Sorapure 0117 9444380 Reflexology George Rose - 0781 044 1470 Craniosacral Therapy 0117 9428647 - Dominique Sakoilsky, Jenni Meyer, Matthew Appleton. 26 Cairns Road, Westbury Park, BS6 7TY (Entrance in Russell Rd). Tel: 0117 942 8647. Further info www.cairnsclinic.co.uk S(1)

Weddings, Civil Partnerships, Namings, Blessings, Funerals. www.universalceremony.co.uk 01373 462606

Weddings, Baby Blessings and Funerals Creative, individual, meaningful, beautiful ceremonies. Andrea Harris, Interfaith Minister: 01749 870795 A versatile venue for Frome. The Cheese & Grain is available for hire for local residents and clubs, and for all registered charities at reduced rates. Corporate, educational and charity meetings can be booked by negotiation, with access to all venue facilities including screen projection and catering. Contact Martin Dimery at martin@cheeseandgrain.co.uk Cheese & Grain, Market Yard, Frome Tel: 01373 455 768

Gaunts House, home of the Gaunts House Charitable Foundation Ltd, is a country mansion set in beautiful Dorset countryside, with an amazing intention. We are here to learn, grow and develop our consciousness, and to provide the environment for you to do the same. Our Community of Profound Learning is a spiritually-based, holistically-minded group of free thinkers committed to exploring and supporting the evolution of consciousness and the awakening of their inner selves. As well as hosting private retreatants, Wwoofers and other volunteers, we are a leading venue for courses and workshops. Our Annual Summer Gathering (this year 9th-12th Aug) is a wonderful opportunity to experience this sacred and peaceful environment. Tel: 01202 841522 www.gauntshouse.com www.gauntssummergathering.com

Learn, Relax and Play in a magical setting near Dorset’s Jurassic Coast Monkton Wyld Court offers popular residential courses like beekeeping and eco-building, specially tailored holidays for family celebrations, B&B and venue bookings. Meals are lovingly prepared using fresh ingredients from our Victorian walled garden and other local organic producers. Monkton Wyld Court is run by an intentional community committed to the promotion of sustainability through cooperative living and learning. www.monktonwyldcourt.org 01297 560342

☞ Shrine & Sanctuary

Special places for memories & contemplation. See Death & Dying Section

children Light Up Your Child’s Learning!

A unique combination of NLP and private tutoring specifically tailored for your child’s needs - affordable and suitable for all ages. Would your child like help with: National Curriculum subjects, confidence, behavioural issues, phobias, public speaking, spelling, exams, special needs, specific talents, self-esteem and general well-being? Contact Emma Light: 07815 768132, e-mail: lightinguplearning@hotmail.co.uk

chiropractic McTimoney Chiropractic, Craniosacral Therapy, Spinal Touch

Joanna Hanstead DC. Gentle chiropractic care since 1987. Free spine checks. All ages welcome. Bath and Frome. www.johanstead.co.uk 0777 390 6273

city farms

There’s a lot of new stuff going on at Windmill Hill City Farm these days... Come on down to our café for a lovely lunch and a latte from our new coffee machine. Check out our new term of 10-week courses including: • Organic gardening • Silver jewellery making • Textiles • History of cinema • Indian head massage • Novel writing • and many more... And go to our website at www.windmillhillcityfarm.org.uk/events to see what new events we are putting on in 2012. Windmill Hill City Farm also has an adventure playground, community building with meeting spaces, a five-a-side pitch and a nursery for children aged from three months to five years old. Don’t forget to come and visit our range of Farmyard animals too! If you ‘like’ us on facebook.com/windmillhillcityfarm and follow us on twitter@windcityfarm you will be kept up to date on all that’s going on

coaching Facilities include: The Bunkhouse Teaching room, large kitchen and dining area, garden, fire pit, hot tub, parking, lovely showers, compost loo. Shared dormitory rooms sleeping 13, plus camping. New! The Mushroom Shed Ideal for one-day courses, meetings or just getting together. Approx 50sq metres; flooring suitable for Yoga/ Tai Chi; lots of natural light. Can be hired with the Bunkhouse. Beautiful setting. Located 1 hour from Bristol in the Forest of Dean. Enjoy 60 acres of organic farmland close to the Forest of Dean and River Wye. Locally sourced vegetarian catering can be provided. Call us on 01594 860244 or check www.ragmans.co.uk for pictures and further information

Arcania’s New Premises! Arcania has moved to a fantastic new central location right next to Bath Abbey, with additional treatment rooms available for more therapies and space for small groups. We specialise in our own branded Aromatherapy product range, gemstone jewellery, books, CDs and other unique gifts for the Mind, Body and Spirit. The treatments we offer in our Therapy Rooms with our highly qualified therapists include: • Massage (Aromatherapy, Deep Tissue, etc.) • Beauty (Waxing, Facials) • Reiki • Sound Vibrational Therapy (tuning forks, crystal bowls) • Astrology/Palmistry/Card Readings • Past-Life Regression Therapy. More coming very soon! All are welcome, just call the shop for information or to book an appointment. Gift Vouchers available for treatments or goods. Open Monday-Saturday 10.00am-5.45pm & Sunday 11.00am-4.45pm. 6-7 Orange Grove, Bath, BA1 1LP. Tel: 01225 335233 info@arcaniabath.com www.arcaniabath.com

Lymphatic Management uses a light medical massage to reduce oedema and stimulate the lymphatic system, this is called Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD). Decongestive Lymphatic Therapy combines MLD and specialist bandaging to reduce swelling and improve mobility and appearance. A compression hosiery fitting service is offered using attractive modern hosiery (no Norah Batty tights!). My experience includes working in a major London NHS hospital’s Lymphatic Department. ElectroMagnetic Stimulation (EMS), a gentle, effective therapy helping conditions like arthritis, back pain, joint pain, sports injuries, MS and fractures. M-Technique, a hypnotic massage for stress and insomnia, which I practised at Cheltenham Hospital. Bristol: Tues and Fri at Whiteladies Health Centre, Whatley Road, Clifton BS8 2PU Tel: 07867 934677 susanna@centre4health.co.uk Nailsworth: Mon, Wed and Thurs. Saturday by appointment only. Free car parking Tel: 01453 836230 Suite 2, 2 Market Street, Nailsworth, Stroud GL6 OBX. Call 07867 934677 for appointments. See details and testimonials www.centre4health.co.uk

Creative Coach

Business coaching for artists & designer-makers. http://lisamalyon.com 0758 4433422

Life and Career Coaching

with Jan Castle: Gain clarity and make difficult decisions with confidence. Established 10 years; free consultation, fully guaranteed and “surprisingly enjoyable“. 0117 944 1618 www.jancastlecoaching.com

Personal Life Coach - Qualified, Affordable. Call or text Jay Blackwood: 0785 034 8407 www.bristolcoach.co.uk

Therapy Room at Bristol City Yoga in Stoke’s Croft and Bishopston, Bristol. £10 off your first treatment when you log onto www.bristolcityyoga.co.uk/offers BCY Therapy room brings you expert therapists in a beautiful space. We welcome you whether you need to restore your health or simply wish to relax and revitalize. Treatments include Acupuncture, Craniosacral Therapy, Herbalism, Homeopathy, Osteopathy, Sound Therapy, Massage - Acupressure, Aromatherapy, Ayurvedic, Chavutti, Deep Tissue, Holistic, Hot Stone, Natural Facials, Pregnancy, Post-natal, Shiatsu, Sports and Thai. We also offer graduate and post-graduate training in massage and bodywork. www.bristolcityyoga.co.uk/therapy-room therapies@bristolcityyoga.co.uk 07582 425237

Acupuncture, Allergy Testing, Aromatherapy, CBT, Colour Light Therapy, Counselling, E.F.T., Health Kinesiology, Herbal Medicine, Homeopathy, Hypnotherapy, Indian Head Massage, Iridology, Massage, McTimoney Chiropractic, N.L.P., Neuro-Linguistic Psychotherapy, Reflexology, Reiki, Shiatsu, Sports & Remedial Massage (Holistic / Swedish / Thai), Time Line Therapy. Free ‘Which Treatment?’ Consultation. Excellent natural health treatments given by the same qualified and experienced practitioners that made the clinic such a success from the start. Gift vouchers. Children’s clinic with treatments given at reduced prices. Casual callers welcomed. Tel: 0117 94 44 448 ABC

“you’re nice” “how kind of you to say so” “well I am a complimentary clinic”.

Providing complementary healthcare since 1988. Individual appointments with highly qualified, experienced practitioners. Some evening appointments available. • Acupuncture • Osteopathy • Cranial Osteopathy • Homeopathy • Counselling • Kinesiology • Reflexology • Chinese Herbal Medicine • Holistic Massage • Reiki. We have disabled access to all therapy rooms and provide a peaceful, safe and caring environment in South Bristol. We also run courses and classes including Tai Chi, Yoga, Meditation, Massage and Shiatsu. The Centre houses the Lam Rim Bristol Buddhist Centre, a small bookshop and refreshment area. Beautiful, large hall available for hire: dates available for 2012. For appointments and hall booking enquiries: 12 Victoria Place, Bedminster, Bristol BS3 1BP. 0117 923 1138 www.centreforwholehealth.org info@centreforwholehealth.org SABC

Practitioners. • Louise Chapman - Acupuncture 07789 913 973 www.sites.google.com/site/louisechapmanacupuncture • Lisa Clarke - Alexander Technique 07904 401 421 lisaeclarke@btinternet.com • Jon Muscaty - Osteopathy and Naturopathy 07968 680 851 www.jonmuscaty.co.uk • Heidi Spindler - Therapeutic/Aromatherapy Massage, Reflexology 07966 453 815 hspindler.mail@gmail.com • Ze Gray - Nutritional Therapist 07719 606 339 www.znutrition.co.uk Hypnotherapists. • Claire Brigg 07984 305 239 www.clairebrigg.com • Susan Cassidy 07887 565 907 www.solutionsinmind-hypnotherapy.co.uk • Susan Rodrigues 07743 895 513 www.susanrodrigueshypnotherapy.co.uk • Matthew Dyson 07989 576 456 www.dysontherapy.com • Stephanie Burton (nee Hill) 07915 158 089 www.cliftonhypnotherapy.co.uk Hypnotherapy Information and Appointments Line: 0117 973 3260

more complementary clinics ads over the page

comp - comp

want to advertise in The Spark? see inside back cover for info ☞ Clearing with Anthony Johnston Clearing patterns brings emotional freedom. See C&P Bristol section

computers & web design Located close to the Arches, Enso offers a relaxed and friendly environment to treat a whole range of today’s health problems. With a team of dedicated & experienced practitioners of traditional and conventional therapies, your every need will be catered for in the comfort & informal surroundings of Enso. Acupuncture Sarah May 07929 252756 • Neil Kingham 07985 916114 • Fletcher Kovich 07939 843969 Hypnotherapy Kathryn Fletcher 07964 433023 • Michael Hughes 07969 122938 Shiatsu Julie Decarroux 07845 804015 Thai Massage Cliff de la Croix 07726 301714. Whether you have a serious on-going health issue or just want to de-stress, simply phone or pop in for information on any of the treatments that we offer. Treatment Rooms available for hire to qualified practitioners, please call for details.

Our qualified practitioners welcome you to the peaceful atmosphere of the Healing Rooms: Acupuncture Sandra Arbelaez 0794 7808484, Eleanor Breen 0783 416 0906, Julie Kelham 0795 037 8250 Aromatherapy Belinda Jeffery 07941 501660, Sarah Mortimer 07851 307062, Geraldine Simms 0795 836 3056 Chinese Herbal (Medicine) Sandra Arbelaez 07947 808484 Counselling Mo Cahill 0117 973 6503, Rosalind De-Silva 0754 181 5085, Jo Reader 0771 324 3547, Konstantina Sokolaki 07921 212 622 Holistic Massage Karunavapi 07709 284056, Sandra Arbelaez 0117 378 9426, Emma Lewis 07886 356 358 Hypnotherapy Sarah Mortimer 07851 307062, Stephanie Betschart 07731 784 254 Indian Head (Massage) Belinda Jeffery 07941 501660, Geraldine Simms 0795 836 3056 Pre/Post Natal Massage, Doula Trish Utaboon 0776 622 4006 Psychotherapy Peter Lowis 07981 798165, Andy Mckeown 07976 436149 Reflexology Belinda Jeffery 07941 501660, Sarah Mortimer 07851 307062, Geraldine Simms 0795 836 3056 Reiki Sandra Arbelaez 0117 378 9426, Geraldine Simms 0795 836 3056 Shiatsu Hannah Currant 07981 992178, Rosie Freeman 0798 027 9452. To discuss which therapy would suit you, purchase a Gift Voucher or for enquiries regarding becoming one of our professional therapy team, contact our Coordinator, Karunavapi 0758 708 9220 or healingroomsbristol@gmail.com The Healing Rooms, 162 Gloucester Road, Bristol. BS7 8NT. www.healingroomsbristol.co.uk

All therapists practising at Neal’s Yard Therapy rooms are fully qualified to a high standard. Therapies available: Acupuncture • Aromatherapy • Shiatsu • Naturopathy • Massage • Homoeopathy • Medical Herbalism • Pre-conception care • Ayurveda • Chinese Herbalism • Kinesiology • Reflexology • Cranio-Sacral Therapy • Ear Candling • Bowen • Holistic Facials • Bach Flower Remedies. Workshops. We run various talks and workshops on natural medicine and healthy living. Appointments can be made by visiting the shop or by telephone. We are happy to help you choose which treatment may be appropriate. In addition most practitioners will give 10 minute free consultations to help you decide. Open Monday to Saturday 9.30-5.45pm & Sundays 11-5pm. Gift vouchers available and are interchangeable between Neal’s Yard Remedies shops. Neal’s Yard Remedies Therapy Rooms, 7 Northumberland Place, Bath BA1 5AR Tel: 01225 466944 e-mail: info@nyrbath.co.uk

Three warm and comfortable therapy rooms and waiting room in a landmark Georgian terrace with views over the water to Bristol Bridge and Queens Square with excellent parking and offering: • Acupuncture • Aromatherapy • Buqi • Clinical psychology • Counselling • Holistic and therapeutic massage • Homeopathy • Hypnotherapy • Kinesiology • Mediation • Psychotherapy • Reflexology • Reiki. Ten minutes walk from Temple Meads and only 150 yards from St Mary Redcliffe Church. The Harbourside Practice, 3 Redcliffe Parade East, Redcliffe BS1 6SW. Contact Clive on 07947 023371. clive@theharboursidepractice.co.uk www.theharboursidepractice.co.uk

you are reading the biggest free alternative magazine in the UK good, innit?

Herbal Apothecary & Therapy Rooms in central Bristol with an integrated team of experienced practitioners offering:- • Herbal Medicine • Acupuncture • Reflexology • Shiatsu • Holistic & Deep Tissue Massage • Craniosacral Therapy • Counselling • Personal Consultancy • Reiki. We’re in a beautiful 16th century building, and have a huge range of herbs and herbal products, many locally grown and produced in our dispensary. We have some spaces available for additional therapists please call Max or Lisa if interested. 58 Colston Street, Bristol BS1 5AZ Tel: 0117 927 6527 Email: info@urbanfringe.co.uk www.urbanfringe.co.uk

complementary practitioners

Are you stuck in a maze of confusion? Bewildered by therapies and remedies? Don’t know what advice to believe? The answer is simple! I can unlock what your body already knows it needs to restore or maintain health, with the fine detail of Kinesiology. Help resolve major & minor problems: digestive disorders, food intolerances, fatigue & low energy, allergies, asthma & eczema, migraine & headache, stress-related problems, PMS, menopause, muscle & joint pain, poor immunity to infections, vitamin & mineral imbalances, etc. Diana Sheppard KFRP. Natural Health Caring with Kinesiology. Call 0117 977 6354 for free discussion of your needs www.dianasheppard.co.uk

Holistic Therapist. Great Discounts Available

ITEC Qualified. Choose from • Therapeutic Massage/ Deep Tissue • Reflexology/Maternity • Aromatherapy • Hot Stone Therapy • Facials • Pamper Evenings. Vouchers. Mobile Service. Book Now! Alison 01458 833519 / 0790 639 1599

Tabitha Gale

Kinesiology, Integrated Healing, Workshops and Beautiful Jewellery. Tel: 07989 376656 www.bristolkinesiology.co.uk

PC problems? Mac misery? Wireless worries? OK, so you’ve tried switching it off then on again, and that hasn’t worked. What now? Simple: if you’re in Bristol, just pick up the phone and Dial a Geek... We’re an IT support emergency call-out service for businesses and home users. We’re fast. We’re friendly. And despite our name, we never baffle our nice customers with confusing Geek-Speak. Our charges are very reasonable, too. And best of all, we’re very, very good at sorting out all kinds of IT issues whatever kind of computer, whatever the problem, we can take care of it for you. Gildas Jones - Technical Support Engineer. Call us Free on 0800 955 7878 www.dialageek.co.uk support@dialageek.co.uk

Clear, expert and competitive computer support • PC repair - at your location quickly solving your PC problems (including viruses) on all Windows systems and most software programs • Helping you buy - advice on new equipment, helping you make the ideal purchase for your system • Maintenance - speed up your system with a spring clean • Training - get the most from all your Microsoft products by learning how to use them effectively • Efficient and straightforward - no nonsense communication explaining everything clearly without lots of techie jargon. Free initial survey of your equipment. Graham Simmonds 0117 909 2690; 0797 714 9171 graham@gscservices.co.uk www.gscservices.co.uk Supporting individuals, voluntary, NHS and private organisations across the Bristol area for over ten years

ad orrates visit www.thespark.co.uk on inside back cover for more info & to book online index comp - couns

Body Oriented Psychotherapy: Bristol & Stroud

counselling & psychotherapy

What can igeek do for you? • We design, deliver and support great websites for all kinds of organisations • We have a talented team of developers, using the most creative, robust and secure technology available, to give your organisation real online presence • We are experts in e-commerce with a wealth of experience that enables us to maximise your online selling potential • Using FileMaker, one of the world’s most popular and versatile desktop database systems, we design, create and support outstanding database solutions for Mac, PC, iPad and iPhone. Why not speak to us today and make a fresh start for your business? www.igeek.co.uk 0117 370 2469

“Well, its like this... the counselling & psychotherapy section starts with geographic and specialist areas, leads onto the general C&P ads & ends with Counselling & Psychotherapy Training.”

c&p bath Core Process Psychotherapy Bath

I offer a safe space for you to explore your thoughts and feelings about the issues and relationships in your life. I will support you in developing insight and tapping into your own well-being in order to find new ways of relating in the world. Sue Abbotson 0778 844 1845. Diploma in CPP, working towards UKCP registration sue@psychotherapy-bath.com

Hannya Melrose MA UKCP reg.

I provide a safe, supportive space in which individuals and couples can explore their thoughts and deepest feelings, unfold their potential, find a greater sense of well being and connect with a more empowered and authentic sense of self. My experience of working with life issues includes: Abuse • trauma • confusion • repetitive patterns • depression • anxiety • low self-esteem • assertiveness • anger • guilt • obsessive behaviour • addiction • phobias • bereavement • separation • relationship difficulties • loneliness • blocked creativity • loss of direction/sense of purpose/motivation • stress • redundancy • career development. Bryan Greene: Dip.Counselling and Psychotherapy, Dip Advanced Transpersonal Psychotherapy, Dip. Supervision, Certified Imago Relationship Therapist. For more information please see www.bryangreene.co.uk or to arrange an initial meeting tel: 01275 395 215

Mindfulness Psychotherapy with Jo Lawrence-Mills Tantra Computers

New Macs, repairing sick Macs, advice, upgrading your computer, printers, ADSL Broadband - all in one shop. Easy parking & helpful staff with years of experience. Macs have a lot to offer: professional MacPro Tower, powerful MacBookPro, budget iMac MacBook, all with Intel Core2Duo Processors, extremely fast and stable. Virus resistant. Macs are so much easier to use than PCs. We supply doctors & practitioners, designers, musicians, architects, writers & creative people in the South West. We provide advice & service, new & old equipment, printers & scanners, upgrades & repairs, software, memory, Giclee printing & Internet Services. iMacs from £999, MacBooks - £820, MacBook Pros - £1399, MacPro Towers £1725 + VAT. New and second-hand available. Talk to Pete Douglas - 0117 983 6999. Tantra, 48 Kensington Park Rd, Brislington, Bristol BS4 3HU (9 - 6.30, + Sats, Off Bath Road past HTV, near MFI) e-mail: pete@tantraweb.co.uk web: www.tantra.co.uk

constellations

Two Year Training in Family Constellations with Barbara Morgan, assisted by John Ainscough Founded by German philosopher and psychotherapist Bert Hellinger, Family Constellations is becoming an increasingly familiar phrase within therapeutic and spiritual circles, with the potential for healing both individuals and whole families. This training gives participants a good, basic grounding in the work with plenty of opportunity for personal work, experience as a representative, understanding of the underlying orders and philosophical stance of constellation work. Dates 2012: 11-15 April, 6-10 June, 5-9 Sept. Dates 2013: tbc. Bath. For details on residential and non-residential workshops email theknowingfield@gmail.com Further information, full programme and application form: Barbara Morgan theknowingfield@gmail.com 01373 301168 or 07966 755509

co-operatives

Co-operatives are a good way of doing business with social or shared goals - they are member-owned and guided by internationally agreed values, ethics and principles. The CDA can advise you on all aspects of setting up a co-operative: whichever type of co-operative you are interested in, be it a Worker, Consortium, Community, Housing, Food or Consumer co-operative and whichever sector of business, be it renewable energy, alternative therapies, food or any other. There are many reasons why people set up co-operatives, talk to us about yours. Using nationally recognised model rules incorporating can cost as little as £40. CDA (BRAVE Ltd), Tel: 0117 989 2536, Email: info@cda.coop Website: www.cda.coop

Offering a deep, gentle, non-judgmental, holistic and confidential approach. Free initial consultation. Bath and North Wiltshire. www.jolawrencemills.com 0787 635 7579 jolm@btinternet.com

c&p bristol

“I have been feeling energised since I started seeing Barbro... finally through counselling I have found peace of mind and joy in my life.“ Client testimonial. I provide both short-term and ongoing counselling for a wide range of issues including; anxiety, depression, stress, bereavement, parenting, relationships, trauma, abuse and redundancy. I see individuals and couples in a supporting and safe atmosphere at St Werburgh’s Counselling and Psychotherapy Practice in Central Bristol and the Well-Being Centre. Some concessions available. Graduated from Metanoia Psychotherapy Institute, London 1996. P.C Dip. Couns., PAIIRS., MBACP and CCYP. Please call Barbro Magnusson; 07988 516 845 www.barbromagnusson.co.uk barbro.ollett@googlemail.com

I believe that understanding our emotional currents and belief systems is where lasting change begins. Achieving change also needs clear strategies for new thought processes and behaviour. The choice for change may be self-driven, or in response to unplanned events. My approach is creative and integrative, combining CBT, Systemic and Person-centred methods. I have both training and extensive experience in working with individuals (including young people), couples, families, and organisations. Depending on your needs, I work short-term and long-term. I can help with a range of life-limiting issues, from relationships, self-esteem, and anger, to struggles with transitions, depression, eating difficulties, anxiety and OCD. Collean Evans-de Souza MSc, PG Dip Couns, Cert CBT, Cert Young People, Dip Systemic Therapy, MBACP Accred. Tel: 0117 907 1620 Mobile: 07866 687 146 www.vinehousecounselling.co.uk

• Gentle, safe approach to working with patterns & trauma originating in prenatal life, birth & childhood. • Parent-child therapy, supports a secure attachment. • Small groups introducing prenatal and birth psychology, suitable for individuals, pregnant women, couples, health professionals, therapists. Tel: 01453 751816 or hannyamelrose@gmail.com www.birthwithspirit.co.uk

Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)

Stressed out? Difficulties with the kids? Need Help?

Learn some new skills provided by Oxford Centre of Cognitive Therapy (Centre of Excellence in CBT) trainee. Central Bristol (BS1) & (BS6) locations. £25 per 60 mins consultation - www.lucymwalker.com Lucy M Walker, MBPsS, BSc (Hons) Psychology & Health Science, lucy@lucymwalker.com 0753 421 8877 ABT

Core Process Psychotherapy Bristol

An opportunity to bring awareness to whatever is going on for you, in an atmosphere of safety, warmth and acceptance. That awareness brings more choice and is, in itself, the start of the healing process. Free First Meeting. Katy Taylor, UKCP Reg: 07952 064702 NA

Core Process Psychotherapy Bristol Skilled in listening and understanding and an empathic and experienced practitioner, Sue offers healing and a safe, supportive space to encourage personal growth and positive self-esteem, often making lasting changes in a relatively short space of time. This is not prolonged therapy or fanciful theories, but a down-to-earth approach that brings rapid results in areas such as anxiety and stress, bereavement, burnout, depression and relationship difficulties. 27 years’ therapeutic experience; currently in holistic counselling and healing, and originally as a medical doctor (general practice/psychiatry). Individual sessions in Clifton & Stroud. New group: Honouring the Divine Feminine, see ‘Courses, Groups & Workshops’ section. www.drsueedgley.co.uk 01453 885707

Creating the space to bring all of you. Helping you find your way towards meaningful life and vitality. My background is in Spiritual Care and Teaching. Free first meeting. Achalavira Rose, male senior student MA. 07795 820 293 NA

Core Process Psychotherapy Bristol

Whether you feel out-of-step with life or have a specific issue, the gentle and compassionate CP approach can help to bring awareness to what is happening, which may then help you to find the strength and potential to heal. Free introductory meeting. Sue Allen MA UKCP Reg. 0117 968 5315 NA

Core Process Psychotherapy

Buddhist-based psychotherapy using compassionate awareness to explore difficulties and develop understanding to create the potential for change and well-being. Free Introductory. Helen Gunson. Senior Student. 0117 951 7878 NA

Core Process Psychotherapy People often assume that to change and overcome one’s limitations is necessarily slow, difficult and painful; that therapy, like childhood medicine, is something that has to be endured but it does you good. No gain without pain, as they say. This, however, has not been my experience. I have discovered that change can be surprisingly swift and easy, as well as deep and pervasive; that therapy can be immediately rewarding and create lasting results. Sonam Gyatso is an NLP Psychotherapist, a member of the Neuro Linguistic Psychotherapy & Counselling Association, holds two diplomas in Hypnotherapy, and is a Master Timeline Therapy Practitioner and Colour Light Therapist. For appointments or ffi call: 0117 983 5832 or e-mail: sonam.gyatso@blueyonder.co.uk NA

Within a warm and accepting space you can find your own truth. I will be alongside as we explore your experiences of life together, allowing new understandings to emerge and inviting change. Offering sessions at a reduced rate as a senior student working towards UKCP accreditation at Karuna. Free first meeting. Pauline Battson 0798 1638967 NA

Counselling for Recovery. Maggie Tweedy

Dip. Couns., BA, BACP member. Person-centred, 12 Step, cognitive and depth counselling. Relationships, abuse, food, drugs and general counselling. Bristol and Stroud. 07854 183740 AB

Counselling / Psychotherapy in South Bristol

Sympathetic support with many issues: loss, life changes, stress/ anxiety/ depression, confidence, health, relationships, past histories. Sessions flexible £20 www.mariabelliscounselling.co.uk 01275 837487 S(15),T Perhaps you are stuck with • feeling blue • stress • sleep issues • anxiety • unwanted habits • smoking • phobias • migraine headaches • IBS. Call or e-mail me to discuss how to live a life you’ll love. 07740 375028 www.heather-malcolm.com heather@heather-malcolm.com

Affordable Therapy for Women (£25-35 sliding scale)

I have 20 years’ experience, trained with Integrative approach. Art therapy and dreamwork also offered. Happy to work short term. Issues might include being in a period of change, loss, addiction, sexual orientation, deep sadness, illness, menopause, anxiety, relationships, spiritual crisis, etc. Phone Maxine 0117 329 7600 or 0781 494 3965 (free initial 30 minute consultation)

Alma Vale Centre Clearing takes place in a confidential, one-to-one setting where you work in areas of your choosing. The Clearer guides you in a series of communication processes that clear current problems and discharge stacked up communications, helping you find and express your inner truths, bringing insight and clarity to areas of your life that have been held in tension and confusion. Clearing offers the possibility of dissolving deep-seated patterns and fixed attitudes to bring greater satisfaction, emotional freedom and life fulfilment. To find out more about Clearing, or to arrange a free consultation with Anthony, please ring 0795 005 2100 or email anthonymjohnston@gmail.com

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We are experienced, UKCP-registered psychotherapists who trained and for many years worked at Spectrum, a centre for humanistic and integrative psychotherapy, in London. We provide psychotherapy and counselling on a range of issues, and work with individuals, couples and groups. We also offer supervision to psychotherapists, counsellors and others working in the health professions. Marion Russell, Erica Witt, John Witt. Alma Vale Centre, 30 Alma Vale Road, Clifton, Bristol BS8 2HY Tel: 0117 377 1186

Counsellor and Psychotherapist Sue Ryall

I provide a supportive space in which people can explore their concerns and struggles in depth. I have 25 years therapeutic experience in various settings, working with people from a diverse range of backgrounds. Central Bristol location. UKCP reg. sue.ryall@blueyonder.co.uk www.sueryall.co.uk 0117 921 1148

Couple and Individual Counselling

Em Sawday M.A. Psychology, Relate Cert C.C., BACP Accredited.

Modern life puts stresses and strains on all relationships. I have 25 years’ experience of helping couples and individuals find creative ways towards more satisfying ways of relating. I offer long and short-term focused work and combine my Relate training with an active Gestalt based approach. Tel: 0117 973 8213

Integrative Body Psychotherapy & Counselling Terry Davey (UKCP)

Work with both individuals and couples covering a wide range of problems. I offer a fully embodied and relational approach to change, both empathic and challenging, encompassing our physical, emotional, mental and spiritual nature. I have particular expertise in trauma (PTSD) and abuse. Call 07969 000317 www.bristoltherapy.co.uk

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couns index - cours want to advertise in advertising? The Spark?more see inside info onback inside cover back forcover info

Integrative Body Psychotherapy & Supervision Janine Mather UKCP registered

c&p groups & group therapy

18 years experience of working on all levels - mental, physical, emotional & spiritual, with problems including: Post Traumatic Stress, depression, anxiety, somatic symptoms & spiritual emergency. Individual and group supervision available for psychotherapists & complementary practitioners. 07971 783374 janine.mather@virgin.net

Mindfulness-Based Psychotherapy

In Core Process psychotherapy we work to bring awareness to the habits and defences adopted to cope with life. Increased awareness can open up space and choice to ‘do oneself’ differently and uncover inherent health and wellbeing. I offer a welcoming space for this life-enhancing enquiry. Free introductory meeting. Katharine Rider MA in CPP. www.riderpsychotherapy.co.uk 0781 344 9797 NA

Mo Cahill: Affordable Supervision for Counsellors

• 10 years Counselling; 6 years in Private Practice • 500 client hours covering: depression, anxiety, panic, stress, relationships, anger, bereavement, debt, abuse, self harm, adolescence & work stress • Integrating a Humanistic approach with CBT techniques & Psychodynamic awareness • BACP accredited with a supportive, calm, warm, & flexible approach. 079222 54618; www.mocahill.co.uk

Neil James Counselling, Central Bristol

Weekly psychotherapy group Experience the unique healing power of the group. Explore, at your own pace, how limiting deep-rooted patterns can be unlocked by engaging with others in a safe, confidential group setting. Over time achieve healthier integration of yourself with family, friends and colleagues. Early Monday evenings, central Bristol. Treasuring ourselves, embracing others A trans-cultural experiential group. Interpersonal and societal conflicts often have their origins in cultural differences. Fear of others can sometimes trigger uncertainty, challenging our sense of belonging and identity. We feel diminished. Yet only when we feel able to show our true selves can we find a valued place within family or community. This 12-session weekly, 90 minute, group enables participants to engage in potentially liberating dialogue in a creative, supportive and confidential environment. Central Bristol. For more details contact Alan on 0117 921 1148 alan.turkie@googlemail.com

Relationship Over? ...We Can Help!

Divorce or separation can be painful... and costly. Family mediation is the first choice for couples who want to achieve a negotiated settlement when their relationship is at an end. Resolve the issues arising from your break up effectively, economically, quickly, conveniently, amicably. www.progressive-mediation.co.uk frances@progressive-mediation.co.uk 0117 924 3880 / 0788 903 9393 / 0796 387 6377

c&p stroud Counsellor, Body Psychotherapist, Supervisor

Allison Priestman. Exploring body experience; supporting people to be authentically themselves. Also Body Psychotherapy workshops and training courses. Tel: 01453 731226 www.allisonpriestman.co.uk AT

☞ Body Oriented Psychotherapy with Hannya Melrose. See C&P Bristol section

☞ Dr Sue Edgley

Counselling & healing. MBBS MRCGP MRCPsych. See C&P Bristol section

c&p training

The Bath Centre for Psychotherapy and Counselling (BCPC) has been training professionals for over 25 years. We run Foundation Certificate courses as well as full professional MA/Diplomas accredited by the leading regulatory bodies (BACP and UKCP). Our MA/Diploma in Humanistic and Integrative Psychotherapy is validated by Middlesex University, and our Humanistic and Integrative Counselling Diploma counts as APL towards the Counselling and Psychotherapy Practice MA at Bath Spa University. So if you are interested in becoming a counsellor or psychotherapist, then visit us at www.bcpc.org.uk or email us using admin@bcpc.org.uk or call us on 01225 429720 for further information.

c&p general

Providing experienced, friendly counselling & therapy If you need to talk things over with a neutral party then feel free to contact me. Relationship, sexual orientation or depression issues? I have over seven years experience. First appointment £10, thereafter £20. Contact Neil James DipCouns 0844 334 5112 Email: bristoltherapy@aol.co.uk

Person-centred Counsellor

I work with individuals and couples in Clifton and City Centre. I work in an integrative way and am able to accommodate individual needs. I offer a supportive, non-judgemental and confidential environment. Areas that I work in include addiction, anger, anxiety, abuse, couples, loss, stress, trauma. MBACP. www.tammycounselling.co.uk tammycounselling@gmail.com 0797 021 9799

Psychotherapy

Therapist in training with bcpc (advanced stage). Bristol. Fee: £25. Silke Kuball 07910 536431

c&p bristol north Buddhist Therapist, Bishopston, BS7

Kamalamani - MSc, Adv Dip Integrative Counselling, Adv Dip ERT, Dip CBT, MBACP (Accred)

I offer warm, supportive and creative conditions for therapy to take place. My work is influenced by further training in Wild therapy, Embodied-Relational therapy, Buddhism and bereavement work. Please call ffi, Tel: 07905 147 968, info@kamalamani.co.uk www.kamalamani.co.uk

Cognitive Behaviour Therapy/Mindfulness Di Hall Accredited BACP. www.dihalltherapycounsellor.freeindex.co.uk 0117 959 1873 / 0781 335 7171

Integrative Counsellor, North Bristol Gabriel Julia Lodge MBACP PG Dip Counselling

Offering friendly, down-to-earth support if you feel confused, overwhelmed, isolated, in despair, unclear about the future. I provide a safe space to work with you towards greater clarity and meaning in your life. Free half hour introductory session. Please call 0117 968 5172 or 07799 790747. www.gabriel-lodge.net S(2)T

Supervision, Counselling & Hypnotherapy Practice

Redland. Affordable, negotiable, first session free. Text Barbara 0758 283 2130

c&p chippenham Clare Clilverd - Integrative Counsellor

Talking and working through problems with a trained professional, in the strictest of confidence, can make a real difference. Tel. 07899 925 179 - www.clareclil.com AB

c&p families/young people Help! Counselling

Counselling & psychotherapy for 9-25 year-olds and support for those caring for children

No limit on the number of sessions. Sites across Bristol. Also in Bath, Taunton and Exeter. We ask for an affordable contribution to our costs. You choose: the payment, the issues and how many sessions. All staff CRB checked. Tel: 0117 950 2511 ABC

‘Creative Relations’ is an art that can be practised and developed like any other. Patterns of communication are explored to see how they may limit or extend human contact. Developing awareness gives the opportunity to choose more honest, creative and dynamic relations. Jane Cutler is an experienced UKCP accredited therapist. She works from a psychosynthesis and psychodynamic perspective. Jane works with individuals and groups as a psychotherapist, mentor and supervisor. An eight week group begins in April. Please contact Jane for further details on 0117 963 2505 janecutler@creativerelations.org.uk

Most of us want to feel safe, secure and loved. It is important that these needs are met in the first two years of our life. When absent it can result in difficulties, in adulthood, in our relationships. It can cause addictive behaviour and other difficulties. I offer a safe and confidential setting for you explore your thoughts, emotions and concerns, enabling you to make positive changes in your life. I use a variety of approaches in my work tailoring them to your needs. I offer individual and couple counselling, heterosexual and same sex, in Westbury Park. Please give me a call for a chat, to book a free half hour introduction. Christine Lunt 0117 924 6581 or 07900 176226

Ongoing Group Psychotherapy -Transactional Analysis

courses - green

1 Sat pcm +1 individ. session

Transactional Analysis helps you develop “Game“ free communication and allows you to evolve more confident ways of being with other people. Working in a group mirrors your family of origin and you can address the challenges you had then and resolve them in a way you want now. For further details contact: Mike Fairclough CTA(P) UKCP reg 0117 955 1929 or Kerri Warner STA UKCP reg. 0117 909 0784

Women’s Group

Growing together towards community, intimacy, trust and authenticity, in Redland. Text Ruchi 0758 283 2130

c&p psychotherapy Jenny Oliver Psychosynthesis (UKCP)

Individual sessions for relationship and creative personal change. Tel: 01458 241205 / 0777 922 7181 CS(5),T

Openings is a cooperative of psychotherapists, counsellors and a clinical psychologist based in the centre of Bath. We work with adults, adolescents and couples, on both a short or long-term basis. We provide a confidential, supportive place where you can explore a range of issues. Therapeutic approaches include: Psychosynthesis, Humanistic & Integrative, Person centred, Core Process, Gestalt, CBT, Neo Reichian, Transactional Analysis and Transpersonal. Best way to get in touch is to visit the website which explains more about the therapists, their approaches and gives their contact details. Or email / ring the administrator (available to speak to on Monday and Thursday a.m.) for information or for a leaflet. www.openingsbath.org.uk email: openings.bath@talk21.com Tel: 01225 445013

Psychotherapy in Central Bristol with Tone Horwood

Registered by UKCP as a psychotherapist and by HPC as a Dramatherapist. I offer psychotherapy from a Humanistic & Integrative perspective to individuals, couples and groups, and supervision to Arts Therapists, counsellors and psychotherapists. Ffi 0117 972 1077 or toneh@talk21.com

c&p relationships Relate Counselling for Relationships, Families, Children

Relate offers counselling in a professionally managed and supervised organisation. The vast majority of our clients would recommend our services and use them again. We work in Bristol, Bath, Weston-s-Mare, Wells and Cheddar. Contact: 0117 942 8444 recep.relateavon@btconnect.com www.relate-avon.org.uk

Relationship Counselling

Find the patterns in which your personalities reverberate through your interactions. Sessions led by a trained facilitator with 30 years of mental health experience. Amy Hart 0755 735 2329

Sweet-Track is a centre for Psycho-Spiritual education providing accredited professional counselling trainings. The courses are designed to create a learning environment, where we support the development of self-actualisation and professionalism by integrating physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual growth. This is a Path of the Heart, where every person is nurtured as a unique individual. Our aim is to empower people’s spiritual expression and respect each others differences. Accredited by CPCAB. Non-residential Courses in Glastonbury. Level 2 Counselling Skills - 8th Sep ‘12 start Level 4 Diploma Therapeutic Counselling - 2013 Level 5 Diploma Psychotherapeutic Counselling - April ‘12 Day workshops - Spiritual Counselling - 17th March & 19th May ‘12. CPD cert. 01458 835552/ 833933 www.sweet-track-counselling.co.uk info@sweet-track-counselling.co.uk

We come to therapy for many reasons: personal problems, interpersonal difficulties, general dissatisfaction with life or for personal development. I work out of Core Process Psychotherapy because it offers a contemplative, spiritual, yet down-to-earth approach. CPP is in tune with my own views of what is truly helpful to the client. It offers a heartfelt acceptance of the client and honours their way of working. My practice is set in Wiltshire countryside; a rural retreat near Castle Combe, a short drive from Bath and Bristol. It is easy to find. I offer a Free Introductory Meeting. Phone Andrea Legh-Smith UKCP 0124 978 2516 or aleghsmith@gmail.com

Core Process Psychotherapy

Offering a safe space to explore how patterning from the past may be impacting your present concerns and feelings. We will work together to bring awareness to what is happening to support you to find your own way out of difficulties and move towards well-being. Free first meeting. Susanna Hoare, Senior Student. 0117 932 4323 www.susannahoarepsychotherapy.co.uk

Integrative Counselling

Rob Porteous MA, Dip H.I.C., BACP accredited. Long/short term counselling for individuals. 0117 971 3805

The Practical Sustainability Course with Shift Bristol. September 2012 to July 2013. A one-year exploration of practical skills, creative ideas and community-led approaches to building a sustainable and resilient future. A journey with like-minded people to discover how it all fits together. Based in Bristol for 2.5 days per week for 40 weeks. Study includes Permaculture Design, Organic Horticulture, Energy, Green Building (including a roundhouse build), Woodland Management, Soil and Ecology, Community Engagement and Group Dynamics. Immerse yourself in positive solutions with some of the SW’s most inspiring and experienced tutors and practitioners, including Patrick Whitefield, Ben Law, Tim Foster, Sarah Pugh, Dr Chris Johnstone, Mike Feingold, Tony Wrench, Nick Osborne, Mike Gardner, Matt Dunwell, Max Drake and many more. The course is dynamic, fun and challenging with a mix of classroom theory and activities, field visits, observation walks, practical work and group design projects. “An immensely powerful and informative course with exceptional people involved throughout, extremely thorough with a good balance of practical and theoretical learning in a huge range of subjects and skills.“ “It’s brilliant! So much more than a great course...more of a life-shift.“ 2010/11 students. Bookings open in February 2012. www.shiftbristol.org.uk

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subscribe for only £10 a year and get your Spark delivered right to your door email beccy@thespark.co.uk

ad orrates visit www.thespark.co.uk on inside back cover for more info & to book online index courses

Anything For A Quiet Life?

ots of people are already leading quiet lives. Maybe too quiet. Sometimes it’s not a positive choice. Somehow fear gets in the way. Some people don’t apply for jobs or promotion because there maybe a presentation to do as part of the interview. Lots of people don’t speak up at meetings. Some people just walk out of their university course because of having to give a tutorial the following week. A few brides don’t have wedding photographs because they hate being the centre of attention. One father, attending the birth of his daughter, became anxious from thoughts about having to make a father of the bride speech in 25 years time. But it really doesn’t have to be this way. You CAN change how you feel about public speaking and being the centre of attention. Over the last 12 years I’ve worked with lots of people who have wanted to live their lives without worrying about fear of public speaking . My passion is helping you find your voice when you are the centre of attention so you can take part in life more fully. To do this I offer a different type of public speaking course. I help you to understand what’s getting in the way and then teach the new skills you need to be more yourself in front of a group. It’s not about how put on a front - it’s about how to be more yourself and be able to connect with people. Once we learn the new fundamentals of public speaking, it becomes far simpler and more possible to be the centre of attention. I also run an advanced course for people who want to re-think presentations and to fully engage the audience rather than just dumping large chunks of information on a bored audience. As well as public courses, I offer in-house courses for organisations. I run courses in Bristol, Bath, London and Manchester. I’ve been a Licensed Speaking Circles® facilitator for 12 years. (I was also the founder of the Spark magazine way back when!) For a chat or to book a course ring John Dawson on 01225 425300 or email john@speaking-infront.co.uk or see my website for course dates and information. All courses come with a money back guarantee.

www.speaking-infront.co.uk “I’ve attended many workshops over the years; this one I cannot commend highly enough for anyone who feels that they are not being fully themselves, whether or not they are engaged in public speaking... Simply the most inspiring experience I’ve had for many years.” Clive A participant talking about my two day course “Taking your place in the World”

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courses index

want to advertise in advertising? The Spark?more see inside info onback inside cover back forcover info

courses, groups & workshops

We now run three cycle maintenance courses: a basic evening course, and two intensive day courses. These sessions will introduce you to bike mechanics in a relaxed and supportive environment. You don’t need previous experience, just the desire to get hands-on and skilled up. The aim is to save you money and demonstrate just how empowering and enjoyable cycle mechanics can be with a few tools and right knowledge. Spaces are limited to just four students per tutor. Once you’ve completed a day course, we’d love you to come back and use our facilities at either the Bike Kitchen or Women’s Night. www.thebristolbikeproject.org Hamilton House, Bristol

Want to learn a new skill? Develop your career? Or change direction? Join us at City of Bristol College! Our courses range from beginners to postgraduate levels. Come along on Thursday 15 March (4.30-7.30pm) to find out more about our courses in Health, Care and Therapy, including Foundation Degrees in: Counselling; Complementary Health and Creative Arts Therapy. Ashley Down Centre, City of Bristol College, BS7 9BU. Visit our website for full course listings: www.cityofbristol.ac.uk or call 0117 312 5000

Birth Trauma Resolution. Introductory Course. Causes, Consequences and Resolution of Birth Trauma. 27th -29th April 2012 in Bristol. With Kathryn Kier and Matthew Appleton. This three-day workshop is designed to provide an environment of safety, empathy and confidentiality in which to explore the impacts of prenatal and birth patterning. Time is devoted to discovering your own prenatal and perinatal history, and exploring how this history plays out in current life situations. You can then participate in exercises which repattern these early events and free you from being stuck in life situations that no longer serve you. For further details visit our website: www.conscious-embodiment.co.uk or call 0117 904 4356

Dramatherapy: an active form of therapy that emphasizes theatre techniques and embodiment through drama, to facilitate imagination, personal development, healing, change. • ‘Take One’ March 10th. Taster Day. Practical introduction. Bath. • ‘Our Time’ 13th-15th April. Drama as therapy to benefit wider society. Sociodrama and Forum Theatre applied to communities, groups, and cultures. Martin Gill & Rachel Perry, £320. Attend both for 10% discount. • ‘Acting 4 Real’ Weekly Group starts 13th March. Also available; Creative Supervision for Psychotherapists & Arts Therapists, 1-1 and group, Bath and Bristol. Scenario Arts in Personal Development 01225 427601 Rachel@scenario59.freeserve.co.uk www.dramatherapy.org.uk Member of the Health Professions Council

An eight-week evening and one-day course created originally by Jon Kabat Zinn using mindfulness meditation to help us be present in a consciously spacious and kindly way with all the things we find difficult in our lives. Mindfulness - the practice of being fully present with all of our experiences without fear. Not an easy fix but something real that can benefit our self and others. Ongoing programmes. Contact Philippa for Bath and Bristol and Laurence for Bristol. Full details: Philippa Vick 01225 445532 philippavick@tantraweb.co.uk www.bath-bristol-mindfulness-courses.co.uk or Laurence Milburn 0117 924 9455, laurence.milburn@homecall.co.uk

Embercombe exists to touch hearts, stimulate minds and inspire committed action for a truly sustainable world. We are a social enterprise in a beautiful wooded valley overlooking the tors of Dartmoor, with orchards, meadows and organic garden. For people seeking to take their next step into action, The Journey is our core programme, a powerful 5-day residential with highly skilled, experienced facilitators. Accommodation is in cosy yurts with acclaimed home-cooked food. Catalyst is our version of this for 18-25s. We also offer bespoke leadership and culture change training for businesses seeking to place sustainability at the heart of what they do; beautiful conference space for 100 with accommodation; WWOOF and other volunteering; Land Based Learning day visits and residentials for Schools and Teacher Training. 7 miles from Exeter. Tel: 01647 252983 www.embercombe.co.uk

Discover who you really are. An Enlightenment Intensive is a uniquely powerful group process. It provides a real opportunity to directly experience the answer to the ancient question “Who am I?“ There is no teaching - just a pure, intensive process of self-discovery over three and a half days. If you have a sincere desire to be more awake and more real, to experience a breakthrough in consciousness, or to find greater depth and meaning within yourself, an Enlightenment Intensive could change your life. Next date: Spring Bank Holiday: 31 May-4 June 2012. Barry and Emma McGuinness, www.enlightenment-intensives.info 01225 446972

6th-8th April, 2012, Bristol area. “The Shamanic Philosophy of the New Toltecs” talk by Joanna, Wed 4th April, 7pm (free entry). Joanna Crowson has spent over 15 years working in the Toltec tradition with respected teachers, including Mariv de Teresa, Agustn and Victor Snchez. Joanna is co-author of ‘The Key to the Universe’. Antoni Cantalejo is a therapist and martial arts trainer. After working closely with Agustn for over 5 years, he is one of the first instructors to be trained to teach Intensi. For more information about the talk, course or Intensi, contact Fran 07821 414004 / 01666 826976 fran@casagaia.co.uk www.casagaia.co.uk

Dynamic courses, tranquil surroundings, delicious food. Only 40 minutes from Bristol or Bath. Come and be looked after! March: Rosen Method • Joyful Loving • Cathar Spirituality • Equinox April: Navigating Mid-Life • EFT • Artist’s Way • Celtic Mandalas • Singing Bowls May: Open Day • True Colours • Kabbalah • Photography • Bees • Homeopathy • Poetry • Mindfulness & Breath • Storytelling June: Tolkein • Qi Gong • Landscape in Mixed Media Year-round courses • venue hire • sculpture studio For full programme and information, contact us now: Hawkwood College, Painswick Old Road, Stroud GL6 7QW. 01453 759034 info@hawkwoodcollege.co.uk www.hawkwoodcollege.co.uk

• Magical Voice Techniques • Mongolian & Tibetan Overtone Chanting • Mantra & Vocal Meditations • Sonorous Mandala Ceremony. Healing Voice Week: April 27-May 4. May Day Celebration near Glastonbury. Overtone chanting, purification of chakras, Sound Healing, Breath Yogas, Healing Ancestral Lines. Extended sonorous Mandala Ceremony of White Tara. Ritual & Resonance - Healing Family & Ancestors: June 15-22. Solstice Celebration near Glastonbury. Ceremonial shamanic healing rites, using chant and family constellations, restore resonant family fields - magical and oracular. Families not necessarily living. Individuals / families welcome. Recognized internationally for 40 years, Jill pioneered both sound and ancestral healing movements. www.healingvoice.com • 0207 435 2467 • info@healingvoice.com

One day workshops held regularly in Bristol. Novice: For people who have never picked up a pair of needles. By the end of the day you ll have learned the six basic skills you need to start your own knitting adventure. Get creative! Throw away the patterns and find out ways to work with your own imagination and innate creativity. Gain the confidence you need to create your own personal and unique knitted works of art. Find out more: www.knit101.co.uk or email knit101bristol@gmail.com or call Charlotte Rooney on 07825 345109

Choose from: Iyengar Yoga and Massage, Jewellerymaking, Mosaics, Family Activity and Craft Breaks, Juggling and Circus Skills, Willow baskets, Music, Singing, Chicken-Keeping, Women’s Weekend Breaks, Healthy Cooking, Soap and Skin-care, Bread-baking and more. Delicious meals prepared with local and organic food. There’s a friendly welcome, relaxed atmosphere, lovely gardens and friendly sheep, pigs, chickens, and ducks! Prices from £126 for a weekend - all inclusive! Winner of 2009 Observer Ethical Garden Award! Ask for our Brochure! Lower Shaw Farm, Old Shaw Lane, Nr. Swindon, SN5 5PJ. 01793 771080. enquiries@lowershawfarm.co.uk www.lowershawfarm.co.uk

Reiki is one of the most gentle but powerful tools available to develop your potential in all areas of life. It is easy to learn and apply in just one weekend! Learn how to use Reiki for healing yourself and others and how Reiki can be used in many everyday situations to transform your life. Reiki is probably the most wonderful gift you could ever bestow on yourself! I aim to provide high quality training. My classes are informal, small and friendly so that all students are guaranteed personal attention and support. For more information tel: 0117 957 1845 e-mail: lvhubbard@aol.com Web: www.reikitraining.net

Mindfulness promotes a way of being that helps us to take better care of ourselves and lead healthier and more fulfilling lives. It enables us to access inner resources for coping effectively with stress, illness or any difficulties we encounter in our day-to-day experience. Next 8-week courses in Bristol start on 25 April and 21 May. We also offer Mindfulness Individual Sessions and Mindfulness in the Workplace Training. Space for courses is limited so booking is essential. www.mindfulness4all.co.uk Mobile: Miro on 07765 515 662 or Rachel on 07505 569 680 Telephone: Miro on 0117 376 3495 or Rachel on 01453 546 030 email: info@mindfulness4all.co.uk

Coaches, Mums & Leaders... Inspire your daily work, teamwork, lifework... Ask Better Questions, Get Better Answers. In fact, the 40 Best Answers Man and Nature Ever Had, for Any Problem You’ll Ever Face. This is a Game proven to help Companies to 2800% ROI. Engage your People Deeply ! Fix Small Problems Quickly! Help Kickstart an Innovation Phenomenon in SW UK! Normally £150 for corporates, you can learn and take home 6 Impossible Ideas this March 23rd for only £72, if you don’t mind being filmed. Plus the first 35 readers to register get a bonus set of Inspiration Cards worth £39. Sounds unbelievable? It’s true! Don’t dilly dally. This high-energy session will sell out. http://6impossibleideas.eventbrite.com AB

Find your voice and enhance your communication and leadership skills! In these uncertain times, individuals and organisations are seeking new and creative techniques to enhance their communication skills. This pioneering weekend course provides the opportunity to explore ways that direct engagement with the human voice can introduce you to tools and skills for authentic expression and true sustainability. You will learn ways to express your authentic voice, build trust, explore your values and access your innate leadership skills within the context you work in - be it a small organisation, family or corporate setting. April 20-22 Course fees £400 - includes accommodation, food, field trips and all teaching sessions. www.schumachercollege.org.uk 01803 865 934 admin@schumachercollege.org.uk Finding our Collective Voice: www.schumachercollege. org.uk/courses/finding-our-collective-voiceconsciousness-and-sound-leadership T

Think Summer. Think Festivals. Think Spark. advertise your camps, gatherings, feasts, fayres, fests & extravaganzas in the summer issue

ad orrates visit www.thespark.co.uk on inside back cover for more info & to book online index cours - danc

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Louise L. Hay, Transformational Workshops

Learn to love yourself & become the person you want to be. www.love2byou.co.uk Email: isla@love2byou.co.uk Call: 07982 511510

Parenting with Compassionate Communication • Love what you do • Make a difference to your life & the lives of others • Learn tried and tested techniques to improve health & wellbeing • Transform your life with sound. Lyz Cooper has spent many years developing techniques based on ancient knowledge, cutting edge science and research. She was approached by Radox to help create ’the most relaxing track ever’ with Marconi Union. It was independently tested and found to be more relaxing than conventional music due to the therapeutic sound she added. Lyz runs The British Academy of Sound Therapy an award-winning company and has courses and workshops running accross the UK. Lyz Cooper MA.Ed. 01243 544454 www.healthysound.com

Practical Spirituality. Socially engaged, emotionally literate, concepts and skills you can use and share immediately. March 10/11 • The Endorphin Effect. April 14/15 • Three Golden Keys. May 12/13 • The Sword and The Chalice. June 9/10 • Your Heroic Journey. July 21/11 • Strong and Clear. “Inner peace as easy as breathing. William Bloom has an encyclopaedic knowledge of meditation.” The Independent. Venue: Glastonbury, St Mary’s Church Hall. 0845 3452102 • 01372 272400 www.williambloom.com

Animal Communication

Learn how to hear what animals have to say! www.susieshinerlight.com

Bath/Bristol Eight Week Mindfulness MBCT Course

Summer Workshops Offer a spiritually guided approach to life in these challenging times of financial, ecological crisis. • Approach situations from a state of being where wholeness, compassion, peace, and creativity become easily accessible resources for transforming your thoughts, choices, and actions; • Access a different set of laws and possibilities, where the innate intelligence of the universe offers you insight and guidance; • Live in greater attunement to your calling in service of the whole. Using guided meditations, individual/group reflection, and quiet time in nature, we will explore simple ways in which to live a spiritually guided life. Anna: contact@towardswholeness.com www.towardswholeness.com Rosalind: 0117 3309024 www.walkingtomeetourselves.co.uk

A course of clear and coherent mindfulness meditation instruction combined with CBT to help prevent depression, anxiety and stress related problems. The course has helped many to gain perspective and calmness, and experience living life more positively. Combe Down Branch Surgery, Bath and Bristol venue. See www.mindfulnesscoursesbath-bristol.co.uk or call John Waller UKCP 01761 437214 ACT

‘Body Heaven’

Evening/Weekend Workshops. Mindfulness. Massage. Reiki. Relationship Skills. 01225 743686 www.jacquijarosy.co.uk

Celtic Initiation of the Heart

Unfold your heart’s wisdom, celebrate the seasonal cycles of creativity with vision collage, journal, meditation and mandala. Charlotte 0790 752 7833 www.creativeliteracy.co.uk T

Certificate In Nutritional Healing

8-week course accredited by NHF. Bristol. Starts Thursday 19 April. Please book by mid-March to ensure a place. 0117 239 8468 A

Chrissy Holmes: Healing Trust Tutor

Offering sessions & courses in healing, spirituality & metaphyscial subjects. Also Spiritual Companion & Coach. Please visit www.chrissyholmes.com or phone me: 0117 949 7442 Are you in need of rejuvenation? Do you need to clear old, stuck energies to step into your life? Are you ready for You? Cleanse, detox and immerse in 5 days of luxurious, alternative therapies, treatments and pampering. Individualised detox, nutrition programs designed for You! Wild, raw, vegetarian organic superfoods, green juice, liver cleanses, sound healing, Yoga, bodywork, breathwork, meditation, ceremonies, saunas, sweat lodge. Working with you on every level to assist you to reach your peak potential. Emerge feeling refreshed, rejuvenated and ready for a new You. Also Crystallise and Shine Sound Healing ceremonies Glastonbury and Bath . Jen Wilson www.vocalnectar.com 07875 053574 HT

Depression, Despair, Fear, and Anxiety

Group(s) forming in mid/late 2012 to explore, modify and transform the influence of these elements in our lives. North Bristol. 8-10 weeks, £10 per week. One-to-one gestalt counselling also available. Email John Dykes: coursesandcounselling@gmail.com

we’re pro-bike, pro-green & pro-gress.

Saturday Afternoon Intensive Mindfulness Course

The Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction course in five double sessions. Bristol Buddhist Centre: May 12, 26; June 16, 30; July 14; 1.15-5.15pm. Mindfulness In Action teachers have many years of deep mindfulness practice. Information & details of evening and day-long courses in Bristol & Cardiff: www.MindfulnessInAction.co.uk 07910 829084 info@MindfulnessInAction.co.uk

Low cost Dance Movement Psychotherapy sessions every Thursday. Closed Groups. 10.30-12.00 Women only, 1.30–3pm Mixed Group. Limited places available. We also run regular group sessions for those with learning difficulties and sensory impairment. Ffi and referral form please contact Kate - 0117 953 2055 or email admin@dancevoice.org.uk www.dancevoice.org.uk Charity Number 1054109

Shamanic Herbalism

Learn the ancient art of Sacred Plant Medicine

With shamanic journey unearth the deep rooted wisdom of the plant spirits. Nourish your body, mind and spirit with the medicine, guidance and wisdom of the plants. Workshops running throughout the growing season. Visit www.gatewaystoeden.com for details or contact Rachel Corby, medicine woman and author, on 0777 213 7719

Songwriting Workshop

Explore creative pathways of making music. Develop instrumental roles within composition. Bring your own ideas to be expanded into a group setting, accommodating all levels. • Under 20s weekly sessions and 5-Day course during Easter holidays 2nd-6th of April • Adults weekend course 28th-29th of April. Presented by Drumbank Music School. Contact Jack Jennings 07757 550 462

for yourself, your community, your world Keeping it real simple! It’s all about the Love and the dancing plus... beautiful beats, and superfood treats. Be prepared for serious fun, mindful ecstasy, and random acts of kindness! Creative surprises may occur, all held within crystal clear energy. So Join us on Saturday 24th March, 21st April, 19th May, at DMAC, 4th floor, Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol. 8pm-12am. Let the beauty of what you love be what you do - be the change, be the love, be the dance. We look forward to welcoming you. Much love xxx Lovedance Crew www.lovedance.org.uk

☞ Threshold Centre. Community experience weekend, cohousing workshop, permaculture course. April - November. See box ad in Events section

craniosacral therapy Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy

Bath / Trowbridge Area. Homeopathy / Flower Essences. Sheba 07786 323 705 www.sacred-stillness.co.uk

Subtle Bodywork: Adults, Children, Babies • Injury • anxiety • stress • anger • trauma • autism. Millie Wood Swanepoel RCST. Bristol, Dursley, Stroud. 07754 182 082 m.wood.swanepoel@googlemail.com www.milliewoodswanepoel.com

cycling

Dawn Morgan is the creative director of Shapeshift Dance. She works with conscious embodiment through the ecstatic exhilaration of the 5 Rhythms Wave and the gentle internal listening of somatic body education. Shapeshift links with and organises events with other groups and practitioners. For visits to Bristol, National, International events please check website. Weekly • Monday evenings 5 Rhythms Sacred Dance 7.15-9.15pm and • Wednesday Mornings 10am-12.30pm with Dawn & Nick Twilley (live Music) both in Stroud GL5 1BN. Weekly Class • Birmingham, B13 9LR Thursday term-time, 7-9.15pm. Somatic Conference in Stroud, 27-29th April. www.shapeshift.co.uk dawn@shapeshift.co.uk 01453 750608

Gentle Detox, Brecon Beacons

7-day retreat starting 15th June. Bodywork and simple lifestyle and dietary changes to relieve stress. No colonics, fasting, raw food, dietary supplements. www.gentledetoxretreat.co.uk

Honouring The Divine Feminie

Connect with the light within your heart through powerful chanting and meditation. Women only. Introduction 17th March, then on-going group. www.drsueedgley.co.uk 01453 885707

Introducing Formative Psychology

We have been providing Psychodynamic counselling and training, accredited by the Westminster Pastoral Foundation, since 1983. This is a BACP accredited training. Psychodynamic counselling places significance on our early experiences as shaping our psychological development and our relationships. Developing awareness of how these early experiences continue to impact on our current lives is at the heart of our approach. If you are interested in discovering more we are currently recruiting for: • Diploma in Counselling (starts Sept 12) • Foundation Course (starts Sept 12) • Continuing Professional Development Modules (twice termly). For information and our prospectus contact us at Wessex Counselling Service, Fairfield House, King Street, Frome BA11 1BH Tel: 01373 453355 e-mail: office@wessexcounsellingservice.co.uk www.wessexcounsellingservice.co.uk

Workshops and courses offering practical skills for moving through parenting challenges to increasingly effective communication and deeper connection with your children. www.thelaughinggiraffe.co.uk 0117 962 2216

Saturday morning group to introduce Formative Psychology, June 16th, 10 till 1. Stanley Keleman created and developed Formative Psychology; his premise is that, by voluntarily engaging with how (not why) we form ourselves, we actively influence and change how we relate to ourselves and the world around us. John Witt: has been using Formative Psychology as one of his main methodologies since the early eighties. For further details leave a message on 0117 974 1548

Cycle with Confidence. Life Cycle, a Bristol charity, has been transforming lives through cycling for the last 14 years. Everyone knows cycling is healthy, convenient, low-cost and sustainable, but if you’ve never cycled - or haven’t been on a bike for years - taking the plunge can be daunting. Or maybe you just want some tips for commuting by bike. Whatever your reasons, Life Cycle can teach you skills for safe, enjoyable, everyday cycling. What are you waiting for? Get in touch: www.lifecycleuk.org.uk 0117 353 4580

dance

Introduction To South Indian Carnatic Music

Open to voice and melody instruments. Discover ‘Carnatic Rags’, rhythms and expressive techniques. Absorb melodies and improvisation pathways. Guided by a trained vocalist from Chennai and an experienced guitar teacher with a fusion background. Sessions at Drumbank Music 31st March, and Hamilton House 5th May. Contact: Carnatic Bristol 07757 550 462 / 07961 897 442 carnaticbristol@hotmail.co.uk

Life-Changing Confidence/Self-Esteem Workshops

A powerful series of workshops challenging ideas of what confidence/self-esteem are and how these ideas can positively transform your life. Bath. Dates: May 6th, June 3rd, July 1st (Confidence Workshops) and May 5th, June 2nd, June 30th (Moon cycles Workshops). Claudia Van Buren: 0795 858 0078 anamsound@gmail.com or Arcania: 01225 335233 www.arcaniabath.com

Somaterra offers an innovative eco-somatic approach that works with movement and the feminine as a gateway for encounter with the natural world. Workshops are open to anyone who wants to nurture a sensitive, intimate and restorative relationship with their bodies and the Earth they walk. Women’s Gathering: A shared healing day experiencing the crafts of weaving, movement, storytelling - and magically interweaving them! 31st March. “Dancing the Dream”: Live music movement ceremony remembering our place in the circle of life... dancing the dreams of our bodies... celebrating the Earth. 14th April. “Somaquest”: Outdoor movement session... opening our bodies to receive the land’s messages. June. Bookings: Carla 0794 636 4898 c.esteves@live.co.uk

Bath. 5 Rhythms. Sue Kuhn

Wednesday 6.30-8.45pm. St Marks School, Baytree Road. Weekends. 01225 465846 www.suekuhndance.com

Dance For The Soul You are invited to a skilfully guided session of zen-shamanic-tantric somatic dance. An eclectic mix of global tunes and inspired musical art will encourage the opening of your earth body and invoke such sweet spirit-freedom you may wonder how you ever stayed away from this fiercely beautiful rite of delight where you play midwife to the birth of your ecstatic soul. Big welcome to all beginners, 5 Rhythmers, Contact Jammers, Free Dancers and everyone who loves to move! Every Wed 7.30-10pm, £10. St Michael’s on the Mount, Cotham BS2 8BE. Leigh has been dancing since he was 2 and is an accredited 5Rhythms teacher. • Stop Press • “Rites Of Delight 2012“ an ongoing dynamic dance journey, 4 weekends in Bristol. 21-22 Apr, 19-20 May, 16-17 June, 21-22 July. £390. Bookings leigh.dance@virgin.net

Bath city centre, Tuesday mornings. Details from Dorothy 01225 830200, 0781 167 8673

Shiva Shakti Dance

A dance of remembering the deep feminine. www.natalie-brooks.co.uk/shiva-shakti 0797 326 7232 ABT

more dance ads over the page

“I still don’t know how you manage such a high quality mag with so few people!” JH

death - food

death & dying

want to advertise in The Spark? see inside back cover for info

design, writers & print

food

Writer, copy editor, proof reader Beccy Golding

We create shrines to hold your special memories of people, animals or places. Or to act as a focus for your contemplations. We build sanctuaries, small and large, where you can retreat from the turmoil and stress of everyday life. Special places where only your rules need apply. Somewhere you can connect with the divine or just chill out. Options include both bespoke and pre-created designs. Shrine and Sanctuary is a collective of artists, feng shui practitioners, landscape designers and landscape builders. We combine our spiritual vision with an ethical and sustainable approach to our work. View new designs at www.shrineandsanctuary.co.uk Email us at info@shrineandsanctuary.co.uk Tel: 0300 303 1022

With 9 years (and counting) as production manager and writer for The Spark, and 15 years’ experience as a Youth & Community Worker in Bristol, I have the skills and experience to help you or your organisation with • annual reports • publicity leaflets • advertising • website content • press releases • funding applications • essays & dissertations • CVs & job applications • any other written material. For friendly, thorough and professional help with anything from exploring your first ideas or writing copy to delivering a completely finished, proof read document email beccygolding@blueyonder.co.uk

feng shui

The Bay Tree has been under new ownership for 18 months now, and apart from the usual paraphernalia expected of an upmarket independent health store, we now stock an extensive range of fairtrade gifts, cards, toiletries and perfumes. Our volume and choice of home cooked food, including vegan, vegetarian, wheat and dairy free, has increased dramatically and we now cater for parties. If you require freshly made sandwiches or salads, ring by 11am and we will have them ready for collection. 176 Henleaze Road, Bristol. Tel: 0117 962 1115

Food You can Trust from your local Natural and Ethical Grocer. Harvest has been at the forefront of organic, non-GMO, vegetarian and ethical choices since 1971. Harvest remains passionate about offering the widest selection of ethically sourced, earth friendly, organic and real food alternatives you can trust. Our extensive range includes many vegan and gluten-free choices; our tasty delis offer many locally prepared sweet and savoury specialities. In a world of supermarkets and faceless chain stores, Harvest is your local independent workers’ co-operative food store, providing fresh, friendly and relaxed service ... discover a unique and special shopping experience. • Part of the Essential Trading Worker Co-operative. Bristol: 11 Gloucester Road, BS7. 0117 942 5997 www.harvest-bristol.coop Bath: 37 Walcot Street, BA1. 01225 465519 www.harvest-bath.coop

Heaven on Earth

Award-winning Green & Pink Bespoke Funerals from £1550. Eco-coffins. www.heavenonearthbristol.co.uk 0117 926 4999 (24 hours)

dentists & dental care

Friendly, family dental practice in the heart of Hotwells, offers you a complete dental service, from replacing your mercury fillings to a full mouth make over - giving you back your healthy Natural Smile. We take the time to understand you as an individual, your concerns and desires, and view your dental treatment as part of your whole health. Sensitive, caring, dentist and team who take pride in minimising their impact on the environment. Selection of natural oral hygiene products available and free checkups for children (see website for more details). Principle practitioner Dr Nicola Bone BDS DPDS. 251 Hotwell Road, Hotwells, Bristol BS8 4SF. www.thenaturalsmile.co.uk 0117 929 2165

• Lost direction in life? • Worried about money? • Unable to find love? • Or always feeling tired? Feng Shui works by bringing the energy (chi) in your home into balance. Geopathic stress removal, electromagnetic risk analysis, Nine Star Ki for best timings, best directions for sleeping, etc. Garden advice and space clearing, also included. Are you Sleeping in a Safe Place? Try my House Health Check for health/sleep issues or my Home Sale/Purchase Service for selling or purchasing a new home. Find out more today: Tracy Longdon, FSSA, National Accreditation of the Feng Shui Society, Graduate Consultant, Feng Shui Academy. 07795 285467 tracy@tracylongdonconsulting.co.uk www.tracylongdonconsulting.co.uk

dance like no one is watching love like you’ll never be hurt sing like no one is listening live like it’s heaven on earth.

William Purkey .

The one-stop natural shop specialising in all things organic, ethical and ecological. New shop and cafe now at the old Woolworth store in Glastonbury. And don’t forget the new website: www.earthfare.co.uk Earthfare, 45 High Street, Glastonbury. Tel: 01458 831004

Your local Wholefood Healthfood & Nutrition Centre • Cafe & Takeaway • New Salad Bar • Top quality dried fruits, nuts and seeds • Top quality groceries • Organic & GMO free foods • Vitamin and mineral supplements • Special dietary needs • Qualified nutritionist in-store • Herbal & homeopathic remedies • Sports nutrition 100 High Street, Portishead Tel: 01275 817178

A healthy oasis on Fishponds’ busy main road, Nature’s Genius stock a wide range of organic foods including scoop-your-own nuts, seeds, fruits, pulses and grains; oils, pastas and convenience foods; teas, coffees and fruit juices; fresh bread, milk and dairy produce. When you visit you’ll also find a great selection of gluten-free foods, heath supplements, vegetarian and vegan specialities, household cleaning products, organic and paraben-free body care products, and much more. If you can’t find what you want on the shelves just ask: the helpful staff will happily order it for you or consider adding it to their extensive stock. Nature’s Genius, 773 Fishponds Road, Bristol BS16 3BS. www.natures-genius.com tel: 0117 958 4996

When you reply to an ad please say you saw it in The Spark. This really helps us. Thanks.

or visit www.thespark.co.uk for more info & to book online

food - health

green energy

Provamel soya products are dairy, gluten, wheat and GM-free and are made exclusively from ethically sourced, sustainably produced and organically grown soya beans. Our beans are grown in areas far removed from rainforests and by our extended family of small organic farmers in China and Brazil, many of whom we’ve worked with for decades and to whom we pay a premium price. They are then transformed into delicious alternatives to milk, yoghurt, cream and dairy-free desserts in our carbon-neutral factory in a process that’s entirely chemical-free. Provamel products are available exclusively from Holland & Barrett and independent Health Food stores. Customer Careline: 0800 111 4224 info@provamelhelpline.co.uk

Radford Mill Farm Shop has been trading in Montpelier, Bristol since 1979, selling organic fruit and veg sourced as locally as possible, including Radford Mill Farm, our 115-acre farm 15 miles southeast of Bristol, managed organically since 1977. We produce a wide variety of dips, sandwiches, quiches, soup, pizza and cakes in our organic kitchen, all of which can be enjoyed in our small cafe with indoor seating. We also sell wholefoods, herbs and spices, Hobbs House breads, natural soaps, toiletries and we accept bulk orders. 41 Picton Street, Montpelier, Bristol, BS6 5PZ. Tel: 0117 942 6644. Open Monday-Friday 9am-7pm, Saturday 10am-6pm

At Riverford Organic Vegetables, available in Bristol, Bath and surrounding areas, we pride ourselves on our award-winning quality and best value. Boxes start at £9.85 including delivery and on average are 20% cheaper than the same produce bought in supermarkets. At least 80% of the vegetables come direct from fields in our co-operative in South Devon, some also from farms in Somerset and Wiltshire. You can have a box weekly, fortnightly or whenever you like and we can also deliver organic fruit, eggs, wine, meat, juices, pasta, chocolate and dairy produce from Riverford’s own dairy. Order today by calling 08456 800 918 / 0845 600 2311 or online www.riverford.co.uk

In addition to your favourite lines, you can refill your Ecover & Bio D bottles at our comprehensive refill station. Buy from our range of over 30 organic wholefoods & flours in scoop bins, and make big savings! We are also proud to stock Lavera bodycare & Lavera Trend Make-up, Dr Bronner magic soaps & Urtekram Bodycare products. We have a large range of chilled products & stock the best range of organic wholefoods south of the river, including gluten-free & wheat-free pastas, biscuits & breakfast cereals. Our cheese counter includes locally sourced & some vegetarian cheeses, and we have organic bread from Herbert’s Bakery. Coffee including fairtrade & organic is ground to order, and we have a good range of fruit & herbal teas. If you’re celebrating, our organic wines & local beers include champagne and beers from Bristol Beer Factory & Bath Ales. We also stock Tushies gel-free nappies, products from “Green Baby“ & paper liners for brown recycling bins. 262 North St, tel: 0117 966 4507. Visit our website www.southvilledeli.com

Welcome to the wonderful world of Wild Oats Natural Foods. “A veritable Aladdin’s Cave to gladden the eye of the most discerning foodie.” Health Expertise. At Wild Oats you can be sure of the best quality of service brought to you by expert staff and 30 years of experience. In many cases we can help you reach new levels of fitness and mental clarity using only natural foods and products. 100% Money-back Guarantee. Providing you with the best solution for optimum health means we can also guarantee results. If a product doesn’t do what we say, we will refund your money with no quibbles. Website. If you cannot come to Wild Oats in person for the service we offer in the store, visit our website, www.wild-oats.co.uk Here you can buy from a range of over 7000 lines and take a virtual tour of our store. So for the best in fresh and natural foods and expertise in optimum nutrition, drop in to Wild Oats and check us out, where Mike, Loes and the gang look forward to welcoming you at Wild Oats very soon. Wild Oats Wholefoods, 9-11 Lower Redland Road, Bristol BS6 6TB Tel: 0117 973 1967 Fax: 0117 923 7871 www.woats.co.uk

garden Homegrown - The Vegetable Gardeners

Veggie patch creations and garden maintenance. Organic, Permacultural principles. Bristol and surrounding area. www.homegrown.org.uk Call Andy - 07943 495158

www.bristolcyclinggardener.com At the heart of the bustling Gloucester Rd, almost next door to The Cooperative. Specialising in an ever-expanding range of Organic Vegetarian and Vegan foods, all of which is guaranteed G.M.O-free by our main suppliers. We also provide a large selection of non-organic foods to give our customers choice, much of this available from bulk, reducing packaging to a minimum. Amazing ranges of cereal, nuts, fruit, roasted coffee from Brian Wogan (use our grinder), increasing range of Gluten and Wheat-Free lines, selections of Japanese and other ethnic foods. Supplements, homoeopathic (including Solgar, Higher Nature, Quest, Weleda, Bach), toiletries, etc, plus much more. Friendly, knowledgeable and enthusiastic staff. Member of The National Association of Health Stores. Reasonable prices, cards accepted £5+. Wheelchair access, help available with bulky items. Open from 9.00am until 5.30pm. Monday to Saturday. 113 Gloucester Road, Bishopston, Bristol BS7 8AT Tel: 0117 987 2199 www.scoopawayhealthfoods.co.uk

Tall order?

Ethical Solar are proud to be installing some of the most sustainable and cost effective solar systems in the UK. We firmly believe that it shouldn’t cost customers more to do the job right. The systems we install are high quality performance-tested systems with the lowest possible embedded carbon attached. We are an experienced, enthusiastic and caring team who are committed to making every installation hassle-free for the customer. Everyone in the office loves to talk about solar, so give us a call or visit our website to find out how solar power could benefit you. Web: www.ethicalsolar.org Tel: 0117 314 9040. We’re here to help.

Brennan Healing Science

Gentle but profound healing which can be life changing. Clears, strengthens, balances and restructures the energy field. Helps overall state of health and well-being. Can remove energetic blocks that lead to disease and enhance the body’s natural healing ability. Graduate, Barbara Brennan School of Healing. Susan Greenfield, BSc.(Hons) Dip. Couns. RGN 01225 758340 www.suehealerbath.co.uk Solarsense are the South West’s leading installers of solar PV (photovoltaic) and thermal hot water systems. Established in 1994, we have installed over 5500 systems, including the UK’s most famous solar system at Glastonbury’s Worthy Farm. We offer heat pump installations from Jan 2012. Free surveys and quotations. Protect yourself against rising fuel prices by generating your own energy. Plus with the Feed-in Tariff and the new Renewable Heat Incentive you could earn 10% return per annum whilst helping the environment. Solarsense UK Ltd. Helios House, Brockley Lane, Backwell, Bristol BS48 4AH info@solarsense-uk.com www.solarsense-uk.com 01275 461 800

growing older

Buqi (boochee) Energy Clearing Therapy A strong but gentle and non-invasive treatment for emotional and physical dis-ease by revitalising energy flow. First treatment half price. Catriona Mundle Dip.BuqiTherapy 0117 924 7163

Danuba Breakthrough Method

Do you need breakthrough in your life? Everything is possible. We can help you! Just email us. http://danubahealing8.webs.com danuba.center@gmail.com

Feel Better..!

How do we stay healthy and calm in this modern world?

Try healing yourself and others with Johrei, a form of healing from Japan, for your health & happiness. Experience Johrei at our free drop-in hours Tuesday and Thursday, 6.30pm-9.30pm, Wednesday 10am-1pm. All welcome. British Johrei Society, 77a Alma Road, BS8 2DP. 0117 949 3360 www.johrei.org.uk

Holistic Healer

Yoga therapist, bodyworker, RGN Are you not ‘young’ any more - but not ready to get ‘old’? Positive Ageing is a two-day transformational course which helps to ensure that getting older becomes a process of opening up rather than closing down. Positive ageing focuses on:• learning how to gain a new perspective on your own ageing process • cultivating a positive approach to the future • enhancing your emotional resilience to some of the potential challenges of later life The next Positive Ageing course takes place on Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd April, from 10am to 4pm. To book your place or to find out more information email - info@positiveageing.org.uk

healing

Zero emission garden maintenance and bicycle repair service Matt 0771 686 3533

Restoring the body to health and vitality is possible when we practise Svadhyaya, the Sanskrit term for self-study. Through postural alignment, holistic massage and bodywork techniques, conscious breathing awareness, dietary advice and positive affirmations, the journey can be enlightening. Megan Smith RGN RM BSc(Hons)MTI dipDSY. 0792 100 3059 or getmegs@blueyonder.co.uk HT

Tara Therapies - Clevedon, North Somerset

Restore your health and wholeness: physical, emotional, mental. Crystal therapy, colour therapy, spiritual healing. Also Tarot readings. www.taratherapies.vpweb.co.uk Jill Rhys Jones - 01275 877280 HT

Transformational Soul Healing

With Anna Jacobs. 30 Years Experience. Links Shamanic, Karmic and Energy Healing. Helps accelerate growth and transitions. Now in Mid-Somerset (See also Event 18/4) Phone 0780 988 6710

☞ Shrine & Sanctuary

Special places for contemplation or retreat. See Death & Dying Section

health & beauty

gay, lesbian & bisexual

A free, confidential service which provides information and support to the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and transvestite community. We also provide support to people concerned about issues to do with their sexuality, as well as to anyone with concerns about a friend or relative. We offer advice about safer sex, have an extensive information database and run a house-share service. If we can help, or if you just need someone to chat to, our lines are open every day, 10am-11pm. 0117 922 1328 www.bristolblags.org.uk

“We are already perfect as we are, healing comes with this remembering.” Powerful hands-on healing to empower you on your journey through life. Clear, balance and re-structure your energy fields to achieve energetic, physical, emotional, mental and spiritual harmony. I have experience in many healing techniques which include: • Colour and Sound Healing • Chakra Balancing • Intention Alignment • Emotional Clearing • Relationship Cord Healing • Inner Child Healing. “I felt very safe with Sue and felt that she was reverent with the vulnerable parts of me and my experience which I brought to healing.” - Linda Graduate of The School of Energy Healing. Sue Pullen DESH www.positivelight.org.uk 07743 329412

“A miracle is merely a shift... A change of perception“ Energy Healing aids the process of letting go of old belief systems in order to move into present reality by facilitating the journey back to wholeness. Working with energetic blocks held in our 7 energy fields acquired through life experiences, Energy Healing is working with the Chakra system (energy centers) using a variety of techniques including Inner Child, Celestial, Colour / Sound Healing, Relationship cord Healing, Astral clearing, Core alignment, Shamanic and Breath-work. The individual is held in a loving supportive way encouraging rebalancing with connection to spiritual realization. Also, Holistic Energy massage • Hypnotherapy • Spiritual counselling • 1-2 day Workshop/Retreat facilitating. I have 24 years experience working with the human body in a non-structured way. 2004 Graduate of the School of Energy Healing UK (recognized by CMA). e: lynnhunt@me.com w:web.me.com/lynnhunt m: 0777 893 2516

Crystal Arts And Health

Crystal Essence™ and herbal products. www.crystalartsandhealth.org.uk

Can you reach 60,000 readers in Bristol, 12,000 readers in Bath, 3,000 readers in Glastonbury, 2,100 readers in Stroud and another 21,500 readers in and around the West? And all of them interested in changing themselves and the world? Probably not by yourself. But there’s a magazine that can. The Spark – running around the West since 1993.

health - mass

health shops

want to advertise in The Spark? see inside back cover for info

holidays - green

massage & bodywork

Yurt Glamping With A Difference!

Stay in our wonderful handbuilt roundhouse, log burner, rolltop bath, sleeps 6, homegrown biodynamic produce. Great rates. For pics/info: 07863 295528 helenbrock@rocketmail.com

holidays - holistic New Products in store. • Huge range of seasonal gifts, cards and toys. Green, Eco, Fairtrade & recycled. Jewellery, picture frames, gift wrap, wooden & soft toys, educational toys, baby rattles, re-usable bags, and the best range of greetings cards in Bristol. • Luxury Gift Sets, aromatherapy oils, bath melts, natural and organic soaps and skincare products, Burts Bees, Epsom Salts, pampering face & body treatments. • Large range of Health Supplements to help with all ailments including winter blues and colds. Detox products and advice for the spring. Friendly and informed advice. Mail order and online buying. Health Unlimited, 248 North Street, Bristol, BS3 1JD Tel: 0117 902 0622 Fax: 0117 902 0790 www.silver-gecko.com

health testing & screening Bioresonance, Energy Medicine, Natural Nutrition

Electropollution Test Kits and protective crystals. www.yourhealthnaturally.co.uk S(30),NA

holidays Toad & Tadpole

Camping vans on rails

Converted brake vans, lying at quiet spot beside river Teign, provide basic but comfortable accomodation for up to four people. Ideal as base from which to explore East Dartmoor, unusual stopover for wayfarers or romantic hideaway. From £21 for two campers. E&TVR, Christow Station, Doddiscombsleigh, Exeter EX6 7YT 01647 253108 www.teignrail.com

holidays - activity Alexander Technique on Greek Island of Alonnisos Freedom and awareness mid crystal-clear seas, olives, pines, wild herbs, boat trips, snorkelling. 0207 253 2022 alexpen@onetel.com www.alexanderingreece.com

holiday cottages

Holistic Yoga Holidays on Gower

We offer affordable week and long weekend holidays incorporating Dru Yoga, Breathwork, Sound Healing, Meditation, African Drumming, and much more. 01792 386626 www.TrustandFlow.co.uk

holidays - retreats Relax And Be Inspired

Are you going through a stressful situation or big life change? Do you need some space to work through a range of different issues? For over 10 years now I have been helping people deal with past and current problems, from traumas to confidence issues and from relationship problems to work and business-related issues. I have an intuitive approach that draws on many different therapeutic ideas, with the goal of helping you connect with your inner power. With that awareness you can be free of the past and move forward with greater confidence, creating the life you really want. I also run personal development groups covering the law of attraction and conscious creation. For a free 20 minute telephone consultation call now on 0117 939 3999 or visit or www.braybrookehypnosis.co.uk or www.meditationbristol.com

Deepen your connection to nature at The Alchemy Garden: Organic food, pool, near Aveyron Gorge France. Workshop programme available. Wonderful atmosphere. www.thealchemygarden.com AB

homeopathy Lyn Clark: Registered Homeopath

25+ years’ experience. Consultations; mentoring; teaching. Home: 0797 488 7850 Clinic: 0117 974 1199

Tiffany Denny LCHE MARH RHOM

Reasonably priced Homoeopathic consultations treating all conditions, all ages. Effective alongside orthodox medicine. Home visits available. 216 Wells Road, Totterdown 0798 925 7461 contact@tiffanydenny.com

housing & land Eco-relevant Urban & Rural Accommodation Space available, projects, opportunities and work exchanges. 07815 805647 Facilitation@compuserve.com

Give Your Life A Greater Purpose!

In Italy a new Ecovillage consisting of three properties, nine acres of olive trees is born, in Chianti - Tuscany. Would you like to buy a house in the sun now and be involved in this rare chance? The purpose is to evolve consciousness through workshops and seminars. Mari 0039 338 328 3789 - 0039 5583 27043 mari7moons@alice.it

hypnotherapy

Solution Focused Hypnotherapy is a safe and very effective treatment for changing unwanted behaviours, attitudes and thoughts. It helps people make significant, positive changes in their lives in a relatively short period of time. It is particularly helpful with confidence and self-esteem problems and is one of the most successful interventions in the treatment of depression and anxiety, for which I specialise. Also: weight management, public speaking, exams and creativity, anger, blushing, insomnia, pain control, phobias. Available in Clifton, Bishopston and Windmill Hill. Call Stephanie for a free initial consultation: 07731 784 254 www.stephanie-hypnotherapy.co.uk S(1)

Hypnosis for Change

with Jayne Norman D.Psy. D.Hyp. AAMH. MHA. UKCHO. Hypnotherapist, Psychotherapist, Analyst. Registered Hypnotherapist assisting with emotional and physical problems. Encouraging growth and change whilst offering a kind and experienced approach towards relief and recovery. Working from The Bath Natural Health Clinic, Norfolk Buildings, James Street West, Bath, BA1 2BT. Please contact me directly on 01225 760605

Joanne Cole

Helping you to make the changes of your choice. Hypnotherapy, NLP, EFT, Matrix Reimprinting, Inner Child Therapy, Past Life Regression. Westbury-on-Trym, Whitchurch, Saltford, Midsomer Norton. 01761 237278

Solutions Focused Hypnotherapy - Your Key Unlock stress, depression and anxieties with Julia Croft HPD, SFBT(Hyp), MNCH(Reg). Dentist collaboration for 2012. Call 0117 9865201 for more details. www.keynshamhypnotherapy.co.uk Bunkhouse on organic farm. Perfect for group holidays/ family get-togethers. Room for 20 people (13 beds + camping). Garden, fire pit, hot tub, lovely showers, solar hot water. New! Yurt - Beautiful setting, sleeps 2. Great for exploring the Forest of Dean and the Wye Valley, getting active or simply getting away from it all. Enjoy 60 acres of organic farmland. Located 1 hour from Bristol in the Forest of Dean. Established venue promoting skills for sustainable living. Special Celebration and Larger Events also catered for - call us, let’s plan it together! Tel: 01594 860244 Email: info@ragmans.co.uk www.ragmans.co.uk

Devon. Bantham Beach. Two Beautiful Wooden Studios

Close to stunning beach, river, cliff walks. Ideal short breaks, retreats. • Spa studio, £80pn. Sleeps 6. Outside jacuzzi. 1 double bed en-suite. 4 singles. Large living space. Wooded gardens. • Sunset studio, £55pn. Overlooks Burgh Island. Beautiful sea views from bedroom. Sleeps two. Tel: 01548 561419 www.discoveryretreats.co.uk timhunt@fsmail.net

North Cornwall

The Old Stores - small village near coastal path & wonderful beach. Sleeps 6, 2 living areas, CH, 2 bathrooms. From £290 pw. www.treknowplace.com

Pembrokeshire Coast Close to Presili Hills

Mobile home in beautiful, secluded, individual spot on private land. Three bedrooms, sleeps 6 comfortably. Spacious and fully equipped. Ten minutes drive from lovely beaches. 2.5-3 hour drive from Bristol. A Perfect break! Weekends £150, week £300. For booking phone Lou-Lou: 0781 417 5822

Want help with Emotional, mental health or relationship issues? Stopping smoking, habits or addictions? Weight or eating issues? Managing pain or health conditions? Phobias or post-traumatic stress disorder? Work, study or sports performance? Stress management, confidence and self-esteem? Help is here! Mindscape offers holistic, client-centred hypnotherapy, EMDR, NLP and occupational therapy, supporting people with a wide range of issues to achieve their goals and dreams. I’m an experienced clinician, and aim to be gentle, respectful and empowering in my approach. Centrally based (Montpelier). For free initial consultation please contact Kate Mortimer (BA.Hons, BSc.Hons, MA, DipCAH, HPD, PNLP, Advanced EMDR, MNCH(Acc), RAPHP, HPC reg.) on 07810 510170 www.mindscapetherapies.co.uk

are you feeling a little cramped? check out our rooms & spaces ads on p50

Stuart Taylor. DHP. LHS. MAPHP(Reg) Clinical Hypnotherapist

Hypnotherapy is a natural way to change your life. Stop smoking, gain confidence, banish anxiety, control weight, beat fears and phobias for good. Situated in the relaxing and friendly surroundings of the Bristol Natural Health Service, Horfield, Bristol. For Brochure/Free initial consultation, tel: 07840 269555 www.taylorhypnotherapy.co.uk

kinesiology Psych-K

Identify and change your limiting thoughts and beliefs in all areas of your life, at a subconscious level. www.love2byou.co.uk, isla@love2byou.co.uk Call: 07982 511510

lightning process

Please note these adverts are for professional practitioners offering therapeutic, healing, remedial and/or relaxing massage or bodywork sessions. The Spark does not knowingly advertise, or accept advertisements for, sexual services.

A wide range of therapies including: Complementary Therapies, Deep Tissue Massage, Holistic Massage, On-Site Massage, Remedial and Sports Massage. I offer a sliding-scale to make massage therapies accessible, including low-cost massage for people on lower incomes. I am a member of the following Professional Associations; Complementary & Natural Healthcare Council, Federation of Holistic Therapists, Complementary Therapists Association, International Council of Health, Fitness & Sports Therapists. I am a registered ITEC tutor. I am also a career and life coach, trained with the Coaches Training Institute. To read more about me and my work please visit my website. Website www.berkeleywilde.co.uk Email info@berkeleywilde.co.uk Call/text 07747 752 454

Hawaiian Massage is an ancient tradition beyond simple massage. As a therapist I use long, vibrant & flowing strokes massaging different body parts simultaneously. The Lomi Lomi method uses the hands as an Instrument of the Heart. The benefits are far reaching, ranging from therapeutic right through to transformational. It adds a profound sense of deep relaxation & aliveness, facilitates deeper connection to your essence and encourages emotional & spiritual shifts. I also offer Thai Massage, a 2000 year old bodywork which has its roots in the Indian yoga tradition and Buddhism. It improves body & skin tone, greatly relieves tensions of body and mind, de-stresses & promotes a sense of wellbeing. I use my hands, knees, legs and feet to move you into a series of yoga-like stretches. Muscle compression, joint mobilization, and acupressure are also used during treatment. Beautful gift vouchers available. Emilia Gzyl APNT, BCMA, ITEC www.healingmassagebristol.co.uk Tel: 0782 158 4532 info@healingmassagebristol.co.uk

Holistic Massage & Bodywork

MTI trained practitioner working in Bristol & surrounding area

Holistic massage is a flexible, client-centred approach to massage. It can be used to explore the blocks which keep us disconnected from ourselves and a sense of well-being in our bodies; or simply as a way to relax and let go of stress and tension. To book a session or for more information please contact: Gavin Conochie, 0791 539 7077; o2binparis@hotmail.com

Holistic, Remedial & Sports Massage Therapy

Tim Bartlett MTI APNT Practitioner and Tutor. Massage and bodywork for healing, health & well-being. 0752 500 6880; BNHS, Horfield: 0117 944 4448 timbartlett@1way.co.uk

Matthew Harrington BSc.(Hons) APNT

Experienced bodyworker (Bishopston). Providing Therapeutic Massage, Sports, Remedial, Deep-Tissue, Aromatherapy, Tantric massage. Peaceful studio. Weekdays/Evenings. From £35. www.matthewharringtonmassagetherapy.freeindex.co.uk 0117 924 4923 T

Sarah Hoare BSc(Hons) MTI

Experienced and dedicated holistic massage practitioner and tutor. Pain relief, injury recovery, pregnancy, well-being, self-development. The Parker Clinic 0117 924 5842, www.sarahhoare.co.uk m: 0797 671 0368

Thai Yoga Massage

Lightning Process practitioners. Living proof that it works! If you feel stuck and want to move on to a life you really love, then please have a look at the Lightning Process. We are happy to answer any of your questions. Pippa Adamson 0117 9658459 www.newleaf-changes.co.uk Hilary Allen 0117 9533430 www.hilaryallen.org.uk Clare Hudman 01453 750382 www.getbetter.me Heather Malcolm 07740 375028 www.changingforlife.org

Thai massage is a sacred form of massage and utilises deep stretches, muscle compression, joint mobilisation, acupressure. The gentle rhythmic nature of massage is designed to open the body’s energy channels giving a lasting sense of wellbeing. Benefits include relief from aches, pains, stress; improved circulation, posture and flexibility. Zoe 07950 363197, zoemoyers@gmail.com Stroud T

☞ Aromatherapy & Pregnancy Massage Relaxing treatments with Debbie Latchem See Aromatherapy Section

or visit www.thespark.co.uk for more info & to book online

meditation

movement & bodywork

This new group welcomes people of all backgrounds and beliefs who are interested in learning to meditate using very practical tried and tested methods. We will also look at the philosophical basis of meditation through the myths and scriptures of many cultures. The aim is to provide simple and effective ways of reducing stress and improving well-being, and to offer the opportunity to discuss and reflect for those who may wish to explore a little further. Beautiful and accessible location at Wick, near Bristol and Bath. Starts Thursday April 26th, 7.30-9pm. Contributions welcomed. Contact Eve 0117 974 2633 or Janet 01452 537274, or janetbpowell@hotmail.com

Qigong is a way of directly experiencing and opening to the subtle energy known as Qi in oriental medicine. It connects us more deeply to the natural flow of energy around us and to the source of our aliveness. It is simple to learn yet challenges each person to their own limit. Benefits may include the healing of deeply engraved patterns of physical and emotional disharmony, increased vitality and clarity of perception, the cultivation of inner stillness and, most of all, a deeper enjoyment of being alive. Monthly courses in Bristol/Bath/Cheltenham/Frome and summer camps/residential Qigong retreats with Daverick Leggett. Details: 0117 928 7280

☞ Philippa Vick’s 8 Week Mindfulness Course See Courses, Groups & Workshops section

money

Be Slim, Be Happy, Live Abundantly: Imagine this... “I’ve lost over 3st” “My confidence has grown.” Have you tried dieting with little success? Lou Palmer of Essential Awareness has been using The Hypnotic Gastric Band with fantastic results for 100s of clients over 5 years. • In a 1-to-1 session your mind will believe that a gastric band has been fitted • You will rid yourself of a lifetime habit of comfort and boredom eating! • Save yourself money! The Essential Hypnotic Gastric Band is far cheaper than the £7,000 the operation could cost you! Call 0800 840 6123 today and find out more.

I offer Reiki sessions and small friendly Reiki classes in North Bristol, Devon, South Wales and Wiltshire. I have been practising Reiki since 1992 and was initiated as a Master in 1996 by Ben Verheijden who trained with Phyllis Furumoto, the present lineage bearer and Inger Droog, who brought Reiki to Holland. I am a trained counsellor, Buteyko teacher, funeral celebrant, psychic and bodyworker. I use Reiki on myself every day; it sustains me physically, mentally and emotionally. For a leaflet, dates of classes, to book a session, Master Apprenticeships call 0117 924 6581, e-mail: christine@reikisouthwest.net www.reikisouthwest.net

Affordable Reiki Treatments

Hilda Kalap, Hands of Light Reiki. Tel: 07583315846, hildakalap@yahoo.co.uk

Personalise Your Diet. Food Intolerance Testing. Feel Better Again! Louise 0777 9 642 563

As founded by Dr Shen Hongxun. A traditional method of Chinese Medicine to clean the meridians and organs by standing and moving exercises, spontaneous body movement and mental concentration. Old emotional tensions can also be released, leaving the practitioner clearer, happier and healthier. This simple and profound system allows beginners to experience its benefits quickly. Older students will be able to reach deeper states with their own practice. The course is open to all. There is no age restriction. Time: 10am-5pm. Cost £95 for weekend. Bristol Workshops 2012: 16-17 June, 27-28 October. Enquiries to Ann on 0117 377 0103 e-mail: taijiwuxigong@waitrose.com

Nutritional Therapy. Florence Neville. BA. DNN

Natural Nutrition offered in a holistic and approachable way. Please see my website for more details. Congresbury, North Somerset. 01934 877 415 www.florenceneville.moonfruit.com

www.thesoulfoodcompany.org.uk

Helen Cooke, a highly qualified & experienced practitioner with a nursing background, offers nutritional therapy, supplements / natural remedies, stress management advice. Trade-price supplements available. 07905 383203

☞ Certificate In Nutritional Healing 8-week course, Bristol. See Courses, Groups & Workshops section

Enjoy the restorative properties of heat, water and therapeutic touch and put the outside world on hold for a few hours. Experience the detoxifying delights of a sauna or steam room and de-stress with one of our extensive range of treatments, which include Holistic Massage, Reflexology, Thai Massage and Hot Stone Therapy. Everything you need for tranquility is here. For opening times and information about our spa and treatments please call or visit our website. 9 All Saints Road, Clifton BS8 2JG 0117 970 6616 www.relaxationcentre.co.uk

rolfing Explore Taijiwuxigong - a simple yet profound set of Qi Gong exercises for self-healing and energy development. Once learned Taijiwuxigong can be used for life. It works to improve body, mind and spirit at many levels. The gentle yet powerful exercises activate and clear the energy system, lighten the spirits and calm the mind. Mondays 7-8pm Windmill Hill. Lunchtime courses available from 1-2pm, Wednesdays or Thursdays, Bristol Folk House. Thursday evenings offer longer, relaxed sessions for deeper study 7.15-8.45pm, also at Bristol Folk House. Safe and suitable for all, and all are welcome. Call 0117 377 0103 or e-mail: wuxigong@gmail.com

BuQi Energy Healing

BuQi clears “stuck” energy to strengthen your natural healing ability. Simple exercises maintain treatment benefits. Contact Ann on 0117 3770103 buqihealth@gmail.com

music & sound Triodos is a different kind of bank. Unlike other banks, we only work with organisations that benefit people and the environment, from fair trade pioneers like Cafédirect, to green energy company Ecotricity. Whether you’re a personal or a business customer, you’ll speak to people who share your values. And you will be part of an extraordinary community of savers and investors, who want their savings and investments to change the world for the better. To use your money to make a real difference, visit www.triodos.co.uk or call free on 0500 008 720. Triodos Bank NV is incorporated under the laws of the Netherlands with limited liability and registered in England and Wales BR3012. Authorised by the Dutch Central Bank (DNB) and regulated by the Financial Services Authority (FSA) for the conduct of UK business. Registered office: Brunel House, 11 The Promenade, Bristol, BS8 3NN.

relaxing & winding down

osteopathy Ecology Building Society specialises in lending on run-down, derelict properties in need of renovation or conversion and for the construction of ecological new-builds. Mortgages are advanced against the value of the land or the unimproved value of the property, and funds can be released in stages as the project progresses. Mortgages are also available across the UK for: • Timber constructions • The purchase of woodland • Buy-to-Let properties in need of renovation • Organic smallholdings • Housing co-operatives. Please contact the Society for further details of their mortgages and savings accounts. Ecology Building Society is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. Ecology Building Society. Call 0845 674 5566 e-mail: loans@ecology.co.uk www.ecology.co.uk0

reiki

foodfitforyou.co.uk

Twin Hearts Meditation with Pranic Healing

Remove stress and increase your energy levels with MCKS Twin Hearts Meditation together with revitalising and re-energising Ancient Tibetan Power Breathing Exercises. 2-hour sessions are held monthly in Bristol, Bath, Frome and Calne. All welcome, no previous experience required. No fee, donations welcomed. Healings given on request. 0784 1571 809 www.ukpranichealing.co.uk/events

nutrition & diet

medi - rolf

Paul Henaghan BSc(Hons) Ost. Registered Osteopath. Bristol Positive Health is an established Osteopathic practice in Hotwells, Bristol, offering treatment for • back and neck pain • shoulder and arm problems • pelvis, hip and leg problems • sports and other injuries. Patients have found osteopathy helpful for many other conditions. Evening and weekend appointments available. 0117 376 3190, 39 Oldfield Road Hotwells Bristol BS8 4QQ Also at The Practice Rooms, 26 Upper Borough Walls, Bath BA1 1RH. Mobile: 0796 184 4852 Online booking for Bristol available at www.bristolph.co.uk

personal growth courses

Rolfing is an effective method of realigning the body, and in so doing, alleviating related problems such as back pain, stiffness, muscular tension, poor circulation etc. The body is held together by a web of connective tissue. When a part of the body is injured or chronically held out of vertical alignment, the tissue shortens in certain areas, “fixing” the body into an abnormal posture. This new pattern limits our freedom of movement, and over the years tends to cause common painful symptoms. In the 1950s, Dr Rolf developed this hands-on method of freeing and rebalancing connective tissue. Contact: Anna Orren, 45 Trelawney Road, Cotham, Bristol BS6 6DY Tel: 0117 973 5987

About Music

Explore your musicality through guitar, piano and/or voice. One to-one tuition with experienced music facilitator. Beginners to performance level. See www.aboutmusic.org.uk Tel: 0117 953 2122

Michael Dinesh. Guitar/Harmonium Tuition

Individual and Skype sessions. Beginners harmonium and guitar workshops in Stroud. Devotional music and classical guitar are my specialities. www.michaeldinesh.co.uk 01453 885707

nlp NLP Adventures!

Exciting NLP Adventures with The Breathing Space in April: Learn How to Howl and The Leap of Faith - Contact Alison for details! www.the-breathing-space.org Tel: 0777 619 7169 T

The Lightning Process can help you to live a life you’ll love by teaching ways to: • Handle stress better • Stop feeling blue • Increase your confidence • Increase your self-esteem • Handle long-term health problems better. Seminars in Bristol, Swindon and Cardiff. Call or email me to chat about how the Lightning Process can help you to live a life you ll love. 0774 037 5028 www.changingforlife.org heather@changingforlife.org

rebirthing Rebirthing - Doug Sawyer

Rolfing realigns your structure by energising and freeing the web of connective tissue within the body: ‘The Organ of Structure’. The Human Being is more than a collection of parts. There is a pattern, an order, as in all matter organised into biological units. That pattern - how parts fit and work together - is a basic factor in well-being or its lack. Rolfing promotes well-being by enhancing the body’s pattern of organisation; alleviating poor posture, releasing tension, back and neck problems and stiffness of joints. Discover a muscular structure that’s free of pain. A posture within gravity that gives you a light, flexible and energised body. For more information, a free consultation or an appointment, call Simon Wellby 0779 969 3546

Dissolve unwanted patterns that inhibit your happiness. Take a deep breath. Call Doug 0117 973 8073

E x p a n d y o u r h o r i z o n s w i t h The Spark

room - spirit

rooms & spaces

Cairns Clinic

4 large bright ground floor therapy/treatment rooms in Westbury Park. Just redecorated. Ideal for psychotherapy or bodywork. www.cairnsclinic.co.uk email cairnsclinic@googlemail.com S1

Coniston Community Centre

Take advantage of our new promotional prices for this year. You and your client will enjoy a peaceful professional atmosphere in these light relaxing newly refurbished consultation rooms. Specifically designed with seated treatments in mind, they offer you a perfect place to build your business and join our friendly team of practitioners. Free nearby parking, centrally located, tea & coffee facilities and reception areas. •£15 per 4-hour session •£10 for additional 4-hour sessions • £8 per 1-hour ad hoc sessions Call 0117 9425832 for further information doug@bristoltherapist.com www.bristoltherapist.com

Full conference facilities, dance studio, cafe, attractive rooms - bright, modern, low prices. Coniston Community Centre, The Parade, Coniston Road, Patchway, Bristol BS34 5LP. 0117 923 6878 www.conistoncommunitycentre.org.uk

Consulting/Therapy Rooms Alma Vale Rd, Clifton, Bristol

Attractive, quiet and professional rooms in Clifton for psychotherapists, counsellors and coaches. Reasonable rates. For more information contact Kunderke Kevlin on 0772 764 4830 or e-mail: kunderke@gmail.com See www.45almavalerd.co.uk

Movement / Therapy Studio & Meeting Space

Central Bristol. Spacious, private, modern, and beautifully furnished. Ideal for individual work and groups. Very competitive rates. 23 Backfields Lane, BS2 8QW. Contact Annette: 01373 812091 / 0759 893 7204. AB

want to advertise in The Spark? see inside back cover for info

Bath School of Shiatsu and Yoga

Shiatsu training and ongoing weekly yoga classes. Ffi: Frank Davis 01225 859209 frank@bssy.co.uk www.bssy.co.uk

Bath Shiatsu Practice

A quiet space in the heart of Bath

We are very experienced bodyworkers and offer bodypsychotherapy for your deeper issues, a place to be held during difficult emotional times, support around illness, ongoing CPD classes for third years and graduates. Heidi Armstrong MRSS(T) 0774 637 4507 www.heidiarmstrong.co.uk Rebecca Davis MRSS(T) 0782 508 2555 www.bathshiatsu.co.uk

Bristol School of Shiatsu

Established 1984, offers training courses from beginners to professional practitioner level. Please refer to Training section for further details www.shiatsubristol.co.uk

Lightbody Shiatsu with Nicola Ley

Enjoy a shiatsu: physically relaxing and rejuvenating, emotionally balancing, mentally calming and spiritually connecting and uplifting. Treatments, tutorials and classes. 0117 987 9806 nicola.ley.gmail.com T

Bristol Sakya Buddhist Centre, 121 Sommerville Road, St. Andrews, Bristol, BS6 5BX. 0117 924 4424 bristol@dechen.org www.dechen.org • Regular Events for 2012 Meditation Evenings - Tuesdays 8pm. Tranquillity and reflective meditation. £4 Tranquillity Meditation Mornings: Wednesdays 10.30am - New for 2012! Saturdays 10.30am. Free. Classical Tibetan Language Classes: Beginners Mondays 8pm. £3. Ffi contact Sakya Centre. Bath Sakya Buddhist Group - New Venue! Meditation Evenings - Tuesdays 8pm. Tranquillity and reflective meditation. £4. New venue: 18c Charles Street, Bath BA1 1HX, Near Green Park Station. Ffi: 07747 633577 / bath@dechen.org The events above require no prior experience and are open to all. Ffi contact Bristol Sakya Buddhist Centre www.dechen.org/bristol

spiritual paths & practices

Yogasara Ad-hoc & permanent therapy rooms for rent. Warm and friendly therapy centre offering purpose-built treatment rooms at very competitive rates. Free nearby parking, centrally located, tea & coffee facilities and reception areas. • £20 per 4-hour session • £15 for additional 4-hour sessions • £10 per 1-hour ad hoc sessions Call 0117 942 5832 for further information doug@bristoltherapist.com www.bristoltherapist.com

Bristol’s first Community Interest Company, Not-For-Profit Yoga studio

Beautiful studio available for hire for weekend courses. An outstanding space to share your work. A Community Interest Company, committed to sustainability, community and making this planet a better place. Be the Change, join us at Yogasara. www.yogasara.co.uk Picton St, Montpelier. Sarah or Chris Tel: 0778 950 1884

shamanism

For as little as £12 per hour, you can take advantage of the large, flexible and well-equipped community space to hire at St Michaels Hall, St Michaels Hill, Bristol. Suitable for events hosting up to 80 people, with access to kitchen facilities at no extra charge, the Hall provides a perfect location for a meetings, training, workshops and evening events. To find out more, visit http://ethicalproperty. co.uk/site/en/page_1261.php ring 0117 916 6489, email southwest@ethicalproperty.co.uk

Fulcrum House has now been open a year! Located at 3 Grove Road, just off Whiteladies Road (Clifton/Redland) in a wonderful Georgian building, we offer six beautiful, contained, spacious and private rooms to psychotherapists, counsellors and complementary therapists working in an integrative way with individuals, couples and small groups. We offer both regular four-hour slots and single sessions. There are kitchen/rest facilities for staff and a small, quiet courtyard. We are also offering instant online booking! If you are interested in working at this exciting new centre visit our website at www.fulcrumhouse.co.uk or call 0117 330 5336 to arrange to meet us and view the rooms

Shamanic training. A year-long journey through this beautiful medicine wheel. • Learn and experience powerful healing techniques that shift the matrix of your energy field • Discover the ancient wisdom teachings of the Inca shaman • Become a healer, a coach, an inspiration to others or use this 4-part residential training to heal yourself so that you can be the change you want to see in the world. See website for details, dates, courses www.spiritoftheinca.com email: Spiritoftheinca@gmail.com Tel: 0776 525 8614

Ho O Pono Pono

Are you in agreement or in resistance with your life? Clear your relationship with this simple, yet very powerful Hawaiian healing technique. With Robert Berman HA a www.robertberman99.com

Nature & Spirit. An Invitation

Do you long for Time & Space to be creative; to renew your connection with Nature; & further your Spiritual Path? www.lucyvoelcker.co.uk 01453 839 233

Shamanic Shoestrings

Offers core/cross culture Shamanic healing, soul retrieval, extraction medicine, also Shamanic Counselling and Divination. You are welcome to contact for further information or to arrange a time for us to meet. Please contact Brian on 01225 445971 or 0797 626 4432 or e-mail: shamanicshoestrings@live.co.uk www.shamanicshoestrings.co.uk

It’s Buddhism Jim, but not as you know it. Have you had your 10 a day? Just 10 minutes of meditation a day can radically change your life, find out how at Aro Ling, 127 Gloucester Rd, Bristol, BS7 8AX We stock a range of Buddhist books, DVDs, yoga and meditation supplies, and children’s books. Ongoing evening classes in Meditation, Yoga, Tantra, Dzogchen, and Buddhist practice for everyday life. Free lunchtime meditation sessions 12.30-1.30 Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. Regular weekend events with visiting Lamas - please check our website for details. Therapy room available to hire £5 p/h. Also art gallery space and group room for hire. www.aro-ling.org Contact enquiry@aro-ling.org or call 0117 239 8505

Learn meditation. Learn how to work with your mind and body. By simply being present we can bring mindfulness and awareness to our experience and allow more space and joy to develop in our lives. Our evening sessions offer meditation for all, with meditation instruction available. Tuesday evening meditation (Stroud) 7.45-9pm at Chalford Village Hall, near Stroud. Call John or Sophie on 01453 889609, or email johnseex@talktalk.net Wednesday evening meditation (Bristol) 7.45-9.45pm at Bristol City Yoga, Bristol, BS2 8QW. Call Christine on 07505 384628, or email bristol@shambhala.org.uk We also regularly hold weekend courses and programmes. Visit our website for more details www.bristol.shambhala.info

☞ Exploring Toltec Shamanism Three warm, professional and sensibly-priced therapy and consulting rooms (with waiting room) within a landmark Georgian terrace with views over the water towards Queen’s Square and Welsh Back. We’re just by St Mary Redcliffe Church, with excellent parking and great transport links (including Temple Meads and the M32) with ready access to the city centre and south Bristol. For more information or to drop by just get in touch: phone Clive on 07947 023371, go to http://theharboursidepractice.co.uk or e-mail clive@theharboursidepractice.co.uk

The Vassall Centre is suitable for all occasions, all faiths are welcome and we are totally accessible. We have 2 large conference rooms and 6 meeting rooms varying in size, all have natural lighting and hold from 2-120 people. Technical equipment can be provided, we also have an excellent selection of outside caterers or you can bring your own. The new Mark Masons kitchen is suitable for training purposes or private parties, is accessible and provides 2 rise and fall worktops. Prices are competitive with no VAT. There is parking on the premises. View our website www.thevassallconferencecentre.org

Weekend workshop. Joanna Crowson/Antoni Cantalejo. See Courses, Groups & Workshops section

shiatsu

Brand new Shiatsu clinic running monthly • 16th March • 13th April. 45-minute bookable and drop-in treatments available from 10am till 4.00pm. £20.00 per session with fully qualified and experienced practitioners. Large, warm and welcoming space to relax and enjoy a treatment in the heart of south Bristol. The centre also has a small café available for light refreshments. Please contact reception to make a booking on 0117 923 1138 or contact Vicky by email at vicky.read@lamrim.org.uk Centre for Whole Health, 12 Victoria Place, Bedminster, BS3 3BP. www.centreforwholehealth.org SABC

Part of the Triratna Buddhist Community, we offer a path to greater awareness and kindness - traditional Buddhist practices with the potential for unlimited positive change, appropriate to the contemporary world. Our community is dedicated to realising this vision together for the sake of all beings. Come and see for yourself! Drop-in Meditation Classes - (Suitable for beginners) Tuesdays 1.00-2.00pm and 7.30-10.00pm; Thursdays 1-2pm; monthly Saturdays 17 March, 21 April, 19 May 10am-1pm. Regular Introductory Meditation Courses - see web for information. Shop and reception open Mon Sat 1-4pm, selling books, meditation and yoga equipment, Buddha statues and more. • www.bristol-buddhist-centre.org • 162 Gloucester Road, Bishopston, BS7 8NT • 0117 924 9991 AC

“we thought it was an extremely straightforward & streamlined process” You can now book & pay for your listings ads online: www.thespark.co.uk

New to meditation? Experienced? All are welcome. Zen meditation at Fulcrum House, 3 Grove Road, Bristol, BS6 6UJ. Every Tuesday at 7pm. Evening practice includes chanting, silent sitting meditation and walking meditation. It’s fine to sit on a cushion, bench or ordinary chair. Contact: 0117 963 2505 or email: bristolzencentre@gmail.com www.bristolzen.org www.furnacemountain.org

Chan means meditation in Chinese. It is the historical root of Japanese Zen Buddhism. We are a group of lay practitioners with properly authenticated teachers, who explore Chan Buddhism through meditation practice, talks, and everyday life and in following a programme of retreats. All are welcome, beginners and established practitioners alike. We meet at 7.30pm on Wednesdays at The Coach House, 40A, Eastfield, Westbury-on-Trym, BS9 4BE (Please park in the road, not the drive.) For more information, please telephone 0117 924 8819 (evenings), e-mail: enquiries@bristolchan.co.uk or visit our website at http://bristolchan.co.uk for details of additional events

A spiritual practice which is ancient yet always new, reaching back within Christianity to the desert fathers and mothers of the fourth century. John Main a Benedictine monk rediscovered this practice and has made it available to all. Give your soul space to breathe. The World Community for Christian Meditation is contemporary, ecumenical, contemplative. Over 25 weekly groups in The Spark’s area - three new groups: Bristol City Centre, Weston super Mare and Axbridge. Newcomers always welcome. For info and to book: call 01275 463727 or email bristol@christian-meditation.org.uk

Established in 1988, the Centre follows the Tibetan Gelug tradition under guidance from two fully-qualified Lharampa Geshes from Drepung Loseling Monastery in India. The Centre hosts visits from other lamas and was involved in organising visits by HH Dalai Lama to Glasgow in 2004 and Nottingham in 2008. It incorporates the Centre for Whole Health. The ongoing programme is: Mondays 7.30pm: basic guided meditation Tuesday 7.00pm: Tara Puja, teachings by Geshe Thinley Thursday 7.30pm: introductory talks, discussions and questions - joined by Geshe Thinley. Weekends: occasional retreats and courses. Lam Rim (Wilts. & Glos.) Buddhists meet in Corsham, Saturday 5.00pm: teachings by Geshe Thinley; Thursday 7.30pm: basic guided meditation. Tel: 01249 715152. Lam Rim Bristol Buddhist Centre. 12 Victoria Place, Bedminster, Bristol BS3 3BP. Tel: 0117 963 9089 info@lamrim.org.uk www.lamrim.org.uk

or visit www.thespark.co.uk for more info & to book online

spirit - train

Aetherius Society

Calling all those with a Spiritual yearning to help heal the world and increase your spiritual awareness. Weekly meetings. Ring Bristol 0117 962 2922 eves, 0780 730 1986 www.aetherius.org

Bristol Insight Meditation Day Retreats 2012 Do you long to deepen your experience of God, your relationship with others, and your appreciation of all the world’s major faith traditions - while remaining deeply rooted in your own? Do you yearn to be an activist in healing the divisions between peoples, nations and religions? One way to do so, with other committed men and women from diverse backgrounds, is on our two-year, part-time training. Students can go on to become interfaith ministers, offering spiritual counselling and sacred ceremonies tailored to the needs and longings of individuals from all faiths and none. To see if the One Spirit that calls us, calls you too, ring 08444 457 004, or visit: www.interfaithfoundation.org

Quakers share a way of life, based on our experience of the divine, rather than a set of beliefs. We are rooted in Christianity but we welcome everyone who is seeking truth and is attracted to worship based on shared silence. We do not have a written creed but try to bring the values of love, peace, truth, equality, simplicity, justice, and care for the environment into our lives and work. Newcomers are always welcome. Sunday Meetings in the Bristol area Bath, York Street, BA1 1NG, 11.00am Bedminster, Wedmore Vale, BS3 5HX, 10.45am Central Bristol, Champion Square, BS2 9DB, 11.00am Clevedon, 15 Albert Road, BS21 7RP, 10.30am Frenchay, Beckspool Road, BS16 1NT, 10.30am Horfield, 300 Gloucester Road, BS7 8PD, 10.30am Portishead, 11 St Mary’sRoad, BS20 6QP, 10.30am Redland, 126 Hampton Road, BS6 6JE, 11.00am Thornbury, The Chantry, Castle St, BS35 1HB, 10.30am Weston-super-Mare, High Street, BS23 1JF, 10.30am We offer small discussion groups throughout the year led by experienced Quakers. For information ring 0117 942 9142 www.bristolquakers.org.uk

A Free Church with an Open Mind. Are you looking for a welcoming community who gather to nurture one another’s lifelong spiritual growth? Although historically rooted in the liberal Christian tradition, Unitarians also value the insights of many world faiths and other sources of wisdom. For details of meetings, including meditation, intergenerational activities and personalised child dedications, marriages and funerals, please phone the contact numbers given below. Unitarian communities meet for worship at the following locations in this area: Bristol - Frenchay Chapel, Frenchay Common and at Unitarian Meeting, Brunswick Square, 0117 950 7906 Taunton - Mary Street Unitarian Chapel, 01823 282953 Trowbridge - Unitarian Meeting House, 45 Seymour Road, 01225 761866 Cirencester- Quaker Meeting House, Thomas Street, 01285 651507 Crewkerne - Unitarian Chapel, Hermitage Street, 01935 862602 National Unitarian website: www.unitarian.org.uk Charity no. 234482

• 5th May - Brad Richecoeur: Meditation and Qigong • 2nd June - Ajahn Kovida: Awareness and Insight • 8th September - Caroline Jones: The Kindness of Mindfulness • 3rd November - Christina Feldman: Contentment • 1st December - Bhante Bodhidhamma: Mahasi day retreat. Facilitated by Gaia House-affiliated Buddhist Insight Meditation group. Beginners welcome. Book online at www.bristolmeditation.org.uk

Thich Nhat Hanh Inspired Meditation Group Our friendly group usually meets four times monthly, Redland, Bristol, to practice meditation and mindfulness following the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh. Ffi: Anna 0117 973 1425

tai chi Natural Way T’ai Chi

“for health and a peaceful heart“ • Complete Yang Syllabus • Accredited senior instruction • Introductory, intermediate and advanced courses. www.naturalchi.co.uk naturalwaytaichi@gmail.com

Diploma courses are run in autumn and spring. Aromatherapy Diploma Includes two types of massage, aromatics, A&P, pathology and business skills. Professionally accredited by AAPA. Reflexology Diploma Includes reflexology theory and practice, A&P and business skills. Professionally accredited by IFR. Traditional Indian Head Massage Professionally accredited by IIHM. Runs autumn, spring and summer. Anatomy & Physiology Widely accepted by therapy training courses. One day courses • Introduction to Aromatherapy • Introduction to Massage • Aromatherapy: Blending Creams and Ointments • Crystals and Aromatherapy. For more information on our courses visit our web site: www.bristolschoolofholistictherapies.co.uk Contact us for a copy of our prospectus. Email: info@bristolschoolofholistictherapies.co.uk Phone: 0870 8890350

training

Zazen is the posture of awakening. This practice has been transmitted from the time of Shakyamuni Buddha to now. Zazen is simply sitting with legs crossed, back straight, the attention focused on the posture and breathing. In zazen we do not seek to obtain anything. By turning the gaze inwards we can go naturally beyond the limits of the ego and directly experience awakening to our true nature. ‘In our disturbed world, practising zazen means coming back to the human being’s true dimension and rediscovering the fundamental balance of our existence’ Taisen Deshimaru. Bristol Zen Dojo holds zazen practice five days a week with an introduction every Wednesday from 6-7.30pm. Bristol Zen Dojo, 91-93 Gloucester Road, Bishopston, Bristol BS7 8AT. E: info@zenbristol.co.uk W: www.zenbristol.co.uk T: 0117 942 4347

Professional Training Courses in Holistic Massage with 2 intakes per year, February and October. Booking now. Diploma course giving a thorough grounding in Massage, Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology. Introductory Workshop weekends throughout the year. Advanced Workshops available for practitioners to extend their skills and experience. Massage Practice Days and Regular Supervision groups with BCMB tutors. BCMB is accredited by the Massage Training Institute (MTI) and works to the national training standards of the General Council for Massage Therapy. Workshops also available in Worcester. 30 Alma Vale Road, Clifton, Bristol BS8 2HY. 0117 377 1201 enquiries@bristolmassage.co.uk www.bristolmassage.co.uk

The Bristol School of Shiatsu is one of the longest established Shiatsu schools in Britain, offering courses at all levels from a three-year Practitioner Training to three weekend beginners Foundation Courses. Our non-residential, part-time courses are taught by UK Shiatsu Society registered teachers who share a common commitment to presenting Shiatsu tuition of the highest standards, in an atmosphere that is enlivening, supportive and fun, while offering diversity in their teaching styles and approach to Shiatsu. The School puts emphasis on an intuitive approach to Shiatsu within a framework of Traditional Oriental Medicine and, as well as the mastery of Shiatsu for the healing of others, we encourage the personal development and well-being of our students. For more information please contact: Bristol School of Shiatsu, PO Box 419, Bridgwater TA6 9ES. Tel: 0844 335 0573 e-mail: shiatsubss@blueyonder.co.uk www.shiatsubristol.co.uk S2

more training ads over the page

SERIOUS ABOUT WELLBEING

CLIF TON VILL AGE

OPENING SPRING 2012 Beautiful spaces, f lexible terms, affordable rates and a central location.

To receive an invitation to a preview evening for practitioners please email info@thepracticerooms.co.uk Following our success in Bath, we aim to support the growth of a multi-disciplinary, fully integrative network of well-trained practitioners in Bristol. We seek to promote best practice amongst our practitioners and develop a reputation for trust in the wider community we serve. To find out more about joining our community visit:

www.thepracticerooms.co.uk

train - yoga

want to advertise in The Spark? see inside back cover for info

Bristol Feral Choir

Improvising choir; classes and performances

Change career, become a Nutritional Therapist The CNM course in Naturopathic Nutrition takes place in Bristol on weekends and focuses on: • Food as medicine • The importance of detoxification and cleansing • Treating the whole person • Clinical experience and practical application. Contact us to request a prospectus or book your place at the next free Open Evening. Tel: 01342 410505 info@naturopathy-uk.com www.naturopathy-uk.com

We hold free open days with a free lunch and offer free treatment for patients at our teaching clinic. If you are looking for an inspiring vocation, a change of career, or are just interested in knowing more about homeopathic medicine then your future is a short bus ride away. Open days are held throughout the year for you to sit in on lectures, watch the clinic in action and chat to staff and students. Courses are part-time and designed for busy people who wish to study alongside their present occupation. For further information contact the college via the website: www.conhom.com or telephone Kate at the office 01275 877083

Craniosacral therapy is a powerful yet gentle way of addressing a wide range of symptoms & conditions. The fully accredited 2-year training is presented by experienced teachers who have provided Craniosacral Trainings since 1990 in the UK and worldwide. Our new curriculum now incorporates several areas of advanced study to provide a more comprehensive skill-base for the practitioner before they start up in practice. New areas of study include: working with the viscera; cranial nerves; the neuro-endocrine system; and working with the energetics of the chakra system. • Next training begins Spring in Stroud, Gloucestershire. • Regular Introductory days & courses throughout the year. Contact: Sheila Kean 01503 250767 www.resonance.org.uk cst@maitri.co.uk

Rejuvanessence Practitioner Training. Facial energy release. Unique holistic rejuvenating facial massage also known as Angels’ Touch. New eight-day certificate course set over 4 modules - or two-day foundation weekend. Affiliated to BCMA and Light Touch Therapists. Learn five different sessions on the face, skull, neck and shoulders. Frees the connective tissue and consequently releases the pent up tension in these areas, helping achieve a blooming healthy complexion naturally! Gentle on the therapist and heavenly for the client. “Like having your face softly ironed by the fingertips of your favourite seraph“ The Times. www.carolinejosling.com rejuvan.essence@virgin.net 07973 732842

Creative writing has emerged as an innovative intervention relevant to a wide range of health and community needs, as well as a broad spectrum of the problems of living presented by those seeking coaching, mentoring, counselling or personal guidance. This unique programme is designed to prepare participants for the challenges and demands of working at this growing edge. Participants will be encouraged to develop and enhance their ability to work in this field via personal creative and reflective writing, groupwork and research and inquiry projects. Next intake October 2012 at the Create Centre, Bristol. Contact the Academic Coordinator, 020 8579 2505 or mandy.kersey@metanoia.ac.uk www.metanoia.ac.uk

PsychoMuscular Release is a valuable new technique for all “talking therapists” and available to learn online for £9.99 - price includes the PsychoMuscular Release audio CD. PsychoMuscular Release is a very effective technique for creating the Relaxation Response; a type of relaxation below that of normal/baseline relaxation levels, with over 30 years of published scientific research to attest to its therapeutic benefits. Creating the Relaxation Response using PsychoMuscular Release Technique with clients is excellent for relieving the symptoms of too much stress and anxiety. PsychoMuscular Release is easy to learn, easy to use and easy to teach to clients to use by themselves. www.psychomuscularrelease.co.uk

As a registered centre with ABC Awards and the National Counselling Society, Riqta offer Accredited & Approved Counselling Courses that carry credits which are transferrable to other colleges & universities for ongoing professional development/career/learning opportunities. We provide: Level 2 Counselling Skills & Concepts - 10 weeks starting soon! Level 3 Counselling Skills - 10 months Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling (integrative Gestalt & T.A.) - 21 months. All part time courses. All courses are available in Bristol: Enrol now! info.riqta@btconnect.com www.RIQTA.co.uk 01803 315075

Arrange a Free School Visit Now! If you want to: find new inspiration, be happier & help others, have a career in healthcare or work from home then give us a call. Established in 1981, we have courses from beginner to practitioner level. Flexible home study or attendance. Attendance is only 1 weekend a month. Private School set in beautiful grounds, a real Cotswold retreat! Go online to watch movies about the School or contact us for a prospectus. School of Homeopathy. Stroud, Gloucestershire. Free phone: 0800 0439 349, e-mail: info@homeopathyschool.com www.homeopathyschool.com

11 module Hypnotherapy and NLP Certificate Training. Taught by a qualified, accredited teacher and hypnotherapy and Master Practitioner of NLP with over 15 years of experience. Course accredited by NCH(UK) and NGH(USA). Course includes NLP Practitioner and specialist certification in Anxiety, Ericksonian and Stop Smoking. Evening, weekday or weekend training in small classes. Also, training courses and supervision for practising hypnotherapists and therapists, members of the public, corporations and organisations in NLP. For details of the course / to arrange an interview contact Hilary Norris-Evans on 0788 771 4892 info@getmindfit.co.uk or getmindfit@hotmail.com To download a prospectus go to www.hypno-nlp.org site of the UK Academy

Susan Lawrence Training www.susanlawrencetrainng.co.uk

Tailor-made training courses, workshops and team development • confidence building • improving communication • change process facilitation • and much more - please visit my website for details. Phone 0117 933 2607 Email susan_lawrence_evaluation@yahoo.co.uk (I also offer Dramatherapy - see my ad in Arts Therapies section for info)

voice Share The Harmony Singing Groups Heartlifting harmonies / Bath & Somerset. sharetheharmony.co.uk 07592 016878

Grow your own creative confidence and vocal technique learning to improvise within a group. Fun, feral and friendly. • Guided drop-in classes, monthly Wednesdays in term time. Cost £5. Fab location at Bristol Greenhouse Studio, 292 Ashley Down Rd. • Dayskools and events - Going Feral; monthly Saturdays: A series of creative vocal playdays in the woods near Bristol, with fire and hot snacks. £25/£20 concs. Booking essential. See website for dates. www.bristolferalchoir.org.uk email bristolferalchoir@gmail.com text 07837 599239 or find us on Facebook

volunteering

Are you ordinary enough to be a Samaritan Volunteer? Unlike most other helplines, Samaritans are available to offer emotional support 24 hours a day to those people in distress or despair as well as those who may be feeling suicidal. Join our volunteer team supporting others and receive free training, ongoing support and reasonable out-of-pocket expenses. Volunteers for night duties are particularly needed. To find out more phone 0117 927 9387 or visit our website at www.samaritans.org/bristol

women Wild Women Wise Women - Spirals of Being Women’s retreats through the turning year

Inner journeys, voice, movement, meditation, creative enquiry, woven with ceremony to celebrate our sacred feminine • The Outward Spiral 29th March-1st April • The Creative Spiral camp 1-3rd June • The Inward Spiral 4th-7th October. Wales. Jules Heavens 01639 830052 jules@soundweaver.demon.co.uk www.julesheavens.com

yoga

Yoga can improve strength, flexibility and co-ordination. The various postures also promote relaxation and the release of tension. We offer weekly drop-in classes and courses that take place in our fully equipped and beautiful shrine room. Maximum class size is 16. The Centre shop (open Monday to Saturday 1-4pm) sells yoga mats, blocks, belts etc. Drop-in Classes (suitable for beginners and more experienced practitioners): Tuesday & Thursday 10.30amnoon, and Wednesdays & Thursdays 5.45-7.15pm. Improvers Class. Mondays 5.45-7.15pm. All classes cost £8/£5 or £75 for 10 classes with yoga card. Contact us for more details. Bristol Buddhist Centre, 162 Gloucester Road, Bishopston, Bristol BS7 8NT. t: 0117 924 9991 e: info@bristol-buddhist-centre.org w: www.bristol-buddhist-centre.org Reg Charity No. 900165

Yogasara is the Art of Wellbeing. Teaching quality yoga, chi-kung, pilates, movement, meditation and more. Committed to excellence, our teachers give you the best. A Community Interest Company, Yogasara puts people and yoga before profit. Committed to sustainability, community and making this planet a better place. Be the Change, join us at Yogasara. Sarah/Christopher 0778 950 1884 www.yogasara.co.uk Picton St, Montpelier, Bristol

Birthlight Yoga

Pregnancy, birth, mums & babies. Bristol/Stroud. Frankie: 0789 099 6782 www.yogafrankie.co.uk

Breathe Yoga

Hatha Yoga classes in the vini style with Amelia

Unite the body and mind through the breath. Build inner and physical strength through movement. All levels of abilities welcome. Horfield Quaker Meeting House, 300 Gloucester Road, BS7 8PD. Classes start in February, Wednesday 7.30-9.00 pm. 121 also available. breathe-yoga.org.uk breathewithyoga@gmail.com

Dynamic Hatha Yoga

One-to-one or small group classes tailor-made to work with your body’s own strengths and weaknesses. Time and place flexible. Contact Sophie: 0785 570 0772 Specialist yoga studios in Stokes Croft and Bishopston, Bristol. Open every day with over 40 classes a week. Come and enjoy our beautiful, spacious studios. Beginners welcome! Classes include: Ashtanga, Hatha, Iyengar, Restorative, Anusara, Kundalini, Belly Dance and Pilates. We welcome families with our classes for pregnancy, the postnatal period and babies, and offer children’s and family yoga. We regularly host visiting teachers and offer weekend workshops and retreats. We also offer Yoga Teacher training courses, accredited by Yoga Alliance. A warm welcome awaits you. £10 off yoga classes when you log onto www.bristolcityyoga.co.uk/offers www.bristolcityyoga.co.uk info@bristolcityyoga.co.uk 0117 924 4414

Gentle, Friendly Yoga. Bishopston Postures, breathing, deep relaxation. Mondays. justgentleyoga.wordpress.com 0776 301 0591. 0117 924 0221

Kundalini Yoga

The Yoga of Awareness

Kundalini yoga is a powerful & transformative Yoga, restoring peace & harmony to the body, mind & soul. • Tuesdays 10am-11.30am Yogasara: Anjali 0796 110 5780 satnam.anjali@hotmail.com • Wednesdays 10am-11.30am Bristol City Yoga: Preet Kaur 07704 636647 www.kundaliniyogasoundhealing.com • Wednesdays 1.30pm-3pm Yogasara: Satya 0795 836 3056 satnam.satya@hotmail.co.uk All welcome. No previous experience needed.

Revitalising Yoga Weekends, Dartmoor

Relax, energise at lovely Dartmoor hotel. Yoga. Dinner, bed and breakfast. Pool, jacuzzi, sauna. Optional holistic treaments. From £250. Katharine 0787 019 9010. Fourseasonsyoga.co.uk.

Satyananda Yoga The Devon School of Yoga brings together classes, workshops, retreats and training courses under one umbrella, covering all aspects of the subject. Set in locations across Devon, ideal surroundings are provided for yoga practice, study and contemplation. The school teaches a holistic approach. The next two-year teacher training course and one-year post graduate yoga therapy course starts September 2012. The next five-w/ends foundation course starts January 2013. Plus weekly classes, year-round day workshop programme, seasonal residential weekends, North India retreat and The Devon Yoga Festival. For information or a copy of the programme, please contact us: The Devon School of Yoga, 4 Barnfield Hill, St Leonards, Exeter EX1 1SR. 01392 420573 info@devonyoga.com www.devonyoga.com

When you reply to an ad please say you saw it in The Spark. This really helps us. Thanks.

Movement to stillness: body, breath, mind. Bristol/Stroud 0789 099 6782 www.yogafrankie.co.uk HT

Sivananda Yoga Bristol

Asana, Pranayama, relaxation. Classes, workshops & retreats. www.yogaprema.org 07789 263366

Yoga: Bath, Bradford-on-Avon

Beginners. Intermediate. Relaxation. Mindfulness. Enjoyable. 01225 743686 www.jacquijarosy.co.uk

Yoga Holidays at Huzur Vadisi, Turkey

’My favourite yoga holiday destination’ Simon Low, The Yoga Academy Huzur Vadisi, established 1993, is renowned for its stunning location, food and hospitality. Courses and retreats with top yoga teachers Easter-October. Swimming pool. ’Idyllic’ Michele Pernetta, Bikram Yoga College, London. www.huzurvadisi.com

☞ Womens Yoga & Dance day with Anjali. See events section: 15th April

Letters

Competitions

Write to: The Spark, 86 Colston St, Bristol BS1 5BB editor@thespark.co.uk

We’ve long been aware of the lovely La Chispa magazine (“Southern Spain’s voice for positive change…”) and we decided it was high time we heard from founding editor Phil Speirs in his own words. Formerly resident of the West Country, Phil tells us what’s moving and shaking their world down in Andalucia…

photo Tessa Rans

Bristol Reconnect

groups who were fighting to preserve the ecosystem, encouraging eco building – practically non-existent at the time – and publishing features on real alternatives for energy use, green products and eco-friendly solutions. The magazine gradually became a meeting place for like-minded people and a lifeline for people relocating to southern Spain. We helped people to connect with a side of southern Spain that offers something more profound and spiritual than the golf courses and beach bars. We started organising festivals and now run a series of successful healing arts festivals, bringing people together for a weekend of music, talks, workshops, and activities. As the financial crisis in Spain deepens, people are looking for and creating real alternatives. The 15M movement that started in Spain (protests in 60 Spanish towns on May 15, 2011) was the inspiration for the Occupy movement the world over. Transition Towns are also starting to appear and I’ve been involved in a local transition project in my adopted town of Coin, a small town 20 minutes inland, and far enough from the Costa del Sol to be a different world. Peak oil and the rapidly changing environmental and economic landscape made me want to work on creating better resilience in my own community. Transition Coin has launched a local currency, started a consumer group and held a small solar festival where we fed over 70 people using the power of the sun. We need to make some fundamental changes to the way we live and I hope the magazine helps people to find those tools for positive change. Changes start with a spark!

competition winners 67 Ecoforce cleaning kit: Jane Coulston, Somerset; Mary & David Lambert, Keynsham; Mrs S Ress, Bristol; P.M.McLaren, Bristol; Tim Hayne, Somerset Trees Direct 20m of hedgerow: Bristol Reconnect, Fishponds, Bristol Bluebeard luxury shaving kit: Mr A Blacker, Bristol; Bridget Malcolm, Wootten-Under-Edge; Den Peacock, W-S-M; Patrick Moulsdale, Bridgewater; Guy Pegden, Bristol

Calling all writers! Last issue we ran a competition to win 20 metres of native British hedgerow from Trees Direct. After a huge response, we selected a winner: Bristol Reconnect, a project which is enabling 90 ex-homeless people to practise woodwork, bushcraft and coppicing skills in a local woodland. The group are creating a permaculture garden at Grove Lodge in Fishponds, Bristol, where 45 of the group members live. The rest of Bristol Reconnect visit this site regularly for meetings. Bristol Reconnect will plant the hedgerow in place of an “ugly, concrete wall” and say that the prize win is already “a huge morale boost!”. Bristol Reconnect will be keeping us updated on the progress of their hedgerow, so check out www.thespark.co.uk for photos at a later date! www.treesdirect.co.uk

Answers to: The Spark, 86 Colston St, Bristol BS1 5BB

WIN! a Shambala cycling holiday

a letter from Andalucia...

hen they think of southern Spain Spark readers may think of package holidays to the Costa del Sol or TV documentaries exposing housing scams but there’s a vibrant alternative scene thriving down here in the benign Mediterranean climate! And at the heart of this lively, eco-holistic scene is a magazine published in English and Spanish every two months, called La Chispa (The Spark, in Spanish). We’re celebrating ten years shining a light on natural living in Andalucía this year. It has been a privilege to represent the alternative community in southern Spain. Originally, me, my partner Kate and young daughter Kira were passing through Andalucía on our travels but we saw an opportunity to make a new life here. We wanted to know where to buy organic food, how to find a yoga class, and holistic therapists, and I decided to start La Chispa to bring all my interests together. With a print run of 8,500 copies, the magazine is distributed throughout the Costa del Sol in health food shops, holistic centres and cafes. I hadn’t heard of the Bristol Spark back then; our name was chosen by an Irishman I knew in Spain who had been carrying the idea around for a while. My main references were Festival Eye, Kindred Spirit, Time out and Permaculture magazine. As soon as I heard about The Spark, back in 2003, I made contact straight away. The early 2000s was a boom time for construction in southern Spain and with the rapid spread of the concrete jungle and speculation, greed and corruption everywhere, La Chispa was a voice for the planet and sustainability, championing

The Spark needs a new ‘rural voice’ columnist to fill the shoes of the lovely Noreen Wainwright, who has written so eloquently about her life on a dairy farm these past few issues. You must live in a rural part of our distribution area, have experience of writing and be able to offer uniques insights into the issues of country living... so whether you’re living off-grid in a bender, setting up a smallholding, or just happily connecting with the vales and valleys of Sparkland, get in touch and send your CV and a sample of your writing to Vicki at editor@thespark.co.uk The Spark is also looking for new writers to cover environment and food-related issues, so please get in touch (with samples of your work) if you have writing experience AND specialist knowledge of these subjects.

s 2012 takes shape, the world around us seems ever more unstable: the guys at Shambala HQ realise there is no point getting ground-down by the doom and gloom, deciding that the theme for this year’s festival will be “Celebration.” So let’s revel in being human and all the things we do so well, and celebrate how much we really can do together. Shambala and The Spark are offering one family (up to two adults and two children) the chance to win a family cycle holiday (from Bristol) plus tickets to this year’s award-winning Shambala Festival, August 23-27, worth over £300. In partnership with Sustrans, Shambala is offering guided rides from many UK cities to the festival. Lovely, traffic-free routes are planned, campsites are booked and luggage taken for you! The Bristol ride is spread over three days, and turns the festival into a week of family fun. Riders get reserved camping

near toilets and showers, and champagne on arrival. Rides normally cost between £10 and £20, and 100% goes to help Sustrans maintain the national cycle network. The rides are subsidised by Shambala as part of their sustainable transport strategy. Check the ‘Getting There’ page at www.shambalafestival.org for more details. For a chance to win, simply answer this question: What major award did Shambala win last year? (answer at www.shambalafestival.org) Answers on postcards to Shambala Comp, at the Spark address above, including your name, address AND phone number. All entries must be in by April 26. (You can enter online at www.thespark.co.uk) If you’ve never experienced Shambala, then make 2012 the year you do. It’s a haven, a think-tank, a forum to unleash your creativity. Join them in making this year unforgettable! www.shambalafestival.org

WIN! Green Gathering tickets

ot made up your mind yet about your holiday this year? What about an Ecoholiday at the Green Gathering, August 2-5, with three full days of workshops centred on all things green? Held at Chepstow Racecourse, it’s perfect for those who fancy learning how to bake bread in a clay oven, how to weave their own willow hurdles or try a new holistic treatment. Green Gathering is very much a weekend for the whole family, with an eclectic musical and cabaret content, superb crafts area, a healing area and the most amazing kids area you’ll ever find in a field. Guest speakers this year include Simon Fairlie (The Land magazine and Monkton Wyld), renowned astrologer Jonathan Cainer

and Dr Nafeez Mosaddeq Ahmed, Executive Director of the Institute for Policy Research and Development, who will be talking about and screening his film The Crisis of Civilisation. To win one of two pairs of adult tickets to this year’s Green Gathering simply answer the following question: What number bus takes you from Chepstow train station up to the racecourse for Green Gathering? (answer at www.greengathering2012.co.uk) Answers (postcards only please), to Green Gathering Comp, at the Spark address above, including your name, address AND phone number. Entries must be in by April 26. You can also enter online at www.thespark.co.uk www.greengathering2012.co.uk

WIN! Devon Yoga Festival tickets

new Yoga festival, bringing together top quality teachers, comfortable accommodation, award-winning food and the stunning environment of the rural West Country, launches this summer. The Devon Yoga Festival takes place over the weekend of August 10-12 at Seale Hayne near Newton Abbot. “There are a number of Yoga festivals around the country but we felt there was space for something with comfortable accommodation (as opposed to camping!) award-winning vegetarian catering and a comprehensive programme of workshops and events,” says organiser Duncan Hulin. “We want to appeal to everyone, from curious beginners to experienced yogis. Seale Hayne has outstanding facilities and the surroundings are stunning: perfect for a weekend of everything Yoga.” The Festival will offer over 40 workshops, in styles ranging from anusara and satyananda to ashtanga and kundalini. There will be classes specifically tailored for children, beginners and

the over 60s, and an evening kirtan (music & chanting). There will also be talks on the philosophy that underpins the practice, and films about Yoga. Ticket prices range from £85 (£65 for children) for a day pass to £195 (£175 for children) for the full weekend, with substantial discounts available for early bird bookings. The event will be not-for-profit, with donations going to charities in Devon and in India. To win either a full weekend pass (worth £195) or a Saturday day ticket (worth £85) to the Devon Yoga Festival simply answer the following question: What charities are supported by the Devon Yoga Festival? (you’ll find the answer at www.devonyogafestival.co.uk) Answers (postcards only please), to Devon Yoga Comp at the address above, not forgetting your name, address AND phone number by April 26. You can also enter online at www.thespark.co.uk www.devonyogafestival.co.uk

54 changemaker

Jane Davis MBE founder of The Reader Interview by Fiona McClymont • photo by Jo Halladey Jane Davis, 56, is the founder and director of The Reader Organisation, a national charity aiming to bring about a reading revolution and social change by sharing great literature with people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities. Get Into Reading groups operate across the UK (and now in Europe and Australia) and are a growing presence in the South West, where there are currently 13 groups within GP surgeries, hospitals and libraries. A Little, Aloud (Chatto & Windus, 2010) is a selection of carefully selected literature designed to be read aloud to someone you care for. Jane was awarded an MBE for her work in December 2011. I don’t read for entertainment – if I want to be entertained I’d go dancing – I read because I want to know. I want to find out how to understand my life, which has been quite fantastically complicated. Everybody’s life is really, isn’t it? Our personal lives are quite serious and sad mainly and we haven’t got many cultural resources for dealing with all that stuff. I think literature is one way, the best way actually, of fully understanding the human experience. School seemed irrelevant to me. I truanted a lot and left with two O-Levels, at the very lowest possible pass. My parents divorced when I was ten and my mum became an alcoholic. I was the oldest child of four, so there were a lot of family responsibilities. I read a lot outside of school. Toxteth Library in Liverpool was my local library and at 12 I was allowed to use the adult section. I remember really getting into Samuel Beckett’s plays. I loved Happy Days; the character Winnie is stuck in a mound of sand and tries desperately to keep her spirits up. If I think of myself at that time – within 15 years my mum would have drunk herself to death – I realise it was a good choice for an unhappy teenager. I think I knew that somehow I was in that story; I recognised it. So, from way back, my reading has been about making sense. I was out in the world, hardly any qualifications, no idea what was going to happen; it all suddenly seemed a bit dangerous. I lived in squats for a bit, with my thenboyfriend and had some scary times. We were like two babes in the wood, tiny hippies wandering around. It all ended really sadly and badly. Then I got married to my first husband, had my daughter (who’s now 38) and within six months thought “No, marriage is a terrible mistake”. I wanted to become a writer. So did he. I was p****ed off that he was typing away at his novel while I was left doing the nappies. That frustration led me to the women’s liberation movement.

I saw life happen to my students – divorce, falling in love, illness – and saw this connection between books and real life, as we live it. One old woman, a retired GP, came to class every week, over a ten-year period, during which time she got very old and very ill, eventually dying. There’s all this amazing poetry in English Literature about troubles and God and hard times and she was reading for dear life. The class was doing something for her, nothing else was giving her what she got when she came to those classes. I began to think “Everybody needs something like this”. Along with my colleagues Angela Macmillan and Sarah Coley, I founded The Reader magazine in 1997, to spread the word about the way we were reading, personally, in our classrooms. I then got some money to set up a project called Get Into Reading, whereby I’d take this style of reading and the great writers, out into the community. It makes me so angry the way literature is positioned as though it’s not for everybody. People believe that it’s a thing you do for exams, that it’s not for you. I read an article recently by a literature academic who said, “A taxi driver asked me what I do, I tried to explain and he couldn’t understand, well that’s right, he shouldn’t be able to, because it is a special discourse, like nuclear physics”. Oh p**s off, I thought!

I rushed out of the house one day, baby in pushchair, straight to The Women’s Liberation headquarters in Liverpool: knocked on the door and said, “Let me in! I want liberating!” They said, “Come in and have a cup of tea”. I never went home again. Women’s liberation was exploding into consciousness in the 1970s and it was a fantastic time to be with these powerful, angry, demanding young women. I learnt a hell of a lot. We had a reading group and a consciousness-raising group, and in a three-year period I’d read everything there was to read in literature by women. It was such a formative part of my life, it changed everything and I’m really grateful for it. My entire life has benefitted from that time. I went in as a really wobbly, desperate teenager and came out as someone who believed that there were massive possibilities and that I had some sort of claim on them. I realised that I needed an education so I worked in cafes while I did some A-Levels, and then got a place at Liverpool University to do English.

is. It brought on something like a nervous breakdown. I was very scared, because I realised I would have to totally change my life. I remember sitting on the edge of my bed and thinking “I can’t go out, to the shop or anything, because I don’t know how to behave in this new universe where everything bloody matters!” That book made me see that you have a life for a purpose and you’ve got to find out what that purpose is and do it. So that book made me not drop out but it also made me very angry. I was so grumpy with everyone. I was like, “Get serious!” Luckily, I then met both my husband Phil (now professor Philip Davis, director of the Centre for Research into Reading at Liverpool) and Brian Nellist (MBE) who was my brilliant tutor in the third year. I graduated in 1983 with a first class degree: I’d never stuck a thing out before.

I struggled with university: I thought, “Oh, this is where the middle class have been all my life, here in this very university, having sherry!” It seemed unreal. Huge swathes of the stuff we were studying didn’t speak to me. I was deeply uncomfortable there and kept nearly leaving. But then, at the end of the first year, a book got me: Doris Lessing’s Shikasta.

I thought I was going to become a writer and over 15 years I wrote five novels. That was a big part of my journey. I’d done a PhD, had another baby and thought “Now I can write a novel”. I didn’t get published, but it was an important learning process. It taught me how to conceive of something, work at it and see it through. It also made me a very hard worker; I’d get up at 4am and write for three hours before everyone got up. Through writing I worked on problems that I’d dragged with me from my past, almost like solitary psychoanalysis.

It was an epiphany: literally overnight it changed my whole world-view. It’s a brilliant sci-fi novel and it made me realise that there is a religious dimension to life and I needed to understand what it

I began to teach at my local University in Continuing Education and over the years I realised something interesting and profound – something unexpected – was happening in the classes I ran.

There’s a big thing to be done intellectually for humans – which I think George Eliot’s already done but nobody’s noticed – which is to make sure that we understand that feeling is the deepest form of knowing I think that we are here to know – I don’t mean intellectually, a lot of our knowing is in our gut, in our heart (which is also your brain). You’ve already got your feelings, sometimes you just haven’t got any language for them. Something happens to you in shared reading: a sudden moment, a feeling of recognition, of seeing written down something you’ve had as a nameless feeling, and at that moment it takes some form in the visible world, so you can begin to know it. And there’s something so important about that – it’s a form of consciousness. Multiply that feeling by all the people who come to our weekly sessions – at least a thousand – and that’s a lot of change-making moments. I’ve always been an outsider but I’ve learnt to admire things in the world a lot more than I used to. Outsiders always despise what exists – schools, the church, the family – and I’m terribly critical. But I’ve learned that when you’re making a thing in the world (like The Reader Organisation), it’s impossibly hard to realise ideals, to keep the life in things. No wonder so many things don’t work properly, it’s all so complicated. I think I’m a more forgiving person now. http://thereader.org.uk The Reader are keen for people in the South West working in the fields of social care (homelessness/ mental health/elderly care/addiction clinics etc) to get in touch to find out how to start up reading groups. Contact regional manager Sarah Hopkins on sarahhopkins@thereader.org.uk Spark readers can get a free copy of The Reader by sending a SAE (A5 size) with three first-class stamps on, (marked Spark Offer) to: The Reader Magazine, The Friary Centre, Bute Street, Liverpool L5 3LA

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BIG Green Week

brand new festival debuts in Bristol this June, bringing nine packed days of green ideas, art and culture to the city. The week of films, talks, events and workshops kicks off with the UK’s biggest ever Farmer’s Market on Saturday June 9, in Bristol’s St Nicks market. Sunday will see the first ever World Electric Bike Championships: a time trial race up Bristol’s Park Street, with celebrity riders competing for the electric bike crown. Look out for a gravity-powered downhill ‘soap-box’ Go-Kart Grand Prix and electric bike taster sessions as part of the proceedings. The BBC’s Natural History Unit’s will be putting on films at the Watershed; there will be exhibitions and activities at the Arnolfini, Colston Hall and the M-Shed and a packed programme of Fringe events. The week concludes with the annual Festival of Nature (June 16-17), across the harbourside, and Bristol’s Biggest Bike Ride (June 17). “We want people to come to Bristol’s BIG Green Week to be educated, inspired and have fun,” says Peter Madden, chief executive of Forum for the Future, who helped develop BIG Green Week. “We’re banishing environmental doom and gloom, and offering a rich programme of inspiration, with culture, talks and performance. Our goal is to create a world-class event, attracting the same buzz as the Edinburgh, Hay and Cheltenham Festivals.”

The Spark at BIG Green Week:

Here at The Spark we wanted to put on our own green event and decided to base it around food and kids: two essential ingredients of a green festival! Our Family Food Funday will also take place on Saturday June 9th at The Park in Knowle. Our event on June 9 aims to inspire families to grow and cook their own food. Our Family Food Funday will feature talks on container gardening from the Guardian’s Lia Leendertz, plus fun cookery demos with the team at the Square Food Foundation (formerly at Bordeaux Quay www. squarefoodfoundation.co.uk), pizza making, a ‘grown at home’ exhibition, storytelling plus – if the weather allows – a barbecue and outside entertainment. Entry will be free and you can get involved right now! In conjunction with our friends at the Riverside Garden Centre (www. riversidegardencentre.com) we’re giving away packets of seeds, compost and pots to families, schools, after school clubs and community groups who want to get growing. We want to encourage kids – even if they only have access to a windowsill – to start growing their own vegetables which they can then bring along on June 9 and have our chefs show how they can

Get Involved!

If you would like some seeds, potting compost or some pots drop us a line at darryl@thespark.co.uk …and get growing!

prepare and eat them, making salads, pizzas and more. You’ll also be able to pick up gardening tips on the day.

Make a grass head!

If you’re planning to come to our Family Food Funday, then make a grass head and bring it along! We’ll have an exhibition on the day for the funkiest ’head, and a ‘rogues gallery’ on the Spark website (send your pics to beccy@thespark.co.uk). See below for Beccy’s method… Kit: • Old tights/pop socks • Compost (please use peat-free) • Grass seeds* • A bowl of water • Jam jars/glasses to sit your head in • A friend – much easier with two • An old spoon • Try traditional grass seeds and also some edible seeds such as cress, mustard, chives (because they’re pointy and so fit through the mesh) and decorative dill (for a funkier hair-style!) • Cut your tights long enough for a head and a nice long ‘tail’ • Dunk the tights in the bowl of water first so the seeds stick slightly and don’t all fall into the toe bit • Sprinkle in a good amount of seeds • Use the spoon to add compost; the more you add, the more the tights spread and the bigger the holes in the mesh become: better for the shoots to poke through especially for cress and mustard that are ‘dicotyledons’ (come up with two little leaves) • Tie a knot at the bottom of the head • Dunk the whole thing quickly in the bowl of water to moisten up the head • Fill your jam jar or glass to two thirds full • Sit your head in the jar with the tail dangling in the water so it will drink what it needs • Wait excitedly for your head to emerge! You can make noses or ears by teasing out a lump then securing with an elastic band • Once the hair has grown you can draw on features with marker pen, or stick on googly eyes, or use scraps of wool or collage bits from magazines • TOP TIP! If you’re using cress/mustard seeds, make a slit in the tights when they start to sprout as this will enable them to push through the mesh!

Get a Big Green VIP pass! Available from February 27, the BIG Green VIP Pass enables advance booking for all events, reduced price tickets and discounts at cafes and restaurants around Bristol. BIG Green VIP Pass holders will receive a green wristband by post, complete with a discount code which they can use to book BIG Green Week tickets and access special events, pick up a free goodie bag, be

given advance details of the Bristol BIG Green Week programme and the opportunity to book tickets before they go on general release, receive a 20% discount on festival ticket prices as well as 10% off travel, accommodation, food and drink at the participating venues and more. Green VIP Passes cost £10. For more information contact Colston Hall (0117 922 3686) or see www.biggreenweek.com

rear view… with Kate Evans