Reconnect 21 Oct-Nov 12

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OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2012 ISSUE 21

the green living magazine for Exeter, Plymouth and South Devon

FREE

Community works!

Development and energy projects

please take one and pass it on

The Wellbeing section Health, happiness and puppies

Season's change

Capturing the secret life of nature

Recipes for local food

Producers and independent stores

Plans for eco building Shepherds’ huts and earthships

Explore the new Reconnect archive www.reconnectonline.co.uk... local people local events local foodat local health local environment HOLISTIC MEDICINE

EXPERIENCED PRACTITIONERS

WIDE RANGE OF TREATMENTS

PROFESSIONAL TRAINING

THE PRACTITIONERS:

MO MORRISH RSHom Homoeopathic medicine www.thehomoeopathicpractice.co.uk

Exeter Natural Health Centre Holistic healthcare in the heart of the city Here at ENHC we offer a wide range of complementary therapies provided by experienced and highly professional practitioners. The centre, which has been established for over 10 years, is also renowned for its excellence in training courses. Conveniently situated in the city centre, we have full reception cover and beautiful spacious treatment rooms for therapists to hire or, for bigger workshops, courses and classes, we have a well appointed large training room.

Please call for more details.

ANNA PARIS Ac.M.MBAC Traditional acupuncture, Toyohari 5 element & Manaka styles. email: amparis1@btinternet.com LISA TATE Remedial, pregnancy and therapeutic massage, Myofascial release. www.lisatatetherapies.co.uk JULIE BLADON Yoga, Lomi Lomi massage, pregnancy massage www.juliebladon.com NATALIE WILKIE Counselling and psychotherapy www.counselling-exeter.co.uk KATHERINE JENKINS BSC(HONS)PSYCH, MNCH(ACC).

Consulting Hypnotherapist www.hypnosisexeter.com KATHERINE UKLEJA DO RCST Craniosacral therapy www.katherineukleja.co.uk LESLEY HARPER Nutritional therapy www.lesleyharper.co.uk SUSAN QUAYLE Maternity reflexologist, fertility, ante natal, labour, post natal & baby, aromatherapy, massage Tel: 01626 862469 KARIN OR PATRICIA Pregnancy yoga & active birth www.birthwise.net NORAH CATHERINE MCCULLAGH Bespoke facials & skin care www.purefaceworks.com SAMANTHA GODDARD Exeter Reiki Institute & Reiki Rascals. Providing training and sessions for all members of the family.

07870 167701 LOUISA SHORNEY MBSCH Clinical Hypnotherapy & life coaching lshorney@gmail.com THE DEVON SCHOOL OF REFLEXOLOGY Level 3 Diploma Spring/Autumn courses 2013 www.devonreflexology.com

BRITISH SCHOOL OF HOMOEOPATHY For low cost homoeopathic treatment come to our supervised student clinic.

Call 01392 422555 & visit www.britishschoolofhomoeopathy.co.uk

SCHOOL OF BODYWORK

Professional Massage Training. All diploma courses APNT accredited.

New courses include: Seated Acupressure & Indian Head Massage

Enrolling now for 2013 courses www.schoolofbodywork.com info@schoolofbodywork.com 07711 656 011

01392 422555 Centre Manager: Ali Morrish

HARRIET HOLLINGWORTH Louise Hay ‘Heal Your Life’ teacher, EFT practitioner, Holistic therapist. www.hollingworthtouch.co.uk JULIA COLLETT Psychotherapy & counselling 01837 840052 GEOFF GREEN Energy healing and counselling www.innerknowing.co.uk SUE VAUGHAN DHH Kinesiology, Allergy Testing, Clinical Nutrition, Hypnotherapy, NLP. www.svaughan.co.uk TOBIAS TAYLOR Remedial Massage and Myofascial Release.

07583 534 211.

LINDA ANANDA Movement Healing and Rythmic Healing. linda@movingintobliss.org DEBBIE TREWIN Better Life Consultations & Reiki Treatments, Exeter. 01392 833003

Exeter Natural Health Centre, Queens Walk, 83/84 Queen Street, Exeter, EX4 3RP e: info@enhc.org w: www.enhc.org

Find out more about us on facebook and follow us on twitter @ExeterNaturalHC 2

Advertising: 01392 346342 adverts@reconnectonline.co.uk

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

...and the latest news at

Magazine

Inside this issue

Growing closer 9 Life on a community farm

Brought to you by...

Community energy 15 Busy times at TRESOC Pooling eco resources 16 Energy saving plan for Dartmouth Earthships explained 18 Energy efficient garden store

COMMERCIAL EDITOR ADVERTISEMENT SALES adverts@reconnectonline.co.uk Pete Hardy 01392 346342 2 Withall’s Gardens Lympstone EX8 5JH

Welcome...

Thermal goes dynamic 12 Could this be the next big thing?

Seasonal eating - page 25

EDITOR editor@reconnectonline.co.uk Martin Foster 01803 868455 45 Punchards Down, Follaton Totnes TQ9 5FD

www.facebook.com/Reconnect

Transition tales 20 Latest news from local groups

Eco building - page 4

Organic gardening 22 What summer? Moving on...

Reading groups 23 Read a good book - and share it

AD SALES ASSISTANT heather@reconnectonline.co.uk Heather Nicholson

Seasonal eating 25 Warm and comforting foods What’s going on here? 26 Hot events across South Devon The Wellbeing pages 28 NHS - the natural health service Living on less 42 Foster talks with his mouth full

THE RATES 1/8-page - £93; 1/4-page - £148; 1/2-page £313; full page £522.

THE DISCOUNTS Book three issues, get 10% off.

Pay for a series of six, get one free.

PAY MONTHLY Book six issues and pay monthly by direct debit (and you get 10% discount). So, a 1/8-page is just £41.85 a month; a 1/4-page is £66.60 a month; a 1/2-page is £140.85 a month; and a full page is £234.90 a month.

AD DESIGN Just call and we’ll help with words (free of charge) and design (for between £10-£50).

CLASSIFIED See page 41 for details.

Call Pete or Martin NOW!

l Follow us on Facebook and read us online at www.reconnectonline.co.uk l www.reconnectonline.co.uk

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2012 ISSUE 21

the green living magazine for Exeter, Plymouth and South Devon

FREE

Community works!

Development and energy projects

plEasE takE onE and pass it on

The Wellbeing section Health, happiness and puppies

Season's change

Capturing the secret life of nature

Recipes for local food

Producers and independent stores

Plans for eco building Shepherd’s huts and earthships

The small print PUBLISHED BY Reconnect Publishing, 2 Withall’s Gardens, Lympstone, EX8 5JH PRINTED BY Kingfisher Print, Wills Rd, Totnes www.kingfisherprint.co.uk WEBSITE Visit our website at www. reconnectonline.co.uk. And visit our Facebook page at www.facebook. com/reconnectmagazine

Cover images: The main image is from a photograph

by Phil Hemsley - see more on poge 22.

The other photos show: Hugh and gang at the ATMOS photocall (page 17); Hearing Dogs for Deaf People (page 28); Broadclyst Community Farm (page 9); and a shepherd’s hut - a new course teaches you to build your own (page 17).

ECO ETHOS Reconnect is written, designed, printed and distributed locally, using materials from sustainable sources.

It is printed using vegetable-based inks and biodegradable fount solution. The paper is 75 per cent post-consumer waste and 25 per cent virgin fibre (from a sustainable source), chlorine-free and FSCaccredited (www.fsc-uk.org). All by-products of the production and printing processes are recycled.

Please recycle this magazine by passing it on to someone else after you’ve read it

Wellbeing - page 28

THE DEADLINE The deadline for the Dec/Jan issue is Friday, November 2 - but get in touch now and we’ll do what we can!

Local food - page 9

How to advertise...

THIS is one of the last things we write for the magazine so it’s usually at the end of two weeks of pre-deadline frenzy (unavoidable it seems, no matter how much we plan!).

But despite all that, I am again full of wonder and gratitude for a number of reasons: that you all enjoy Reconnect so much (we know you do because you tell us so); that advertisers really want to be involved and really do get results; and that we’re able to spend our time working with such lovely people and producing something that seems to have a positive effect locally.

But that’s not to say we don’t want more feedback, more involvement - and more advertising!

You know where we are.

On a more personal note, I’d like to say thank you to everyone who has commented on stories we’ve run about Thornleigh Saddle, the landshare project I’m involved in.

If you’d like to visit the project and get your hands dirty, we’d love to see you there. Check out the story on page 4 and get in touch.

And if you want to buy some of our wonderful young hens, check out the classifieds on page 41.

in

Mart

COPYRIGHT © Reconnect Publishing.

All rights reserved. No part of Reconnect can be reproduced in any form without permission of the publisher. But do ask – if you’re genuinely spreading the word, we’ll try to help.

The publishers, editor and authors accept no responsibility in respect of any products, goods or services advertised or referred to in this issue, or any errors, omissions, mis-statements or mistakes in any advertisements or references

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Editorial: 01392 346204 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

3

Have you got news for us?

A chance to work on the land

ELLIS and Bethany help Martin with watering in the polytunnel.

Return to the music Haven ACOUSTIC Haven is back – and at a new venue.

The intimate acoustic music sessions, previously held at Bowden House, will now be held at St John’s Church in Bridgetown, Totnes, following the success of the excellent Martha Tilston concert the team organised there.

The new venue allows them to have the music downstairs and a “multi-media art zone cafe space” upstairs, serving organic treats, locally made soups and cakes, and all sorts of drinks including chai and spiced cider (recommended).

The October 26 line up will include multi-instrumentalist story telling band The Adventurists and the soulful folk of Holly Ebony with Nick Marshall.

Rumour has it that Lou Rhodes might just be there for November 30, but that is yet to be confirmed.

All Acoustic profits are shared between the performing artists and The Hillyfield, a woodland project on Dartmoor National Park (www.thehillyfield. co.uk).

Tickets should be on sale from the beginning of October at Harlequin Bookshop, and via ‘wegottickets. com’. Book early to avoid disappointment.

4

PEOPLE in the Totnes area are being offered the chance to get a taste of life on the land.

The people behind landshare project Thornleigh Saddle (including Reconnect editor Martin Foster) are calling for volunteers who want to experience smallholding and permaculture in action.

“The idea came about after we had held a tree-planting weekend earlier this year,” said Martin.

“Everyone who took part, and visitors since, really enjoyed their time here.

“We’d love people to visit us for as much time as they want,

ideally on a regular basis, to help out with whatever needs doing. It might be cutting grass, planting seedlings, mulching trees or weeding – but we promise it won’t ALL be weeding!

“In exchange, the volunteers will learn about smallholding and permaculture principles – we’ve got a veg plot, orchard, chickens and ducks, poly-tunnel and young woodland areas.

“We’re completely off-grid with rainwater harvesting and compost loo.

“Everyone will take home some veg and/or eggs and they’ll get as much fresh air as they can handle. And anyone here over

a mealtime will get fed too.”

Martin, his wife Jenny and Thornleigh partners Matthew and Benita, hope to create Friends of Thornleigh Saddle, who would also receive news of produce for sale, be offered the chance to get involved in larger projects and next year to take part in courses and workshops.

The Thornleigh team is inviting anyone interested to visit them on the land any time 10am5pm on Sunday, October 21, or to contact Martin on 01803 868455 or at editor@ reconnectonline.co.uk.

They’ll email directions to you – Thornleigh Saddle is just 15 minutes from Totnes.

Group forms Pi community

It’s rubbish down on the sea bed...

WHEN theatre-maker Tom Frankland’s aunt died in 2006, he and his father inherited suitcases of letters written by his grandparents across 25 years.

They reveal the astonishing life and love of a couple living through two world wars and recession. Tom suggested they create a performance inspired by the letters, but in creating their debut show together, father and son uncovered more than they bargained for.

Villages in Action present Frankland & Sons - a true story about parents, children and falling in love created by three generations of the same family.

Performances will take place at Lustleigh Village Hall on Wed Oct 17 at 7.30pm, call 01647 277498; at Stokeinteignhead Village Hall on Fri Oct 19 at 7.30pm, call 01626 873853 and at Buckland in the Moor Village Hall on Fri Nov 30 at 7.30pm, call 01364 653525.

THE Raspberry Pi is the latest gadget to hit the streets - but this time it’s not going to cost you an arm and a leg.

The whole concept of the Pi (a mini computer) is that it’s cheap, very user friendly and aimed at getting children involved in software development and computer programming.

It costs just £22 (exc vat and delivery) and is a bare board, small enough to hold in your hand, with inlets and outlets to connect to a screen, keyboard, network card and other devices.

Devon has taken the Pi to its heart and a local computer group wants to set up a user community so members can use it in imaginative ways and share what they have created.

Pi fan Paul Sutton has added a Raspberry Pi page to the Exeter Linux user group website where you can learn more and share information - visit http:// exeter.lug.org.uk/ wiki/. Also log on to the Raspberry Pi website at: www.raspberrypi. org, where there is now a Devon and Cornwall topic.

Said Paul: “I hope the community can attract all ages and especially children and young people and get them involved in the various competitions out there as well as collaborating on projects, etc.”

Advertising: 01392 346342 adverts@reconnectonline.co.uk

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

DIVERS have trawled up a truckload of trash on an underwater litterpick off Plymouth.

Members of the British SubAqua Club netted drowned debris including plastic bags, milk bottles, a load of old rope and a gent’s left shoe.

It was part of a huge pile of rubbish collected by the divers from the Leighton Buzzardbased Chiltern club who were

taking part in the British SubAqua Club’s (BSAC) Underwater Litter Pick 2012 which runs until the end of October.

Eamon Coffrey, Chiltern Sub Aqua Club’s training officer, was one of 10 divers who took part in the club’s first ever underwater litterpick.

He said: “To be honest we tend to pick up obvious rubbish when we are diving anyway but the BSAC campaign

A family’s story of life and love

made us take a really close look at just how much trash, particularly plastic waste, there is on the seabed.

“Let’s hope the BSAC campaign raises awareness of the problem and we get dive clubs and divers continuing to pick up rubbish from the seabed for the next 30 years and not just three months.”

Visit www.chiltern-divers.org or call 01582 881643.

...email details to us now at

editor@reconnectonli

ne.co.uk

CVS course on climate EXETER CVS is looking for 30 people to take part in a series of workshops focusing on “community responses to the challenge of climate change”.

Said a spokesman: “We are looking for people who want to learn more about how their local community can respond to climate change while learning about how communities across the globe are also facing up to this challenge.”

An introductory session will be held on October 5 at Exeter CVS from 4.30-6.30pm.

To find out more, email CVS@exetercvs.org.uk, or visit www.exetercvs. org.uk.

Art shows

STORYTELLER Martin Shaw in action

Explore the magic of myth with Martin the master ANYONE who has seen and heard Martin Shaw perform will know he is a master of storytelling.

He was, for us, the highlight of the recent Westcountry Storytelling Festival.

As well as touring and telling tales the world over, he is also the man behind the Westcountry School of Myth and Story.

And they have a very special weekend coming up in October.

“For the first time at the school we are focusing on the role of the mythteller as well as the story,” says Martin.

“The weekend will also involve time in the green tangles of Dartmoor, getting a sense of emergent stories from the living world.

“And in fireside retreat, we will experience five foundational steps to mythtelling, and a journey through the orality of ancient storytelling, to the bardic schools and medieval dream poetry.

“The Mythteller weekend will enable participants to take away with them the foundation stones towards mythtelling.

“Whether you are an experienced storyteller or just have a great love of story, this is for you - it will be deep, focused work.”

The Mythteller weekend runs from October 12-14 at Blytheswood Hostel, Steps Bridges on Dartmoor.

And since Martin’s off to the US in December (visiting lectureship in mythology at Stanford University, California, since you ask), this is the last chance to work with him for nine months.

Find out more at www.schoolofmyth.com.

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

THE Harbourhouse Gallery in Kingsbridge continues to bring together work from some of the best local artists.

Exhibitions in October feature paintings by Jon Woolfendon from October 2-7, a show called A4 which brings together the work of David Barwick, Diana Miller, Annabelle Gregory SWA and Derek Symons (October 9-14), and their open exhibition Blue (October 20-November 10).

The rest of November will see the SHAF Christmas Bazaar (November 16-18) and the landscapes of Helen Petit.

Visit www. harbourhouse.org.uk.

“Death the sacred prompt” an exhibition of original paintings, photos and journals

A transformative journey through love and loss into the richness of life Type to enter text Type to enter text Type to enter text Type to enter text

Jenny Quick in collaboration with and sponsored by Green Fuse

Nov 26th-Dec1st Birdwood House 44 High Street, Totnes, Devon TQ9 5LT

open daily 10am - 4.30pm

The Contemporar y College of Homeopathy

Homeopathy

-

Getting others better

The Rivals THE highly acclaimed Creative Cow theatre company (so named because it was conceived in a Devon cattle farm) is working in association with the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre in Guildford to bring Sheriden’s play The Rivals to Devon.

You can find them at the New Theatre in Exeter from October 10-12, at the Landmark Theatre, Ilfracombe on October13-14 and at the Little Theatre on Torquay on November 7.

Visit www.creativecow. co.uk.

•Free open days •A four year part-time practitioner training Weekend introductory courses • The four year course is ideal for those A one year foundation course • either looking for a vocation, or those

in homeopathic medicine •A free clinic for patients (either GP referred or independent bookings)

considering changing their existing one. The course runs ten weekends a year with directed home study

Courses run at Engineers House, Clifton, Bristol For more information please phone Kate on 01275 877083 or visit www.conhom.com The College is accredited by the Society of Homeopaths and all major homeopathic organisations

Editorial: 01392 346204 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

5

Local, seasonal and organic...

Local food

BUYING local produce is good for the local economy, good for local producers and good for you. If you have a food story you think would interest our readers, email Martin at editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

WHOLEFOOD shop owners Loo and Rob outside The Green House in Crediton Picture: www.warwickphotography.co.uk

Wholefood shop for sale

SackS wholefoods

• Organic fruit and vegetables • Large range of herbs and spices • Green Lane herbal tinctures

• Bulk and case discounts • Special orders catered for • Established in Totnes 35 years

SackS SackS Too

80 High Street Totnes TQ9 5SN 01803 863263 6

The Plains Shopping Centre Totnes TQ9 5DR shop@sackswholefoods.co.uk

A LONG-established wholefood shop could soon be changing hands.

After 14 years of building the business, Loo Brown and Rob Watson are selling The Green House in Crediton, having decided to “move on”.

“It’s an exciting opportunity for someone (or a group of people) to put their own stamp on the shop,” said Rob. “We feel passionate about keeping the ethos of the shop as local as possible, and would dearly love it if someone from the area was to take it on. We hope it may strike a chord with someone.

“It has become a focal point for the local community, and as such would lend itself to being run by a group of people as a co-op or on some shared basis, just as easily as a partnership - which is how it has been structured up till now.”

Although the shop is well established, Rob says there are still opportunities they have not explored, such as on-line shopping.

The Green House sits on the edge of Crediton’s recently re-established town square, the venue for the town’s twice monthly farmers market, as well as other events, including a summer food festival, open air concerts and theatre, community market and a Christmas Fair.

“Crediton was recently voted as one of the top 10 High Streets in the country because of its range of quality independent stores,” says Rob. “We have loved being an integral part of our community and the shop is a wonderful way to bring the ethics we live our lives with into the way we make a livelihood.”

Email the.greenhouse@hotmail.co.uk.

HOME MADE PICKLES & CHUTNEYS Produced in St. Marychurch, Torquay using top quality ingredients with no artificial additives of any kind.

5 Babbacombe Road, St Marychurch, Torquay, Devon TQ1 3SB Tel: 07751 156325 inapickle1@hotmail.co.uk

Part of the Taste of the West range

Advertising: 01392 346342 adverts@reconnectonline.co.uk

... email us your local food stories at

editor@reconnectonli

ne.co.uk

HENS at Laydilay on Dartmoor.

Licensed Cafe-Bistro-Gallery In the heart of Abbey Gardens on Torquay Seafront

More staff for moor eggs THE hens are not the only employees of Devon’s Laydilay organic egg farm that are keeping busy.

Owners Mandy and Andy Johnson are extending the flock, increasing their kitchen output and taking on more staff to cope with demand.

They also bought in six Whitefaced Dartmoor Ewes this Spring, which provided them with 11 lambs.

On top of all that Laydilay has just won a Highly Commended award from the Soil Association recognising the quality and taste of their eggs.

Their business has been running for more than eight years with the hens based on 18 acres at Ilsington on Dartmoor and their owners living nearly four miles away in Ashburton.

Their hopes of living nearer the chickens were dashed when their planning application for a house with agricultural ties was turned down by the Dartmoor authorities.

But now the couple have appealed against the refusal.

Said Mandy: “It would make a huge difference to us to be living with our hens, of which we have 1500 together with 350 chicks/young stock at any one time.”

Laydilay often have older hens for sale (£2.50 each) looking for new homes.

Said Mandy: “We are proud that no hen is dispatched just because she is older. They may not be profitable for us but are usually still laying three to four eggs a week.

Generally they are around 18 months to two years old.”

On the food front the Laydilay meringues sold well this Summer despite the weather. They

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

• Great Italian Brewed Coffee • Fresh Homemade Food • Fine Wines & World Lagers • Free Wi –Fi • Art & Handicraft Gallery We are committed to source locally where we can and use Fair trade products. We serve homemade, fresh wholesome food with an excellent choice of vegetarian dishes

Open daily from 10am—6pm One World Cafe & Bistro Abbey Park, Torquay Seafront, TQ2 5HP Tel - 01803 297797 oneworldcafe.torquay @gmail.com

also started selling mayonnaise in bulk this year in 1kg and 2.5kg food pails and have seen a strong uptake from restaurants and delis who are looking for quality organic mayonnaise for their salads, coleslaws, etc.

Said Mandy: “The uptake has been so good that we have been able to take on another person for the kitchen and we are now developing macaroons with a couple of other eggy products in the pipe line.

“We are really trying to produce food using ingredients that you can understand with not an inverted sugar in sight and no nasties for long shelf lives.”

Visit www.laydilay.co.uk.

vegboxes, meat & more to your door

vegboxes from just £10.35

enjoy better veg

• Cheaper than supermarket organic veg

• Fresher and tastier (we grow it ourselves) • Fair to growers and less waste packaging • Comes with plenty of recipes

LAYDILAY owners, Mandy and Andy Johnson.

call us on 01803 762059 or visit www.riverford.co.uk

fdrelieveery

Editorial: 01392 346204 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

7

Local, seasonal and organic...

Local food

Keeping it natural...

wholefoods

organiC and loCal food and fresh produCe Beer, Cider and wine fair trade gifts natural health & healing friendlY and KnowledgeaBle staff on Crediton town sQuare 01363 775580

Food store runs baking course THE unforgettable aroma of fresh bread is one of the biggest draws to Exeter’s Real Food Store in Paris Street.

Emma’s Bread is an important part of the store which celebrated 18 months of successful trading in September and during October and November Emma Parkin, who runs the bakery, is planning to run bread making courses. Anyone interested is asked to check the website www. realfoodexeter.co.uk for further information.

The Real Food Store has achieved what its founders intended and is a community project with over 60% of suppliers based in Devon and nearly

100% within the West Country.

Apart from Emma’s Bread, the store’s quality staples include organic fruit and vegetables grown just three miles away at Shillingford Farm and Dunn’s Dairy milk and cream delivered from their Whiddon Down farm.

Community participation has been key to the project’s success with over 300 shareholders investing to date.

Regular volunteers help to man the store every day.

Regular events and exhibitions by local Devon artists are held in the cafe.

Visit www.realfoodstore.com.

How to sniff out Hazel’s new shop PICKLE shop owner Hazel Glaves hopes customers will be using their noses to find their way to her new premises in the St Marychurch district of Torquay.

Because her new shop is much bigger she is planning to cook on the premises and the aromas of her many chutneys and jams will be enticing customers to her door.

Hazel moved from 73 Fore Street to 5 Babbacombe Road on September 14 and is planning an official opening

around the beginning of October.

The move has meant she no longer has to use her cottage home as the place to cook all her many tasty recipes meaning she may decide to stay open on Mondays. There’s also more display space allowing her to introduce some new flavours.

Hazel’s new shop was a florists but is now giving off aromas of a different kind. To contact Hazel call her on 07751 156325 or email: inapickle1@ hotmail.co.uk.

Putting the chicken before the egg

8

Advertising: 01392 346342 adverts@reconnectonline.co.uk

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

edit or@reco nnec ... email us local your events local food stories tonline.co.uk local people local foodatlocal health local environment

Cultivate your interests and repairing tractors and building HOW many of us dream of a life infrastructure. down on the farm?

“There are no particular requirements Many who are office bound or have as regards experience, ability or jobs in the city would probably leap availability - just a willingness to help at the chance of working in the and be flexible.” countryside. Well, here’s the chance you’ve been waiting for.

The farm has a host of formal training programmes such as the Broadclyst Community Farm Trust for Conservation Volunteers alongside Clyst Vale Community Diploma as well as one-day training College is looking for volunteers to workshops in specific rural skills such join its team. as hedge laying and scything.

The not-for-profit organisation is This year’s showery weather has now in its second year of a tenancy of the National Trust 32-acre farm in made keeping on top of the weeding difficult in the conventional vegetable Station Road. beds. The plan therefore is to start A great deal of work has already additional areas of permaculture that been done on the farm to recover can be of structural value (shelter), its fertility and to make it viable as a add interest and require minimal community-run operation. maintenance. Is Activities on the farm are all outdoor, this something seasonal and practical. However, you could help the team has recently bought a with? You can find polytunnel which they hope will out more about provide a pleasant all-weather the farm online environment for volunteers to hone at http://farm. their horticultural skills. broadclyst.org.

One of the farm’s directors, Crispin They would be Adams, said the drive for volunteers delighted to hear was a real chance for people to from you. get their hands dirty and to make a positive contribution to community One of the life - from potting out tomatoes to upcoming events logging fallen trees and caring for to be held on the livestock. farm is an Apple AroundAsh Feb2012 3/2/12 03:05 1 Fayre onPage Saturday, He said: “Mostly it’s planting, October 27. harvesting and selling produce

THE recently constructed polytunnel now provides an allweather working area. Larger areas are cultivated using a tractor, left.

Honest Local Food at a Fair Price Now well established, Ashburton’s premiere, undercover, local produce market goes from strength to strength ... an ‘Aladdin’s cave’ of goodies, our product range is expanding all the time. Come along and meet the people who rear it, cook it and sell it.

Tuckers Yard, Chuley Road, Ashburton, TQ13 7DG

Here for you Tuesday to Saturday 9.30am - 5.00pm

P R O B A B LY T H E B E S T P R O D U C E M A R K E T I N D E V O N ! www.reconnectonline.co.uk

Editorial: 01392 346204 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

9

Have you got a story for Reconnect readers?

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Certificate in Counselling

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Food award for new arty eatery PART of the impressive refurbishment of the Plymouth Arts Centre was the opening of the equally impressive arthouse (note the very cool lower case ‘a’) restaurant.

And now, less than a year since it opened, arthouse has won the Best Restaurant in the 2012/13 Food Plymouth Awards.

Head chef Sam Lounds, who received the award at Flavour Fest in Plymouth, said: “This is a fantastic award for the whole arthouse team who after less than one-year have

put arthouse on the Plymouth food map. We look forward to welcoming many new people as well as seeing all our regulars at arthouse to help us celebrate and continue the good work!”

Check them out yourselves at Plymouth Arts Centre (where you can also pick up your copy of Reconnect, incidentally) in Looe Street, Plymouth, or visit www.arthousedevon.com (although it won’t taste nearly as good). l More local food on page 6.

Learning from experience LEARNING from experience is something schools find successful, which is why the Embercombe experience is so popular.

Now the charity and social enterprise in South Devon is offering experiential learning to adults as well.

In response to requests, this Autumn and next Spring Embercombe is offering a range of practical, hands-on re-skilling workshops to adults.

The practical, hands-on one-day or weekend workshops are led by experienced tutors allowing participants to learn by doing.

On Sunday October 28 there’s an Eat the Hedgerow session revealing what is available to forage and cook in the way of nuts, berries and seeds.

On Saturday November 3 the subject is Wild Fermentation – sourdough baking and vegetable preservation.

On Sunday November 4 Acornucopia is – as you would expect – all about acorns. On the weekend of November 3-4 you can learn about how to build a compost loo.

Embercombe’s Suzy Edwards said: “The workshops are an opportunity to learn the art of resilience as well as having a very enjoyable day or weekend with great people and eating great food.

“In addition to these ‘technical’ programmes, we’re also offering the softer skills in the form of Speaking Out and Facilitating for Change. We offer these programmes for people from the corporate world but understand they are just as valuable to people seeking to effect social change so we make a number of places available to people who want to train for this purpose, and offer these at a reduced rate.

Visit www.embercombe.co.uk

One of Jem Southam’s photographs of the River Exe.

First photo show at guild HQ PHOTOGRAPHS capturing the changing seasons, atmospheric conditions and effects of time on the River Exe go on display in River and Streams, an exhibition at the Devon Guild of Craftsmen centre in Bovey Tracey.

Jem Southam (a professor at the School of Art & Media at Plymouth Uni) took the photographs over a three year period on sites from

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Exmoor in the north through Exeter to the Exe Estuary.

The exhibition is open daily 10am5pm until November 4.

Jem will discuss his work in an illustrated talk at Bovey on Thursday, October 18, from 6.30pm. Tickets are £7/5 in advance only on 01626 832223.

Visit www.crafts.org.uk.

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... email us your news at editor@reconnectonline.co.uk LOG splitting action at the Woodland Olympics.

PIcture: Mike Cox

Audience vote at cinema

You can enjoy these Olympics every year THE first Woodland Olympics at The Hillyfield on Dartmoor was such a success it’s now going to be an annual event.

“More than 150 guests took part in axe throwing, a log chopping relay race, wildrunning time trials, log rolling in the lake, talks on wild food foraging, demonstrations of green woodwork, tree identification, and bushcraft skills,” said Doug King-Smith, who manages The Hillyfield with the help of volunteers.

Members of Devon Rural Skills Trust, Moor Trees, Sustainable South Brent, Transition Town Network, Landmatters, Embercombe

and other local land-based projects helped host the walks, talks and activities.

Almost £1,000 was raised toward the replanting of trees and the construction of a fence to protect them following the loss of five acres of ancient woodland to the disease Phytophthora Ramorum.

“Best of all, lots of people came forward offering to help out this winter with the replanting,” said Doug. “Moor Trees the charity is running regular Wednesday sessions from November, so hopefully we will have the new woodland planted by Spring.”

Visit www.thehillyfield.co.uk.

FILM fans will get a chance to see an undiscovered movie gem in October – and the opportunity to vote for the film they’d like to watch in November.

Follaton Community Cinema (FCC) in Totnes is showing Roseanna’s Grave at the Follaton Community Hall on Friday, October 26.

And before the film starts the audience will take part in their unique film selection process – watching a shortlisted six trailers and then voting for the one they’d like to watch on Friday, November 30. See their website for details and trailers of forthcoming films: www. follatoncommunitycinema.co.uk.

“As far as we know, we’re the only community cinema in the UK that operates this way,” said FCC chairman Martin Foster.

“It’s a perfect example of community democracy in action. Not only does it mean the audience gets the films it most wants to watch – it also gives us a unique insight into the type of films that are most popular. So we can bear that in mind when we’re researching to create the shortlists.”

Follaton Community Cinema is run by volunteers from the Follaton estate but is open to the wider community. They are proud of their friendly welcome – not to mention their homemade cakes and a decent cuppa.

Doors open at 7pm, the films start at 7.30pm.

Call Martin on 01803 868455.

OPEN THE DOOR TO A NEW WORLD “The atmosphere in the class was relaxed, focussed, determined and enjoyable.”

“A truly inspirational weekend with some wonderful people, lovely food and great teachings.”

“Learning the tarot was like opening a door to a new world.”

BE TRULY INSPIRED AND LEARN THE TAROT WITH WORLD RENOWNED PSYCHIC PETE MACDONALD. Learn the ancient art of Tarot on a two-day course with experienced Master of the Tarot, Pete MacDonald in the luxurious rural retreat, Stanborough House in South Devon.

Courses are for both beginners and advanced Tarot readers. Residential or non-residential places available.

For further enquiries please call 01548 821033 or visit the website at: www.stanboroughhouse.co.uk/tarot www.petemacdonald.co.uk Please book early to avoid disappointment as places are limited and the courses are very popular!

BOOK A READING WITH PETE MACDONALD

“One reading with Pete will last a thousand lifetimes.”

Stanborough House, Morleigh, Totnes, Devon, TQ9 7JQ • www.stanboroughhouse.co.uk

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11

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THE dynamic new thermodynamics, community energy projects and the merits of biomass heatstores - welcome to the cosy, energy-sharing world of local energy

‘New generation’ thermal THERMODYNAMICS could just be ‘the next big thing’ in the renewable energy field.

But if that statement makes you feel just a little sceptical (and the name thermodynamics doesn’t help – it does sound a little Dan Dare), you will be reassured by the fact that it actually combines two tried and tested principles already familiar through existing technologies.

Described by some as ‘the next generation of solar thermal’, thermodynamics uses a refrigerant in the panels, instead of a water/glycol mix, which then runs through a heat exchanger – just like refrigeration, but in reverse.

This fluid boils at -26C, THERMODYNAMIC panels - the next generation of so when it’s heated by the outside temperature, solar thermal coming to a roof near you it is transformed to a a day, remember, and through all gaseous state. The heat compressor weathers. It does mean though that exchanger increases the pressure of if your family are heavy users of hot the gas creating heat – which can be water, they might need to adjust their used to provide hot water or to heat behaviour a little to spread usage, a house. or increase the size of the hot water As it cools, the gas returns to its liquid cylinder. state and is sent back to the solar It is hard to fault the efficiency of panel for the process to continue. thermodynamics. The Coefficient The single biggest advantage of Of Performance (COP) measures thermodynamics is that while the the ratio between energy put into panels heat up most effectively in a heating system and the energy sunshine, they also heat up on grey provided by that system. Electrical days. And on cold, snowy days. And heating has a COP of 1.0, for even during the night. example, and gas heating is around Also, the panels can be mounted on a 0.6-0.9. flat or pitched roof, on the ground or Thermodynamic systems have an on a wall (they collect heat from both average COP of 4.0 but can go as sides) – and they do not have to face high as 7.0. south. Consider for one moment the Patrick Seiflow, of Eco Trades in summer we’ve just had and you’ll see Paignton, said: “It is really cheap to this has got possibilities. run, highly efficient and ideally suited All sounding very positive so far – so to the British climate and with utility what are the disadvantages? costs predicted to rise by 60% over the next three years there is no better time Well, it’s not cheap. A hot water to update existing systems. system for an average home, which includes a replacement hot water “It’s also ideal for the commercial cylinder, is likely to cost £4,000market, larger properties and 5,500. But it can provide all the hot swimming pools. Thermodynamics water for that home for around just can replace, or be used in conjunction with, existing systems, to dramatically £100 a year. reduce the cost of generating hot It’s also not instant. It can take up water.” to six hours to heat a 250-litre hot Call Patrick on 01803 393530 to find water tank from cold – but once it is out more. hot, the system is working 24 hours

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editor@reconnectonli ... send renewable energy news tolocal ne.co.uk local people local events local food health local environment

Surgery PV will benefit community

Worldwide energy

A NEW community energy project will see a doctor’s surgery reduce its energy bills and the wider community benefit from the solar PV tariff.

Within the next month or so, solar PV panels will go up on the roof of the newly refurbished and extended Leatside Surgery in Totnes.

Cheaper energy will mean reduced bills for the surgery TRESOC will pay for PV panels on Leatside roof.

– but they won’t have to find Goff works as an agent for like this happen. It’s a perfect money from their healthcare example of a community project Yokk Solar and spoke to budget to buy them. where everyone benefits.”

TRESOC and Leatside Surgery The panels will be paid for by when the project first came TRESOC currently has more the community-owned Totnes than 500 members, all of whom together.

Renewable Energy Society (TRESOC) – and that means the will benefit from the Leatside Yokk office manager Claire panels. solar PV tariff, paid for every Baker said: “We are thrilled unit of power generated, will go The surgery itself, meanwhile, is to see the project progressing. back to the community through Leatside Surgery is literally just also delighted. the TRESOC membership. down the road from us, so it will Practice business manager be making a difference right on And to keep everything local, Janine Payne said: “Leatside is our doorstep.” the panels will be installed so much a part of the Totnes by the very local Yokk Solar As we go to press, the final community that a project they’re based just up the road stages of the paperwork are like this, which reduces our from the surgery on the Totnes being agreed and installation overheads without eating into Industrial Estate. work will then begin. our budget, and also puts tariff earnings back into the local TRESOC MD Ian Bright said: Visit www.yokk-solar.co.uk, economy, makes perfect sense.” www.tresoc.co.uk and www.

“We can raise capital from local investors to make projects leatside.co.uk.

Local energy consultant Nick

FOR renewable energy consultant Nick Goff, right, playing a part in the Leatside Surgery project (left) was part of his passion to influence community energy worldwide.

Among his earlier UK roles was one with Devon County Council, giving energy advice to businesses, schools and communities.

Projects included Sharpham Trust’s biomass boiler, the screw turbine project on the River Dart and the founding of a woodfuel cooperative on Dartmoor.

Overseas projects have included helping to improve fuel security in New Zealand and on the islands of Tonga and Samoa. And last year, Nick worked in Kenya for Barefootpower on a project to replace kerosene lamps with microsolar lights.

Back in the UK, Nick now provides independent energy assessments and works as an agent for biomass company Optimum Heating, solar companies and a hydro installation company.

“Devon is a great place to develop both sides of these projects,” says Nick. “If you want to make a difference locally or abroad, please get in touch.”

Call Nick on 07852 657 621.

We are Kingfisher Print & Design.

No matter what the job, big, small, or everyday, we’ll work closely with you, understanding and treating each project with individual care and attention. We work in an environmentally responsible way, we are FSC certified, and it informs everything we do, this combined with our wealth of knowledge and experience allow us to deliver what we do best, careful, beautiful print of the highest standards…

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13

Revisit all the Reconnect back issues and read our online diary...

Local energy

Thermal heat stores can be fed by a variety of heat sources.

Demand hots up regardless of tariff THE South West appears to be embracing renewable energy regardless of any financial incentives.

The long wait for government announcements on tariffs doesn’t appear to be bothering the industry, according to one supplier and installer.

Elaine Ewer of Elaine’s Stoves says home owners are pressing on with

their plans for biomass boilers and other renewable heat sources without the prospect of a feed-in tariff.

Elaine said business was brisk with customers choosing to install cheaper less complex systems which do not conform to MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) regulations.

In order to receive the Renewable

Feasibility, Design, Construction and Operation Expert advice on Domestic and community heating systems, Hydro, Solar and Wind.

Contact Nick on (+44) 07852 657 621 nick@nrgpure.com | www.nrgpure.com

Heat Incentive (RHI) - that’s the cash payment towards the cost of purchase and installation - together with any future tariff, due to be announced next year, homeowners must use an MCS-registered installer and MCS approved equipment.

According to Elaine this means that, although the RHI payment towards a biomass boiler is £950 and it will attract a tariff in the future, the cost of an MCS installation is higher.

But Elaine explained it was not just the purchase and installation that was putting off customers.

The cheaper boilers were also less sophisticated and therefore cheaper to maintain and service.

Elaine said business was brisk because she believed people were beginning to wake up to the fact that oil prices had reached 60.4p per litre and were continuing to rise and they felt helpless in the face of the spiralling cost of fossil fuels.

Elaine said the other increasingly popular installation was the thermal heat store. This was a highly efficient storage tank to store hot water which could now be

connected to a vented or unvented system. This means it could be fed by a variety of renewable or non-renewable sources such as a gas boiler, biomass boiler, wood burning stove, solar thermal panels, ground source or air source pumps or even solar PV. “People are becoming more sophisticated in the way they use their renewables,” said Elaine.

“People are frightened about the rising cost of renewables and want to take their destiny into their own hands.”

RHI premium payments for renewables: Ground Source Heat Pump - £1,250 for homes without mains gas heating.

Biomass boiler - £950 grant for homes without mains gas heating.

Air source heat pump - £850 grant (for homes without mains gas heating).

13/09/2012 14:05 Solar thermal hot water panels - £300 grant (available to all households regardless of the type of heating system).

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Children’s Hospice South West complete with PV array.

Firm gives PV system to hospice A GIFT from Exeter company ATASS to the Children’s Hospice South West will still be reaping rewards 25 years from now.

The ATASS Group has installed a free solar photovoltaic (PV) system worth about £12,000 which is likely to benefit the hospice to the tune of £40,000 over time.

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The system was funded by a grant from the group’s non-profit enterprise ATASS Respect and installed at Little Bridge House near Barnstaple by the group’s renewable energy company ATASS Energy.

Company spokesperson Vanessa Cobb said: “ATASS Respect fosters partnerships between commercial and community organisations in order to maximise and multiply advantages, benefits and rewards which deliver lasting social change for the better.”

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...all on our new-look website at

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e.co.uk

LOCAL consultation has been a vital part of the process.

Windfarm is just one of many community energy schemes ownership offers a AFTER almost two secure and stable years of site research, partner for businesses, environmental studies explained Ian. TRESOC and consultation with could never be sold to local residents, the anyone and anyone who Totnes Community Wind does buy in only has the Farm Project planning influence that comes with application has finally one vote. been submitted.

“TRESOC has teamed “This is a critical time up with Yokk to offer for the project,” said community-financed Ian Bright MD of the solar PV to businesses Totnes Renewable Energy and home owners in the Society. “It’s a big step South Hams. TRESOC forward but it’s certainly purchases on behalf of not a done deal - we still its members and owns need people’s support.” the PV system for the first He urged everyone to visit MD Ian Bright 25 years - in return, the the TRESOC website (www. household or business tresoc.co.uk) where they will find out how to add their support to the enjoys reduced energy bills. The Leatside Surgery system (see page 13) application. is already in the pipeline, but there is With more than 500 members, who massive potential for similar projects.” have each invested between £20Although the wind farm and the £20,000, TRESOC currently has funds community solar scheme are of around £185,000.

TRESOC’s most high profile projects, “A number of our investors have there is a great deal of work going on never invested money before,” says behind the scenes.

Ian. “They tell us they’re particularly Said Ian: “The Totnes Anaerobic attracted to TRESOC because all Digestion Partnership is developing members have an equal say in a plan for a £3½ million anaerobic decisions – no matter how much digestion plant using green waste to they have invested. That’s one of the generate renewable electricity and heat great things about an industrial and for the local community. provident society like ours.”

“That’s particularly exciting because it TRESOC’s unique structure appeals will also create local jobs – probably to other companies too – including three full-time equivalent positions.”

Totnes-based Yokk Solar.

TRESOC is also exploring the “Community possibilities of pyrolysis, which heats post recycling waste without oxygen to create methane – without the need for expensive flue gas clean-up.

Ian has worked in the renewable energy industry for some years (seven of them for Somerset County Council where he won Public Servant of the Year for his work in renewables), and is saddened by the UK’s apparent reluctance to get involved.

“We have the best wind resource in Europe,” he says, “but we’re the slowest to get involved.”

He is optimistic about TRESOC, however: “We have an excellent team and we’re in a position to see South Hams set an inspiring example.”

Visit www.tresoc.co.uk.

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Editorial: 01392 346204 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

15

Inspiration for a greener way to live...

Eco building WE thought that featuring a public swimming pool project, a shepherd’s hut course and an earthship garden store (left) was stretching the title ‘Eco homes’ a little - so welcome to Eco building!

Natural, local, resilient...

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Natural materials, local craftspeople and eco-design are the main principles of our vocational build course on the Dartington Hall Estate

PLANS for Dartmouth pool, see here and below, put emphasis on efficiency of building materials and techniques.

Plans pool eco resources EVEN those sceptical about climate change and the need to reduce greenhouse gasses can’t deny the economical argument for eco build materials and techniques.

It’s this simple - if a home retains more heat, it will be cheaper to run.

And when the same principles are applied to larger, public buildings, the benefits are multiplied.

Once it’s got the council go-ahead, Dartmouth’s new indoor swimming pool will be the perfect example – super-insulated to cut energy loss by up to 20% over conventional construction.

The design is the work of Totnes architects LED. Andy Kirby explained: “The external design is quite rational – in keeping with the existing leisure centre and clean and contemporary.

“But we have placed the emphasis on the efficiency of the building fabric to achieve super-insulated walls and roof construction and, where practical, natural building materials.

“It’s what LED is all about and it makes good sense for the long-term running of the pool.”

An inner wall of conventional blockwork will be wrapped with an insulated timber frame to create a 250mm insulation zone filled with recycled newspaper.

The whole lot is then covered by a durable cladding material called Trespa at the base and with natural timber cladding above for longterm low maintenance. A similar woodframe/paper insulation combination is used in the roof construction.

“This investment in the building fabric will result in estimated long-term energy savings of 15-20%,” said Andy.

In addition to the investment into the building fabric, there are even more

eco features in the pipeline should funding allow.

Andy explained: “We are considering a permeable surface on the car park, allowing rainwater to be collected below acting as a huge rainwater tank – then filtered and used in the building.

“This would tie in with a ground source heat pump system, effectively turning the car park into a huge solar thermal panel – helping to meet the hot water requirements for the pool.”

A biomass boiler could also be incorporated.

“The final specification is subject to the funding available for the renewable energy package,” said Andy. “The client is currently addressing legal matters in relation to the site and then we can put in the full planning application.”

In the meantime, the project team say they remain fully committed and very excited about delivering this important low energy community project.

Visit www.thedip.org.uk and www. ledarchitects.co.uk.

£625 per module Places still available - Book Now

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

16

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... send your eco building news to editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

Hugh backs ATMOS project IMAGINE if you will, a hand held at eye level with the forefinger and thumb curled towards each other just a millimeter or so apart – that, says Transition movement cofounder Rob Hopkins, is how close they are to agreeing a deal over the Dairy Crest site.

It is, however, in the soft and slightly damp hands of the solicitors as we go to press, so as close as it is, it’s still not quite there – as always, check out www.atmostotnes.org for the very latest.

As soon as we hear anything, we’ll stick it up on Facebook too with a link.

In the meantime, the Atmos team are keeping up the pressure to get a sustainable development of homes and business units and community space on the site, which is next to the Totnes railway station.

They recently recruited TV chef, campaigner and professional nice guy Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall as a patron for the project, joining the hallowed ranks alongside Kevin McCloud, Jonathan Dimbleby, Tim Smit and local MP Sarah Wollaston.

To make the maximum impact, the Atmos crew invited supporters to gather on site for a photocall.

Talking to the 150 or so people who answered the Atmos call for support, Hugh said there was always an ‘incredible buzz’ about Totnes.

“I’ve felt the vibes, it’s a wonderful place,” he said. “But it’s more than a great community it’s a trail blazing town and it’s incredibly important what you are doing here to give people confidence all over the country that there are other ways

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of living your lives and running your communities. You don’t always have to kow-tow to big business and the multi nationals.

“You can plough your own furrow 224 Torquay Road and do your own thing,” he said.

Paignton TQ3 2HN “There must be sites like this all www.eco-trades.co.uk over Britain. Imagine if you can fulfil sales@eco-trades.co.uk your dream here in Totnes what an incredible message that will be sent out right through the country and it will give heart to so many people, who have already taken great heart from the Totnes Transition movement.”

CONTEMPOR If you want to see and hear the man himself in action, check out the new ARY Atmos video on YouTube – just put ‘Atmos Totnes’ into the search.

DESIGN

Students flock to new course AS more people discover the joy and freedom of spending time on the land, the search for suitable structures gets all the more creative.

Top of the desirability list currently seem to be shepherds’ huts, tiny traditional caravans that are energy efficient and built using local, natural materials - and look very cute.

They can be fully equipped for everyday dwelling, or used as an office, art or writing LEARN how to build your own shepherd’s hut. studio, children’s playhouse, meditation/ insulation, making a bed and installing yoga space, or guest house. a wood burner.

“The huts will be constructed using What they’re not, though, is cheap. locally felled and locally milled timber, But one way to keep the cost down is to build your own and the latest course built up from a steel frame chassis.” at Schumacher College at Dartington The four-week course is non-residential teaches you how to do just that. and run by Duncan Passmore, Zav Bowden and James Brown. It runs The college’s Lou Rainbow says: October 15 – November 16 and costs “Students spend mornings and £1,950. afternoons together building two Visit www.schumachercollege.org.uk shepherds’ huts on wheels, including or call 01803 865 934. framing, interior and exterior finishes,

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Editorial: 01392 346204 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

17

Explore a greener way to live...

Eco building

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Green roof tops earthship THE word ‘earthship’ suggests something high-tech or even sci-fi – some sort of spacecraft, perhaps, hanging in the sky “in much the same way that bricks don’t” as Douglas Adams once said.

But in fact an earthship is a very low-tech structure, first developed

by Mike Reynolds for the deserts of New Mexico and Arizona but now a favourite with green builders worldwide.

The north-facing wall is constructed of old car tyres rammed with earth and the south-facing wall is mainly glass, so the passive solar heat captured is stored by the huge thermal mass of the earth tyre walls. During colder periods, at night or through the winter, heat is released to heat the space.

And then there’s the added benefit that earthships sit gently in the landscape, almost invisible from the north, and the materials used in their construction include recycled car tyres, sometimes empty bottles and cans, and local timber, ‘straight from the tree’.

So in sustainability terms it’s hard to

beat with very little energy embedded in the materials.

Duncan Passmore, who worked with Mike Reynolds in the US and subsequently helped build earthships in Brighton and Brittany (as seen on Channel 4’s Grand Designs), worked with Schumacher College students to build one on the Sharpham Estate.

The Sharpham Earthship serves as a garden store for workers at the Robert Owen Foundation Farm and features a timber roof added by local building company Totnes Sustainable Construction Ltd (TSC), which supports a lush green roof constructed by students from South Devon College.

Paul MacDonald, who constructed the timber roof structure on behalf of TSC, said: “It’s great to have an earthship on the Sharpham Estate as an example of what can be achieved with local materials - and the stunning views out over the River Dart are an added bonus.”

A short film about the Sharpham Earthship can be seen on Youtube from a link on the TSC website, www. totnessustainableconstruction.co.uk.

Fair fans appreciate food craft FOOD has become as important a part of the annual Crux Fair in Rattery as the many crafts on show.

This year’s event is on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, November 23-25, at Rattery Village Hall (TQ10 9LD). The Friday event is open 4-7pm and Saturday and Sunday between10am and 5pm.

The fair has been running for 16 years and got its name from the original venue of Crucks Barn in the Dart Valley. Over the years it has grown to include over 30 designermakers.

The food served in the Crux Cafe has its own reputation for providing mouth-watering delights, ranging from hot vegetarian lunches to sumptuous cakes.

Supporting a charity with a local connection is part of the Crux Craft Fair ethos.

18

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A PIECE of pottery by Jane Wellens, one of the organising team and an exhibitor at this year’s Crux.

This year Crux will be supporting Westnell Nursery, a pre-school in Lima, Peru started by two women from the South Devon area.

Visit www.cruxcraftfair.co.uk and www.westnell.org.uk

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

...and find more Eco building online at www.reconnectonline.co.uk Improvised for women HAVING spoken to several women who have attended Tarte Noir’s women’s playback theatre performances (and they are open only to women so we can’t speak from personal experience), you can expect an evening of improvised theatre that will explore all human experience - or any part of life that’s suggested on the night because the audience steers the evening’s performance.

We’re also assured they are not to be missed, so check out the nearest to you: at The Jolly Farmer in Market Street, Newton Abbot on Tuesday, October 16; at Cygnet New Theatre in Friars Gate, Exeter on Tuesday October 23; and at Crediton Arts Centre, in East Street, Crediton on Tuesday, November 13.

All performances are at 7.45pm for an 8pm start. Visit www. tartenoire.co.uk.

Date for dads THE latest date for Dangerous Dads’ diaries is apple juice making near Riverford Bridge on Saturday, October 6, 1-4pm.

Dangerous Dads is a unique group that organises events where dads can take their young kids for some good old fashioned fun and adventure.

Find out more at www.dangerousdads. org, or email Ian Blackwell at dangerousdads@ btinternet.com.

Incense days A THEATRE of Dreams production at the Crediton Arts Centre.

Theatre of Dreams enriches lives of kids AS children, artists Tracy Whitbread and Hannah Stevens were shaped and nourished by painting, crafts, stories and theatre - and as adults they are now offering those enriching and empowering activities to primary school age children in workshops.

Their portable mini-theatre, called

the Theatre of Dreams, gives children the chance to bring the theatre alive using painting, crafts, stories, song and dance.

Said Tracy: “We are committed to working with the ideas and imagination that the children bring to the workshop, facilitating and supporting each individual from

the introverted through to the more confident in finding their unique creative expression.

“We can work with many themes from the school curriculum for KS1 and KS2 children and can bring the Theatre of Dreams to your village hall too!”

Find out more on 01363 84407.

LEARN the ancient art of incense making at two one-day workshops with expert Peter Neumann.

They will be at Bowden House, Totnes, on Sunday, October 14, and at Tree Harvest in Colyton, East Devon on Saturday, November 17.

Visit www.touchfire. co.uk or call 01803 849040.

Anniversary reflects firm’s ethos more conservative tastes.”

Shoes can be bought off the shelf but many people favour the made-tomeasure service and records are kept of every shoe they make.

“Customers can, and do, come back years later and we can make them a new pair in the colour of their choice,” said Yvette.

Although new designs have been introduced over the years, the techniques and machinery used to make the shoes, in the workshop at the back of the shop in the High Street, are the same today as they were 35 years ago.

Conker also applies the same ethos to sourcing the organic and Fairtrade clothes they stock.

“Everything is either UK-made or, if it comes in from overseas, ethically sourced,” said Yvette. “Like our footware, all our clothes are well designed, good quality, ethically sound and made to last.”

Visit their new website, www. conkershoes.com, or call 01803 862490.

L IT T L E S

T HE

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

eclectic mix of 12 short sections from a variety of Darke’s remarkable back catalogue with projected film and simple staging.

The performance is on Thursday, Nov 22 at 7.30pm. Call 01395 263928.

A BI G H E

THE rural touring scheme Villages in Action is bringing One Darke Night to Lympstone Village Hall in November.

The show is based on a selection of extracts from renowned Cornish playwright Nick Darke fusing an

P WIT H HO

T

Village show for one darke night only

AR

WHEN a manufacturer and retailer celebrates 35 years in the business (and in the same town), it says a great deal about the longevity of the product.

And in the case of Conker Shoes in Totnes, it also says a great deal about the whole ethos of the company.

“We regularly sell shoes and boots to people who were customers back in the Seventies,” says Conker boss Simon Gwilt. “And some are still bringing in the same pair of shoes to be repaired!”

And it’s that integrity of product - using high quality materials and designs that allow them to be repaired time and time again - that make their handmade footwear (and ultimately, the company itself) so sustainable.

“There is now a trend away from the disposable as people become more conscious of how they spend their money,” said manager Yvette Worrall.

“We’re also very fortunate in that our shoes and boots appeal to such a wide variety of people. We have individual designs and colours for the fashionconscious and traditional styles for

Editorial: 01392 346204 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

19

Is there something you’d like to see in Reconnect...

Transition noticeboard

Tell us YOUR Transition group news. Email editor@ reconnectonline.co.uk

Sustainable Crediton launch new website

THESE days it seems you’re never a complete organisation unless you can refer people to your website.

But it doesn’t stop there. The website has to work and be pleasing on the eye.

Well, the transition team in Crediton have something to boast about. Once known as Crediton Climate Action and now Sustainable Crediton, the group has launched its new website.

Among the many pages are some interesting features such as ‘Wind Turbine Myths Debunked’ to help you counter those “anti-wind power” arguments, and interesting facts about how to make the best use of your PV installation or where you can buy Fairtrade products. These and others help to make the site a mine of information.

Headings include Waste Management, Energy, Food & Farming, Education & Public Awareness, Transport, Trees, Hedgerows and Wildlife, to name just a few.

The site was constructed by supporter Sarah Green who has given hundreds of hours of her time to design and implement the site.

Charles Mossman, vice chairman of Sustainable Crediton, said: “We are very excited about the brand new look and all the new features on offer.

“The website has a number of new benefits for our supporters. These include access to our new marketplace feature (offers, wanted and for sale), borrow resources such as books and DVDs from the library, access to training materials and updates on what’s going on at Core Group and Action Group meetings.” go to: www.sustainablecrediton.org.uk

Money talks

THE ATMOS team in Totnes have recruited TV chef and campaigner Hugh FearnleyWhittingstall - he’s pictured here at a recent photocall with ATMOS project leaders Rob Hopkins and Fiona Northrop.

While in Totnes, Hugh also visited the Incredible Edible scheme on Steamer Quay, Totnes Development Trust’s Healthy Futures garden at The Lamb and was served lunch by Sima and Hannah of The Kitchen Table - no pressure there, then.

Full ATMOS story page 17.

Shopping... for a shop TRANSITION Plymouth are still on the lookout for a city centre HQ. During the seven months they occupied premises in Armada Way the group managed to spread the word about transition to a much wider audience.

The vacant shop premises was free and was large enough to be used for showing films and staging events and meetings.

The group had to leave in June this year and is now occupying rooms in the University.

Pat Bushell, a member of the planning group, said many passers-by said they had no idea such a group existed.

“Having the shop definitely increased our membership and we now have a mailing list of nearly 200,” said Pat. She added that Transition Plymouth’s latest initiative was a group to address the issue of waste.

“Plymouth has a poor recycling rate which is only about 30% little more than half of the 55% that the South Hams manages to achieve,” said Pat. If you live in Plymouth and are concerned about the future of the city look for the TP website at www.transitionplymouth. com, or you can join the mailing list by emailing plymouthtransition@naturemail.com

Totnes Devon Experimental ceramics, glass & firing workshop Introductory tile making workshop with Iris Milward and Richenda Macgregor 6-7th October On-going drop-in classes Thursdays 10am - 2pm flexible time £7 per hour

WILD flowers on wasteground (previously home to the Occupy posse) adjoining the Plymouth Drake’s Circus.

international

MACROBIOTIC

www.macroschool.co.uk

school

Introduction to Macrobiotic Cooking Sat 27th October

Tel: 01803 865033 www.pottingshedworkshop.com

20

BOVEY Climate Action are holding a Positive Money evening as part of the Dartmoor Low Carbon Festival (www.dartmoornpa.gov.uk - look under ‘communities’).

“Positive Money is an organisation trying to make sense of the current economic crisis - and offer a better way forward!” says Audrey Compton of BCA. Positive Money starts at 7pm at the Phoenix Hall in Bovey Tracey.

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Learn how to create delicious Price: £75 and healthy food in one day! inc. lunch

Looking After Your Health

27th to 30th November

Price: £395 inc. lunch & supper

An indepth course all about health promoting foods, emotions & lifestyle

Tel. 01803 762598 info@macroschool.co.uk www.reconnectonline.co.uk

...email us at

editor@reconnectonli

ne.co.uk

Two talks on eco economy

Firm invests profit in green groups

THERE are two top talks coming up if you’re into new green economics.

On October 17, two members of the Devon Henry George Society will give a lecture entitled Resilience and Land-based Economics – exploring the ideas of Henry George.

George advocated a single tax on land that saw land as a common heritage for all living beings - so private property is a theft that can only be remedied by a land value tax or user fee.

And on November 13, the Moneyless Man himself, Mark Boyle, will visit on the heels of the release of his new book, Moneyless Manifesto.

Is a moneyless gift based culture possible? And if so, how can we start setting the conditions for this shift to take place?

Both talks are at the Methodist Church in Totnes, starting at 7.30pm.

Full details at www. transitiontowntotnes.org.

IF you’re talking to a company about investments and pensions, it’s good to know their heart, as well as their money, is in the right place.

Barchester Green Investment is a partnership, owned and run by the advisers and support staff, so whoever you deal with, it’s always one of the business owners.

But there is another key element of Barchester that further sets them apart from many other businesses and from virtually all those in their sector – five per cent of their profits go to charities and social enterprises.

Jackie Adams of Barchester Green explained: “We make the donation according to three themes: people (poverty alleviation and human welfare), environmental causes and animal welfare.”

Recent recipients include: l Carrymoor Environmental Trust, which has created a nature reserve with an extensive range of habitats on 100 acres of capped landfill just outside Castle Cary in Somerset. Visit www. carymoor.org.uk l Tenner Films, a small

Brighton-based film company making short environmental films currently working on its first feature film, The Greatest Story Ever Sold, with support from Greenpeace, WWF and others. Visit www.tennerfilms. com. l Growing Together in Rwanda is a project that grew out of a visit to Rwanda in 2008 by Elizabeth Cave, a member of Ealing Quakers Group. Visit http:// growingtogetherinrwanda. blogspot.co.uk l Afghanaid work directly with over one million Afghan adults and children, focusing on long term sustainable development in some of the country’s poorest rural areas.

Visit www.afghanaid.org.uk. l Fine Cell Work is a social enterprise that trains prisoners in skilled, creative needlework to foster hope, discipline and self-esteem.

Visit www.finecellwork.co.uk.

“If you bring your business to us it helps us to generate more to donate – a win-win situation,” said Jackie.

Visit www.barchestergreen. co.uk or see their ONE of Barchester’s recipients advertisement on the back Carrymoor Environmental Trust. page of Reconnect.

Food-for-health mag also online LAST year we ran a story about Five Flavours Magazine which is locally produced in Buckfastleigh.

Described as “a seasonal foodfor-health magazine rooted in the wisdom of Chinese Medicine”, it is published in four seasonal editions and until now has only been available by subscription.

But now you can also download it for just £2.50 an issue.

Founder and editor Wendy Morrison said: “Five Flavours is written for ALL people interested in food for health, but will particularly appeal to those receiving acupuncture and shiatsu.

Practitioners of Tai Chi, Qi Gong, Ki

Aikido and other martial arts would also find it of interest.”

Since it’s launch in July last year, Wendy has received orders from all over the UK, Australia, USA and also more recently Israel.

A free special introductory issue is available online at www. wendymorrison-acupuncture.co.uk/ fiveflavours.html.

To buy a subscription go to www. wendymorrison-acupuncture.co.uk/ fiveflavours.html or send a cheque for £15 inc p&p, made payable to Wendy Morrison, to Wren Cottage, Silver Street, Buckfastleigh TQ11 0BQ.

Adult play is kids’ stuff IF you ever wondered why kids seem to have all the fun, a new class in Totnes could be for you.

Adult Drama and Play is run every Wednesday evening by qualified drama teacher Bil Rose and includes games, improvisation, devising and physical theatre.

“The classes are designed to loosen up the body and mind, to encourage confidence and trust, to let people drop their inhibitions in a safe place – and, most importantly, to just play,” said Bil. The class runs from 8.15-9.15pm on Wednesdays at Chapel House Studios, Totnes.

Participants are asked to wear loose clothing (“No jingly jangly sharps bits,” says Bil).

The drop-in cost is £6.50, with a discount for those who attend regularly.

To find out more, call Bil on 01803 840286 or email pigtoobig@

embercombe

inspiring committed action for a truly sustainable world

Speaking Out

Find your authentic voice, on issues that matter

27-29th November

Facilitating for change

Equip yourself to work with groups of all ages and size

26th February - 1st March 2013

The Re-Skilling Series

Eat the hedgerow: the Autumn session - berries, nuts, roots

Saturday 28th October Wild fermentation - bread baking, vegetable preservation

Saturday 3rd November Acornucopia - a day devoted to the acorn

Sunday 4th November

Building a compost toilet

3rd - 4th November Natural Beekeeping

3rd - 5th, 17-19th May 2013

To find out more and to book your place:

01647 252 983

clare@embercombe.co.uk www.embercombe.co.uk embercombe

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

| inspiring committed action for a truly sustainable world

People and Organisational Development

Editorial: 01392 346204 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

21

Have you got news for us?

Organic gardening THE Growers team, Joa and Charlie, decide the best thing to do after such an awful summer is celebrate the successes (they really know their onions) and move on...

WELL, what a season! I was chatting with a gardening friend who is in his late eighties just the other day and he said he couldn’t ever remember such an awful Summer. I think we can all agree that things in the vegetable garden have been a bit tough lately and I certainly don’t want to talk about slugs for a very long time!

So I think we should all focus on the one or two things that have been a success and congratulate ourselves for managing to achieve those.

For us at Growers Organics our successes were the onions. They were the best we’ve grown in a long time; as were the runner beans. I thought they were never going to crop; but eventually they produced a fantastic amount.

Ok, on with the Autumn jobs. This is a great time to plant broad beans, over wintering garlic and onion sets and should give you a slightly earlier crop. Early planting is also a good way of avoiding blackfly. Keep an eye on all brassicas and protect them from pigeons. Any plants that are getting tall, such as brussels sprouts and purple sprouting broccoli, may need to be supported with canes.

Check your compost bins to see if you have any compost ready. You may need to dig down about 25-30cm to find some decent stuff - now is a great time to add it to your beds. You could also use any leaf mould you may have collected last year or the year before. By using the compost and leaf mould now, there will be space in your bins for all the summer crops that need to come out and room in the leaf mould cage for this autumn’s leaves. Be a bit selective

Dry those tears... when collecting leaves. Parks and woods are always better than along the road-side for obvious reasons.

This is also a good time for a general tidy up! Take down your bean canes and store them in a dry shed or garage. Put away any nets, pots or trays and expose some of those dreaded slugs for the birds to eat.

(Oh no, I mentioned them again!).

I just hope this season hasn’t put off any newcomers to the joys of organic gardening. It is great. Really!

AND finally, a short commercial break - the Growers Christmas Craft Fair is on Sunday, December 2.

Last year’s fair was such a success that we will be making it bigger this year, with more stalls and more covered areas. To book a pitch contact Charlie by emailing courses@ growersorganics.com.

The Growers nursery is now closed for the winter and will re-open mid February but we will hopefully still be at Totnes Friday market until at least mid-October.

The landscap

Green manures WE will all have areas in the Autumn/Winter vegetable garden that have nothing growing in them. Rather than letting the weeds take over, why not try sowing some green manures? These are crops grown to add fertility to the soil and add bulky green waste to your compost bin.

There are a few green manures to choose from including Vetches, Tares, Clover and my favourite Rye Grass. Many seed companies will sell these plus a few other varieties, but it can work out quite expensive. A cheaper alternative is a bag of organic rye grain from your local wholefood shop. It will work wonders. Simply sow by sprinkling all over the area and then raking in. It might be worth putting a few bird scary things up for a time while the seed germinates. In late Winter or early Spring, cut the rye grass down and either dig all of it in to your beds or put the grass in your compost bin and dig in the roots and stumps into the soil.

This must be done at least a month before sowing any vegetable seeds directly into soil.

Reconnect’s Organic Gardening column is written

by Joa and Charlie Grower of Growers Organics.

Meet them in person at Totnes market on Fridays and Saturdays. Visit www.growersorganics.com, or call 01752 881180.

22

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editor@reconnectonli ...email details tolocal us now atlocal local people local events food health local environment ne.co.uk

A good read - and then a good chat

AS the dark evenings approach, there’s nothing better than escaping into a good book – nothing except, maybe, sharing that experience with others.

Reading groups offer a chance to do just that and here in Reconnectland there are plenty to choose from, says JON STEIN

pe revisited WHAT makes a good photographer? When all the discussion about technical expertise v intuitive ‘feel’ is over, it comes down to one thing: does their work work?

We think the work of Phil Hemsley, featured here and occasionally before in Reconnect, works very well indeed.

IF you want to get involved in a reading group, the best place to start is at your local library.

Jill Currie is the area manager for libraries in South Devon.

“Reading groups have really taken off in a big way over the last 10 years,” she explains. “In the last year alone we’ve lent over 34,000 books to groups across the county!”

It’s not just about enjoying good stories though.

“Reading groups help combat isolation and provide a safe way for people to come together and talk about things that interest them,” says Jill.

So how do you get involved? First, you could see if any of the ‘official’ library groups have room for new members. If not, there are many independent reading groups which use the library service as a source for multiple copies of books.

Or, if you’re feeling really adventurous, you could start up

your own group with friends or neighbours. Devon Libraries has a range of resources to support new groups and will supply a membership pack containing ideas on getting started. This gives free group membership, hints and tips for discussions and free reservations on more than 400 reading group book sets. You can even borrow books for up to eight weeks.

Peter Shaw, 68, has been a member of the Dartmouth Library Evening Reading Group for five years.

“We meet once a month and usually get eight or nine people,’ he said. “Although we tend to be of a similar age group and background, there’s always a wide range of views and reactions to the books we read. People relate the stories to their own experience and sometimes it’s quite personal and moving.”

Peter has selected two books for his group and encourages people to be adventurous in their choice.

“Take a risk!” he says. “As long as there is trust in the group, people can say what they feel and think.

The most important thing is a shared love of literature.”

Of course, a reading group doesn’t just have to be about reading.

Some groups host visits by local authors; others link their activities to local issues or campaigns.

One group meets at the village pub in an effort to keep their community spaces viable – at least that’s what they say!

To find out more, call in at your local library, call 0845 155 1001, email libraryreadinggroupmailbox@devon.gov.uk, or visit www.devon.gov.uk/readinggroups.

These two are Osmosis, above, which looks from Yartor Down, towards the slopes of Down Ridge and Holne Moor on Dartmoor; and Plym Souls, taken on the River Plym at Shaugh Bridge.

If you want to see more of his work, Phil is holding an exhibition at Birdwood House in Totnes from December 1-8, and you can see an online gallery (and buy prints) on his website, www. morpheus71photography.co.uk.

If you want to improve your own photography skills, Phil is running his Autumnal Dartmoor Workshop on Saturday, October 27, from sunrise to sunset.

“The aim of the course is to develop creative vision within the context of an artistic approach to landscape photography,” says Phil. “Autumn, with its changing and contrasting colours, is ideal for producing images with an emotional depth.”

Phil has just two participants on his workshops and charges £100 (this includes a lunchtime main meal at a moorland pub).

To find out more, email him at Phil.Hemsley@ careerssw.org.

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READING groups - members often relate their thoughts on books to their own experiences.

Editorial: 01392 346204 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

23

Revisit all the Reconnect back issues and read our online diary...

PRIMARY school kids construct a herb spiral at Discover Forest Foods.

The agroforestry project that really does need YOU

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24

THERE’S nothing we like more than being able to tell you about an exciting local project – and then being able to tell you how you can get involved.

Discover Forest Foods is a food growing project at Higher Farm in Beeson, South Devon. But what makes it extra interesting is that it uses agroforestry principles.

Agroforestry is a way of growing trees and other crops together on the same piece of land and the Beeson site features a forest garden mimicking the natural layers found in a woodland, and ‘alley cropping’ – rows of trees with vegetables and grains in between.

“This year we have experimented with unusual crops such as lentils, soya beans, quinoa, lupins and more!” said Liz Turner of Trees for Health.”

And here’s how you can get involved.

“We are looking for local people to become involved by either volunteering or setting up their own mini-enterprise connected to Discover Forest Foods,” said Liz. “You could grow crops on a small scale, utilise produce we grow for making food products to sell or projects such as bee keeping.

“We are open to ideas but we also have a few, like drying herbs/teas, growing mushrooms, drying fruits, making bread, even developing unusual products like miso or a barley drink!

“The other opportunity we have is to utilise our green woodworking area including equipment (pole lathes, shave horses) for making your own wood products to sell or run workshops.”

Discover Forest Foods is a not for profit organisation. To find out more, call Liz on 07765 631877, or visit www.treesforhealth.org.

Needlework made sew simple WE all know about the green credentials of secondhand clothes, but what happened to replacing zips or buttons?

Biddy offers a complete traditional sewing service, from simple (for her) zip replacements to complicated alterations.

Too often perfectly good clothes are binned for the want of a little needlework action.

And if you’ve got fabric, she’ll also create handmade clothes for you.

And what if you find the perfect secondhand item – but it’s just that little bit too big? All it needs is a little tuck here and maybe turning up a little there…

If you’d rather learn the necessary skills yourself, Biddy also runs individual and group tuition sessions, including ‘Sewing for the terrified’ and ‘Get to know your sewing machine’.

But the needlework skills that our parents took for granted seem to have skipped a generation.

She said: “I give empathic guidance to help adults and children become empowered to sew for themselves.”

Well, Biddy Chambers is there for you.

Call her on 01803 867411 or 07931 360478.

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Seasonal eating

PRODUCE gluts are just another way of gathering in and storing away for the Winter, says CAROL LEE. So how best to eat seasonally as we drift into the darker, cooler months ahead? Read on...

I WONDER if your garden is like mine at the moment - apples, apples, apples! I end up putting them outside for people to take away for free or taking bags to meetings because I never seem to use them all.

So it’s the time of year again when we may have to deal with a glut - and apples and marrows seem to be a favourite in this part of the world.

The Autumn time is one of transforming and recycling.

Nature is beginning to shed what it no longer needs so it can be broken down to replenish the earth ready for a gloriously productive growing season next year.

Dealing with a glut is just a necessary part of Autumnal gathering in, ‘transforming’ and storing away for the Winter months ahead.

According to traditional Chinese medicine, during Autumn the energy in nature and within ourselves is still abundant from the richness of the harvest, but it is also descending and contracting as we move towards Winter. So if we want to eat more in tune with the seasons our food needs to reflect this.

We can do this in two ways.

First we can eat more baked and sautéed foods. In the Autumn our appetites are stimulated by the warmth and fragrance of these types of food; these ‘concentrating’ ways of cooking also produce food that help to nourish the blood and warm us for the cooler season.

Secondly, we can enjoy lots of spicy and pungent foods which warm us

Find a job you love and you’ll never work a day in your life

Greedy gluts... up, stimulate the appetite and ‘warm up’ our digestion.

Overall we are starting to crave heartier foods that will be warm and comforting. Here are some ways you can cook and eat more seasonally: l Cook food on a lower heat for longer: casseroles, bakes, slow cooking and trays of mixed roasted vegetables l Use warming spices like chilli, ginger, turmeric, garlic and black pepper. l Eat less raw food and salads – substitute hearty soups. l Eat more roots that will help to nourish the blood for the cooler weather l Gather apples and blackberries for tasty, sweet crumbles, pies and puddings – with a generous spoonful of cinnamon and spices!

Blackberry and apple upside-down pud

Serves 8 Ingredients: 140g unsalted butter - softened; 180g caster sugar; 3 applespeeled, cored and cut into thin slices; 250g blackberries; 3 eggs - lightly beaten; 200g self-raising flour; 1 teaspoon ground ginger; 20ml milk Directions: Pre-heat the oven to 180ºC (160ºC fan oven, 325ºF gas mark 4). Grease and line a 23cm spring-form cake tin and grease again. Tip in 3tbsp of the caster sugar and swirl inside the tin to coat the side and bottom.

Arrange the apples around the bottom of the tin along with a third of the berries. Cream the butter and remaining sugar together, then gradually beat in the eggs. Sift the flour with the ginger and gently fold into the mixture.

Carefully stir in the milk followed by the remaining blackberries. Spoon the batter into the tin over the fruit. Bake for 40 minutes until the sponge is springy and golden and a skewer inserted in the centre comes out clean.

Leave to cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then invert the cake onto a plate and remove the tin.

Serve warm with sweetened whipped cream or sheep’s yogurt…yum!

Reconnect’s Seasonal Eating is written by Carol Lee, who runs workshops and courses in nutrition, health and wellbeing. Call her on 01363 82794 or visit www. naturalfoodschool.co.uk. You can now join her on Facebook for seasonal tips, recipes and nutritional information www. facebook.co/naturalfoodschool

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

Career coaching, courses and events to set you free For details please ring 01392 811168 / 07977 272174 or visit www.happymondays.org.uk

Producer Fairs At Crocadon Farm Traditional Courtyard Setting Food & Craft Producer Markets & Fairs Timber & Timber Products Direct from the Sawmill

3 rd Saturday of the Month 9 am – 3pm

Coming Market s: 20th OCTOBER 9am-3pm

Fresh Meat, Fish, Quality Foods, Local Art & Crafts, Plants & Pet Supplies, Café, BBQ and More ..

Buy Direct from the Producers Free Admission ~ Free Parking

WWW.CROCADON.CO.UK Opp. St Mellion Golf Club, Saltash, PL12 6RL

01579 350096

Editorial: 01392 346204 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

25

OCTOBER Monday 1

Harbour House Gallery - October 9 Tarte Noire - October 16

Martha Tilston - November 17

Robin Currie ceramics - NOvember 20

Events diary

There’s more Reconnect news onhealth Facebook... local people local events local food local local environment Until Thursday 4 Exhibition of photographs, Devon Guild of Craftsmen centre, Bovey Tracey, 10am5pm, 01626 832223, www.crafts.org.uk.

Exeter’s Multi-Coloured History. Launch of new community-based research project looking at Exeter’s history from a black and minority ethnic perspective, Global Centre, Exeter Community Centre, 17 St David’s Hill, 12noon, dde@ globalcentredevon.org.uk, www.globalcentredevon. org.uk.

Rivers and Streams.

Dartmoor and Exmoor Low Carbon Festival. A range of events at venues across Dartmoor and Exmoor, www.dartmoor-npa.gov.uk - look under ‘communities’.

Tuesday 2 Until Sunday 7 Boogie Nights - paintings

by Jon Woolfenden, Harbour House, The Promenade, Kingsbridge, 01548 854708, www. harbourhouse.org.uk.

Action in Exeter, a series of local wokshops with links worldwide, initial session 4.30-6.30pm at Exeter CVS, 3 King William Street, Exeter.

Saturday 6 And Sunday 7 Introduction to tile making weekend workshop with Iris Milward and Richenda Macgregor, The Pottingshed, Ashprington, Totnes, www. pottingshedworkshop.com, 01803 865033.

Dangerous Dads applejuice making with a few hints on cider making. £3 per dad; under-5s free.

6+ £1. dangerousdads@ btinternet.com, www. dangerousdads.org, 077317 95160.

Baltic Wharf Cohousing Open Day. See site layout, talk to members, United Free Church, Totnes, 10am4pm, email cohousing@ transitiontowntotnes.org, www.transitiontowntotnes. org.

Sunday 7

Wednesday 3 Adult Drama and Play.

Class with Bil Rose, Chapel House Studios, Totnes, 8.15-9.15pm.

Seeds of Freedom. Film and presentation by the Gaia Foundation’s Teresa Anderson, Totnes Methodist Church, 7.30pm, www. transitiontowntotnes.org.

Friday 5 A World of Stories. Devon’s Cultural Champions tell stories as part of Black History Month.

Global Centre, Exeter Community Centre, 17 St David’s Hill, 7pm, dde@ globalcentredevon.org.uk, www.globalcentredevon. org.uk.

Locally Engaged and Globally Connected. Social

Life drawing workshop.

Growers Organics, Yealmpton, 01752 881180, www. growersorganics.com.

Tuesday 9 Until 14 4A - exhibition of paintings

by David Barwick, Diana Miller, Annabelle Gregory SWA and Derek Symons, Harbour House, The Promenade, Kingsbridge, 01548 854708, www. harbourhouse.org.uk.

Transition Town Totnes film night. Film TBA, Totnes Methodist Church, 8-10pm, www.transitiontowntotnes. org.

Wednesday 10 Until Friday 12 The Rivals, Creative Cow production of Sheridan’s play, New Theatre, Exeter, www.creativecow.co.uk.

Adult Drama and Play.

Class with Bil Rose, Chapel House Studios, Totnes, 8.15-9.15pm.

Schooling the World. Film with anthropologist and activist Helena NorbergHodge, Totnes Methodist Church, 8-10pm, www. transitiontowntotnes.org., Friday 12 Willow weaving with Bridget Coatalen, The Woodshed, Bowden House, Totnes, 11am-4pm.

Saturday 13 And Sunday 14 Interrogate! Happiness Festival. Two days of discussion, music, comedy, film and spoken word for people who want to make the world a happier place, Dartington Hall, 01803 847070, freya.jonas@ dartington.org, www. dartington.org/interrogate.

Exeter LETS Trading Day, Palace Gate Centre, Exeter, 11am-2pm, 01363 777261, info@exeter. letslink.org, www.exeterlets. org.uk.

Sunday 14 Hazel hurdle making course, Growers Organics, Yealmpton, 01752 881180, www. growersorganics.com.

Incense making workshop.

Learn this ancient art at Bowden House, Totnes, 01803 849040, www. touchfire.co.uk.

Apple Pressing and Autumn Festival. Try fresh apple juice straight from Orchard Link’s apple press and have-a-go yourself. Sharpham Estate, Ashprington, Totnes, 11am4pm, www.sharphamtrust. org .

Cockington Apple Day Food & Crafts Festival, Westcountry food and drink producers, handcrafted gifts, craft makers, apple pressing, 10am-4pm, www. countryside-trust.org.uk.

Monday 15 And Tuesday 16 How to build a shepherd’s hut. Four-week, nonresidential course at Schumacher College, Dartington, www. schumachercollege.org.uk, 01803 865 934.

Tuesday 16 Tarte Noire Women’s Playback Theatre performance (women only), 7.45pm for 8pm start, The Jolly Farmer, 8 Market Street, Newton Abbot, www. tartenoire.co.uk.

Wednesday 17 Adult Drama and Play.

Class with Bil Rose, Chapel House Studios, Totnes, 8.15-9.15pm.

Resilience and Land-based Economics – exploring the ideas of Henry George.

Talk organised by Transition Town Totnes, Methodist Church, Totnes, 7.30pm, www.transitiontowntotnes. org. TQ9 5RP Thursday 18 Conversation Café. Topic: High Street vs Corporate Chains, Barrel House, Totnes, 7pm, sima@ thekitchentable.org.uk, www. transitiontowntotnes.org In Your Own Skin entertainment and fundraiser for this community arts project, Totnes Civic Hall, 7.30pm, www.inyourownskin.org.

Friday 19 And 20, 2/3/10.

Locally Engaged and Globally Connected - Social Action on Climate Change Five days of free training with local workshops and links worldwide. Exeter CVS, King William Street, Exeter, www.exetercvs.org.uk.

Saturday 20 Blue. Exhibition of paintings

by David Barwick, Diana Miller, Annabelle Gregory SWA and Derek Symons,

The weird and the wonderful Take a journey through the strange and magical ceramic world of Robin Currie.

See Robin’s exhibitions: One Day - Saturday Nov 4th 10am - 4pm with Mary Hykel Hunt at The Studo, Coburns Farm, Bishopswood TA20 3RY. One month: Unearth Studio, 46 Preston Street, Exeter EX1 1DF. Nov 20th - Dec 20th 10am - 5pm

You can now buy online at:

www.robincurrie.co.uk 26

Advertising: 01392 346342 adverts@reconnectonline.co.uk

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

www.

facebook.com/ReconnectMagaz ine local people local events local food local health local environment Harbour House, The Promenade, Kingsbridge, 01548 854708, www. harbourhouse.org.uk.

Sunday 21 Thornleigh Saddle volunteer day. Get your mind clear and your hands dirty - learn about life on the land and take home some produce.

Call Martin on 01803 868455 or at editor@ reconnectonline.co.uk.

Tuesday 23 Tarte Noire Women’s Playback Theatre performance (women only) 7.45pm for 8pm start, Cygnet New Theatre, Friars Gate, Exeter, www. tartenoire.co.uk Wednesday 24 Adult Drama and Play.

Class with Bil Rose, Chapel House Studios, Totnes, 8.15-9.15pm.

Friday 26 Acoustic Haven. Music (The Adventurists and Holly Ebony with Nick Marshall), food and great company at new venue - St John’s Church in Bridgetown, Totnes, www.thehillyfield. co.uk. See page 4.

Roseanna’s Grave.

Film night at Follaton Community Cinema, Follaton Community Centre, Totnes, doors open 7pm, film at 7.30pm, 01803 868455, www. follatoncommunitycinema. co.uk.

Saturday 27 And Sunday 28 Introduction to hedgelaying.

Learn hedgelaying as part of Devon Hedge Week, 9am-4pm, Occombe Farm, www.countryside-trust. org.uk.

Sunday 28 Eat the Hedgerow, Embercombe, Higher Ashton, nr Exeter, 10am5pm, £50 including refreshments and lunch, on 01647252983/5, clare@ embercombe.co.uk Wednesday 31 Pumpkin Lantern and Hallowe’en Mask Making.

The Seashore Centre, Occombe Farm Visitor Centre, 10am-12pm or 2-4pm, £5 per child, book on 01803 520022 or visit www.occombe.org.uk.

Adult Drama and Play.

Class with Bil Rose, Chapel House Studios, Totnes, 8.15-9.15pm. See page 21.

NOVEMBER Saturday 3 And Sunday 4 Building a Compost Loo, workshop at Embercombe, Higher Ashton, nr Exeter, 9am-4pm both days, £125 including refreshments and lunch, on 01647252983/5, clare@embercombe.co.uk And Sunday 4.

Basket making workshop, Growers Organics, Yealmpton, 01752 881180, www. growersorganics.com.

Exhibition of ceramics, with Robin Currie, Mary Hykel Hunt and friends, The Studio, Coburns Farm, Bishopswood, 10am-4pm, 01460 234345, www. robincurrie.co.uk.

Wild Fermentation sourdough baking and vegetable preservation, Embercombe, Higher Ashton, nr Exeter, 9am5pm, £50 including refreshments and lunch, on 01647252983/5, clare@ embercombe.co.uk

Class with Bil Rose, Chapel House Studios, Totnes, 8.15-9.15pm.

Friday 9 Hedge restoration workshop, Growers Organics, Yealmpton, 01752 881180, www. growersorganics.com.

Like Co-operatives!

Organised by Cooperatives South West and The Fruit Tree for Business, Exeter City Football Club, 10.30am-4pm, www.thefruit-tree.co.uk .

Monday 12 Mark Thomas - Bravo Figaro. Love, death and the search for peace in an imperfect world - with gags, Exeter Phoenix, Bradninch Place, Gandy Street, Exeter, 8pm, www.exeterphoenix. org.uk, 01392 667080.

Global Book Club.

Discussion of Conor Woodman’s book Unfair Trade: How Big Business Exploits the World’s Poor and Why It Doesn’t Have To, 7-8.30pm, Global Centre, Exeter Community Centre, 17 St David’s Hill, www.globalcentredevon. org.uk.

Tuesday 13

Wednesday 7

Moneyless Man. A talk by Mark Boyle, organised by Transition Town Totnes, Methodist Church, Totnes, 7.30pm, www. transitiontowntotnes.org.

Poetry Conversation.

Hosted by Alice Oswald, 7.30pm, Octagonal Room, Sharpham House, Ashprington, Totnes, www. sharphamtrust.org.

Tarte Noire Women’s Playback Theatre performance (women only), 7.45pm for 8:00pm start, Cygnet New Theatre, Friars Gate, Exeter, www. tartenoire.co.uk.

Transition Town Totnes film night. Film TBA, Totnes Methodist Church, 8-10pm, www.transitiontowntotnes. org.

The Rivals. Production of Sheridan’s play by Creative Cow, Little Theatre, Torquay, www.creativecow.co.uk.

Adult Drama and Play.

Adult Drama and Play.

Class with Bil Rose, Chapel House Studios, Totnes, 8.15-9.15pm.

Sunday 4 Acornucopia - all about acorns, workshops at Embercombe, Higher Ashton, nr Exeter, 10am - 5pm, £50 including refreshments and lunch, on 01647252983/5, clare@ embercombe.co.uk Tuesday 6 The Art of Upcycling exhibition, Rowcraft charity shop, Fore Street, Totnes, 01803 863552, www. transitiontowntotnes.org.

Wednesday 14

Taking Root: the vision of Wangari Maathai. Film evening and discussion around the dramatic story of Kenyan Nobel Peace Prize winner Wangari Maathai, Totnes Methodist Church, 8-10pm, www. transitiontowntotnes.org.

THURSDAY 15 Martha Tilston in concert.

Singer/songwriter, Exeter Phoenix, Bradninch Place, Gandy Street, Exeter, www. exeterphoenix.org.uk /01392 667080.

Friday 16 Until 18 SHAF Christmas Bazaar, with late night opening on Friday, Harbour House, The Promenade, Kingsbridge, 01548 854708, www. harbourhouse.org.uk.

Saturday 17 Incense making workshop.

Learn this ancient art at Tree Harvest, Colyton, 01803 849040, www.touchfire. co.uk.

Sunday 18 Lau in concert. Modern folk at Exeter Phoenix, Bradninch Place, Gandy Street, Exeter, 8pm, www.exeterphoenix.org. uk/01392 667080.

Christmas Cakes Masterclass. Traditional Christmas baking, Occombe Cookery School, 10am - 4pm, book on 01803 520022, www. occombe.org.uk.

Talk by Tibetan Buddhist Monk, Geshe Thinley. Short meditation, followed by teachings, break for tea and questions, 2.30-5pm, Golden Buddha Centre, The Grove, Victoria Street, Totnes, www. goldenbuddha.org.

Tuesday 20 Until December 20 Ceramics exhibition - work by local artists including Robin Currie, Unearth Studio at 46 Preston Street, Exeter, 10am-8pm Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 10am-5pm Thursdays and Saturdays, www.robincurrie. co.uk.

Until December 2 Helen Petit – exhibition.

Landscape explored through printmaking and pastel, oil and watercolour painting, Harbour House, The Promenade, Kingsbridge, 01548 854708, www. harbourhouse.org.uk.

Wednesday 21 Adult Drama and Play.

Class with Bil Rose, Chapel House Studios, Totnes, 8.15-9.15pm.

Friday 23 Until 25.

Crux craft fair. 30+ makers plus food and drink, Rattery Village Hall, South Devon, 4-7pm Friday and 10am5pm Saturday and Sunday.

Saturday 24 Shoot – Short film festival profiling some of the best film-making in Devon and Cornwall, Barn cinema, Dartington Estate, www. dartington.org, 01803 847000.

Exeter LETS Trading Day, 10.30am-1.30pm, Quaker Meeting House, Wynards Lane, Exeter, 01363 777261, www.exeterlets. org.uk.

Wednesday 28 Adult Drama and Play.

Class with Bil Rose, Chapel House Studios, Totnes, 8.15-9.15pm.

Friday 30 And Saturday, December 1.

Millbridge Christmas Fair.

Craft and ethnic stalls, Stoke Damerel Church and Parish Centre, Paradise Road, Stoke, Plymouth, 01752 564847.

Film night. Movie TBA. Follaton Community Cinema, Follaton Community Centre, Totnes, doors open 7pm, film at 7.30pm, 01803 868455, www. follatoncommunitycinema. co.uk.

Acoustic Haven. Music, food and great company at new venue - St John’s Church in Bridgetown, Totnes, www. thehillyfield.co.uk. See page 4.

l Turn to page 43 to check out our workshops and events listings l www.bellacouche.com

bellacouche...

“a beautiful resting place”

e: info@bellacouche.com t: 01647 432155

devon

the

schoolof

shiatsu

How to get your event listed here and online OK, so here’s how it works.

You email us details of your event and we put it up in our online diary.

Then, when we put the next issue together, we lift everything from there and run it all here.

ALL FREE! And if it takes our fancy, we might also write a story, so if you’ve got an appropriate photo, send that in too.

Email us now at editor@ reconnectonline. co.uk and tell us the name of the event, the venue, the date and time, contact number, email and website.

What we can’t do is publicise your courses and workshops free of charge - any more than you can take people on your course or workshop free of charge.

But we do have a whole section, which we have cleverly titled ‘Workshop and courses diary’.

In this issue it’s on page 43.

To advertise your event there costs a measly 90p a word with a minimum of 20 words.

So, it’s just £18 for us to blab it all over South Devon.

Get in touch!

Intermediate level Course Programme Self Transformation Five Element Shiatsu Immerse yourself in the Five Elements Learn about Shiatsu, Food Qi Gong and You! 6 weekends over 6 months

starts 27/28th October @ £975 The Leafcocoon offers a soft and comforting solution for a perfectly natural burial.

Regional wool and wood, natural dyes, hand-made.

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

www.devonshiatsu.co.uk Buckyette Farm,Totnes TQ9 6ND Tel 01803 762593 Email: info@devonshiatsu.co.uk

Shiatsu Discovery Day 26th October An introductory day for the Five Element Shiatsu course

Editorial: 01392 346204 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

27

Got local a date for our October/November events diary? local people events local food local health local environment WELCOME to Wellbeing.

AND so Reconnect’s unique Wellbeing section continues to grow - a reflection of just how many people now see it as THE place to keep up with local natural health and personal development.

If you’re a practitioner and want to get your message out there, there’s no better way.

And it won’t break the bank. A 1/8page advertisement, like those at the bottom of this page, works out at just £41.85 a month if you book a regular ad and pay by direct debit.

We’ll help you write and design it too.

And if you’ve got a story to tell, we’ll run some editorial.

Interested? Call Pete or Martin and find out just how simple it is - and no hard sell, we promise!

Call Pete on 01392 346342 or Martin on 01803 868455.

PARADOX, right, describes himself as a “one-legged existential poet inspiration engineer”. On October 28 he’s in Totnes as a special guest at the latest fundraiser for Katherine Trenshaw’s In Your Own Skin project.

Find out more on page 39.

Big reaction to puppy plea RECONNECT readers came up trumps when the Hearing Dogs for Deaf People charity made an appeal through our pages.

So many of you called, the charity says it has never had such a good response.

The charity was looking for puppy socialisers to take an eight-week old puppy and raise it to the point of leaving home for training.

Georgia Romeril, the charity’s Volunteer Recruitment Coordinator, said: “Out of all the publications in which I have placed adverts and/or editorials this year, Reconnect has generated the most puppy socialising enquiries by far!”

Jan Long from Plymouth has been a puppy socialiser for over 14 years and is currently looking after her 22nd dog called Kody.

Said Jan: “I confess I just love the puppies. It’s wonderfully rewarding. Letting the dog go 12-14 months after its arrival is difficult, but knowing that they

will be so well cared for and loved helps a lot. Plus, it won’t be long until I have a new puppy to welcome into my home.”

She added: “It is a huge boost to hear from one of the hearing dog trainers that a puppy I have socialised is doing well in its training or has passed an assessment.

“And then occasionally, the icing on the cake is a letter or email from a deaf recipient, telling me what a fantastic help their new hearing dog is, and how much they are changing a life!

Wonderful.”

Since its inception in 1982, Hearing Dogs for Deaf People has placed more than 1,600 hearing dogs. There are currently 750 working hearing dogs in the UK. For more information about volunteering or to sponsor a puppy during the charity’s 30th year, email info@hearingdogs.org.uk or call 01844 3458100.

Norwegian Wood

TAKE YOUR HEALTH ON YOUR OWN SHOULDERS Five-hour bespoke family workshops including organic lunch £65. With B&B £90. Choose your own day of the week Monday to Friday to suit your lifestyle in October, November and December.

Learn how to improve your wellbeing with Iridology, nutrition and naturopathic techniques with Heather Nicholson Mlfl.FNTP

With Heather Nicholson Mlfl. FNTP

www.organicbedandbreakfast.info

28

Norwegian Wood, Hollicombe Lane, Preston, Paignton TQ3 2DT

01803 528575

The Alchemical Kitchen

Cooking for deep leadership with Psychophonetics Creative workshops and retreats for personal transformation Painting, sculpting and cooking with Belinda Connolly and Wilhelmina Swindell ‘Whole-Hearted Eating’ - two day workshop 29th & 30th Sept ‘Nourish Me’ Retreat - 5th - 7th October - HALF PRICE! Private Sessions Monthly Support Group www.my-freedomforlife.co.uk Find us on Facebook and at www.gluten-free-recipe.co.uk Belinda: 01803 762574 b.connolly@virgin.net Wilhelmina: 01364 643049 wilhelmina@phonecoop.coop

Advertising: 01392 346342 adverts@reconnectonline.co.uk

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

edit

or@reconnectonline. ...email the local details to local health co.uk local people local events food local environment

is back...

TAROT reader and teacher Pete MacDonald and, below, the impressive entrance Stanborough House where he runs weekend courses.

Learn to be open to your intuition and read tarot “How do you do that?”

It’s a question Pete MacDonald often hears during his psychic consultations.

How is he able to divine such accurate information about clients’ past and present? He also receives countless calls and letters confirming how right he was about the future.

The next question is often: Is this something they could learn for themselves?

“Anyone can learn the rudiments of tarot,” says Pete. “You need to be open to your intuition and your imagination. Once you access that, there’s nothing to stop you being a successful tarot reader.”

Pete MacDonald, winner of the Prix de Tarot award, has been reading for over 25 years and for people from all walks of life. He has a reputation for going into great depth during his consultations and will spend between two and a half and four hours with each client.

“I specialise in doing very deep tarot readings,” he says. “They take a long time because there is that amount of information when you connect on a refined and definitive level.”

The courses, residential or nonresidential, that Pete teaches at Stanborough House, near Totnes, take place over a weekend.

But how is Pete able to teach such a complex subject in such a short time?

“I have a profound understanding of the tarot and I don’t try and mystify it beyond its own natural mystery,” he explains. “Most people who think you need to be awfully psychic find that once you open your intuitive side, which the cards help you to do, you can become very accomplished in a matter of days.”

Some course participants have subsequently changed careers in order to read the tarot professionally.

Thomas Parrott, a media executive from London, trained with Pete after having what he describes as “an amazing three hour reading - I went back home afterwards really empowered.”

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

Having done the course, Thomas worked part-time doing readings at psychic fairs and also read for the cast of a well-known TV drama series.

There are no more than 11 people on a course “so everybody has quality attention” and there are plenty of breaks. Everyone enjoys the good quality home cooked food and home made cake eaten around the kitchen table by the Aga. Karen Pepper from Gloucestershire attended a course and said: “It was a lovely setting, there were lovely people and I found the social aspect of the weekend thoroughly enjoyable.”

Pete’s next courses at Stanborough House are Tarot for Beginners (£190) over the weekend of October 13 and 14 and Advanced Tarot (£235) on November 3 and 4. Residential places are also available.

To find out more about the courses, or to book a reading, call 01548 821033 or 07742 056578. Visit www.stanboroughhouse.co.uk and www.petemacdonald.co.uk.

The Totnes surgery is now in its newly extended and refurbished premises at Babbage Road.

Sharing the airy new space with the practice’s 10 GPs are:

• Boots the Chemist • Newsome Opticians • Joe Crocker - homeopath • Hestia Care - at home CIC

• Gareth Noble - chiropractor • Jenny Pullman and Julie Veal sports injury therapists

• Bidwell - osteopaths

…with space for new practitioners!

There is still some office and clinical space available to rent or lease.

To find out more, call Strategic Business Manager Janine Payne on 01803 860304 or email Janine.payne@nhs.net.

Babbage Road, Totnes 01803 862671 leatside.surgery@nhs.net

Train in Massage at Devon Academy 50% Funding Available

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Editorial: 01392 346204 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

29

Have you got local a story for Wellbeing local people events local foodreaders? local health local environment

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For sessions, workshops & support - please contact: Alida Epremian on 01803 864337

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30

Sirona Director Hannah Burgon welcomes Rosie to her new home.

New role for veggie pony Rosie BAY pony Rosie, once well known for pulling a fruit and vegetable cart, now has a new role - working with children and adults with support needs at Sirona Therapeutic Horsemanship based at Seale Hayne, Newton Abbot.

Once the pony has settled in, the Sirona team will train her to pull an Ibex saddle chariot donated

by Devon County Council through Councillor Gordon Hook - as seen in our last issue. is it www.sironacic.com.

Meir cured his own blindness - and now teaches self-healing THERE’S a rare chance to attend a talk and workshop in South Devon with Meir Schneider, the founder of the Self Healing School in San Francisco.

Meir was born with cataracts and other eye problems but at the age of 17 he learned the Bates Method and cured himself - today he has 20/80 vision and holds an unrestricted California driver’s licence.

Meir then discovered the same principles could be applied to the entire body, so he added his own selfmassage and movement to complement the visual exercises and developed The Meir Schneider of the Self Healing School Meir Schneider Method of SelfHealing through Bodywork and both visual and physical limitations”.

Movement.

Meir will give a lecture at the Seven Alida Epremian is a DartingtonStars hotel in Totnes on Monday, based self-healing educator. She October 29 – doors open at 6.30pm explained: “It trains us to use for 7pm start and entrance is £8. muscles and joints in a balanced Meir’s new book, Vision For Life, will way by isolating muscle groups, also be on sale. relaxing chronically overused The following day, October 30, he muscles, stimulating brain-body is holding a workshop at Totnes neural connections and, most Pavilion, from 11am-5.30pm. importantly, enhancing circulation.”

Priced at £80, attendees are asked to take food to share or their own Meir Schneider has just released his packed lunch, plus a mat or a new book, Vision for Life: Ten Steps blanket. to Natural Eyesight Improvement, through North Atlantic Books and Then on Wednesday, October 31, was presented with a Certificate Meir will be able to see private clients. of Honor by San Francisco Mayor To find out more and to book for Gavin Newsom for his “tireless the workshop, call Alida on 01803 efforts dedicated to improving the 864337, email alihealself@gmail. quality of life for individuals with com.

Advertising: 01392 346342 adverts@reconnectonline.co.uk

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

editor@reconnectonli ...email at local ne.co.uk local people local events local us food health local environment ebikes - on prescription IT’S not unusual for a GP to suggest a patient should get a little more exercise.

But GPs at one South Devon surgery are also writing prescriptions for electric bikes.

A community-run project called Totnes On The Move (TOTM) has received Devon County Council funding to buy 10 electrically assisted bikes.

And two will be based at the town’s Leatside Surgery, where GPs will prescribe their loan for two weeks at a time to encourage patients to take more exercise.

The surgery is also installing a bike rack to encourage those who use more conventional cycles. l Look out for more on Totnes On The Move in the next issue of Reconnect. And find out about another exciting eco project at Leatside Surgery on page 13.

Clinic brings Mexican healer back to Devon for new multiple sessions THE world-famous healer Maestro Constantino is visiting Newton Abbot for a second time in October.

The master healer from Mexico visited the town’s Align Chiropractic Posture and Wellness Clinic during a UK tour in May when he saw over 1,000 people a week.

Dr Catherine Crane of the Align Clinic has invited him back again and he will hold healing sessions, all by donation, in Newton Abbot and Babbacombe.

“Maestro Constantino is a kind and compassionate being, with an exceptional healing gift as many people can testify,” said Catherine.

“Whatever the illness or issue, be it physical, mental, emotional or spiritual, Maestro’s healing can help support everyone’s highest wishes for their wellbeing and no-one is ever turned away.

“Healing sessions are by voluntary donation and proceeds go towards his various charities and allow him to continue to travel the world fulfilling his mission to heal as many people as possible.”

MASTER healer Maestro Constantino - back in South Devon in October.

Maestro’s healing sessions will be at the Align Clinic, 39 Devon Square, on Saturday, October 13 (at 3, 4, 5 and 6pm); at St Anne’s Hall in Babbacombe on Sunday, October 14 (3, 5 and 7pm); and at Newton Abbot Spiritualist Church on Monday, October 15 (3, 5 and 7pm); Tuesday,

October 16 (3, 5 and 7pm); Thursday, October 18 (3, 5 and 7pm); Friday, October 19 (10am, 12pm and 2pm) and Saturday, October 20 (10am, 12pm and 2pm).

To find out more, email Dr Crane at www. alignyourhealth.co.uk or visit www.maestroconstantinouk. yolasite.com.

Group’s plea for musician IF you’re a musician willing to give a helping hand to a deserving cause, Jane Walker would like to hear from you.

Jane is the administrator for Cancer Lifeline South West which organises breaks for people who have been affected by cancer.

The group is looking for a musician to play for about one hour on one of the days. The events are held at Sharpham in Devon and are intended as a free peaceful retreat for those affected by cancer giving time to retune with the support of professionals.

The next breaks are in February next year.

Said Jane: “We have one lady who plays guitar and sings and in the past we have had a harpist. We just need a musician to entertain with something suitable. We will pay towards travel expenses and a meal is included.”

If you can help call Jane on 01392 432984 or email office@cancerlifelinesouthwest.org.

Debbie becomes ‘something fantastic’ after health crisis FOR many years, manager and trainer Debbie de Mornay Penny used NLP techniques in her professional life.

“Neuro Linguistic Programming had enabled me to plan effectively, communicate, support and coach others with ease and confidence,” said Debbie.

But then Debbie’s world was turned upside down and NLP took on a whole new significance.

“A consultant told me a very large tumour had been silently growing in my abdomen,” said Debbie. “Biopsies were taken but it would be 10 days before we would know whether or not my life was to be cut short.”

Debbie was also told that as a result of the operation to remove the tumour she would experience full blown menopause.

“Those 10 days could have been the worst 10 days of my life,” she said. “Instead I promised myself that whatever the outcome, it would be beneficial to me both mentally and physically if I kept a positive state of mind – and to do that I would need to draw on all of my NLP knowledge and resources.”

Debbie was lucky – her prognosis was good.

“Recovery took a few months, but never before had I been so focussed.

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Soon I was back on my feet and in full swing, planning all sorts of projects feeling not just my old self, but a renewed self.

“I told everyone ‘I am metamorphosing into something fantastic!’ and I am still so full of enthusiasm, more than ever before in my life”.

Debbie has combined her experiences with her NLP skills to create new workshops to help people through their own changes.

“Life changes can be gradual or come upon us suddenly and they can affect us all - men and women,” she said.

“I knew I must create something unique and special for people at a crossroads in their lives. It had worked for me and I knew I could pass on my skills and teach my strategies to others.

“My primary focus is to help others to find harmony within themselves, uplifting and fulfilling directions, set desired goals and make lasting changes.”

In 2013 Debbie will run two workshops entitled The Butterfly Model – at Sharpham Estate near Totnes on April 27 and 28, and at The Chalice Well in Glastonbury on July 13 and 14.

Visit www.rapportaccord.co.uk to find out more.

Editorial: 01392 346204 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

31

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C H IRO PRAC TIC

THE emotional and physical journeys of an artist following the death of her partner are the inspiration behind a new exhibition.

Death The Sacred Prompt features the paintings, photos and journals of Jenny Quick, who cycled to Turkey playing Beethoven “wherever pianos showed up”.

Said Jenny: “This exhibition has at its epicentre the explosion into love and connectedness with life which was brought about by the sudden death of the man I loved. Martin was 52 and we had had just a year together.

“Immediately following his death I could neither paint nor play as it was too painful to touch those feelings in solitude. Instead I wept with friends or rowed his little boat for hours upon the river Dart.

“The immense gift of this was to somehow allow all the griefs of childhood to resurface and although it was so hard, it was as though at some deep level, I was being refreshed and reconnected to myself and to life.”

Over the next few years, the idea of the cycling trip was born.

“I had always dreamed of cycling around the world and so the idea of continuing the profound inner

journey of the music, meshing with an outer journey through new landscapes began to take root.

“After months of preparation I set off with the sonatas in my panniers (and a paint box!) to cycle to Turkey and to play spontaneously wherever pianos showed up.”

She told of her adventures in a hugely popular blog - and now in her exhibition at Birdwood House, Totnes, from November 26-December 1.

“Death is a sacred prompt to live life fully and that a truthful encounter with loss enables a transformative shift to occur,” said Jenny.

“If we can accept it as our near companion and friend, we may more joyfully inhabit ourselves.”

The exhibition is sponsored by Totnes funeral directors Green Fuse – “in the spirit of their ongoing support for the arts and local artists,” says Jenny.

Jane Morrell of Green Fuse said: “We are delighted to be working in collaboration with Jenny Quick on this exhibition, which is a powerful and inspiring expression of her journey, Beethoven by Bike.”

You can read Jenny’s blog at http:// beethovenbybike.wordpress.com/.

MINDFULNESS is now widely accepted as an effective way of reducing stress and anxiety – as well as helping us live life more fully.

A new Mindfulness for Wellbeing course is starting in October under the WEA (Workers’ Education Association) banner in Paignton, taught by Ros Hammond, right.

“This course should be of benefit to anyone but may particularly be helpful for people who have difficulties with stress, depression or anxiety, or physical health problems,” said Ros. “We hope participants on this course will be able to learn a practice to help them look after their own health and wellbeing.”

Mindfulness for Wellbeing will consist of nine meetings at Paignton Library and Information Centre on

Great Western Road, from October 15 – December 10 (no half-term).

The course fee is £75, but it’s free for anyone on benefit.

To find out more or enroll, call WEA on 01392 457300 or visit www. wea-sw.org.uk.

Put your mind to mindfulness

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... all our back issues are online at Counselling with healing spirit of nature A LOVE of animals and nature has led a counsellor to explore new ways of working within her sessions.

Annie Wilson uses a variety of theoretical approaches including Gestalt, CBT and TA, and says she includes “the healing spirit of nature” through visualisation, meditation, sand tray and creative arts and through working in the outdoors and among animals.

“I offer short, medium or longer term sessions in a safe comfortable environment within Torbay,” says Annie. “I am also arranging workshops designed to explore feelings and emotions through creativity.”

Call Annie for a free initial discussion on 01803 851129 or 07760 439760 or email anniwils@talktalk.net.

Workshops reopen doors MOST of us enter the world in a wonderful state of openness and innocence. But we can only enjoy the full richness of life by experiencing events and relationships that sometimes leave us hurt, physically and emotionally.

The paradox deepens when it leads us to close protective doors, creating communication difficulties – which compromises our full experience of life.

“Relationships, like nourishment, are not luxuries we can do without,” says Wilhelmina Swindell, who is working with fellow psychophonetics practitioner Belinda Connolly as My Freedom for Life to create workshops aimed at reopening these doors.

“Stimulated by conversations with each other, colour, food and other artistic activities., we can activate profound changes through beholding our whole selves afresh.”

Belinda added: “‘We love empowering people using psychophonetic sequences because once experienced, these become tools for life, available anytime, anyplace.”

Wilhelmina and Belinda are also cooks and their workshops combine painting, sculpting and, of course, cooking to create The Alchemical Kitchen.

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Belinda Connolly (left) and Wilhelmina Swindell of My Freedom for Life “Expect to experience a powerful meeting between yourself and your food,” said Belinda.

They describe their October retreat - Where did we lose the love? – as “a unique opportunity to sample psychophonetics at the introductory price of £150.” Says Wilhelmina: “That includes delicious meals, art materials and a warm bed for two nights at the beautiful Eden Rise, just outside Totnes.”

Visit www.gluten-free-recipe.co.uk, email b.connolly@virgin.net or wilhelmina@phonecoop.coop, and call 01803 762574 or 01364 643049.

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33

Do you want to advertise in Wellbeing?

RELAXING during a break at The Heartwood Centre.

Extra course to meet demand

Hol i stic Bi r th Hub

Mondays & Tuesdays nr Totnes Pregnancy & postnatal Sharing circles. Therapies Yoga Baby massage Father’s meetings Birth preparation and Hypnobirthing Birth Trauma Healing Doula support Info, resources Yummy Lunches

Upcoming fundraising events this Autumn

A LOCAL counselling and psychotherapy training centre says it had the largest intake of students yet for its September term.

And the demand has continued since the September deadline, so it has set up an additional beginners course to run from January.

The Heartwood Centre, on the Dartington estate, was last year accepted by one of the country’s largest awarding bodies (ABC Awards) to run their accredited courses and the first intake onto the starter course was full.

Centre director Leigh Smith said: “We’ve had so many enquiries from people who want to enter the profession, we’re having to run another beginners’ course starting in January”.

“So if you are interested and you missed the September enrolments it isn’t too late!”

Heartwood is also working hard to support existing counsellors.

Last year it ran its first Level 6 Diploma in Counselling Supervision.

“We are very proud to announce that all the students passed and are now fully qualified (CPCAB) counselling supervisors,” said Leigh, “so they can now offer supervision to other counsellors and expand their career possibilities.“ Course tutor Mark Hartshorn said: “I am very proud of these students. We

Firewalk - Sat 3rd November, nr Totnes.

Break through your fear, rekindle your passion and purpose and raise funds for the Birth Hub & African Mothers.

Call for a sponsorship form.

had a lot of fun on this course, and I know they will make the most of this qualification and I wish them all great success” Leigh added: “For quite some time there has been a shortage of well trained supervisors and Heartwood has wanted to do something to address this. Now we are providing accredited supervision courses we feel it will become much easier for practising counsellors to find a supervisor they can rely on to support them in their practice.”

The supervision diploma is also open to any qualified practitioner working in a supportive role, including social workers, intervention officers, youth workers and counsellors/ psychotherapists.

Call 01803 865464, email heartwood1@btconnect.com and visit www.heartwoodcounselling.org.uk.

“If you are not in perfect health, the chances are your blood is acidic...”

L I V E B L O O D A N A LY S I S

Holistic Birth & Family Fayre Sat 10 Nov 10.30 -3.30pm

Civic Hall, Totnes. Celebrating the Hub’s first year! Stalls, info, inspiring talks, cozy kids corner with activities, therapy tasters, mellow music and our “Made with Love” Cafe. Entrance FREE.

Goma Family in Concert - Sat 17th Nov Totnes

Devotional Indian music and Divali celebration. Chai, cakes, stalls. £ 10. St John’s Church, Bridgetown, Totnes. Uma 07985 013085.

www.birthingwisdom.co.uk 07921516918 / 01803 226127

34

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Blown away by EFT evolution EFT (Emotional Freedom Sapphria de la Terre Technique) is the art of recently retrained in EFT allowing what is, says Sapphira de la Terre.

“It acknowledges difficult thoughts and feelings, while simultaneously stimulating the energy body, thus dissolving the problem,” she says.

“In 20 years of personal growth I have never come across anything more effective when it comes to shifting sludgy old emotions and dismantling limiting beliefs.”

Having practised it on herself and friends for over a decade, she recently retrained, and was blown away by how invited the trainer who trained me, much it has evolved.

Sandra Hillawi, to run an introductory “Not only has it been pared down workshop at the Totnes Natural Health to become even simpler - and Centre on the evening of Friday, simultaneously even more of a precision October 19, and then all day on tool - but it’s also developing into a Saturday, October 20. powerful spiritual practice, because “Sandra will be teaching some of the it steers you towards identifying with most up-to-date and effective ways your energy body rather than your of working with EFT - enough to work personality.” on yourself, with family and friends. I Sapphira believes that in order to evolve will then follow up the workshop with we need both great tools and people a practice evening once a fortnight, to practice them with, and so wants to starting on Wednesday, October 24, create an EFT practice community in the also at Totnes Natural Health Centre.

Totnes area.

Contact Sapphira on 01803 862628 or She said: “To get the ball rolling, I have sourceress@hotmail.co.uk

Touching all parts of life A HOLISTIC approach to massage can touch people in many different ways, according to experienced practitioner Ailsa Lucas, pictured right.

“Holistic Massage can be a wonderful way to ease tensions and free up the body, but it can also be a chance to rest deeply, to be nurtured and to feel whole again,’’ said Ailsa In fact she believes that massage can bring something of value to almost any aspect of a person’s experience.

Ailsa trained in Holistic Massage with Bristol College of Massage and Bodywork and draws on past experience as a counsellor.

She is a Movement Medicine Apprentice and works at Ola Chiropractic Centre in Totnes every Friday.

Said Ailsa: “I work so differently with different people. But in fact, that emphasis on aligning myself with each individual client’s needs is one of the central characteristics of my approach.

“I listen carefully to hear what each person is looking for and which ways of working together will allow those needs to be

met. The massage I give, and the whole quality of being that I bring to the work, is then a very direct response to the intentions we have agreed, built upon through what I pick up during the session and any on-going feedback the client gives.” ‘’I work with sensitivity and depth at every level, which allows clients to drop deeply into their experience of their body. That can be a profound experience in itself, but it can bring grounding, opening and awareness that nourishes people far beyond the massage session too.’’

Call Ailsa on 01803 849039, 07999 486059 or at ailsa.clare. lucas@gmail.com

Mums get an extra Hub day THE demand for a new Totnes group dedicated to young mums and mothers-to-be has been so great that organisers are expanding to two days a week.

Olivia Seck, who helps run the Holistic Birth Hub with the assistance of volunteers, says the hub is now thriving with a wonderful group of women, babies and toddlers making use of therapies, groups, yoga and a yummy lunch in a unique homefrom-home relaxed environment.

From October 1 the Hub will be open on Mondays and Tuesdays to meet the growing demand.

Mama Mondays will now be for pregnant women and women with babies pre-walking starting with a circle for pregnant women at 9.45 and ending with a hypnobirthing class in the evening. Tuesdays will be a drop-in day for mums whose babies have taken those first magical steps. Both days are held at Eden Rise near Totnes.

Said Olivia: “As well as more focused groups such as a parenting support group and sharing circles, both days will offer time to relax, to have a cuppa in the company of like-minded mums and share experiences informally.

“As we expand we very much need support, volunteers and funds to enable us to continue to offer help to as many women as need it. We

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welcome any donations gratefully.”

Fundraising events coming up include a firewalk on November 3 and the Holistic Birth and Family Fayre on November10 between 10.30am and 3.30pm at Totnes Civic Hall.

The fayre includes stalls, talks, a cozy kids’ corner with activities, therapy tasters, mellow music and a Made with Love Cafe. If you would like to book a stall please enquire.

Said Deb, the Hub’s drop-in coordinator: “We are asking people to come and share this special day with us in celebration of the Hub’s first year.

Visit www.birthingwisdom.co.uk.

Editorial: 01392 346204 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

35

Have you got a story for Wellbeing readers?

MTI, Dip Couns, BSc (Hons)

A chance to experience a holistic massage that is highly responsive to your individual needs and can encompass both gentleness and depth:

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‘An impending global shift’ DESPITE all the prophecies of doom and gloom surrounding the 2012 phenomenon, including the ancient Mayan calendar predicting the end of the world, there are others who say this year could signal a huge positive physical and spiritual transformation.

This November His Holiness Paramahamsa Nithyananda, who heads the ancient Hindu establishment, the 1500-year-old Madurai Aadheenam, will be in the UK to speak about what he says is an impending global shift in human consciousness.

Nithyananda’s vision is to help trigger this shift in each individual through transformational talks, meditation and initiations.

Nithyananda believes our planet is preparing for incredible change, which will reflect in every dimension of our existence.

He says 2012 is the time for realising our highest possibilities, as “a fortunate confluence of massive physical and spiritual energies are working to catapult humanity to the next plane of conscious evolution.”

The predicted alignment of planets

in our solar system, due to occur on December 21, means a great deal of spiritual energy will be concentrated on our planet during this period.

Nithyananda is undertaking an ‘Awakening the World’ tour in November, to share with global audiences the secrets of harnessing these powerful energies for material and spiritual abundance.

Nithyananda, who is regarded by thousands as a divine incarnation and living saint, is also ranked as the top spiritual leader on Youtube, with over 2000 hours of free talks drawing 16 million views. He has been named among the world’s top 100 spiritually influential people of 2012.

Nithyananda will be giving free lectures and conducting workshops in London from November 1-4.

The programme offers interactive sessions, mind-body healing techniques and powerful energy initiations.

Register or find out more at www. nithyananda.org/worldtour/uk Watch Nithyananda’s talks on www. youtube.com/LifeBlissFoundation.

Transformational Breathing Les Elms • les@breathsouthwest.com www.breathsouthwest.com

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Fifteen Ways to A Happier You with Master Peter Chin Kean Choy

Elements partners Lisa Mechen (left) and Stephanie Sinclaire.

FOR RELAXATION AND CHI HEALING

GALACTRIC TAO OF HEALTH AND REJUVENATION with Master Choy 9-11 November A Special weekend of Rainbow Tai Chi Chi Kung Relaxation Exercises, Chi Healing and Chi Massage 8 Taoist Master Secret Practices on how to improve your Chi Circulation Benefits of this workshop: * Relax/Fang Soong and discover 4 positive levels of relaxation opens up acupuncture meridians of the body * Have fun learning Chi Massage (fully clothed) and find out why advanced students feel 10 years younger!! * Learn a 8,000 years old Ancient Chinese Chi Healing method and allow rejuvenating energy to energise your internal organs * Use 8 Secret Ancient Taoist Methods to improve your practice of the 8 Fundamental Tai Chi and 7 Chi Kung Exercises and accelerate the chi flow in your Tai Chi Form * Enjoy being in a supportive healthy outdoor environment at the Rainbow Tai Chi Chi Kung School, Ashburton, DEVON * Optimise your health with special teas made from organic herbs grown at the Rainbow Tai Chi School

Contact Christine Chin to enrol 01364 653810/653618 http://www.rainbow-taichi.org.uk/site/weekend-courses/

36 36

Guildhall hosts wellness fest PLYMOUTH’S Hoe could soon be hosting its first Wellness Festival following the successful growth of holistic and craft fairs in the city.

A local business known as Elements Events, has been staging the fairs during the past year and says interest continues to grow.

The next event is being held at Plymouth’s Guildhall on Saturday, December 1 between 11am and 4pm with free entry. It will feature talks, demonstrations and taster sessions about reiki, reflexology, colour therapy, healing, massage and, tarot, angel and aura reading. Stalls will also have crystals, beauty products and jewellery.

One of the organisers, Lisa Mechen, said the December fair will be the largest they have held since a well attended June event.

Said Lisa: “We wanted to grow

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even further to invite and showcase considerably more holistic talent.”

Elements, which is made up of Lisa and her business partner Stephanie Sinclaire, has grown out of organising Hand Made Only craft fairs in the region.

Now the women want to set up a health and wellness festival on the Hoe to include many different therapists, readers and crafters, plus food and music.

Said Lisa: “The festival would be a celebration of all things under the spiritual/holistic banner. A really exciting destination to experience, learn and be immersed in an environment of warmth and knowledge under a big umbrella of relaxation and tranquillity.”

To find out more about the December event call Lisa on 07954 427722 or go to www.elementsholisticandcraftevents. co.uk.

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...email us at Art therapy courses now in 16th year ART is a proven and powerful communication tool in the treatment of mental health conditions - supported by the fact that the Exeter-based Insider Art organisation is in its 16th year of courses.

One of Insider Art’s most popular courses, Art in Mental Health: A Foundation Course in Art Therapy, starts in October.

The organisation was established in 2001 by directors Malcolm Learmonth and Karen Huckvale, both Health Professions Council registered art psychotherapists who also work for Devon Partnership NHS Trust and Devon Child & Adolescent Mental Health NHS Services.

They are experienced artists, community artists, and arts educators who work with other practitioners - artists and therapists - to offer psychologically, emotionally and creatively informed courses and trainings.

They also offer art psychotherapy as well as supervision and mentoring support for artists, counsellors and therapists.

In Autumn 2012 Insider Art will host Marian’s Liebmann’s three linked day courses that explore art, conflict and anger management. Marian is the editor of Arts Approaches to Conflict and runs training for several Youth Offending Teams in the UK, and Restorative Justice training in Uganda, Russia, South Africa, Serbia and three West African countries.

In early 2013 Insider Art is running a four-day Sandtray Therapy course on the practical applications of this broadly Jungian psychological therapy using imagination, story-making, creativity and sensory approaches within the therapeutic process.

For more information or to be included on Insider Art’s mailing list, visit www.insiderart.org.uk or call 01392 677258.

editor@reconnectonli

ne.co.uk

Meditation and neuroscience Centre’s busy year ON the face of it, you might wonder what the relatively new study of neuroscience has in common with a compassionate heart.

In fact, for more than 30 years neuroscience has explored the relationship between mind and body and is discovering how our minds work to support or inhibit how we feel moment by moment.

South Devon meditation teacher Philip Jones, right, said: “Neuroscience is beginning to explain how we are wired to both love and hate the people we are closest to.

“Fortunately, the extraordinary plasticity of the brain can be cultivated consciously even in later life by practises of meditation to increase a sense of connectedness and love with our fellow planet-dwellers; and an understanding of how we are wired to love and to fight can erode aspects of self judgement and develop compassion for ourselves and for others. “ On October 5 and 6, Philip will team up with neurologist and psychiatrist Dr Roberta (Bobbi) Bennett, above, to give two introductory talks, with slides and experiential opportunities, exploring how the recent insights of neuroscience and traditional

meditational practises can offer support to “awaken the heart to our experience of being in the moment as we live our lives in creative relationship with ourselves, with others and with our environments.”

Said Philip: “Bobbi and I share a passion for communicating this subject with minimum jargon and maximum connection.”

The talks, at Dartington Hall, near Totnes, run 7-9.30pm and cost £7 per evening, or £10 for both.

Call Philip on 07753 604739 or email philiprobertjones@yahoo. co.uk.

Conference focus on building health A TWO day conference will focus on ways of building natural health and immunity - especially in those with cancer. Treating People Not Cancer will be held in the Totnes Civic Hall on November 17/18.

Dr Steve Hopwood, a director of The Arcturus Clinic Community Interest Company, the event’s sponsors, said: “With the extensive MP, BBC and trading standards interest in the last conference, it should be a good show.”

On the Saturday, all the talks will be given by doctors and on Sunday the speakers will be “more doctors, experienced practitioners and cancer survivors.”

“The conference will not offer treatments for cancer or advice in connection with the treatment of cancer,” said Steve. “Instead it will concentrate on the principles and practices of building natural health and immunity in all people - especially focusing on the issues of those with cancer.

“The vision is to bring medical doctors and other like-minded professionals together to speak and present in public a broad spectrum of wise, rational and scientific support for these important issues. The aim is to awaken the public, media and medical establishment to the necessity of investing in natural ways to promote health and generate wellbeing in our communities.”

MD/PhD speakers already confirmed are: Dr Kate James, Dr Patrick Kingsley, Dr Sarah Myhill, Dr Andre Young Snell, Dr Damien Downing, Dr Julian Kenyon, Dr Etienne Callebout, Dr Stephen Hopwood, Dr Robert Verkerk PhD and Dr Claudius Van Wyk PhD. The conference is open to the public and is £35 for the day or £7 per lecture. Call Arcturus Clinic on 01803 868282 or visit www.totnescancercare.org.

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

THE Summer has been a busy one for the Exeter Natural Health Centre following its rebranding and the launch of its new website.

The team of therapists has been out and about at festivals and charity events throughout the region which culminated in the centre’s open day in September.

Ali Morrish, who manages the centre, said taster sessions offered at events were an excellent way of promoting the centre and were popular with the public. Events attended included Respect, Chagstock and the Poltimore Garden Party.

The Centre is a partner of Exeter Phoenix and this year has sponsored the Audience Choice Award for Exeter Contemporary Open Art Exhibition.

In November the centre is holding its very popular Children in Need day and in December is sponsoring Quirk Theatre programme for their Christmas performances.

Autumn brings the start of the new academic year and the practitioner courses in homoeopathy, massage and reflexology have been successfully recruiting new students.

Said Ali: “If anyone has not yet applied they should look at our website and contact the course provider for any available places.

“We also have several new courses and workshops booked for the next few months, so please look at the courses, workshops and events page on the website and see what you fancy. You may also like to look at the classes page to see day and evening classes available this Autumn.”

There are still a few rooms for therapists wanting to move into a professional clinic space. Visit www.enhc.org, call 01392 422555.

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37

You can still read Wellbeing stories in past Reconnects...

Sue specilises in adrenals

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Whatever your health dilemma, give Homeopathy a whirl in 2012 Jacki Becker RSHom Totnes Clinic of Homeopathy t: 01803 867747 m: 07792 059 867

RIQTA

TRAIN TO BE A COUNSELLOR We provide Counselling training courses, therapeutic/support groups, one-to-one low cost Counselling, group therapy & regular workshops Level 2 - Introduction to Counselling skills & concepts Part-time - 10 weeks - November & January 2012.

Level 3 – Certificate in Counselling Skills Part-time - 10 months - commencing November & April Diploma in CBT (Cognitive Behaviour Therapy)

Tranquil music makers find peace in Torbay SYMBIOSIS, the group whose calming music is a favourite for relaxing listening and holistic therapies around the world, has recently moved from West London to the peace and tranquillity of Torbay.

Musician and producer Clive Williamson, right, has set up home and a sound studio in Torquay to “take inspiration from the coast and to be within reach of Totnes, Dartmoor and Devon’s beautiful countryside.”

Clive crossed the globe to record one of their best-selling albums, Aotearoa – Nature Sounds of New Zealand, but says: “I now get the same great feeling living here in Devon as I did going round New Zealand. It’s just as easy to get close to nature here and hopefully we can reflect that peaceful feeling in our future releases!”

Symbiosis are best known for their relaxation album Touching the Clouds, which features the flute-playing of John Hackett and has often been acclaimed for its proven therapeutic effects.

Clive now hopes to introduce his group’s work to the many therapists and practitioners in the South West and to connect with like-minded musicians based in the area.

“We made some great contacts at this Summer’s Quest festival and Symbiosis CDs are already available from Herbs & Honey in St Marychurch.”

Visit www.symbiosis-music.com or call 01803 293030 for a free catalogue.

Part-time - Commencing April 2013 Specialist Diploma in Counselling Children & Young People 12 months part-time - commencing May 2013 For further information contact: www.riqta.co.uk OR Info.riqta@btconnect.com

Torquay: 01803 315075 Health & Harmony

LOW COST COUNSELLING AGENCY If you feel that you would like to engage with counselling, and find finance a difficulty, we can provide you with a counsellor who offers reduced/low fees You can also rent our therapy /training rooms on an hourly basis

38

Advertising: 01392 346342 adverts@reconnectonline.co.uk

ADRENAL problems are some of the most common complaints practitioner Sue Vaughan experiences in her clinic which specialises in hypnotherapy and psychotherapy.

And dealing with the adrenal gland is one of Sue’s areas of expertise.

She says that adrenal depletion is one of the most under diagnosed illnesses in Western society and yet it is a very common complaint because the adrenals help our bodies adapt to stress.

Said Sue: “Prolonged stress of any kind, which is not dealt with in a positive way, will deplete the adrenals and once this happens, symptoms of anxiety, insomnia and maybe panic attacks will ensue.”

She explained that the main symptoms of adrenal depletion are swinging from anxiety to exhaustion, less tolerance to stress, sensitivity to bright lights and insomnia.

She added: “The good news is that they are very resilient glands and with the right treatment can be brought back into balance very quickly.”

Sue has been in practice since qualifying as a hypnotherapist and psychotherapist at the National College of Hypnotherapy & Psychotherapy in 1987.

In 1990 she successfully completed a two-year Holistic Health diploma course with The Howell College of Holistic Health where she also attained a Diploma in Clinical Nutrition.

Sue also qualified as a NLP practitioner with The Performance Partnership in 1999 and in 2002 trained with Paul McKenna.

Sue is based in Kingsbridge and has regular clinics in Buckinghamshire and London. Her client base is around 2,500 with clients coming from as far as Morocco, France and Jersey.

From the beginning of October she will be working from the Exeter Natural Health Centre with a view to developing a practice there because she plans to move to the Exeter area during the next year.

Sue’s book, De-stress Your Life: Helping Your Adrenals Help You, has been published this year as an eBook and is available on Kindle.

Call her on 01548 852371. www.svaughan.co.uk

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

... all our back issues are online at

www.reconnectonlin

e.co.uk

New art project fundraiser WE seem to hear of more developments around the In Your Own Skin social arts project every week, so here’s the latest!

A second film trailer screening and fundraiser will be held at Totnes Civic Hall on October 18 at 7.30pm.

In Your Own Skin is a multi-media project that captures photographs of people with a word or phrase painted on their skin that says something that is true about them but that is not obvious to strangers.

Already a collection of extraordinary and moving images, the plan is to also create a book, a community art exhibition – and the film.

Hosted by project catalyst Katheryn Trenshaw, the film trailer screening will also feature: a special appearance by renowned performance poet Paradox, who describes himself as a “onelegged existential poet inspiration engineer”; 5 Rhythms dancing with Jo Hardy; and live musicians Madrum, who have composed music specially for the film.

A Holistic and Craft Fair Featuring Therapies, Readers with Free Talks and Demonstrations Plymouth Guildhall Saturday 1st December 11am-4pm Free Entry www.elementsholistcandcraftevents.co.uk Contact Lisa 07954427722

Because it’s a fundraiser for the project, entrance is by donation – from £10-10,000 in advance and from £15-15,000 on the night!

Tickets are available from Vital Touch, The Passionate Presence Centre and online at www. inyourownskin.org “The first event was sold out, so booking is highly recommended,” says Katheryn.

Meanwhile, Katheryn tells us Steven Draper is making a film about the In Your Own Skin project as part of his Focus Britain film series.

Keep up with all In Your Own Skin developments at www. inyourownskin.org, or call Katheryn on 01803 863 552.

The Butterfly Model The Ultimate Gift to yourself

Set yourself free, be the best you can be, get away, let go, relax, revitalise and enjoy

A Wonderful, Weekend, Workshop You will be taught: Transformational Personal Development Skills that can change your life utilising the art of NLP Totnes Glastonbury

27th & 28th April 2013 13th & 14th July 2013

Deborah de.Mornay Penny

BA (Hons), PGCE, NLP Practitioner (INLPTA) IFL member 01458 835946 www.rapportaccord.co.uk

Enrolling now for January 2013

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

Editorial: 01392 346204 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

39

Do you want to advertise in Wellbeing?

Beverley’s raw facts about nutrition Herbal pharmacy opens THE condition of your blood has long been considered a window into your general health.

Examination of a tiny pin prick of blood can reveal a great deal about your body.

Beverley Bird, right, is not only a qualified live and dry blood analyst - of which there are only a handful in the UK - she is also a certified clinical nutritionist and has a diploma in raw, living foods.

Beverley runs The Raw Retreat near Launceston in Cornwall where she focuses on issues such as digestive and gut problems.

Her suggested diets are aimed at boosting the immune system, tackling joint pain, weight loss or gain and increasing vitality and aiding recovery.

Now Beverley is running one-day live blood analysis and raw food workshops at the Raw Retreat. Having fasted the night before, clients have their blood tested having already completed a health questionnaire and a three-day food diary.

After a raw breakfast, which could consist of raw granola with fresh fruits and nut milk, they together examine the blood samples and discuss what improvements can be made to improve their blood picture through diet and lifestyle.

At 11am they start the six-hour raw food workshop.

Said Beverley: “In my raw and living kitchen I demonstrate how to prepare many different raw food recipes. This is tailored to the needs of the individual client. Those coming with no knowledge of raw foods may start with such things as nut milks, smoothies, juices, soups, etc.

“Those with more experience move straight on to such things as raw mayonnaise made with sunflower seeds, raw nut cheese and dehydrated foods and dinner party recipes.

“Then there’s time to make raw chocolate truffles, brownies and other treats.”

Part of what they make provides lunch which could be: beetroot soup with pine nuts and sea vegetables, raw sprouted buckwheat pizza with tomato sauce and macadamia cheese - followed by carrot cake with cream frosting. All raw of course.

Lunch is taken in a Grade II listed barn.

Food demonstrations continue through until 5pm and the client is able to take home some of the foods that have been created to share with family and friends.

For clients who are unable to commute, the retreat offers accommodation.

The Raw Retreat offers five programmes: Health Retreat, Detox Retreat, Weight Loss Retreat, Fertility Retreat and Raw Food Education Retreat. Go to: www.liveblooduk. co.uk and www.therawretreat.co.uk

in town health food shop

TORQUAY’S busy health food shop Herbs & Honey is now playing a vital role in the community as the base for a dedicated herbal dispensary and pharmacy.

The pharmacy is run by medical herbalist Dawn Ireland and has just moved in to the first floor adjoining the shop’s therapy and treatment room.

Dawn’s Hawthorn Practice of Herbal Medicine is operating under the new regulations which came into force last year to restrict the availability of over-the-counter herbal medicines.

Dawn also makes and sells a range of natural body care products under the name of Green Wyse (www.greenwyse. co.uk).

As well as operating as a health food shop, Herbs & Honey also hosts therapists in its treatment room and stages workshops.

Workshops coming up include a National Seed Gathering Sunday, free event, on Sunday October 14 between 2-4pm collecting hips and haws and berries with chats about how to use them for health and food. Those interested are asked to meet outside Herbs & Honey, Fore Street, St Marychurch. No booking necessary.

On Monday, October 22, between 10am-2pm there will be a soap making workshop using herbs and natural ingredients.

The soaps make ideal gifts and there will be unusual gift wrapping and presentation ideas plus samples to take home.

The cost is £25 per person. Booking is essential with places being limited.

On Tuesday, November 13, between 10 am-2pm a Seasonal Herbal and Aromatic Craft Day is being held. This is a chance to make seasonal things for your home or for gifts, including incense, sleep pillows, tea blending and bath fizzers.

For more information contact Helen Stewart at Herbs & Honey on 01803 314901 or email info@herbsandhoney.co.uk.

Psychotherapy with Lucia Capaldi (UKCP) BA Hons

Experienced and qualified psychotherapist currently offering: Confidential sessions for individuals and couples experiencing:

• Relationship difficulties • Anxiety • Depression • Low self-esteem • Addictions • Bereavement • Stress Supervision at reduced rates for counsellors and psychotherapists

Ongoing workshops:

Personal Development (co-facilitated group)

Building A Successful Practice FREE workshops for psychotherapists, counsellors and complimentary therapists “Mindfulness In Relationship”

A two-day introductory workshop to Core Process Psychotherapy

Please get in touch to arrange a free initial meeting or for dates of upcoming workshops and groups

Bridge Farm Offices, Harberton, Totnes. Tel: 07809 441 519 or 01803 840424 luciacapaldi@yahoo.co.uk www.luciacapaldi-psychotherapy-devon.co.uk

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Advertising: 01392 346342 adverts@reconnectonline.co.uk

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

adve

rts@reconnectonline. ...email us food at local health co.uk local people local events local local environment ART THERAPY

CLASSIFIED Bowen Therapy Sidmouth and Central Exeter ADVERTISEMENTS BOWEN THERAPY

INSIDER ART

Courses in Exeter 2012/13 ART IN HEALTH: Practical Applications ART IN MENTAL HEALTH: A Foundation Course in Art Therapy Short courses in Sandtray Therapy - Practical Applications; Art, Conflict & Anger Management.

Also supervision/mentoring for arts and health practitioners.

For information see www.insiderart.org.uk or e-mail info@insiderart.org.uk

A gentle therapy helpful for many conditions, general aches and pains, stress, migraines and much more...

Louise Pritchard, Cert ECBS RGN email: louisepritchard@aol.com

t: 01404 813537 m: 07800 777272

COUNSELLING

Pat Hoare

Therapeutic Counselling Supervision Hypnotherapy and Stress Management

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

BUSINESS FOR SALE

24a Gandy Street Exeter EX4 3LS Tel: 01392 410090 Email: pat@pathoare.eclipse.co.uk Web: www.caseconfidential.com

PAT HOARE. DIP. COUNS. B.A.C.P. ACCREDITED

HEALING

DANCE

El B aladi Egyptian Dancing Be inspired by an experienced teacher Keep fit, Improve your mobility Build your confidence Weekly classes, Wednesdays 7-9pm at the Ashburton Methodist Hall

Bodymind Attunement

Rhythmic Healing with Ruth Noble l South Brent, November 16/17/18 Two year training 2013/14

“To release people from the anchor of their shadow” CPD accredited courses. Further information ruth.noble@rhythmichealing.com or phone: 0777 539 6236

Contact Alida 01803 864337

REIKI

MASSAGE

OUR classified ads are the perfect way to put your green or sustainable living products or services in front of Reconnect readers.

The single and double column advertisements, left, are £55 and £98, respectively.

Lineage ads, like those below, are 90p a word, with a minimum of 20 words. And you can include a photo FREE OF CHARGE! Just email your ad for the Dec/Jan issue to adverts@reconnectonline.co.uk (with a phone number) and we’ll contact you about payment.

The deadline is November 2.

Busy vegetarain/vegan catering business based in South Devon.

Selling due to other commitments. Regular food fairs/events, website, market stall equipment and contacts all included in sale. For more info please contact Virginia 07875217970 and see www.cafeom.co.uk CHICKENS FOR SALE

YOUNG HENS Welsummer x Buff Rock, Light Sussex, Rhode Island Red, Black Copper Maran, plus four Welsummer hens (18 months).

Cockerels also available. All naturally reared on grass and grain at Thorneligh Saddle. Call Martin and Jenny on 01803 868455.

COUNSELLING

‘Massage to ease the body so your life can flow’ Holistic massage, Aromatherapy, Reiki, Indian head massage

Sara Jennett M.A. MTI (Massage) ITEC (Aromatherapy) now in Plympton and Waterloo Wellbeing Centre, Stoke, Plymouth

www.easenflow.co.uk

SHAMANISM

DAVID Oxley MA Fully qualified Accredited BACP counsellor and psychotherapist.

Psychosynthesis and Core Process. Working with relationship, depth, integrity and soul. Central Exeter, Totnes and Plymouth. www. davidoxleycounselling. co.uk 07876051093

JUSTIN Andrews, Bsc(Hons)Psych, MBACP. Safe, reliable and effective Counselling Therapy practising in Plymouth and Ashburton For initial chat and appointments Tel:01364 654122. email:justinandrews@ macace.net LIFE COACHING

ARE YOU a young person suffering from Aspergers? I am an undergraduate lifecoach and can offer up to six free sessions.

01626 890472 or 07516 974015.

SEWING SERVICES

SEAMSTRESS – alterations, repairs, commissions, sewing tuition, including ‘For the terrified’, ‘Get to know your sewing machine’. Flexible days and times, central Totnes, Biddy Chambers 01803 867411.

SHIATSU

FRANCES RAYNER - Qualified Shiatsu and Reiki Practitioner working in the Totnes area. For more information call 07940 865 994 or go to www. shiatsu-devon.com

WEB SERVICES

Divine Frog Web Services Get a quality website for your quality service Website Design ~ Hosting (Eco Plan Available) Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) ~ e-Commerce “Cookie Law” / e-Privacy ~ Domain Names

Contact Ian Nicoll

ian@divinefrog.co.uk

07981 057697

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

Editorial: 01392 346204 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

41

You can read past Living on less columns in our online archive...

Living on less...

‘Mmmm, maybe I’ll just have one more...’

JUST how important is food to you?

Ultimately it’s vital of course - without it we die and as benchmarks go, that definitely leans towards the definitive.

But starving is seldom an issue for anyone in the Western world and very few of us even go hungry for long, so what makes food still such an issue - to the point that it accounts for more than half of retail spending; an average of around £500 a month per UK household?

Now, if you’re expecting me to launch into a rant about the commodification of yet another fundamental part of our lives… well, I won’t disappoint you.

Processed food is a multibillion pound international industry with products designed by scientists, manufactured by machine, packaged and cleverly marketed to provide instant gratification in a society convinced (by massive publicity campaigns) that it NEEDS more. Right NOW. A quick taste fix of something salty or sweet to take our minds off the underlying nagging suspicion that maybe life’s really about more than... mmm, well, maybe I’ll just have one more.

Ready-made meals roll off the ends of conveyor belts and all we have to do is pop them in the oven, or even the microwave, saving us loads of time to… what? Work a little longer to pay for all those ready-made meals?

Watch some celebrity chef on TV cooking up a gastronomic creation we’re never going to make, let alone taste?

But food can also be so, so much more than that.

It is, as we’ve said, one of the basic requirements for life; to find food, to

FOOD can be so more than just something to titilate your tastebuds or a way of stopping yourself feeling hungry. Martin Foster’s got food on the brain again...

Food for thought prepare food and to share food is literally primal.

This important work, arguably THE most important work of all, was once part of a mother’s role, something which has become massively undervalued in recent years – perhaps an innocent victim of the feminist struggle.

But whoever does it, and it is perfect work for sharing, it is surely time it was valued again.

Whether grown or bought, gathering food can be a rich and worthwhile pursuit.

Growing food is perhaps more obviously rewarding: young children marvel at cress seeds bursting into life on blotting paper and those of us who garden in adult life continue to marvel at crops appearing before our eyes. And maybe become just a little depressed at them being consumed

by slow but relentless pests. All too many of us have become expert slug farmers this year.

But growing is itself not something to be rushed. Yes, preparing the soil and tending seedlings and watering and fighting those sodding pests is time-consuming, and you do need to get on with it.

But until you grow your own food, you don’t realise how much time you need to spend just looking – for signs of disease, sure, and for our slimy friends too, but time also in unspoken amazement and wonder and gratitude. It’s not difficult to see why religion grew as fast as crops among our forebears.

By comparison, shopping might not at first seem as glorious a pursuit.

There is not much to enrich the soul in an elbowing charge round the supermarket accompanied by a trolley that won’t go straight and a couple of kids who insist on going straight for those cynically situated sweet displays.

But again, it doesn’t have to be like that. Give it a little thought and time, and see it as important and worthy work rather than something to be completed as quickly as possible, and things start to change.

Visit smaller specialist shops and market stalls and food starts to look interesting and appetising again – instead of garish and problematic.

Your fellow shoppers are just that – fellow shoppers. Not competitors in the dash to the check-out. Hell, you might even see friends and stop for a chat.

And once your attitude to food shifts, every other aspect of food becomes

2012-13

Kate Harris

Passionate Presence

Life Coaching & Self Esteem Specialist

events with

Katheryn Trenshaw

Do you find you have no time to yourself? Feel like you’re juggling too much?

New group starting in October offering a restorative space for you to relax, prioritise and create balance in your life.

Offering Life Coaching, Juicing, relaxation and creativity in a four-hour slot on a Saturday.

Starting 27th October or 17th November.

Small numbers so book asap to avoid disappointment.

Individual sessions available for self esteem and Life Coaching

“Come unwrap your magnificent life and purpose.”

Are you ready for real freedom? Dare you step into your deep connected power and really be here now? Are you ready to open your heart and love?

There is nothing to change. Come live in your own wild and precious skin.

Upcoming: Sunday evenings at Edenrise nr Totnes, Oct 7, Nov 4 • In Your Own Skin gig/fundraiser, at Totnes Civic Hall, Oct 18, 7.30-10pm.

t: 01803 847674 m: 0777 949 6240 www.kateharris-lifecoaching.co.uk

42

more valued, more enjoyable.

With fresh, local ingredients, bought in season, there’s more incentive to cook – and not with complex, exotic sauces ‘to make things interesting’ but simpler fare which allows the genuine flavours of the food to come through.

The meals too might then slow down, allowing you time to really taste the food and time to chat and get a flavour of your family’s day.

Check out www.slowfood.org.uk if you need inspiration.

Visiting Wendy Morrison’s Five Flavours website (www.five-flavours.co.uk), I read an old Zen saying: “How you do anything is how you do everything.

When you rush through meals, you are likely to rush through life”.

In Chinese medicine food plays an active part in healing. Ill health is seen as an imbalance of the body’s energy flow - imbalances that can be healed through simple changes in the diet.

You can also find out more in Carol Lee’s regular column here in Reconnect – see page 25 in this issue. And diet also plays a big part in nutritional naturopathy, as practiced by Carol (www. naturalfoodschool.co.uk) and our very own Heather Nicholson – visit www. organicbedandbreakfast.info.

So if you want to get more out of your food, please don’t think of food as just a way to titillate your tastebuds, or even just a way to stop yourself feeling hungry.

Food feeds your whole body. And if you buy or grow it, prepare it and eat it consciously, you’ll be feeding your soul too.

Advertising: 01392 346342 adverts@reconnectonline.co.uk

01803 863552 • info@ktrenshaw.com www.ktrenshaw.com www.reconnectonline.co.uk

Email us your events advert...

adverts@reconnecto

nline.co.uk

COURSES AND WORKSHOPS DIARY OCTOBER Every Tuesday

QIGONG with Daverick Leggett, Tuesdays, 5.30-7pm, drop in class, Dartington. Tel 01803 762339.

QIGONG at The Exeter Mint Methodist Church with Brad Richecoeur, 5.30-7pm. Suitable for all levels. 0845 3305086 www.qigongsouthwest.co.uk.

Every Friday

QIGONG at St John’s Church Hall, Totnes with Brad Richecoeur, 10-11.30am. Suitable for all levels. 0845 3305086 www.qigongsouthwest.co.uk.

To advertise your workshops or courses here, simply email us the words, along with your name, address and phone nunber and we will invoice you. The cost is just 90p a word, with a minimum of 20 words. Email adverts@reconnectonline.co.uk, or call Pete on 01392 346342.

moment. Talks with slides and experiential opportunities. Phoenix Centre, Exeter, 7-9pm.

Call Philip Jones on 07753 604739. email nscomheart@yahoo. com.

Sat 13/Sun14

HUA GONG FOR SELF HEALING with Master Zhixing Wang at Dartington Hall, South Devon. 0845 3305086 www.qigong-southwest. co.uk.

Fri 5 - Sun 7

Sunday 14

NOURISH ME Retreat - The Alchemical Kitchen. Find us on Facebook and at www. gluten-free-recipe. co.uk. Belinda: 01803 762574 b.connolly@ virgin.net

INCENSE MAKING day workshop. Learn this ancient art at Bowden House, Totnes, with Peter Neumann.

01803 849040, www. touchfire.co.uk.

Sat 6 - Sun 7

Introductory tile making workshop with Iris Milward and Richenda Macgregor, 01803 865033. www. pottingshedworkshop. com.

Sunday 7

FIRE DRAWING workshop with Xiao Bai Li, Growers Organics, Kitley, Yealmpton PL8 2LT, 01752 881180, www.growersorganics. com.

Monday 8

Neuroscience and the Compassionate Heart. Awaken the Heart moment by

HAZEL HURDLE MAKING course with Don Gaskins, Growers Organics, Kitley, Yealmpton PL8 2LT, 01752 881180, www. growersorganics.com.

Friday 19

Learn energy-based EFT with Sandra Hillawi - £75. 6.30-9pm, Totnes Natural Health Centre. Call Sapphira on 01803 862628 or email sorceress@ hotmail.co.uk SATURDAY 20

Learn energy-based EFT with Sandra Hillawi - £75. 10am-5.30pm, Totnes Natural Health Centre. Call Sapphira

on 01803 862628 or email sorceress@ hotmail.co.uk Fri19/Sat 20

THE POWER OF EFT. Learn this powerful technique for dissolving limiting beliefs and emotional baggage with master trainer Sandra Hillawi. Fri 6.30-8.30pm and Sat 10-5 at Totnes Natural Health Centre, £75. 01803 862628, sourceress@hotmail. co.uk Wednesday 24

EFT SUPPORT GROUP, 7-9pm, Totnes Natural Health Centre. An opportunity to learn more, practice with others and dissolve limiting beliefs and stuck emotions. 01803 862628, sourceress@ hotmail.co.uk NOVEMBER Every Tuesday

QIGONG with Daverick Leggett, Tuesdays, 5.30-7pm, drop in class, Dartington. Tel 01803 762339.

QIGONG at The Exeter Mint Methodist Church with Brad Richecoeur, 5.30-7pm. Suitable for all levels. 0845 3305086 www.qigongsouthwest.co.uk.

10-11.30am. Suitable for all levels. 0845 3305086 www.qigongsouthwest.co.uk.

Saturday 3

A Journey Round the Year, 2012/13. Journeying, Shamanism and Ecopsychology, £60 per day. Call Louise Page 01392 860509. email louise.page@campion. f2s.com Sat 3/sun 4

BASKET MAKING workshop with Vivienne Turner, Growers Organics, Kitley, Yealmpton PL8 2LT, 01752 881180, www. growersorganics.com.

Sunday 4

Building a compost toilet, Embercombe re-skilling series. Tel 01647 252 983.

clare@embercombe. co.uk. www. embercombe.co.uk Wednesday 7

EFT SUPPORT GROUP 7-9pm, Totnes Natural Health Centre. An opportunity to learn more, practice with others and dissolve limiting beliefs and stuck emotions. 01803 862628, sourceress@ hotmail.co.uk Friday 9

RESTORING a neglected hedge workshop with Don Gaskins, Growers Organics, Kitley, Yealmpton PL8 2LT, 01752 881180, www. growersorganics.com Sunday 11

PORTRAITURE with Xiao Bai Li, Growers Organics, Kitley,

Frid 16 - Sun 18

RHYTHMIC HEALING introductory weekend.

Experience Rhythmic Healing before the next training. Rhythmic Healing Training 2013 - 2014 ten nonresidential weekends, www.rhythmichealing. com.

Saturday 17

INCENSE MAKING day workshop. Learn this ancient art at Tree Harvest, Colyton, E Devon, with Peter Neumann. 01803 849040, www. touchfire.co.uk.

Wednesday 21

EFT SUPPORT GROUP 7-9pm, Totnes Natural Health Centre. An opportunity to learn more, practice with others and dissolve limiting beliefs and stuck emotions. 01803 862628, sourceress@ hotmail.co.uk

EFT has Evolved!

Learn energy-based EFT with Sandra Hillawi

(10 yrs experience as an AMT trainer)

Over the past decade, Emotional Freedom Technique has been honed into a precision tool capable of: ● crumbling away limiting beliefs ● releasing long-held emotions ● evolving us into energy beings

Friday Oct 19th 6.30-9pm & Saturday Oct 20th 10-5.30pm

£75 -Totnes Natural Health Centre Followed by a fortnightly support group led by Sapphira

Every Friday

QIGONG at St John’s Church Hall, Totnes with Brad Richecoeur,

Yealmpton PL8 2LT, 01752 881180, www. growersorganics.com

For details call Sapphira on 01803 862628 or email sourceress@hotmail.co.uk

Transform your thoughts, feelings and behaviours jCreate confidence and motivation jHave less anxiety and stress jAchieve your goals and get results jNo more phobias jGet healthier jEffective communication jSolve difficult relationships Lyn Price NLP Coach and Hypnotherapist provides one-to-one coaching and workshops to help you take control of your mind and make change happen

Tel: 01803 866312 or 07779127965

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

www.lynpricehereandnow.com

Editorial: 01392 346204 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

43

Want to make your money Work for you and the planet? planning your finances in ways that reflect your ethical and environmental values can make a real difference.

Barchester Green Investment is the UK’s longest established Independent Financial Adviser (IFA) specialising in

But with so many green options out there, how do you choose what’s best for you? How do you make sure you have the most beneficial impact on the planet and your finances?

socially responsible, environmental and ethical investment.

ServIceS environmental and ethical investment Lump sum investment and portfolio management

Barchester Green Investment are here to guide you through this increasingly complex world, offering impartial advice that takes into account all aspects of your life and values.

ISAs and other tax efficient investments retirement planning Self Invested Personal Pensions (SIPPs)

We have advisers on hand throughout the West country

Mortgages and equity release Protection insurance Inheritance tax planning Tax planning cris Iles-Wright, rupert Lovesy, Andrew Faulkner and Tim Bradford

Trustee investment planning

to arrange a free consultation, call or email Jackie adams:

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BARCHESTER GREEN INVESTMENT

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Barchester Green Investment Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority