A Guide to the Night Skies of Autumn
2019-09-21 20:00 - 22:00 (Europe/London) | Devon
Explore the wonders of the night sky with us and discover some of the astronomical highlights you can enjoy over the coming months.

About this Event

Our Guide to the Night Skies of Autumn will give you all the info you need to get stargazing. Discover the planets and constellations you’ll be able see, the meteor showers that will be lighting up our skies, and the wondrous galaxies and nebulae you can spot. Feel free to ask us lots of questions too!
If you don’t own a telescope of your own, don’t worry. We’ll cover a range of things including objects to see with the naked eye and binoculars.
Get Stargazing
Assuming the clouds are behaving themselves, we’ll lead you to Victoria Park where you can use our telescopes and binoculars to see some of these amazing sights for yourselves.
Talk with us about our future work
We’re developing new projects and want to know what we can do to benefit Buckfastleigh and the wider community.

Introduction to Ascension Meditation
2019-09-19 18:00 - 19:30 | Devon
A free talk with Valmiki and Sundara
Ascension requires no belief and is not a religion, but it is a beautiful, effective and simple practice that can reconnect us with the peace and stillness within.
All of us want more peace, harmony, happiness, fulfillment, joy, purpose, love and understanding. The problem is that we tend to look for these things outside of ourselves. This search leaves us with a sense that we are never doing enough, never reaching fulfilment. But when we recognise that these qualities reside inside, we can more effectively direct our efforts there. A regular meditation practice has been proven to improve health, relationships, effectiveness at work, and to reduce stress. It’s one of the most efficient investments of your time you can make.

Kirtan
2019-08-13 19:00 - 20:30, 2019-07-09 19:00 - 20:30 | Devon
Accompanied by harmonium and guitar, we will sing Indian devotional chants based on simple mantras. These are like beautiful forms of prayer in which we invoke the qualities that are expressed in Indian deities like Shiva, Krishna, Durga, Saraswati and Ganesha, qualities that are all present within us as well and that can be brought to our awareness and celebrated singing together. No prior experience is necessary. Arrive a little earlier if you like for a cup of tea and some time to connect before we begin.
With Leo and Sundara Sofer

Animal HQ
2019-08-01 13:45 - 15:15 | Devon
Come along to this amazing animal event where the chidren can hold and interact with a variety of different insects and animals. There are the cute and cuddly ones such as the rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchilla’s degus and not forgetting Teddy the dog! Or you can hold a snake, spider, stick insect or lizard.
The event will be free but will require a ticket booked in advance. Each ticket will permit one child and an accompanying adult. Tickets can be booked through the library as part of the summer activities. There will be four , twenty minute sittings. The first will be at 1.45pm for twenty minutes followed by subsequent sittings at 2.15pm, 2.45pm and 3.15pm. Come and have fun with the animals but book early to avoid disappointment.

Kirtan
2019-06-11 19:00 - 20:30 | The Dragon Sanctuary, 34 Bossell Road, Buckfastleigh, Devon, TQ11 0DD, United Kingdom
Accompanied by harmonium and guitar, we will sing Indian devotional chants based on simple mantras.
No prior experience is necessary.
With Sundara and Leo Sofer.

TRE (Trauma & Tension Release Exercises) FREE workshop for Community Carers
2019-06-03 19:00 - 21:00 | Devon
In this workshop you will experience how to safely reduce the stress, tension and trauma held within the body.
This workshop is being offered to the community FREE with full Lottery Funding subsidy. Aimed at people with caring responsibilities (parents, carers, community workers and more).
Spaces limited to up to 8 people.
What is TRE?
TRE uses seven exercises to release tension held in the muscles, connective tissue and to regain the adaptable responses of the body. We will focus on the psoas muscle, a large, deep and not easy to access muscle in the body, which plays a part in our trauma response to physical, emotional, and mental stresses encountered in life. We have all experienced stressors that create a trauma response, in many forms, and we can learn how to release these slowly, gradually and safely to regain balance and experience more peace in our bodies and minds.
How does TRE work?
The exercises are simple and gentle stretches, easy to learn. We stretch different muscle groups especially in the lower body to tire them in order to induce a natural muscular tremor or shaking process.
What can you expect in your TRE session?
We engage in stretches and breathing which connect to rest and to move the body safely, within your own comfort zone. We end the session with up to 15 minutes of alternating tremoring and resting. Typically people experience shaking in their first session – in lower parts of the body such as legs, thighs, hips up to the abdomen.
With regular practice of TRE people may find the muscles and connective tissue of the whole body releases constrictions, slowly and gradually, from head to toes, including areas where one has experiences past injuries. Experiences are mostly physical, but may also release an emotional, mental, or energetic component.
What are the benefits of TRE?
Many find the benefits from the first session, to include:

Better sleep/rest/relaxation
Less stress/anxiety
More peace/resilience/wellness
Less aches/pains in body
Better awareness of the body
Increased ability to self-care and self-regulate

Not recommended for people who are:

Pregnant
Epileptic
Untreated high blood pressure
Surgery/injury recently
Acute untreated trauma with no other support networks. In these cases 1-1 support is necessary to continue the work of resourcing outside of and in between TRE workshops.

Sunday Singing Sanctuary
2019-06-02 19:00 - 20:30 | The Dragon Sanctuary, 34 Bossell Road, Buckfastleigh, Devon, TQ11 0DD, United Kingdom
A monthly community singing event, with different teachers each month. Come and sing heart-felt songs from sacred traditions around the world. With Emily Roblyn.
£7 (£5 concessions)

TRE (Trauma & Tension Release Exercises) FREE workshop for Community Carers
2019-05-30 19:00 - 21:00 | Devon
In this workshop you will learn how to safely reduce stress, tension and trauma held within the body.
This workshop is being offered to the community FREE with full Lottery Funding subsidy. Aimed at people with caring responsibilities (parents, carers, community workers and more).
Spaces limited to up to 8 people.
What is TRE?
TRE uses seven exercises to release tension held in the muscles, connective tissue and to regain the adaptable responses of the body. We focus on the psoas muscle, a large, deep and not easy to access muscle in the body, which plays a part in our trauma response to physical, emotional, and mental stresses encountered in life.
We have all experienced stressors that create a trauma response, in many forms, and we can learn how to release these slowly, gradually and safely to regain balance and experience more peace in our bodies and minds.
How does TRE work?
The exercises are simple and gentle stretches, easy to learn. We stretch different muscle groups especially in the lower body to tire them and to induce a natural muscular tremor or shaking process.
What can you expect in your TRE session?
We engage in stretches and breathing which connect you to rest and move your body safely, within your own comfort zone. We end the session with up to 15 minutes of alternating tremoring and resting. Typically people experience shaking in their first session – in lower parts of the body such as legs, thighs, hips up to the abdomen.
With regular practice of TRE people may find the muscles and connective tissue of the whole body releases constrictions, slowly and gradually, from toes to head, including areas where one has experiences past injuries. Experiences are mostly physical, but may also release an emotional, mental, or energetic component.
What are the benefits of TRE?
Many find the benefits from the first session, to include:

Better sleep/rest/relaxation
Less stress/anxiety
More peace/resilience
Less aches/pains in body
Better awareness of body/better capacity to care for body.
Increased ability to self-care and self-regulate.

Not recommended for people who are:

Pregnant
Epileptic
Untreated high blood pressure
Surgery/injury recently.
Acute high level of trauma with no support networks, as additional 1-1 or ongoing group support and resourcing is important for this level of healing process.

Sho Moskowitz is a qualified and insured TRE provider, with 20 years experience in leading groups and individuals. Founder of www.karunadetox.com the first UK detox retreat, leading mind-body wellness retreats since year 2000.

Kirtan
2019-05-28 19:00 - 20:30 | The Dragon Sanctuary, 34 Bossell Road, Buckfastleigh, Devon, TQ11 0DD, United Kingdom
Accompanied by harmonium and guitar, we will sing Indian devotional chants based on simple mantras. No prior experience is necessary. With Leo and Sundara Sofer.

Free baby massage classes
2019-05-10 13:30 - 15:00 | Devon
Come and learn how to massage your baby in this warm and supportive class with Mary Beattie, trainer and instructor with the international association of Infant Massage (www.iaim.net) (babyandchildmassage.co.uk).
May help
Sleep
Bonding
Colic

Meet other parents.

Babies can be newborn to 12 months old

Contact Mary to book a free place or to ask a question, and of course there will be tea and biscuits.
Note you can leave early to collect children from school if you need to.

Sunday Singing Sanctuary
2019-05-05 19:00 - 20:30 | Devon
A monthly community singing event, with different teachers each month. Come and sing heart-felt songs from sacred traditions around the world. With Eliza Kenyon

1 Day Guitar Workshop for Absolute Beginners (or those who've tried before)
2019-05-04 12:00 - 17:00 | Devon
Does this sound like you?…

You’ve tried guitar before but quit?
You struggle with chords?
You’ve always wanted to learn but believe you’re not musical
Or…you’re an absolute beginner and want to get started the right way?

I’ve been teaching guitar to adult beginners for over 20 years. Over that time I developed a method (The Easiest Guitar Method) specifically designed for adults who struggle or have never picked up the instrument but always wanted to.
My basic premise is that all humans are musical (I can even prove this!) and have the right to express themselves musically.

In this one day workshop I will show you:

the absolute beginner guitar basics you need to get started
how to play at least 3 easy, great sounding pieces of music that you’ll be able to play from memory
building blocks towards playing several chords (and overcome any difficulties with them)
how to read basic guitar music (tablature) and chord diagrams
how learning a few simple notes will allow you to jam with others

Looking forward to seeing you!

Note: please be aware that spaces are limited so please book ahead via email or phone: mick@easiestguitar.com

07402 707 056

Best wishes

Mick Young

Nice things people say about the method:
Mick’s teaching style is so nice and thorough. It really takes the frustration out of it when he explains each tiny step. The songs are so good!
Kate McMahon Aged 37, Australia

“It’s the 1st time I actually feel like I’m playing something. Thank you.”
John SeaverAged 61, Australia

“Your course rekindled my enthusiasm after hitting that “no progress” point. I’ve improved more in the last 3 weeks using your system than the previous 9 months when I first started. Thanks Mick”.
Mike Avenell, aged 70, UK

How to speak Dog - Cancelled
2019-04-30 19:30 - 21:30 | Devon
Sorry, this talk has been cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances.
This is a talk about how I understand and work with dogs and people. I don’t train dogs, I train people – to understand and communicate with dogs.
My work comes out of a lifetime of living with and loving dogs, 15 years of experience helping people with their dogs, and a great interest in dog psychology and behaviour.
If we understand our dog’s needs and how dogs communicate, we can offer clear leadership and the right environment for a healthy happy pack of humans and dogs.
My journey to help people understand and communicate with dogs has also been enriched by training in human psychology and communication, and in horse psychology, behaviour and horse whispering.
The work has been inspired by dog whisperer Cesar Milan, and horse whisperer Monty Roberts, and developed alongside my own knowledge and experience.

An Introduction to Ascension
2019-04-26 19:00 - 20:30 | The Dragon Sanctuary, 34 Bossell Road, Buckfastleigh, Devon, TQ11 0DD, United Kingdom
Leo Sofer (Valmiki) will be sharing about his journey as a spiritual seeker from the age of 16.
“After many years of development through nonviolent communication and intuitive storytelling, I found ascension, a practice rooted in the Vedic wisdom of ancient India, but presented in a contemporary form that makes it more accessible to westerners.
I’ve learned that our minds are the principle limiting factor in our experience of life. As we become more aware of our thinking process and start to see it as just one small corner of our total experience of life, we can start to experience a fuller and richer tapestry of life. Learning that we are less “in control” of our lives than we thought is actually a very liberating thing!
This will be an informal talk in which I’ll share some of my own journey, and the limitations that even being “emotionally aware” and “intuitive” can have. I’ll then talk about ascension and how it has given me the “gold” I was looking for all my life: an intimate sense of life, love and meaning that continues to expand! I’ll also talk about how ascension works, what the experience of ascending is like, and how you can learn it.
I’ll be teaching a weekend introduction to ascension in Jellyfish on 26-28th April. See here for more details.”

Easter story crowns and songs
2019-04-22 12:00 - 16:00 | Devon
Create an extraordinary crown to wear that tells as circular story as you follow it around. Or a different story each time you start again in a new place. While we work we will sing together, and at the end of the day, weather permitting, go for a little walk and perhaps process around the park with our crowns and songs.
Soundart Radio will be recording your stories for broadcast.
This is a free, drop in event for all ages. Children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult. Older children can attend by themselves, so long as a parent brings them along and completes a short form with contact details and permission.

Taize Singing
2019-04-21 19:00 - 20:30 | Devon
We’ll sing the simple and beautiful songs from Taizé, a Christian monastery in France. With Leo and Sundara Sofer who led Taizé singing in the Findhorn community.

A Guide to the Night Skies of Summer
2019-04-20 20:00 - 22:00 | Devon
Explore the wonders of the night sky with us and discover some of the astronomical highlights you can enjoy over the coming months.
Our Guide to the Night Skies of Summer will give you all the info you need to get stargazing. Discover the planets and constellations you’ll be able see, the meteor showers that will be hitting our skies, and the wondrous galaxies and nebulae you can spot. Feel free to ask us lots of questions too!
If you don’t own a telescope of your own, don’t worry. We’ll cover a range of things including objects to see with the naked eye and binoculars.
Get Stargazing
Assuming the clouds are behaving themselves, we’ll lead you to Victoria Park where you can use our telescopes and binoculars to see some of these amazing sights for yourselves.

Saga Grünwald - author, druid, photographer - an evening with Dartmoor stories, poems, images
2019-04-19 19:00 - 21:00 | Devon
Saga Grünwald, author, druid and photographer from Germany will be reading from her new book LIMINAL REALMS, and other works.
Saga promotes and facilitates our connection with nature and our heritage through images and language. From her bio: “She strives to live in harmony with the earth, sea and sky, .. to protect nature and to spread peace…. to respect all beings and to meet all living things with love”.
I first met Saga last year, when she and her little dog Goldi were staying as my AirBnB guests. Saga immersed herself in the elements, woods, Tors, wind and weather of Dartmoor with its stories and myths to work on a new book. Her work sucks me right into nature with all its qualities of nurture, eternity, mortality, transience …. I was determined to bring Saga back to help her share the finished book, and here she is!
Tickets are £8 on the door. Tickets can now no longer be booked online.
Wikipedia definition ‘liminality‘: In anthropology, liminality is the quality of ambiguity or disorientation that occurs in the middle stage of a rite of passage, when participants no longer hold their pre-ritual status but have not yet begun the transition to the status they will hold when the rite is complete.

Exhibition and Performance
2019-04-19 12:00 - 16:00 | Devon
Throughout the week we have been creating books, puppets, stories and artworks. On Friday we can come together to show what we have made, with an informal exhibition and some short fun performances. All welcome to visit and see the work created.
This free, drop in event for all ages is part of the Bonding over Books in Buckfastleigh, lottery funded project.
Children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult. Older children can attend by themselves, so long as a parent brings them along and completes a short form with contact details and permission.

Shadow Puppets
2019-04-18 12:00 - 16:00 | Devon
Join Clockwork Moth to create shadow puppets for your own stories, and come back on Friday to showcase your work. This is a free, drop in event for all ages.
Children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult. Older children can attend by themselves, so long as a parent brings them along and completes a short form with contact details and permission.

Comic art drop in afternoon
2019-04-17 12:30 - 16:00 | The Dragon Sanctuary, 34 Bossell Road, Buckfastleigh, Devon, TQ11 0DD, United Kingdom
‘Bonding over Books in Buckfastleigh’ is a Big Lottery funded project that invites everyone to share experiences, learn skills and come together around a love of books and stories. Together with Gnash Comics, we invite you to explore the creative world of comics and graphic novels at free events for all Buckfastleigh residents.
Comic art workshop

Join illustrator Keith Sparrow for a drop in workshop for all ages. Keith is illustrator who will help us to reimagine Buckfastleigh with drama and fantasy, whilst learning techniques for drawing comic and manga characters.

Kirtan
2019-04-16 19:00 - 20:30 | Devon

Giant and tiny books
2019-04-15 12:00 - 16:00 | Devon
Join Soundart Radio making a huge book about Buckfastleigh, that you can stand inside to tell your own stories. Or manufacture miniature books as jewellery, or for dolls or mice. You can make up a story and we’ll help you to record it for radio broadcast.
This is a free event for people of all ages, and part of Bonding over Books in Buckfastleigh, a year long project run by the Friends of Buckfastleigh Library and supported by Lottery funding.
Children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult. Older children can attend by themselves, so long as a parent brings them along and completes a short form with contact details and permission.

Free Creative Business Workshop for Therapists, Healers and Creatives
2019-04-09 07:30 - 21:00 | Devon
Do you struggle with the “business” side of your work?
Do the words “marketing” and “self promotion” make your toes curl?
Do you ever feel guilty about charging for doing what you love?
Do you truly value what you do and yearn for society to do the same?

In this workshop we will explore all this and get some real clarity on where you want to go with your work, find the blocks that might be holding things back and learn some simple, effective ways of breaking through them. We will discover ways of authentic , “non icky” ways of marketing what you do. We will also explore how to inspire ourselves to transform old habits and create new ways of being which make success feel natural.
Enquiries: info@mickyoung.org
07402 707 056
Mick Young is an Australian born, creative business/life coach with a back ground in music, business management and spirituality.

Sunday Singing Sanctuary
2019-04-07 19:00 - 20:30 | Devon
A monthly community singing event, with different teachers each month. Come and sing heart-felt songs from sacred traditions around the world. With Fran Andre
£7 (£5 concessions)

Comic book talk and swap
2019-04-02 19:00 - 21:00 | Devon
‘Bonding over Books in Buckfastleigh’ is a Big Lottery funded project that invites everyone to share experiences, learn skills and come together around a love of books and stories. Together with Gnash Comics, we invite you to explore the creative world of comics and graphic novels at free events for all Buckfastleigh residents.

Jenny from Gnash will be sharing her love of comics and her story of starting a unique and beautiful book shop. She then invites you to share a comic book you love, and if you are ready to let it go, swap with one another and try something new. Bring along your favourite comics and graphic novels, read from them if you want, talk about and share why you love them, and once everyone has had a chance to pitch their selection then the swapping and fun begins. Walk away with some new great reading.

Taize Singing
2019-03-24 19:00 - 20:30 | Devon
We’ll sing the simple and beautiful songs from Taizé, a Christian monastery in France. With Leo and Sundara Sofer who led Taizé singing in the Findhorn community for 7 years.

~ an introductory workshop with Joanna Watters
2019-03-23 14:00 - 18:00 | Devon
I’m offering a short workshop for anyone curious about my work (or anyone who already knows it and wants to come along). I call it “This Beautiful Work” because it is all about embodying and welcoming whatever inner experience we are having – and doing this is beautifully simple, and strangely not necessarily easy.

We will spend the time in various ways – some sitting (as in meditation, self-observation), some moving, some paired enquiry. I will give guidance in all of that, and you do not need to have previous experience.

You can read more about my approach on my website – www.thisbeautifulwork.weebly.com

Places are limited to 10. Cost £30 – £20 (depending on means). Booking is essential – please email me to book a place joannawatters@gmail.com

Kirtan
2019-03-19 19:00 - 20:30 | Devon
