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Blog - Tag: family

Jul 01 2011

Buddhafield here we come

I have long wanted to sample the delights of Buddhafield festival, having heard so many amazing stories about this family friendly event which takes place from July 13-17th in Somerset. This year we are finally going to get to experience it and I’m so excited!

The theme for 2011 is Abundance, which is cosmically timely, with the incredible heart opening, expansive feel of the spring and summer so far this year. The whole festival is about getting out of the head and into the body. A challenge for many Westerners but one that I am looking forward to fully embracing in a couple of weeks time.

Workshops, talks and demos fill the five day event and festival goers can learn everything from Buddhist chanting to how to make your own digeridoo. I am especially looking forward to the full yoga programme which starts at 6:30 every morning, singing workshops with the legendary Mahasukha and women’s sacred intimacy workshops with Jewels Wingfield. And of course, I won’t be able to resist a few 5 rhythms sessions and shamanic trance dance. Oh and Carolyn Hillyer will be there leading a sacred song workshop and there’s plenty of NVC workshops too. Squeal! Excited? Moi? Yep!

All this, plus there’s music from Undercover Hippy, Seize the Day and a poetry set from the brilliant Paradox, as well as lots of other inspirational sounds and speakers. When it comes to relaxation and eating, Pachamamas will be providing chai and crepes, Buddhafield cafe will be providing the best vegan breakfasts ever known to man and the on site health food shop, Sunseed will be selling everything else you might need.

I’m pleased to note many eco initiatives that Buddhafield are already involved in and look forward to discovering more as we explore the site. From compost loos to liftsharing policy, renewable energy use to a comprehensive recycling programme, the organisers have really thought about every aspect.

So, we’ll keep you posted and let you know how much fun we have, when we get back. And if you are interested in going, there are tickets still available – find out more here.

Posted by Melissa Corkhill at 13:57 | 0 comments
Tagged as: event, family, festival, fun, love, music, summer
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Jan 27 2011

We Love Devon

Last weekend we finished off a family holiday exploring South Devon with a stay at Lower Coombe Royal right in the middle of the South Hams. Set in 8 and a half acres of grounds filled with beautiful specimen trees and play areas, this is an amazing spot for a family holiday. When we arrived we were shown around The Royal House, where we were to stay by the lovely Susi Titchener, owner, visionary and creator of very fine organic muesli. We were wowed by a hamper stuffed full of local organic produce from apple juice to lemon drizzle cake, made just down the road. Every visitor receives this bountiful gift when they arrive and in the summer months, this is accompanied by a basket full of organic fruit and veg from a local farm.

The house itself was perfect, beautifully decorated with organic fabrics from Vanessa Arbuthnott and reclaimed furniture. As far as the children were concerned the best room in the house was the huge playroom, packed full of toys that Susi’s children have outgrown. Many a happy hour was spent playing games, putting on plays in the puppet theatre and thrashing their dad at table football. Floor to ceiling windows looked out over the grounds and a stream fed pond that often hosts kingfisher and many other birds.

Upstairs in the three bedrooms (1 huge double, 1 twin with incredible antique beds and 1 with a bunk bed and single) had been made up for our arrival with organic linens and feather duvets, which ensured a magical night’s sleep. Lower Coombe Royal has its own range of natural toiletries available in the sumptuous bathrooms and Earth Friendly Baby products were provided in the family bathroom. Other touches included natural cleaning products, an impressive recycling system and a well stocked log pile for the fire.

We were so comfortable and happy there is was difficult to tear ourselves away but we did manage once or twice and have these recommendations for other things to do in the area (besides exploring the grounds and discovering secret paths, hidden play areas and clusters of snowdrops).

BEST PLACE FOR LUNCH
Cranks, at nearby Dartington Cider Press offers all the old favourites including homity pie and a good range of vegan and gluten-free meals too. We were inspired by the daily changing salads that come with every meal and of course, needed to have a nose around the shops and studio afterwards to admire beautiful jewellery, glassware and ceramics. One of the shops – My Time – is packed with an impressive array of natural beauty brands including Dr Hauschka and Neal’s Yard.

BEST PLACE FOR A WALK
Dartmoor is an incredible place for a family walk – the 368 acres of moorland are criss-crossed with paths and many will take you to rugged tors and past ancient megalithic sites. We discovered a bronze age stone circle and watched the sunset from atop a massive tor. It was quite awesome.

BEST FOR SUPPLIES
The market town of Kingsbridge is packed with independents, which will hopefully survive the introduction of massive multinational behemoth moving in on the outskirts of town. We got together a delicious supper sourced from deli, Mangetout; fishmonger, Catch of the Day; wine merchants, Red and White and the friendly greengrocers at the bottom of the hill.

We have to go back because there is so much more to discover that we didn’t get a chance to on this trip. And there’s still some availability at Lower Coombe Royal this spring so…

Posted by Melissa Corkhill at 09:21 | 0 comments
Tagged as: devon, family, green holidays
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