Thursday 28 November 2013

Interview with Judith Watson

Judith Watson is a complementary therapist and our interviewee for this evening.  Judith is a Reflexologist and practitioner of the Bowen Technique as well as developing and providing Naturally Smart Skincare.  Judith can be found online at Smart Therapies

Many thanks to Judith for answering our questions and we look forward to seeing her at the shows next year.


To start could you tell us a little bit about yourself.


I was a primary school teacher for over 25 years until i was involved in a serious car accident in 1999. I've always been interested in Complementary therapies, and whilst convalescing I signed up for a reflexology course, thinking I could aim to going part time teaching and part time therapist. I didn't actually get back to work, as I was awarded medical retirement due to a brain injury. Not the most auspicious start to the new millennium but it turned out to be the best thing that could have happened to me!

I decided to do a 'proper' reflexology training, followed by Daoyin Tao face, neck and shoulder massage. A couple of years later I was drawn to Bowen, and that soon became the therapy I did most of the time. A close friend of many years, Norman, also decided to retrain at the same time, and we completed the Bowen training together in 2004.

I then went off on a bit of a tangent and started making natural Skincare products! This came about when I decided to learn how to do facials as an extension to face massage, and wanted a natural range of products I was happy to use, on myself as well. When I started to research ingredients I was horrified at what was in many so-called natural products! I read a little bit about making my own and had a dabble, then I discovered that my raw ingredient suppliers in Scotland ran courses on product-making - I signed up to the first available dates, and haven't stopped inventing recipes for new products ever since! Norman decided to help in this venture, and we now both make our products, I make up new recipes and Norman does the boring but necessary paperwork and legalities.


Can you explain to us a bit more about the Bowen Technique?


Bowen Technique is amazing! I never tire of seeing people come into the clinic in pain, and either walk out feeling a lot easier, or phone me a couple of days later to tell me the pain has almost miraculously gone. Even better is when I feel that they are expecting no improvement at all, as in their eyes I have done practically nothing, yet they notice a huge improvement very quickly.

It is a gentle technique that originated in Australia in the 1950s, and has been slowly spreading around the world since its originator Tom Bowen's death. It reached the UK in the early 1990s. It works on soft tissue - muscles, tendons and fascia; most people come for things like a bad back, or a bad knee, but it is also very effective for emotional and organic problems. Many people just tell me how good they feel in general, and have often had improvements in conditions they haven't told me about as well as the condition they came to have treated.


What can we expect from you at the shows?


This year we are concentrating on our Skincare range, rather than therapies. We have spent a lot of time (and money!) developing our recipes and ensuring that they comply with new European legislation that came into effect in July 2013. They are now fully compliant, and we have the possibility of creating an almost infinite selection of products from a wide range of ingredients - I can't wait to get started, just need a bit of time between shows and treating clients! So any products that you have been looking for, just ask ..... We will be developing our range of shampoos and face washes to include shower gels, scrubs and hand washes, and I've been working on sun protection and after sun oils that I'm currently testing on holidays. Norman keeps threatening a men's range, so watch this space!
We are also in the midst of repackaging with a new label, which is very exciting.


Which writer/thinker has influenced you the most?


There are two people, one of whom is not really a writer, both related to my current passions - Tom Bowen, the originator of the Bowen Technique (although he didn't realise it at the time, it was just the successful work that he used!) and Kolbjorn Borseth, who was passionate in pioneering the concept of being able to make excellent quality plant based Skincare products in your own home.
Actually, there are three - Zoe Harcombe has completely changed the way I think about food, and has led me to read many books about food, health and dieting that I now tell everyone I meet to read!


What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?


Be confident in yourself - and just Follow the Moon! (private joke that will be understood by Happy Cats fans!)


Would you name 6 “Desert Island” books or films (ones you would like if you were stranded on a desert island - for young ones who don’t know about Desert Island discs!)


Books - A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving; the Dark Materials trilogy by Philip Pulman, One Day by David Nichols and How to Stop Counting Calories and Start Losing Weight by Zoe Harcombe.

Films are more difficult as I don't watch many - Love Actually and Tin Tin are a couple of recent ones I've enjoyed.

Monday 25 November 2013

Interview with Kristy Hodges

Welcome to Monday!  Today we have a wonderful interview with Kristy Hodges of Serendipity Crystals

Kristy runs her own business selling crystals, jewellery and her own artwork.  Her website is an amazing source of inspiration, information and all things spiritual.

Many thanks to Kristy for being interviewed and make sure you check out her website before the shows start again next year.




To start could you tell us a little about yourself.


My name is Kristy Hodges. I was born in California in 1972, but spent a lifetime growing up in overseas countries and travelling the world. I first ‘felt’ the energetic impact of a crystal in 1990. It was Moldavite and the flush sent me out of my mind! It took a further 20 extensive years to learn how to work with crystals & energy.
Since then, my spiritual journey has spanned many countries & cultures from the Middle East to Asia and Europe to America. I have studied in depth: indigenous cultures, animal medicine, astrology, tarot, mediumship, psychic skills, shamanism, paganism, counselling, psychology, archetypes, relationships & parenting to name but a few subjects and have been blessed enough to experience many wonderful adults, children, angels and spirits along the way.
I now live in Yorkshire, UK, with my beautiful teenage son. I’m in a wonderful, adventurous, healthy relationship with the love of my life and supported by the most amazing family & friends. To top it off, I have the joy of running Serendipity Crystals, travelling the country as a crystal retailer, therapist, counsellor, spiritual development guide and empowerment coach. In my spare time I volunteer as a Childline School Services Volunteer for the NSPCC and co-own a Harley Davidson motorcycle.


Sounds as though you have a very busy business, which aspect of it is your favourite - coaching, retailing or art?


I absolutely love helping people to spiritually develop their gifts. Each of us is so different - someone may be a healer or psychic, but their gift could be very specific and its fascinating to spend that in depth, one on one time with someone. To witness a person realise how unique they are and how they can develop and utilise their particular gift in different areas of life, or even turn it into a career gives me an amazing boost! Its so exciting! I believe in helping others to help themselves rather than my doing it for them. Am honoured to have the ability to show people the beauty and amazing light within themselves and to guide them on the next part of their journey. Crystals are an easy way for me to access a person's past experiences and energy - they are a fantastic tool to use so crystals are always part of the spiritual development process for me.


Been all over the world and studied many cultures, do you have a favourite part of the world from a spiritual point of view?


I think Sri Lanka is a stunning part of the world - the people have so little in comparison to the Western world. Considering many of the families I met live in small wooden shacks in the jungle, they touched me with their generosity and positive, easy approach to life. It wasn't just the people, it was the energy of the country with its ruins, temples and unspoilt beauty that wove itself through the fabric of my being and captured my heart. It is a very under developed country, so the energy of the place is raw and vibrant, full of exotic places where the connection to Earth was unreal and, of course, absolutely stunning beaches! The desert where I grew up will always hold a special place in my heart too. There is something indescribable about lying on the sand dunes at night, with no light pollution for miles and starting up at the stars - to feel the heat of the Earth underneath you and be staring at an entire sky full of galaxies and stars - its simply amazing and I've never been able to find that particular sense of peacefulness, quiet and connection anywhere else in the world. I still miss it now.


How do feel you've evolved creatively?


Until I was pushed and jostled by Spirit aged 35, I hadn't picked up a paintbrush since attending at school. Painting made me feel wonderful, but I've always felt very amateur and self conscious about my artwork as I have no formal training and no idea how to use half of the tools and materials am drawn to. Its definitely an ongoing personal journey for me as I create in fits and starts - when its flowing, its wonderful and I love what is created and working with energies that seem to come from some place outside of myself. When I hit a wall and stop for awhile, the old insecurities come back and I feel very vulnerable and unsure about putting myself out there on an artistic level. Then the next creative burst hits and even though I feel scared and unsure, its not possible to ignore it. Something either inside or outside of myself won't allow me to put the paint brush down - the images and colours come in dreams or someone will turn up out've the blue and ask for a commission (usually one I'll have no idea how to accomplish) and I'll be off on the next part of my creative journey.


Which writer/thinker has influenced you the most.


Arrgghhh - this one is SO difficult as there have been three authors that have changed my life completely. Eckhart Tolle is one. I'd read some of his more 'zen' like books and thought they were OK, but nothing ground breaking until I read A New Earth. Mr Tolle starts that book off with the lofty claim of 'this book will change your life' and at the time I thought 'wow, thats a bit arrogant'. Within 100 pages, I realised he was right, that book takes your mind and energy system into a new stage of development completely, but only when you're ready for it. Whats rather strange about that particular book, is I've gone back to read it again and its done it again - even though I know whats coming. Its quite extraordinary. Anthony Robbins is also amazing - so motivational, positive and simple - I adore his books and positive ways of developing ourselves. The third author is Caroline Myss - an amazing energy healer and woman whom I have followed for years, as well as seeing in person in London. I love her down to earth, no holds barred approach to life and the information she provides as a healer and energy intuitive is absolutely spot on. As someone who is fascinated by the human brain, Caroline's work on Sacred Contracts and Archetypes is a must read! As a healer, her books Anatomy of Spirit and Invisible Acts of Power WILL change your life.


What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given.


Several pieces that have woven into one over the years. We create our own reality, everything happens for a reason and to always, always be yourself.


Would you name 6 “Desert Island” books or films (ones you would like if you were stranded on a desert island - for young ones who don’t know about Desert Island discs!)


It would have to be music for me all the way - I can live without books or films, but to be stranded on an island with no music would drive me insane! I'd mix a load of CDs as am an avid listener of all kinds of music - or even better, just take a radio!

If I had to choose books it would be anything by Laurell K Hamilton. Having had to read so many non-fiction books as part of my career path, it completely rests my brain to get lost in fantastic, naughty, exciting urban fantasy fiction books - I love em!



Thursday 21 November 2013

Interview with Debbie & Peter Thorpe - Aurora Crystals

Today we have an interview with Debbie and Peter Thorpe of Aurora Crystals.  Debbie and Peter attend the BSSK shows with their wonderful selection of crystals, jewellery and examples of Debbies' artwork.  Many thanks to them for taking the time to do this for us and we look forward to seeing them at the shows next year.



To start with, could you tell us a bit more about yourselves?



Peter is a semi-retired Chartered Accountant, formerly Finance Head of Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust, now consultant on a further Wildlife project "The Coastal Grazing Marshes in Lincolnshire".  Having worked for conservation for the last 20 years of his life, his main passions are watching wildlife, especially in the wild places of Scotland, walking and working with crystals on our stall.



Debbie has been an artist since she was old enough to hold a pencil, has always drawn from imagination from being very young, was destined for art school but had to choose a "sensible" career of becoming a secretary and working in a well-known High Street bank, but then raising a family of 3 amongst a menagerie of animals, from domestic dogs and cats, to goats, chickens, sheep and horses and then moving on to her true spiritual path of being a healer and spiritual artist.  For many years painted as a professional Wildlife artist whilst still working with horses, but then hung up her grooms boots to become a Crystal Healer and work at the MBS shows.  Trained in the Crystal Diploma by the SVA, she is also a Reiki practitioner, has studied Aura Soma,  Master  Colour Healing and Quantum Touch.  In the 45 years we have spent together, Peter has been the one who has enabled all these passions to come to fruition.



What treasures can we find on your stalls?



Everything, from natural specimens and clusters to beautiful Hekimer Diamonds, Master Crystals, working crystals for healers, beautiful carvings of animals and crystal skulls, polished specimen peices, spheres and a wide range of tumblestones to suit all tastes and purposes with written explanations prepared by Debbie from her long experience of working with them.  Crystal jewellery from pendants to bracelets and original artwork as examples of what Debbie produces on a commission basis.



How do you source your crystals?



Crystals are sourced from a very wide range of suppliers in the UK, many specialists in their own fields and are all personally chosen by ourselves.  We aim to carry a wide range of different crystals so that customers can choose something that is very personally pleasing , whether to work with or to place in their environment, to wear or just carry if they feel it will help empower their well being.  If advise is sought then Debbie has prepared many explanations customers may take free of charge so that they may make a choice based on their own intuition.



What inspires your artwork and how do you feel you have evolved creatively?



My artwork is inspired intuitively on a spiritual level for each individual client and is drawn from my love of portraiture and animals.  It has evolved from working as a professional Wildlife artist for many years to a deep intuitive/spiritual level.  I owe much to my early training in "A" level art to my wonderful teacher Miss Oyler, who insisted on many hours spent life drawing and sitting outside drawing scenes around Lincoln Cathedral  (the school being very close by)  I feel honoured and privileged to work on commissions for customers and hope that what I bring forward both makes them happy and empowered in their own spirituality.



Which writer/thinker has influenced you the most?


Debbie:  As an avid reader from childhood, the list would be too long, but it ranges from Tolkiens' Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit read many, many years ago, Tolstoy, Shakespeare, Keats, Tennyson, W.B. Yeats, R.D.  Blackmores Lorna Doone, Bomber by Len Deighton, to Kenneth Grahames  Wind in the Willows.

 Later on my spiritual path it would be Lao Tzu (Chinese mystic) Sue and Simon Lilley on the Crystals, the life of Frank Fools Crow by Thomas E Mails, Caroline Myss, Harry Edwards and Melody - Love is in the Earth.



What is the best advice you've been given?



First crystal teacher,  Cassie  "Many answer, few are called."  From that I tried to learn to listen so that I may perhaps help someone find, through their own intuition, the path their inner teacher is trying to tell them to follow.



Lao Tzu "When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be."



W B Yeats from Cloths of Heaven  "...tread softly because you tread on my dreams."



Can you name your Desert Island books/films?



Debbie:

Moulin Rouge
Dark Crystal
Anya Seton Katherine
Standing with Stones DVD - a Journey Through Megalithic Britain Rupert Soskin
Lord of the Rings Trilogy Tolkien
Portrait of  the Master (St Francis of Assisi)  James Twyman.



Friday 15 November 2013

2014 Updates and News

2013 has been an excellent year with the shows and with moving our work forward.  I think there is plenty to be optimistic about for next year.

In fact we are very excited about our shows next year.  All our usual fantastic venues plus a few new ones.  Scunthorpe Psychic Fair was a wonderful day and we're looking forward to the next one.

Grimsby is our next show on the 1st and 2nd of February 2014 at the Humber Royal Hotel.  It does seem a long way off but we still have plenty to keep us (very!) busy.  In the meantime check out our website for some great articles, information on other events and links to our exhibitors.

Until the next show we will be keeping the blog active with news, articles and more interviews.

If you want to become an exhibitor at one of our shows, take a look at our exhibitor area.  There you will find all the information you need and you can always give us a call on 01724 849886 with any other queries.

Just a little "housekeeping" now!  We are in the process of moving our Facebook page back to it's original home.   The address is  www.facebook.com/EventsBSSK    We have decided to do this because of a few issues we had with new supporters being unable to find us and also we were not able to show our support to our friends through "likes" and by commenting and sharing.  We will run both Facebook pages until the New Year which should give us plenty of time to get everyone on the new page.  It's very important to us that we get Facebook right as it remains, alongside the website, our best way of keeping everyone up to date.

As you know the website is www.bssk.co.uk and is updated regularly.  Because we do pass a lot of information  through the internet and e-mail it is important for us to have current e-mail addresses.  If you do change your e-mail address please let us know.  If you don't have regular access to e-mail we do have alternative ways of getting you the information you need so give us a call.

Wednesday 6 November 2013

Psychic Fair, Scunthorpe Saturday 9th November

We're very excited to be putting on a Psychic Fair in Scunthorpe this weekend.  It will be held at the Wortley House Hotel

As many of you know, we used to have an event in Scunthorpe up until a few years ago. This fair is going to be a little tester, to see if Scunthorpe wants a Psychic Fair back on a more regular basis.  If it works we intend to bring a full sized show to the town in the future.

The Fair opens between 10am and 5pm on Saturday 9th November. This is just a one day event. While there will not be the usual Feather Hunt, there are 25 stands, free parking, talks and under 15's get in for free.  Entry cost is £2.

We will have readers, therapists and exhibitors with crystals, books, jewellery, tarot cards, Pagan and Wiccan items and Angel readers and items.

As well as all this the Hotel is offering a "Show Menu" of refreshments at a reduced price.

It's going to be a great show and we hope to see you there!