Page 10 - Spring 18

Update on HAWL –
Since an introductory article in the Autumn 2014 issue [of this publication], HAWL has continued to gather momentum as a valued teaching resource for farmers and smallholders. Here is an update by Nancy Morris, UK, March 2018
HAWL was set up in 2000 by homeopath Chris Lees (Mrs), and continues as a 3 non-consecutive day course, set 2 weeks apart. Interest in the courses grows yearly, with four courses held in 2017 and a further five planned this year.
One session of each day is taught by a “human” homeopath, the other a homeopathic vet, so providing variety and a wide range of experience, as students are guided through the principles, common remedies, acute prescribing with repertorisation, on to chronic prescribing.
Feedback from students is very positive, and as a result of requests for further support after the course, HAWL runs two or three annual additional teaching days. South West Wales is unique in having a nucleus of HAWL farmers, and thanks to their enthusiasm, hold regular workshops with homeopathic vets and teachers, offering further on farm support and sharing of experience. This year, HAWL is setting up several more local groups around the UK, which are already proving very popular.
Typical of the feedback is ”Homeopathy has made such a difference to the way we work; it enables us to be proactive, we observe our animals more closely, so nipping things in the bud. The cost benefits are very welcome.”
HAWL went international in 2017, hosting its first residential course, attended by 9 students: farmers from Scotland, Ireland, Norway and South Africa, microbiologists from Bulgaria who would like to become involved in
research, a homeopath from Norway, and the President of the South African Homeopathic Association.
HAWL goes to agricultural shows, increasing its profile, and four HAWL farmers gave excellent presentations at the Oxford Real Farming Conference.
Data Collection is another project under way at HAWL, in the light of generalised attacks on Homeopathy and the specific stance presently being taken by the RCVS. Farmers have to record so much data, which can be used to advantage.
HAWL is run as a not for profit organisation, and depends on support from various trusts, also the support of HRH the Prince of Wales, who hosted a reception in July to launch a new initiative in healthcare, to which Chris was invited.
Chris is ably supported by Jackie Pearce Dickens who runs all courses held away from Tetbury and is responsible for HAWL’s internet presence including website, social media pages and newsletter. If you would like to become involved, either as a teacher or group leader, give talks to local farmer groups, or to contribute in any other way, Chris and Jackie will be pleased to hear from you – website: www.hawl.co.uk e mail: secretary@hawl.co.uk
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