2017 CALENDAR - taking orders.....

 

Introducing our FIRST calendar

 

We have been planning to put together a calendar for number of years, but this year we have finally gotten around to it! Our inspiration was our friend, Xico. In the last 4 years of him living with us we have taken countless images of him in different seasons, with different kids on his back, or people in his cart!

Since his passing in September we decided to put those images together into a calendar and raise some money for abandoned animals. The funds raised from the selling of the calendar will be shared between us, (for the purposes of continuing to develop the infrastructures at the Mount of Oaks) and an animal sanctuary called Refúgio dos Burros, that cares for countless animals, in particular donkeys, in the south of Portugal.

How much does it cost?

The recommended price for the calendar is £10 or 10E plus postage which for normal mail in Europe is 2.35E, and 4.70E for fast post.
 

How to get hold of them?

Drop us an email to - mount.of.oaks@gmail.com with your address, quantity you wish and we will let you know the price for the postage based on the weight.

If you wish to purchase other Christmas gifts such as soaps, herbs or teas - let us know too and we can send a list of prices.

Any donations to the projects beyond the price of the calendar would be warmly welcomed.

For bank transfers:
Name: Ass. Rec. e Cultural White Stone
Bank Name: Caixa Geral de Depósitos
Address: Lisbon
IBAN PT50 0035 0339 00059421630 49
BIC SWIFT CGDIPTPL

Paypal:
whitestone2004@gmail.com

                        
Here is a preview of what a typical page looks like. Each month there is a different photo that we hope will bring joy and colour to your 2017.  We decided to make this a limited edition - only 100 copies - so get in touch asap
 

When will you be able to receive your calendar?

We will be sending packages out twice a week from 28th November by normal mail. However, if you wish to pay the extra for fast post - let us know and we can calculate the price.

Many thanks...

As often, this project was a community effort. Our deepest thanks go to a talented and longstanding supporter of the happenings at the Mount of Oaks, Emmanuel Ingelsten for the design and printing of the calendar. Thank you too for the permission granted by those who are featured, parents and children.
    

                         
 

This calendar is a great gift for any animal lover - knowing that the proceeds are going to two good causes!

Wood Mission!

Here is the link to a post on our new blog.....

http://mountofoaks.org/blog/#543

New post: Harvest Thanksgiving

Just to remind you that we have a new website.
Don't miss the new blog post about gardening and harvest: http://mountofoaks.org/blog/#389

New Blog!

We invite you to read our new blog at our new website.
Please follow this link: http://mountofoaks.org/blog/#343

This one is about our friend Xico. Hope you continue following our adventures in another "homepage".

DIA ABERTO Ervas que curam / Herbs that Heal OPEN DAY 2nd October

Aqui encontra a informação sobre o próximo Dia Aberto no Monte dos Carvalhos. Escolhemos como tema - "Ervas que curam".

Please scroll down for the information in english. Thanks!

Programa do Dia Aberto
11:00 Boas-vindas com chá de ervas biológico
11:30 Caminhada de identificação de plantas com Rita Roquete da Bloom Sativum, onde vamos descobrir algumas plantas medicinais que crescem neste clima.
13:00 Almoço leve e nutritivo
14:00 Visitas guiadas ao projecto de Permacultura Monte dos Carvalhos em Português e Inglês
15:30 Demonstração de preparados Herbais com Rita Roquete
17:00 Despedidas e entrega de chá de ervas biológico para levar para casa

A nossa guia

A Rita da Bloom Sativum tem acompanhado pessoas em caminhadas e oficinas desde 2010, por entre bosques e campos o espaço abre-se para se experenciar as plantas da nossa flora espontânea. Formada como herbalista profissional ela gosta de juntar conceitos de medicinas tradicionais e sistemas holísticos de forma a homenagear as plantas como pioneiras de vida neste planeta e pela fonte de cura que são.



Informação sobre o Monte dos Carvalhos
O Monte dos Carvalhos é uma pequena comunidade intencional baseada nos princípios da permacultura, situada entre várias aldeias históricas, Alpedrinha, Castelo Novo e Póvoa de Atalaia nos arredores do Fundão. Estamos aqui há quase 10 anos a desenvolver este projecto como parte da Associação White Stone - uma associação cultural e recreativa com o objectivo de criar espaços de partilha educacional, cultural e social.


Um dos nossos objectivos é ser um exemplo de estilo de vida simples, por isso convidamo-vos a visitar-nos e fazer perguntas. Também teremos alguns dos nossos produtos à venda neste dia.





Onde estamos
Clique no link para encontrar direcções desde a N18 até ao Monte dos Carvalhos.
http://mountofoaks.org/where-we-are/


Pagamento
Para garantir o seu lugar: 
1. Inscreva-se usando o formulário de contacto à direita;
2. Faça uma transferência de 10 euros para a conta bancária da White Stone.
Nome: White Stone
IBAN PT50 0035 0339 00059421630 49
BIC SWIFT CGDIPTPL
3. Traga o restante valor no próprio dia (valor total do evento: 15 euros para associados, 20 euros não associados).

Estamos abertos para sugestões em relação ao valor de troca deste evento.

***************************************************************

Here is information about the next Open Day/Dia Aberto at the Mount of Oaks. We have choosen for our theme - 'Herbs that Heal'.


Programme for the day
11am Welcome with herbal tea
11.30am Identification walk with Rita Roquete where we will discover some of the magical medicinal plants that grow in this climate.
1pm Nutritious lunch
2pm Guided tours of Mount of Oaks Permaculture project in Portuguese and English
3.30pm Demonstration and workshop using medicinal herbs.
5pm Farewells and dispensing of herbal teas for taking home.

Our guide
Rita from Bloom Sativum has been accompanying people in walks and workshops since 2010, between woods and fields the space opens to experience the wild plants. Trained as a professional herbalist, she likes to join concepts of traditional medicines and holistic systems to honour the plants as life pioneers in this planet and has a source of healing they are.




Information about Mount of Oaks
Mount of Oaks is a small intentional community based on permaculture principles situated between several historic villages, Alpedrinha, Castelo Novo and Povoa de Atalaia outside Fundao. We have been here for nearly 10 years developing the project as part of the White Stone Association - a cultural and social association set up to create spaces for educational, cultural and social exchange.

One of our aims is to model a simple lifestyle and so you are invited to come, visit the project and ask questions. We will also have some of our own products for sale. 




Where we are
If you follow the link below you will find instructions to get from the N18 to our place.
http://mountofoaks.org/where-we-are/


Payment
To secure your place for the day, it is as simple as this... 
Go to the top of the page, on the right hand side there's a contact form, drop us a message to register.
Next make a deposit of 10E into the White Stone bank account. 

Here are the bank details:
Name: White Stone
IBAN: PT50 0035 0339 00059421630 49
BIC SWIFT: CGDIPTPL

Total cost of the event: 15 E for White Stone's associates, 20 E for non-associates.

We are also open for some creative suggestions... we are willing to consider exchange for the cost of participation in the event.

Natural Building Workshop - educational and LOTS of FUN!

We hosted a second Natural Building Workshop from 16-24th June 2016. This workshop was taught in Portuguese and included 2 teenagers!!! It might be quite difficult to transmit in this blog update JUST HOW WONDERFUL the last experience was for all involved, but at least we can try!!!  Here goes.....!! Posted below are some images of the super duper people, projects, learning and fun that was had by all! 



Many thanks go to the participants, Barbara for teaching and the volunteers, Kathleen and Manuel who helped make it possible.

Click on the link to read more.....

Welcome Changes on the Land!

Since the last post, our biggest, bestest news is that Marcia and Eric's son was born Saturday 28th May. They named him Samuel. He is healthy and growing fast! 

Recently we have welcomed all sorts of changes - in the weather - finally we are experiencing Summer heat. Other changes include transformations inside the common space, and in the garden too, plus the goings and comings of friends and family.

 

Click below to see more pictures and follow the story.....

Rain gives way to Blue Skies....

 













    The rain finally stopped - we all wondered if someone had left a tap open just over Portugal for the last months?! Now we are enjoying the late Spring sunshine and warmth. Shorts, t-shits and hats replace woolen jumpers and welly boots we were wearing only 2 weeks ago. 

Despite the weather conditions much has been happening in terms of building and hosting volunteers, friends and family, CHANGE is AFOOT!
 
Click below to see more pictures and story.......

THEMED OPEN DAY: LOCAL ECONOMY April 2016

OPEN DAY, OPEN HEARTS!

Sunday 24th April we had our 2nd Open Day of the year - this time the theme was 'Local Economy'

The day was a huge success - the sun was shining and the people were shining too. 

We had nearly 100 people turn up from 11 different countries and take part in a local economy exchange at the Mount of Oaks.

People were buying or swapping local produce, contributing ideas and knowledge in a facilitated discussion on local economy, sharing contacts for further actions AND having lots of fun, especially the kids! 

April Showers

As this blog is being written it is raining outside. In the last days we have had thunder, lightening and HAIL storms! In English there is the phrase, 'it's raining cats and dogs.' In Portugal the equivalent is 'está a chover a potes' - meaning 'it's raining pots' - certainly the rain is FILLING POTS!!  Crazy weather indeed! 

The last weeks have been beautifully full of folk coming to visit the land - participants on the natural building course, volunteers, Marcia's mum, and dear friends......we also have been busy in the garden and have 4 new chicks to show you!!!

read on to see the pictures and following the story..... 

Dia Aberto / Open Day: Economia Local

O tema deste Dia Aberto será Economia Local.
Queremos convidar todos aqueles que estão interessados em desenvolver a economia local a visitar-nos, a ver exemplos do que se faz aqui na nossa região e a partilhar ideias para o futuro. Além do programa teremos uma feirinha com produtos locais e artesanato, e actividades para crianças.

12h Almoço vegetariano
14h - 14h30 Visita guiada
15h - 15h40 Conversa sobre Economia Local (pequena introdução teórica e partilha de exemplos)
16h - 16h40 Ideias em acção (divisão em grupos para gerar planos de acção)
17h - 18h Danças Europeias
18h Despedidas

Informações e inscrições até dia 21 de Abril através do email: mount.of.oaks@gmail.com

Valor de troca: 2 euros ou 5 euros com almoço vegetariano

***********************************
This Open Day we want to talk about Local Economy!
We invite people to visit us, get to know about different initiatives happening in the area and share ideas for the future. Besides the programme we'll have a little market with local products and activities for children.

12 noon Vegetarian Lunch
2pm - 2:30pm Guided Tour
3pm - 3:40pm Talk about Local Economy
4pm - 4:40pm Ideas in Action
5pm - 6pm European Dances

Info + Registrations until 21st of April: mount.of.oaks@gmail.com

Exchange value: 2 euros or 5 euros with vegetarian lunch

Curso de Introdução à Construção Natural

INTRODUÇÃO à CONSTRUÇÃO NATURAL

  UM CURSO PRÁTICO

  18-24 de Junho 2016

 Uma experiência de 9 dias de teoria e prática de trabalho com materiais naturais - uma oficina de introdução para pessoas que querem aprender fazendo...

Continue a ler para mais informações...

2nd Natural Building Workshop 2016

INTRODUCTION to NATURAL BUILDING

A PRACTICAL WORKSHOP 

  18th-24th June 2016

 A 9 day experience of daily theory and practice of working with natural materials - an introduction workshop for people who want to 'learn by doing'......

  

 READ on to discover the details of the course.........

The Practical Natural Building Workshop at the Mount of Oaks is a 9 day experience of 'learning by doing'. 

The workshop is designed as an introduction to Natural Building. Participants get the chance to learn and experiment with MANY different techniques as the course content is beautifully varied. 

There is a progression in the teaching and practical methods that allows participants to grow in confidence as the course continues. This course is designed with the 'non-professional' builder in mind and is aimed as an introduction course. 

Come and learn about:

 

* Foundations with Gravel bag (“Superadobe” technique)   .........  * French Drainage..............* 
 Strawbale walls    ............* “Adobe” and “Light Earth” bricks.................* "Stick frame" wall.......          

* “Cob” with glass bottles and “Cordwood”.............

* Clay and Lime Plasters...........

* Lime-wash painting with  Natural Pigments

 

 

 

This Course will be facilitated by Barbara Leite, pioneer in this small community at the Mount of Oaks since 2006, with 7 years experience in Permaculture Design and Natural Building... with all the mistakes and successes that go with starting from scratch :-)





 

WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT FROM THIS COURSE?

The Course will have a daily chunk of theory and introduction to all these different techniques and use of local and natural materials, but mostly it will be practical to really get a feel for each material and technique.

Each participant is welcome to share their own experience since Natural Building is as diverse and flexible as each human being and culture is.

Also there is no need of any previous experience as a builder, or engineer or architect.

It is a Course available to all, including children.
Let´s play with the natural elements and learn with them  :-) 

 We expect to learn with each other and have an unique experience of life in community during these 9 days. We eat together and often in the evenings we sit around the fire telling stories or singing songs! 


 














We will be working on several buildings on the site so that our experience can be as diverse as possible. For the full programme of each day - please get in touch and we can send you more details. 
 



HOW CAN YOU REGISTER ?
  
Send us your name and e.mail address, via our contact form here on the top right sidebar.
    We will only have 10 participants so that everyone can take the best out of it.

USE OUR CONTACT FORM ON THE SIDE-BAR . 

The cost of the course is 350E (early birds have discounts and we are open to negotiations, get in touch through our contact form) 

       THIS COST COVERS:


* The learning experience 

* An handmade Manual 

* 3 yummy vegetarian meals a day

* Camping space (tents, motor-homes, tipis, etc)

* Stretching exercises and breathing techniques before working 

* Internet access during determined hours






* Day off on Wednesday and, weather dependent, a trip with picnic somewhere around this area :-)... Mountains or lakes :-)

*Pick-ups at the local train station 

 

** With extra costs there is Thai massage available during the rest times.

 

WHAT SHOULD YOU BRING ?

 

* tent or whatever housing you choose :-)

*Sleeping bag and mat to sleep on.....

* a flashlight (head-lamps are very useful)
 
* a mug (just in case we don´t have enough)

* Notebook is a good idea, plus, pencil and colour pens.

 * towel and daily care stuff. We request you bring only natural products.We do have natural soaps made by us and toothpaste to sell.

* Working clothes, a hat and gloves.

* Swimming gear if you want to swim in our small lake.
   
* If you play any instrument, do bring it for the evening chill out 

* We have a 12v solar panel system, so if you bring one of those car chargers it´s much easier

* Joy, Love, Open heart, smiles, your own experience, etc...

WHAT DOES THE MOUNT OF OAKS PROVIDE ?

* Camping Area

* Compost toilets

* Spring Water and delicious vegetarian food...
PLEASE INFORM US IF YOU HAVE ANY RESTRICTION OR ALLERGY ...
 
* Bathroom with hot shower (sun dependent) and a bathtub warmed by fire :-)...

* A small lake to swim and a paddling pool to refresh in hot days

* Silent and contemplation spaces

* Fireplaces and wood for the evenings.

* Our lovely animals entertainment - our donkey, chickens, 5 cats and 2 friendly dogs.

* Space for yoga and plenty of peace and tranquility






 

For further information and to register get in touch via our Contact Form on the siderbar - or drop an email to mount.of.oaks@gmail.com

For directions and weather details check the links on the sidebar when you are considering what clothes to pack!! 

Please feel free to share this post with people who might be interested.