April 2017 by The Dell Directory

April 2017

THE DELL DIRECTORY Your local community magazine & business directory.

WATER OF LEITH EVENTS

page 8

REFRESH YOUR HOME FOR SPRING Homes & Interiors - Page 20 HOBBIES Amateur Photography

RECIPE Ricotta Stuffed Chicken

• Local News & Businesses • What’s On • Monthly Recipe • Clubs & Classes • Library & Useful Information • Fun Quiz

Events 2017 Sunday 2nd April – 2.00pm - Walk Geological Walk - Slateford and the Dells with Beverly Bergman, Edinburgh Geological Society The geology of the Water of Leith forms the foundation for its character, shaping it into an important source of both water power and building stone. This walk in the Dells will provide an opportunity to see many of its geological features including Carboniferous sedimentary rocks, glacial features and fossils as well as the site of Redhall Castle. Meet at the Water of Leith Visitor Centre at 2.00pm. Walk of up to 2 miles, mainly on paths. Wear warm clothes and walking boots or sturdy shoes. Booking Essential, £2 member / £5 non members. Sunday 9th April – River Clean Up. Join our volunteer team for this river clean up day, wear old clothes. Meet at 10.00am at the Water of Leith Visitor Centre. FREE

Spring Children’s Events All our Children’s events cost £5 per child (Accompanying adult free). Meet at the Water of Leith Visitor Centre, 24 Lanark Road, Edinburgh. Start at 2.00pm - 4.00pm BOOKING ESSENTIAL call 455 7367 or email admin@waterofleith.org.uk

Tuesday 4th April – SURVIVE!! Water, Food, Shelter and Fire are the keys to survival, learn new skills from our ‘wild’ leaders Thursday 6th April - River Dipping Join us IN the river for this favourite activity Tues 11th April - MUD!! Wear your wellies its gonna be squelchy, as we explore mud and yes that means pies and faces Sunday 23th April – Our Herbal Heritage 2.00pm – Guided Walk Following on from her popular winter presentation Anna Canning of Floramedica will take us on a spring time forage into the Dells to explore the wealth of edible and medicinal plants to be found on our doorstep. We will delve into their history, lore and use both past and present. Meet at the Water of Leith Visitor Centre at 2.00pm. Walk of up to 2 miles, mainly on paths. Wear warm clothes and walking boots or sturdy shoes. Booking Essential, members £2 / £5 non members. Call 0131 455 7367 or email admin@ waterofleith.org.uk

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Inside this issue Technology - Don't be an April Fool........................ P8 Pets - Strange Cat Behaviours............................... P15 Gardening - Flower Power................................... P16 Book Review - Changes....................................... P18 Homes & Interiors - Refresh you home for Spring.... P20 Library Information.......................................P24/P25 Scotlands Future.................................................. P26 Life Begins - Don't just leave your Care to the Kids.. P28 Clubs & Classes.................................................. P30 What's On.......................................................... P31 Recipe - Ricotta Stuffed Chicken........................... P32 Puzzle/Quiz......................................................... P36 Useful Info Index................................................. P37 Business Index..................................................... P42 Welcome to the April issue of The Dell Directory. April is the month when the days are longer with the evenings getting lighter. This is the time when most of us like to spend more time outdoors or planning a spring clean of their home. Please take a look through the magazine I have included some homes and interiors advice on how to refresh your home for Spring! We have also updated the clubs and classes and what's on pages I'm sure you will find something to help you keep active. Thank you for reading The Dell Directory and supporting our local businesses. I hope you have a Happy Easter! Please don't hesitate to get in touch if you have any local news stories you would like to share. Til next month. Ann, Editor Why not visit our website www.thedelldirectory.co.uk or if you would like to advertise Tel 07843 449 441 or via Email: thedelldirectoryedinburgh@gmail.com Whilst every care is taken to ensure accuracy, the publisher cannot accept responsible for loss, damage or omission caused by error in the printing of an advertisement. The Dell Directory does not endorse any advertising material that appears in this publication. Adverts are accepted on the understanding that descriptions of goods and services are fair and accurate. All material is accepted for publication on the understanding that it is copyright free. The Dell Directory accepts no liability for any subsequent copyright issues. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the consent of the publisher. Publisher: The Dell Directory. Editor: Ann Brydon. Please think of the environment when you have finished reading the magazine and recycle.

SOME INFO ABOUT US: THE DELL DIRECTORY ADVERTISING & ACCOUNT ENQUIRIES: Tel: Ann on 07843 449 441 Email: thedelldirectoryedinburgh@gmail.com ARTWORK & DESIGN ENQUIRIES: Tel: Tony on 07595 711 256 Email: tony.haughey@sky.com COMMUNITY EVENTS/ COMMUNITY NEW ENQUIRIES: Email: dellcommunityevents@gmail.com NEXT ISSUE DATES: MAY 2017 Copy deadline for artwork: 17th April. Distribution Dates: 5th/6th & 6th May. DISTRIBUTION: This magazine is distributed to 4,500 homes in the Colinton and Craiglockhart areas every month. There are 10 issues a year with two joint issues in the Summer (Jul/Aug ) & Winter (Dec/Jan).

The Dell Directory is distributed in the following areas:Colinton Mains, Dreghorn, Redford, Bonaly, Campbell Park, Woodhall, Torphin, Spylaw, Pentland and Craiglockhart. Copies will also be available at our local Libraries Colinton and Oxgangs and some local shops. If you would like to receive a copy please donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t hesitate to get in touch. You can also view the magazine online at www.thedelldirectory.co.uk.

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Property Are you planning on moving house this year? Or buying or selling a property? Please contact us to discuss how we can help

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Making a Will

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IAN HODGSON & CO PAINTERS & DECORATORS Established 1980

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Don’t Be An April Fool Keep your stuff safe with PC protection

Connecting an unprotected PC to the internet is rather like stripping naked, covering yourself in honey and throwing yourself into a nest of angry wasps: the question isn’t whether you’re going to get stung, it’s how bad the results are going to be. The internet is full of unpleasantness, and some of it is trying to make you an April fool. Trying to con people on the internet is very cheap and safe: the likelihood of getting caught is incredibly small, and the cost of contacting even millions of people is incredibly small too. So entire call centres make fake technical support calls to unsuspecting people, trying to convince them that their PC is broken and they need to download software to fix it. That software then nabs their personal information, or their online banking details, and that information is used to compromise their various accounts and steal their money. It’s important to stress this: if you’ve ever tried to call the support lines of Microsoft, Apple, Amazon, BT or any other big firm, you’ll appreciate how long it takes to get through. These companies don’t have the resources to make proactive support calls, let alone monitor

your computer for any problems.

Apps can help. A powerful but simple password manager such as the excellent 1Password solves a big problem with the internet - you need different, strong passwords that can’t be guessed for each individual site or service, but you also need to remember them. 1Password creates and remembers them for you, automatically filling them in when you need them. This means that if, say, your favourite photo site is hacked, your login details can’t be used to get into your Amazon account, eBay account or PayPal account.

Macs don’t generally suffer from malicious software, but Windows PCs do: there are more Windows users in the world, so they’re a more tempting target. That means security software is essential. BitDefender Anti-Virus Free Edition, AVAST anti-virus and AVG Free anti-virus can protect your PC from malicious files and apps, and they’re constantly updated with details of the latest threats. In the case of apps such as BitDefender, they can also scan links in your emails to let you know whether that email from the bank or Apple is fake (the answer, 99 times out of a hundred, is yes).

These apps matter because in addition to fake emails and malicious software, there’s a new villain in town: ransomware. Ransomware is a program that sneaks onto your computer and locks you out of it completely, meaning you can’t access your email, your photo library or anything else of value on your PC. The only way to unlock it appears to be to call the supplied telephone number and pay the ransom, which is usually a few hundred pounds. That’s a really bad idea, because the details you use to pay the ransom are then used again and again until you have no money left. Security software such as the apps mentioned above can protect you from ransomware in two ways. They can prevent it from getting onto your PC in the first place, and remove it if your PC is already infected. When you consider the cost of the software is zero and the likelihood of an unsecured PC getting something nasty is 100%, security software is a must-have for anybody with a PC.

Images L to R: 1Password password manager; Avast free anti-virus; AVG Free anti-virus; screenshot of typical ransomware demand

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Computer Help!

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Finance Ways To Reduce ‘Hidden’ Spending So You Can Save Money Or Pay Off Debt By Ann Haldon are encouraged to buy more than they need – a particular danger if you also shop when you’re hungry.

There are the obvious ways to save money, such as using comparison websites or cancelling an unused gym membership, but what about the ‘hidden’ money pits that drain your cash in a less evident way?

Three areas immediately spring to mind – food, cars and technology – all essential parts of life but ones that can seriously deplete your financial reserves. So what can you do to stem the flow of cash, start to pay off your debts, or save towards something special such as retirement or a family holiday? FOOD SHOPPING According to Love Food Hate Waste, £13 billion of edible food was wasted by households across the UK in 2015, equating to 7.3 million tonnes.¹ One of the issues is that people don’t plan their food shopping, and overestimate how much their household needs. Although it’s a very convenient way to shop, supermarkets encourage overspending with so-called ‘deals’ and careful placement of goods around the store. This can result in food wastage as consumers

CARS An essential part of everyday life for most people, running a car is expensive and constitutes a significant chunk of the annual budget. So although you may already be resigned to spending a small fortune on your car, have you looked closely at all the costs? Insurance premiums The ever-increasing cost of insurance is a particular bugbear for motorists. On top of the annual increase in premiums, Insurance Premium Tax (IPT) has also risen from 5% to 6%, making insuring your car even more expensive.

Although there’s nothing you can do about IPT, if you plan in advance and can afford to pay in one lump sum rather than by monthly direct debit, you’ll save money in the long-run. It’s also worthwhile looking at the level of cover your current policy provides, and whether it’s still appropriate.

Fuel Fuel is usually the largest cost for motorists, and one of the best ways to save is to alter your driving habits. Avoiding harsh acceleration and braking, and reducing your speed on the motorway, if only by a few miles per hour, will help you save. You can check the price of local

petrol online using PetrolPrices. com, and plan ahead so you’re not forced into buying expensive fuel at motorway service stations en route. Making sure your tyres are at the correct pressure, and reducing unnecessary weight in the car, will also help.

Servicing and MOT Package deals on servicing are available on new and used cars, and although it may seem a large outlay at first, they can offer long-term savings. As far as MOTs are concerned, you can save the cost of a re-test just by carrying out a few simple checks before taking the car in, such as tyre tread depth and light bulbs. PHONES AND TECHNOLOGY Most people don’t question the fact that they have a landline, but do you really need one? If you naturally reach for your mobile to make a call and could manage without a home phone, you’ll make a significant saving on line rental and call costs. If you prefer to keep the landline, maybe you could save on the cost of your mobile phone. With so many competitive pay-as-you-go deals around, it’s worthwhile checking them against your contract. Also, don’t forget about recycling any old phones to raise extra cash.

¹ h t t p s : / / w w w . lovefoodhatewaste.com/article/ unite-food-waste-fight

http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/ money/bills/article-1591904/50ways-save-money.html

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Scott Findlay Plumbing & Heating Engineers 0131 669 9993

info@scottfindlay.co.uk

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09/03/2016 21:28

Health

By Alison Runham www.alison.runham.co.uk

Wheezes and Sneezes: How to Tackle Hay Fever properly (only 14% of steroid nasal spray users were using them correctly in the study).

Hay fever or seasonal allergies can be caused by the pollen of numerous trees, grasses or plants and it affects around 18 million people in the UK.

DIAGNOSIS If you’re unsure it’s hay fever causing your symptoms, see your GP. They may refer you for an allergen test to determine whether you’re allergic to pollen or other organic material such as animal hair or dust mites.

A skin prick test only tests for the most common allergens, so it may be inconclusive. Your skin is pricked and exposed to a tiny dose of allergen - it should react if you’re allergic. A blood test for the Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibody, produced when you encounter pollen, may also be used. Symptoms Symptoms can range from mild to life-impacting: • itchy and/or runny nose • sneezing • irritated, itchy, watery eyes

TREATING HAY FEVER How you treat your hay fever will depend on the type and severity of your symptoms. Research by Allergy UK in 2014 showed that 62% of sufferers found their current medication ineffective – yet they failed to seek better alternatives or didn’t use it

Ask a pharmacist for advice on the right medication and alternatives if it’s ineffective. Ensure you follow doctor’s, pharmacist’s and manufacturer’s instructions carefully. See your GP if over the counter treatments aren’t working, or you develop sinus or ear infections. Oral Medications (Tablets and Liquids) Antihistamines block the action of histamine, a chemical triggered by allergen exposure, to reduce or stop your allergic reaction. They may not relieve a blocked nose but are usually effective against other symptoms. As a preventative, they work best if taken regularly and started in advance of high pollen count periods. They can also be taken as required when symptoms begin. Some older antihistamines (e.g. chlorpheniramine, known as Piriton) make you drowsy and can affect your ability to do your job or drive. However, most people now choose newer, non-sedating antihistamines (e.g. Loratadine).

Steroids are only usually used short-term if other medications aren’t working or if your hay fever causes or aggravates asthma. They reduce symptoms by reducing inflammation. Nasal Sprays and Drops Decongestant nasal sprays unblock your nose but can cause rebound congestion after a few days, so only use them for occasional relief or as an additional treatment on days

when symptoms are severe.

Steroid nasal sprays or drops prevent and reduce inflammation in the nasal lining and can help relieve eye itchiness too. Antihistamine nasal sprays relieve an itchy nose and reduce sneezing. Eyedrops

Antihistamine eyedrops reduce itchiness and watering.

Inhalers and Injections If seasonal allergies cause or exacerbate asthma, you may be offered a steroid inhaler and/or a ‘reliever’, such as salbutamol (‘Ventolin’). Injectable medications may sometimes be recommended if steroids aren’t adequate. Monoclonal antibody treatments (‘mabs’) such as Xolair block a substance involved in allergic reactions.

Immunotherapy If your symptoms are persistent or severe, your doctor may suggest immunotherapy to progressively build allergen immunity. A specialist will gradually introduce your body to small amounts of allergen by injection or a sublingual tablet and monitor your reaction. Treatment is started three months before your trigger pollen season. PREVENTION Reduce pollen contact by avoiding drying washing outside, showering before bed and closing windows. You can check the Met Office pollen forecast at www.metoffice.gov.uk/health/ public/pollen-forecast For more information: AllergyUK: www.allergyuk.org; Helpline: 01322 619898

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COLINTON HAIR DESIGN LADIES, GENTS & CHILDREN WELCOME Now specialising in the latest technology of 100% human hair extensions. Fusion, Micro ring & Nano ring. Free consultations available. 4a Bridge Road, Colinton Village, Edinburgh EH13 0LF. 0131 441 4471

Colinton Private Nursery for children aged 3 months to 5 years Government funded preâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;school places available. Open Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm Part and full-time places available Experienced and Qualified staff Private garden and secure outdoor play area, well equiped to provide a stimulating and play learning environment For further information or to arrange a visit please telephone Joanne Laidlaw on 0131 477 7330

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Feel better and make a change

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WALKIN’N’WOOFIN DOG WALKING SERVICES AND MUCH MORE • 1 TO 1 DOG WALKS • GROUP WALKS (MAXIMUM OF 4 DOGS) • AVAILABLE 7 DAYS A WEEK AT ANY TIME • TAXI SERVICE FOR DOGS • HOME VISITS FOR PUPS FOR THE ELDERLY CANINE • SERVICE TAILORED TO SUIT YOU AND YOUR DOGS NEEDS PHONE SIMON ON: 07713 151 487 EMAIL: INFO@WALKINNWOOFIN.CO.UK WWW.WALKINNWOOFIN.CO.UK

Four Strange Cat Behaviours Explained Cats are amusing and fun to be around, but sometimes their behaviour just seems downright bizarre. If you’ve ever wondered why your cat behaves in a certain way, from kneading its paws to eating plastic bags, we might be able to offer a little insight. Head butts - When your cat bumps its head against you, it means they’re trying to bond and is an expression of affection. They’re also demonstrating trust in you and marking you out as a ‘member of their club’. Staring - Staring is a common trait in cats, if a little unnerving when you’re on the receiving end. They generally stare at their prey before pouncing, but in your case it could be a determined request for food or entertainment. You should also rule out any potential medical reasons if their pupils are constantly dilated it could be the result of

PETS

an eye or other health issue. Eating plastic - Eating non-food items such as plastic, paper, wool or even electrical cords may be a sign of ‘pica’. This is an eating disorder that can be caused by dietary deficiency, stress, boredom or in some cases an underlying health problem. Kneading - When your cat sits on your knee and starts to knead, it’s a sign of contentment and is usually accompanied by a loud purring. They also have scent glands on the bottom of their paw pads, and may be kneading to leave their scent behind – effectively claiming you as their own.

http://www.pethealthnetwork.com/cat-health/catbehavior/6-strange-cat-behaviors-finally-explained

http://www.vetstreet.com/our-pet-experts/10-strange-catbehaviors-explained http://www.sheknows.com/pets-and-animals/ articles/994845/25-random-cat-behaviors-finallyexplained/page:2

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By Ann Haldon

Flower Power by Pippa Greenwood Blooming Hollyhock Flower You can inexpensively and easily grow a huge range of flowers from seed at home. Just about every perennial flower is available to grow from seed, and once they have reached flowering size they’ll just keep on performing! There are lots to choose from, including lupins, silene, Echinaceae, geranium, perennial poppies, delphiniums, gaillardia, hollyhocks, rudbeckia and salvia. Pay a visit to your local garden centre or use a seed catalogue and start planning; you could save a fortune, and all from a packet or two of seed.

into the pots, cells or trays, make sure you collect up any that falls on the surface below.

Once the compost is in the tray or pot, firm it down so that there are no large gaps beneath the surface, and level it off to make it easier to sow the seeds evenly and at the same depth. You can make your own tamper using a piece of wood with a small block of wood nailed to it to make a ‘handle’.

To start, you need containers to sow the seed into – I like to use half-sized seed trays, RootTrainers or smaller individual cells – and some good quality compost and your chosen seeds. It helps if you have something to tamp down the compost too, plus labels, a permanent marker, a dibber and some vermiculite (for covering seeds that need some light to germinate well).

It is easier to look after seedlings if the seed has been sown in straight rows; make the rows using a plastic plant label. Check the packets for the correct depths for the seeds, and if you are sowing seeds in small cells then it is easier to make the holes using a dibber (or a pencil if you don’t have one). RootTrainers are ideal for larger seeds such as sunflowers. Don’t sow too densely or the seedlings will need more thinning out and will be more likely to become drawn, leggy and weak. Once in place, just cover the seed with compost.

Sieve compost through a compost sieve to remove the larger lumps, leaving fine compost perfect for seed sowing. If you sieve it straight

Next, use a watering can with

If you are sowing larger seed into cells, just pop the seeds in to the prepared holes and cover to the required depth.

the rose attached and water thoroughly. If the seed sown was quite small, it is best to stand the tray in a shallow tray or bowl of water, so the compost absorbs water from below – this way the seeds are less likely to be displaced. Finally, label your seed trays clearly, ideally with a permanent marker. Many perennials need heat for the seed to germinate reliably. Put the trays, pots or cells into a propagator, standing each on moist capillary matting. Once the seedlings appear, gradually lower the temperature and then prick each one out into its own pot. Keep them fed and watered as they grow and in just a few weeks or months you will have some great plants ready for the garden.

Visit Pippa’s website www. pippagreenwood.com to buy gorgeous UK grown vegetable plants accompanied by weekly advice emails from Pippa, or to peruse the really useful selection of Pippa’s favourite gardening items including SpeedHoes, SpeedWeeders, raised bed kits, Nemaslug and other nematode controls for leather jackets, vine weevils and other pests, pullout EasyTunnels, signed books and lots more besides.

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With over 15 years experience we can help turn your dream driveway/garden into reality. Right from design and planning to installation and after care. We are always here to help. Driveways, paths, patios, walls. All work comes with a full warranty on product and installation defects. Call for a free quotation on

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Changes Our books this month are all about change, from shifting viewpoints to rewriting history.

Stickertopia, The Flower Garden – Mitchell Beazley Walk into any bookstore and you’re likely to see at least one shelf dedicated to grown-up colouring books. So it’s not too much of a surprise that sticker books are having a similar grown-up makeover. This one includes 30 garden illustrations, from Klimt’s garden path to the butterfly garden in Bronx Zoo. You can add extra colour and detail with stickers of flowers, leaves, butterflies and birds. It’s surprisingly relaxing, and there’s something rather satisfying about putting your own mark on the designs. All Our Wrong Todays – Elan Mastai No one expects Tom Barren to amount to much. They certainly don’t expect him to go back in time and completely change life as they know it. But that’s what happens. In Tom’s world 2016 looks rather different than it does to us. The discovery of a clean, almost effortless form of energy back in the 60s has made the world something of a utopia. But then Tom becomes the first time traveller, and accidently rewrites history. When he gets back to 2016, everything has changed.

Take Courage, Anne Brontë and the Art of Life – Samantha Ellis Anne is often seen as the ‘other Brontë’. Most of us would struggle to remember the names of either of her books. In part this is because of the way she’s usually portrayed – quiet, reserved and, well, less interesting than her siblings. Ellis goes to great lengths to show that this was far from the case. Anne’s novel, The Tenant of Wildfell Hall, was, in many ways, more subversive and ahead of its time than those of her sisters. As Ellis talks us through her research, a very different Anne Brontë starts to emerge. Take Courage is far from a dry clinical biography; Ellis is clearly indignant at Anne’s treatment and the book is a real pleasure to read. Good Me, Bad Me – Ali Land Can a child brought up to be a killer change her fate? That’s the question posed in this gripping psychological thriller. Milly is in foster care with a new family and a new name. All she wants is a fresh start. But Milly’s mum is a serial killer, and Milly was the one who put her behind bars. As the trial approaches, Milly has to

decide what she wants from life, and how far she’s willing to go to get it. The Art of Contribution – Ann Skinner The Art of Contribution aims to help people live a more meaningful life. Life coach Ann Skinner shares her advice for making a positive impact on the world. The book is broken up into short, easily digestible chapters. They focus on lessons that Skinner has learnt herself, from embracing imperfections to contributing not ‘from a place of feeling that some things in the world need fixing, but from a place of wanting to add joy to it’. Homegoing – Yaa Gyasi Homegoing follows the descendants of two African sisters – one sold into slavery, the other married off to a slave trader. We meet warring tribes in Ghana, brutalised slaves on American plantations, men forced into hard labour once slavery has supposedly been outlawed, drug addicts and numerous other characters. Brilliantly written, vivid and, at times, harrowing, this is one of those books you’ll find yourself recommending to anyone who’ll listen.

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Home & Interiors Refresh Your Home For Spring

By Katherine Sorrell

the front door, wiped shelves and light fittings, shampooed rugs, washed loose covers and curtains and taken duvets to the launderette? To say nothing of cleaning mirrors and windows – and scrunched-up newspaper and white vinegar will give them a wonderful sparkle.

As our gardens start to grow and blossom fills the trees, it’s time to think about refreshing and reenergising our homes ready for a stylish spring. Clear the clutter There’s nothing like a good old-fashioned tidy up! Heavy winter duvets, furry throws and cable-knit hot water bottles can all be stored out of the way, while at the same time this is a good opportunity to go through shelves and cupboards and get rid of anything you no longer need. If it’s broken, mend it or throw it away; don’t let worn out, unusable and unnecessary items take up space. Clean house After clearing space, you will probably notice that some of your house could do with a deep clean. How good will you feel when you have washed down

Have a brush with paint Has your paintwork seen better days? Perhaps windows need sanding and repainting, or door frames need touch-ups where they’ve had knocks and bashes? Or maybe a whole room could do with a makeover? Painting is a relatively quick and inexpensive DIY job that creates an overall impression going above and beyond the effort involved. Introduce colour Now’s the time to ditch dark winter shades and get fresh with spring-like colour. Yellow, blue and green are all associated with spring – and Pantone’s colour of the year is gorgeous ‘Greenery’, described as ‘a fresh and zesty yellow-green shade that evokes the first days of spring when nature’s greens revive, restore and renew’. Use with plenty of bright white for a really clean, fresh look. Include a dash of pattern Your backdrop of pale spring colours is perfect for adding pops of pattern to make an impact. Chevrons, triangles and geometrics in general (especially if they have a tribal feel) are still current, as well as tropicals, textures (think chunky knits or grassy weaves), graphic

botanicals such as ferns and leaves and the natural patterns of marble and stone. Up your game with accessories Replace old accessories with on-trend items such as cushions and throws, duvet covers, vases, prints, small storage containers, mirrors, clocks, table lamps and plants. You don’t have to spend a fortune to overhaul your look dramatically. Add some scent Instead of artificial air fresheners, use natural wax scented candles. Alternatively, try reed diffusers with essential oils, or simply arrange locally sourced, scented flowers (those from abroad don’t tend to smell so good). And, try to dry laundry in the sunshine outdoors – you can’t beat that beautiful fresh smell. Bring the outdoors in Now the warmer weather is here, open the windows and get some air circulating around your home. It might even be warm enough to sit outside, so think about pressure washing your patio, scrubbing up your barbecue and cleaning down your outdoor furniture. After all, it’s not that long until summer… Main Image: Artificial bulb jar £5; faceted vase (set of three) £12; short botanic herb jug £12 (small) and £25 (large); green glass tea light holder £5 (large) and £4 (small); fern glass tea light holder £10.50: all from The Contemporary Home, 02392 469400; tch.net.

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Quality, made to measure window blinds supplied and fitted at the best possible prices. Great range of styles. colours, patterns and materials available. Get in touch today to arrange a home visit - for free measurement, friendly and helpful advice and your no obligation quote.

Phone: 07967 580548 / 0131 669 4138 Email: info@portobelloblinds.co.uk Web: www.portobelloblinds.co.uk

ABSOLUTE UPHOLSTERY Traditional and Modern Upholstery Service

HIGH QUALITY DECORATING AT A FAIR PRICE All Types Of Decorating Services Fast & Friendly Service Competitive Prices References Available No Job Too Small No Hidden Extras What We Quote Is What You Pay Residential & Commercial Fully Insured Call Marek today for your FREE quote

07746 266 222 or 0131 2582145 www.mgdecor.co.uk

Are your favourite chairs or sofas in need of a makeover? FROM SMALL REPAIRS TO COMPLETE REFURBISHMENT WIDE RANGE OF FABRICS AVAILABLE PORTFOLIO OF WORK AVAILABLE COMPETITIVE PRICES 15 YEARS EXPERIENCE FREE ESTIMATES

0131 662 6644 07727 224 072 70 Fernieside Crescent,Edinburgh EH17 7HR

Email : info@absoluteupholstery.biz www.absoluteupholstery.biz

50 Relugas Place, Edinburgh, EH9 2PY

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T: 0131 212 5042 M: 07970 594 142 E: kmelectrical1@yahoo.com www.km-electrical.com • Full/partial rewires

• Landlord Certification

• Additional Sockets

• LED Lighting

• Security Lights

• Building Warrant Approved Contractor

• Fuse Board Upgrades • Smoke Alarms

• Maintenance

FIXED LABOUR COSTS - ALL WORK GUARANTEED

20 SPYLAW STREET, COLINTON EH13 0JX ESTABLISHED FOR OVER 20 YEARS

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High quality timber garden products Summerhouses

Play Houses

Garden Sheds Garages/Workshops Garden Seats

Dog Kennels & Garden Stores

Picnic Tables

Table & Chair Sets Garden Benches & Tables

Arches Log Edging & Log Roll

Swing Seats

Arbours Grow Your Own Woodchip & Mulch

Fence Panels,Gates & Posts

Decking & Sleepers Planters

Open weekdays 9am till 5pm and Sat & Sun 11am till 3pm Specialists in High Quality Timber Products and Wood Fuels at Competitive Prices For comprehensive information on all of our products please visit our website

www.champfleurieestate.co.uk

Phone 01506 847999 - E-mail sales@champfleurie.co.uk - Champfleurie Estate, Linlithgow, EH49 6NB

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LIBRARY INFORMATION

OXGANGS LIBRARY 343 Oxgangs Road North, Edinburgh EH13 9LY Tel: 0131 529 5549 Email: oxgangs.library@edinburgh. gov.uk Opening Times: Mon-Weds 10am to 8pm, Thurs – Sat 10am to 5pm Facilities: Free Wifi, Self service, Disabled access, Car park, Community Room for hire, Display/ Exhibition space for public use, Toilets, Toilets for disabled users, Baby Changing facilities & Induction Loop BOOK BUG SESSIONS

Free events for 0 to 3 year olds and their parents/carers. 10.30 - 11.00am every Tues, Fri and Sat.

for boys aged 10 - 14, fortnightly on Wed 6.00 - 7.00pm BASIC COMPUTING HELP

drop-in sessions, every Thurs 4 4.50pm YAP AND YARN

Tues 10.30 – 12.00 CHILDREN'S ARTS AND CRAFTS

Fri from 2.30-3.30pm LIBRARY LINK COFFEE MORNINGS

every other Weds / Thurs / Fri from 10.30 JOB CLUB

Tues 1 - 3pm BREASTFEEDING CAFE

Weds 1.30 - 2.30pm SATELLART – ART AND SCIENCE

BOOK GROUPS

First Weds of every month at 10.15am-11.00am and 6.30pm 7.30pm

KIDS & FAMILIES CHATTERBOOKS BOOK GROUP

for 7 - 12 year olds: every second Tues from 4 - 5pm Storytimes for ages 2-5: Mon 10.30 - 11.00am TIGER TALES

for ages 4 - 8 with parents and carers. Alternate Sat 2.30 - 3.15pm and every Weds 3.30 - 4.15pm. GLITZ LIT READING GROUP

for girls aged 10 - 14, fortnightly on Weds 6.00 - 7.00pm 24

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for 8 – 14 year olds alternate Sat 2 – 3.30pm POLICE SCOTLAND

Drop-in service every Wed 6 – 7pm BENEFITS ADVICE SURGERY (CHAI)

every 2nd Thurs 10am – 12pm NHS SMOKING CESSATION GROUP

every Tues 6.15 – 7.15pm

OTHER GROUPS & SERVICES Councillor's surgery Learn IT beginners' computer classes Family History Classes Parenting classes

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LIBRARY INFORMATION

COLINTON LIBRARY 14 Thorburn Road, Edinburgh EH13 0BQ. Tel: 0131 529 5603 Email: colinton.library@ edinburgh.gov.uk

KIDS & FAMILIES CHATTERBOOKS READING GROUP

for P4/5 children, 3rd Tues of the month, 3.45 - 4.45pm (during term time) TIGER TALES

Opening Times: Mon & Weds 1pm to 8pm, Tues & Fri 10am to 5pm, Sat 10am to 2pm

for 4-7 year olds first Sat of the month 11:15-11:45

Facilities: Free wifi, Disabled access, Car park, Exhibition space Induction loop, Library Link (Fridays at 1pm)

Fri, 3.30 - 4.30pm

BOOKBUG SESSIONS

A free event for 0-4 year olds and their parents and carers: Tuesday 2.15 - 2.45pm Friday 10.30 - 11.00am Saturday 10.30 - 11.00am BOOK GROUPS

Two groups meet on the last Weds of every month at 6.30pm and the last Tues of the month at 2pm.

CRAFTS CHILDRENS KNITTING GROUP

Learn knitting skills with the library staff every Weds 3:30-4:30pm OTHER GROUPS & SERVICES LEARN IT

beginners' computer classes CLASSES LEARN E-BAY AND FAMILY HISTORY ask next time you're in the library Find out all about libraries including borrowing, reserving and renewing books.

Do you run a business and are looking to reach new customers? Tell local residents all about you! Advertise with The Dell Directory from only £68.00 for a half page colour or £49.00 mono per issue. Other advert sizes are also available.

Delivered monthly to 4,500 homes in the Colinton & Craiglockhart areas.

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GORDON MACDONALD MSP SAYS SCOTLAND MUST HAVE CHOICE OVER FUTURE HARD BREXIT MEANS OPTION OF INDEPENDENCE MUST BE OFFERED SNP MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands has said that it is absolutely correct and appropriate for the people of Scotland to be offered a choice, once the options become clear, between a Tory hard Brexit and becoming an independent country, after the First Minister Nicola Sturgeon confirmed plans to seek parliamentary approval to begin discussions with the UK government to bring forward an independence vote. Ahead of the UK government’s triggering of Article 50 and the beginning of the process of leaving the EU, the First Minister said that the Westminster government has been guilty of complete intransigence in the face of Scottish Government attempts to find a compromise – and has continually acted against the best interests of Scotland, not least by ruling out membership of the single

market without consulting the Scottish Government. SNP MSP Gordon Macdonald has said that it has become clear that the UK government has no intention of respecting Scotland’s 62% vote to remain in the EU and Edinburgh’s 74% vote to remain in the EU. Commenting, SNP MSP for Gordon Macdonald said, “Throughout the entire Brexit process to date, the Scottish Government has been consistent in its pursuit of a compromise with the UK government, putting forward substantial proposals for Scotland to remain in the single market – yet the UK government has rejected these and is pursuing an ever harder line. “It is within this context, with the UK government intent on pursuing a damaging hard Brexit and set to trigger Article

50 without communicating with the devolved governments, that it has become ever clearer that the people of Scotland must be offered a choice over our future. “The SNP will always stand up for Scotland’s interests and we are intent on protecting Scotland’s place in the single market. The people of Scotland deserve to choose, once the terms of Brexit are clear and before it is too late to decide our own path, honouring the manifesto pledge that we were elected on last year. “Scotland now stands at a crossroads, and we cannot drift along for two years hoping for the best. We face the real prospect of right-wing Tory governments until at least 2030 and being dragged out of the EU and Single Market with all the damage to our economy and society that will cause.”

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AND AT COLINTON MAINS SHOPS FROM 12:20 UNTIL 12:55 SELLS: HADDOCK, COD, HERRING, KIPPERS, LEMON SOLE, TUNA, MACKEREL, TROUT, HALIBUT, SALMON

Please use this advert Jan, Feb, To advertise call Ann on 07843 449441 May, June, July, Aug, Sept, Oct

Don’t Just Leave Your Care To The Kids by Kate McLelland

A debate about how we will fund social care - now and in the future - is currently raging, with politicians blaming each other for the looming crisis. These days the media is full of stories about vulnerable older people let down by fifteenminute home care visits. Added to this, the Guardian recently reported that the country has lost almost 1,500 residential care homes in the past six years. All this may leave you wondering what quality of care we can expect in the coming years. If you have children, it may be tempting to ignore the negative headlines, in the hope that your offspring will look after you when the time comes. But given the way lifestyles are changing and new working patterns are emerging, this could be a risky strategy: you would be wise to put an alternative plan in place. Blame the economy Nowadays, economic pressures are forcing families to live further apart. Research carried out by the WRVS found that a reduction in job security, coupled with changes in the labour market, has driven many families to live elsewhere. 82 per cent of adults who moved away from their parents did so for work reasons,

with the result that 10 per cent of older people now live more than an hour’s drive away from their nearest child. We’re all living longer Thanks to improvements in health care, older people are now living longer. Parents are also waiting longer before having their first child – statistics gathered last year showed that first-time mums in their thirties and forties now outnumber those giving birth at age 20 and under. With the state pension age due to rise again from 66 to 67 between 2026 and 2028, our working lives are getting longer, too. It’s likely that you will start to need care just as your children are working through their final years before retirement. Even after retirement it’s entirely possible that – exhausted by years of work and parental responsibility – your children may be reluctant to swap fulltime work for the job of full-time carer. Thinking ahead If you are intending to downsize, then consider moving to a property that can be modified as your needs change, with a toilet

- and ideally a shower room - on the ground floor, and a reception room that can be adapted into a bedroom if you become unable to climb the stairs. If the property is close to shops and good transport links, so much the better. As you grow older, you should continue to discuss your situation with your children. It may be that you all agree to move into a property with a ‘granny flat’, or compromise by moving separately to an area where there is a good residential care home nearby, so you can still maintain close contact with your loved ones if your health deteriorates. Finally, keep an eye on options for funding your longterm care. There are some excellent sources of advice available, including the Money Advice Service (www. moneyadviceservice.org.uk). None of us can predict what will happen in the future. In the best-case scenario you could remain fit and healthy throughout your old age, but if that isn’t the case, considering your options now may make life a little easier for yourself, and your family, as you grow older.

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ith over 25 years experience caring for older people across Scotland, Lindemann Healthcare was established in 1995, with the aim to deliver care services to older people with the highest quality, which we all deserve. We believe that individuality should be the main basis of the care given within our Care Homes. In a nursing environment great attention is paid to activities of daily living. Each resident receives a careful assessment to identify what his or her individualised care should be. This allows care plans to be constructed to meet their specific needs. Our dedicated team aim to provide specialized care in a safe homely atmosphere where the residents are cared for with dignity and respect. This allows each resident to function at their optimum level where they can feel contented and â&#x20AC;&#x153;at homeâ&#x20AC;?.

Struan Lodge Nursing Home 54 Balgreen Avenue, Edinburgh EH12 5SU T: 0131 337 7477 F: 0131 337 8886 email:struan@lindemann-healthcare.co.uk website:www.lindemann-healthcare.co.uk

Thorburn Manor Nursing Home 2a Thorburn Road, Edinburgh EH13 0BQ T: 0131 441 6984 F: 0131 629 2298 email: thorburn@lindemann-healthcare.co.uk website: www.lindemann-healthcare.co.uk

We offer every resident, and their loved ones, the opportunity to participate in their care to a level of involvement that they choose. We believe that our Care Homes should be therapeutic yet homelike environments where the resident can feel their individual needs are met with priority.

Lorimer House Nursing Home 491 Lanark Roadm, Juniper Green, Edinburgh EH14 5DQ T: 0131 442 2123 F: 0131 453 4466 email: lorimer@lindemann-healthcare.co.uk website: www.lindemann-healthcare.co.uk

To advertise call Ann on 07843 449441

CLUBS & CLASSES

SPORTS, HOBBIES, LEARNING, SUPPORT GROUPS & MORE... COLINTON BADMINTON CLUB

Monday 8pm-10pm from Sept to March Contact: Archie Clark on 0131 449 4703 Location: St. Cuthberts Church Hall, Westgarth Ave STABLE ROOM PLAYGROUPS

Happy and stimulating playgroups from 2-5 years old. Colinton Parish Church, Dell Road Mon, Weds and Fri 9.15am to 12.00pm (term time). Contact 0131 477 9494 or Email: stableroom@hotmail.co.uk STABLE ROOM BABY AND TODDLER GROUPS

Colinton Parish Church, Dell Road Thurs 9.30am - 11.30am (term time) Contact: Morag on 07846 891527. Please phone first before coming as we operate a waiting list. PROGRESS FITNESS

Classes in Colinton and Juniper Green. Classes include: Zumba, Zumba Step, Zumba Gold,Total Body Conditioning, Yoga and Fitness Yoga. £5 per class or 10 for only £40.00! For full details go to www.progressfitness.co.uk

COMPLEMENTARY FITNESS CLASSES

All Level classes. Tues: Fitness Pilates 7.30pm in Craiglockhart Church Hall & Classes in Dreghorn Loan Church Hall, Colinton on Weds: Fitness Toning 9.30am Thurs: Fitness Yoga 6.35pm & Fitness Pilates 7.30pm. Fri: Fitness Yoga 9.30am info & details www.complementaryfitness.co.uk COLINTON GARDEN CLUB

Meets 4th Monday of every month Dreghorn Loan Hall at 8.00pm. September to April. Email: membership@colintongardens.org.uk www.colintongardens.org.uk WEDNESDAY WALKING GROUP

Meet every Wednesday for walks in the Lothians, Fife, the Borders and further afield. Transport from Currie Library car park, walks of various grades and distances (usually 6 to 8 miles). Just turn up and go. Contact: M. Timmins T: 0131 449 4525 or A Blythe T:0131 629 3644 (Balerno and District Ramb lers) for details and a programme. SISTERS WITH SPIRIT

A new women’s group that meet on the first Thursday (at 7.30pm) every month Swing Café at Colinton Parish Church. For more details on the themes for our meetings, and to book tickets, please visit www.facebook.com/sisterswithspirit or call 0131 441 2232

DO YOU RUN A CLUB OR A CLASS? AND WOULD YOU LIKE TO LET MORE PEOPLE KNOW ABOUT IT? Send your details to thedelldirectoryedinburgh@gmail.com. All listings booked are for 3 month slots and small fee will be charged. The Dell Directory is delivered monthly to 4,500 homes in the Colinton & Craiglockhart areas.

For more information contact: Ann on 07843 449 441 or email thedelldirectoryedinburgh@gmail.com 30

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WHAT'S ON WEDDING OPEN EVENING

Saturday 4th to Sunday 5th March from 11am. Fri 7th April, 5pm – 8pm, The Edinburgh Corn Exchange. A great opportunity to meet our experienced wedding team to discuss all your ideas for the big day. Free admission and free parking. Event starts 5pm – 8pm FAMILY FUN DAY AT OXGANGS NEIGHBOURHOOD CENTRE

Sunday 9th April from 2pm-4pm. Kids Disco, Bouncy Castle, Egg Painting Competition, Face Painting and Refreshments. Entry 50p. Address: 71 Firrhill Drive, Oxgangs, Edinburgh EH13 9EU COLINTON COMMUNITY COUNCIL MEETING

Tuesday 11th April at 7.30pm at Colinton Bowling Club. BACK TO THE BEATLES AT COLINTON INN

Thursday 20th April & Thursday 8th May at 8pm, doors and bar open at 7pm (TICKET BY ADMISSION ONLY) Do you like the Fab Four? Come along to ‘Back to the Beatles’ at the Colinton Inn, Colinton Village

and be entertained by Iain Wright presenting their best loved songs. Pre-order your FREE tickets by emailing backbeatles@outlook.com. POLWARTH PRE-LOVED SALE

Sat 22nd April, 11am – 1pm. Polwarth Church, Polwarth Terrace, Edinburgh. Over 5000 items for sale, nursery equipment, toys, kids clothes, maternity wear. GIANT PUB QUIZ (ST COLOMBIA'S HOSPICE)

Giant Pub Quiz (St Columba’s Hospice) Thursday 27th April, 6.30pm for 7pm quiz start – ages 18 or over. The Edinburgh Corn Exchange. Fun evening with friends great prizes for 1st 2nd and 3rd place. ACTIVATOR GOLD MULTI ACTIVITY EASTER CAMP

Craiglockhart Leisure Centre, Tel: 0131 443 0101 A camp where kids in P1 - P7 can try out lots of different sports and learn some brilliant new skills every day. Bookable for a day or a week, early drop off and late pick up times available at no extra cost.

Polwarth Church, Polwarth Terrace, Edinburgh EH11 1LU

Saturday 22nd April 2017, 11am–1pm Nearly new children’s clothes and toys, nursery equipment, maternity wear, high chairs, buggies, pushchairs, garden toys and much more. Over 5000 items for sale. FOR EDINBURGH PARENTS BY EDINBURGH PARENTS We also welcome donations of items to sell. Please email donations@polwarthprelovedsale.com

www.polwarthprelovedsale.com @polwarthprelovedsale

@polwarthplsale

The April 2017 sale will be raising money for LoveOliver The Polwarth Pre-Loved Sale is the new incarnation of the Polwarth Nearly New Sale. We have a new name, team and website but the ethos of the sale remains the same. The sales will continue to raise money for local Edinburgh charities and provide a great opportunity to grab some fantastic bargains for babies and children. Each sale supports a local children's charity chosen by the sales administration team and the Polwarth Parish Church who kindly host the events.

To advertise call Ann on 07843 449441

Recipes/Food Notes

Ricotta Stuffed Chicken Serves 4

Ready in 1 hour 10 minutes

This recipe is a great way to turn chicken fillets into something special. You can prepare them a couple of hours in advance and keep covered in the fridge, then simply cook when needed.

Ingredients: • 75g ricotta cheese • 2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves • 2 tsp finely grated lemon zest • 4 large skinless chicken breast fillets • 12 thin-cut rashers streaky bacon • 5 tbsp olive oil • 2 tbsp white wine vinegar • 1tsp Dijon mustard • Pinch of sugar • 100g baby spinach leaves • 2 tbsp pine nuts, toasted

TIP

Instead of ricotta you could use low-fat soft cheese such as Philadelphia or a mild and creamy goats’ cheese.

Use a sharp knife to make a deep pocket in each chicken fillet, making sure not to cut right the way through. Place the ricotta cheese in a bowl and stir in the thyme leaves and the lemon zest. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Place one-quarter of the ricotta mixture in the pocket of each chicken fillet. Use the back of a knife to stretch the bacon rashers. Wrap 3 rashers around each chicken fillet and secure with a metal skewer. Preheat the oven to 180C, 160C Fan, Gas Mark 4. Heat 1tbsp of the oil in a frying pan and fry the chicken fillets over high heat for 2-3 minutes until the bacon is browned, turning once. Transfer to a roasting tin and cook for 35-40 minutes until the chicken is cooked through. Cover and leave in a warm place to rest for 10 minutes. To make the dressing, whisk the remaining oil with the vinegar, mustard and sugar in a small jug and season to taste. Slice each chicken fillet into 6 pieces and arrange on the salad leaves. Scatter over the toasted pine nuts and spoon over the dressing. Serve immediately.

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Mobile: 07969 769 153 email: lpg@blueyonder.co.uk

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Edinburgh Roofing Services are Edinburgh & the Lothianâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s No. 1 recommended roof maintenance contractors. We have been in the roofing & building industry for over 20 years providing customers with a full range of roofing services. When you are looking for a roofing contractor who can be trusted to carry out any work to the highest standards from start to completion, Edinburgh Roofing Services are proud to be Scotlandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 1st Which? Trusted Trader.

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I N S U R A N C E B A C K E D G U A R A N T E E S To advertise call Ann on 07843 449441 35

PUZZLE & QUIZ

Awards and Prizes 1. Originally receiving the most votes, which dog was removed as a candidate for the first ever Best Actor Oscar after the Academy wanted to have a human actor win the award so they would appear more serious? 2. Which London art museum hosts the annual Turner Prize exhibition? 3. The Man of Steel award is given annually to the player voted best in which sport? 4. Who was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize? 5. Which annual award has a name containing three nouns that, according to an analysis of the Oxford English Corpus of over one billion words, are the first, second and third most commonly used nouns in the English language? 6. On which game show were a chequebook and pen awarded as a booby prize? 7. Winning in 1966, who was the first footballer to win the BBC Overseas Sports Personality of the Year award? 8. After winning the Nobel Prize for Literature in 2016, Bob Dylan became only the second person to have won both an Oscar and a Nobel Prize. Born in Dublin in 1856, who was the first? 9. What is the maximum individual prize in a monthly premium bonds draw? 10. Sometimes referred to as the animalsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Victoria Cross, the Dickin Medal was established in 1943 and was awarded 54 times to honour actions during World War Two. What type of animals were honoured more than any other, with 32 awards in total?

LAST MONTHS SOLUTION Drink Up 1. What drink was first produced in Somerset in the 1930s and was named after the scientific name for the blackcurrant? Ribena

5. What drink is sometime's referred to as "Adam's ale"? Water

8. What are the four types of alcoholic drink mentioned in the lyrics of the 1997 hit single Tubthumping by Chumbawumba? 6. What drinks brand originated in Whiskey, lager, cider, vodka ("He the 19th century when the owner drinks a whiskey drink, he drinks 2. The Coca-Cola Company is of an oyster bar in London began a vodka drink, he drinks a lager drink, he drinks a cider drink") headquartered in which American offering a gin-based drink with state? Georgia (in the city of a mixture of herbs and liqueurs 9. Best known for their machines Atlanta) as an aid to digestion, serving that allow people to make their own carbonated drinks at home, it in a small tankard known as 3. How many units of alcohol what company reintroduced their a "number one cup"? Pimm's are there in total in a bottle of slogan "get busy with the fizzy" in (Pimm's Number One Cup is the wine that has an alcohol volume 2010? Soda Stream most popular Pimm's drink) of 12%? 9 (calculated as the 10. Which cocktail is reportedly volume in litres, 0.75, multiplied 7. In the first chapter of Alice's named after a surfer who, after by the alcohol volume) Adventures In Wonderland, what losing a contest, had too many happens to Alice when she drinks drinks and kept bumping into 4. What liqueur shares its name with the Dutch word for "lawyer"? from a bottle labelled "drink me"? furniture? Harvey Wallbanger Advocaat She shrinks (after Tom Harvey)

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USEFUL INFORMATION

COMMUNITY REPRESENTATION

Edinburgh City Council – www.edinburgh.gov.uk Local Councillors: Colinton/Fairmilehead Elaine Aitken - Conservative - 0131 529 4282 Buckstone Primary, 3rd Monday Term Time 6.30pm Jason Rust - Conservative - 0131 529 4953 First Monday of the month: Oxgangs Library - 6.30pm and Colinton Library - 7.30pm Richard Lewis - SNP - 0131 529 4974 Bonaly Primary School – 1st Monday every month at 7pm (term time) Oxgangs Library – 3rd Monday every month at 7pm (term time) Colinton Amenity Association www.colinton-amentity.org.uk Colinton Community Council - www.colintoncc.org.uk Firrhill Community Council www.firrhillcommunitycouncil.btck.co.uk Pentland Community Centre - 0131 445 287 www.edinburgh.gov.uk LEISURE

Edinburgh Leisure – 0131 458 2100 www.edinburghleisure.co.uk MEDICAL

Colinton Pharmacy – 0131 441 2352 Mon-Fri: 9-1pm & 2-5.45pm. Sat: 9am to 1pm Colinton Mains Pharmacy – 0131 441 3388 Times- Monday - Friday 9am - 6pm. Saturday- 9am- 1pm. Closed daily between 1pm and 2pm. Colinton Surgery – 0131 441 4555 www.colintonsurgery.co.uk - Mon- Fri 8am- 6pm Firrhill Medical Centre – 0131 441 3119 Mon- Fri 8am- 6pm Royal Infirmary – 0131 536 1000 www.nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk Sick Kids Hospital – 0131 536 0000 www.nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk NHS 24 – 08454 24 24 24 - www.nhs24.com PROPERTY

ESPC – 0131 624 8000 - www.espc.co.uk SAFETY

Association of Scottish Neighbourhood Watches – 01786 450 145, www.aosnw.co.uk Crimestoppers – 0800 555 111

POST OFFICES & LIBRARIES

Colinton Post Office – 0131 441 1003 www.postoffice.co.uk Mon-Fri 9am - 5.30pm. Sat 9am - 12.30pm Colinton Mains Post Office – 0131 441 2657 www.postoffice.co.uk Mon-Fri 9am - 5.30pm. Sat 9am - 12.30pm Colinton Library – 0131 529 5603 www.edinburgh.gov.uk Mon, Wed: 1pm - 8pm, Tue, Fri 10am - 5pm, Sat: 10am - 2pm. Sunday: Closed. Oxgangs Library – 0131 529 5549 www.edinburgh.gov.uk Mon, Tues, Wed 10am - 8pm. Thurs, Fri Sat 10am - 5pm. Sun - 1-5pm SCHOOLS

Bonaly Primary School – 0131 441 7211 www.bonaly.edin.sch.uk Colinton Primary School – 0131 441 1946 www.colintonprimaryschool.wordpress.com Firrhill High School – 0131 441 4501 www.firrhillhighschool.org.uk Merchiston Castle School – 0131 312 2200 www.merchiston.co.uk Oxgangs Primary School – 0131 441 3649 www.oxgangs.edin.sch.uk St Marks RC Primary School – Tel 0131 441 2948 www.st-marks.edin.sch.uk UTILITIES

Electricity Power Loss – 0845 27 27 999 www.sppowersystems.co.uk Gas Emergency – 0800 111 999 www.nationalgrid.com/uk/gas Scottish Water 24 hours – 0845 600 8855 www.scottishwater.co.uk Cleansing & Special Uplifts – 0131 666 2623 www.edinburgh.gov.uk (environmental health) TRAVEL & TRANSPORT

Train Times and Enquiries – 0845 748 49 50 www.networkrail.co.uk Edinburgh Airport – 0870 040 0007 www.edinburghairport.com Traveline Scotland – 0871 200 22 33 www.travelinescotland.com Lothian Buses – 0131 555 6363 www.lothianbuses.com

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

SMC Joinery 07884203957

smcjoinery@hotmail.co.uk Telephone 0131 466 3494 ...............................................................................

Supply and fit kitchens Maintenance/ letting work All joinery work undertaken ●Kitchens ●Windows ●Doors ●Skirting ●Facings ●Ceilings ●Roofs ●Decking ●Fencing ●Double Glazing ........................................................ Free estimate All trades supplied Fully Insured Oxgangs Farm Loan Edinburgh EH13 9QD

RE-UPHOLSTERY SPECIALISTS  Quotes are FREE - and we come to you  Choose from a huge selection of fabrics  Collection, and delivery in 2-4 weeks  We have full repair services  French Polishing

CALL US NOW: 0131 447 3135

6–10 Church Hill Place, Edinburgh, EH10 4BD

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Trusted family firm trading locally for over

ERS 30 years in Fairmilehead & Edinburgh South D L BUI TEL: 0131 4451424 / MOBILE: 07970874508

FULL BUILDING AND LANDSCAPING SERVICE HARLING - BRICKWORK - PATHS & PATIOS - DRIVEWAYS - STEPS WALLS - STONEWORK - FENCING - LANDSCAPING -CHIMNEYS & ALL ROOFING WORK UNDERTAKEN

for testimonials from residents and photo gallery visit www.jmbuildersedinburgh.com James McCallum, 58 Caiystane Terrace, Edinburgh EH106SW email: jmbuilders.edinburgh@gmail.com

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Hobbies The Sky’s No Limit For Amateur Photographers By Kate McLelland Ever since the BBC launched its ‘Weather Watchers’ feature in November 2015, the work of the UK’s amateur photographers has enjoyed unparalleled public exposure, with images contributed by keen volunteers appearing on our TV screens morning, noon and night.

According to the BBC’s Head of Weather, Liz Howell, the goal of Weather Watchers – launched as part of the BBC’s flagship Make it Digital initiative - was to create a new, crowdsourced weather club that would “enable people across the UK to help tell the story of the great British weather”. While it has definitely achieved that aim, it has also showcased the talent of Britain’s amateur photographers in an unexpected way. So what do you need to become an amateur photographer?

Which camera? When you start to shop for cameras, you may be confused by terms such as ‘SLR’ or ‘DSLR’ and ‘mirrorless cameras’. ‘SLR’ stands for ‘single lens reflex’. ‘DSLR’ is, of course, used for a digital single lens reflex camera. Both types use a mirror between the lens and the film (or digital image sensor), which means the image you see

through the viewfinder or display screen is the same as the one that will appear on the final image. The lighter, less bulky ‘mirrorless camera’ (also known as a compact system camera) is becoming more popular. There are many, many websites available to guide you towards the best purchase. If you are still finding it hard to make a decision after your research, you could drop into your local camera shop for some face-toface advice. What subjects excite me? Before you stock up on expensive equipment, it may be helpful to decide on the kind of photography that really interests you. Wildlife shots? Portraits of people? Urban and rural landscapes? Macro images? Once you’ve decided, you’ll be able to focus on the specific items of equipment you need – for example, would a tripod be useful for shooting in low light without flash? Will you need a telephoto lens for long distance shots? How about a wideangle lens, for photographing a high building or an expansive landscape?

Final finish You may also want to think about how your images will be

used. Will you print them as hard copies and create a portfolio of your work, or maybe share them online, using an image hosting website such as Flikr? If you decide to go digital rather than use film, you will probably need to download some photo editing software. This can be expensive, but don’t worry if you can’t afford products at the top end of the market. You can download free software such as GIMP, Paint.NET or Photoscape that perform most of the functions you’ll need, without adding to your budget. How do I learn? There are many ways to develop the skills you need. You could take an adult education course, join a local camera club, buy a ‘how to’ book or simply look online for sites that offer advice to beginners. Of course, it may be some time before you feel confident enough to share your work with a wider audience. Then it will be up to you whether you become a BBC Weather Watcher, an entrant for ‘Amateur Photographer of the Year’ or someone who simply loves to share their work with family and friends.

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Colinton Building Services

Colinton Building Services carries out all aspects of general building and renovation work OUR SERVICES Our company provides the following services. • House Extensions • Conservatories • Brick and Stone Walls • Attic Conversions • Garages • Driveways • Renovation work • Kitchens • Slabbing • L andscaping • Decking • Decoration Quality work at a Reasonable Price

Call for a FREE estimate or advice 0131 478 9359, 07714 951 810

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INDEX OF ADVERTISERS A quick and easy reference guide to all services in The Dell Directory ARCHITECTS Andy Ross

ARIEL & SATELLITE SERVICES Douglas S Mackay Kinnear Aerials

15 22

BUILDING SERVICES Worlds End Roofing & Building J M Builders Colinton Building Services

6 38 41

CARPETS & CLEANING James Burnett Carpet Cleaning James Erskine

9 33

CHIROPODIST/PODIATRIST Colinton Chiropody

COMPUTER HELP/REPAIRS Colinton PC Solutions Capital PC Repairs

9 9

HOME SERVICES Urban Cleaning Assistants Fiona's House Cleaning

7 14

JOINERY SMC Joinery MSP Gordon MacDonald

38 27

NURSERY Colinton Private Nursery

OVEN CLEANING The Clean Team

6 19 21

PET WALKING SERVICES Walkin 'n' Woofin

ELECTRICIAN Bryter Electrical Ltd D Sykes Electrical Ltd KM Electrical

10 10 22

PLUMBING Currievale Plumbing and Drainage Shandon Plumbing

19 41

FISH MERCHANT/SUPPLIER Marc Horsburgh

RESIDENTIAL ELDERLY CARE Thorburn Manor (Lindemann Healthcare)

GARDEN FURNITURE Champfleurie Estate

GARDENING & LANDSCAPE SERVICES Alpine Paving Greenspace Landscapes Taurus Gardening Ltd Evergreen Balerno Luxury Lawns

RE-UPHOLSTERERS Absolute Upholstery James Erskine

21 38

17 17 17 17 44

GAS HEATING & SERVICING Smart Heating Edinburgh Scott Findlay & Heating Engineers Geoff Lennie Plumbing & Heating

3 10 33

HANDYMAN SERVICES RKB Home & Garden HAIRDRESSING Colinton Hair Design

3 13

ROOFING SERVICES Worlds End Roofing & Building Edinburgh Roofing Services Fairmile Roofing

6 34/35 43

SOLICITORS & ESTATE AGENTS Allingham & Co

STONE MASONRY SERVICES Architectural Conservation

TREE & HEDGE REMOVALS Delisle Tree Solutions

WINDOWS & BLINDS Portobello Blinds

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“Going the extra mile”

Fairmile Roofing

Slating &Tiling Flat Roofing Single Ply Roofing Lead Work Pointing & Guttering Roughcasting & Harling Emergency Roofing

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108 Biggar Road Edinburgh EH10 7DU

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Call 01896 831769 or 0800 050 2122 For a free quotation info@luxury-lawns.co.uk

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