APRIL 2021
WINE TASTING:
LOCAL PEOPLE:
PLUS: MONEY MATTERS, the new normal, Puzzles, and more local features inside!
P30
T
he magazine has spring-like feel this month – here’s hoping that the feeling of spring, new life and hope all translate into our real-life experience now as we gradually head back to normality. Lynn’s Seasonal Touch column looks at the whys and wherefores of our big spring clean traditions. For some, the pandemic means financial hardship, but help is on hand – an article from CAP Edinburgh West Debt Centre on page 15 gives information on where you can find help if you or someone you know is feeling overwhelmed by debt. It’s a free service. Ravelrig Riding for the Disabled are looking for help and have information on page 41 on how you can help just via some of your everyday activities. Suzanne’s New Normal will make you smile, although with hairdressers opening again this month (yay!) this particular aspect of the new normal may become just a fond memory! Wishing all readers and customers a happy Easter – make sure you check out the wine recommendation column on page 36 before you do your shopping for Easter lunch!
THIS ISSUE Local People: Rev Ollie Clegg..........................9 Charity: Debt Counselling, always hope..... 15 Ask Your Pharmacist: Stress Awareness.... 17 Health: Shoulder pain....................................... 18 Interiors: The whys and wherefores of the big spring clean.......................................... 24 Money Matters: Having your cake and eating it................................................................. 26 Local Environment: Common Frogs............. 30 Puzzles.................................................................. 32 Wine Tasting: Lamb and wine at Easter time........................................................... 36 Turning Over a New Leaf................................. 38 The New Normal: When things get hairy!...................................................................... 42
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R E V.
LLIE
LEGG:
Ollie and family
ST MUNGO’S WELCOMES THE FLYING CHAPLAIN Ollie Clegg became Rector of St Mungo’s Church, Balerno in March, succeeding the Rev Canon Malcolm Round. He joined the staff in 2017, first as Director of Evangelism and then Associate Rector. Previously he served as Youth Minister at Holy Trinity Church, Wester Hailes. Ollie enjoys sport, art and spending time with his family. He’s married to Laura, an obstetrician and gynaecologist, and they are parents to Ellie (5) and Harry (3). As a student at Cambridge College of Art and Technology, Ollie Clegg was a member of the college rowing club. He rowed in the first eight, describing it as, “an amazing feeling … eight people, rowing in sync, going at top speed.” Ollie, a young Christian, worked to build community among the team. This earned him the title ‘The Flying Chaplain’, a play on ‘The Flying Scotsman’, used to describe Olympian runner Eric Liddell. Years later St Mungo’s new rector describes how he enjoys encouraging and equipping others, and watching them put their skills to work. And I can’t help picturing the church as a united rowing club, efficiently working together as they glide towards common goals. Ollie grew up in Edinburgh, where his parents were elders in the Church of Scotland. Although he believed in God, his own faith did not become real until he was a college student. After earning a degree in geography and a PGCE, Ollie spent one year in Washington state, USA, teaching college students about leadership. The following year he was in Washington D.C., assisting the Chaplain to the US Senate. “It was Dr. Ogilvie who told me I had all the necessary qualities for the ordained ministry,” Ollie comments. After returning home he studied theology, and was ordained into the Church of Scotland. @KonectMagazines
Some were surprised when Ollie asked to do his 18 months’ probation at Holy Trinity, Wester Hailes. “After theological college, I wanted some ‘real life’ experience,” he says, “and I got it!” Ollie became the church’s Youth Minister and continued the work of community outreach. “There were successes and failures,” he says. “I met some interesting young people, and learned to depend on God more.” Eighteen months turned into 16 years. Ollie met Laura – she played violin in the worship band he led – and they married in 2010. A link between St Mungo’s and Holy Trinity meant the Balerno church paid a portion of Ollie’s salary. So he already felt connected to St Mungo’s when Rector Malcolm Round came for a chat. “Still, it was a big move,” he says, “I had to be ordained again – this time into the Episcopal Church – but it felt right and natural.” Ollie’s main goal for St Mungo’s is to be good news to the community. The pandemic and subsequent lockdowns have surely presented challenges. But I have no doubt he will be very good at encouraging the church to ‘keep rowing’. The Local People column is contributed by Suzanne Green. Suzanne, a freelance writer/ editor, lives in Balerno and writes regularly for Konect. She is married to Andy and they have two adult daughters. BALERNO | 9
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Debt Counselling The Covid-19 pandemic is expected to push many more people into financial difficulty. If you, or anyone you know, is experiencing the pressure of unmanageable debt, free help is available.
Help is available please give CAP a call and let them help you get your life back on track. Book an appointment with CAP by calling Freephone 0800 328 0006 or visit capscotland.org You can also contact Melanie by email: melaniekilburn@capuk.org
The CAP Edinburgh West Debt Centre is run by Holy Trinity Church, serving people in the west side of the city and West Lothian. Christians Against Poverty (CAP) is a UK debt counselling charity and is passionate about helping people from all ages, backgrounds, ethnicities and faiths. CAP Debt Centre Manager Melanie Kilburn explains “Sometimes people feel they have made mistakes but very often they have been driven into debt by suffering from job loss, relationship breakdown or coping with illness in the family or a bereavement – situations that are often difficult, emotional and have a financial impact.” TV’s Money Saving Expert Martin Lewis has described CAP as “unsurpassed” in its in-depth service which encourages and supports each household to repay what they owe - or go through an insolvency until the day they are debt free. The local debt centre works with each person until they become debt free. Meanwhile CAP’s head office specialists negotiate with creditors, create a budget and provide ongoing technical support. If you know things are out of control and you’re stressed, missing meals or sleep, @KonectMagazines
Lifting the weight of debt in Scotland Free debt advice and personal support in Edinburgh & West Lothian. Book your free appointment
0800 328 0006 capscotland.org
In partnership with Holy Trinity Church, Wester Hailes and supported by funding from the Scottish Government. Charity Registered No: 1097217 (England & Wales), SC038776 (Scotland). CAP is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
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ASK YOUR PHARMACIST
Although we won’t be venturing far from home this Easter, it’s a good time to take stock of your family’s health and who better to help than your friendly community pharmacy team at Lindsay & Gilmour? Whether you want to talk to someone about managing seasonal allergies, stock up your medicine cupboard as the children go back to school or just discuss your prescriptions with one of our highly trained Pharmacists, we are always here for you. Did you know that April is Stress Awareness Month? We don’t need to look too far to see how stress can affect us all just now so why not chat to one of our team for some simple steps to help you cope. We have safe, friendly private consultation rooms available in most of our pharmacies and operate all our premises strictly in line with COVID regulations. Please remember our expert team are on hand to support with treatment for many minor illnesses and common health complaints without the
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need for a GP appointment. This is thanks to the recently introduced NHS Scotland Pharmacy First service at all of Lindsay & Gilmour’s central Edinburgh branches. We can also help you take any stress out of ordering your repeat prescriptions. Our free online app makes it quick and easy to order and track repeat prescriptions at the touch of a button. We can also delivery them to your door, free of charge. Just visit our website for more details: lindsayandgilmour.co.uk For more information on Stress Awareness Month please visit: nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters/stress Please note: Our pharmacy opening hours are NOT affected by the current government restrictions. You will find details of our opening hours here lindsayandgilmour.co.uk/location Your nearest branch and Pharmacists: 536 Lanark Road, Juniper Green 0131 453 3130 2 Pentland View Court, Currie 0131 449 2707 24 Main Street, Balerno 0131 449 5477
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HEALTH
Shoulder pain will affect 10% of us at some time in our life and can be caused by several things. It may be referred from an irritated nerve in the neck, may be a “Frozen shoulder” due to an adhesive capsulitis or may be what is now called Rotator Cuff Related Shoulder Pain (RCRSP).
The Rotator Cuff is the group of four muscles that surround the shoulder joint. They work together to control shoulder movement and allow us to get our hand into a huge range of different positions from reaching up to a top shelf, to scratching that irritating itch in the middle of our back. These muscles are Supraspinatus, Infraspinatus, Subscapularis and Teres Minor and if the tendons that attach these muscles onto the bone at the shoulder are damaged, then you have RCRSP. This damage may be an acute tear sustained in a fall or accident, it may be a degenerative tear to the tendons due to the wear and tear process of aging or it may be tendinopathy where the tendons are irritated but there is not a tear. This condition used to be called either “Impingement Syndrome” or “Sub-Acromial Pain Syndrome” but has been changed to better reflect what we now know about shoulder function. RCRSP can occur at any age but is most common between 40 - 64 and it is generally considered to be an overuse injury – the tendons are irritated by a sudden increase in load that they are not used to. Something to remember when you suddenly decide to tackle the Spring Cleaning or tidy the garden. You are best to spread the new load over several days, or even a week depending on your fitness levels, to help prevent your tendons from becoming irritated. 18 | BALERNO
Occupations such as painters and window cleaners with a job that demands lots of overhead arm use are at risk of this condition. However, we also know that being less physically active can be an issue too as weak shoulder muscles cannot control movement properly leading to irritated tendons. RCRSP is managed by simple things such as changing day-to-day activities to help pain settle. Pain medication from your Pharmacist or GP can help while the tendon heals. Physiotherapy has an important role to play in the diagnosis and management of shoulder pain. Your therapist will work with you to take a full history, carry out a detailed examination to determine the tendons affected and set a targeted rehabilitation programme to get your shoulder back to full strength. We Physios would expect to see better function and reduced pain in about 12 weeks with rehab but we also know that other health conditions such as Diabetes may slow this down.
Our shoulders are wonderful joints that allow us to move in so many different ways. If you think that your Rotator Cuff muscles and tendons are letting you down, do seek advice. You do not need to put up with the pain. The health column is contributed by McNaughton Physiogrange, Edinburgh www.physiogrange.co.uk @KonectMagazines
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TRANSPORT TO YOUR
COVID VACCINATION Local charity Handicabs (HcL) is offering FREE transport for people with mobility challenges to get their vaccine.
Any person who has challenges with getting out and about due to age, disability, heath issues, additional support needs or geographic remoteness is eligible to use the service for both vaccine appointments. You do not need to be registered with HcL or have previously used the service to be eligible. Bookings are subject to availability so they advise to call 0131 447 9953 for Edinburgh transport or 01506 633953 for West Lothian
as soon as you have your appointment, and they will do their very best to help get you to your appointment and home safely. Please note you will need to register with HcL but this is free and very quick. Thank you so much for taking me for my first vaccine this afternoon. I was so nervous, but my driver was lovely and walked me to door of EICC and made sure I was ok. It was so reassuring to see him there afterwards too. This was my first journey to somewhere I don’t know without my friends in years!
vehicle meaning wheelchair passengers do not have to leave their chair to travel with us. HcL provides supported door-throughdoor transport for people with mobility challenges - drivers not only collect passengers from their front door but help passengers from inside their home and onto the bus. This can include helping them put their coat on, turning the key to lock their home and assisting them from their home to the vehicle and safely into a seat and fastening their seatbelt. The driver assists them from their seat, off the bus and into their destination. On the return journey the driver provides the same assistance from where the passenger is, onto the bus and then into their home. They also, for example, take the passengers shopping from their trolley onto the bus and then off the bus and into their home. Each of our buses can carry two wheelchair passengers in their wheelchair. Each bus is fitted with a wheelchair lift at the rear of the 20 | BALERNO
HcL have been running their two services – Dial-A-Ride and Dial-A-Bus for 37 years across Edinburgh, West Lothian, East Lothian and Midlothian. Dial-A-Bus is still suspended due to Coronavirus but Dial-A-Ride is still operational for medical appointments, shopping, funerals and any other essential journey. In 2019-20 they provided 86,463 passenger journeys to people with mobility issues, an average of 1,662 passengers a week.
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After many months of winter, the earth finally tilts towards the sun again. Spring is definitely in the air and our thoughts may well turn towards a bit of spring cleaning.
The urge to freshen things up just now is the natural way of things. During long, dark, winter months, our bodies produce more of the sleep hormone, melatonin, and energy levels are low. Now, as daylight hours increase, lethargy lessens. Spring flowers bloom and we feel the urge to inject that same fresh feeling into our homes. History, along with religious and cultural festivals around the Easter period, all play their part in the big spring clean too. One theory harks back to Jewish customs around Passover (which marks the exodus of Jews from Egypt). Egyptian slaves, which included many Jews, were fed yeast-free bread. Subsequently, this type of bread came to symbolise the struggle they had overcome and it was seen as ungrateful to have any trace of bread made with yeast in the home during passover. It was customary to clean the home from top to bottom, scouring out every last crumb. Here in the UK the big spring clean probably has much more practical origins. Until modern day, winter months saw a continuous build-up of soot and grime from coal fires and gas lamps. Children playing in unpaved, muddy streets plus family members working in factories and down mines, all trekked dirt 24 | BALERNO
into homes. When spring came, so too did the ‘deep clean’. Doors and windows would be flung open allowing the fresh breezes to blow through. Spring’s arrival is undoubtedly a chance to rejoice in rebirth and revival, not least in Persian culture where it marks the official start of the new year and their 13 day ‘Nowruz’ or ‘New Day’ celebrations. There’s feasting, a focus on renewing bonds with family and friends, the buying of new clothes (this one I like!) and cleaning. They embrace a tradition called ‘Khane Tekani’ which literally translated means ‘shaking the house’. With roots in religious beliefs around the importance of cleanliness, Khane Tekani sees all manner of decluttering, carpet cleaning, painting, decorating and general ‘shaking up’ the place. It’s also their way of following the ancient Feng Shui principal of releasing negativity and generating fresh energy - and who doesn’t need some of that right now?
The Seasonal Touch column is contributed by Lynn McMurray, Balerno resident and enthusiast of all things ‘home,’ serving the local community and beyond with her home & gift business The Seasonal Touch. www.theseasonaltouch.co.uk @KonectMagazines
BILL REID & SON
DOMESTIC HEATING & PLUMBING 0131 449 5538 07710 458739 2 Turner Avenue Balerno
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MONEY MATTERS
“HAVING YOUR CAKE AND EATING IT” I am a local Independent Financial Adviser, and in this capacity, I help my clients to allow their savings and investments to GROW. What follows is a conversation I had with one of my clients. In a family I was advising recently, Dad was obsessed with how to make sure that there would be no Inheritance Tax (IHT) to pay and was quizzing me on all sorts of schemes that he had read in the Sunday papers e.g. putting money into Trust, using Enterprise Investment Schemes (EIS) and other Capital Preservation products that he didn’t understand. Then his wife chipped in and said, “I have just realised after all that has been said what I really
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want is to see the grandchildren smiling, going on better holidays, living in a nice house. That is what would make me happy so, accumulating all this money when I am going into the ground is not going to make me happy, is it?” It could well be that many of you are facing a similar situation and I can advise you that you can “have your cake and eat it” because there are modern products that allow you access to your capital should you require it e.g. help the grandchildren buy a flat, pay for long term care and importantly when you die there would be little or no IHT to pay. Should anyone feel that this would be of interest to them please do not hesitate to phone me, Dr Peter M Marshall on 0131 538 7390. The Money Matters column is contributed by Personal Money Management. This month’s article is by Dr Peter M Marshall.
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LOCAL ENVIRONMENT
Common Frogs In Miracle on 34th Street, one of the children asks Santa for a “Peter Polliwog” and I never had any idea what that meant. It turns out, it’s the American word for tadpoles! Spring is definitely in the air, and one of the sure signs is the appearance of common frog spawn in everything from ponds to puddles. It takes about 4 months for tadpoles to turn in to froglets, after the female lays nearly 4000 eggs each spring!
Though common frogs don’t hibernate as such, they are starting to be seen more regularly and it creates quite the spectacle as they climb over each other trying to find the best partner. This fancy looking frog was seen last March at Little Boghead Nature Reserve in Bathgate. The bogs are surrounded by boardwalks, allowing you some close up views all whilst keeping the resident frogs safe. In urban areas, it’s not uncommon to find frogs in your garden, and they’re normally lurking under rocks or in shaded areas (or 30 | BALERNO
under tarpaulin like my neighbour)! If you’re getting the garden ready for Summer, it’s important to keep your eye out for frogs who’ve sought refuge throughout the winter. Whilst they’ll likely head for ponds or other water sources at this time of year, if you do find frog spawn please don’t move it as it can increase the risk of spreading non-native plant species or amphibian diseases and you may overload the new home with froglets. This column is contributed by Clare Harte and Kate Stevenson, who grew up in Edinburgh and now live in West Lothian. Together they run Scottish Sisters Photography and travel around the country to watch and photograph amazing wildlife and scenic landscapes. Follow them on Facebook @ScottishSistersPhotography
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PUZZLES
CROSSWORD
^^^ Solution in the May edition of Konect ACROSS: 1. Jewels (4), 3. Allowed in (8), 9. Worried (7), 10. Annoy (5), 11. Fading away (12), 13. Deny (6), 15. Interfere (6), 17. Directions (12), 20. Ships load (5), 21. Vital part of healthy diet (7), 22. Enjoyed (8), 23. Repair (4). DOWN: 1. Protecting (8), 2. Blends (5), 4. Dismiss (6), 5. Crossroad (12), 6. Taught (7), 7. Deceased (4),8. Contests (12), 12. Flavoured (8), 14. Army rank (7), 6. Flexible (6), 18. Overweight (5), 19. Mark left by wound (4)
^^^ Solution in the May edition of Konect
SUDOKU
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Max's Garage Doors Ltd For all Installations repairs and services
Garage Doors Electric Motors UPVC Side Doors Tel. 07821 984 978
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Est. 1976
John A Brazil
Roofing & Flat Roof Specialist ALL ASPECTS OF ROOFING WORK (Includes 10 year warranty)
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Roof tiles, slating, harling, terminals, cast iron gutters, Upvc plastic guttering
Phone: 0131 449 5588 Mobile: 07874 874796
For all your gardening needs: including tree & hedge cutting, grass mowing, slabbing, fencing, general maintenance and much, much more. Free estimates.
Contact Colin Spence 21 Broomhall Gardens, EH12 7QA T: 0131 334 8602 M: 07720 843446 E: csgardening92@yahoo.co.uk
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Kitchens supplied and fitted Doors and Windows - wood/UPVC Built-in wardrobes • Misted d/g units replaced Custom made gates: cedar, hardwood & softwood supplied & fitted All Joinery & Glazing Free estimates 0131 449 3714 e: rabmcneill62@gmail.com
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PAINTER & DECORATOR CURRIE
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WINE TASTING
LAMB AND WINE AT
Easter Time
Lamb is an Easter lunch tradition in our family and an opportunity to open a beautiful bottle of wine. Thought and effort goes into the selection, preparation and presentation of the meal and your wine pairing deserves some consideration. Don’t grab the first bottle of wine you find! The right wine can complement your cooking and elevate a dining experience. The question is, how do you select the right wine? The cut of meat and method of cooking influence the flavour and texture of the meal. Roast shoulder of lamb with rosemary, garlic and a crust of seasoning requires a very different wine to delicate, rare, tender lamb cutlets with spring greens. The key to selecting the right wine
is to consider the weight of the food and pair it with a similar weighted wine.
For tender, delicate Spring lamb served rare, I recommend pairing with a young, light to medium bodied Pinot Noir. Bright cherry and fresh berry fruit, a subtle touch of oak and hint of spice. The tannic structure will be gentle and not dominate the palate. I recommend Domaine de Valmoissine Pinot Noir 2017, Louis Latour from Majestic Wine at £11.99. Slow roasted leg or shoulder of lamb is a weightier, richer dish and needs an equally heavy wine to compliment it. I suggest Rioja Reserva ‘Gran Bohedal’ Bodegas Bohedal 2014 from de-burgh.com at £16.99. Look for black cherry and cassis fruit character, tobacco, leather and cedar notes from long oak aging on the nose. The nose is beautiful and complex. The tannins detected on the palate are sophisticated and provide texture that will stand up to the roast lamb. The slightly elevated acidity cuts through the fat of roast lamb. Open or decant an hour before you serve and serve at room temperature. Remember to swirl the wine around your glass to further open and develop the character of the wine. Cheers!
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The monthly wine tasting column is contributed by Joanne Frette. Joanne lives in Juniper Green with her 3 children. She is a Sommelier Wine & Spirit Specialist who runs Swirl Sip Socialise, an online wine tasting business which connects friends and family across the UK. @KonectMagazines
Claylands Cottage Cattery ...for contented cats
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Established in May 2006, we provide first-class holiday accommodation for up to 35 feline guests. Single and double cabins, as well as large cabins for families, each comprises an upper sleeping area (heated in winter) with an exercise run below. A collection and drop-off service is available Fully licensed and insured
Proprietors: Pam and Bill Clark Phone: 0131 333 1636 Email: mail@claylandscottagecattery.co.uk Off Claylands Road, Newbridge, EH28 8LZ Conveniently situated near the airport.
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TURNING OVER A NEW LEAF
Reduce,Reuse,Recycle – Part3: Reduce To reduce our negative impact on the planet, we need to reduce carbon emissions. Most emissions come from burning fossil fuels to provide power for our homes, manufacture goods, produce food and from transport such as cars and planes. Carbon emissions may seem beyond our control but we can all take steps to reduce our personal ‘carbon footprint’ and choose more sustainable alternatives. As consumers our choices influence industry, so here are some small ways we can make a difference together. Ensure our homes are energy efficient - We use a lot of energy to heat and light our homes, as well as to power household appliances. To reduce the energy we use around the home we can:
• Ensure our homes are well insulated • Turn off lights and appliances when they are not in use • Only boil as much water as needed for your cuppa • Switch to LED lights • Turn the thermostat down - even just one degree – and put on another layer of clothing instead • Dry washing outside when the weather allows instead of using the tumble drier
Walk and cycle more - Many of us are reliant on our cars and use them even for short journeys. We could: • Consider walking, cycling or using public transport where possible • Make sure our car is well-maintained so it runs efficiently • Fly less
Eat a plant-based diet - Rearing livestock for meat, particularly red meat, and dairy products, produces more emissions than growing fruit and vegetables. Try to:
• Eat less red meat and dairy products – introduce a weekly vegetarian or vegan meal • Choose seasonal, locally grown food where possible to reduce ‘food miles’ • Reduce food waste – plan meals before
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shopping and use or freeze leftovers • Introduce an ‘eat me first’ drawer in the fridge to ensure food doesn’t get pushed to the back
Buy secondhand - Many of us buy things that we only use for a limited time – clothes we wear while they are in fashion, books we read once and toys that are soon outgrown. Manufacturing, packaging and transportation all contribute indirectly to our personal carbon footprint.
• Consider a ‘preloved’ alternative before buying something new • Pass things on that are still in good condition, instead of throwing them away
To reduce our carbon footprint we need to reduce the amount we buy, use and waste. Reusing and recycling are important but reducing what we buy in the first place is key.
This month, as the weather improves, leave the car at home for shorter journeys and walk or cycle instead. As well as feeling better mentally and physically, you will be making a difference to the planet. “Turning Over a New Leaf” is a new column contributed by Jo Johnson, a Balerno resident who aims to share her research and shopping choices each month for manageable steps to a greener life. (Artwork by Nikki Forrest of Memorybox Paintings) For more ideas, follow me on Instagram @anewleaf.balerno
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GERRY AITKEN
Painter & Decorator Juniper Green
Get in touch for a FREE Estimate: T: 07798 565 321 • E: junigig@aol.com
0131 477 1167 Fully stocked & fully trained professional Locksmiths 24 hours a day www.1stcall-locksmiths.com
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RAVELRIG RIDING FOR THE DISABLED Life at Ravelrig has almost ground to a halt with COVID restrictions and extreme weather. The horses continue to be cared for by volunteers on a rota basis and all are in good health. With the hint of Government Restrictions being eased in the near future, we are looking forward to bringing them back into work and welcoming the return of riders. The usual fundraising events cannot happen but there are two ways the community can support our cause if they so wish. • The first is THE RAG BAG, a facility to donate clothing, bedding, bags and shoes by placing them in the box situated just inside our gates at 21 Ravelrig Gait or in our box in the car park at the Riccarton Arms Hotel, Currie • Alternatively call 0131 449 7994 and we would be more than happy to uplift donations • The second is the CO-OP LOCAL COMMUNITY FUND of which Ravelrig Riding for the Disabled is one of the charities of their choice this year. By signing up for a Membership Card, every time you purchase selected ‘own-brand’ products and services at the Co-op, 2p in every £1 goes back into the community. In addition, 2p in every £1 will also go into your own Co-op Membership account, for you to spend on your next visit to the store. Pennies make pounds! Please choose RDA as the local cause you wish to support. Help to distribute flyers would be welcomed
All support from the community is very much appreciated.
Registered Charity No: SC 028670
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THE NEW NORMAL
When things get hairy When it comes to lockdown hair care, I’ve seen various responses on the ‘panic to peace’ spectrum. Some women say the closure of hair salons gave them the push they needed to let their hair go grey. Others have been traumatised by being cut off from their stylist. They’ve hidden themselves away indoors (not difficult!) or taken to wearing a hat.
And what about haircuts? Unless you are fortunate enough to live with a stylist, my guess is that, like me, you’ve let your hair grow – with the exception of the fringe. After all, we have to be able see the folk on Zoom calls. Men are not always happy to just let it grow. So far, despite my fervent protests, my husband has persuaded me to cut his hair twice. It’s not that I don’t enjoy cutting – I do. But I’ve never been trained to cut hair. I could do damage. I still remember what my Barbie doll looked like after I gave her a trim. Because she had a rather boyish figure, I decided to cut her hair short so my other Barbie would have a boyfriend. The result was frightful, and the other doll refused to be seen with her/him! In 2020 I dutifully sent off for haircutting scissors and watched many online tutorials, again and again, about cutting men’s hair. But my husband’s hair never looked like that of the tutorial model. During the first haircut, I gasped when I noticed I’d removed too much hair behind his ear. Fortunately, when I let his ear flap back, the mistake was hidden. Then I alternated between cutting very, very slowly 42 | BALERNO
and happily snipping away! Meanwhile my husband told me where he planned to go on holiday, and chatted about his kids. When it was time to pay, he said I’d done a good job, but hadn’t taken enough off. My mum-in-law doesn’t have to be coerced to give Dad a haircut. She tells him it’s happening, and he complies. Sometimes, when we’re on Zoom with them following a haircut, Dad complains about what his stylist has done to him. “Tough,” says Mum. “It will grow back.” My youngest daughter is not afraid to cut hair. Way before the pandemic, when she was in nursery, I was met by a staff member at the door one day. Holding a little bag of hair, she told me, “We’ve had an incident today.” Thankfully, there were no other body parts to show me. She explained that my daughter had given her friend a trim. Horrified, I offered to bake a pie for the girl’s mum, who was very nice about the missing patch of hair. On the way home I asked my daughter if her friend had encouraged her. “What did she say when you started cutting?” “She said, ‘Stop, stop!’” “So why didn’t she just walk away?” I asked. “Because,” said my little girl, “I was sitting on her chest. The New Normal is contributed by Suzanne Green. Suzanne, a freelance writer/editor, lives in Balerno and writes regularly for Konect. She is married to Andy and they have two adult daughters. @KonectMagazines