Konect Balerno February 2020 by Konect Magazines

FEBRUARY 2020

HEALTH:

LOCAL HISTORY:

HOW DYNAMITE CAME TO

SCOTLAND

SCIENCE COLUMN:

SCIENCE IS

P47 TO OUR FEBRUARY EDITION

elcome to the first Konect of 2020. We’re looking forward to another year of celebrating all things local!

I stumbled across the fact that Alfred Nobel, of Nobel Prize fame, had been much more closely connected with central Scotland than simply his name associated with the factories that used to be in Linlithgow and Falkirk. So, not strictly related to the villages, but I enjoyed looking into the history of Nobel explosives in Scotland and I hope you enjoy the history article this month. Suzanne heard beautiful piano playing coming from the Dean Park Primary Annexe while at Balerno library, and on further investigation discovered the cleaner there is a talented musician from Poland with an interesting story. He was playing during a break. Read her interview with Christopher in her Local People column on page 47. All our usual columns are here. Thank you for reading Konect and for supporting local businesses, charities and organisations.

THIS ISSUE History: How dynamite came to Scotland.......................................................... 8 Eye Health.....................................................26 Health: Cloudy with a chance of pain......30 Local Lab: Science is Magic.....................34 Puzzles..........................................................35 Money Matters..............................................41 Notes from a Small Village.........................43 Local People.................................................47 Bridge Column.............................................54 Recipe............................................................46 What’s On......................................................50 Clubs & Classes..........................................53

COVER IMAGE: Health: “Cloudy with a chance of pain” see P30

Konect is delivered to homes in Balerno, Currie, Juniper Green, Baberton and Ratho. Copies are also left at the library, community centres, convenience stores and various other locations within the area.

HELEN-JANE SHEARER

CHARLENE GAFFNEY

E: editor@konect.scot

M: 07772 941899 E: charlene@konect.scot

Editor

@KonectMagazines

Account Manager

BALERNO | 3

Pentland Decor Interior/Exterior work Call now for a free estimate

07366 470561 decor.pentland@gmail.com

4 | BALERNO

@KonectMagazines

BALERNO | 5

Est. 1976

John A Brazil

Roofing & Flat Roof Specialist ALL ASPECTS OF ROOFING WORK (Includes 10 year warranty)

Roof tiles, slating, harling, terminals, cast iron gutters, Upvc plastic guttering

Phone: 0131 449 5588 Mobile: 07874 874796

MARK REECE

PAINTER & DECORATOR CURRIE

Internal and External work Over 20 years experience Free estimates

0131 466 0304 07745 398014

Alexander Aitken Plastering 51 Dolphin Rd, Currie Call Sandy

07966 695595

CLEANING & MAINTENANCE • Rhone Cleaning & Repairs (cast iron or plastic) • Roof Repairs (tiles or slates) • Moss Removal • Pressure Washing

Call Kerr Middleton on: 0131 334 2080 | 07768 632 867 FREE Estimates & advice given Over 35 years experience

0131 477 1167 Fully stocked & fully trained professional Locksmiths 24 hours a day www.1stcall-locksmiths.com

Plaster work, rough casting, ceramic tiling & general maintenance

BRUSHSTROKES

K.MELVILLE PAINTER / DECORATOR INTERIOR, EXTERIOR, PRIVATE, COMMERCIAL, INSURANCE WORK

TEL: 0131 451 5372 MOB: 0797 192 3397 Email: brushstrokes@blueyonder.co.uk 66 Forthview Crescent, Currie, EH14 5QT 6 | BALERNO

A & A Electrical Solutions Ltd Balerno All electrical work Private or commercial No job too big or small All work guaranteed Free estimates Professional and reliable service

Alan: 07969 929327

or email alskie@hotmail.com @KonectMagazines

@KonectMagazines

BALERNO | 7

Alfred Bernhard Nobel (1833 ~ 1896)

LOCAL HISTORY

The Nobel Prizes are announced annually; world-famous coveted prizes for those who confer “the greatest benefit on mankind” in sciences, literature, economics and peace. They are named after Alfred Nobel, the Swedish chemist who, horrified that his armaments and explosives empire would earn him the epitaph “Merchant of Death,” left his fortune for the furtherance of world peace and progress. many looking for a safe way of using it. The route was punctuated by explosions and tragedy; a nitroglycerine explosion at his Alfred Nobel himself lived for a period of family’s armaments factory in Sweden in time at Hawthorn Cottage in Laurieston, 1864 killed his own brother and four others. near Falkirk. His story meets that of a Undaunted, Alfred pressed on and a year former Falkirk High School pupil, George later with German business partners he McRoberts, a local chemist and explosives built a factory at an isolated location near expert who founded a chemical factory Hamburg. This business (Alfred Nobel at Westquarter, Falkirk, and who was & Company) exported a liquid blend of instrumental in helping Nobel establish nitroglycerin and in Scotland the gunpowder called world’s first and “Blasting Oil,” but it Initially marketed as Nobel’s Blasting largest factory for was still extremely his revolutionary Powder, he changed the name to unstable; the factory new explosive – dynamite, from the Greek dýnamis buildings were dynamite. “power.” He patented it, and was on destroyed twice in the road to massive fortune Born in Sweden in explosions. 1833, Nobel was But Alfred was a prolific inventor. tenacious and, carrying out experiments on Dynamite, his most famous invention, a raft anchored on the River Elbe , by 1866 revolutionised the construction of tunnels, he found a way of stabilising nitroglycerine canals, railways and roads as well as the by absorbing it into a siliceous clay which mining industry. Previously, black powder could be shaped into lengths and handled (gunpowder) had been used for mining and fairly safely. This, together with a safety quarrying, but industrialists were looking fuse and detonator (that he also invented), for a high explosive. One discovered by was dynamite. Initially marketed as Nobel’s an Italian chemist in 1847 – nitroglycerine Blasting Powder, he changed the name - was powerful but highly unstable and to dynamite, from the Greek dýnamis dangerous, and Alfred Nobel was one of But what does this Swedish and indeed global story have to do with this area?

8 | BALERNO

@KonectMagazines

-”power.” He patented it, and was on the road to massive fortune.

Nobel’s cottage in Laurieston Swing Bridge at the Reddingmuir Westquarter factory (1930)

McRoberts became Nobel’s chief chemist and factory manager at Ardeer in 1874. He relocated from Laurieston to Ardeer, selling his home “Hawthorn Cottage” at 1 Polmont Road, Laurieston, to Alfred Nobel. Hawthorn Cottage is still a private residence and is the only building remaining in Scotland that is directly associated with Nobel. By 1876 Nobel decided to manufacture his detonators in Scotland too instead of importing them, and he chose the Westquarter factory to make them, using mercury fulminate brought in from abroad. A couple of years later he decided to also make the fulminate on site here, and a purpose-built factory was added to the Westquarter site, about half a kilometre south at Reddingmuirhead on the other side of the Union Canal. There was a swing bridge across the canal linking the two factories.

The swing bridge today

Both McRoberts and Nobel died in 1896 – McRoberts in Scotland in January @KonectMagazines

BALERNO | 9

CREDIT: Historic Environment Scotland

Dynamite rapidly gained wide-scale use in several countries, but in the UK it took Nobel two years of persistence to gain some relaxation of regulations governing explosives. The Explosives Act of 1869 prohibited the manufacture, transport or sale of nitroglycerine or any product containing it in the UK. Although not able to set up in England, he turned to Scotland where he gained the backing of some Scottish entrepreneurs including one George McRoberts. McRoberts had just founded the Westquarter Chemical Company in 1871, manufacturing sulphuric acid. He and a co-investor raised the substantial investment required for Nobel to build a dynamite factory in Scotland, and the British Dynamite Company was formed. Nobel also bought a half share of McRoberts’ Westquarter Chemical Company, since the sulphuric acid was a key ingredient for dynamite manufacture, and the two men were close business partners. Ardeer in Ayrshire was chosen as a sufficiently remote site for the factory, the first charge was produced there in January 1873 by Alfred Nobel himself; and the British Dynamite Company started taking orders.

A new factory was opened at Linlithgow in 1902. It was named the Regent Factory in a nod to Linlithgow’s link with the Regent of Scotland James Stewart, 1st Earl of Moray, who was assassinated in Linlithgow in 1570. His death was the first recorded assassination by a firearm, so it seems fitting that this name was chosen for an explosives factory. (A plaque on the wall of the Courthouse Residence on the High Street commemorates the assassination). The Nobel factory was located at the end of High Street where Tesco and the Regent Square flats are today. It manufactured safety fuses for the mining industry, mining explosives and detonators. At the onset of war in 1914 Nobel’s in Linlithgow successfully tendered for the War Office contract to provide guns, shells, small arms and ammunitions. Ironically given Alfred’s will, the Regent factory flourished and expanded as the war continued. Work also continued at Ardeer and Westquarter in the production and development of explosives and detonators throughout and after the two world wars. At its peak during World War II, the Westquarter works employed 1,700 people, predominantly women, producing detonators. Nothing remains today of the armaments factories at Westquarter or Linlithgow, although walking the sites for this article I found the old swing bridge in the canal at Reddingmuirhead. There are very few references to the industry, even in street names. Nobel didn’t want his legacy to be about armaments and explosives though, so perhaps just as well the name is fading here, and his famous prizes take centre stage. This article was written by Helen-Jane Shearer. Helen-Jane is the editor of Konect Magazines. 10 | BALERNO

Merchant of Death In 1888, Nobel was shocked to read his own obituary in a newspaper. Entitled “The Merchant of Death is Dead,” it was a case of mistaken identity as it was Alfred’s brother Ludvig who had died. However it made Alfred think about how he would be remembered, and he eventually changed his will, specifying that his fortune be used to create prizes for those who confer the “greatest benefit on mankind” in physics, chemistry, physiology or medicine, literature and peace. The peace element is awarded to the person who has “done the most to bring about the brotherhood of nations, the abolition or reduction of standing armies as well as for the formation or popularisation of peace congresses.” Alfred Nobel died in December 1896 in his villa in San Remo, Italy, from a cerebral haemorrhage.

A spoonful of high explosive - for your heart Nitroglycerin is used to treat angina and high blood pressure, amongst other things, and is a World Health Association Essential Medicine. Don’t try this at home, but diluting it makes it non-explosive . . . Alfred Nobel was bothered with poor health throughout his life, and when first prescribed nitroglycerin in 1890 he refused it. A couple of months before his death in 1896 however, he wrote: “My heart trouble will keep me here in Paris for another few days at least, until my doctors are in complete agreement about my immediate treatment. Isn’t it the irony of fate that I have been prescribed N/G 1 [nitroglycerin] to be taken internally! They call it Trinitrin, so as not to scare the chemist and the public.”

@KonectMagazines

The Nobel Prize medal

and Nobel in Italy in December. The worldwide Nobel business empire at the time consisted of more than 90 factories manufacturing explosives and ammunition.

@KonectMagazines

BALERNO | 11

12 | BALERNO

@KonectMagazines

BALERNO | 13

14 | BALERNO

@KonectMagazines

Kitchens supplied and fitted Doors and Windows - wood/UPVC Built-in wardrobes â&#x20AC;˘ 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

GERRY AITKEN

Painter & Decorator Juniper Green

Get in touch for a FREE Estimate: T: 07798 565 321 â&#x20AC;˘ E: junigig@aol.com

@KonectMagazines

BALERNO | 15

16 | BALERNO

@KonectMagazines

Ratho Auto Services Servicing, Diagnostics, Tyres, Pre-Purchase Checks, Sales John Plimmer

Auto Technician

0131 333 5353 07784 537356

Free Collection & Delivery Service MOTs arranged 73 Station Road, Ratho Station, EH28 8OP

Max's Garage Doors Ltd Please contact us if you would like your vehicle business included in our Motoring pages. Our details are on page 3.

Garage Doors Electric Motors UPVC Side Doors

For all Installations repairs and services

Tel. 07821 984 978

info@maxsgaragedoors.co.uk 10 Years Experience

Servicing on all makes and models of vehicles from just £99

Call 0131 449 2139

for service you can trust • MOT VOSA green traffic light test station • Budget, midrange or premium tyres fitted • Brakes, exhausts and repairs

Balerno Garage 8 Deanpark Brae, Balerno EH14 7DZ @KonectMagazines

BALERNO | 17

D.GREAVES LANDSCAPE GARDENERS

Kirknewton

No obligation FREE QUOTES Local Business

Fencing • Decking • Patios • Removals • Regular Garden Maintenance • Garden Design • Clearance and more.... Call Dan now on: 07970 700192 dgreaves@hotmail.com 18 | BALERNO

@KonectMagazines

20 | BALERNO

@KonectMagazines

Est. 2005

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

S & D Fences Based in Balerno

Either new builds or repairs Highly competetive rates Reliable and experienced

Call Derek 07725 417276 or email: dal05@btinternet.com @KonectMagazines

BALERNO | 21

Wedding and Event Florist T: 01506 200206 M: 07816 673 204 E: vicky@vickysflowers.com

www.vickysflowers.com

22 | BALERNO

@KonectMagazines

Using the best, purest, vegan certified and Gluten free products. Our Make-Up uses Optilight Technology for a flawless glow and stays on all day. Occasion Make-Up

£30.00

£25.00 Make-Up Lesson Make-Up Workshop £20.00pp (for up to 4 people)

**10% Discount when you quote KONECT OFFER when booking**

@KonectMagazines

BALERNO | 23

Taking Taking the Stress Taking the the Stress Stress out outof ofLiving Living Alone Alone out of Living Alone

0131 0131449 4499422 9422 0131 449 9422

suttoncaresolutions.co.uk suttoncaresolutions.co.uk suttoncaresolutions.co.uk

Sutton Care Solutions is a small, independent, care provider in the west of Edinburgh. Sutton Care Solutions a small, independent, careprovider providerininthe thewest westof ofEdinburgh. Edinburgh. Sutton Care is is a small, With over 30Solutions years’ experience inindependent, nursing and care residential With over 30 years’ experience nursingand andresidential residential With over 30 years’ experience inin nursing care we’ve adopted a unique and personal approach to care we’ve adopted aWe unique and approachtoto care we’ve adopted a unique and personal approach providing care at home. believe inpersonal promoting providing care We believe in promoting providing care at home. We believe promoting independence soat nohome. request is tooin trivial, no task too independence so no request is too trivial, no task too independence so no request is big toostuff trivial, task too menial and we’re great at the asno well. menial and we’re great at the big stuff as well. menial and we’re great at the big stuff as well.

Would you or someone you know benefit from additional Would you someone youAt know benefit from additional Would you ororsomeone you know benefit additional care and support at home? Sutton Carefrom Solutions we care and support at home? At Sutton Care Solutions we our care and support at home? At Sutton Care Solutions we recognise that home is truly where the heart is and with recognisethat thathome homeisistruly trulywhere wherethe theheart heartisisand andwith with our recognise assistance our clients enjoy living in their own homes for as assistanceour ourclients clientsenjoy enjoyliving livinginintheir theirown ownhomes homes for for as as assistance long as they want to. long theywant wantto. to. long asasthey

24 | BALERNO

@KonectMagazines

Companionship and Befriending Companionship and Befriending Services (Transport Available) Companionship and Befriending Services (Transport Services (Transport Available) of a FullyAvailable) Qualified Services ofof a Fully Qualified Counsellor Services a Fully Qualified Counsellor Counsellor Respite Care Respite Care Respite CareOn-Call Services Emergency Emergency On-Call Services Emergency On-Call Services Gardening Gardening Gardening Dog Walking Dog Walking Dog Walking

Company Reg No: SC 464958

suttoncaresolutions.co.uk Company Reg No: 464958 Company Reg No: SCSC 464958

0131449 4499422 9422 care@suttoncaresolutions.co.uk care@suttoncaresolutions.co.uk 0131 0131 9422 care@suttoncaresolutions.co.uk 170449 Lanark RoadWest, West, EdinburghEH14 EH14 5NY 170 Lanark Road Edinburgh 5NY 170suttoncaresolutions.co.uk Lanark Road West, Edinburgh EH14 5NY suttoncaresolutions.co.uk

Sutton Care Solutions’ services are also available to those entitled to Council Care at Home Services. Sutton Care Solutions’ services are also available to those entitled to Council Care at Home Services. Please ask about Self Directed Support options. Suttonask Care Solutions’ services are also available to those entitled to Council Care at Home Services. Please about Self Directed Support options. Please ask about Self Directed Support options.

At Sutton SuttonCare CareSolutions Solutionswe weunderstand understandthat thatlife lifeisisfor for living. At living. At Sutton CareitSolutions we understand that lifefor is longer for living. We can make easier to live in your own home We can make it easier to live in your own home for longer soso We can make it easier to live in your own home for longer so why not not pick pickup upthe thephone phoneand andhave havea achat chatwith withus? us? why why not pick up the phone and have a chat with us?

Personal Medication PersonalCare CareServices Servicesincluding including Medication Medication assistance for Short-term Short-term assistance for recovery from illness orfor Short-term assistance recovery hospitalisation recoveryfrom fromillness illnessoror hospitalisation hospitalisation Home Help, Domestic Support Home Help, and Shopping Home Help,Domestic DomesticSupport Support and andShopping Shopping Preparation of Meals Preparation of Meals Preparation of Meals Escort Service Escort Service Escort Service

What We Offer:What We What WeOffer:Offer:Personal Care Services including

We seven service using a fully trained We operate operate seven days aweek, week,on ona a24 24hour houron1oncall call service using a fully trained team of carers anddays canaprovide service from hour to 24 hours. team toto 2424 hours. teamof ofcarers carersand andcan canprovide provideservice servicefrom from1 1hour hour hours.

Our bespoke serviceisistailored tailored ourclient’s client’s individual needs providing little or asbespoke much assistance as you require. From help getting washed and dressed, Our service totoour individual needs providing as as little oras asmuch muchmeals assistance asyou you require. From helpgetting getting washed and preparing and doing the ironing to picking up prescriptions, a dressed, lift to or assistance as require. From help washed and dressed, preparing mealsand and doing the ironing pickingup up prescriptions, a lift church or meals maybe youdoing simply need a hand getting out of bed in thea morning preparing the ironing totopicking prescriptions, lift to to – churchhere ormaybe maybe you simply need hand getting out of bed in the morning we’re to help. Pet needs to go to the vet? We’ll it you can come church or you simply need aahand getting out oftake bed inand the morning – – we’re herewant tohelp. help. Petneeds needs goto tothe the vet?We’ll We’ll take it and you can come too if here you to. Pet Been invited to your grand-daughter’s wedding but feel it we’re to totogo vet? take it and you can come too ififyou you to. Been Been invited your grand-daughter’s wedding but feel might be want awant bit much? We’ll be your plus one. too to. invited totoyour grand-daughter’s wedding but feel it it might be much? We’ll be might beaabit bit much? We’ll beyour your one.on call service using a fully trained We operate seven days a week, on plus aplus 24one. hour

From clinical nursing and home care services to supporting family and friends From clinical nursing and home care services family and friends in their roles nursing as carers – we’re on hand to offer a supporting friendly ear or anand arm to hold From clinical and home care services totosupporting family friends in their their roles ascarers carers––we’re we’reare onhand hand offer friendly ear arm to hold on to. Our experienced staff all suitably qualified inear their field with in roles as on totooffer a afriendly oror anan arm to full hold on to. to. Our Ourexperienced experienced staff areallallsuitably suitably qualified their field with disclosure and of course, compassion comes as second nature. on staff are qualified inin their field with fullfull disclosure andservice ofcourse, course, compassion comes second nature. disclosure and of compassion asas second nature. Our bespoke is tailored to ourcomes client’s individual needs providing as little

@KonectMagazines

BALERNO | 25

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

AMD is a degenerative disease of the macula. This is the part of the eye that processes central vision, the most important part. There are two types: Dry and Wet. Dry AMD generally has a slow progression, whereas Wet AMD tends to give a sudden loss of vision. Dry versus Wet AMD - Dry AMD is the most common type. The cells of the lower layer of the macula die slowly over time. The loss of cells that process light leads to loss of vision. Rate and severity of progression is hugely variable. Wet AMD is when fluid leaks into the retina, from abnormal blood vessel growth. Vision loss in this case can be more severe. Is AMD treatable? - Diet is important with Dry AMD, as there is no mainstream treatment

26 | BALERNO

right now. Supplements also claim to have an effect. Wet AMD can be treated with injections to dry the fluid. This has variable results, depending in the presenting severity. What are the symptoms? - In the early stages, night vision can be affected. Central vision becomes patchy and distorted. Wet AMD would present as a sudden decrease in central vision, commonly like looking through water. What are the risk factors? - Family history, hypertension, age, female gender, smoking, long sightedness and blue eyes are all risk factors. Protection against UV light seems to be beneficial, resulting in maintaining better levels of macular pigment. Where can I find out more? - The Macular Society have an excellent website: www.macularsociety.org This article was contributed by Jonathan Jennett of Clearvue Opticians, 60 Bryce Road, Currie, EH14 5LD.

@KonectMagazines

Fig. 1: Early Dry AMD

HEALTH

@KonectMagazines

BALERNO | 27

HEALTH

CLOUDY

WITH A CHANCE OF PAIN As I write, it is a very wet, windy and wild January. I knew the weather was going to be bad, though, and not because I had seen the latest report from the Met Office. A patient told me. He knew because his arthritic knee joint had become more painful, as it always did, with bad weather. Most of us will have heard an elderly friend or relative commenting that the weather would change as “they could feel it in their bones”. The connection between weather and pain was first noted by Hippocrates in 400 B.C. and the American Journal of Medical Sciences reported in 1887 that “dropping barometric pressure and rain were associated with increased pain complaint”. In 1995 a study in the journal Pain reported that two thirds of patients with chronic pain felt that the weather affected their symptoms. The link has been present a long time so what could be the explanation? Professor Will Dixon and his team at Manchester University published the wonderfully named “Cloudy with a Chance of Pain” study in October 2019. They followed 2658 people from across the UK, with a range of long term health conditions including arthritis and fibromyalgia, for 15 months. Participants were asked to record their symptoms daily on a smart phone app. The GPS system of the phone could accurately match location to the weather conditions each day. Participants also recorded other factors which could affect their symptoms such as exercise levels and how well they slept. This study showed that participants were 20% more likely to suffer pain on days that were humid and windy with low barometric pressure, than on dry days. One theory is that a fall in air (barometric) pressure allows the tissues around arthritic 30 | BALERNO

joints to swell more than they would if higher air pressure surrounded the joint. This increase in swelling can then irritate surrounding nerves causing an increase in pain around the joint. Participants in the study were impressed by the range of factors they were able to track with the phone app with some commenting that inactivity was also shown to contribute to their pain levels, with dark, grey, wet days being the most difficult days to stay active. However, other participants noted that their joint symptoms were worse when the weather was hot and dry. How our joints react to the weather can vary between individuals so it is difficult to say with any certainty why weather affects pain levels.

There are 10 million people in the UK who live with arthritis and over half experience life altering pain every day. Dr Stephen Simpson, Director of Research at Versus Arthritis, has commented on this study saying that “supporting effective ways of self-managing pain can make all the difference for people with arthritis”. As a Physiotherapist, I could not agree more. Having the knowledge of what aggravates your pain and what helps can lead to much better planning to control pain and improve quality of life. The health column is contributed by McNaughton Physiogrange, Edinburgh www.physiogrange.co.uk @KonectMagazines

@KonectMagazines

BALERNO | 31

32 | BALERNO

@KonectMagazines

Double Glazing Doctor Four Seasons Scotland Limited

The Lothians finest... • If we can’t fix it - it can’t be fixed. • Does your conservatory leak? • Do you have broken locks, hinges handles? • Are your sealed units misted or broken? • Is your original supplier no longer in business or just won’t honour your existing guarantee?

Don’t panic. Call the Good Doctor now and get a clean bill of health! Keep your existing windows & upgrade to our energy saving glass.

Your Local Home Improvement Company.

four seasons

The Conservatory Complex and Innovation Studio: Riccarton Garden Centre, Riccarton Mains Rd, Currie Mon - Fri 10am - 4pm, Sat - Sun 11am - 4pm.

0131 449 7000 (24/7)

Scotland Limited

Orangeries+Extensions+Roofline+Kitchens+Repairs

+ W i n d o w s + D o o r s + G a r a g e D o o r s + C o n s e r v a t o r i e s + S u n r o o m s +

• Carpet cleaning • Rug cleaning • Upholstery cleaning • Blind cleaning

Call us 0131 334 2080 Quick drying carpets and upholstery Same day blind cleaning available

www.cwcleaningservices.co.uk

WEIR GAS SERVICES Former Scottish Gas engineer

Tel:

07981 366 988

Central heating - service, repairs Gas fires, cookers, hobs installation, service & repairs General Plumbing services Garden taps, washing machines, dishwashers Landlord safety inspections email : lesweir@blueyonder.co.uk

@KonectMagazines

BALERNO | 33

LOCAL LAB

Science iS MAGIC! Magic tricks are often based on scientific principles. Science on the other hand can look like magic to the untrained eye. It was only a matter of time before the two teamed up!

In their dazzling show, full of tricks and illusions, Heriot-Watt University PhD students Adrian Garcia-Burgos and Boy van Basten combine science and magic to explain and illustrate basic concepts in chemistry and biology. Tell us about the show: Science is Magic is a family friendly show that uses magic to demonstrate scientific concepts, focusing on the most fundamental building block in all living things: the cell. We explain what cells are, why and how they multiply, and the role of DNA in this context. Sponge balls are magically multiplied to illustrate cell division, beakers that suddenly change colour demonstrate chemical reactions in our bodies and ropes that appear to change length explain how DNA is copied. These are just a few of the tricks the audience see and we keep things light-hearted by breaking up science-heavy elements with banter, jokes and a few tricks just for fun. What inspired you to come up with the idea?: Boy: As PhD students we are expected and encouraged to share our research work with non-expert audiences, but we’ve both been passionate about sharing our love of science generally since long before we started our research careers. Adrian: For me this show is a long-time dream come true! Developing and performing

the show has given me the opportunity to think outside the box and grow, both as a person and a performer, expressing myself through my two passions: magic and science.

Where have you performed the show so far?: We were delighted to first perform the show to a small audience at the Kirknewton Youth Club. The young people gave us useful feedback which helped hone our performance for the first official show at The Centre in Livingston in September last year. We even inspired five young volunteers to help us out on the day! Since then we’ve been touring primary schools throughout Edinburgh and the Lothians. Are there any opportunities coming up for people to see your show?: Yes, we’ve had lots of requests to perform the show over the next few months and have already confirmed more primary school visits as part of British Science Week in March. The next public event at which we’ll perform will be the Scottish Parliament’s family days as part of Edinburgh Science Festival. The Scottish Parliament’s family days will take place at Holyrood on Saturday 4th April and Saturday 18th April. They are open to people of all ages and are free to attend.. You can find out more about this research on the Heriot-Watt University website www.hw.ac.uk/news The Local Lab column is contributed by Heriot-Watt University to engage the public in a range of their research projects.

34 | BALERNO

@KonectMagazines

PUZZLES

BUSTER THE DOG

CROSSWORD

Solution in the March edition of Konect ACROSS: 1. Mail (4), 3. Smallest in length (8), 9. Rested (7), 10. Line of people (5), 11. To do with sums (12), 14. Early morning moisture (3), 16. Very angry (5), 17. Neckwear (3), 18. Despite (12), 21. Deal with (5), 22. Washing (7), 23. Interfering (8), 24. Enquires (4). DOWN: 1. Egyptian structures (8), 2. Divide (5), 4. Tool for carrying bricks (3), 5. Specific needs (12), 6. Graceful (7), 7. Long walk (4), 8. Still being tested (12), 12. Modify (5), 13. Letters or texts (8), 15. Saturday and Sunday (7), 19. Leaves (5), 20. Part of a flower (4), 22. Prohibit (3).

Solution on Page 55

SUDOKU

@KonectMagazines

BALERNO | 35

36 | BALERNO

@KonectMagazines

BALERNO | 37

DSYKES Electrical Contractors

IT WORKS, BUT IS IT SAFE?

10%

DISC O on lab UNT our w ith this a dvert

Be Safe, Stay Safe â&#x20AC;&#x201C; use D. Sykes Electrical for all your electrical maintenance and repairs

We are an Approved Certifier of Construction, certified to carry out work requiring a building warrant

0131 477 7447

info@dsykeselectrical.co.uk | www.dsykeselectrical.co.uk | 24 Bridge Road, Colinton EH13 0LQ

38 | BALERNO

@KonectMagazines

BALERNO | 39

40 | BALERNO

@KonectMagazines

MONEY MATTERS

FINANCIAL RESOLUTIONS FOR A PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR

The New Year period is a common time for people to take stock of their finances and make resolutions designed to boost their financial wellbeing. A study (1) has found the likelihood of success is heavily linked to receiving professional advice and the establishment of clear financial objectives. Advice is key to success - Recent research provides a quantitative measure of the value attributed to advice when it comes to helping investors achieve their goals. The US study was based on real-life data relating to more than 100,000 advised investors and found that 8 out of 10 with a defined retirement goal had at least an 89% greater probability of achieving their financial objectives. In other words, advised investors achieved 89% of their financial goals. Create a financial plan - The research vividly demonstrates how taking expert advice and constructing a tailored plan can significantly boost an investor’s financial wellbeing. In many ways

@KonectMagazines

this is unsurprising, as the benefits associated with financial planning are well-known. Financial wellbeing - Discussing your financial objectives with us enables you to consider exactly what you want to achieve with your assets and thereby establish clear goals that are both realistic and achievable. Regular financial reviews provide opportunities to monitor progress and adapt plans where necessary. Good financial planning also ensures all investments are tax-efficient by minimising both current and future tax liabilities. It’s good to talk - This study once again reiterates the significant value that can be gained from seeking professional financial advice. So, if your circumstances have changed or the New Year has encouraged you to refocus your financial objectives, then get in touch. That way your financial goals will remain realistic and give yourself a chance of turning your New Year financial resolutions into reality. (1 Vanguard, September 2019). The Money Matters column is contributed by Personal Money Matters. This month’s column by Dr Peter M Marshall.

BALERNO | 41

42 | BALERNO

@KonectMagazines

I’ve lived in Balerno since 1991. It’s home. But Illinois, the American state where I grew up, is also home. I think of myself as a transplant – uprooted from the rich, dark farmland in the Midwest, and replanted in harder, rockier UK soil. Though I feel quite at home here, growing up in a place with different customs means that I don’t always see things in the same way as my neighbour. Making it sound good!

“Could you please pass me my juice?” asked my colleague. So I looked on the shelf near where I was sitting. No juice. I told her that the only drink I could see there was a Diet Coke.

“Yeah, that’s what I mean,” she said. “Mah juice.” I was dumbstruck. Really? Scots call Coke juice?! How convenient! Maybe it could be counted as one of our five a day? Of course! Coke is just as healthy as orange juice. Oh wait, I mean fresh orange. If I say orange juice, you might assume I mean squash, that orange diluting juice.

This tendency to give things a more positive name than they deserve is practised both sides of the Atlantic. For example, Americans call all sorts of dishes “salad”. My Grandma used to bring 24-hour salad to our annual Thanksgiving celebration. It contains pineapple, mandarin orange segments, white cherries, evaporated milk, lemon juice, sugar and mini-marshmallows! But referring to it as a salad does away with any guilt one may otherwise feel in consuming it.

Grandma also brought along pumpkin bread. It’s delicious but contains far more sugar and oil than you are ever likely to find in any other bread. However, because it is baked in a loaf tin, we don’t have to call it cake. Since coming to the UK, I’ve noticed a number of terms that seem to be used in order to mask a @KonectMagazines

horrible reality. In an earlier column I complained that the word “walking” is quite inadequate when describing slogging up a hill. Well, what about the adjective “fresh” when used by someone presenting the weather? It may sound good, but I’ve learned that they actually mean Baltic! Maybe we’re all guilty of trying to make foods or other things sound better than they are. Years ago my husband’s family, who are from the North of England, told me I must see the Blackpool Illuminations. None of them told me what this actually meant. I imagined some sort of natural phenomenon, not unlike the Aurora Borealis, and assumed that Blackpool must be the best place to view it. I could not wait to go and see this miracle for myself.

And then the day came. What looked like cheap Christmas lights were strung up along the seafront. This was the Blackpool Illuminations back in the late 1980s – perhaps it is better today. My face fell, and my new British family had a good laugh when they realised I’d had loftier expectations. I knew then that a steep learning curve was ahead of me! To be continued next issue …

Notes from a small village 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 | 43

IRONING AID

Free pick-up & delivery - next day service

0131 538 5223 07877 381940

BILL REID & SON

DOMESTIC HEATING & PLUMBING 0131 449 5538 07710 458739 2 Turner Avenue Balerno 44 | BALERNO

@KonectMagazines

R E PA I R S , S A L E S , S PA R E S & S E R V I C I N G Full supply, delivery and installations of new integrated and free standing appliances Washing Machines

•

Dishwashers

Cookers •

•

Tumble Dryers

Vaccum Cleaners

We repair & service all of the major brands: • Bosch • Hoover • Hotpoint • Beko • Neff • Siemens • Lamona • And many more Email: appliancesofedinburgh@hotmail.com Web: www.appliancesofedinburgh.co.uk

@KonectMagazines

400 Lanark Road West, Currie

BALERNO | 45

46 | BALERNO

@KonectMagazines

PHOTO CREDIT: Suzann

e Green

Christopher Basa:

is my art

@KonectMagazines

due to the advance of technology, the two years he’d spent learning to be an electrician were now virtually useless. In 1992 he started working for a private company, buying and selling food. “Though I had a lot of responsibility, I was not well paid,” he says. “I stayed in this job for about 10 years, finally leaving because it was too stressful. Throughout this time, I continued playing music on the weekends.” Christopher tried to find another job in Poland. But at age 51 he was fighting age discrimination. “After Communism, nobody had any money,” he recalls, “and music only existed for TV.” He arrived in Scotland with no English, and did various jobs before eventually becoming part of the Facilities Management team at Dean Park Primary School. Today Christopher continues to make music, playing bass guitar on Sundays at an African church in Edinburgh. “Being a musician is not about making money,” he says. “Material things are important – but they are just tools. Humans need art, and music is my art.” 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 | 47

CREDIT: Christopher

From the age of eight Christopher Basa took piano lessons twice a week. One day his grandmother, a strong woman who lived to be 100, came for a visit and offered to pay for lessons for Christopher and his older brother. “My brother stopped after a few months,” says Christopher. “But I continued until I was 12 or 13 and there was no more money for lessons.” He learned Chopin waltzes and Mozart and Beethoven pieces. Then, when he was about 14, his interest turned to electric guitars. “I spent my time playing symphonic rock, and later played gospel music in a Polish church for a couple of years.” As an older teen, Christopher performed at jazz festivals, and once his band took second place! He then took a job playing dance music at a night club, and worked as a facilities technician during the day. He also earned a second degree (double bass soloist) at F. Chopin Music School in Poland. For about a year and a half Christopher played dance music at various venues in Germany, before returning to Poland. There he played bass guitar – blues, rock and boogie – with a famous piano player. “We made some vinyl records and performed concerts on TV, but there wasn’t much money in it,” he says. “I also took part in a very famous performance: the 25th anniversary of Polish rock music.” In his late twenties he started playing in Scandinavia, and performing on ships that sailed between Stockholm and Turku Abo. Christopher considered a career change, but

Basa archive

Born in 1956 in Szczecin, Poland, Christopher Basa says music has played a big part in his life. For a number of years he toured in Europe, playing bass guitar and piano for various bands. He emigrated to Scotland in 2007, and works as a cleaner at Dean Park Primary School Annexe.

Blueberrycustard Tarts

INGREDIENTS: • 75g caster sugar • 3 medium egg yolks • 2 tbsp cornflour • 1 tsp vanilla extract • 350ml milk • 500g puff pastry (thawed if frozen) • Flour (for dusting) • 100g fresh blueberries MAKES: 8, Ready in: 1 hour, plus cooling

48 | BALERNO

MAKE THE CUSTARD: Whisk the sugar, egg yolks, cornflour and vanilla extract together in a heatproof bowl until smooth. Heat the milk in a pan over a medium heat until almost boiling. Whisk the hot milk into the egg mixture then pour back into the pan. Gradually bring the mixture to the boil, stirring all the time, until a smooth custard forms. Remove from heat and cover the surface closely with grease-proof paper to prevent a skin forming. Leave to cool completely. MAKE THE PASTRY: Roll the pastry out on a lightly dusted surface to a 3mm thickness. Stamp out eight 12cm rounds of pastry and use to line eight 8cm fluted tartlet tins. Prick the bases with a fork and chill in the fridge whilst the custard is cooling. ASSEMBLE AND BAKE: Preheat the oven to 200oC, 180oC fan, gas mark 6. Divde the cooled custard mixture between the pastry cases and scatter over the blueberries. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the pastry is crisp and golden. Serve warm or cold. TIP: Place a baking sheet in the oven to heat up then place the filled tartlet tins on it for baking. The extra burst of heat will help to ensure a crisp pastry base.

@KonectMagazines

BALERNO | 49

Whilst February may usually be a quieter month on the events calendar, there’s still plenty to see and do right across West Lothian.

Starting in Linlithgow, the Linlithgow Arts Guild celebrates their 50th anniversary with an Orchestral Concert By Scottish Sinfonia. The orchestra is a highly successful mixture of professional players and amateurs, with an age range of 17 to 70, all united in one common aim: to make music of the highest standard of which they are capable. Tickets are available online for the show which takes place on Saturday 8th from 18.30. If you’d prefer to get out and about, why not head over to Hopetoun House for Snowdrop Sunday on the 16th where you can explore the natural snowdrop display in the Hopetoun hundred acres. Afterwards, warm up on the Stables Kitchen with a hot drink or bite to eat. Guided walks are available too from 10.30 and 14.00. The events calendar at Howden Park Centre is in full flow, with the monthly acoustic open night taking place on the 24th February. Join the performers or simply sit back and listen to a range of great local music – you never know who you might hear! If comedy is more your thing, Jim Davidson’s “Last Man Standing” takes place on the 21st – tickets are available online through the Howden Park Centre website. Follow us on social media to stay up to date with the latest attraction information: www.facebook.com/VisitWestLothian www.twitter.com/SeeWestLothian www.instagram.com/VisitWestLothian 50 | BALERNO

SATURDAY 8TH FEBRUARY Balerno Farmers Market Main Street, Balerno, 9am – 1pm. SATURDAY 29TH FEBRUARY Map and Compass Training Course Beginner-level course in reading a map and using a compass, run by the Pentland Hills Regional Park. For beginners or people needing a refresher: basic skills for navigating when walking in the countryside. We will study reading a map, orienting the map, using paces to judge distance, knowing your compass, and taking a compass bearing for navigation in bad weather. Course is £45, book via eventbrite (search “Pentland Hills Regional Park”) and takes place at Harlaw House Visitor Centre, Harlaw Road, Balerno, EH14 7AS. Other dates available. CURRIE & DISTRICT LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY All events in Gibson Craig Memorial Hall at 7.30pm • 10th February: “Women,Work and the First World War.” Speaker Ruth Boreham • 24th February: “Ravelrig House from 1454 to the Present Day.” Speaker Val Wilson CDLHS, plus another local talk by speaker Douglas Lowe CDLHS • 9th March: “The Last Spike; The Building of the first Transcontinental Railway across the USA.” Speaker Mr James Waugh

BALERNO VILLAGE SCREEN FEBRUARY (Please see website for further information): • The Hustle (12A) • The Lion King (2019) (PG) VENUE: St. Joseph’s Church Hall & Ogston Hall, Balerno TICKETS: www.balernovillagescreen.com and at The Mill Cafe. Programme and timings subject to change.

WANT TO INCLUDE YOUR EVENT HERE? COMMUNITY AND NOT-FOR-PROFIT LISTINGS ARE FREE OF CHARGE. EMAIL EDITOR@KONECT.SCOT BY 15TH OF THE MONTH FOR FOLLOWING MONTH’S ISSUE. @KonectMagazines

@KonectMagazines

BALERNO | 51

BRIDGE COLUMN

One Big Table They say the best discoveries often happen by accident and so it has proved for our beginners’ group at the local library. Instead of multiple tables we have one big table and participants take turns in the playing positions while the rest observe and listen. Bridge is not usually seen as a spectator sport. (But then they said that about poker and then Texas Hold’Em changed everything.) Probably the main advantage for beginners is that they can absorb the, sometimes challenging, and unfamiliar ideas without undue pressure. The course is based on the book ‘Basic Bridge’ by Ron Klinger. If you buy only one bridge book, this is the one. It was first published a while ago but has been kept completely up to date. Each hand conveys an important idea on bidding a play and it builds into a very comprehensive course over time. Yet each hand, to a large degree, stands alone which means participants can come only to those sessions which suit their schedule without undue harm to the learning process. If you want to try this unique and fun way to take your first steps in bridge there are still places available for the evening sessions on Tuesday evenings. These are (for now) open to all and cost £3 per session. The venue is Currie Community Centre (the Lounge) on Lanark Road West from 7pm to 9pm with optional tea breaks. Just come along, if you’re interested. The bridge column is contributed by John Samson who lives in Currie. John is a member of the Balerno and Pentland Bridge Club. 52 | BALERNO

@KonectMagazines

CLUBS & CLASSES

SPORTS, HOBBIES, LEARNING, SUPPORT GROUPS & MORE... BALERNO PHYSIO-LED PILATES AND RELAXATION CLASSES Prime Sports Physio Clinic, 46a Bavelaw Road, Balerno. Comprehensive timetable of classes available during daytime and evening in pilates and relaxation, including specialist classes in antenatal & postnatal pilates, pilates for men, for skiing as well as mixed level pilates, relaxation for teenagers. For more information and to book please contact www.primesportsphysio.co.uk or call 0131 449 6128. HARTBEEPS Currie Community Centre on a Monday 10am for confident walkers to preschool; 11am for sitting to walking babies; 12.15pm for newborn to sitting babies. For info please contact jo.douglas@ hartbeeps.com, Joanne Douglas 07736 457265. HULLABALOO Music classes for babies and toddlers with their carers. At Hullabaloo the focus is on having lots of fun with colourful props, toys and musical instruments. Through favourite songs and rhymes, children will develop early musical skills including a sense of beat, rhythm and pitch. Fridays 9.30am (term time), Wednesday 12.45pm (babies) - Balerno Scout Hall. E: info@mcmillanyoungmusicians. co.uk W: www.mcmillanyoungmusicians. co.uk/hullabaloo YOUNG@HEART For older people in Balerno, Currie and Juniper Green. We meet at 10am on a Tuesday at the Ogston Hall, St Joseph’s centre, Main St, Balerno for some gentle exercises then tea and coffee break. We then have various activities. Cost £2 per week for the tea and coffee break and £15 a year for membership, paid in 2 instalments. For more information please contact Mary Laing on 0131 449 3523 or email me on yackadoo@hotmail. co.uk for more information. BALERNO PARISH CHURCH Come and be part of the heart of the community which meets every Sunday at 10 am in the Main street www.balernochurch.org.uk HAILES SWIMMING CLUB Galas, coaching and development lessons for 7-15 year olds at Balerno, Currie, and Forrester pools. For further details contact membership@ hailesswimclub.co.uk ST MUNGO’S BALERNO Come be part of our vibrant church community which meets every Sunday, 10.30am @ Balerno High School www.stmungos.org

@KonectMagazines

PIYO LIVE! Pilates + Yoga+ Nonstop movement. Stretch, Strengthen & Sweat, all in one workout! Tues 9am in Balerno Scout Hall and Thurs 8pm in Balerno Community Centre. Other classes available in Currie. Contact Heidi on 07982 205111 or at heidi.instructor@gmail.com WILDFIRE EXPLORER SCOUTS Meet in Balerno High School. Fridays 7.15 - 9.15pm. 14 – 18yrs. Contact: Gordon Simpson 0131 477 3116. Email leaders@wildfireexplorers.org.uk BALERNO MONDAY CLUB Non-denominational club for over 55s. Our meetings are held in St Joseph’s Centre at Balerno Parish Church at 2pm on the first and third Mondays of the month from September to May. Different speakers, activities and outings each session, please contact the Club for syllabus details. 51ST PENTLAND SCOUTS (BALERNO) Beavers, Cubs, Scouts Various evenings, Balerno Scout Hall. Contact John Henderson on 07941 637262 CURRIE RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB Malleny Park - Minis (P1-7) Sundays 10.30am - 12pm. Contact 0131 449 2432 www.currierugby.org PENTLAND CALEDONIA PIPES AND DRUMS Balerno Community Centre - Every Friday 7pm-9.30pm. New members welcome. Free tuition on pipes or drums Phone 0131 4495133. BALERNO COMMUNITY CENTRE VILLAGE NURSERY Open Mon to Fri 7.30am to 6pm - 50 weeks of the year. Offering family centred childcare from 6 weeks to 5 years. We provide AM, PM and All Day Care, also Wraparound Care for Dean Park Nursery and Dean Park Primary School to include children to the end of P3. Please email thevillageplaygroup@outlook.com or tel 0131 451 5756 BALERNO FOOTSTEPS 4 FITNESS Mondays 10am at Balerno High School Riverside Café. Alternative Thursdays 10am at Balerno High School Riverside Café - Alternative Fridays 10am at Balerno Parish Church Hall - Contact 0131 449 2101. PENTLAND ART CLUB Meet at Balerno High School Art Room - Every Thursday 7.30-9.30pm Demonstrations, speakers, work evenings; All mediums; New members welcome. Please contact E Thomson on 0131 333 4662.

PENTLAND FLOWER CLUB Drama Studio, Balerno High School. First Friday of the month at 7pm (excluding January, February, July and August); Visitors and new members are always welcome. Contact Lis Daly on 0131 442 2146. CHILDREN’S SWIM SCHEME Balerno High School. Tues, Wed and Fri pm; Sat and Sun am. Contact Balerno Community Education Office 0131 477 7733 for more info. COMPASS PLAYGROUP Dean Park Primary Pre-School Centre. 2-5 years, wide variety of activities. Mon to Fri (school term time only) 8:55-11.40am. Early Drop Off, Lunch Club and Transfer Service to Dean Park Nursery. Afternoon sessions available for Pre-school children. Call 0131 449 4530 (during opening hours) for more information, or email info@compassplaygroup.com BALERNO BABY AND TODDLER GROUP Balerno Parish Church Hall. 3 Johnsburn Road, Balerno, EH14 7DN. For children 0-5 years and their carers. Term-time Thursdays 9.30 11.30am. BALERNO PARISH CHURCH GUILD Balerno Parish Church New Hall. First and third Wednesdays (commencing October) at 7.30pm. Varied syllabus with many interesting speakers; Tea/coffee is served at the end of the meeting. New members and visitors warmly welcomed BALERNO FOLK CLUB Held on the last Tuesday of each month in Balerno Bowling Club . Doors open 8pm; Evening begins 8.20pm; Guest artist on stage at 8.30pm; Members and guests welcome. For further info contact Morag Dunbar on 0131 449 5014 or John Stirling on 0131 449 3456. BALERNO SWI Balerno Community Centre 7.30pm. First Tuesday of every month (except July & August). We usually have a speaker but we also have “in house” evenings; There is usually some business to be discussed and we enjoy a “cuppa” whilst chatting; New members or visitors welcome, just come along MINIS @ST MUNGO’S Group for babies and toddlers with their carers on term time. Tuesdays and Wednesdays 10 - 11.30am in St Mungo’s church building, Ladycroft, Balerno; All welcome. For more information see www.stmungos.org

BALERNO | 53

BALERNO ...cont. IN THE DITCH QUILTERS Balerno Community Centre. Monthly workshops covering different quilting topics, third Wednesday of the month from 7:15pm. Annual membership £24.00. Contact Maureen Murray on 0131 336 0053 for further details. GIRLGUIDING Rainbows on Monday evenings. Full information and meeting times can be obtained from Edinburgh Head Quarters on 0131 225 4154. PALM CAFÉ St Jospeh’s Centre, last Tues of the month 2.30pm4pm. A social group cafe for people with dementia and their carers, for informal support and information. Serving the communities of Balerno, Juniper Green and Currie. For more information contact Kay Latimer 0131 449 6186 or email kaylatimer@btopenworld.com BALERNO PARISH CHURCH Come and join us for regular all age worship on Sunday mornings at 10am followed by refreshments in St Joseph’s. Check www. balernochurch.org.uk for all other events and worship information. THE MILL CAFÉ A community café run mainly by volunteers in the St Joseph’s Centre at the heart of Balerno. Open Tuesday-Friday 9.30am-2.00pm serving teas, coffees, homebaking and snack lunches. (Times may vary during school holidays)

CURRIE NEW EDINBURGH MAVERICKS KORFBALL CLUB Try korfball with Edinburgh Mavericks! Korfball is a mixed-gender sport with similarities to basketball and netball. Edinburgh Mavericks have 2 teams competing in the Scottish Korfball League, and train twice a week at Oriam. We welcome beginners and new players to all our sessions, men and women of all ages - so if you’re looking for a new sports club or way to keep fit, give korfball a try! Your first 3 sessions are free. Oriam, Heriot Watt University Campus, Currie, EH14 4AS. Wednesdays 7pm-8.30pm and Thursdays 8pm – 10.30pm. Contact edmavericks@gmail.com or facebook.com/edinburghmavericks BRIDGE Tuition for absolute beginners. Every Tuesday evening in the Currie Community Centre on Lanark Road West. 7pm to 9pm. £3 table money. Just turn up if you’re interested. If you need more info contact Johnny 0131 623 5135, 07450 521997, intro-bridge@hotmail.co.uk NETHER CURRIE PTA BADMINTON CLUB Nether Currie Primary School, Wed evenings 7 9pm from September to March. For info contact Gordon Porteous 0131 538 1959.

54 | BALERNO

INTRODUCTION TO BRIDGE For absolute beginners and social players who wish to graduate to club and competition play. Free. All adults over 21 welcome. Ideal for retirees looking for a new interest. Every Tuesday 3:45pm to 4:45pm Community room Currie Library. First meeting 3rd September 2019. Just turn up if you feel like it. Or contact Johnny on 0131 623 5135. Text 07450 521 997. Email introbridge@hotmail.co.uk HARTBEEPS Currie Community Centre on a Monday. 10am for confident walkers to preschool; 11am for sitting to walking babies; 12.15pm for newborn to sitting babies. For info please contact jo.douglas@ hartbeeps.com, Joanne Douglas 07736 457265. PIYO LIVE! Pilates + Yoga + Nonstop movement. Stretch, Strengthen & Sweat, All in one workout!! Fri 9:15am Currie Community Centre (Theatre Hall). Contact Heidi on 07982205111 or at heidi.instructor@ gmail.com DEPEVAK EXPLORER SCOUT UNIT 45 Lanark Road West, Currie, Wednesday 7.15 – 9.15pm SLIMMING WORLD - LOSE WEIGHT WITHOUT FEELING HUNGRY Come and join us every Wednesday at 7:30pm in Currie Community Centre on Lanark Road West, and every Saturday at 7:30am & 9:30am in Currie Scout Hall, Forthview Crescent. Contact Kim 07921 380711 for more information. HAILES SWIMMING CLUB Galas, coaching and development lessons for 7-15 year olds at Balerno, Currie, and Forrester pools. For further details contact membership@ hailesswimclub.co.uk CURRIE COMMUNITY CENTRE Various activities and facilities: Nursery, Football, After-school care, ballet, dog training youth club, craft, Taekwondo, parties, Saturday morning cafe, rooms for hire. See facebook page. Currie Community Centre. ARTS & CRAFTS GROUP Art Room 1, Currie Community High School - Thursdays 7.15 - 9pm - from 18th September to 27th November (except 16th October). We are a small, friendly group (of all ages) and new members will be made very welcome. £35 for the 10-week term or £5 per session, if paid on the night. Fee covers all materials, equipment and refreshments. For more information please email: phoenixarts@hotmail. com or tel: 07934 495488. BRIDGE CLUB The club is played at the Gibson Craig back Hall on a Monday, 1.30pm. For more information contact the Chairman on 0131 449 3527. COFFEE AND CRAFT Currie community Centre Mon 7-9pm. Bring your own craft and share your knowledge and experience with other crafters and perhaps learn something new. All welcome. £1 per person per night. AIR CADETS 2463 (CURRIE & BALERNO) SQUADRON Forthview Crescent. Mon and Thu 7-9.30pm. 0131 449 7449 for more info.

CURRIE PLAYGROUPCurrie Baptist Church Hall. Preschool play from age 2 years - Mon-Fri, 8.45 11.45am (term time) £6.50 per child per morning - Wraparound and Lunch Club for children attending Currie Nursery. Wrap around £5.00; Lunch club £2.00. See www.currieplaygroup.co.uk 42ND PENTLAND SCOUT GROUP (CURRIE) Forth View Crescent, Currie. Cubs Monday 6.15 – 7.45pm. Call Fee 07771 370748. Scouts Monday 7.45 – 9.15pm. Call Ross 07729714445. Beavers Friday 6.30 – 7.30pm. Call Sharon 07810 201680. www.42ndpentland.scoutsites.org.uk THE OCTAGON CLUB For Adults with Special Needs and Learning Difficulties Meets in Gibson Craig Hall, Lanark Road West, Currie, 7 9pm on Wednesday Evenings from mid September until June for table tennis, snooker, badminton, table games, “tuck shop” etc. Contact Terry Maloney 0751 466 4292 CURRIE & DISTRICT LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY Meetings Mondays at 7.30 in the Gibson-Craig Hall in Currie - Visitors welcome; For further information contact Douglas Lowe on 0131 449 4349 or douglaslowe51@btinternet.com BOYS BRIGADE - 65TH EDINBURGH (CURRIE) COMPANY Gibson Craig Hall, Lanark Road West Currie Anchors (Boys P2 & P3) - Thursday 6 - 7pm Juniors (Boys P4, P5 & P6) Thursday 7 - 8.30pm Company/Seniors (Boys P7 - S6) Sundays 6.30 – 8.30pm For more info email 65edinburghbb@gmail.com or see website 65edinburgh.boys-brigade. org.uk CURRIE BABY AND TODDLER GROUP Gibson Craig Hall - Friday 9.30 - 11.30am (term time only). Adults £2.00; Kids go free. Parents/ Grandparents/Carers/Childminders are all very welcome; Snack provided for the kids and tea and coffee for the adults. Loads of space to play BALERNO AND DISTRICT RAMBLERS Midweek Group meets on a Wednesday at Currie Library Car Park, Lanark Rd West - 9.15am for 9.30am start. Contact M Timmins 0131 449 4525 or A Blyth 0131 629 3644. Saturday and Sunday Group meets at Pentland View Carpark, Currie, at 8.45am for 9am start. Contact E Scroggie on 0131 441 1666. BOOK GROUP Currie Library - First Wednesday of each month at 7.00pm. BEGINNERS YOGA CLASSES No experience needed (18+) - £6 per class Tuesday 8pm at Gibson Craig Hall, Lanark Road, Currie. Wednesday 7.45pm at Forth View Crescent Scout Hall, Currie. Monday 6pm at St Margaret’s Hall, Juniper Green. Monday 8.30pm at Balerno Scout Hall, Balerno. Any questions please contact Monica, email: karmayoga@ btinternet.com Tel: 07986 600432

@KonectMagazines

CORNER CAFE BOOK CLUB At the Corner Cafe, 120 Lanark Road West, Currie. Meet 27th of every month at 7.45. Informal friendly group, all welcome, we read a mixture of classics and popular books. £3 per session. MACULAR SOCIETY, PENTLAND GROUP Group for visually impaired people, 2nd Friday of every month in Currie Library at 2pm. Audio Book Group meets 1st Monday of every month in Currie Library at 2.15 pm. I-Pad tuition group for visually impaired people all other Mondays in Currie Library at 2.15pm. MESSY CHURCH Second and last Fridays of the month from 2-4.30pm in the Gibson Craig Halls. We will meet from the second Friday in September until the second Friday in December then from the second Friday in January until the second Friday in June. All ages are welcome, but children must be accompanied by an adult who stays with them. For further information, contact Louise on 466 3472 or Easter on 449 4719

JUNIPER GREEN JUNIPER GREEN TENNIS CLUB This small, friendly LTA affiliated tennis club in the heart of Juniper Green is open to all. There’s an extensive junior coaching programme and sessions for adults on Fridays throughout the season. Follow us on Facebook www.facebook. com/junipergreentennisclub/ or for membership details etc see www.clubspark.lta.org.uk/ JuniperGreenTennisClub JUNIPER GREEN NURSERY PLAYGROUP Juniper Green Community Centre (Village Hall) 1 Juniper Park Road EH14 5DX. Contact 07308 033386 or see website at www. junipergreenplaygroup.vpweb.co.uk JUNIPER GREEN BOARDGAMERS We meet 2nd and 4th Friday of the month, 6pm-9pm in Juniper Green Parish Church Hall C We currently ask for £1.00 per person to cover the cost of the hall (£2.00 non-members - First visit FREE!). Everyone welcome, suitable for kids over 10y/o. Children must be with an adult, and the adult must stay and play too. For more information and dates for this month, please contact Eric (eric@ericonline.co.uk) or find us on Facebook using “Juniper Green Board-Gamers”. 31ST PENTLAND SCOUTS (JUNIPER GREEN) 45 Lanark Road West, Currie Beavers - Wed 6.30pm. Cubs - Mon 7.00pm. Cubs - Tues 6.30pm. Scouts - Fri 7.00pm. Contact - Hamish Leal on 0131 449 3288. JUNIPER GREEN SWI Juniper Green Community Centre (Village Hall) 1 Juniper Park Road EH14 5DX. Contact 0131 539 9886. PENTLAND BRIDGE CLUB The club meets at 7pm on Thursday evenings throughout the year to play duplicate bridge at St Margaret’s

@KonectMagazines

RATHO Court, Juniper Green. Prospective new members are welcome to come along to see if it suits them. If interested, please contact Ken Brown 0131 449 5314 email mthkjb@gmail.com. LUNCH CLUB FOR OLDER PEOPLE Third Thursday of each month at Ratho Community Centre. Run by Queensferry Care through the support of Tesco Bags of Help, The Almond Neighbourhood Partnership and RCCC. Starting at 12noon, for more info and to register interest please call 0131 331 5570. RATHO SWI Meet in Ratho Community Centre on second Wednesday of each month (except July & August) from 7pm to 9pm. New members and visitors welcome. Contact 0131 333 4862 for information. RATHO SCOUTS, CUBS & BEAVERS Ratho Community Centre. Beavers: Tuesdays 6.30pm - 7.30pm (age 6-8). Cubs: Fridays 7pm - 8.30pm (age 8-10.5). Scouts: 7pm - 8.45pm. (age 10.5 -14) RATHO RAVERS Ratho Community Centre. Thurs 10am12pm. Exercising body and mind for the over fifties. £3 per class. For more information call the Community Centre on 0131 333 1055. PARENT & TODDLERS GROUP Community Centre Tues and Thurs 10am-12noon. Under 3s. Members 50p, non members £1. For more information call the Community Centre on 0131 333 1055. ART CLUB Ratho Community Centre Tues 7-9pm. Adult Multimedia Club. Members 50p, non members £1. For more information call the Community Centre on 0131 333 1055. 50 PLUS GROUP Varied programme of activities/outings. New members welcome – meet fortnightly at Ratho Community Centre. Members 50p, nonmembers £1. For more information call the Community Centre on 0131 333 1055 SCOUTS All meet at the Community Centre, meeting times are as follows: Beavers: Tuesdays 6.30pm - 7.30pm (age 6-8), Cubs: Fridays 7pm - 8.30pm (age 8-10.5), Scouts: 7pm - 8.45pm. (age 10.5-14) TO INCLUDE YOUR CLUB OR CLASS, PLEASE EMAIL DETAILS TO EDITOR@ KONECT.SCOT CHARITY AND NOT-FOR-PROFIT GROUPS ARE FREE. THERE IS A SMALL CHARGE FOR OTHER LISTINGS. SEE OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE INFORMATION AT WWW.KONECT.SCOT

SOLUTIONS

SOLUTION TO DECEMBER CROSSWORD

ACROSS: 1. Alpaca, 4. Tribes, 9. Tornado, 10. Drake, 11. Stews, 12. Shocked, 13. Electricity, 18. Traffic, 20. Risky, 22. Nails, 23. Elegant, 24. August, 25. Stream DOWN: 1. Artist, 2. Purse, 3. Classic, 5. Radio, 6. Blanket, 7. Speedy, 8. Constructed, 14. Leaving, 15. Correct,16. Stanza, 17. System, 19. Fists, 21. Scare

SOLUTION TO SUDOKU ON PAGE 35

Disclaimer: The publisher cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage caused by error in the printing of an advertisement. We do not endorse any advertisers in this publication. All material is accepted for publication on the understanding it is copyright free. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior consent of the publisher. Publisher: Lothian Publications Ltd. Geddes House, Kirkton North, Livingston, West Lothian EH54 6GU. Magazine Design: Universal Appeal Ltd. M: 07729 911858 W: www.universal-appeal.com E: info@universal-appeal.com

BALERNO | 55