Konect Balerno April 2024

HEALTH:

WINE TASTING:

LOCAL WALK:

PLUS: MONEY MATTERS, HEALTH, puzzles, CLUBS & CLASSES, and MUCH more inside!

spring is definitely underway as I write this - the finishing touches to the April issue have been done with sun streaming though the office window. Spring, with its unfailing return of buds and flowers every year, often brings an energy to get things done. You’ll find in the pages of Konect all the local businesses you need to help with whatever project you have on, whether you’re looking to tackle some spring cleaning or home improvement projects, or emerging from hibernation yourself and looking to get healthier.

Our walk feature takes us up into the foothills of the Pentlands, starting from Bonaly. William Weir’s beautifully detailed account of all the nature he noticed on his walk there has put it top of my list to go and try as soon as I have time on a nice day.

Many of the local businesses advertising in this magazine have special offers and discounts for readers - look out for the special offers and mention Konect when you contact them.

Thanks as ever for reading Konect and supporting local businesses and organisations.

It’s a cool, overcast spring afternoon as I set off from the upper car park at Bonaly on my first reconnaissance of White Hill. Not to be confused with its near neighbour a couple of miles east (confusingly also named White Hill), this Pentland foothill lies just north of Capelaw Hill, peaking at a modest, tree-clad 318 metres.

After going a short way up the main track from the car park, I cut down to my left, towards the sound of rushing water. A narrow path leads me down and across a wooden footbridge over the Dean Burn. The burn descends through a pretty dell overlooked by tall pines, the clear waters cascading down a series of mini-falls, over polished pebbles and around mosscovered boulders. At once the ambience of nature’s crucible is calming, the clamour of the busy roads below rapidly forgotten.

Ascending the steep eastern flank of the little valley, the path for much of this section is a contorted lattice of exposed pine roots; I pick my way up and up. As the burn’s cheerful babble recedes behind me, stillness reigns. If it weren’t for the faint whooshing of the city bypass, I could very well be amongst the pines of Abernethy. There is not a breath of wind and

not a soul around. However, I’m clearly not the only one who has been enjoying what’s on offer here; the forest floor is littered with squirrelnibbled cones, discarded in greater profusion than I think I have ever witnessed.

I skirt the southern edge of the wood and, as the ground begins to level out a little, the heather scrub of the Pentland plateau opens out to my right. The hilltops are shrouded in mist, exuding a sense of mystery and adventure that is evocatively Scottish. Yet the woods around me offer ample intrigue. I stop to take a few photos on my phone - here and there are the fallen casualties of storms, both recent and long past, root bases ripped vertical and great trunks rendered prostrate. A little pile of discarded cone scales tells me that a squirrel has made its dining table of one such trunk. On the forest floor, fallen twigs and branches, having lost their bark, lie like bleached antlers.

I reach a place where a small rivulet, draining off higher ground to my right, feeds into a boggy section of ground through which I must pass. Several logs have been placed over the wettest part and I gratefully tightrope-walk my way across the most robust looking of these. However, reaching the end of my chosen beam I notice there are still a few metres of deep mud ahead before I reach dry land. I plot my course – end of that other log, tussock,

Hazel Catkin

Buzzard

tussock, home. But the log I step onto is not as well anchored as it looks and, under my weight, sinks alarmingly deep into the mud. I coggle. My right hand instinctively reaches down into the mud to prevent me falling over completely. Just. Unfortunately, still grasped in it is my phone, which I raise, wincing, pulling it from the mud with a slurp, dripping like chocolate fondue. I dash to a nearby stump and in a flurry of hankies perform gadgetry CPR. Thankfully the phone is salvaged and onwards I go.

Soon I reach the far side of the wood and, as the trees thin out, I’m at the summit. Veering left over to the forest fringe to take in the view, I’m slightly surprised by the height attained over our fair city, laid out below. Houses are arrayed in miniature, like those in an architect’s model, row upon row, fading with distance into the mist that has taken up residence these past few days. Pressing on, I pass through a gate and turn southwards away from the city for a short stretch, bordering a denser conifer plantation. On reaching the corner of the plantation I turn left and begin to descend eastwards through grassy scrubland in the direction of Dreghorn. A fine view opens up, with the Braid Hills on the horizon and the rocky cliffs of Green Craig to my right. At the bottom I join a gravel road which continues down through deciduous woodland. Last year’s oak leaves still cling to branches, like clustered brooches of beaten copper, while new buds form at the ends of upward stems.

On reaching a gate, I pass through into a field with a pylon in its centre and cross diagonally to reach a signpost on the far side. I take the route left, marked Bonaly, following the power lines. The cry of a buzzard, circling somewhere in the mist over the woods, pierces the air. By the path,

blackthorn bushes are sprayed with pin-point white constellations of nascent blossom and hazel catkins all hang at an angle, as if frozen in memory of the prevailing wind. The final stretch of this path winds energetically up and through the woods behind the Bonaly scout centre and soon I find myself back where I began, at the footbridge over the bonny Dean Burn.

This walk takes approx. 1 hour, with some steep and boggy sections. Some sections pass through MOD land – please heed all signs!

This article was contributed by William Weir. William is a scientist and amateur writer/photographer who lives locally. In his spare time he enjoys exploring the trails and wild spaces of West Lothian and the Pentland Hills.

PHOTO CREDIT : William Weir

A LASTING, HEALING SOLUTION TO HOPELESSNESS

Practical, transformative prayer makes a difference in the world, when we learn to trust God as infinite Mind and Truth.

A talk on Christian Science

Hosted by Alison Hughes, CS

Christian Science practitioner

Member of the Christian Science Board of Lectureship

First Church of Christ, Scientist, Edinburgh SC014327

Admission is free

Tuesday 14th May 7:30pm

Eric Liddell Community Centre, Holy Corner 15 Morningside Road

Edinburgh EH10 4DP

Location Contact

07428 900 250 www.christianscience.org.uk/edinburgh

TONY HARPER’S HAIR STUDIO

To book an appointment please phone the salon on 0131 451 5133 and leave a message that includes your name, phone number and your stylists name and they will call you back within 48 hours.

Or text Jenny on 07860 222343

Or text Sam on 07749 503946

For nail appointments contact Sam

We would like to thank all our regular customers for their ongoing support, and welcome all our new customers.

Check out our daily, weekly & monthly deal and posts at tony-harpers-hairstudio

For updates please see our Facebook page and salon windows

46a Bavelaw Road, Balerno

The monthly wine tasting column is contributed by Joanne Frette. Joanne lives in Juniper Green with her husband and three children. For wine recommendations, reviews and details of future tasting events, please go to swirlsipsocialise.com

Help us end loneliness one cup of tea at a time

Re-engage, a charity dedicated to ending loneliness in older people, is searching for more volunteers in the Edinburgh area to help run its free monthly tea parties for people aged 75 and over, who are lonely, isolated or in need of companionship.

These social gatherings provide a lifeline of friendship for older people, and the regular, warm, friendly chats and companionship provide a vital link with the outside world. Re-engage is looking for volunteers to give some of their time to make isolated older people feel connected and valued. Why not apply to become a tea party host and hold a social gathering once or twice a year in your home? Or how about becoming a volunteer driver to transport older people to and from tea parties in your car and stay with them to enjoy the get-togethers and get to know one another?

Re-engage relies on the wonderful support of its volunteers and would like you to become part of its team to help reach the 2.3 million aged 75 and over who are currently lonely, isolated or in need of companionship. Volunteering at Re-engage can be an incredibly rewarding experience and you will receive support and training to help you get the most out of your role.

Together we can change lives and provide desperately needed companionship to end the crippling loneliness felt by so many. Call 020 7240 0630, email info@reengage.org.uk or visit www.reengage.org.uk

This article was contributed by Re-engage, a charity registered in Scotland SC039377.

Jack

Jack

Edinburgh with practices in Elder Street

Edinburgh with practices in Elder Street

have a new practice here in Juniper Green.

Westside Plaza, have a new practice here in Juniper Green.

Supported by the latest technology, we have been serving communities in and around Edinburgh for nearly 50 years, providing comprehensive eye and ear care with personalised service and attention to detail for

Supported by the latest technology, we have been serving communities in and around Edinburgh for nearly 50 years, providing comprehensive eye and ear care with personalised service and attention to detail for the whole family. Plus, you’ll find a huge range of eyewear available at all three of our practices.

Book your appointment at one of our Jack Brown Eyecare locations below:

www.jbeyecare.com

We look forward to seeing you soon!

We look forward to seeing you soon!

HEALTH

It’s not funny to break your Humerus!

There is nothing funny about living with a broken arm, but lots of us have to while we wait for the bone to heal. A common fracture is to the top of the Humerus bone just below the shoulder joint.

In fact, about 5% of all fractures are proximal humeral fractures in the upper arm. A classic way to break this bone is to fall on an outstretched arm and this injury will happen to twice as many women as men.

The good news is that these fractures heal well if they are not displaced so treatment is with rest in a sling with a phased exercise programme to regain function. More complex fractures where the bone ends are out of

alignment may need surgery to pin them together. Pain control is important in the first few weeks so do use medication, if necessary, as advised by your doctor.

It is vitally important to continue to exercise as pain allows. There is the potential to develop problems at other joints in the upper limb due to the swelling and bruising in the arm affecting function. There is also the potential to develop a frozen shoulder and this will take up to 2 years to heal – a case where prevention is definitely better than cure! A rehab programme may look something like this, but do take advice from your own Physio or Consultant.

For an un-displaced proximal humeral fracture rest out of the sling as much as possible. Do let your arm hang down so that gravity can help keep the bone in good alignment. Exercise “little and often” through the day so you do not get too tired or too painful. Exercises for the first 3 weeks will include moving your fingers, wrist and elbow to keep these joints mobile, keep the muscles moving and help get rid of swelling. You will also be shown how to do pendular exercises – gently swinging your arm forwards and backwards, side to side and in circles - all to help keep the shoulder from becoming stiff. Always remember to never push into pain.

From 3 – 6 weeks the exercises are progressed to include active assisted exercises where you try to move your arm more with the help of your other arm, a stick, or sliding your hand on a table to help your shoulder move more. You should avoid lifting anything heavy, such as a full kettle, for the first 4 – 6 weeks after fracture. After 6 weeks the bone is healed and so exercises against resistance can be introduced to build up muscle strength. It is normal at this stage to still have some discomfort and some difficulty moving your arm. The big question is always “when can I drive again?” Most people manage this about 6 – 8 weeks after the injury when they no longer need to use the sling at all and they feel they can control the car. A fractured humerus is no laughing matter but they heal well given the right encouragement.

The health column is contributed by McNaughton Physiogrange, Edinburgh www.physiogrange.co.uk

Afew years ago, after an eighthour flight and a three-hour drive, I turned up at the home of my best friend in Illinois, USA. She opened the door, and looking a bit disappointed, complained, “You’re not supposed to be here yet!” I laughed because I understood. She was happy to see me, but her house was not ready to see me!

Here in Balerno we’ve just said good-bye to the most wonderful house guest. She could only stay for the weekend, but we would have gladly hosted her longer. Today I am feeling happy … and shattered. Why is it that every time we have visitors, for a day or a longer period, I go into overdrive trying to get my house ready?

I absolutely love having friends and family over, but I just don’t know how to put a “reasonable” amount of effort into preparing for them. When folks are coming, I can’t tidy and clean, shop for food, cook and bake with any sort of perspective. All of my energy goes into these things and I get a bit

annoyed that I have to stop to eat and sleep. In fact, I keep trying to improve on what I’ve done in each area until the guest is actually on my doorstep – this is probably why my friend wasn’t happy that I turned up early. I’m not sure where this obsessive streak comes from. I’m normally a fairly relaxed, laid-back person. But when a guest is coming I will shop for groceries, and then go back to the shop for a few more things I think they will enjoy. Then the next day I return to the shop for a few more items!

Friends have tried to help me, saying wise things such as “keep meals simple” and “guests come to see you, not your house”. It all makes good sense. But I really struggle to heed their well-intentioned words! Deep down I’m thinking: But it’s a guest! I want to give them a great meal. I want everything to be tidy and pretty and aesthetically pleasing. I don’t want to give myself a break about this. No sloppy hospitality for me!

Of course, what I (and hosts like me) need to keep in mind is that “hospitality” simply means being friendly and welcoming. Making others feel at home in our home. So I’m trying to let this sink in, trying not to care if I don’t get the homemade granola ready in time for the house guests, or miss clearing a cobweb from the ceiling.

And I’m doing better. I used to be frustrated when dinner guests somehow managed to get through the evening without using our loo! After all, I’d poured time into vacuuming, scrubbing the toilet and sink, polishing the mirror, putting out clean towels …

But these days I don’t march them to the loo half way through the evening, saying “I spent ages cleaning in here today! Are you sure you don’t need the loo? Not even a little?”

So that’s progress.

real LIFE 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.

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Juniper Green

I try not to get on my soapbox too much when writing these articles however, I can’t get something out of my mind.

Fearing it’d had been injured, I was on the phone to the SSPCA about one of last years cygnets (it was fine and got up to have a stretch, just as I connected with an operator, obviously!) I noticed it was trying to eat something on the ground without success. Turns out the potential item of food was a cigarette butt, which thankfully, it didn’t swallow.

To put it bluntly, I find the litter issue across Edinburgh utterly disgraceful. I remember people coming to my school talking about litter, so this isn’t a new problem but it’s one which seems to be getting worse. I don’t think it’s an understatement to say that it’s everywhere you look, from riverbanks to paths, and seemingly worst of all, the off-ramps of motorways and roundabouts. Never mind around roadside lay-bys, where various vehicles park up and drivers seemingly don’t care to take their litter home with them (not all, I’m sure) The

local litter picking groups do an amazing job at clearing the local area up but it’s a seemingly endless task. Whatever age you are, if you drop litter or throw something from your car, just stop it.

Litter has a serious impact on the environment in many ways and could be avoided if you act differently and take it home.

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

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

In an ideal world, we would all be able to make our own decisions until we die, but if poor physical or mental health prevents that, the next best thing is to authorise someone you trust to act for you. Setting up a Power of Attorney (POA) lets you do just that.

POAs Covering Finances - These give an attorney the power to make decisions about your banking, savings, investments and your pension. Once registered, and with your permission a financial POA can be used immediately.

POAs Covering Health and Welfare - These give your attorney the power to make decisions about matters relating to your health. Unlike financial POAs, they can only be used when you have lost the capacity to make your own decisions.

In Scotland, Continuing POAs deal with finances, while Welfare POAs deal with health. They must be registered with the appropriate authority where you live to be effective.

Choosing and Instructing Attorneys - In the Power of Attorney forms you’ll be asked to give details of who you want to appoint as attorney(s).

How to Register a Long-term POA - You do not need to leave it until later in life to make a POA – anyone, aged 16 in Scotland, can set one up. POA documents must be registered, and certification of mental capacity in Scotland can be from a medical doctor and must be witnessed.

In Scotland, Continuing and Welfare POAs are registered with the Office of the Public Guardian in Scotland and cost £87 (publicguardian-scotland.gov.uk).

The Money Matters column is contributed by Personal Money Management. This month’s article is by Dr Peter M Marshall.

APRIL CROSSWORD

^^^ Solution in the May edition of Konect

ACROSS: 7. Sight (6), 8. Female relative (6), 9. Largest continent (4), 10. Fit and healthy (8), 11. Beetles, ants etc (7), 13. .Animal furs (5), 15. Invoices (5), 17. Considers (7), 20. Taking small bites (8), 21. Solely (4), 23. Distributed (6), 24. A capital city (6).

DOWN: 1. Fasteners (4), 2. Buccaneer (6), 3. Young children (7), 4. Sailing boat (5), 5. Involuntary action (6), 6. Menacing (8), 12. Loudest (8), 14. Harshly (7), 16. Hard work (6), 18. Drenches (6), 19. Feathered friends? (5), 22. Stolen goods (4).

APRIL SUDOKU

EDUCATION

The PISA (Programme for International Student Assessment) has been used by over 100 countries and involved around 3,700,000 students since its launch in 1997. Although we can be a little weary of worldwide comparisons, there is something about the outcomes, which is important for us to acknowledge and work towards improving. PISA’s most recent results were published in December 2023 for the study conducted in 2022. They are telling us that our children’s literacy skills are not what they should be. The striking common denominator across all participating countries was the unfortunate drop in the performance in Maths, Reading and Science. The UK has also shown a constant drop in the levels achieved in all three areas over the years, with Maths at -12.8% drop between 2018 to 2022.

If the UK wanted to improve its PISA ranking amongst the other 80+ participating countries, it would need to

a) Ensure that schools are better equipped for effective STEM teaching

b) Offer a more serious approach to teaching languages

c) Embrace online opportunities for learning and teaching

It would also be important to consider developing a curriculum for teaching Artificial Intelligence, which the younger generations will need to live with and use more than we do today.

The top 3 recommendations from PISA for all countries are:

• Increase the students’ feeling of belonging at school, which is reflected in their learning outcomes. It is not just about the attendance records, but also about being actively included in school activities, interacting will all groups at school, being encouraged to improve and being praised for the effort.

• Prepare students for autonomous learning. This would include digital learning platforms, online learning resources and the presence of an online tutor or teacher. Encouraging autonomous learning at school will help the students do well once they leave school, too.

• Look after the students’ well-being: between 1 in 20 and 1 in 10 students say they don’t feel safe in their schools. 20% of students are still regularly bullied at school.

• Limit the distractions caused by using digital devices in classrooms. This is a problematic recommendation as mobile phones are often used in class for autonomous leaning. A balance needs to be found so that students can use their devices without impacting on others.

The new PISA study planned for 2025 will include more science subjects and foreign languages, it will also “include the innovative domain of Learning in the Digital World which aims to measure students’ ability to engage in self-regulated learning while using digital tools.”

Source: www.oecd.org/publication/pisa-2022results/

This article was contributed by Dr Beata Kohlbek. Beata runs an online tutoring service. It brings experienced teachers to those pupils who want to get better in their school work, improve their grades or pass exams at a higher level. You can find BK Tutoring here: www.bktutoring.co.uk

SPORTS, HOBBIES, LEARNING, SUPPORT GROUPS & MORE...

PALM DEMENTIA CAFE - The PALM cafe is held on the last Tuesday of the month from 3.00-4.15pm in the St Joseph’s Centre, Balerno. The cafe serves the communities of Currie, Balerno and Juniper Green, providing a space for people with dementia and their carers to meet others for support and social contact. Activities include music, movement, reminiscence and craft. A small voluntary donation is requested to cover the cost of refreshments. For more information please contact Clare Dow on claremdow@gmail.com

FLAGGY FRIDAYS - Does your child have an interest in flags of the world? Come and join us for Flaggy Fridays! Each week we will focus on a different flag of the world. In just 30 minutes we’ll learn a brief summary of the flag’s history, why a flag has its colours, layout, its old flag(s) then end with a fun quiz! First class FREE trial. Online Zoom club. Email flaggyfridays@gmail.com to join

ADULT ART CLASSES & SOCIAL - Free taster class! Learn Art in a relaxed, friendly environment. Based on the drawing theories of Betty Edwards - this class is appropriate for all levels. Our teacher Jane holds a BA from Hallam University with over 25 years experience teaching art, design and photography. Come develop your core skills and have a cuppa with others who share a love of Art. Thursdays 10.00am-12.00pm, Currie Community Centre 280 Lanark Road West. W: justvillagesocialevents.co.uk E: nicole@justvillagesocialevents. co.uk

THE HUB@531 - Community space in the heart of Juniper Green village, offering regular groups and events and hireable meeting / small event space.

Social activities and clubs for all ages, including Come for a Cuppa, Book Bug, Knitting, Yoga and much more. 531 Lanark Road, Juniper Green, EH14 5DE. See hub531.appointedd.com for information and to book activities. Facebook: “The Hub at 531”

BALERNO SWI - We meet on the first Tuesday each month from September to May in Balerno Community Centre at 7:30pm, when we have speakers or demonstrations followed by a cuppa and time to chat. Anyone interested can see more about us on our Facebook page, “Balerno SWI”

PENTLAND BRIDGE CLUBCome and play duplicate bridge in a friendly atmosphere. We meet in St Margaret’s Court, Juniper Green on Thursdays at 7pm. Table money £3. Less experienced players made very welcome. For further information see www. bridgewebs.com/pentland/ or email mthjkb@gmail.com

ST CUTHBERT’S BADMINTON

CLUB - St Cuthbert’s Badminton Club was created about 1946. It meets in the Church Hall in Westgarth Avenue, Colinton. It is non-competitive and meets on Monday evenings at 8.00pm between September and Easter. For details, call Archie Clark on 0131 449 4703.

THE MEETING PLACE - A community cafe for those 65 and over and all unpaid carers. Every Monday 10am - 4pm. Lunch £5 if you wish and ALL refreshments free. Free exercise classes, bingo, dominoes, crafting and much more. 99 Forthview Crescent, 42nd Pentland Scout Hall. For info contact themeetingplacejcb@gmail.com

BALERNO RAMBLERS

WEEKEND GROUP - A busy walking group with a programme of interesting walks in a variety of locations. Some walks may be

more challenging than the midweek programme.

W: www.ramblers.org.uk/balerno; or, www.facebook/BalernoRamblers

E: enquiries@balernoramblers.org.uk

BALERNO RAMBLERS

MIDWEEK GROUP - Meet for walks in Lothians, Fife, Borders and further afield. For walk details contact M.Timmins on 07917878955. Follow Balerno Ramblers on Facebook.

BARREFusion - A Barre class with a twist! Elements of Ballet & Yoga. Includes signature Fuse moves, Cardio bursts & Strength work. Drop-in (contactless payments taken) or pre-book at www.bookwhen.com/ heidimacdonaldfitness. Fridays 9:15am Juniper Green Scout Hall (nr Sainsburys). For further details: M: 07982205111

E: heidi.instructor@gmail.com

KNIT ‘N’ KNATTER - Ratho Library, Ratho Commuity Centre, Thursdays 2pm to 4pm. Tea & coffee provided. Bring along your wooly creations. Ratho Library 0131 333 5297

JUNIPER GREEN NURSERY

PLAYGROUP - Juniper Green Community Centre. We are a small friendly playgroup with very experienced staff. We take children who are from 2 to 3 years old for morning sessions (9.1511.15) cost

£13 which includes a snack. No parent duties required. For more information:

W: www.junipergreenplaygroup. vpweb.co.uk

E: junipergreenplaygroup@ hotmail.co.uk

T: 07308 033386

PENTLAND SINGERS

COMMUNITY CHOIRRehearsals every Tuesday at 7.30pm in Balerno Parish Church. Singing a wide range of choral music, with local

concerts twice a year, no previous experience required and new members always warmly welcomed. Actively seeking new members. Further information:

SOLUTION TO MARCH CROSSWORD

W: www.pentlandsingers.org.uk

E:pentland_singers@yahoo.co.uk

PENTLAND JUNIOR SINGERS

- Rehearsals every Tuesday 6-7pm, Balerno Parish Church. For young people aged 8 to 14. Come and sing a wide array of choral music in a fun and supportive environment.

More information: www. pentlandjuniors.org or email: pentlandjuniors@gmail.com

CURRIE 65TH BOYS BRIGADE

- Anchor Boys (P2-3) and Junior Section (P4-6) Thurs

6.00-7.30pm. Company Section (P7-S6) Sun 6.30- 8.30pm

ACROSS: 1. Neat, 3. Ignorant, 9. Natural, 10. Navel, 11. Early, 12. Oceans, 14. Sewing, 16. Absent, 19. Potato, 21. Tiger, 24. Pulse, 25. Fearful, 26. Nineteen, 27. Used.

Gibson Craig Hall, Currie. Contact 65edinburghbb@gmail. com or 07730 414371.

You can find us on Facebook. For information call Deeanne on 07885 612583.

PILATES, YOGA, STRENGTH & FITNESS CLASSES - at Prime Sports Physio & Pilates Studio & Gym - Our expert physios, Pilates & yoga instructors and personal trainers offer a programme of 22 classes per week to promote wellbeing, health, strength and fitness. We’re delighted to now offer a monthly class membership as well as individual class bookings. Please visit: www.primesportsphysio.co.uk to book classes. Email: hello@ primesportsphysio.co.uk for more info.

SOLUTION TO MARCH CROSSWORD

ACROSS: 1. Neat, 3. Ignorant, 9. Natural, 10. Navel, 11. Early, 12. Oceans, 14. Sewing, 16. Absent, 19. Potato, 21. Tiger, 24. Pulse, 25. Fearful, 26. Nineteen, 27. Used.

DOWN: 1. Nonsense, 2. Actor, 4. Gallop, 5. Ounce, 6. Advance, 7. Till, 8. Crayon, 13. Startled, 15. Woollen, 17. Betray, 18. Coffee, 20. Agent, 22. Gifts, 23. Open.

RATHO COMMUNITY CENTRE

• Gentle Exercise Group, every Thurs from 10am-12 noon

SOLUTION TO SUDOKU ON PAGE XX

• Gentle Exercise Group, every Thurs from 10am-12 noon

• 50+ Group alternate Wed from 2pm-4pm

• Book Group alternate Wed from 2pm-4pm

• Knit and Natter Group Thurs from 2pm-4pm

Tel: Ratho Community Centre 0131 333 1055.

JUNIPER GREEN BOARDGAMERS - Family and kids friendly board-game group open to all. Come join us to play all sorts of board-games. Children are free with any adult (£3/adut) Meetings every 2nd Friday 6pm to 9pm see boardjg.co.uk for details of contact eric@boardjg. co.uk

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.

PARACISE - Gentle to moderate exercise to music you’ll love. Working on balance, mobility, flexibility & posture. All STANDING. Drop-in (contactless payments taken) or pre-book at bookwhen. com/heidimacdonaldfitness Wednesdays 10:45am Balerno Scout Hall - bring water. For further details call Heidi on 07982 205111

ART CLUB - This club suits children who thrive by being creative and individual. Online learning will focus on technique, pencil work and colour. Outdoor classes will be a visual appreciation of colour, depth and nature through pencil and other mixed media like watercolours. We encourage individuality and celebrating being your own true artist. First class is a FREE trial.

E: balernoartclub@gmail.com

T: 07591990020

Insta: @everychildisanartist_

DOWN: 1. Nonsense, 2. Actor, 4. Gallop, 5. Ounce, 6. Advance, 7. Till, 8. Crayon, 13. Startled, 15. Woollen, 17. Betray, 18. Coffee, 20. Agent, 22. Gifts, 23. Open.

SOLUTION TO SUDOKU ON PAGE XX

SOLUTION TO SUDOKU PAGE 46

TO INCLUDE YOUR CLUB OR CLASS, PLEASE EMAIL DETAILS, UP TO 75 WORDS, TO EDITOR@KONECT.SCOT

Publisher: Lothian Publications Ltd. Geddes House, Kirkton North, Livingston, West Lothian EH54 6GU.

Magazine Design: Alan Stewart Design T: 07729 911858

PENTLAND CALEDONIA PIPES AND DRUMS - Pentland Caledonia Pipes and Drums are looking for new members, players or learners. We teach pipes and drums free. We meet in Balerno Community Centre every Friday 7pm - 9.30pm.

NOT-FOR-PROFIT GROUPS ARE FREE. THERE IS A SMALL CHARGE FOR BUSINESSES. SEE KONECT. SCOT FOR INFORMATION.

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Publisher: Lothian Publications Ltd. Geddes House, Kirkton North, Livingston, West Lothian EH54 6GU.

Magazine Design: Alan Stewart Design T: 07729 911858

DAILY FROM 30TH MARCH TO 15TH APRIL

Water of Leith Quilt Exhibition - On display at Water of Leith Visitor Centre, 24 Lanark Rd, EH14 1TQ. A stunning representation of the river in quilt work, by Thistle Quilters. Depicting the river, its wildlife and history as it flows from Balerno to Leith. Almost everything you could think of is shown from our resident otters and other wildlife, local landmarks, the river’s milling history, and the industrial past of Leith. Free, drop in any time, excluding Sat 6th April and Thurs 11th April.

SATURDAY 6TH APRIL

Mesmerising Mechanisms - Water of Leith Visitor Centre, 10am-4pm. Free, hands-on exhibition of amazing wooden machines! All ages welcome! 07762 203576 www.colintonclocks.co.uk/mesmerisingmechanisms

SATURDAY 13TH MARCH

Farmers Market

Main Street, Balerno, 9.00am to 1.00pm

PENTLAND PROBUS CLUB EVENTS

EVENTS AT THE HUB@531

Book at hub531.appointedd.com or by email hub531lanarkroad@gmail.com

The Hub@531 531 Lanark Road, Juniper Green, EH14 5DJ.

Please email the Hub hub@531lanarkroad@gmail.com for more details or if you’re interested to hire the hub or start a new group. We’re here for the community!

Monthly Crafting: Cross-stitch, learn/ develop and make a spring-inspired floral design. Materials & refreshments provided. Wednesday 17th April 7.309:30pm (adults) and Thursday 18th April 1.00-3.00pm.

Menopause Cafe: Thursday 18th April 7.00-9.00pm

Pop-up Book Festival: Saturday 4th –Sunday 5th May. Our programme and full details will be available very soon, but please look out for lots of TEEN / YA authors offering workshops and talks, as well as a few events aimed at adult readers too.

All meets are in Juniper Green Parish Church Hall, Lanark Road 10.00am - 12noon. New members welcome. Further details from our Club Secretary Leslie Hannaford 0131 453 3012 or lesliehannaford@blueyonder.co.uk

• WED 3RD APRIL - “Pirate Radio,” an illustrated talk by James Gentles

• WED 17TH APRIL - “The Colinton Tunnel Mural Project” an illustrated talk by Mike Scott

• WED 1ST MAY - “The History of Glenkinchie Distillery” an illustrated talk by a distillery representative.

THIS EASTER HOLIDAY AND DURING THE EDINBURGH SCIENCE FESTIVAL (30TH MARCH –14TH APRIL), join Dynamic Earth in Edinburgh for an inspired programme of spectacular planetarium shows (including Pink Floyd – The Dark Side of the Moon), eye-catching photography exhibitions and the promise of oodles of fun at a host of special indoor and outdoor science-based activity sessions for all the family.

Senses Working Overtime, North Sea 3D and the Eggciting Egg Hunt: these are just some of the exciting events that await in Dynamic Earth. Dynamic Earth events that are part of the Edinburgh Science Festival ‘Shaping the Future’, must be booked on the festival website at: www.sciencefestival.co.uk | 0131 553 0320 www.edinburghscience.co.uk/whats-on/ www.dynamicearth.org.uk