Konect Balerno December 2022

It’s been enjoyable pulling together the December issue of Konect and the seeing festive and ever-practical columns from our contributors, I hope you enjoy them.

Festive traditions, seeing family and exchanging gifts is lovely, and those of us who can enjoy these things are very fortunate - because many can’t. Without support many won’t even see Christmas let alone enjoy it. If you are a regular Konect reader, you’ll have read our many features through the year on community initiatives and local charities, and these organisations need your support now more than ever.

Here are some of the comments we’ve had from local charities we’ve featured:

“Thank you so so much, Your article has resulted in three very good enquiries about volunteering! For once I am speechless!”

“We were amazed by the response when our charity was featured in Konect. Several new volunteers came on board and new supporters contacted us as well. Highly recommended for local coverage that people actually read!”

Of course, without our loyal business advertisers we wouldn’t have a magazine to print the information, and without your custom they wouldn’t have a business to advertise.

So, to every one of you who has ever called someone from the magazine, a business or a charity: thank you, it truly makes a difference.

We don’t produce a January magazine, so we’ll be back with a February magazine.

Have a fantastic festive season!

Wine Tasting: Festive Fizz Favourites ............8 Puzzles 8 / 28

Ask Your Pharmacist: Winter Ailments...........9 Eye Health: Viral Conjunctivitis 12 Local Environment: Beauty in the detail 14 Health: Hot or Cold for pain? ......................... 16

I  Food: But what does that chocolate cake mean? ........................................................ 22 Money Matters: Stock Market Crisis 35 What’s On............................................................ 36 Clubs & Classes 38

Konect is delivered monthly to 5,500 homes throughout Kirknewton, East Calder, Mid Calder and Pumpherston. It is also available online: konect.scot/subscribe

All enquiries, E: M: editor@konect.scot 07854 492638

Christmas@

Christmas time is with us once more – a time of joy and celebration but also a time for reflection. The people of Balerno Parish Church are delighted to invite you and your family to our services and events. We hope they give you a chance to join with others to share the joy of the season and provide a place of peace in this special time. We look forward to seeing you!

Remember The Mill Café is open in our St Joseph’s Hall until Friday 23rd December when we will close for a festive break! It reopens on Tuesday 10th January.

The church office will be closed between 26th December and 4th January 2023.

• 27th Nov - 10.00am Joint service with Currie Kirk at Currie Kirk

• 1st Dec - 5.00pm Christmas Tree Lighting, Balerno

• 3rd Dec - 7.30pm Concert for Christmas by The Broxburn & Livingston Brass Band!

• 4th Dec - 10.00am Second Sunday of Advent Service

• 4th Dec - 3.00pm Bereavement Service with refreshments

• 11th Dec - 10.00am Gift Service. Please bring a monetary donation for us to give a child in need this Christmas

• 15th Dec - 9.30am Christmas Toddler Party in the Ogston Hall!

• 18th Dec - 10.00am Christmas Lessons and Carol service

• 23rd Dec - 7.00pm Balerno Village Screen Christmas movie in St Joseph’s Hall

• 24th Dec - 6.00pm Family Service - a service for the whole family

• 24th Dec - 11.30pm Watchnight Service

• 25th Dec - 10.00am Christmas Day Service

• 1st Jan 2023 - 10.00am New Year Worship Service

PUZZLE

DECEMBER SUDOKU

Cheers! I’m looking forward to a glass of festive fizz this month, and while I love Champagne, I’d like to introduce you to Champagne's pocket-friendly cousin, Crémant.

Champagne and Crémant are both French sparkling wines, produced using the ‘Method Traditional’ technique. Both are in sturdy Champagne bottles; the neck wrapped in foil, sealed with a mushroom shape cork and wire cage. The family resemblance continues with corks that ‘pop’ and in the flute glass. Both Champagne and Crémant have tiny, pin prick size bubbles which race to the surface of wine.

On the nose there are similarities, both have a complex aroma, resulting from secondary fermentation in the bottle. There are a few differences, for example, the types of grapes used but the most notable though is the price tag. Crémant wines offer incredible value for money!

Sparkling wine from the prestigious region of Champagne can be called ‘Champagne’, while ‘Method Traditional’ sparkling wine from the rest of France is called Crémant. Look out for Crémant d’Loire, Crémant d’Jura and Crémant d’Alsace. My favourite is Cremant d’Alsace ‘Brut Extra’ Meyer Fone NV from de-burgh. com at £15.99 a bottle.

If you’d like to pop Champagne, I

See page 38 for Sudoku Solution

recommend Piper-Heidsieck Cuvee Brut. A classic Champagne with fine bubbles and on the nose, a gorgeous aroma of baked apple and honey, dry and delightful on the palate. It is usually priced around £40 a bottle but is on promotion (at time of print) at Majestic at £24.99 a bottle.

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

Winter AilmentsWhat can you do?

We have an excellent range of vitamins and other health boosting products in the pharmacy.

As we see less of the sun consider a Vitamin D supplement. High dose vitamin C and Echinacea can be helpful to prevent infection. Keep paracetamol in the house for all aches, pains and temperature. Steam inhalation is usually the most helpful treatment for blocked noses/cold symptoms. Come and talk to us about how to keep yourself fit and healthy this winter. If it’s too late for prevention then come and see us for help - the majority of these ailments can be treated via selfcare and simple over-the-counter medicines which we can help you with via our NHS Pharmacy First service.

HOW

CAN I

COPE WITH

CHRISTMAS PRESENTS THIS YEAR? You maybe don’t normally think of asking the pharmacist this question, but we have some lovely, healthy gift ideas this year. You could try steering away from the usual pressies and give your loved ones a treat that will make them feel the better for it!

HOW CAN WE HELP AFTER CHRISTMAS?

- In the new year we will be introducing a new medicated weight loss service, which can be used by certain patients.

- We can’t emphasise winter vitamins, and balanced diet, enough; ask about the best support for you.

- Maybe some of those relaxing essential oils are what you will need for yourself, after the festivities are all over! (There’s a new range to help with menopause symptoms)

The Ask Your Pharmacist column is contributed by Juliette Paton, Superintendent Pharmacist, Colinton Village Pharmacy. www.colintonpharmacy.co.uk

Viral Conjunctivitis

This is a condition that is very common in the colder months. It can happen in conjunction with having a cold or an upper respiratory tract infection. Poor hygiene conditions and places which have high traffic of people can be a source of this infection. It can vary in severity and is most commonly caused by adenovirus.

Presentation is with a red watery eye. People are generally in a fair degree of discomfort, either a gritty or burning feeling in the eye. It is most commonly in one eye and has a very high risk of spreading to the other. It can spread into the cornea and cause blurry vision. Eyelids can be stuck together in the morning but there doesn’t

tend to be any yellow/green discharge. This is indicative of a bacterial infection instead

It is a very contagious condition. It will very commonly spread to the second eye. So hands must be kept clean after touching the infected eye. It is best to make sure towels aren’t shared and that surfaces and door handles are cleaned regularly. Antibiotics will make no difference with this condition. The best way to treat is with constant lubrication and cold compresses for any swelling. Anti-histamine drops may be useful it itching is present. It can take one or two weeks to completely clear up.

Reference: College of Optometrists CMG’s

This article was contributed by Jonathan Jennett of Clearvue Opticians, 60 Bryce Road, Currie, EH14 5LD.

It can be easy to overlook the ordinary or the things we see everyday. I have to be honest, I usually walk past mallards but when I was out looking for otters on the Water of Leith there were a group of ducks hanging out in the shadows and it made for quite an appealing setting.

Female ducks never quite have the eye catching colours of the males. They can sometimes be thought of as unremarkable but much like the humble house sparrow, there is beauty in the detail of their mottled plumage. Then there’s that flash of purply blue towards the end of the wing, the jewel in the crown if you ask me.

I had been hoping she might’ve had a little wing stretch or stuck out her foot a little but no, she was quite content preening her feathers. After breeding season is finished, ducks tend to become flightless for a few weeks as they go through their annual moult so I suspect she was just paying close attention to the feathers and getting herself in top condition for winter.

The Water of Leith is a wonderful place to go

for a long walk with plenty wildlife to be seen including kingfishers, dippers, otters, and even a fox if you’re lucky! With BBC Winterwatch basing themselves in Edinburgh for the next series (usually at the end of January) you might even be able to spot the crew at some point too.

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

HotorCold for pain?

What works best to treat pain, a hot pack or an ice pack? This is a very common question and the answer will vary depending on what is wrong and how long you have had the problem. As a basic rule of thumb, cold is best for an acute injury and heat is used to treat achy muscles or chronic pain.

If you have a new injury, such as a sprained ankle or a pulled muscle, it will hurt. During the first 3 - 5 days following injury the damaged tissues become inflamed and swollen as your body starts the healing process. This is when cold can be a really useful first-aid strategy. Cold acts as a local anaesthetic. We used to think that an ice pack applied to the injury would constrict blood flow to the injured area to help keep swelling down, but we now know that this is probably not the case. Cold will not reduce swelling but it definitely eases pain.

If you have a sprain, a cold pack made from crushed ice or frozen peas can be wrapped in a damp towel and laid against the skin for 10 - 15 minutes to ease pain. This can be repeated every 3 - 4 hours but do look after your skin. Over-enthusiastic use of cold packs can damage skin and cause frostbite. Swapping one problem for another is never good news!

Heat, however, can be used in an ongoing fashion to treat older injuries or manage the chronic pain from arthritic joints or back pain. Heat will stimulate the circulation bringing oxygen and nutrients to an injured area to help the healing process. Warm muscles and other soft tissues are easier to stretch safely. A hot pack around your neck or at your low back for 15 minutes can help relax tight muscles prior to gentle

stretching exercises so that loosening tight joints and gaining more movement becomes much easier.

Again, heat must be applied safely. I have seen the damage done to the low back when a hot water bottle filled with boiling water burst. The skin damage required medical treatment and dressings for several weeks. Heat can be safely applied via a microwavable hot pack made of wheat or gel, again wrapped up to protect skin. You can now also get long thin hot water bottles designed to be wrapped around the neck for all round warmth and comfort. Electric heated pads or blankets can be used too. Heat can be applied for 15 - 20 minutes several times a day to help with pain control, or before gentle exercises to help regain movement and loosen stiff joints.

In summary, cold packs are used as a first aid treatment to help with pain in the first few days of an injury. Heat is used after this to help with the treatment of injured and painful joints and muscles. Heat and cold are simple treatments, but they really can make a difference.

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

How much of your day has to do with food? Thinking about it, buying it, preparing it, fretting about the fats or carbs in it, savouring it, dealing with leftovers, daydreaming about more food … I realised a long time ago that I was fairly consumed with what I consumed! Some people eat to survive. For others, like me, thoughts of breakfast get us out of bed in the morning!

There are many, many reasons to eat that have nothing to do with hunger! At least in the Western world, we eat because we are happy, sad, stressed, proud, anxious, annoyed, angry, depressed, excited or bored! We eat as a way of celebrating, but we may also turn to food when we’re deeply troubled.

Parents give edible treats as a reward, and sometimes withhold treats in order to punish. So from our earliest days, we think of food as a reward. Is it any wonder that, even as adults, we reward ourselves with chocolate or cake –because we have been so stressed, or have worked so hard?

With the holidays approaching, you may be thinking about a dish you make, or something you bake, every Christmas. Maybe it’s a family recipe that has been handed down over many years. When you tuck into it, you’ll experience more than just pleasing flavours. For you are biting into family memories and meaningful traditions.

I’ve been remembering my Grandma’s 24-hour salad. It’s an American recipe that was a family tradition when I was growing up. I don’t have the recipe in front of me, but I know the ingredients include white cherries, mandarin orange segments, pineapple chunks, lemon juice, condensed milk, slivered almonds, whipping cream and mini-marshmallows. It’s quite sweet, but the lemon juice makes it a bit tangy too. I love this concoction, but it wasn’t a big hit

with my British family, so I stopped making it. Maybe they just couldn’t get their heads round the idea that it contained marshmallows. Or maybe it was because I called it a “salad” when it seemed to be a dessert. Americans label many things “salad” that would not be called that here. (Perhaps, because a salad is assumed to be healthy, we use that term as a sneaky way of getting more desserts!)*

This year I will make this dish again, because it’s delicious, and because it will bring me good memories of my Grandma arriving at our house at Christmas with a large melamine bowl and calling out, “I’ve brought my 24-hour salad!”

For me, food has always meant love. If I love you, I will want to make something delicious for you. This is why I like to give home-baked gifts, and why, if you come for dinner, I will really struggle to “keep it simple”. This Christmas, whatever the size of your food budget, I hope that you will find joy in the tasty meals and treats you give and in those you receive.

*Similarly, I make pumpkin bread but my British friends call it cake!

IFOOD 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.

But what does that chocolate cake mean?

STOCK MARKET CRISIS

Many of my readers will be worried that their investments/pensions have taken a “large” drop in the past six months. This is due to many factors including global inflation, Putin’s invasion of Ukraine and the “antics” of the UK Government, especially the disastrous “mini budget”.

As history has shown, the markets will recover, the problem is nobody knows exactly when.

The advice is, unless you desperately need to withdraw money you should “weather the storm”. Hundreds of years of data have proven this is the best strategy. As an example, an investor in global equities (shares) who bought at the height of the market in 2008, just before the crash, and then sold at the low point during the pandemic in

2020, would still have made a 109% return. (as measured by total return of the MSCI AC World Index).

As the saying goes, it’s not the timing of the market, it’s the time in the market

If you are worried about the investments you are in, you should consult a professional independent adviser. You should always be aware of the risks associated with investing.

Please remember that the value of investments and the income from them may go down as well as up and you may not get back the amount originally invested.

Your capital is at risk when investing, and past performance is NOT a guide to future performance which may not be repeated.

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

SATURDAY 3RD DECEMBER

Pop up Craft Sale - Charity Crafters - a local group making and selling craft to donate profits to charityare having a “pop-up” sale at Currie library 10.00am until 4.00pm. Come along and get your Christmas gifts and cards.

SATURDAY 10TH DECEMBER

Farmers Market - Main Street, Balerno, 9.00am to 1.00pm

WEDNESDAY 14TH DECEMBER

Christmas in the Park - The Shed, Spylaw Park, Colinton. 5.30pm-7.30pm. Santa’s Grotto & post box; mince pies & mulled wine; tombolas & raffle; Christmas craft making; live music, pre-loved books.

SAT 17TH DEC 2022 & SAT 28TH JAN 2023 Bookbug - St Mary’s Dalmahoy Church, Douglas Hall. 10.00am – 10.30am. Stories, songs and rhymes for babies, toddlers and pre-school children.

PENTLAND PROBUS CLUB EVENTS

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

WED 7TH DEC: 603 Squadron - an illustrated talk by Bill Simpson.

WED 21ST DEC: Members’ morning coffee & Christmas lunch in The Kinleith Mill, Juniper Green, 10.00am - 3.00pm.

WED 11TH JAN: Former railway stations in Edinburgh - a talk by Brian Sharry

WED 25TH JAN: A morning wi’ the bard - with contributions from Fergus Gillies, Douglas May & Jim West, Juniper Green Parish Church Hall,10.00am followed by a Burns lunch in The Kinleith Mill, Juniper Green.

WED 1ST FEB: Opening & running a garden centre shop - An illustrated talk by Ewan Patterson (Merryhatton).

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.

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

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 (9.15 to 11.15) cost £13 which includes a snack. No parent duties required. For more information please look at our web page: www.junipergreenplaygroup.vpweb. co.uk and contact us by emailing junipergreenplaygroup@hotmail.co.uk or phone 07308 033386

WOBBLE - A SEATED gentle exercise class, to music you’ll love. Ideal for those who want to improve/maintain their physical and mental well-being. Drop-in (contactless payments taken) or pre-book at bookwhen.com/heidimacdonaldfitness MONDAYS 11:30am at Balerno Scout Hall. For further details: facebook.com/ HeidiMacdonaldFitness

PENTLAND SINGERS COMMUNITY CHOIR - Rehearsals 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: www.pentlandsingers.org.uk or email: pentland_singers@yahoo.co.uk

PENTLAND JUNIOR SINGERSRehearsals 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 BRIGADEAnchor Boys (P2-3) and Junior Section (P4-6) Thursdays 6.00-7.30pm Company Section (P7-S6) Sundays 6.30- 8.30pm Gibson Craig Hall, Currie. Contact 65edinburghbb@gmail.com or 07730 414371.

RATHO COMMUNITY CENTRE

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

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

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

• Book Group alternate Wednesdays from 2pm-4pm

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

Tel: Ratho Community Centre 0131 333 1055

JUNIPER GREEN BOARD-GAMERS

- 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

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. 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. PiYo - A fusion of Yoga & Pilates & Non-stop movement. A total body workout. Muscle sculpting, Core firming, Strength, Flexibility. Working towards a stronger you. Drop-in (contactless payments taken) or pre-book at bookwhen.com/heidimacdonaldfitness Tuesdays 9am Balerno Scout Hallbring a mat & water. For further details call Heidi on 07982 205111

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

BALERNO 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

Instagram: @everychildisanartist_

BALERNO DANCE FITNESS - This class suits children who like to be active, whilst having fun. Online learning will focus on musicality and learning dance routines to your the children’s favourite music within the comfort of your own home. Outdoor Dance Fitness can enjoy the benefits of having more space outdoors in nature, whilst learning Dance Fitness routines together as a group. First class is a FREE trial.

E: balernoartclub@gmail.com

T: 07591990020

Instagram: @everychildisanartist_

To include your Club or Class, please email details, up to 75 words, to editor@konect.scot

Not-for-profit groups are FREE. There is a small charge for businesses. See konect.scot for information.

SOLUTION TO NOVEMBER CROSSWORD

ACROSS: 7. Concentration, 8. Uttering, 9. Easy, 10. Smashes, 12. Omens, 14. Knell, 16. Jollier, 19. Show, 20. Estimate, 22. Investigation.

DOWN: 1. Colt, 2. Access, 3. Entices, 4. Brags, 5. Stream, 6. Nonsense, 11. Munching, 13. Hostage, 15. Lawyer, 17. Limits, 18. Hefty, 21. Tool.

SOLUTION TO SUDOKU ON PAGE 8

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

Magazine Design: Alan Stewart Design M: 07729 911858

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