Konect Balerno May 2023

COMMUNITY:

LOCAL PEOPLE:

Local accordionist returns to the concert stage!

HEALTH:

The local charity feature is all about the new Edinburgh Tool Library service coming to SW Edinburgh! A tool library is a fantastic community resource, and Edinburgh’s has been up and running for a few years although only in north east Edinburgh. It’s shortly coming to a premises in Colinton! See pages 8-9 for details.

Ratho resident and professional musician Paul Chamberlain shares with us his very interesting story of his recent heart transplant experience; and we are all warmly invited to his concert in Ratho Church Hall on 13th May, see the article on pages 28-29.

This month’s local business spotlight is on Marc Van Cartier-Kerr Artisan, who can look after all your soft furnishing needs and brings a unique and broad approach to interior design.

If you know of events for charity or community groups over the summer who would like to publicise them locally, feel free to drop me a line as they are included free of charge on the What’s On page.

I hope you enjoy the magazine this month. Thank you for reading Konect and supporting local businesses and organisations. All

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A new tool library hub for South West Edinburgh

When you think of all the tools needed for jobs around the house and garden, the costs and space taken up for tools you don’t use really add up. Edinburgh Tool Library (ETL) started in 2015 as the UK’s first tool library, allowing members to access as many tools as they want for an annual flat fee (ranging from £10 to £40) - thousands of tools ranging from hammers to drills to routers to lawn mowers. The popularity of ETL’s services means a large proportion of those tools are used regularly and that the cost to buy and maintain the tool can be done ‘at scale’: there’s also no hassle of maintenance / spares as all this is managed by ETL’s volunteers. Since 2015, ETL has saved their members a total of over £875k which would have otherwise have been spent on idle tools.

Access to tools is great but knowing which tool to choose, which attachment to fit and how to use it safely can be challenging. That’s why a really important part of what ETL does involves helping borrowers, community-building, running workshops, delivering community projects and mentorship: all run by helpful and knowledgeable volunteers from the community. This allows people who may not have previously had the confidence to use tools to learn and develop these

whilst improving their community connections and local environment.

Until now, ETL has only had locations in North East Edinburgh – meaning a long trip across town for people from the South and West. To overcome this, we are very pleased to announce a partnership between ETL, South West Edinburgh 20 Minute Neighbourhoods (SW20) and Colinton Village Enterprise (CVE) SCIO to open a new SW ETL Hub in ‘The Shed’ in Spylaw Park, Colinton

The hub will launch with the most commonly used tools but also have access to the tools from other ETL locations too. Volunteers will transfer tools from other ETL locations via the SW Edinburgh community community cargo bike. New members will be able to join ETL and access the tools at the Hub. We are also hoping to run workshops to allow members to increase their knowledge, skills and confidence, as well as meeting other members of the community and participate in community projects. We are currently finalising plans, hopefully to launch in Q2, but keen to hear from people who may be interested in joining as members or volunteers. To sign up to find out more about the Hub, visit bit.ly/etl-signup For more information about ETL, see bit.ly/etl_sw20

Tools aren’t the sort of thing you buy every day but when you consider that an average drill is used 13 minutes in its lifetime, it makes no sense for everyone to own one: it will spend almost all of its life gathering dust.

This article was contributed by

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COMMUNITY CHEST GRANTS

High Schools and Primary Schools, Boys’ Brigade and Scouts, the Mill Café and Community for Food, the Pentland Ukrainian Support Group, the Pentland Singers and the Schools Pipe Band.

What do they all have in common?

They are all organisations that received grants in the past year from the Community Chest; and the Community Chest is now open again to provide grants of up to £500 towards projects seen to be of benefit to the local community. The closing date for applications is 31st May.

The Chest is funded and administered by Currie Balerno Rotary and the

Closing date for applications

31st May2023

Balerno Village Trust and information about the Community Chest and how to apply can be found on their websites at www.cbrotary.org and www.balernovt.org.uk

DON’T DELAY. GET YOUR APPLICATION IN NOW!

This article is contributed by the Rotary Club of Currie Balerno, see www.cbrotary.org

CHANGE IS ON THE WAY

Currie Balerno Rotary set up the Community Chest in 2016 and were joined in the venture by Balerno Village Trust in 2017. It is now well established but not as visible publicly as it should be and consequently BVT and C B Rotary have agreed that it should stand in its own right as Pentland Community Chest. Work is proceeding to establish an improved public image for the future with its own website, Facebook presence and e-mail addresses.

WATCH THIS SPACE!

‘The Shed’, Spylaw Park, Colinton

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.

For updates please see our Facebook page and

07877 381940 Free pick-up

0131 538 5223

New Services at Colinton Village Pharmacist

Having Judith, our second pharmacist on the team, is going to let us offer you a few more services in the village. One of particular interest at this time of year may be the opening of our Travel Vaccine Clinic, which will run by appointment in advance, on Thursdays, in our basement consultation space. Judith and some of the team will also be working with Crystal Health Group (www.crystal-health.co.uk) to provide DNA Testing and Workplace Drug and Alcohol Testing services, more information will be available in the pharmacy.

Summer season warnings – hayfever, ticks and sunburn: Spring and early summer are lovely seasons but for some the impact of pollen and other natural elements on their system is distressing. We can help with a number of different hayfever remedies. We also have all you need to combat ticks and the potential danger they pose in carrying Lyme disease lymediseaseuk.com. We have restocked our sun protection shelves, even if it is not hot your skin may suffer, so don’t forget to take some protection and a water bottle out and about with you and the kids!

On all of these issues, you can consult our fully trained team, via the NHS Pharmacy First Plus Service, and other health issues, such as impetigo, skin infections, shingles and urinary infections. And remember our Tympa Earhealth service, including wax removal!

NOTE: We also have an opportunity for another health professional to join us in the lower floor consultation space in the pharmacy building, please come and see us if interested.

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

Waiting

As a child, waiting for Christmas is exciting. Opening an advent calendar daily and anticipating what Santa might bring are all great fun. However, being an adult on an NHS waiting list is the complete opposite of this.

So much worry and so many questions such as “how do I best cope with my joint pain?” and “what can I do to help myself while waiting?”

So, how big is the waiting list problem in Lothian for Orthopaedic problems?

Statistics are published regularly by Public Health Scotland and the latest available for NHS Lothian Orthopaedics in-patient surgery are for the period 1st October to 31st December 2022. These show that 1152 people were treated with a median wait of 36 weeks. This means that about half waited less than 9 months for surgery but half will have waited longer. Research produced by the University of Aberdeen in December 2022 showed that the average wait for surgery across all health boards in Scotland could climb to more than 2 years and 3 months, missing the Scottish Government target which says that by 2024 all routine surgery should be done within a year.

Current admission level for routine Orthopaedic surgery is still at only 52.2% of pre-Pandemic levels due to the combination of financial issues, lack of staff within the NHS and extra pressures from the number of urgent cases needing to take priority. This has resulted in a substantial backlog of patients waiting for Orthopaedic surgery. Delays in treatment are associated with negative short and long-term consequences for both the health and wellbeing of people waiting.

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of joint disease, affecting at least eight million people in the UK. It can affect any joint, but it most

commonly affects the knees, hips, neck, back, toes and fingers. There is no doubt that many people benefit from joint replacement surgery. If you are on a waiting list for joint replacement it is important to remember that activity and exercise are helpful, both for joint pain and overall wellbeing.

Osteoarthritis is a metabolic condition that naturally has periods where it flares up and can be more painful but it can then settle down too. The phrase “wear and tear” is outdated as we now understand that exercise helps OA joints. Please do not fear activity - you will not make a joint worse, or “wear it out”, with exercise. In fact, the more movement you can maintain in your affected joint and the better your overall fitness level, the better your result will be after surgery.

Exercises and walking can improve joint function and pain as can simple methods such as applying a hot pack. Finding activities that you can continue while you wait will help. Consider swimming, aqua-aerobics classes or hydrotherapy (exercises in a warm water pool) as ways of improving joint pain and function. Cycling or using a static bike can really help an arthritic knee. Ideas of the best exercises to help can be found at www.versusarthritis.org or consult your local Physiotherapist. Waiting is a pain - keeping active will help.

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

Around 80% of what we perceive of as taste actually comes from our sense of smell. Our sense of smell is very important and has a huge role in the art of wine tasting.

The key to detecting and describing smells isn’t in the number of expensive wines tasted over the years, it’s my day-to-day life of grocery shopping! You can’t describe a smell if you haven’t smelt it before!

If you would like to expand your aroma memory, I recommend you visit the local greengrocers. Purchase some of the fresh produce; dirty carrots, seasonal fruit, ripe tomatoes on the vine, different coloured grapefruit and citrus. Take your items home and spend time thinking about how each item smells. What does the damp soil smell like? What does the stalk of a tomato smell like? Can you remember smelling that green peppery smell before when you’ve visited a

greenhouse? A ruby grapefruit smells and tastes very different to a yellow grapefruit. Peel back the skin and pith, think about the different smells and log them in your memory bank.

While I may never describe a wine as smelling of dirty carrots, I may use the term ‘earthy’ and recall the damp smell of earth on the carrots. Sometimes a white wine will have a strong vegetal note reminiscent of the green peppery notes of ripe vine grown tomatoes. These descriptors round out the tasting note and help others relate to the wine. By paying attention to the smells around us and logging them in your memory bank, we improve our ability to recall aroma and describe a smell. Wine tasting is about the senses and smell is a huge part of that experience!

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

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!

Restaurant roulette

How do I define “foodie”?

I’d say it means loving food that’s done right. Assigning great importance to the preparation, presentation and enjoyment of what you and others eat. Being a foodie is a kind of hobby. It’s closer to an obsession than an interest. You watch cooking programmes on telly even if you have no plans to try the recipe or technique at home. You are keen to try new taste sensations, especially when ingredients are combined that you have never considered putting together. And you won’t mind travelling a bit out of your way if you are intrigued by what a restaurant has to offer. Foodies tend to take a long time trying to decide what to order when we are out for a meal. I really don’t want to get my choice wrong – it’s too important. What if I order ravioli and the portion size is puny (this happened to me once), what if I order a steak and I am served one that’s very fatty, what if I ask for carrot cake … and it’s dry (a common occurrence!)?

I do everything I can to avoid disappointment when eating out. 1) I sneakily have a look at what other diners are having as we are being led to our table; 2) I read the entire menu; 3) I quiz the server on portion sizes, how spicy or sweet something is, whether I could have

it with ice cream instead of custard, what he/ she would recommend; 3) I ask everyone in my party to order before me, giving myself as long as possible to make a decision; and 4) very occasionally I follow the server to the kitchen to announce that I have changed my mind.

If, after all that, I make the wrong decision, I am gutted. But I usually hide it well. I took a chance; I got what I ordered. It’s just that my interpretation of the description on the menu did not match up with that of the restaurateur. It’s no good asking my husband to share or swap meals with me. He’s like Joey on Friends, fiercely guarding his food and telling his date, “If you wanted this, you should have ordered it”.

Please don’t let these revelations put you off inviting me over for a meal. I’m actually really grateful to anyone who makes a meal for me, even if it’s not quite what I thought it would be!

But if you offer me a brownie, please can it be the chewy kind, not the cake-like variety?

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.

COLOUR & COMFORT: ARTISAN

Marc Van Cartier Kerr is a local artisan who, with a string of interior design credentials behind him, now focuses on beautiful made to measure curtains, blinds and upholstery work.

“I tend to work on restoration of family pieces that have sentimental value, such as an old family armchair,” he explains. His passion for his work is clear, creating something beautiful from high quality materials, either a restored piece of furniture or new soft furnishings. He loves to take on small commissions and bring a treasured piece back to life, as well as larger projects such as re-covering a sofa. He is able then if required to supply matching curtains, blinds, cushions, lampshades - any soft furnishings in fact, to create a complete look for the room.

The word “artisan” in Marc’s business name was deliberately chosen to express his way of working: the very opposite of mass produced

items designed for the short term. Marc’s work starts with a home visit, to see the room that will be decorated, to measure for the window coverings or to see the furniture in its context. He works with natural materials wherever possible, preferring horsehair, brushed cotton or linen for stuffing, and always selects the material that will give the best result for the project in hand.

Marc loves colour and comfort. He’s not a fan of white minimalism, so he’ll embolden you to go for the colours you know you really want. “Don’t paint a small room white. It won’t make it bigger, it will just make it look cold!” he says. At the same time though, his overriding priority is to help you express yourself and be comfortable at home, so if you really want white walls, he’ll work with it and the finished room will have the wow factor.

Marc’s background means he brings an invaluable broad perspective. Starting out in the fashion and textiles industry, he moved into interior design and has consulted on new-build show homes and worked with architects at the design stage.

“It’s vital to understand how a space is used every day and make the most of it, rather than simply imposing a theme,” he explains. Seemingly simple things make a huge difference, such as where light switches are placed, which way doors open, or

“As an interior designer, my job is to help you express your personality in your home, not to tell you what you should or shouldn’t do with it.”

looking at how people will flow through a social area. Taking care of these details means that when the finished room is dressed beautifully, it’s not just a surface-level beauty.

Marc offers a massive selection of high quality fabrics from his favourite supplier ILIV. He can handle shapes such as arched windows, and can make matching pelmets, cushion covers, lampshades, trims, as well as advise on and supply curtain poles and tracks.

“There is no such thing as an interior design sin. At the end of the day, we all want a place where we can relax and feel at home. So do what pleases you, not what pleases someone else.”

So whether you have a one-off special project to revive a treasured chair, or need a room by room transformation of your home, Marc is more than able to help you bring your ideas to vibrant life.

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Ratho accordionist Paul Chamberlain shares the story of his heart transplant and his return to the concert stage!

I was born with a congenital heart condition known as Transposition of the Great Arteries and had a number of major surgeries as a baby. At age 14 I had a pacemaker implanted then several other procedures along the way.

My stamina was limited through my early life and I knew that in the future I would eventually require a heart transplant, but that seemed like a long way off at the time. I worked in banking for several years before following my original aspiration of being a professional

musician, graduating with a Master’s degree in classical accordion from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in Glasgow. I was determined, never letting my physical limitations stop me and recorded three CD albums, travelling abroad many times with my accordion to perform around Europe.

In 2016 I was put on the heart transplant waiting list, however managed to carry on with my teaching and some performing right up until the lockdown in 2020, when I moved everything online.

I finally got the call to say they had found a match for me in January 2022 after waiting for over 6 years. Immediately, I was on my way down to the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle for surgery, which started at 4am and took around eight hours. My first memory on waking up from the operation was that my hands and feet were warm – because of poor circulation for my whole life I always had cold hands!

A week later, I was able to walk around the ward a little but had some complications and was taken back into theatre. However from then on, I made good progress with my recovery and after seven weeks in hospital was allowed home. I set myself a regime of regular walks and gradually built up my fitness over the spring and summer.

By August I was well enough to resume some of my online teaching. It was lovely to see all

my pupils again after such a long break and in due course I was also able to get back out playing the accordion with my ceilidh band “HotScotch”

I’m so grateful to the wonderful medical teams who performed my transplant, continue to monitor me closely and all the consultants that have looked after me over the last 40 years with my old heart. I’m of course indebted to my donor and family for this incredible gift which has transformed my life, meaning that I will be able to be more active as my children grow up, enjoy time with my family and return to my career as a professional musician. I am now very excited about the future ahead!

I have a series of concerts coming up with my duo partner Michael Haywood, including one in Ratho Church Hall on Saturday 13th May, and will give my first solo classical recital since transplant in St Giles Cathedral on Sunday 11th June.

Saturday 13th May - 7.00pm

Tickets £10 (U18’s Free) Available on the door, via Eventbrite or phone 07799 896050

www.chamberlain-haywood.com

Performing their unique take on world music, Paul (accordion) and Michael (saxophone, violin, whistle and clarinet) take you on a thrilling, virtuosic musical journey around Europe and South America. Balkan rhythms, Gypsy melodies, Jazz and Classical

Chamberlain & Haywood

Ratho Church Hall

This article was contributed by Paul Chamberlain. Paul is a professional musician who lives in Ratho. See www.theaccordionist.com

Walk up the Pentland Hills (post transplant) - Aug 2022

Whilst I’d love to have a picture of a kingfisher perched on a lichen-covered stick, or on top of a reed with a nice clean background, the reality of wildlife photography is that the species in question doesn’t always hang out in the pretty places.

Sometimes their favourite perch hangs down over a very muddy bank, which they use as a toilet and there are distractions everywhere (like the leaves of a dandelion) but we enjoy it anyway because seeing a kingfisher never fails to brighten your day.

Did you know, the flash of blue down the back of a kingfisher is actually brown? The bright colour we perceive is due to “structural colouration” and makes them more colourful than they appear at certain angles. It results in iridescent colours and another good example is the feathers of a peacock. Nature is truly wonderful!

This is a male bird and going by the dirt on his beak, he’s been doing some nest digging. The female has an orange lower beak. It’d be great if they raised some young, though as they nest in riverbanks if we have

any heavy rain it can put the location in danger. It’s important to note that Kingfishers are Schedule 1 protected birds and it’s an offence to intentionally disturb them throughout the nesting season.

I have to thank my friend John, who keeps a careful eye on them throughout the year and lets me know how they’re getting on.

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

MARCH 2023 BUDGET:

In the March 2023 budget, there were many changes. We will now discuss the main points. Allow me poetic licence and address the above title in reverse order:-

THE UGLY -

Freezing of the income tax allowances for a further five years means that we will all pay more income tax from 5th April 2023.

THE BAD -

a) Dividends: Tax on dividends have increased. The new rates are:-

8.75% for basic taxpayers

33.75% for higher taxpayers

In addition, allowances have been reduced to £1,000 from £2,000 for the tax year 2023-24 and further reduced to £500 for the tax year 2024-25.

b) Capital Gains Tax (CGT) - In the tax year 2023-24 individual CGT exemption will be reduced from £12,300 to £6,000 and then further reduced to £3,000 in tax year 2024-25.

THE GOOD -

(a) Personal Annual Allowance (PAA) is being increased from £40,000 to £60,000 and this larger amount will still be eligible to receive HMRC’s tax incentive. This means a 25% return for a basic taxpayer and a 66% return for a higher taxpayer.

(b) The Personal Lifetime Allowance (PLA) has stood at £1,073,000 since 2021 and was due to be frozen until 2026 but the Chancellor announced that it will be abolished completely.

(c) Finally, the Money Purchase Annual Allowance (MPAA) presently stands at £4,000 but it is being increased from April 2023 to £10,000 and will still be eligible for the tax incentive.

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

“THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE UGLY”

MAY CROSSWORD

^^^ Solution in the June edition of Konect

ACROSS: 1Small tunnel (6), 4. Rubbed out (6), 9. Stretchy (7), 10. Young females (5), 11. Type of music (5), 12. External (7), 13. Translated (11), 18. Window covering (7), 20. Nip (5), 22. Smell (5), 23. Passion (7), 24. Female relation (6), 25. Harsh (6).

DOWN: 1. Combines (6), 2. Highways (5), 3. Result (7), 5. Correct (5), 6. Outlive (7) 7. Bowls (6), 8. Escorted (11), 14. Becomes thinner (7), 15. Blow up (7), 16. Reverberates (6), 17. Alter (6), 19. Consent (5), 21. Innocent (5).

MAY SUDOKU

^^^ Sudoku solution on page 44

SUNDAY 7TH MAY

Plant Sale - 1000’s of plants, trees, and shrubs. In the yard at the Water of Leith Visitor Centre, 24 Lanark Road. 11am to 1pm. Pick up a bargain & help the Water of Leith. Free entry, but bring cash to buy plants.

SUNDAYS THROUGH THE SUMMER

7TH MAY, 4TH JUNE, 6TH AUGUST, 17TH

SEPTEMBER

Open Days at Almondell Model Engineering Centre - All welcome. Free admission and parking. Extended train route, train rides £5 first ride, £2 subsequent rides. Driver Experience £8. Picnic Areas. Refreshments and toilets. Open 10.30 to 4.00pm. Edinburgh Society of Model Engineers, The Almondell Model Engineering Centre Drumshoreland Muir, Drumshoreland Road, Broxburn, EH52 5PF.

SATURDAY 13TH MAY

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

SATURDAY 13TH MAY

Chamberlain and Haywood - Performing their unique take on world music. See poster and article on page 29. Ratho Church Hall 7.00pm.

SATURDAY 13TH MAY

Eurovision in the Park! - Spylaw Park, Colinton. 2pm to 5pm. A fun, internationalist afternoon celebrating all-things Eurovision with our Ukrainian neighbours through music, a film projection, costumes, quiz, and dance. Our Pit Stop Café will be open, offering teas, coffees plus Ukrainian home-baking from the Pentlands Ukrainian Support Group, who will also have a selection of art/crafts for sale. Face painting, sweepstakes, Pimms in the Park. Organised by Colinton Village Enterprise

SATURDAY 3RD JUNE

Ramblers-Balerno Group Introductory

Walk - Pentlands - Start 9:20am from Pentland

View Car Park, Lanark Road West, Currie

Easy walking - 4.5 miles/7.2 km. After receiving a warm welcome and meeting other walkers,

your walk leader will give you an overview of your walk with the opportunity to ask any questions before enjoying the fabulous views of our beautiful countryside and across the city. Crossing to the Water of Leith and up towards Blinkbonny, you will then walk up Poet’s Glen. This interesting path is an incline and you will stop as necessary to ensure everyone is comfortable. Turning left through Easter Kinleith Farm, you will have fabulous views over Edinburgh and the new Queensferry Crossing. Next towards Tiphereth and Torphin, the group will stop for a snack looking towards the Riding stables before returning back to the start. Terrain will be rocky in small sections, grass areas often muddy and short sections of tarmac. Ascent/ descent approx 100 metres. Wear comfortable clothes appropriate for the weather forecast. Bring a drink and a snack. To register your booking, contact Sandra Renton by text on 07504306062.

PENTLAND PROBUS CLUB EVENTS

New members welcome. Further details from our Club Sec. Leslie Hannaford 0131 453 3012 or lesliehannaford@ blueyonder.co.uk

WEDNESDAY 3RD MAY - “Scotland’s Best Kept Secret - Belhaven Brewery” An illustrated talk by Steven Sturgeon. 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

WEDNESDAY 17TH MAY - Pentland

Probus Club Member’s AGM in Juniper Green Parish Church Hall, Lanark Road, at 10am followed by lunch in The Kinleith Mill. This is our last meeting until we resume in September.

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...

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

NEW PILATES CLASS WITH INNAFITNESS - Mondays 9.30

- 10.15 at Gibson Craig Hall, Currie Kirk.

Pilates is for EVERYONE whatever level of fitness, age or

ability to help you build strength, flexibility and overall well-being.

• Progressive approach. Teaching good movement skills.

• Small class sizes and friendly atmosphere.

• Beginners, Intermediate and Over 50’s suitable sessions. Visit InnaFitness.com or Call: 07825 164927 to reserve your space in our class.

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 (9.15-11.15) cost £13 which includes a snack. No parent duties required. For more information please look at our webpage: www.junipergreenplaygroup. vpweb.co.uk and contact us by emailing junipergreenplaygroup@hotmail. co.uk or phone 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: www.pentlandsingers.org.uk or email: 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) Thursdays 6.007.30pm 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 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

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 Hall - bring 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 CLUBThis 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.

SOLUTIONS

SOLUTION TO APRIL CROSSWORD

ACROSS: 1. Frantic, 5. Level, 8. Frequency, 9. Ban, 10. Harsh, 12. Release, 13. Demonstration, 15. Numeral, 17. Sugar, 19. Ice, 20. Buttercup, 22. Tests, 23. Desired.

DOWN: 1. Fifth, 2. Ale, 3. Toughen, 4. Congratulated, 5. Loyal, 6. Vibrating, 7. Lantern, 11. Remembers, 13. Dentist, 14. Answers, 16. Robes, 18. Rapid, 21 Car.

SOLUTION TO SUDOKU ON PAGE 40

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Alan Stewart Design

M: 07729 911858

E: hello@alanstewartdesign.com

W: www.alanstewartdesign.com