Konect Balerno May 2024

CHARITY:

WINE TASTING:

SPOTLIGHT:

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

we hear this month from Balerno Village Pharmacy which, with a new head pharmacist in the role now for six months, aims to be a friendly and comprehensive health hub making a positive difference to health care in Balerno. They would love you to pop in and see what they can offer you! See the interview with Nicole Misstear on pages 10-11.

Local charity Tiphereth, nestled in the Pentlands, provides a unique and nurturing environment for people with complex needs. They rely on the support of the local community in several ways, and you can help by attending their summer fair next month, and by ordering their compost and firewood now. They are also looking for a new volunteer

role - so if you can

A place where people with learning disabilities, staff and volunteers work and grow together”

Tiphereth is a unique community, founded at the heart of Colinton 30 years ago. At Tiphereth, people with learning difficulties, staff and volunteers work and grow together.

The members of our community have learning disabilities, autism and other complex needs. We are a registered charity (Number SC017483) and a Camphill community. Camphill is a worldwide movement founded in Scotland in 1940, building communities where everyone can find purpose and belonging.

The charity was started in one house on Torphin Road and has expanded to have an additional house on the Torphin site and two in Colinton itself. You can watch a video about our work here: www.tiphereth.org.uk/about

Tiphereth consists of residential homes and workshop groups. Our three residential homes are unique. Residents live with qualified care staff, and their families, so our houses become a real home.

Tiphereth recently redeveloped the Torphin Hill Golf Club into supported living flats. They are a place where people can live an independent life, with staff on hand for support when they need it.

Our workshop groups have 75 members who come here Monday to Friday. Most join Tiphereth after leaving school. They work together on projects in gardening, landscaping, woodwork, art and cookery. This meaningful work increases their selfconfidence, develops their talents and gives them lifelong skills.

TRUSTEE NEEDED

We are looking for a Trustee with experience and qualifications in financial management and monitoring to join the Board. There is also the opportunity for the new Trustee to engage with the Board and operational management in the wider aspects of strategic development and other Board business.

The requirement would be to attend six Board meetings per annum plus, as convenor of a financial sub-committee, three additional meetings of around two hours each. The Trustee Board usually commences at 10.00am and finishes at 3.00pm.

Trustees are recommended, and would be welcome, to spend time visiting the various activities provided by the community, at their leisure.

If you are interested, please contact lan Herok (Vice Chair) on 07801 137803 for an initial chat.

We help the local environment by collecting green waste from local households and turning it into compost. We also produce firewood from local, sustainable sources.

To purchase our compost or firewood please visit our website: www.tiphereth.org.uk/order

As a local charity, we can’t do any of this without the support of the local community - which is why we are so grateful for all our local support. You can support us by visiting our Summer Fair on Saturday 15th June (11.00am to 3.00pm - further information will be on our Facebook page). This is an opportunity to see around Tiphereth and purchase goods made in our workshops.

This meaningful work increases their selfconfidence, develops their talents and gives them lifelong skills”

This article was contributed by Tiphereth, Scottish Charity Number SC017483.

55 Torphin Road, Edinburgh, EH13 0PQ Tel: 0131 441 2055 | www.tiphereth.org.uk

Located on Balerno High Street, the pharmacy has served the busy West Edinburgh community since 2001. The previous owner Christine Lawrie sold the pharmacy to Lindsay & Gilmour upon her retirement in 2021. Nicole has only been in post since October last year but her career in community pharmacy spans more than two decades. It’s clear she brings not only a wealth of knowledge and experience, but also genuine enthusiasm for quality patient care.

Tell us a bit about Balerno pharmacy…

NM: We have a great team here at Balerno pharmacy, a happy team that has grown in recent months. This means we’re able to provide more patient services, in addition to a really positive customer experience.

Nicole Misstear, Pharmacist and Manager at Balerno Village Pharmacy

Balerno Village Pharmacy –PASSION FOR HEALTHCARE IN THE COMMUNITY

There’s no mistaking the passion Nicole Misstear has for her role as a community pharmacist and the positive difference the team at Balerno pharmacy aim to make on a daily basis.

By listening more closely to the needs of the local community we’ve been able to introduce new private services which are proving popular, as are changes to our product lines, which now include a new baby range.

What excites you about your role?

NM: Helping people! It’s a great privilege to play my part in protecting or improving the health of the local community. I love interacting with patients, and NHS services like Pharmacy First mean I can be really hands on when it comes to treating minor ailments such as sore throats, eye infections and common complaints such as a skin infection or UTI. We’re well equipped to advise and treat our patients from our private consultation room, without

the need to book an appointment. So, I would say clinical services and helping people to feel better brings me the most joy in my job. It can be hectic in here, but very rewarding.

What are your current priorities for serving the Balerno community?

NM: Our focus is very much on providing Balerno village with a health hub people like to visit and trust will help them. I want our customers to feel comfortable to pop in and speak with the team if there’s anything they’re worried about or need advice on. We make time to care, and really listen to them. We also want to make sure that the community can access our services in a way that works for them, so we offer free delivery and we have an app, which makes managing prescriptions a breeze.

What next for Balerno pharmacy?

NM: A wider range of private services. With greater capacity within the team, I have more time to focus on clinical services and treating patients. Our B12 injection service

is already popular. I ran a travel clinic in Morningside for over 10 years and I’m keen to bring that service to Balerno – it would be a great addition to the local healthcare offering. We’re also launching an ear health check and wax removal service soon.

Do you have any advice for the Balerno community?

NM: Come and see us! Pop in and ask your pharmacist if you have health concerns or questions. The whole team here at Balerno pharmacy have been specially trained to help you. So, ask us first and we’ll be happy to advise you, treat you if necessary or refer you on to another healthcare provider or specialist. Also, in addition to managing prescriptions, our app lets you browse specialist services and chat to our pharmacy team, so download it today!

Balerno Pharmacy

24 Main Street, Balerno, Edinburgh, EH14 7EH

0131 449 5477

www.lindsayandgilmour.co.uk

www.facebook.com/LindsayGilmourPharmacy

L to R: Audrey Tanner, Athira Maliyedath, Nicole Misstear and Eileen Whyte

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

I recently brought a bottle of Gary Barlow Sauvignon Blush. I was in the mood for a glass of rose. The simple label, the organic wine promise and the <£7 price tag appealed.

I am normally sceptical of celebrity wines and tend to avoid them. The price of a bottle can be inflated because of demand caused by the celebrity endorsement. In 2012 when Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt released Miraval Rose, 6,000 bottles sold online in 5 hours! Simple economics means the greater the demand, the higher the price. Today, there are several celebrity wine products available, including Wines by Kylie Minogue, Gordon Ramsay Wines and Graham Norton Wines. While it’s nice to think of Gary Barlow picking grapes and Kylie pruning vines, the reality is that all these products are all owned by the same company, Benchmark Drinks. Benchmark Drinks have very cleverly teamed with experienced wine makers and an even smarter marketing team! They have given their wine products a personality which in a sea of labels in a wine shop, is genius. Benchmark Drinks’ formula of matching celebrities with wine products is working. There are rose, red, white and sparkling wines available and Graham Norton has a gin!

I really enjoyed Gary Barlow’s Sauvignon Blush. It was exactly what I was looking for: a dry rose with just the suggestion of ripe summer fruit on the palate. It was refreshing without a bitter aftertaste and the acidity was clean and fresh without being tart or austere. It would be delicious with lunch, perhaps paired with a Caesar salad.

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

Green

World class, personalised Eye and Hearing Care available at your doorstep!

World class, personalised Eye and Hearing Care available at your doorstep!

Jack Brown Eyecare, a well-established independent optician in Edinburgh with practices in Elder Street and Westside Plaza, have a new practice here in Juniper Green.

Jack Brown Eyecare, a well-established independent optician in Edinburgh with practices in Elder Street and 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 the whole family. Plus, you’ll find a huge range of eyewear available at all three of our practices.

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:

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

30 Elder Street, EH1 3DX

30 Elder Street, EH1 3DX

• T: 0131 557 3531

• T: 0131 557 3531

Westside Plaza, EH14 2SW

Westside Plaza, EH14 2SW

• T: 0131 442 2333

• T: 0131 442 2333

587A Lanark Road, EH14 5DA

587A Lanark Road, EH14 5DA

• T: 0131 458 5888

• T: 0131 458 5888

www.jbeyecare.com

www.jbeyecare.com

We look forward to seeing you soon!

We look forward to seeing you soon!

This is a question Physiotherapists often get asked and the answer depends on the response to two further questions:

1) Clinically, what are we looking for?

2) Will the result change the proposed management of the problem?

These questions are very important. Before any type of investigation, such as x-ray, MRI scan or CT scan, there must be a clear clinical question to be answered to ensure that the best investigation is being used. Patients often believe that a single x-ray or MRI scan will show everything in enough detail to give a definitive diagnosis but this is not the case – they have to be targeted. The correct test must be done to get the answer needed. So, how might this work for the following conditions?

I have low back pain – do I need an x-ray?

If a patient has constant low back pain, a history of Osteoporosis, and the clinical question is could this be an insufficiency fracture, where bone density is poor and a fracture has developed, then an x-ray would be indicated. Knowing a fracture is there would change the advice on management and follow-up.

If the situation was different, in that the patient had low back pain on and off for several weeks after lifting plant pots in the garden and mechanical back pain was suspected, an x-ray would simply show the bones of the back with a level of wear and tear at the joints as expected for their age. This would not change the management advice of keep moving and the pain will settle in 4 – 6 weeks. An x-ray is not needed.

I have sprained my ankle – does it need an x-ray?

• Bony tenderness on palpation along the posterior aspect of the lower 6cm of the lateral malleolus (fibula) or the medial malleolus (Tibia).

• Inability to walk four weight bearing steps at time of injury or in the A & E department.

An ankle fracture is treated by immobilising the ankle for long enough to allow the bone to heal. An ankle ligament sprain is best treated with gentle exercise so it is important to know the difference. Many of us know the expression “rules are made to be broken”. Sometimes a clinician may advise an x-ray even although the Ottawa ankle rules suggest it is not needed. This can be due to unusually high levels of pain or swelling. If you have any doubts about your own ankle after a bad sprain, seek medical advice. You may need an x-ray, or you may not, but in whichever case you should always be reassured by the clinical reasoning, understanding why the decision to x-ray or not to x-ray was made.

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

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My mother told me she played with mice when she was a little girl. She loved dressing them up and giving them names - they were her wee dolls. But one day a boy she knew threw one of her ‘babies’ to his German Shepherd. And that was the end of that little mouse.

I suppose my attitude towards mice was guided by the stereotype of how a female was expected to respond to them. So years ago, when I saw a mouse in our house (he’d come up from the floorboards), the only thing I could think to do was race to the footstool in the room and stand on top of it! Mind you, I was laughing, not screaming. A friend, who was visiting at the time, calmly walked to the next room to summon my husband. “We’ve got a situation in here,” she told him.

And then there was the time when I thought we had a mouse. My brother and sisterin-law were visiting and we watched the film Mousehunt before sitting down for our evening meal. If you’re not familiar with it, it’s a crazy comedy about a little mouse who manages to completely wreck a large house.

Much later that night I asked if anyone would like a piece of leftover birthday cake - one of our daughters had recently celebrated her special day. My brother-in-law said he’d have a piece.

So I went to the kitchen, and what I saw there sent me flying back to the lounge! A very tiny creature was perched on my kitchen counter, holding a chunk of birthday cake in his paws and chomping away on it. Was I seeing things? Was it because of the film? Or too much wine with dinner?

I was literally flapping when I reported my finding, “There’s a mouse in our house! Except … except he is not a mouse, he’s a hamster!” (Did I mention that we’ve never had a pet hamster?)

My husband managed to corral the little guy into a plastic food storage box and said he would poke some air holes in it. But at that point our girls, who had abandoned their beds and come downstairs when they heard the commotion, arrived in the kitchen. “Isn’t he cute? He will gnaw his way out of a plastic box, Daddy! … I’m googling to see what hamsters eat, Dad!”

It was midnight but my husband set to work building a little cage out of wood and chicken wire, and transferred our new friend into it. My brother-in-law decided he’d pass on the cake, and we all went to bed.

The next day we returned Louis to our next-door neighbours. He had escaped five weeks previously when someone had left his cage door open, and had presumably been living under the floorboards of the semidetached house since then.

The boys were delighted to have him back and wrote us a thank-you card: His name was Louis, but we are changing it to Lucky now.

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.

SUZANNE GREEN

Kitchens supplied and fitted

Doors and Windows - wood/UPVC

Built-in wardrobes

• Misted d/g units replaced

Custom made gates: cedar, hardwood & softwood supplied & fitted

All Joinery & Glazing

Free estimates

0131 449 3714 e: rabmcneill62@gmail.com

GERRY AITKEN

Painter & Decorator

Juniper Green

Get in touch for a FREE Estimate:

T: 07798 565 321

• E: junigig@aol.com

Our native red squirrel is facing a serious threat. One of the main causes of the population decline (amongst many other reasons) was the introduction of the much larger, non-native grey squirrel.

Originally introduced in 1876 to populate the grounds of stately homes, it wasn’t made illegal to release them until 1930. By that point, the damage had already been done. They carry a disease called squirrel pox, which they’re immune to but easily spreads to red squirrels and when infected, they usually succumb to it within a couple of weeks. It’s an awful disease and I can’t imagine the suffering the little squirrel will go through.

Now, whilst there are no red squirrels in West Lothian or Edinburgh, you only need to take a short drive over the bridge to start seeing them. Unfortunately, over the last few weeks there’s been a confirmed case of squirrel pox in Dunfermline and a red squirrel sadly lost its life. There have also been grey squirrel sightings in current red squirrel strongholds, including Aberfoyle and Dunkeld.

If you visit the Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrel

website, you’ll get tips on what we can do to help. The disease is spread through infected feeders, so these must be taken down and thoroughly cleaned with an anti viral solution such as Virkon S. Those who either live or know people who live where the territories cross over are key in stopping the spread of greys further North.

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

MAY CROSSWORD

^^^ Solution in the April edition of Konect

ACROSS: 7. A large sea (13), 8. Disclosed (8), 9. Opposed to (4), 10. Move forward (7), 12. Allude to (5), 14. Learn (5), 16. Not coolest (7), 19. Zn (4), 20. Fizzy drink (8), 22. Practical example (13).

DOWN: 1. Not there (4), 2. Picture house (6), 3. Think about (7), 4. Unrefined (5), 5. Breathe in (6), 6. Insensitive (8), 11. Thorough (8), 13. Mallets (7), 15. Physician (6), 17. Tiny (6), 18. Show embarrassment (5).

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ADD SOLUTION DETAILS

We are now in a new tax year and hence it is time to consider investing the maximum i.e. £20,000 in either your existing ISA or setting up a new ISA.

Below are the important details regarding investing in a stocks and shares ISA.

1. Hopefully the value of your ISA will grow and the goods news is there is no Capital Gains Tax (CGT). The bad news is you can only invest a maximum of £20,000 in any tax-year.

2. You can choose from a wide range of investments including funds and shares or pick a ready-made investment. The investments can be made up of a diversified collections of funds offering a simple all-one-option.

3. You can make tax-free withdrawals when you need to, either an ad hoc, lump sum or regular income both of which would be tax-free.

4. You need to be comfortable choosing the risk level and check in on your investment from time to time to make sure it still meets your needs and goals.

5. You should be aware all investments can rise and fall in value. It is possible to get back less than you pay in and you must be happy to accept this possibility.

6. ISA and tax rules can change and any benefits will depend on your circumstances. If you are not sure what is best for your situation you should seek financial advice.

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

SAT 4TH & SUN 5TH MAY

Teen Voice Pop Up Book Festival - At The Hub@531 531 Lanark Road, Juniper Green, EH14 5DJ. Author talks, workshops, podcasting, comics, journalism, for young people p7+. Individual events bookable via Eventbrite, search for Teen Voice.

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!

SATURDAY 11TH MAY

Plant Sale - At Water of Leith Visitor Centre. Our famous plant sale is back for another year! The courtyard of the Visitor Centre will be transformed in to a sea of greenery with hundreds (if not thousands) of plants for sale. Bedding plants, trees, shrubs, perennials, wild flowers, edible plants and houseplants, all at some of the best prices you’ll find in Edinburgh! 11.00am-1.00pm or until we sell out! Free entry, bring cash for plants, and bring bags or boxes to carry your items home. Water of Leith Visitor Centre, 24 Lanark Rd, EH14 1TQ

SATURDAY 11TH MAY

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

SUNDAY 26TH MAY

The Art of Colinton – Guided Walk For Adults - A guided wander around the lovely Colinton village exploring its many hidden art treasures including murals, sculptures, railings and poetry, finishing at the magnificent Colinton Tunnel, home to Scotland’s largest mural. There will be steps and areas of steep path. Meet at Spylaw Car Park, off Bridge Road. 2.00-4.00pm, £7 or free for members, book at www.waterofleith.org.uk

PENTLAND PROBUS CLUB EVENTS

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

• WED 15TH MAY - MEMBERS ONLY: 10.30am - 12noon, Members AGM, followed by lunch at the Kinleith bar/ restaurant Lanark Road.

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 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: 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: 7. Vision, 8. Auntie, 9. Asia, 10. Athletic, 11. Insects, 13. Pelts, 15. Bills, 17. Ponders, 20. Nibbling, 21. Only, 23. Issued, 24. London.

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

RATHO COMMUNITY CENTRE

DOWN: 1. Zips, 2. Pirate, 3. Infants, 4. Yacht, 5. Sneeze, 6. Sinister, 12. Noisiest, 14. Roughly, 16. Labour, 18. Drowns, 19. Birds, 22. Loot.

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

• 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

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.

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_

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SOLUTION TO SUDOKU PAGE 48

Scottish Tagine

Wow family and friends – and make entertaining easy – with this Moroccan-inspired tagine-style dish, served up in less than 30 minutes!

Ingredients:

• 4 x approx 125g Scottish salmon fillets

• 2 tbsp olive or vegetable oil

• 1 onion, peeled and sliced

• 1 tsp cumin seeds or ground cumin

• 2 tsp ground paprika

• 1 x 400g tin chopped tomatoes

• 1 x 298g tin mandarin segments, drained

• 1 tsp vegetable stock powder

• 50g sultanas

• 100g baby spinach

• 150g couscous

• Chopped fresh coriander, to garnish

Serves 4

Method:

1. Remove the skin from the salmon fillets, if preferred.

2. Heat the oil in a large frying pan and cook the onion for 3-4 minutes. Add the cumin and paprika and fry gently for about 20-30 seconds.

3. Stir in the tomatoes, mandarin segments, vegetable stock powder and sultanas. Cook for 5 minutes, then add the spinach and stir it in as the leaves wilt.

4. Arrange the salmon fillets on top of the tomato mixture. Cover with a lid or a piece of greased foil and cook over a medium-low heat for 8-10 more minutes.

5. Meanwhile, cook the couscous according to pack instructions. Serve with the salmon tagine, garnished with chopped fresh coriander.

Wow your family and friends