Konect Balerno November 2021

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NOVEMBER 2021

LOCAL CHARITY: WHAT’S ON:

THE SEASONAL TOUCH:

The New



P8

“T

he community has really had its eyes opened to the need” is a sentence that jumped out to me from the local charity article this month. Suzanne was speaking to community champion Tiggy about how the organisation Community for Food came about and how people can get involved – see the article on pages 8-9. Pentlands Book Festival is back with an innovative and fresh programme of events, including the not-to-be-missed local history walk this year exploring the Riccarton estate; see page 40 for details. Besides our usual columns this month, award-winning local business The Seasonal Touch provides top tips for creative gift shopping, and there is a chance to win tickets to Edinburgh’s MagicFest. I hope you enjoy the magazine this month, we try to keep it topical, local, informative and relevant. As ever, I love to get your feedback!

THIS ISSUE Charity: Community for Food.............................8 Top Tips for Creative Gift Shopping............. 13 I love food: But is it beautiful?......................... 22 Wine tasting: Avoiding Traditional Rules..... 23 Money Matters.................................................... 32 Turning Over a New Leaf: COP26................ 34 The New Pentlands Book Festival................. 40 Local Environment: A Prayer of Godwits..... 42 Puzzles.................................................................. 43 WIN! Tickets to Edinburgh MagicFest......... 44 Community Chest.............................................. 45

COVER IMAGE: November 2021: 100th anniversary of the poppy as symbol of remembrance

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

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Painter & Decorator Juniper Green

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Community for Food: So that no local schoolchild will go hungry “The idea for a local food provision service … well, it sort of snowballed!” says Caroline Brown – Tiggy to those who know her. “Back in March 2020, when we were just hungry. “We are not a food bank,” says going into lockdown, a local head teacher Tiggy. “We are a food provision service – phoned to ask me if I could source some we provide a family’s weekly shop direct to devices for pupils who did not have a their door. At the moment we help families computer or laptop at home. We were from Balerno and Currie High Schools, entering a period where children would Nether Currie Primary, Currie Primary need to be home-schooled, and those and Juniper Green Primary. Nearly 1,400 without such a device at home would be at deliveries have been made in the past 11 a disadvantage.” months to those combating food poverty.” Tiggy, who is known locally Families fill in a form as to as a community champion, what they need, which cuts someone who doesn’t hesitate down on waste. And because to get involved when there The community they receive a delivery, those is a local need or issue, met can’t drive to a foodbank, has really had who the challenge and was able or don’t feel comfortable to source and distribute a its eyes opened going to one, can receive number of new and used help. “The community has devices. to the need really had its eyes opened to the need,” Tiggy comments. After this, another local head “And because of this, other teacher phoned her, asking businesses and organisations if she could organise help have begun to reach out to disadvantaged for three families over the Easter holidays. families in other ways.” “With the schools closed,” she says, “children who would normally receive a Tiggy and her team all work and/or have free lunch would go without this provision.” other responsibilities. She is a business Juniper Green Village Hall contributed a analyst for ACCA; Marna Brown is a GP; and generous £500 to meet this need, which Val Reid is Marketing and Events Officer meant those families received food for the Balerno Village Trust. Together with deliveries over the holidays and there was a number of other volunteers, they meet on some money left over too. We went from Tuesday and Wednesday evenings (6.15helping three families from one school to 7.30 pm) at the Juniper Green Village Hall. A where we are now – helping 30 families small team does picking and packing, while from five different schools.” another team delivers the food. “We are always looking for more volunteers,” And so Community for Food was born. Its mission: no child in a local school will go says Tiggy. “We need more people for 8 | BALERNO

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both of these jobs, as well as someone to build our website and others for various roles. We have several student volunteers who are working towards their Duke of Edinburgh Award.” So many people and businesses have donated money or food. Morrisons makes food donations every second week. Both the Rotary Club and the Currie Football Club have volunteered, as a way of giving back to the community, and donations have been received from Arnold Clark, Baillie Gifford and others. Balerno’s larger Scotmid store and Currie Scotmid have food collection bins, and any gifts will be divided between Community for Food and local foodbanks. “We buy in fresh fruit and vegetables weekly, from total produce wholesalers,” says Tiggy. “But we welcome donations of non-perishable food – like rice, pasta, cereal and tinned goods – as well as toiletries and cleaning products. And we are happy to receive monetary donations via Paypal or direct debit. We very much operate on a month-by-month basis, which is one reason we are looking into becoming a registered charity.” Recently Tiggy was nominated by Sue Webber MSP for a Local Hero award at the Scottish Parliament. “Tiggy is a force to be reckoned with across Currie, Juniper Green and Balerno,” she comments. “I think if there was ever an example of someone who steps up to the plate when needed, no matter what … it is Caroline Brown.” “No community project is successful due to one person alone,” says Tiggy. “It is the hardworking volunteers who drive projects forward. This makes a huge difference and motivates us all to strive and continue in our collective community goals.” The Local Charity feature 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. @KonectMagazines

Donation Drop-off Points • McGill’s Butchers and Bakers, Currie • Gibson Craig Hall, Currie • Juniper Green Village Hall (Tues and Weds, 6.15pm – 7.30pm) • Scotmid, Currie and Balerno* (* Larger store) For more information go to the Community for Food Facebook page, or contact Tiggy at communityforfood@gmail.com

The Community for Food team

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Top Tips for

Creative Gift Shopping “The themed gift basket or pressie bag is my ‘go to’ when it comes to Christmas shopping,” says Lynn McMurray, owner of Balerno-based home & gift business The Seasonal Touch. Having just scooped a ‘Highly Commended’ in the ‘Most Enterprising Business of the Year’ category at this year’s Association of Scottish Businesswomen Awards, she’s one to be trusted when it comes to getting creative! Here she shares her top tips for creative gift shopping this year. Coming up with inspired gifts is a headache we all share at this time of year so when I’m sourcing the unique gifts on offer at The Seasonal Touch, I’m always thinking about how they would work with other items, together in a little gift bundle. Start with a spark of an idea, something that you think would resonate with the recipient, and build your gift around it.

It’s a simple technique. Let’s say you know your recipient loves a good cuppa. Why not treat them to one of these gorgeous winter robin design fine bone china mugs. Add to it a matching milk jug and perhaps a luxury, made-inthe-UK robin kitchen towel and build from there. Add some locally roasted coffee or

artisan tea - what else would they enjoy? A subscription to their favourite magazine to enjoy while they relax? Some gourmet chocolates perhaps? Pull them together in a cute bag or basket - job done!

I’m passionate about finding and bringing the unique to The Seasonal Touch. If it’s something I’ve seen in every gift shop and garden centre across the country then it’s not for me! That’s why I got so excited when I came across these Magnetic Stemless Wine Glass Charms. With so many design collections to choose from including shoes, handbags, tennis, golf, animal prints etc, you’ll be able to create a gift bundle for everyone on your list. No stem on your glass? No problem! These cool little accessories mean your guests will always know which drink is theirs and what a fun ice-breaker! How about adding them to a beautiful bottle opener or stopper, a couple of quirky glasses and a bottle of their favourite tipple? Teens can be hard to buy for but the gift bundle approach

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works well for them too. I love these handmade, wool loop cushions with their messages of positivity. How about putting them together with one of our vegan friendly, best-selling reed diffusers in an uplifting scent? A perfect accessory for their space at home or uni digs to help them through their studies. Add a cosy and comforting throw and you’re all sorted.

You can find all you need to create your own gift bundles at The Seasonal Touch www.theseasonaltouch.co.uk and for all the inspiration you’ll need for gifts and decor ideas this Christmas you can follow Lynn on Facebook and Instagram @theseasonaltouch BALERNO | 13


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I  FOOD

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!

But is it beautiful?

When you order a meal at one our local eating places and it arrives at your table, do you immediately pull out your phone and take a picture? I don’t normally – though occasionally I decide to help my daughter populate her food-themed Instagram page.

If you do regularly take photos of what you eat, don’t worry – I won’t judge! After all, you may consider your hummus and pita salad platter to be a work of art. Imagine if you had put it together. For all we know there are many chefs out there photographing their creations before sending them out of the kitchen! It’s a given that the way our meals look on the plate is intrinsically connected to our enjoyment of them. We had a guest over for lunch once who told me he would give me ten out of ten for presentation – it was a proud moment. My family will tell you that it’s routine for me to think about the colours of food, their arrangement on the plate, and even their shape. A few years ago I went through a phase where I couldn’t serve rice without first packing it into a small oiled prep bowl and then carefully sliding it out onto the plates so that each diner had their own little tower of rice. I think my husband might have preferred to do without the tower and have his meal a bit sooner, but, as I explained to him, he was fortunate I cared so much. Seeing the food at a restaurant is much more helpful than reading the menu! Often, before I even open a menu I know what I want. As we follow the server to our table, I take in what’s 22 | BALERNO

happening for other diners. What are they eating? Is it aesthetically pleasing? Is there enough on the plate? Of course, I am the epitome of subtlety. No one wants people staring at them. But there is nothing like a visual when it comes to food – and I say that as someone who is first and foremost a words person!

For example, I may be in the mood for a salad. I read the menu’s colourful description of the Caesar salad, and imagine a large, shallow bowl filled with an abundance of fresh, healthy-looking vegetables (which I didn’t have to chop!). For a small surcharge, some succulent grilled chicken will be added. I’m nearly ready to commit. But then I notice a server going past with a salad bowl, which she delivers to a neighbouring table. The bowl is large, but there’s not much in it, and the lettuce actually looks a bit brown. There is no abundance of fresh salad ingredients, and it appears the chicken pieces have been counted out. I see a few sad shavings of parmesan on top … a thimble of dressing.

It is not beautiful. Back to the menu. Maybe I can find a dish that includes a little tower of rice …

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. @KonectMagazines


WINE TASTING

This month I designed a wine tasting dinner party for a group staying at Old Mill House, Dalkeith. My brief was to work with Private Chef Elizabeth Pardoe and select a series of dishes from her beautiful menus, pair gorgeous wines and present a tasting dinner– my dream job!

When selecting the right wine there are a lot of things to consider. I avoid the ‘rules’ of traditional wine pairing and don’t automatically pair a white wine with white meat and red wine with red meat. Instead, I consider the weight and texture of the food. Monkfish can have a firm texture, as can king prawn, while some red meat can ‘melt in the mouth’. The next thing I consider is how the food is cooked. If the meat is grilled it may have a smoky flavour which could mask the character of an otherwise perfect wine. Perhaps one of the components of the dish has been

caramelized, giving a sweeter note to the food. Next think about the spice and stand out signature flavours the chef has added. Is there green or red chili in the marinade or fresh ginger? These little component parts make a whole and the wine should act as a canvas to showcase the dish. While I avoid the traditional ‘rules’ of wine pairing, there is one that I love to follow, Champagne goes with everything! I paired a delicious Pol Roger ‘Pure’ with Grapefruit, Lime and Chilli Scallop Ceviche Skewers – perfect! The monthly wine tasting column is contributed by Joanne Frette. Joanne lives in Juniper Green with her 3 children. She is a Sommelier Wine & Spirit Specialist who runs Swirl Sip Socialise, an online wine tasting business which connects friends and family across the UK.

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MONEY MATTERS

TRANSFER OF INHERITED ISAs The value of an ISA at date of death can be transferred to the surviving spouse or civil partner, as long as they were living together at the date of death, which means not legally separated. This means the tax free status of the funds will remain in place for the new owner. How to transfer the ISA? • An application for an Additional Permitted Subscription (APS) must be made with the ISA Manager who held the deceased’s ISA • The APS is limited to the value of the ISA at date of death • The APS must be made within 180 days • The APS will apply to cash and non-cash assets

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• The APS is available whether or not the surviving spouse inherited the deceased’s ISA assets • The APS can apply to every ISA held by the deceased. • The APS can not be made to a Junior ISA The ISA manager can insist that a new ISA is opened with them to receive the APS, so they can monitor the process. This does not mean the new ISA must remain with that provider after it is put in place, it can be transferred the following year. Unfortunately, there are still many law firms acting as estate executors who are not familiar with this process and as a result many ISAs are being cashed in before the APS is applied for. If you are unsure of your circumstances please consult an Independent Financial Adviser. The Money Matters column is contributed by Personal Money Management. This month’s article is by Dr Peter M Marshall.

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TURNING OVER A NEW LEAF

This month our local green living contributor gives you a quick summary to all you need to know about COP26.

What is COP26 and why should I care?: When you hear COP 26 being discussed by politicians and commentators, do you automatically switch off? Do you wonder what they are talking about and why it is relevant? Well, this climate conference is worth paying attention to as the discussions will have a direct impact on your life, as well as the future of our planet. What is COP26?: COP26 is a United Nations Conference on climate change. COP stands for Conference of the Parties, and this is the 26th such meeting. Two hundred world leaders will meet in Glasgow from 31st October to 12th November and will set out how they plan to reduce carbon emissions in order to limit the temperature of the planet rising more than 1.5 degrees as agreed in a landmark agreement made in Paris five years ago. How does it affect me?: While you may feel disconnected from these discussions, the results will directly affect your day-to-day life. Our government needs to agree ways to halve UK carbon emissions by 2030 and become carbon neutral by 2050. This means introducing radical policies to ensure we meet these targets. Areas of our lives we can expect to be affected include how we travel, the food we eat, how we heat our homes and the consumer goods available to us. • Travel - petrol cars are already due to be phased out in the UK, with sales of new petrol cars being banned from 2030 and replaced by electric cars. These are currently unaffordable for the average household. The 34 | BALERNO

cost of flights may be affected as we seek to limit the use of fossil fuels. We can consider alternative means of transport where possible - more walking and cycling would help. • Food - we regularly hear how we should limit the amount of red meat we eat for our health and that of our planet. More and more people are becoming vegan and many retailers and restaurants are reflecting this trend. The cost of meat may rise and we will need to consider the cost of flying food around the world for our convenience. We can think about buying local and eating less red meat. • Heating - many people in the UK have gas central heating. The need to reduce carbon emissions means new homes are already being built with alternative heating, such as heat pumps, but those of us with gas boilers may be required to switch too. Our homes will need to be more energy efficient, so we can make sure we have good insulation. • Consumer goods - we’re used to being able to buy anything we want from around the world at competitive prices. Any increased costs in manufacturing and transportation are likely to be passed to the consumer. Overall it’s likely that the cost of many things we take for granted may rise. The mantra ‘buy less, buy better’ is good advice. So, this month, pay attention to COP26 and announcements made by our government regarding policy changes that will affect you. There are lots of ways to get involved too. See climatefringe.org

“Turning Over a New Leaf” is a new column contributed by Jo Johnson, a Balerno resident who aims to share her research and shopping choices each month for manageable steps to a greener life. (Artwork by Nikki Forrest of Memorybox Paintings) For more ideas, follow me on Facebook www.facebook/anewleaf

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WHAT’S ON

Semper aliquid novi (always something new) might be the motto for Pentlands Book Festival. The 2021 programme is as innovative and fresh as the first PBF launched seven years ago, with a youthful emphasis this year on adventure, enterprise, risk-taking, achievement, novelty and variety. From an experimental take on crime fiction; to a new approach to gluten free goodies by Bake Off’s winner; to bagging every Munro by the age of 23; to updating children’s tales and fairy stories in comic book form; to biking the world, climbing big mountains and rowing the Atlantic; – this year’s exciting programme celebrates younger Scottish writers. Not a novelty, but, linking past to future, is our ever-popular history walk, when Liz Beevers explores the Riccarton estate, its ownership by the Gibson-Craigs and transformation into Heriot Watt campus. Afternoon and evening events run from 15th to 22nd November: on Monday 15th the History Walk starts off at Heriot Watt University. The next day, Tuesday 16th, Graeme Macrae Burnet talks about His Bloody Project and other intriguing works at Currie’s Corner Café, where, on Wednesday 17th, Peter Sawkins introduces his first book, Peter Bakes. On Thursday 18th at Porteous, Juniper Green, Craig Weldon hits the British heights with

The Weekend Fix, and, on Friday 19th, at the same venue, parents and children (and allcomers) can discover how Sandra Marrs and John Chalmers, aka Metaphrog, magically weave storytelling and pictures into graphic tales. On Monday 22nd May, at Currie RFC in Balerno, Mark Beaumont, renowned cyclist and adventurer, boggles minds with his extraordinary achievements. For greater detail on events and writers and for start times, go to the PBF website www.pentlandsbookfestival.org.uk

Programme leaflets are in shops and libraries. Obtain tickets either via the website or from Currie Library. Get your signed Christmas presents at PBF21.

This article was contributed by Richard Watt, Pentlands Book Festival, pentlandsbookfestival.org.uk 40 | BALERNO

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LOCAL ENVIRONMENT

Whilst I’m not looking forward to the shorter days of winter, it does have some benefits. Darker mornings mean you don’t need to get up so early to look for wildlife, and there’s less cover so you can see more. It’s also one of the best times of year to look for, and watch our wading bird species. It can be really tricky to identify these birds, they don’t have the nickname “little brown jobs” or “LBJ’s” for no reason! A lot of species can look incredibly similar, and these black tailed godwits have a cousin who bares a striking resemblance - the bar tailed godwits. I’m fairly confident these are blacked tailed! In winter, they gather in huge flocks with other wading birds as they patrol the shore, and mud-flats to hunt for food when the tides are out or water levels are lower. To get this shot, I went to Kinneil Nature Reserve on an incoming tide and waited, hoping they’d take off in a flock similar to this shot. If you want to photograph them, that’s the best time as you’re already in position as the tide pushes the birds closer 42 | BALERNO

so you’re less likely to spook them. Other places to see them are at the lagoons in Musselburgh, or RSPB Baron’s Haugh in Motherwell. It can really brighten a winters day to watch them paddle about, and you’ll be surprised just how quickly those short hours of daylight can pass by. 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 @KonectMagazines


PUZZLES

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1. Keep Pets Indoors Give pets extra exercise during the day and toilet breaks, but keep them in at night.

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Play the radio or put the TV on a little bit louder to muffle firework noises.

3. Provide Hiding Places

Make a special place for pets to hide so that they feel snug and secure.

4. Identification

Make sure that your pet is wearing identification in case they run away or get lost.

5. Keep Pets Calm

Don’t punish or fuss over your pet of they are scared. Just stay calm.

6. Flashing Lights

Reduce firework flashes by closing the curtains and turning on indoor lights.

^^^ Solution in the December edition of Konect ACROSS: 1. Nearest (7), 5. Inexpensive (5), 8. Type of cattle (7), 9. A slight fever (5), 10. Sweet, thick liquid (5), 11. Flat area of high land (7), 12. Form of dance (6), 14. In good condition (6), 17. Family member (7), 19. Trimmed (5), 22. Enclosed within (5), 23. Non-professional (7), 24. Dizzy (5), 25. Painters (7). DOWN: 1. 3D squares (5), 2. To give or volunteer (5), 3. Prototype (7), 4. Soldiers (6), 5. Bedtime drink (5), 6. Obvious (7), 7. Contaminate (7), 12. Imploring (7), 13.Highlyintelligent(7),15.Graceful(7),16.Typeoffruit(6), 18. Unclean (5), 20. Conjecture (5), 21. Risks (5).

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WIN! A pair of tickets to Eyes Open Eyes Shut We’ve teamed up with Edinburgh International Magic Festival to offer readers the chance to win a pair of tickets to Kevin Quantum’s show: Eyes Open Eyes Shut From the Britain’s Got Talent 2020 semi-finalist, trained by Penn & Teller, Edinburgh Fringe Sellout. Gain a unique insight into deception. Never has an audience been given so much control over how they view/enjoy/observe a magic show. Enjoy all the tricks that are and ever were in 90 minutes. You won’t watch magic the same way again. Nominee at the Scottish Comedy Awards 2019, 2018 | Winner “BEST MAGIC” Adelaide Fringe 2018 To enter, simply answer the following question: WHAT IS THE NAME OF THE MAGICIAN IN THE EYES OPEN EYES SHUT SHOW? Email your answer, along with your full name and postcode, to: win@konect.scot - Closing date 20th November 2021. Winner will be chosen at random after the closing date and informed via the email address used to enter. The prize is two tickets “Kevin Quantum: Eyes Open Eyes Shut” Please see the MagicFest website for details www.magicfest.co.uk

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SATURDAY 13TH NOVEMBER Balerno Farmer’s Market - Winter Market, 9am – 1pm, Main Street, Balerno MON 15TH - MON 22ND NOVEMBER Pentlands Book Festival - See page 40 for details SUNDAY 21ST NOVEMBER Ravelrig Christmas Fayre - 2-4pm at the Stables, 21 Ravelrig Gait, Balerno BOOKBUGS Bookbugs for under 5s have restarted at Currie Library.

Covid-safe measures are in place and spaces are limited so booking in advance is required to book please call Currie library on 0131 529 5609. Fridays 10.30am to 11.00am.

Apply for grants now The Community Chest is full of money and will be opened up in December, providing grants of up to £500 to local organisations for projects seen as of benefit to the local community. The Chest is administered and funded jointly by the Currie Balerno Rotary Club and the Balerno Village Trust (BVT) with support from CALA Homes. Applications can be made up to the end of May and November each year for consideration in June and December.

Since its introduction the Chest has made grants to organisations in Balerno, Currie, Juniper Green, Colinton, Kirknewton, Ratho and Wester Hailes. Institutions and organisations in those areas are now invited to make applications with a closing date of end November. Information about the Community Chest and how to apply can be found on the websites of the Rotary Club and the Balerno Village Trust at www.cbrotary.org and www.balernovt.org.uk

Closing date for applications 30th Nov 2021

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

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SOLUTIONS

SPORTS, HOBBIES, LEARNING, SUPPORT GROUPS & MORE... PILATES, YOGA, STRENGTH & FITNESS CLASSES - AT PRIME SPORTS PHYSIOTHERAPY & PILATES - Large timetable of classes for all abilities, led by instructors who use their expertise and care to support well-being and challenge fitness. Classes are held upstairs in our welcoming Pilates & Yoga studio and downstairs in our gym at 46a Bavelaw Road, Balerno. Please visit: www. primesportsphysio.co.uk to book classes. Email: hello@ primesportsphysio.co.uk for more info. PiYo - Yoga + Pilates + Nonstop Movement = Stretch + Strengthen + Sweat! All in ONE workout!! All abilities welcome. Live! Classes Tuesday 9am Balerno Scout Hall. Virtual! Classes (Zoom) Monday & Wednesday 19:30. For further details see Facebook.com/ HeidiMacdonaldFitness PARACISE - Low-intensity, gentle exercise class (45 min) with NO floor work. Suits those who find regular fitness classes too demanding, or those returning to exercise. Wednesday @ 10:45 in Balerno Scout Hall. For further details see Facebook.com/ HeidiMacdonaldFitness or email heidi.instructor@gmail. com BALERNO ART CLUB This club suits children who thrive by being creative and individual. Online learning will focus on technique, pencil 46 | BALERNO

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: @annieandcarasonlineclasses 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: @annieandcarasonlineclasses 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 www.konect.scot for information.

SOLUTION TO OCTOBER CROSSWORD

ACROSS: 1. Used, 3. Faithful, 9. Tornado, 10. Large, 11. Mayor, 12. Rescue, 14. Tangle, 16. Grease, 19. Stages, 21. Chums, 24. Alive, 25. Opening, 6. Together, 27. Ants. DOWN: 1. Ultimate, 2. Early, 4. Aboard, 5. Tells, 6. Formula, 7. Leek, 8. Barrel, 13. Messages, 15. Nothing, 17. Richer, 18. Ashore, 20. Great, 22. Union, 23. Daft.

SOLUTION TO SUDOKU ON PAGE 43

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

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