Dell Directory April 2019 by Konect Magazines

April 2019

THE DELL DIRECTORY

PLUS: health, food & drink, CLUBS & CLASSES, Puzzles, and much more inside! The monthly community magazine for Colinton, Craiglockhart and Kingsknowe

TO OUR APRIL EDITION

THIS ISSUE

Taking on a personal challenge for a charity is an excellent way of pushing yourself out of your comfort zone, experiencing something new, perhaps making new friends, getting fit and so on; the possibilities are endless, as are the number of organised experiences and challenges to choose from. The Edinburgh Kiltwalk is one such, as is abseiling from the Forth Rail Bridge. These are just two examples from local charity Harmeny Education Trust of challenges you could take on to help them this year. Based in Balerno and doing extraordinary work with young people, they are in need of new facilities, and I am delighted to be publicising their work and appeal in this issue of The Dell Directory - see the article on pages 8-9 for full details. We take a look at what Pilates is, and why it is such a popular exercise; and local interiors writer Lynn of The Seasonal Touch shares her ideas for Easter décor to make your home, as she says, a “nest you won’t want to leave - for the holiday weekend at least!” Thank you for reading the Dell Directory and I’d like to wish all readers a fantastic Easter break!

P8 Charity: Harmeny Education Trust..................8 Health: Pilates – why so popular?................ 15 Puzzles................................................................ 16 Lynne’s Column................................................ 19 Interiors: The Seasonal Touch’s Easter toolkit.................................................................... 27 Notes from a Small Village............................. 33 Bridge Column.................................................. 40 Local People: Derek Douglas....................... 41 What’s On........................................................... 43 Useful information............................................ 44 Clubs & Classes............................................... 45

COVER IMAGE: The Seasonal Touch’s Easter toolkit. See P27.

The Dell Directory is distributed to 5,500 homes in the Colinton, Craiglockhart and Kingsknowe areas. There are 11 copies a year with a joint issue in Dec/Jan.

HELEN-JANE SHEARER

CHARLENE GAFFNEY

E: editor@konect.scot

M: 07772 941899 E: charlene@konect.scot

Editor

@KonectMagazines

Account Manager

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Local business based in Colinton

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House Cleaning • Commercial Cleaning • Ironing Carpet Cleaning • Steam Cleaning Contact Fiona Byrne on: 0131 477 2062 // 0796 678 8672 info@fionashousecleaning.co.uk www.fionashousecleaning.co.uk     

Struggling with a new gadget? Have a troublesome phone? Need a new TV etc set up? Need help with Spring DIY? …..or does a friend?

• Carpet cleaning • Rug cleaning • Upholstery cleaning • Blind cleaning

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Keith Wales WINDOW CLEANING

Reliable 4 weekly service

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The experience from first quote to completion was first class. Four Seaons Design & Build Limited. The promises made, promises kept home improvement company

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Harmeny Education Trust Tucked in to the foothills of the Pentlands, at the upper end of Balerno village, you will find Harmeny Education Trust, a national, sector leading children’s charity. At its residential school, an amazing, passionately motivated team of teachers, carers and support staff provide nurture and education for 30 of Scotland’s most vulnerable children.

Currently supporting 5-14-year olds, the children referred to Harmeny from all over Scotland have huge and complex social, emotional and behavioural needs. Despite the love that does exist in pockets of their lives, their early years have often been marked by the extremes of abuse and neglect and most have been in care from a very young age. More likely than not, they’ve been passed from pillar to post; by the time they arrive at Harmeny they may have had as many as 12 placement breakdown experiences. Family members, foster carers, children’s homes and local authorities have all found themselves unable to address the demands of a child’s challenging behaviour and as a result, through no fault of their own, these children find themselves excluded from school, stigmatised, isolated and misunderstood. The results are devastating. Roddy’s early years were spent living with his mother, exposed to her drug use, selfharm and poor mental health. His dad was a frequent drug user, which meant Roddy knew high levels of domestic violence and emotional abuse. Often sullen and sad, Roddy would tell carers that he was “bad boy”. With such a start in life, unsurprisingly Roddy didn’t trust adults, didn’t know how to form appropriate relationships, couldn’t cope with any kind of conflict, and had language skills that were way behind those of other children of his age. And while there is no such thing as a typical child at Harmeny, many other children there would recognise Roddy’s experience. 8 | THE DELL

What Harmeny has given Roddy is the chance to find his best self again – he has re-learned how to play and make friends, and knows that he is part of a community committed to his wellbeing and future. This total belief in the possibility of reconnecting children with their own families and communities drives the school’s staff. It’s all about relationship-building, and parents and carers feel it too. As one carer put it, “When I walk through the gates of Harmeny, I feel as if I’m visiting family.” Kieran, a past pupil of Harmeny – now grown up and with a child of his own – talks about his own childhood experience of neglect, but says the impact that Harmeny had on him made all the difference. “From Day One the support and attention I was getting at Harmeny was a million times more than at home. It was all the little things. They gave you a childhood. The stuff I’d never have got at home.” Big into outdoor activities and sport, Kieran’s Harmeny memories are dominated by football, bikes, running and, in the summer, trips further afield into the big outdoors. These were fun, he says, but they also broadened his horizons in other ways. He realises now that he was being trusted by adults – to try new skills, to play independently with others, and to be a responsible member of a group. Harmeny wants to do more. It wants to develop and expand access to its services and has set a goal to raise £2.4 million through its Learning for Life Appeal. Harmeny’s children learn through doing: @KonectMagazines

through outdoor activities, social enterprise projects, and creative opportunities. But the current learning and outdoor centre is cramped, inflexible and too cold to be used for months at a time. Harmeny wants to build a new centre to provide year-round access to its bike maintenance and outdoor skills workshops, and provide more space for the art, design and technology opportunities that offer inspiration and therapy for the children. This new centre will also enable Harmeny to help more vulnerable children. The school will be able to extend the age range of the children it can work with, and share its skills and facilities with secondary schools in south west Edinburgh; helping other children at the risk of exclusion.

Harmeny needs your support to achieve this goal Help raise funds by joining the Harmeny team at the Edinburgh Kiltwalk – a fabulous, flexible fundraising day out in the capital on 15 September. Or conquer new heights for Harmeny by signing up now to abseil 165ft off the iconic Forth Rail Bridge on 6 October – an exhilarating experience that you’ll never forget. Alternatively, if you’ve other fundraising ideas or would like to donate to the Appeal get in touch at fundraising@harmeny.org.uk or 0131 449 3938. Harmeny is hugely grateful to all those who have already helped raise over £750,000 through donations, cake bakes, sponsored judo throws, car washes for Porsches, and even a trek to Everest Base Camp! Visit www.harmeny.org.uk to find out more or follow them on Facebook and Twitter for all the latest news and opportunities to get involved. The children at Harmeny are incredible survivors. Like all children, they have innate talents and skills which, once discovered, play a crucial role in their recovery and their ability to cope with adversity throughout their lives. Help them regain their childhoods. Help Harmeny turn their lives around. @KonectMagazines

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Double Glazing Doctor Four Seasons Scotland Limited

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Dementia Alzheimer’s

Signs of dementia may include: 1. Short term memory loss 2. Feeling confused in unfamiliar places 3. Difficulty finding the right words 4. Problems with numbers or handling money 5. Finding it hard to follow conversation or TV programmes 6. Depression or mood changes If you’re worried about yourself or someone else, it’s important to talk to your GP. They will be able to give advice and arrange for tests if needed. Getting diagnosed means you can get practical support to continue living an active life. Diagnosis is important because it: 1. Rules out other treatable causes for the symptoms 2. Allows access to advice, information and support 3. Allows the person with dementia and family to prepare and plan for the future 4. Medications are available on prescription to delay the progression of some types of dementia As a Registered Nurse specialising in the care of the older adult I can give confidential help and advice - call me to arrange an appointment. Contributed by Judith Mclean of Colinton Homecare

Please contact us if you would like your business included in our Health & Beauty pages. Our contact details are on page 3.

THE DELL DIRECTORY 12 | THE DELL

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Jonathan Jennett

BSc (Hons) MCOptom Prof Cert Glauc Prof Cert Paed Eye Care

Value your vision. Choose UV protected glasses & contact lenses.

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T: 0131 449 6889

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HEALTH

Pilates - Why is it so popular? “Physical fitness is the first requisite of happiness. In order to achieve happiness, it is imperative to gain mastery of your body. If at the age of 30 you are stiff and out of shape, you are old. If at 60 you are supple and strong then you are young.” Joseph Pilates Pilates has become very popular and in recent years we have seen such an increase in the opportunities to participate in Pilates classes across Edinburgh. So what’s all the hype about? We asked Amy Kellagher, a Chartered Physiotherapist and qualified Pilates instructor, who works at the McNaughton Physiogrange. What is Pilates? It takes its name from the late Joseph Pilates, who developed exercises that focused on developing the body’s core muscles to improve body awareness and posture. These exercises are based on biomechanical principles backed up by medical research. Mat work Pilates is mainly performed lying on a mat and involves specific controlled strengthening exercises for the muscles that support your spine from your neck to your pelvis. It uses breathing to coordinate each movement. The 8 Principles of Pilates are: • Effective breathing - to release any tension and stiffness in the body • Concentration - to promote correct alignment and body awareness • Control - muscle control is important when working against gravity in mat work exercises • Centering - Pilates exercises facilitate core muscle strength • Precision - precipitates greater awareness and control of movement • Flow - even continuous flowing movements are encouraged • Integrated Isolation – helps you recognise, then correct, poor movement patterns • Routine – repetition leads to greater skill and benefits @KonectMagazines

Why do Physiotherapists recommend and teach Pilates?

Pilates has been accepted and researched by Physiotherapists because it is seen as an intelligent form of exercise that is safe for all ages and abilities. Research shows that a first episode of a simple low back pain resolves within 6 weeks. The alarming fact is that 80% of those people who have simple back pain will go on to have a second episode within 3-12 months. One of the problems thought to contribute to this recurrence is weak core muscles. It is well documented that the muscles trained in Pilates help to support the spinal joints to help prevent recurrence of back pain. How to get started?

Make sure you do your research and find a suitably qualified Pilates instructor. It is beneficial to have a Pilates trained Chartered Physiotherapist to get the best of both worlds if you have had or suffer from back problems. Discuss with your Pilates instructor whether a 1 to 1 session may be sensible initially or whether you can go straight into a class situation. Joseph Pilates was quoted as saying ‘In 10 sessions you will feel the difference, 20 you will see the difference and in 30 you will have a whole new body!’... Why not try it and see? The health column is contributed by McNaughton Physiogrange, Edinburgh www.physiogrange.co.uk THE DELL | 15

CROSSWORD

Solution in the May edition of The Dell Directory

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SUDOKU

Sudoku Solution on Page 46.

PUZZLES

ACROSS: 1. Protected from harm (4), 3. Ordinary; occurring regularly (8), 9. Animation (7), 10. Answer (5), 11. Go into (5), 12. To splatter, spray with liquid (6), 14. Nearest the bottom (6), 16. Person in charge of a newspaper (6), 19. Centre (6), 21. Striped animal (5), 24. Acting family, Sir John and Hayley (5), 25. Under (7), 26. Young frogs (8), 27. Fewer in number (4) DOWN: 1. Covertly (8), 2. Initial, original (5), 4. Disappear (6), 5. Rustic, in the countryside (5), 6. Down payment (7), 7. Childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s toy on a string (2-2), 8. Tennis playing areas (6), 13. Respires (8), 15. Spun around (7), 17. Sets of twelve (6), 18. Small stone (6), 20. Dance hall, nightclub (5), 22. Responsibility, guilt (5), 23. Miss out (4)

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Want to grow your business?

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Wildlife Watch

One of the undoubtably best aspects of living in a leafy suburb of Edinburgh is having so much nature and wildlife virtually on the doorstep. In the ten years I’ve lived in Colinton I’ve seen a plethora of species including a variety of birds, squirrels, bats, butterflies, deer, frogs and even the occasional exciting glimpse of an otter in the Water of Leith. Two years ago, we were delighted to find we had a resident hedgehog in our back garden. Nightly at dusk, Harry, or Harriet, (we did some rudimentary research and reckoned there was a chance that “he” was actually a “she”) would emerge from under the decking and forage around under the bushes. Once we realised that he (I’ll stick with “he” for ease of writing but the jury is still out) was a creature of habit we set up a little feeding station of an old, upturned carboard box wrapped in plastic and covered in leaves with a small bowl of meaty cat food inside (apparently hedgehogs love most meat flavoured cat foods but not fishy ones). We’d then wait patiently by the window around dusk and would see

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him dash across the garden to his little bistro for one (hedgehogs can move remarkably fast!) where he would enter and devour the contents of his bowl. If we were lucky, we could get a decent photo of him entering or leaving or some video footage as he dashed across the grass. Keen to confirm it was Harry enjoying the cat food rather than an actual cat, my son hit upon the brilliant idea of rigging up an infra-red light in the box and a small video camera to secretly spy on who was dining at Chez Arnot. After some initially ropey camera angles and some definite sightings of whiskers (the cheek of some felines!) we were eventually rewarded with some decent footage of Harry munching his way through his late supper before exiting and returning to his life below deck(ing). Last year we thought we’d raised our game by treating him to a bona fide wicker hedgehog igloo (you really can buy anything on Amazon!). The first time he visited his new, more upmarket premises, he almost

managed to upturn the whole thing but with a bit of repositioning we managed to secure some footage of him happily eating inside. Sadly, it’s been almost a year since we last spotted Harry. I like to think he found somewhere that served a better brand of cat food or just grew tired of the paparazzi of our secret cameras snapping his nocturnal habits and decided to move on. Or maybe he’s just having a very long hibernation and we may be lucky enough to see him skulking around again as we head into the warmer months. Why not get out this month and become a hedgehog hunter, a deer stalker or an otter spotter? Happy wildlife watching! Lynne lives in Colinton with her husband and two children. She dreams of making a living from writing when she grows up, but mostly just tries to avoid growing up! THE DELL | 19

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Luxury Lawns Affordable Prices

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Blaikie Tree Services Services: • Tree Felling and removal Forestry and arboriculture • Tree Pruning • Tree Reductions • All aspects of tree maintenance • Hedge cutting Family Run business with highly trained and professional Tree Surgeons

Please Call or email us for free advise and quotations Email: blaikietreeservices@gmail.com

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Traditional & Modern Upholstery Service

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Your Essential

aster Decor toolkit

Whether you’ve got the whole family round for Easter celebrations or you’re planning a quiet holiday weekend of nothing but rest and relaxation, it’s the perfect time of year to refresh your home decor and give it a bit of seasonal style.

These days, decorating for Easter is big business with lots of themed accessories available across the high street and online. How do you know where to start? Well, here’s your essential toolkit for the basics. Enough to create a warm welcome for guests and give you a nest you won’t want to leave - for the holiday weekend at least! • Faux floral stems • Large decor eggs • Hanging Easter ornaments Create a stunning centrepiece or side table display by arranging some faux stems in a vase and decorate with a variety of small hanging Easter ornaments. Willow or artificial blossom stems work particularly well for this. You might also consider putting the stems in a wide, cylindrical vase filled up with pastel coloured decor eggs for added wow factor! • Modelling moss • Hurricane vase • Mini decor eggs • Candle Decorating a hurricane vase is one of the easiest ways to add a seasonal touch to your home as the accessories

can be switched up every few months when the seasons change. For spring, surround your candle with some modelling moss (available from hobby stores or online) and sprinkle with a few mini decorative eggs. • A bunny ornament (or similar!) A rabbit, a hare, a fluffy yellow chick - any of these symbols of spring, combined with accessories you already own, is a great way to add a nod to the season. Group a few accessories together to add interest to a mantle or side table. Odd numbers of items at varying heights work best. Include some ‘non Easter’ elements too, like a pastel coloured vase maybe. Then it’s easy to switch out the ‘Easter’ elements once the big weekend is over without dismantling the whole display. • A host of golden daffodils • Faux greenery • A variety of containers Get creative with how you display your daffodils. Look for unusual containers and consider mixing them among some faux greenery for bigger impact. And there you have it! Your essential toolkit. Just add chocolate and you’re all set. Happy Easter! Lynn McMurray - Enthusiast of all things ‘home’ and owner at The Seasonal Touch. www.theseasonaltouch.co.uk

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WEIR GAS SERVICES Former Scottish Gas engineer

Tel:

07981 366 988

Central heating - service, repairs Gas fires, cookers, hobs installation, service & repairs General Plumbing services Garden taps, washing machines, dishwashers Landlord safety inspections email : lesweir@blueyonder.co.uk

Would you like to advertise your business to over 50,000 homes throughout West Lothian and Edinburgh (West)?

Our contact details are on page 3.

THE DELL DIRECTORY

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BILL REID & SON

DOMESTIC HEATING & PLUMBING 0131 449 5538 07710 458739 2 Turner Avenue Balerno

CLEANING & MAINTENANCE • Rhone Cleaning & Repairs (cast iron or plastic) • Roof Repairs (tiles or slates) • Moss Removal • Pressure Washing

Call Kerr Middleton on: 0131 334 2080 | 07768 632 867 FREE Estimates & advice given Over 35 years experience

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R E PA I R S , S A L E S , S PA R E S & S E R V I C I N G Full supply, delivery and installations of new integrated and free standing appliances Washing Machines • Cookers • Tumble Dryers Dishwashers • Vaccum Cleaners We repair & service all of the major brands: • Bosch • Hoover • Hotpoint • Beko • Neff • Siemens • Lamona • And many more Email: appliancesofedinburgh@hotmail.com Web: www.appliancesofedinburgh.co.uk

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400 Lanark Road West, Currie

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Currievale Drainage Services

24 hour call outs Family business, over 20 yrs experience Reliable and no job too small All blockages cleared: Drains, toilets, sinks, baths & showers Call Alexander:

07849 393364 â&#x20AC;˘ 0131 449 3071 Currievale Drive, Currie

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NOTES FROM A

l l a m S illage V

I’ve lived in Balerno since 1991. It’s home. But Illinois, the American state where I grew up, is also home. I think of myself as a transplant – uprooted from the rich, dark farmland in the Midwest, and replanted in harder, rockier UK soil. Though I feel quite at home here, growing up in a place with different customs means that I don’t always see things in the same way as my neighbour. Feel the fear… and wash your clothes anyway!

Mixer taps and a modern washing machine. My Balerno home had both, and I would never take them for granted again. A few years earlier, in London, I’d written home to say that the UK did not have mixer taps. This was not accurate, but I’d drawn that conclusion because so far every toilet I’d been in had two taps. One scalded you and the other froze your hands. To make matters worse, toilets were Baltic! Even in the dead of winter, the window was open.

“Why have the window open when it’s freezing outside and you have to partially undress in this little room?!” I moaned. People explained that it was because of condensation … damp … the decoration – the window must remain open. So I tried not to use the loo any more than necessary. This was difficult since I was guzzling hot drinks to stay warm.

In those early days I was confused about British washing machines too. In the US I’d load my laundry into the machine and then let it do the work. But in this country my first machine was something called a twin tub, a contraption handed down to us by my husband’s granny when we were newlyweds. It required a lot more from me – though at least I didn’t have to @KonectMagazines

beat our clothes on a rock. Granny also gave us a clothes spinner that resembled R2D2. I’d load the clothes into R2, shut the lid and then sit on the thing to keep it from dancing into walls. I was grateful for the twin tub. But I kept forgetting to put the rubber hose in the sink so it could drain. On more than one occasion Andy and I had to bail out a flooded kitchen. The last time this happened there was a small explosion and puff of smoke. The twin tub was dead! Long live the modern washing machine! But why did it have to live in the kitchen? I’d never seen a washing machine in an American kitchen. And the UK machines were so different: front loading instead of top loading, and the cycle could take a couple of hours or more. Some doubled as washer and condenser dryer, which fascinated me. However, I soon learned that using a dryer was frowned upon, for environmental reasons. Instead I was to hang the clothes outdoors and hope it didn’t rain, or drape them over radiators and clothes airers. To be continued next issue … Notes from a small village is contributed by Suzanne Green. Suzanne, a freelance writer/editor and writes regularly for The Dell Directory. She is married to Andy and they have two adult daughters. THE DELL | 33

Please contact us if you would like your business included in our Home Improvements pages. Contact details are on page 3.

THE DELL DIRECTORY 34 | THE DELL

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SMC JOINERY 07884 203 957 OXGANGS FARM LOAN, EDINBURGH, EH13 9QD

• Supply and Fit Kitchens • Maintenance / Letting Work • All joinery work undertaken • Kitchens • Windows • Doors • Skirting • Facings • Ceilings • Roofs • Decking • Fencing • Double Glazing • FREE ESTIMATE • ALL TRADES SUPPLIED • FULLY INSURED

Get in touch: 0131 466 3494 E: smcjoinery@hotmail.co.uk

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IAN HODGSON & CO PAINTERS & DECORATORS Established 1980

We offer a complete decorating service. All our tradesmen have City & Guilds and are fully insured.

For a quotation without obligation from your local decorator Phone 0131 441 6524 Where Quality Counts!

8 Fernielaw Avenue Edinburgh EH13 0EE Tel: 0131 441 6524 Mobile: 07876377738 Email: hodgson.ian@btinternet.com Website: www.ianhodgsonpaintersanddecorators.co.uk

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David J Lane Painting & Decoration Services

i ra

01506 336446 07787 597382

g. in bl ar m ng ni

m co

GERRY AITKEN

Painter & Decorator Juniper Green

Get in touch for a FREE Estimate: T: 07798 565 321 â&#x20AC;˘ E: junigig@aol.com

morningside

electrical Domestic, Commercial and Industrial

Rewires and Repairs Emergency Call Out Lighting Installation Emergency Lighting Security Alarms Fault Finding Electric Showers & Heating Inspections and Testing Fuse Board Upgrades Garden Lighting

email: contact@morningsideelectrical.com www.morningsideelectrical.com Telephone:

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0752 546 7200 THE DELL | 37

BUSTER THE DOG

Currievale

Plumbing & Drainage Services Family Business over 15 years experience Reliable, experienced, local plumber.

No job too small. All work guaranteed • Gutter cleaning • Blocked drains • Blocked toilets • Blocked sinks & baths • Outside tap fitted • Blocked Manholes • Burst pipes • Shower fitted & repaired • Storage tanks • New taps fitted & repaired • New installations • All Plumbing work carried out Tel: 0131 449 3071 Mob: 07849 393 364

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PHOTO CREDIT: Suzann

e Green

Derek Douglas:

Researching Colinton’s characters Derek Douglas has been a member of the Colinton Local History Society for 19 years, serving on the committee in various roles. A retired General Manager for Grenada Home Entertainment, Derek is also a founding member of the Currie and Balerno Rotary Club. He married Irene in 1965 and together they raised two children. When Derek Douglas and his wife moved to Colinton in 1998, they wanted to get involved with the community. So they went along to a meeting of the Local History Society. “The committee needed a Secretary,” says Derek. “Irene put up my hand and said ‘you can do that’. I was Secretary for a number of years and then served as Chairman for a time.”

There are about 100 members of the Society, which meets in Dreghorn Loan Hall during the winter (October – April). “We get in good speakers with interesting subjects,” says Derek. “Usually there are anywhere between 45 and 60 people at our meetings, which are held on the first and third Monday of each month from 8.00 to 9.30 pm. Non-members are welcome to attend for a small charge of £2.00.” Initially speakers focused on Colinton-related talks. But these days guest speakers cover a wide range of history-related topics. Recent talks have included: Heraldry, Penicuik House, and an overview of Slateford/Longstone village.

The book, Colinton Characters, edited by Alistair Davidson, was published by the Society in 2010, and can be purchased at Colinton Post Office. It describes a selection of interesting people who have made their home in the parish over the past few centuries, “as Colinton developed from rural backwater to industrial village, eventually becoming part of the City of Edinburgh”. @KonectMagazines

Derek contributed the chapter about Colonel John Mowbray Trotter (1842-1924), who retired in Colinton after 27 years of military service in India. Another chapter describes the life of Revd Dr. Lewis Balfour (1777-1860). He is perhaps the most well-known of Colinton’s parish ministers because he was the grandfather of Robert Louis Stevenson. “Alistair Davidson directed the research for this book,” says Derek, “and we would welcome others to the Society who share his enthusiasm for delving into the local history. We do have lots of archives, which are stored at Colinton Library. Members of the public frequently consult us with questions – usually about their family – and we try to be as helpful as we can.”

Derek’s own personal history includes meeting the astronaut, Neil Armstrong. When Derek was a member of the Territorial Army (Royal Scots) at the Edinburgh University Officer Training Corps, Neil came to give a talk. “We were in charge of looking after him,” says Derek, “and I wanted his autograph. I used to do Airfix models, so I took the base off my lunar landing model and got him to sign that.”

You can become a member of the Colinton History Society for just £10/year. Email Derek at ireandder@blueyonder.co.uk for more information, or to find out how you can get involved. The Local People column is contributed by Suzanne Green. Suzanne, a freelance writer/editor and writes regularly for The Dell Directory. She is married to Andy and they have two adult daughters. THE DELL | 41

To celebrate 10 years in publishing, and to raise funds for the School Bank West Lothian, we would love you to join us.

Date: 31st May 2019 | Venue: Dalmahoy Hotel & Country Club Drinks reception in the cocktail bar 7pm Three course meal, entertainment*, raffle and auction For further information please see www.konect.scot/charity-spring-ball-2019 Tickets £65 | table of 10 £600

springball@konect.scot *Entertainment will include Scotland’s foremost mentalist, Drew McAdam and music by Snakeskin Shoe Review

SUNDAY 7TH APRIL Historical Heartlands of the River - Currie A guided walk around Currie, one of the Water of Leith’s oldest settlements. Discover its hidden history and learn how it played its part in our city’s history. Meet at 2.00pm at the small carpark on the Kirkgate off Lanark Rd West opp Currie Post Office. Led by the Water of Leith Conservation Trust, £5 (members £2) Booking essential, please call the Trust on 0131 455 7367 or email admin@waterofleith.org.uk CHILDREN’S SPRING HOLIDAY EVENTS AT WATER OF LEITH CONSERVATION TRUST

Booking essential for all activities,please call the Trust on 0131 455 7367 or email admin@ waterofleith.org.uk. £5 per child, 2.00pm - 4.00pm. Suitable for 4 to 12 year olds, Accompanying adult free.

TUESDAY 9TH APRIL - RIVER DIPPING Put on your wellies and join us IN the river for this fun event THURSDAY 11TH APRIL - HUNT!! Seek out animal tracks and trails along the river and in the woods!

TUESDAY 16TH APRIL - SURVIVE!! Build a shelter, forage for food and learn to create fire

THURSDAY 18TH APRIL - RIVER DIPPING Put on your wellies and join us IN the river for this fun event @KonectMagazines

SATURDAY 13TH APRIL Greenbank Scout Group Annual Jumble Sale - 9.30am - 12noon. Four Halls full of bargains! At this annual event, one of the best jumble sales in Edinburgh, they usually have some quality items including baby items, clothing, toys, children’s and adults books – and a huge range of bric a brac, small furniture, adult clothing etc. Teas, coffees, home baking. Admission Adults £2, under 16s free. Greenbank Church, Braidburn Terrace, EH10 6ES. SATURDAY 20TH APRIL Easter Eggstravaganza - Annual Easter celebration at Redhall Walled Garden! Join us for family-friendly fun with our Easter Garden Trail, as well as Egg and Spoon Racing (commencing 2pm). We’ll be offering cream teas if you’re feeling a bit peckish after all that excitement, and all our lovely perennial plants will be available for purchase as well. We hope to see you there! All in aid of Scottish Association for Mental Health, Redhall Walled Garden, 97 Lanark Road, EH14 2LZ. SATURDAY 11TH MAY Plant Sale - Visit the now-famous Water of Leith Conservation Trust annual plant sale and pick up a bargain. Doors open at 10.00am at the Visitor Centre. 50p admission donation. SATURDAY 11TH MAY Wildflowers of The Dells – Guided Walk A tour of the local area seeking out spring blooms. Meet at 2.00pm at the Water of Leith Visitor Centre £5 (members £2) Booking essential, please call the Trust on 0131 455 7367 or email admin@waterofleith.org.uk. 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. THE DELL | 43

USEFUL INFORMATION

POST OFFICES & LIBRARIES Colinton Post Office (within Olive Deli) - 0131 441 1003 - www.postoffice.co.uk Opening Times: Mon - Fri 8.30am - 6.30pm, Sat 9am - 5pm, Sun 12.30pm - 4.30pm Colinton Mains Post Office - 0131 441 2657 - www.postoffice.co.uk Opening Times: Mon - Fri 9am - 5.30pm, Sat 9am - 12.30pm Colinton Library - 14 Thorburn Road, Edinburgh, EH13 0BQ - Tel: 0131 529 5603 Email: colinton.library@ edinburgh.gov.uk - Opening Times: Mon & Weds 1pm to 8pm, Tues & Fri 10am to 5pm, Sat 10am to 2pm - Facilities: Free wifi, disabled access, car park, exhibition space, induction loop, Library Link (Fridays at 1pm) Oxgangs Library - 343 Oxgangs Road North, Edinburgh EH13 9LY - Tel: 0131 529 5549 Email: oxgangs.library@edinburgh.gov.uk - Opening Times: Mon-Weds 10am to 8pm, Thurs – Sat 10am to 5pm. Sun – Closed. - Facilities: Free Wifi, self service, disabled access, car park, community room for hire, display/exhibition space for public use, toilets incl disabled, baby changing facilities & induction loop

COMMUNITY REPRESENTATION

Local Councillors (Colinton/Fairmilehead Ward): Scott Arthur - Labour - 0131 529 4014 - scott.arthur@edinburgh.gov.uk Phil Doggart - Con - 0131 529 4255 - phil.doggart@edinburgh.gov.uk Jason Rust - Con - 0131 529 4953 - jason.rust@edinburgh.gov.uk

Local Councillors (Fountainbridge/Craiglockhart Ward): Gavin Corbett - Scottish Greens - 0131 529 3174 - gavin.corbett@edinburgh.gov.uk Andrew Johnston - Con - 0131 529 4355 - andrew.johnston@edinburgh.gov.uk David Key - SNP - 0131 529 3260 - david.key@edinburgh.gov.uk Colinton Amenity Association: www.colinton-amenity.org.uk Craiglockhart Community Council: www.craiglockhart.btck.co.uk Colinton Community Council: www.colintoncc.org.uk Firrhill Community Council: www.firrhillcommunitycouncil.btck.co.uk Longstone Community Council: www.longstonecc.org.uk Pentland Community Centre: 0131 445 287

MEDICAL Colinton Pharmacy - 0131 441 2352 - Opening Times: Mon-Fri: 9-1pm & 2-5.45pm, Sat: 9am to 1pm Colinton Mains Pharmacy - 0131 441 3388 - Opening Times: Mon- Fri: 9am – 6pm, Sat: 9am- 1pm - Closed daily between 1pm and 2pm Colinton Surgery - 0131 441 4555 - www.colintonsurgery.co.uk - Opening Times: Mon- Fri: 8am- 6pm Firrhill Medical Centre - 0131 441 3119. Mon- Fri 8am- 6pm Royal Infirmary - 0131 536 1000 - www.nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk Sick Kids Hospital - 0131 536 0000 - www.nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk NHS 24 - 111 - www.nhs24.scot NHS Inform - www.nhsinform.scot - For everyday questions about health

SCHOOLS Bonaly Primary School - 0131 441 7211 - www.bonaly.edin.sch.uk Colinton Primary School - 0131 441 1946 - www.colintonprimaryschool.wordpress.com Firrhill High School - 0131 441 4501 - www.firrhillhighschool.org.uk Merchiston Castle School - 0131 312 2200 - www.merchiston.co.uk Oxgangs Primary School - 0131 441 3649 - www.oxgangs.edin.sch.uk St Marks RC Primary School - Tel 0131 441 2948 - www.st-marks.edin.sch.uk

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@KonectMagazines

CLUBS & CLASSES

SPORTS, HOBBIES, LEARNING, SUPPORT GROUPS & MORE... LITTLE STEPS Baby and Toddler Group, Weds 10am – 11.30am (term times). Play, Bible stories, crafts, singing, snacks for kids, coffee and homebaking. St John’s Colinton Mains Church, 223 Oxgangs Road North. See facebook: St John’s Colinton Mains EDINBURGH LINUS GROUP We are a small group who meet every second Tuesday afternoon in the Pentland Community centre and make quilts and incubator covers for the Sick Kid’s Hospital. New members are always welcome. More information from alisonjdunlop@yahoo.co.uk

COLINTON & MERCHISTON CHOIR Amateur choral society, performing two concerts per year. We meet in the Music Department at Merchiston Castle School, Mondays 7.30pm to 9pm. All ages welcome, no audition required. Annual membership subscription of £35.00, which includes the hire of music. For more information, please visit www.colintonchoir.org

HATHA YOGA Colinton Parish Church - Redford Room, Dell Road on Wednesdays 7pm 8.30pm. For more details please email june4yoga@btinternet.com or call 07730 130435 FRIENDLY BRIDGE Colinton Cottage Homes - 15 Thorburn Road, Colinton. Every Tues 2-4pm. Contact Ken McLeod, tel 0131 466 0888.

COLINTON BADMINTON CLUB St. Cuthberts Church Hall, Westgarth Ave - Monday 8pm-10pm from Sept to March. Contact: Archie Clark on 0131 449 4703 STABLE ROOM PLAYGROUPS Colinton Parish Church, Dell Road - Happy and stimulating playgroups from 2-5 years old. Mon, Weds & Fri 9.15am to 12.00pm. (term time). E: stableroomcolinton@gmail.com M: 07740 334967. STABLE ROOM & TODDLER GROUPS Colinton Parish Church, Dell Road - Thurs 9.30am - 11.30am (term time). M: 07740 334967. E: stableroomcolinton@gmail.com Please phone before coming as we operate a waiting list.

PROGRESS FITNESS Fitness classes in Colinton and Juniper Green. Zumba, Zumba Step, Zumba Gold, Floor Barre, Yoga, Fitness Yoga and Total Body Conditioning. £5 per class or 10 classes for £45. For full details go to www.progressfitness.co.uk

@KonectMagazines

COMPLEMENTARY FITNESS CLASSES All level classes Tues: Fitness Pilates 7.30pm in Craiglockhart Church Hall & Classes in Dreghorn Loan Church Hall, Colinton, on Weds: Fitness Toning 9.30am Thurs: Fitness Pilates/Yoga 7pm. Fri: Fitness Yoga 9.30am info & details www.complementaryfitness.co.uk

COLINTON GARDEN CLUB Dreghorn Loan Hall - Meets 4th Monday of every month at 8.00pm. September to April. E: membership@colintongardens.org.uk W: www.colintongardens.org.uk BIDE & BLETHER LUNCH CLUB Oxgangs Neighbourhood Centre, 71 Firrhill Drive, Edinburgh EH13 9EU - Every Wednesday from 1.30pm to 3pm, starting from 7th June. Call us today to book your place on 0131 466 0678.

CRAIGLOCKHART CHURCH GUILD Craiglockhart Church, Craiglockhart Drive North, EH14 1HS. We meet in Centenary Hall at 7.30 pm on 1st & 3rd Tuesdays from October to March to encourage men and women in their faith while hearing interesting talks, having fun and finishing with a chat over tea and coffee. Everyone most welcome. COLINTON LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY Dreghorn Loan Hall Want to know about local history! We meet every other Monday evening in the Hall with Speakers starting at 8pm prompt. Visit www.colintonhistory.org.uk or contact Bob Bell at 0131 441 4915. EDINBURGH GUILD OF WEAVERS, SPINNERS AND DYERS Craiglockhart Church, Craiglockhart Drive North - Meet at monthly usually the third Saturday of the month. Our aims are to further the crafts of weaving, spinning and dyeing, to learn from each other as well as from experienced craft tutors, and to create opportunities to display and pass on our skills. See www.ewsd.org.uk

WEDNESDAY WALKING GROUP Meet every Wednesday for walks in the Lothians, Fife, the Borders and further afield. Transport from Currie Library car park, walks of various grades and distances (usually 6 to 8 miles). Just turn up and go. Contact: M. Timmins T: 0131 449 4525 or A Blythe T:0131 629 3644 (Balerno and District Ramblers) for details and a programme.

SISTERS WITH SPIRIT Swing Café at Colinton Parish Church A new women’s group that meet on the first Thursday every month at 7.30pm. For more details on the themes for our meetings, and to book tickets, please visit facebook. com/sisterswithspirit or call 0131 441 2232. GO GET FITNESS Insanity Live classes - Max Interval Training for all fitness levels. Mon 8pm Spylaw Park, Colinton. Tues 8.15pm Pentland Community Centre. Thurs 1pm, Fri 9.40am North Merchiston Club (parents welcome to bring children to watch!) £5 per class or block of 10 classes for £40 For bookings and further details: emma@go-get.co.uk Visit: www.go-get.co.uk or facebook.com/gogetinsanitylive 7th EDINBURGH BOYS BRIGADE Co. We welcome boys of all school ages, from Primary 1 to S6 - For a real variety of fun, games, activities, outings & competitions. Most Friday evenings during school term at Dreghorn Loan Hall, Dreghorn Loan. Alastair Merrill (Company Captain); ajsmerrill@ gmail.com; 0131 477 3982; 07766 246880. Martin Shand (P1 – P6); martinshand74@gmail.com; 0131 441 9149; 07860 368285. COLINTON LITERARY SOCIETY Dreghorn Loan Hall - Meets every Wednesday at 8pm from 11 October. Keep up to date with latest news about the Lit, on Church website www.colinton-parish.com CRAIGLOCKHART LADIES GROUP Craiglockhart Parish Church - We meet at 8pm on the second and fourth Mondays, September to March, to hear a variety of speakers on diverse subjects and to meet up for tea/ coffee and a chat. £25 membership. All welcome. TO INCLUDE YOUR CLUB OR CLASS, PLEASE EMAIL DETAILS TO EDITOR@KONECT.SCOT CHARITY AND NOT-FOR-PROFIT GROUPS ARE FREE. THERE IS A SMALL CHARGE FOR OTHER LISTINGS. SEE OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE INFORMATION. WWW.KONECT.SCOT

THE DELL | 45

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS

ACTIVITIES / ADVENTURE Aerial Adventures 4 AERIALS & SATELLITE Douglas Mackay Aerial and Satellite 35 APPLIANCE REPAIRS Appliances of Edinburgh 31 BATHROOMS & KITCHENS Ian Merriman 29 Splash Bathrooms 29 Paragon Bathroom Solutions 2 BEAUTICIAN Beauty Therapy by Rhona 12 BOILER SERVICES The Gas Engineer 37 BUILDER Almond Building Company 35 CARPET & UPHOLSTERY CLEANING CW Services 6 James Burnett Carpet Cleaning 4 CHILDREN’S NURSERY Colinton Private Nursery 18 CHIROPODY / PODIATRY / FOOTCARE Colinton Chiropody / Podiatry Clinic 14 CHIROPRACTIC CARE ABC Chiropractic 13 CLEANING: HOUSE / OFFICE Fiona’s House Cleaning 6 COMPUTER / PHONE REPAIRS Worx24 25 CURTAINS & BLINDS Blind Design 26 DENTIST Artis Dental and Implant Studio 16 Seven Hills Dental Practice 5 DOORS / WINDOWS Four Seasons Scotland Design and Build 7 DRAINAGE SERVICES Currievale Drainage Services 32 DRIVEWAYS AND PAVING Alpine Paving 21 ELECTRICIAN Bry-Ter Electrical 29 Morningside Electrical 37 MT Electrical 32 Spark Electrical Solutions 30 ESTATE AGENT Blair Cadell Solicitors 10 EXTERIOR CLEANING Cleaning & Maintenance 30 FIREPLACES / WOODBURNERS Fireplaces, Stoves and Flues 32 GARDEN DESIGN / MAINTENANCE Evergreen Balerno 20 Greenspace Landscapes 20 Hermitage Garden Services 4 WLGM 4 GARDEN FURNITURE AND BUILDINGS Champfleurie Estate 24 GLAZING REPAIRS Double Glazing Doctor 11 DGR Double Glazing Repairs 28 HAIR SALON Colinton Hair Design 12 Hair by Brown & Co 14 HANDYMAN Mr Handyman Edinburgh 28 We Can Do It 6

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SOLUTIONS

HOME CARE Colinton Homecare 12 JOINERY SMC Joinery 35 LANDSCAPING SUPPLIES Beatson’s Building Supplies 23 LAWNS Green Thumb Lawn Service 22 Greenspace Lawncare 21 Luxury Lawns 21 LOCKSMITH CVC Locksmiths and Security 4 MARKETING / LEAFLETING The Leaflet Lady 48 MEMBER OF SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT Gordon Macdonald MSP 39 MOBILITY SERVICES Ableworld 17 MORTGAGE SERVICES Malleny Mortgage Solutions 34 OPTICIAN Clearvue Opticians 13 PAINTING & DECORATING Gerry Aitken 37 Heritage Decorators 26 Ian Hodgson Decorators 36 Lane Decor 37 PHYSIOTHERAPY Physio Grange 14 PLUMBING & HEATING SERVICES Bill Reid & Son 30 Currievale Plumbing & Drainage 38 Geoff Lennie Plumbing & Heating 38 McLellan Plumbing 37 Owen Gibb & Sons 35 Scott Findlay Plumbing & Heating Engineers 31 Shandon Plumbing 34 Smart Heating Edinburgh 35 Weir Plumbing Heating and Gas Services 30 RESTAURANT Carlyles Bar & Kitchen 39 ROOFING Dell Roofing 28 Edinburgh Roofing Services 47 Fairmile Roofing 22 Pentland Roofing 11 Thomson Roofing Services 32 Worlds End Roofing and Building 36 SOFT FURNISHINGS Absolute Upholstery 26 TAXI & PRIVATE HIRE Capital Cars 10 TREE CARE SERVICES Blaikie Tree Services 23 Delisle Tree Solutions 20 TUITION Rhona Finlay 18 WINDOW & GUTTER CLEANING Keith Wales Window Cleaner 6

THE DELL DIRECTORY

SOLUTION TO MARCH CROSSWORD

ACROSS: 7. Mediterranean, 8. Invented, 9. Even, 10. Usually, 12. Weeds, 14. Clamp, 16. Denmark, 19. Stun, 20. Coconuts, 22. Congratulated. DOWN: 1. Fern, 2. Cinema, 3. Textile, 4. Bride, 5. Sneeze, 6. Calendar, 11. Solution, 13. Ketchup, 15. Manage, 17. Monday, 18 Scrap, 21 Toes.

SOLUTION TO SUDOKU ON PAGE 16

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 Ltd. M: 07729 911858 W: www.universal-appeal.com E: info@universal-appeal.com

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