The Dell Directory August 2023

LOCAL ENVIRONMENT: CLUBS & CLASSES:

The silent hunter

COMMUNITY:

With summer in full swing, maybe you’ve been lucky enough to pick fresh strawberries, from your own planter or from a pick your own farm - always a lovely summer holiday activity with the kids. This month I met a local woman who took pick your own to a whole new level, living only off foraged wild food for an entire year. She has written a book about the experience, see the feature on pages 8-9, which also highlights the charity Beechbrae. Located part way between Edinburgh and Glasgow, it’s a place where you can learn about foraging and other ways of connecting with nature for improving mental health.

With a piece about Walking Football at Oriam Sports Centre, and the usual health column from McNaughton Physiogrange, there is a big focus on all aspects of health this month.

All our other usual columns are here. I hope you enjoy the magazine and that you find it both useful and interesting. Thank you for supporting local businesses and organisations.

This is the question that Mo Wilde, West Lothian forager, research herbalist and author, recently asked herself. Then set about doing exactly that, for a full 12 months. Incredibly, Mo found all her food for a year all within the central belt of Scotland. She ate only wild food and did not spend a single penny on food for 12 months.

In her recently published, award-winning book “The Wilderness Cure,” Mo recounts the experience, as well as sharing her wealth of knowledge of plants, the seasons and how to live in true harmony with nature for mental and physical well-being. She traces the history of foraging, and much more. For us it’s particularly special and relevant as it’s set right here in central Scotland.

Whilst Mo has an advantage over most of us in terms of her expert knowledge of plants that allowed her to manage entirely on wild food, an element of foraging is certainly available to all of us. As she says, “Whether we just pick a handful of hairy bittercress to add to a city park salad, or a bonanza banquet of autumnal wild mushrooms, it is one of the last wild acts

of defiance against the concrete world.” It’s a way to reconnect with nature and enjoy Earth’s bounty. Besides the physical health boost of nutrient-rich wild food, the activity itself of getting outdoors and collecting food has immeasurable mental health benefits. And it’s as much about the community and sharing of knowledge with each other as about the food itself. Connection with nature, a curiosity about the environment and a desire to be nurtured and fed seasonally by our immediate environment are values and knowledge that have been lost to a large degree, in particular over the course of the last century. There is a whole community of people locally dedicated to rediscovering and sharing this knowledge, from the Pentlands to the Bathgate Hills and beyond. One such organisation is Beechbrae, located in Blackridge. just of the M8 between Edinburgh and Glasgow. With a 35 acre woodland, footpaths winding through the wood, wild ponds, a garden, an orchard and outdoor kitchen, Beechbrae exists to help connect people with nature as a way of addressing a variety of challenges. Beechbrae’s core values are:

Curiosity - being open to exploring, learning and fostering curiosity about the natural world, each other and ourselves as a means of strengthening our collective agency. Connection - recognising relationship and connection – within ourselves, with everyone who comes to or is part of Beechbrae, and with the land.

Is it possible to live entirely off foraged food?

“After a lunch of venison and mushroom soup with chickweed salad, I’m picking snowy waxcaps on the windswept fields that cover the Pentland Hills.”

Mo Wilde, The Wilderness Cure

HERBAL MEDICINE, NATURAL SUPPLEMENTS, HEALTH FOOD AND ZERO WASTE REFILLS

“The Wilderness Cure” is available for purchase at Napiers Bathgate, as well as online bookstores. Call in to Napiers, on George Street, Bathgate, for local produce, organic fruit and veg, wholefoods, natural skincare and a range of green living products. Get over-the-counter advice, come to talks and events or just stop for a blether. More than a shop, it is a community health hub based on herbal remedies, natural skincare, wholefoods and green living. There is ample free parking nearby

Napiers Bathgate, 62 Geroge Street, Bathgate, EH48 1PD.

Open: Tue to Sat 9.30am – 5.00pm.

Website: bathgateherbals.co.uk Tel: 01506 353786

Established in Edinburgh in 1860, Napiers is Scotland’s oldest herbal medicine outlet. Mo Wilde ran Napiers from 2007 to 2021 and still consults from the Bathgate store. There is also a store in Edinburgh.

Napiers Edinburgh, 18 Bristo Place, Edinburgh EH1 1EZ.

NAPIERS FESTIVAL FORAGING: SUNDAYS IN AUGUST

Join The Napiers Edinburgh Festival Foraging Tour and embrace the edible landscape, plus get a free Napiers gift worth £24 with each ticket purchase!

This 3 hour foraging tour explores the Hermitage of Braid and Blackford Hill Local Nature Reserve, Duncan Napiers’s favourite place to collect herbs. Led by expert Napiers forager Amy Rankine, this tour is an informative must-do for those visiting and wanting to learn more about foraging. Throughout the tour you will learn how to spot edible fungi and plants, and be shown the medicinal herb garden. PLEASE NOTE: This path may be unsuitable for wheelchairs or mobility scooters because of uneven ground

£30, Limited spaces – book now via napiers.net/products/festival-foraging-tour

See also monicawilde.com for more on “wild food, wild medicine, wild living and the old ways of doing and being.”

Nurture - nurturing those who engage with Beechbrae and the land itself. We engage in a trauma-informed way to seek health, wellbeing and wholeness.

Beechbrae is open to the public, and along with a programme of events they offer woodland well-being sessions that focus on improving mental and physical health and raising awareness of important environmental issues and sustainability. They also regularly run a 12 week outdoor programme called Branching Out, developed by Scottish Forestry to support mental health. Branching Out at Beechbrae involves activities such as fire cooking, self inquiry, balm making, foraging, mindful walks, plant and tree

identification, folklore and much more. If you are interested in Woodland Wellbeing sessions, participating in a Branching Out course, hiring the woodland centre for an event, or any other information, please contact Beechbrae:

E: hello@beechbrae.com.

W: beechbrae.com

A: Beechbrae Wood Heights Rd, Blackridge EH48 3SW.

This article was written by Helen-Jane Gisbourne after attending Mo Wilde’s Wilderness Cure event at Napiers Bathgate and speaking with Beechbrae staff.

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AUGUST CROSSWORD

AUGUST CROSSWORD

Solution in the September edition of Konect

ACROSS: 1. Make a choice (6), 4. Railings (6), 9. Enlarged (7), 10. Headgear (5), 11. Home planet (5), 12. Citrus fruits (7), 13. Rural area (11), 18. Leaving (7), 20. Answer (5), 22. Devoured (5), 23. Closest (7), 24. Withstand (6), 25. Narrow river (6).

DOWN: 1. Remove doubt (6), 2. Singing group (5), 3. Sea mammal (7), ,5. Surplus (5), 6. Altered (7), 7. Scarce (6), 8. Supporting (11), 14. Not included (7), 15. Butler or maid (7), 16. Remove (6), 17. Scheme (6), 19. Not outer (5), 21. Portion (5).

AUGUST CROSSWORD

Dementia advice from experts

Solution in the September edition of Konect

ACROSS: 1. Make a choice (6), 4. Railings (6), 9. Enlarged (7), 10. Headgear (5), 11. Home planet (5), 12. Citrus fruits (7), 13. Rural area (11), 18. Leaving (7), 20. Answer (5), 22. Devoured (5), 23. Closest (7), 24. Withstand (6), 25. Narrow river (6).

DOWN: 1. Remove doubt (6), 2. Singing group (5), 3. Sea mammal (7), ,5. Surplus (5), 6. Altered (7), 7. Scarce (6), 8. Supporting (11), 14. Not included (7), 15. Butler or maid (7), 16. Remove (6), 17. Scheme (6), 19. Not outer (5), 21. Portion (5).

ACROSS: 1. Make a choice (6), 4. Railings (6), 9. Enlarged (7), 10. Headgear (5), 11. Home planet (5), 12. Citrus fruits (7), 13. Rural area (11), 18. Leaving (7), 20. Answer (5), 22. Devoured (5), 23. Closest (7), 24. Withstand (6), 25. Narrow river (6).

Solution in the September edition of Konect

DOWN: 1. Remove doubt (6), 2. Singing group (5), 3. Sea mammal (7), ,5. Surplus (5), 6. Altered (7), 7. Scarce (6), 8. Supporting (11), 14. Not included (7), 15. Butler or maid (7), 16. Remove (6), 17. Scheme (6), 19. Not outer (5), 21. Portion (5).

AUGUST CROSSWORD

One step at a time

A video guide to navigating dementia

Our new video guide offers expert advice to help you navigate dementia, from initial diagnosis, to living well with the condition and self-care tips for carers.

Download the guide at careuk.com/one-step-at-a-time

Trusted to care

Cairdean House, Colinton Lauder Lodge, Portobello Murrayside, Corstophine careuk.com/edinburgh

ACROSS: 1. Make a choice (6), 4. Railings (6), 9. Enlarged (7), 10. Headgear (5), 11. Home planet (5), 12. Citrus fruits (7), 13. Rural area (11), 18. Leaving (7), 20. Answer (5), 22. Devoured (5), 23. Closest (7), 24. Withstand (6), 25. Narrow river (6).

Solution in the September edition of Konect

DOWN: 1. Remove doubt (6), 2. Singing group (5), 3. Sea mammal (7), ,5. Surplus (5), 6. Altered (7), 7. Scarce (6), 8. Supporting (11), 14. Not included (7), 15. Butler or maid (7), 16. Remove (6), 17. Scheme (6), 19. Not outer (5), 21. Portion (5).

Schools are still out for the summer holidays. The days are long, light and warm. The opportunities for our young people to get out and play seem endless. This is the best time of year.

Sometimes, though, knee pain can really upset our plans for sport and activities thereby ruining the holiday. There is a condition called Osgood-Schlatter Disease that particularly affects young people. In fact, it is one of the commonest causes of knee pain in adolescent children. So, what exactly is it?

Osgood-Schlatter Disease is a condition that causes swelling and pain just below the kneecap (patella) where the tendon from the big thigh muscle called the Quadriceps joins into the shin bone (tibia). Symptoms develop gradually with activity and are eased with rest.

As we grow, we go through phases where our tendons can be stronger than the bone that they are attached to. The tibia bone during a growth spurt may not be quite strong enough to withstand the forces through it so that the spot there the patella tendon attaches can become red, swollen and sore. In some case, the tendon can pull small flakes of bone away from the tibia causing a hard lump to develop. Healing bone forms callus which can cause a hard bony bump to develop and this bump will become painless but will remain for life.

Osgood-Schlatter Disease develops during the growth phase so it will affect girls between the ages of 8 and 12 and boys between the ages of 12 and 15. This condition is more common in boys than girls and it is very unusual to develop this condition after the age of 16. It is more likely in young people who play sports like

football, rugby and hockey that involve kicking, running and jumping but can occur in young people who are not sporty. Most will only have one knee affected but 30% of people with Osgood-Schlatter Disease will have both knees affected.

Treatment for this condition is rest from the sports that aggravate the knee. The pain will usually clear in a few months without treatment but sometimes the pain will persist until the teenager has finished growing which may mean pain lasting for 2 years. The local use of ice can help with pain control as can simple analgesics such as Paracetamol or Ibuprofen. Your local Pharmacist can advise on what is best for you.

Physiotherapy can help by identifying the problem and advise on appropriate muscle stretching and strengthening exercises. Physio can also help by identifying and reducing any muscle imbalances between the Quadriceps, Hamstring and Calf muscles. We find that stretches for the Hamstrings and Calf muscles at the back of the thigh can really make a difference. A phased return to sports is sensible as playing through pain will prolong the condition. Being active is so important for our mental and physical health so don’t let knee pain from Osgood-Schlatter Disease put you off - the correct advice can get you playing sports again..

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

A Pleasant Reframe

I have been very fortunate this summer to have had not one but two lovely - and very different - breaks. At the end of June, I had a long weekend in Rome with my son (luckily for us before the heatwave as 30 degrees was hot enough) then during the second week of July all four of us plus doggo had a relaxing stay in a lovely cottage in Lochearnhead.

In Rome we took in the sights, toured the Colosseum, took a high-speed train to Naples en route to visit Pompeii, ate lots of pasta and walked for miles and miles in the sunshine (approx. 30,000 steps per day).

The weather was predictably more variable in Lochearnhead and I somehow managed to trip all my length on a day trip to Crieff resulting in split jeans and bruised, skint knees the likes of which I haven’t had since I was in primary school. This curtailed my movements a bit initially and got me off the hook (some might say, conveniently…) from any fanciful notions of Munro bagging but I did manage my now customary kayaking on Loch Tay (two years in a row qualifies as an annual event, right?)

The timing of these breaks meant that I had four days to work in between them and how much more enjoyable they were than the average working week! I’m sure I was insufferable as I kept reminding colleagues “I’m off on hols again next week” or “I’m just killing time between holidays!” but I would heartily recommend reframing work as profitably filling time between leisure pursuits – it really does shift your thinking and lift your mood!

The other bonus I had forgotten about going away on holidays is how it

sharpens the focus in so many areas. Work-wise there was a drive to leave no loose ends for others to have to tie up in my absence so updates were generated, tasks were closed off and notes written up. Home-wise, I love to return from holiday to a tidy house, so I made more of an effort on the housework front than my usual minimalist efforts. It even helped with the ongoing efforts of my de-cluttering. If, like me, you sometimes struggle over what to keep and what to give away when dealing with clothes etc. it’s interesting to look at the items you choose to take on holiday then ask yourself about the things you’re choosing not to take. It could be that they’re just not suitable for your holiday plans or you don’t have space for them but it could also suggest that they are no longer in vogue with you and could signal that you’re ready to part ways with them.

With (fingers crossed!) plenty of summer days still to come I’m hoping to carry on with my reframing and refocussing - weekends are, after all, weekly holidays!

Lynne lives in Colinton with her husband and two children. She dreams of being a freelance writer when she grows up but mostly just avoids growing up!

AUGUST SUDOKU AUGUST SUDOKU

I’m selecting wines for an Autumn wedding! A lovely American couple are marrying in Scotland in October. Their menu features local, seasonal produce and I am selecting wine to pair - one of my favourite things to do!

“East Neuk Fife lobster, monkfish and langoustine served with a dill sage butter sauce, roasted potatoes and fennel”

The showstopping main course needs partnered with something equally special! Lobster and monkfish are firm meats, the butter sauce is rich and the fennel and dill are delicate, essential herbs. I will select a white wine for this dish, one with acidity to keep the palate fresh but not dominate the flavour or texture of the meat. This rules out New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc as it can dominate the palate and overwhelm the delicate flavour of the herbs. The wine must be interesting, delicious and well-structured. I am drawn to a Pinot Gris from Alsace. This wine is slightly off dry, with notes of dried apricot and have acidity and body.

The crossword puzzle can be found on page XX. See page XX for solutions.

AUGUST SUDOKU

“Autumn berries with tonak bean bavoir and a chocolate and praline tart with mascarpone cream.”

My favourite course though is dessert! Here I have opted for Scottish elderberry elixir, ‘Aelder’, by Buck and Birch, based in Trannent. Aelder is a special, handcrafted liqueur made is small batches using wild elderberries foraged from Scotland’s hedgerow. The liqueur is flavoured with spices and local botanicals. Whisky is added to the blend resulting in a rich, smooth and very special drink with a beautifully warming finish.

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

The crossword puzzle can be found on page XX. See page XX for solutions.

page 13. See page 36 for solutions.

The crossword puzzle can be found on page XX. See page XX for solutions.

AUGUST SUDOKU

The crossword puzzle can be found on page XX. See page XX for solutions.

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!

Cooking, science, and wearing your glasses

“Cooking for Greeks” – what a strange headline for a newspaper feature article! Yet that’s what I saw. Admittedly, I’d only caught a glimpse, as I was busy and didn’t have time just then to sit and read the article. But, really! Why was there an article about cooking for Greeks?! We have Greek Cypriot friends and I didn’t have to read an article or a book before making a meal for them. They are usually positive about whatever I cook. Was this article implying that one must offer this particular people group halloumi, moussaka and a Greek salad in order to please them? What utter rubbish! I couldn’t wait to finish whatever job I was currently doing, so that I could get back to the article and see what it was spouting.

When I did get back to the newspaper – this time wearing my glasses – I discovered the headline actually said, “Cooking for Geeks”. This is quite a different thing. However, I had no idea what it meant! And then I got called away to help someone with something, so I didn’t find out just then.

It was several days later that I remembered this headline, and by then the newspaper was in the recycling. So I consulted Google and found out there is actually a book called Cooking for Geeks, so presumably the article I’d almost read was featuring it. Here are some teasers about this book:

• Learn about the important reactions in cooking [sounds like a science textbook] … such as Maillard reactions [What?! Ducks can’t cook!], and caramelization

[chocolate

hope], and how they impact the foods we cook.

• Play with your food using hydrocolloids [hydrocolloids are used to make a special kind of wound dressing – yuck! I will stick with salad dressing], and sous vide cooking [a time-consuming method of cooking which involves putting your food in a glass jar or plastic pouch and submerging it in a water bath. Why?].

• Initialize your kitchen and calibrate your tools [No!]

Intrigued? Well, this book won’t be on my Christmas list – or one about cooking for Greeks, for that matter.

I really do need to remember to wear my glasses when reading. Although it makes life more hilarious when I don’t. Today I was trying to read the back of a bag of tortilla chips and, because the bag was wrinkled and because I was without my glasses again, I read “Suitable for Dalmatians”. How kind of the snack producers to spare a thought for these beautiful dogs! And how disappointing, upon closer inspection, to realise it actually said: “Suitable for Vegetarians”.

IFOOD is contributed by Suzanne Green. Suzanne, is a freelance writer/editor. She is married to Andy and they have two adult daughters.

and caramel I

Despite being the world’s most distributed species of owl, they can be quite hard to see in Scot-land because it’s a bit chilly up here and they’re not fans of the cold. Whilst researching them for this article, I discovered Scotland has the most northerly breeding barn owls in the Northern Hemisphere!

They’re nocturnal birds so daytime sightings are rarer than the warmer climates down South. If you’re wondering how to tell nocturnal owls from diurnal ones (those active during the day) The tell tale sign is the the black eyes of the barn owl & tawnies. You’ll see orange/yellow pupils of the little, short, and long eared owls, who can all be seen hunting during the day time.

Barn owls are incredible hunters and their heart shaped face helps collect sound as they quarter above the fields listening for voles and mice. Their feathers are designed

to dampen sound, which gives them the ability to fly silently however they’re very absorbent and generally don’t like to fly in the rain, another reason which why they’re not easy to see up here. Incredibly, they can also hear a mouse’s heartbeat in a 30ft sq. room, yet my husband can’t hear me ask him to do the dishes in the same house.

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

I try not to species chase but when a friend found active barn owls, I couldn’t resist a trip across the border to Lanark to watch these beautiful birds.

Rescue greyhound Kaas’ was almost killed at 2 years old

We want to introduce you to the gorgeous Kaas.

Kaas’ life was saved by a vet and independent rehoming charity 5 years ago, when her trainer took her to the vet to be put down at 2 years old, despite her jaw injury being completely treatable. Her trainer claimed her kennel mate attacked her, however a specialist vet concluded that Kaas’ injury couldn’t have been caused by a dog, but rather by a direct blow to her jaw. With just 10 minutes before closing, the vet phoned an independent rescue charity who agreed to take Kaas into their care for treatment and rehoming. They saved her life. By just 2 years old, Kaas had already raced at tracks across the UK. Then, Kaas’ trainer was disqualified for doping as Kaas and her kennel mate were both discovered with drugs in their system. While a committee concluded that Kaas’ drugging was not deliberate, it was deemed the drugging of her kennel mate had to be.

During the case, her trainer said that Kaas wouldn’t race again and that she had been rehomed. If it was up to him, Kaas wouldn’t have raced again, however not because she had been rehomed, but because she would be dead.

Had the vet not called the independent rehoming charity, Kaas would not be here today.

Since her rescue from racing, Kaas’ life is very different with her loving family. Kaas is a happy, healthy girl that rocks her signature ‘squinty mouth’!

Kaas’ loves to nap, in fact, her mum says she’s the laziest greyhound you’ll ever meet. When Kaas is not napping, she’s hanging out with one of her best friends, frontman of Biffy Clyro, Simon Neil!

Kaas is one of the ‘lucky’ ones. Many dogs haven’t been and won’t be so lucky. Between 2018-2022, 2,718 greyhounds died and there was a total of 22,284 injuries across the UK. That doesn’t even include the unregulated tracks that have no obligation to record figures, such as the last remaining track in Scotland- the unlicensed Thornton Stadium in Fife.

Please help Kaas’ friends and sign the Unbound the Greyhound coalition’s open letter to the Scottish Government calling for an end to greyhound racing in Scotland. An end is within a paw’s reach!

Search:

bit.ly/unboundthegreyhound or scan the QR code to add your name in support of the Unbound the Greyhound campaign.

This article was contributed by the animal charity www.onekind.org

SOLUTION TO JULY CROSSWORD

ACROSS: 1. Robots, 4. Tennis, 9. Grandma, 10. Twice, 11. Audio, 12. Thawing, 13. Unnecessary, 18. Cobwebs, 20. Later, 22. Ruler, 23. Imitate, 24. Desire, 25. Agreed.

DOWN: 1. Ragtag, 2. Bland, 3. Tadpole, 5. Extra, 6. Noisier, 7. Sledge, 8. Partnership, 14 Nibbles, 15. Solving, 16. Scared, 17. Friend, 19. Error, 21. Tease.

SOLUTION TO SUDOKU ON PAGE XX

SOLUTION TO SUDOKU ON PAGE 17

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:

Alan Stewart Design

M: 07729 911858

E: hello@alanstewartdesign.com

W: www.alanstewartdesign.com

WALKING FOOTBALL FOR OVER 50S AT ORIAM

SOLUTION TO JULY CROSSWORD

Walking Football is exactly what it sounds like – a standard game of football where players walk instead of run.

It's designed to help people get fit or maintain an active lifestyle no matter what their age and fitness, as well as support people getting back into football if they have given it up due to age or injury. As you get older, there’s no reason why you can’t get the same pleasure you used to get from football, at your own pace.

ACROSS: 1. Robots, 4. Tennis, 9. Grandma, 10. Twice, 11. Audio, 12. Thawing, 13. Unnecessary, 18. Cobwebs, 20. Later, 22. Ruler, 23. Imitate, 24. Desire, 25. Agreed.

DOWN: 1. Ragtag, 2. Bland, 3. Tadpole, 5. Extra, 6. Noisier, 7. Sledge, 8. Partnership, 14 Nibbles, 15. Solving, 16. Scared, 17. Friend, 19. Error, 21. Tease.

Joining in a physical activity with a group of people your age can be a breath of fresh air, make you laugh and give you a good time. Besides the physical health benefits, walking football is a great way to get out more, meet new people and feel better. You’ll wonder how you survived without it!

SOLUTION TO SUDOKU ON PAGE XX

Oriam, Scotland’s Sports Performance Centre based at Heriot Watt University, currently run three Walking Football sessions a week on the Academy Synthetic pitch.

Sessions are Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 12.30pm to 1.30pm.

If you’d like to try Walking Football at Oriam the first session is FREE.

For information please contact Deric Oliver on 07803 508401 or email dericandjoan@btinternet.com

Disclaimer: The publisher cannot accept

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

THIS MUM RUNS - We are a small group of local women (not just Mums!) who support and empower each other to be healthier and happier. We meet Wednesday’s at 7:30pm at the bottom of Thorburn Road, or Sunday’s at 8am in Spylaw Park for a quick warm up, 30-minute run at the pace of chat/your pace, and then a gentle cool down. We’d love to see you there! All free, run by friendly local volunteers www.thismumruns. co.uk/join-a-local-run

WAVERLEY SPEAKERS CLUB

- Meets in Morningside Parish Church (from 19th September), fortnightly on Tuesdays at 7.15pm. Our aim is to improve members’ public speaking skills in a supportive atmosphere. Each evening has three prepared speeches of eight minutes, evaluated constructively by another member. Eight impromptu short speeches follow, also evaluated. New members will be made most welcome. Contact i.wright237@btinternet.com

LOCAL FLORAL ART CLUB - Sit back and enjoy relaxing evenings watching a floral demonstration with lively & interesting chat. You might even win one of the arrangements. Meet: Boroughmuir Rugby Club, Meggatland, off Colinton Road EH14 1AS. 7.30pm - 9.30pm on the 1st Monday of the month from September. Wine/tea/ coffee available. Contact: Joyce Rutherford on 0131 443 2536 or joyce.rutherford@btinternet.com

COLINTON SCOTTISH

COUNTRY DANCE CLUB - We meet fortnightly from September to end of March/beginning of

April in St. Cuthbert’s Episcopal Church Hall, Westgarth Avenue from 7.45 - 9.15. We have an excellent teacher and live music so come and join us, with or without a partner, you’ll be made very welcome. Tel: 07751186359 or 07483814988

PUPPY & ADOLESCENT

DOGS GROUP CLASSES - A great way to socialise and learn all the basic obedience tricks for your pup. Group classes take place in a puppy-proof garden at 2 Woodfield Park. It’s a block of 5 classes spread over 5 weeks. Classes take place on either Saturday or Sunday morning and last for 45 min. For more information visit headstartdogtraining.com or call 07366 464040

THE SWING CAFÉ - Tues to Sat 10.00am-2.00pm. Please come for breakfast (10.00am-12.00noon), lunch (12noon -2.00pm) or some delicious home baking (available all day). We welcome groups and if you would like to book a table, please contact 07514 689258. There are gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan and dairy-free options. Under 12s are invited to enjoy a children's menu. Sit in or take away. We look forward to welcoming you.

DESTINATION JUDO

@ CRAIGLOCKHARTCraiglockhart sports Centre. Wednesdays 3.45pm (5-8 year olds) and 4.30pm (9+ year olds). Judo is a dynamic sport based on a combination of balance, co-ordinationation and reaction. Most importantly judo helps children become more self aware, disciplined, and polite. Of course

we teach all this in a fun way. For information please email callum@destinationjudo.com or call 0131 467 9043

COLINTON LOCAL HISTORY

SOCIETY - Want to know about local history?

W: www.colintonhistory.org

E:enquiries@colintonhistory.org

COLINTON LITERARY SOCIETY - Keep up to date with latest news about the Lit on the Church website: www.colinton-parish.com

COLINTON GARDEN CLUBClub members share their love of gardening, gardens and nature, and work together to preserve and add value to our quality of life here in south-west Edinburgh. Monthly members’ meetings on a Monday, plus outings and events.

For more information see:

W: www.colintongardens.org.uk

E: membership@ colintongardens.org

LUNCHCLUB - Every Wednesday 1pm – 3pm, 3 courses £4. Spaces are limited, first come first served. Oxgangs Neighbourhood Centre, 71 Firhill Drive, EH13 9EU. Please visit: oxgangsneighbourhoodcentre. org.uk

PARENT AND TODDLER GROUP - Tuesdays, am session and pm session for two age groups (all under 5s). Oxgangs Neighbourhood Centre, 71 Firhill Drive, EH13 9EU.

Contact: Tel.: 0131 466 0678 or Email: oxgangsneighbourhoodcentre@gmail.com

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.

OXGANGS NEIGHBOUR CENTRE CAFE 10.00am to 1.00pm. Bacon rolls, baked potatoes, toasties, specials, teas, coffees and cake. Sit in or takeaway.