December already! Here at The Dell Directory we’ve clocked up another year of discovering and celebrating with each issue the endless energy, kindness and creativity in the local area, and there is no better time than the festive season to reflect on it.
There is always more to be done, and Currie Balerno Rotary Club work tirelessly to raise money and support community activities. They are currently seeking local businesses to become Rotary community members and to get involved in ideas, planning and participating in joint activities. Two businesses have already stepped forward as founder members, see the article on page 10 and if you run or are involved in a business here please consider joining in.
For a change of scenery, walk contributor William Weir shares with us a meander through Almondell and Calderwood Country Park, starting in Mid Calder, with a detailed observation of the flora and fauna to be enjoyed. I hope you enjoy it and get a different perspective on this wonderful area. On the subject of winter walks McNaughton Physiogrange have some tips in the health column if you’re venturing further afield this season.
Dogs Trust West Calder are looking for foster carers to provide a loving home for dogs which are on their way to their forever home. It’s a hugely rewarding activity not only in terms of the meaningful connection with the dogs you care for, but the broader social community at the Dogs Trust. See page 9 for details.
We don’t produce a January magazine, so will be back in the new year with the February issue. Wishing all our readers, advertisers and local organisations featured in The Dell Directory a wonderful and peaceful festive season.
'TIS THE SEASON: Wishing all
readers a wonderful and peaceful festive season
Home from Home for dogs
Can you help us provide a temporary home for our dogs?
At Dogs Trust West Calder, we’re immensely proud of our thriving Home from Home programme—the most successful across all 21 Dogs Trust centres in the UK! Our foster carer scheme has achieved remarkable success, with an impressive 56% of our rehoming placements happening through dedicated foster families. The Home from Home programme offers dogs a loving and familiar environment, providing a comfortable alternative to kennels and setting them on the right path toward their forever homes.
We’re searching for compassionate individuals who live within a one-hour drive of the West Calder/Edinburgh area, who have their own car, and who are ready to regularly visit our centre. Whether you’re a seasoned dog lover or brand new to pet care, we welcome all experience levels! As a foster carer, you’ll be an integral part of our team, helping to shape a brighter future for our dogs. Fostering with us is flexible and rewarding—you’ll have a say in when and how long you’d like to foster, and if you need a break or are away on holiday, that’s absolutely fine.
Dogs Trust covers all costs, including supplies and medical care, so your primary focus can be on creating a nurturing environment for the dog in your care. We particularly encourage those who work from home, are retired, or who spend lots of time at home to apply, especially if you have a secure garden where a dog can
enjoy outdoor time. With the support of our dedicated Home from Home Coordinators, you’ll have guidance every step of the way—from choosing a dog that suits your lifestyle to preparing for their eventual adoption.
Fostering is a chance to create a meaningful connection and make a tangible difference, all while gaining unforgettable experiences. You’ll have the opportunity to care for dogs of all ages, from playful puppies to gentle seniors, allowing you to find the perfect fit for your lifestyle.
And the journey doesn’t stop with fostering— our foster carers become part of a vibrant community, celebrating milestones together through events like our summer BBQs and festive Christmas lunches. These gatherings offer our carers a chance to share experiences, support each other, and strengthen bonds within our fostering family.
If you’re ready to be part of a program that’s transforming lives and contributing to one of the UK’s most successful rehoming centres, consider joining our Home from Home team. For more details, reach out to our team today on hfhwestcalder@dogstrust.org.uk
This article was contributed by Dogs Trust West Calder, (Edinburgh), Bentyhead, West Calder, EH55 8LE. Registered Charity SC053144. dogstrust.org.uk
The heat is on
The latest smart heating tech can significantly reduce your energy use and your bills.
British Gas claims their Hive thermostat can cut energy use by up to 25%. It connects to your boiler and can be set to turn the heat down or off when you go out, warm things up for your return, plus protect your pipes from frost.
Smart thermostats enable you to control your heating with your smartphone and smart assistants such as Amazon's Alexa, Apple's Siri or Google Assistant. The simplest Hive system has two parts, the Thermostat Mini (£79) and a wireless hub (£60). There's also Google Nest and Eve Thermo Control, and smart thermostats from heating brands like Honeywell and Drayton.
Upgrade your radiators with smart radiator valves to give you room-by-room control. A Hive smart radiator valve (£59) works with any radiator that supports a Thermostatic Radiator Valve (TRV).
Hive Smart Heating
Add smart radiator valves to British Gas's Hive Hub and thermostat to cut energy use. From £139 including hub, www.hivehome.com
Nest Thermostat E
Replacing your wireless thermostat with Google's smart home thermostat is a simple job. £199, store.google.com
Eve Thermo Control
A good option for Apple users, this works with Apple’s HomeKit system on iPhones and iPads, or via the Apple TV 4K. £71, www.amazon.co.uk
Honeywell Home
Honeywell’s smart home systems range from thermostats to multi-room systems with radiator valves and separate hot water control. From £174, www.thesmartthermostatshop.co.uk
Winter Walking
Exercise is good for us, that is a given. Both our physical and mental health can be improved by exercise and many of us choose to take that exercise by going out for a walk.
In Scotland, we are lucky to have beautiful countryside on our doorstep and many venture into the hills for exercise. This may be locally for a stroll in the Pentlands or more demanding in the form of Munro bagging, as people try to walk to the top of all of Scotland’s 282 hills with peaks above 3000 feet. Walking in Scotland has the extra challenges of our ever-changing weather. Before going out to enjoy a walk, particularly a winter walk, it is always sensible to consider any possible hazards and what you can do to avoid them.
Scottish Mountain Rescue (SMR) is the representative body for the voluntary civilian Mountain Rescue Teams in Scotland. The latest report from SMR covers all incidents in 2023 and it makes for interesting reading. There were 572 incidents and 319 (56%) of these related to hillwalking, scrambling or winter climbing. In total 677 people were assisted and they also rescued 2 dogs and 7 sheep. However, the sobering statistic is that there were 41 fatalities in the hills.
Statistics show us that the biggest cause of injury was a simple slip or trip – ensuring you have good footwear can really make a difference! Getting lost or making an error with navigation was the second biggest cause of getting into difficulty. Do plan where you are going, know how to navigate and tell someone of your route and your expected time of return. Taking basic survival kit with you – spare socks, warm clothes, survival bag and emergency
food is also sensible. You never know whether you will need it, or if you will find an injured person who does.
If walking in winter, or even in summer in Scotland, it is worth being able to recognise the symptoms of Hypothermia. This is a dangerous drop in body temperature below 35°C. It is a medical emergency and needs to be treated in hospital. Symptoms can include shivering, pale cold dry skin, slurred speech, and tiredness or confusion. A baby with hypothermia can be cold to touch, floppy and may refuse to feed. If you think someone has hypothermia, there are things that you can do while waiting for medical help. Try and get to shelter as soon as possible. Remove wet clothing and replace with dry if you can. Wrap them in a blanket or emergency “space” blanket if you have one. Emergency silver blankets are easy to carry in your rucksack if out for a walk. It is OK to give the person warm drinks or a sugary food like Kendal mint cake if they are awake but always avoid alcohol.
Hypothermia is life threatening but simple measures can help avoid this deadly condition. Plan ahead, check the weather forecast and always be prepared for the worst. We have stunning countryside and a good walk in winter is so very good for us. Take care out there.
The health column is contributed by McNaughton Physiogrange, Edinburgh www.physiogrange.co.uk
Should I take a Cholestrol Test?
Colinton Mains and Colinton Village Pharmacies are now offering Cholesterol Testing, with results available in minutes.
WHAT IS CHOLESTEROL? “Cholesterol is a fatty substance mostly made by the liver that’s found naturally circulating in the blood. Some cholesterol comes from the food you eat too. Your body needs cholesterol to work properly. It’s used by every cell, helps make vitamin D and some hormones, and is a component of bile, a fluid your liver makes to help with digestion. However, too much of certain types of cholesterol can be bad for heart health as it increases the risk of you having a heart attack or stroke.” From the British Heart Foundation
WHAT IS A CHOLESTEROL TEST? This is a quick and easy finger prick blood test, which gives you the facts about your cholesterol levels, including low-density lipoproteins (LDL), which is often referred to as “bad” cholesterol. LDL is important for your body but you shouldn’t have too much of it. We will be able to interpret the results of your test and tell you if the levels detected are high.
WHY SHOULD I HAVE A CHOLESTEROL TEST? This is important, particularly if there have been cases of high cholesterol in your family. We can help you with the symptoms and causes, and what you can do to lower your cholesterol level and improve your heart health. Having a cholesterol test gives you the opportunity to ensure you are looking after your health in the best way possible.
This Ask Your Pharmacist column is contributed by Colinton Mains Pharmacy and Colinton Village Pharmacy
WHY YOU NEED AN ARCHITECT TO DESIGN YOUR HOME IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
Hiring an architect offers several significant advantages, even when it’s not required by the local authority.
Architects offer expertise in design and planning; they are trained to creatively blend aesthetics and functionality, ensuring that your home is both beautiful and practical. They can create bespoke designs tailored to your specific needs, preferences, and lifestyle. They excel at optimising the use of space, making even small areas feel open and utilising every available area in your home.
Architects are well-versed in local building codes and regulations, which will ensure your home is always compliant and will avoid any legal issues – particularly important if you sell in the future. They ensure the structural integrity of your home, making sure the design is safe and sound. Most architects are highly skilled in the complex process of obtaining the necessary permits and legal permissions, which will save you vast amounts of time and reduce worry and stress. An architect’s technical knowledge and expertise in building compliance will be worth every penny.
In terms of project management and coordination, architects provide detailed plans and specifications which will be invaluable when it comes to accurate cost estimation and timeline planning. They can coordinate with contractors and oversee the construction process, ensuring contractors follow their design accurately and maintain the high quality you’d expect in your own home. Architects can also expertly anticipate and resolve issues that may arise during the construction process. This will minimise any delays and reduce any additional costs that would have crept in
without close expert supervision.
Architects will always consider long-term usability, which ensures your home can adapt to your changing needs over time. This kind of future-proofing can help you live comfortably in a property for much longer, saving you money and stress. A good architect will deliver a unique design that reflects your personal style and enhances your day-to-day living experience. They can introduce innovative design solutions and amenities that may not occur to you. They will utilise thoughtful design elements that will improve the natural lighting, ventilation, and overall comfort in your home.
An architect can actually save you money in several ways, by incorporating sustainable materials and energy-efficient systems which will reduce your home’s environmental impact and operational costs. They can negotiate the cost of building materials, fixtures, and fittings down to a much better price, due to their connections and relationships within the building trade. It’s also worth considering that a home that has been well-designed by a professional architect can enhance property value and appeal to potential buyers when the time comes to sell your property.
In summary, hiring an architect may not be required for every remodel or construction project but they do bring benefits. Their building expertise, technical knowledge, experience in project management, and overall enhancement of your living space can make hiring an architect one of the most worthwhile investments.
This article was contributed by Emma Russell
As it’s Christmas, I wanted to do something a little bit different for my column. So I’ve written a few seasonal poems. I hope they will make you smile.
Christmas Lights
Remember when we put up lights,
And then we took them down?
The lights were for the season, Not a fixture in the town.
But these days many ‘Christmas’ lights Twinkle all-year long. Just take a drive, you’ll see them (And correct me if I’m wrong).
Perhaps displaying outdoor lights Is a time-consuming task
So people opt to keep them up –I’ve never thought to ask.
Or maybe we do need the light To sparkle all year long,
To quench the darkness in our world,
A hope-filled Christmas song.
F
illed with Joy
I made some Christmas stockingsI made them way too big. Now every year at Christmastime I really have to dig
Deep into my pockets
To find sufficient money
To buy attractive ‘stuffers’ It really isn’t funny.
I start with nuts and chocolates
An orange goes in there too And yet there’s still a lot of room So more for me to do!
Earrings for the ladies, Aftershave for men, Small dolls or dinosaursFor little children
But some men don’t like aftershave, Just books and hiking gear. How do I fill his stocking up When outdoor kit’s so dear?! He may be struggling too, I guess
With what to put in mineA voucher for a good meal out Would be absolutely fine!
A lip gloss, ring or earbuds, A travel Scrabble game, Some art supplies or kitchen tools
(Make sure it’s a good name). A candy cane to top it off, And yet there’s still some space. If I’m to get this stocking filled I’ll really need to race!
Perfume or a pair of socks, A rolled up magazine, A pack of brand-new playing cards, Come on now, don’t be mean!
Batteries and phone chargers Are always good additions
I’m feeling somewhat trapped by it,
But I love this old tradition.
V isions of Busyness
‘Twas the night before Christmas, I lay in my bed, While visions of busyness Played in my head.
On the Butterball turkey I’d got a good deal; But that was only One part of the meal.
The pies I had baked, And I’d purchased a cake. I’d potatoes to peel, And stuffing to make.
The cranberry sauce Would be homemade this timeDid I mention that One of the pies was key lime? The pigs in their blankets Were ready to go. Did the weatherman really Say we’d have snow?
The sprouts would need prepping, Salt mill would need filling. I hoped that my gravy would Make a real killing. And I must not forget The alternative roast, For I wanted to be A considerate host!
Some of the gravy Would have to be veggie, Or I’d get complaints From dear cousin Reggie.
I’d purchased some crackers, But would I remember? If not, could I use them
The following December?
I might get some helpers, And give them instructionBut, alas, I knew Christmas Would remain my production.
real LIFE is contributed by Suzanne Green. Suzanne, a freelance writer/editor. She is married to Andy and they have two adult daughters.
Currie Balerno Rotary Community Membership
- MAKING A DIFFERENCE
In a recently published article in Konect, pharmacists Lindsay & Gilmour expressed a commitment to supporting local communities and this led to a meeting between representatives of Lindsay & Gilmour and Currie Balerno Rotary to consider how we might work together to this end.
Currie Balerno Rotary is inviting local businesses and organisations to become Community Members, working with Rotary to the benefit of the local community. Lindsay & Gilmour, with branches in Balerno, Currie and Juniper Green, welcome this as an opportunity to develop their contribution and demonstrate their commitment to their local communities. They propose to join Rotary as a Community Member.
Circle Security were similarly enthusiastic on hearing of the new scheme and agreed to join Lindsay & Gilmour as founder members
Circle Security are a local company with a commitment to supporting their community
and they, like Lindsay & Gilmour, see this as an opportunity to contribute.
The companies will each nominate a representative to become a member of Currie Balerno Rotary, able to participate in proposing, planning and developing community activities and events and, where appropriate, to arrange the company’s involvement in joint local activities. In this way Lindsay & Gilmour and Circle Security will be able to support and be seen to support the local communities in which they have a presence; and Rotary in turn will benefit from such partnerships, gaining new contacts, new ideas and new support for our community activities.
Currie Balerno Rotary serves the communities of Ratho, Kirknewton, Balerno, Currie, Juniper Green, Colinton, Baberton and Wester Hailes and welcome as Community Members any businesses or organisations with a presence in those areas. Just get in touch with Mike Rowe at pr@cbrotary.org or on 0131 449 5701 to learn more.
A busy morning, a busy week, a busy season. My mind turns over the issues of the day as I lock my bike to a post by the Mid Calder car park. Yet, such thoughts quickly vapourise as I step into the morning sun’s intense rays. I shield my eyes from the glare, searing low over the horizon from a cloudless pale blue winter sky.
I set off, crossing the footbridge over the Linhouse Water, just as it meets the River Almond; it’s the first of many crossings I will make this morning. A woodpigeon is feasting on hawthorn berries by the railing. The path climbs the far bank, bearing left, past trees adorned with holly and ivy, whose fruits will also provide important sustenance for many birds over winter, the ivy packing more energy for its weight than a Mars bar.
The white noise rush of water over a weir fills the air; a heron stands with elegant poise at its base, while two crows indulge in an aerial scuffle above.
I walk on. The gush of the weir recedes, and the waters calm to a laminar, tranquil
flow. Reflected in the water’s gently rippled surface are the forms of a great variety of trees. These act like monuments to Henry Erskine, founder of the Almondell Estate over two-hundred years ago, who laid out some of these original walks and had a fondness for woodland gardens. There are sycamores, willow, limes and beech. There are non-native conifers, including sequoiadendron, growing to great heights on the far bank. There are larches too, dressed in gold, needles ready to fall and be replaced with starbursts of green come spring.
I watch as a squirrel deftly retrieves a larch cone from a branch overhanging the water. As it ascends with its bounty, it is joined by another in the branches above. They dislodge golden needles which begin to fall like snow around me and on the rocks below.
I cross the river by another footbridge, following the signs for Cycle Route 75 and the Shale Trail. This takes me along by the canal feeder channel which is drawn from the river at this point and runs alongside it. Soon, I pass under one of the nine mighty arches of the Camps Viaduct. A narrow, peaked-roof wooden shelter has been built under the arch to protect pedestrians - it looks like it has been lifted straight out of Hobbiton. A little farther on, I come upon a majestic old beech tree by the path, giant roots running like quicksilver through the deep carpet of fallen leaves lying below its immense form. It is surrounded by young beech saplings – its children and grandchildren.
I pass, but do not cross, the Almondell Bridge and descend towards the water’s edge to take in the view of this impressive structure, which crouches protectively over the watercourse –elegant, yet emanating strength and solidity. Down by the rocky banks, the air is thick
with a mossy dampness which transports me instantaneously back to childhood days messing about by the river.
Keeping to the lower (blue signposted) path from here allows a better view of the most diminutive of today’s bridges, the pretty Dell Bridge, with its babbling burn beneath. Continuing on this path, I eventually emerge into what was originally the estate’s walled garden. Two stone walls remain, along which a variety of young fruit trees have recently been planted by the Friends of Almondell and Calderwood Country Park, in a nod to the history of what was once a productive market garden.
Emerging at the eastern side of the garden, I join the tarmac road which heads out of the park towards Broxburn. However, after a short way, I turn left at a signpost, heading uphill on a grassy path. I turn left again at the top of the rise to track back along the side of the valley. Here, the vegetation consists of hazel, gorse and smaller trees, interspersed with dark stems of decaying thistle and dock. I gaze over the valley’s treetops to East Calder beyond. The sounds of construction – which curiously I could not hear in the valley below – now drift across from the far side. I continue until the path leads me down a few steps and switchbacks to rejoin the main route.
This time I cross the Almondell Bridge, turning right on reaching the far side to cut across the grassy plain bounded by the river’s meander, walking adjacent to the Route 75 cycleway. I then come upon perhaps the most curious bridge of the day. This one carries the canal feeder over the river, covered over with a metal plate walkway for pedestrians. Pausing partway across, I enjoy the view of the river and viaduct. Curious rock formations rise from the riverbed; vertical rock strata coated in bright green moss – like the bony armour of some gigantic, submerged lizard. These are from the Burdie-House limestone layer, part of the West Lothian Oil Shales group.
Once across, I retrace my steps from the outward leg back to the car park at Mid Calder. As I do so, I recall my feelings as I set off, noting how my walk has quietened thoughts of our busy human world and its attendant worries, this beautiful park acting like a protective crucible from the clamour. A couple of hours in nature may just be the perfect antidote to the season’s stresses – where better to spend it than amidst the joys of lovely Almondell?
With grateful thanks to the Friends of Almondell & Calderwood Country Park.
This article was contributed by William Weir. William is a scientist and amateur writer/ photographer who lives locally. In his spare time he enjoys exploring the trails and wild spaces of West Lothian and the Pentland Hills.
CREDIT: All image by William Weir
Devils on Horseback
Dried fruit is good for you; it’s a pleasure to eat and the fibre it adds to the diet is important. The slow release of the minerals and vitamins all dried fruits contain help foster good heart, gut, brain and muscle health.
December is a good time of year to celebrate and use these foods. The new harvest is in its best condition and Christmas is a time for treats and celebration. Dried fruit is at the heart of many special dishes just now, not the least of which are Christmas Cake, mince-meat and Christmas Pudding. The story of mince-meat is connected to the Crusaders and shows how food can be changed and adapted over 700 years from a mixture of meat and spices to the sweet filling for today’s Christmas pie. Almost all dried fruits can be eaten as a snack and are marketed for this, attractively packaged in small quantities at a high price per kg. It is more economical to buy larger packs and create your own favourite mixture, which you can store in a large screw-top jar.
Dried fruit also enhances and enriches savoury cooking. Many seasonal recipes include dried fruit such as dried apples or apricots in stuffing and sultanas in kedgeree.
Dried Fruit salad:
Muscatels, figs and dates are good to nibble at the end of a meal. Re-hydrated dried fruit salad folded into whipped double cream mixed 50/50 with Greek style yoghurt served with meringues make a special winter pudding. Soaking the fruit in tea, before you poach it, gives a particularly nice flavour, but do remember to take the teabag out.
Devils on Horseback:
For a Christmas treat either with drinks before the meal or in the old traditional way as a savoury at the end of a formal meal try Devils on Horseback. They are not difficult to make and freeze well, so can be made well before you need them. You will have sticky fingers but it is worth it.
Ingredients:
• 24 large stone-free prunes
• Branston Pickle, or your own chutney if it has bits.
• 12 rashers streaky bacon smoked or not as you prefer.
• Cocktail sticks
Method:
Stuff the cavity left by the plumb stone with the lumpy bits of Branston Pickle. That is the sticky part! Stretch the bacon by smoothing it out with the back of a knife. Cut each rasher in half and the roll each prune in a half slice. Secure with a wooden cocktail stick. Freeze to store.
To cook from frozen, space the devils out on a baking sheet covered in non-stick paper and bake in a hot, 180/200OC oven for about 10/15 minutes. Serve cooling from the oven. Take care; the sugar in the Branston will keep very hot.
This recipe and food notes were contributed by Anne Pinkerton.
Did you know that in the 17th century, wine from the Champagne region came with a peculiar warning: "Drink before spring!"
Back then, Champagne was nothing like the sparkling, refined drink we enjoy today. Instead, it was a still, weak red wine prone to an unexpected hazard—it often exploded as temperatures rose!
In the winter, when temperatures dropped, winemakers assumed the still Champagne was ready, that fermentation had finished, and the wine was shipped to be consumed in the UK. However, as the seasons changed and temperatures began to rise, the dormant yeast within the wine would reactivate. This second fermentation created a little more alcohol and carbon dioxide. The pressure within the fragile glass bottle would build until it was released, either through consumption or explosion!
While winemakers in Champagne worked to resolve this issue (bottles shouldn't spontaneously explode, after all), their volatile wine found surprising fans. French royalty delighted in the bubbly, unpredictable drink and demanded more. It was English scientist Christopher Merret who first properly investigated secondary fermentation and Dom Pérignon, the French monk is credited with inventing Champagne. Dom Pérignon was originally tasked with solving the exploding bottle problem!
Over the years, winemakers have unlocked the science of secondary fermentation, giving birth to the iconic sparkling wine we know today. Modern Champagne is bottled in thick glass to withstand the pressure, with its signature mushroom-shaped cork held firmly in place by a wire cage. The foil-wrapped neck often bears the word "Champagne" proudly stamped, a mark of its celebrated legacy.
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
I might upset a few people with this but the bird in this shot is called a fieldfare and they’re part of the thrush family.
They migrate here from Northern Europe and it’s not uncommon to find them with flocks of redwing or waxwings as they roam the skies on the hunt for berries. One of my favourite places to see them is on the sea buckthorn down at Aberlady. Now is when I might cause controversy when I say that’s as exciting at it gets. There are no cool anecdotes about them, they’re just lovelylooking birds who we only get to see during the winter.
Instead, let’s look at this from a photography angle. What do you think the background of this image might be? It was in a very urban environment and it may surprise you to know it was in fact someone’s house. I wasn’t looking in their window or anything, that’d be a bit weird. Whilst it’s always nice to have a bit of blue sky, it’s quite a boring backdrop for images so if you’re out photographing something, even taking a couple of steps in the opposite direction could completely
change up your background and make it far more appealing. It can also help get rid of some annoying grass or other distraction, as long as you aren’t disturbing the species.
The fieldfare should be back imminently, if not already (I haven’t seen any) looking to spend their winter in Scotland.
This column is contributed by Clare Harte, who lives in West Lothian. Clare spends much of her time travelling around Scotland looking for and photographing our wonderful wildlife.
Follow her on social media as Clare Harte Photography for more wildlife content.
DECEMBER SUDOKU (EASY)
DECEMBER CROSSWORD
^^^ Solution in the FEBRUARY edition
ACROSS: 1. Snake-like fish (4), 3. Board game (8), 9. Get in touch (7), 10. Better (5), 11. Accomplishments (12), 14. Jewel (3), 16. Tracks (5), 17. Change colour (3), 18. Clarifications (12), 21. Punctuation mark (5), 22. Displaying (7), 23. Home-help (8), 24. Finishes (4).
DOWN: 1. Swap (8), 2. Midday meal (5), 4. Slap (3), 5. Dialogue (12), 6. Enthusiastic (7), 7. Certain (4), 8. Animals with many legs (12), 12. Consumed (5), 13. Texts (8), 15. Largest amount (7), 19. Vegetable (5), 20. Cooled (4), 22. Winter sport (3).
DECEMBER SUDOKU (HARD)
December Crossword and ‘EASY’ Sudoku on page 38. See page 45 for solutions.
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A recent debate on social media was sparked by students who find that there are not enough Scottish students at the University of Edinburgh.
The biggest university in our city attracts a lot of young people from England or abroad and is not always the most obvious choice for Scottish students; although they do not have to pay the high annual fees their non-Scottish peers have to pay.
It is certainly true that all universities, Scottish or not, need the finance brought in by non-UK students. However, Scottish academia has a different financial dilemma, as the Scottish Government subsidises the places of Scottish students, paying a slightly lower rate to universities than that contributed by non-Scots. In simple terms, Scottish universities need non-Scottish students in order to finance their institutions. Has The University of Edinburgh got
too many non-Scottish students? This is a fair and complex question.
I think that there is another perspective to be considered here. Scottish secondary schools and parents could do more to encourage their children to join the top universities on their doorstep. There are many attempts undertaken by universities in the country, including the University of Edinburgh, to “widen participation” and to show Scottish high school pupils what is available to them. When I was still in teaching, I welcomed many local school children to the university on behalf of my department. We were encouraging them to study, to give it a go at a top institution near them.
Encouragement is often the first step, which needs to be followed by other forms of motivation and a lot of hard work. We all understand the social benefits of pupils in private schools – and there are many of them in Edinburgh – but there are enough opportunities for pupils from state schools, too. If parents and schools don’t have a problem with showing their children that the route to Higher Education is for them, young people can discover that they do actually want to spend four years learning from experts and getting a degree, which can open the doors to many attractive jobs for them. This is also why the Scottish Government pays the university fees: to remove the financial barrier to acquiring a degree and encourage Scottish youngsters to study. Yes, there are many social and cultural differences at our universities, and students need to work on improving their relationship with each other, regardless of background. Our online tutoring service supports many Scottish children with their learning. The tutors are doing their bit to help with grades and prepare the students to cope with the learning requirements at the end of secondary school and going into university. Providing a boost to learning at school can be a good idea, especially when children start showing an interest in a particular subject or struggle at school.
This article was contributed by Dr Beata Kohlbek. Beata runs an online tutoring service. It brings experienced teachers to those pupils who want to get better in their school work, improve their grades or pass exams at a higher level. You can find BK Tutoring here: www.bktutoring.co.uk
by Alan Bullard
A LIGHT IN THE STA
Conductor: Timothy Coleman
A warm and welcoming
mmunity Ch ir
A retelling of the Christmas Story with a selection of Christmas Carols 8.00 pm MONDAY 9 DECEMBER 2024 Memorial Hall Merchiston Castle School
The Colinton & Merchiston Community Choir is a warm and welcoming community choir which is flourishing again after a long Covid related break.
We sing choral music and have a mixed range of ages and sight reading abilities. We rehearse on Monday evenings mainly in the Memorial Hall at Merchiston Castle School, Colinton Road, with our energetic, talented and amusing Director of Music, Tim Coleman, who makes learning the music enjoyable and fun. We are also very fortunate to have the excellent Morley Whitehead as our Accompanist.
We warmly invite you to join us for our Christmas Concert at 8pm on Monday 9th December in the Memorial Hall. Tickets £10 or £5 for under 18s available from choir members or at the door which opens at 7.30pm - cash only.
We will be singing Christmas music: the delightful 'A Light in the Stable' by Alan Bullard which tells the Christmas story through a blend of original settings and well known carols and also other carols with some audience participation.
If you would like to experience the joy and camaraderie of singing with our nonauditioning choir, please come along to our Open Rehersal at the Memorial Hall on Monday 6th January from 7.00pm
by Alan Bullard
A LIGHT IN THE STABLE
A LIGHT IN THE STABLE
A LIGHT IN THE STABLE
by Alan Bullard
by Alan Bullard
A LIGHT IN THE STABLE
Tickets
Tickets
by Alan Bullard
A retelling of the Christmas Story with a selection of Christmas Carols
A retelling of the Christmas Story with a selection of Christmas Carols
A retelling of the Christmas Story with a selection of Christmas Carols
A retelling of the Christmas Story with a selection of Christmas Carols
Conductor: Timothy Coleman
A retelling of the Christmas Story a selection of Christmas Caro 8.00 pm
Conductor: Timothy Colema
Conductor: Timothy Coleman
Conductor: Timothy Coleman
Conductor: Timothy Coleman
8.00 pm
8 00 pm
MONDAY 9 DECEMBER 2024
8.00 pm
MONDAY 9 DECEMBER 2024
Memorial Hall
MONDAY 9 DECEMBER 2024
8.00 pm
Memorial Hall
Merchiston Castle School
MONDAY 9 DECEMBER 2024
Memorial Hall Merchiston Castle School
MONDAY 9 DECEMBER 2024
Merchiston Castle School
Memorial Hall
Memorial Hall
Merchiston Castle School
colintonchoir org by Alan Bullard
Merchiston Castle School
colintonchoir
colintonchoir
Tickets £10 00 or £5 00 for under 18's available from choir members and at the door - cash only All Welcome
to 9.00pm. You don’t need to have any experience at all of choral singing and there will be no pressure or commitment to join.
We plan to learn Extracts from Handel’s Messiah for our Spring Concert.
We rehearse in the Memorial Hall on Monday evenings from 7.15 pm to 9 pm but it’s not a problem if you can’t be there for 7.15 pm or have to leave a bit early.
For more information about our Choir, please consult our website www.colintonchoir.org or our Facebook page. We thank Merchiston Castle School for the use of the Memorial Hall and the music library.
This article was contributed by the Colinton & Merchiston Choir
WEDNESDAY 4TH DECEMBER
Commonwealth War GravesTalk - The history and the work of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, and their impact across the Commonwealth. Colinton Library, 14 Thorburn Rd Edinburgh EH13 0BQ. 6.00pm - 7.00pm. Free, book via eventbriteGranton Library’s eventbrite page
FRIDAY 6TH DECEMBER
Christmas Bonanza at Currie Library - All day crafts and activities. Christmas Bookbug 10.30am, Singing Willows 1.30pm, ceilidh with Auld Spice Ceilidh Band from 3pm for a wee boogie in the library! Whole family welcome!
SATURDAY 7TH DECEMBER
Xmas Fayre at Water of Leith Conservation Trust - Christmas crafts activities (wreath making, tree decorations, card making and more). Environmentally friendly festive gifts, toys and books on environmental themes on sale, as well as beautiful cards and calendars. The cafe will have all its usual delicious fresh cakes, scones, savouries and snacks as well as some festive non-alcoholic mulled wine and mince pies. FREE TO ENTER and £5 per person to take part in a range of craft activities. 11.00am to 2.00pm, Water of Leith Visitor Centre, 24 Lanark Rd, EH14 1TQ .
MONDAY 9TH DECEMBER
Christmas Concert - With the Colinton and Merchiston Community Choir. We will be singing the delightful 'A Light in the Stable' by Alan Bullard, which tells the Christmas story through a blend of original settings and well known carols, and also other carols with some audience participation. Memorial
Hall, Merchiston Castle School, 8pm. Tickets £10/£5 on the door. All welcome
THURSDAY 12TH DECEMBER
Christmas in the Park - Spylaw Park, Colinton. Santa’s Grotto, post box, crafting, music, tombola (adults and kids). Mulled wine & mince pies. 5.30pm – 7.30pm
SATURDAY 14TH DECEMBER
Farmers Market - Main Street, Balerno, 9.00am to 1.00pm.
MONDAY 16TH DECEMBER
Sea Shantie Workshop - Join traditional scots singer Joss Cameron delving into the maritime tradition of sea shanties! The workshop will focus on building a repertoire of shanties as well as covering their historical value, different types of shanties for various jobs on ships, and harmony singing, and, of course, having fun! Colinton Library, 14 Thorburn Rd Edinburgh EH13 0BQ. 6.00pm. FREE
Pentland Probus Club Events
All meets are in Juniper Green Parish Church Hall, Lanark Road 10.00am - 12noon. New members welcome. Further details from our Club Secretary Leslie Hannaford 0131 453 3012 or lesliehannaford@blueyonder.co.uk
• WEDNESDAY 4TH DECEMBER: “Bletchley Park Exposed” an illustrated talk by Derek Douglas.
• WEDNESDAY 8TH JANUARY: Building the Wet Internet” an illustrated talk by Rod Seville.
• WEDNESDAY 22ND JANUARY: “Henry Ford and I” an illustrated talk by Peter Murgatroyd.
• WEDNESDAY 5TH FEBRUARY: “West Lothian’s UFOs” an illustrated talk by Ian Wark.
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If you have enjoyed any of the celebratory events created by Colinton Village Enterprise this year, you will no doubt want to come to our magical end of year finale -
Christmas in the Park, on Thursday 12th December from 5.30pm to 7.30pm
Did you know that this traditional Colinton gathering began way back in 2011?
That was the first year of Christmas on the Corner, when children could meet Santa in his grotto at the top of Spylaw Street, where mulled wine and hot chestnuts were served from no. 23, and neighbours and friends from all over Colinton (& beyond) joined a merry throng to enjoy music and carol-singing together, as a welcome start to the festive season.
A few years later severe winter weather in 2014 made for a challenging event and forced a rethink. The following year Christmas on the Corner moved down the hill into the Dell Room of Colinton Parish Church, which played magnanimous host to a splendid series of
seasonal surprises, including Santa arriving by sleigh with his loyal reindeer (following a stop in the Cairngorms)!
Unfortunately, when Covid arrived in 2020 all festivities had to be postponed. Then for the last two years with the help of a wonderful team of volunteers, who braved the December temperatures, Christmas on the Corner was turned into a fairy-lit Christmas in the Park. Now it’s 2024, and you are most cordially invited to find your way to the CVE Shed in Spylaw Park through illuminated stalls, to our magical Santa’s Grotto. You can partake of excellent mulled wine, hot chocolate, and home baking, win a tombola prize or two, buy some pre-loved books for stocking fillers, and try your hand at some Christmas crafts.
Please join us for a spectacular Christmas in the Park on Thursday 12th December from 5.30pm to 7.30pm at The Shed in Spylaw Park.
To become a member of CVE, or to donate to our project, please us at colintonvillage@ gmail.com – we would love to hear from you.
This article was contributed by Colinton Village Enterprise SCIO, a Scottish Charity (SC049496) and an incorporated body, regulated by the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR).
SPORTS, HOBBIES, LEARNING, SUPPORT GROUPS & MORE...
ORIAM WALKING FOOTBALL
CLUB - We run a local Walking Football Club, established in 2015, for women aged 40+ and men aged 50+. Our sessions, which are very much mixed ability, take place at Oriam Sports Centre, Heriot-Watt University, EH14 4AS, on a Mon, Wed and Fri 12:30-1:30pm. We’d love to see new teammates coming along. Sessions are priced at £4.20 but we do have monthly membership schemes available. Please contact Deric Oliver on 07803 508401 or dericandjoan@btinternet.com
OXGANGS WRITE AWAY!
WRITERS' GROUP - Whether you are a beginner or not, would-be novelist, journal-writer or poet, come along and share, learn, be inspired or simply listen. We meet at Oxgangs Library every 2nd Wednesday of each month at 6.00pmfree tea/coffee and biscuits too! For more information, contact Robert Carroll Robert. Carroll@edinburgh.gov.uk or katiemoon7754@gmail.com
REDHALL WALKING GROUPA gentle walking group exploring areas such as the Union Canal, Colinton Dell and the Water of Leith. Improve your health and wellbeing and meet new people. Meet at Redhall Walled Garden entrance on main road at 97 Lanark Road. Mondays 10.00am - 11.30am Fun, friendly and free. Contact: emily@elgt.org.uk or 07943 530806. Facebook @ GreenspaceTrust
ST CUTHBERT'S PLAYGROUP - 10.00am - 11.30am - Every Monday during school term time. £2 per family. Toys, snacks and a fun songs! St Cuthbert's Church Hall, Westgarth Avenue, Colinton. Contact Rev Nicki McNelly for more information: stcuthbertsrector@gmail.com
FORGET ME NOTES - The Forget Me Notes Project is a charity that uses music to build community and combat isolation in a variety of settings On the first and third Monday of each month - 2.00pm - 4.00pm in St Cuthbert's Church Hall, Westgarth Avenue, Colinton. Join us when you can, for an hour of music and memories, followed by refreshments. All welcome. Please contact Rev Nicki for more information: stcuthbertsrector@gmail.com (www.forgetmenotes.org.uk)
COLINTON FRIENDLY
BRIDGE CLUB - Colinton Cottage Homes’ Hall every Monday from 2.00pm to 5.00pm. Please contact Ken McLeod on 0131 466 0888 for more information.
TEA AND TOTS - Stay and play for ages 0-5 with their parent/ carer - all are welcome! Toys, crafts, refreshments, song-time and more. Every Thursday during school term time, 10am11.30am at Redeemer Church, 64 Bridge Road, Colinton, EH13 OLQ. FREE E: admin@ redeemeredinburgh.org T: 0131 441 7327
ST CUTHBERT’S BADMINTON CLUB was created about 1946. It meets in the Church Hall in Westgarth Avenue, Colinton. It is non-competitive and meets on Monday evenings at 8.00pm between September and Easter. For details, call Archie Clark on 0131 449 4703
PENTLAND BRIDGE CLUBCome and play duplicate bridge in a friendly atmosphere. We meet in St Margaret's Court, Juniper Green on Thursdays at 7pm. Table money £4. Less experienced players made very welcome. For further information
see www.bridgewebs.com/ pentland or email mthjkb@gmail.com
COLINTON LITERARY SOCIETY - Meetings start with coffee, tea and wine at 7.30pm and are held at Dreghorn Hall, 22 Dreghorn Loan, EH13 0DE. Full programme details are at www. colinton-parish.com/colintonliterary-society.html
COFFEE, CAKE AND COMPANY - Drop in for a free coffee between 10.30am and 12pm on Mondays at Redeemer Church Edinburgh, 64 Bridge Road EH13 0LT. We are mostly retired people, but all ages are welcome! More details at redeemeredinburgh.org/ccc
THIS WOMAN RUNS - We are a small group of local women 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 8.00am 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-alocal-run
WAVERLEY SPEAKERS
CLUB - Meets in Morningside Parish Church, 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 Douglas. Lothian@lenlothian.com
LOCAL FLORAL ART
COLINTON LOCAL HISTORY
SOLUTION TO NOVEMBER CROSSWORD
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. 7.15pm9.00pm on the 1st Monday of the month from September. Trial first visit only £5. Wine/ tea/coffee available. Contact: Joyce Rutherford on 2536 btinternet.com
COLINTON SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCE CLUB
SOCIETY - Want to know about local history? W: www.colintonhistory.org E:enquiries@colintonhistory.org
- 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
THE SWING CAFÉ
Sat 10.00am-2.00pm. Please come for breakfast (10.00am12.00noon), 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 glutenfree, 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.
- Club 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, in the upper Hall, Dreghorn Loan and start at 8.00pm. We are a friendly and thriving club and new members are very welcome, plus outings and events. The annual subscription is £8.00. per household. For more information see: W: colintongardens.org.uk E: membership@ colintongardens.org.uk
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
GROUP - Tuesdays, am session and pm session for two age groups (all under 5s). Oxgangs Neighbourhood Centre, 71 Firhill Drive, EH13 9EU. T: 0131 466 0678 E:oxgangs neighbourhoodcentre @gmail.com
OXGANGS NEIGHBOUR CENTRE CAFÉ - 10.00am to 1.00pm. Bacon rolls, baked potatoes, toasties,specials, teas, coffees and cake. Sit in or takeaway.
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