The Dell Directory June 2024

HEALTH: LOCAL ENVIRONMENT: WHAT'S ON:

PLUS: wine tasting, HEALTH, Real Life, CLUBS & CLASSES, and MUCH more inside!

enjoyed Suzanne’s take on the northern lights show in her Real Life column this month. If you too missed the show, you may find some solace in her column!

There is a lovely summery feel to this June issue. As the days reach their longest this month, I hope you manage to get out and about and make the most of our lovely local environment. The local walk feature was squeezed out this month unfortunately, it will be back next month though, and you can see a range of previously published walks on our website.

Remember if you are involved in a local charity that would benefit from featuring in the Dell Directory, or are aware of one needing a visibility boost, please do feel free to get in touch as we have some slots for Charity of the Month in upcoming issues.

As ever, you will find everything you need for home and garden this summer in the pages of this magazine. Thank you for supporting local businesses and organisations.

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

winning care homes

We’re proud to be recognised for our excellence in care, winning more awards than any other provider in the last three years. If you’re considering a care home, call 0131 516 7418 or visit careuk.com/edinburgh

Trusted to care

Cairdean House care home, Colinton Murrayside care home, Corstorphine Lauder Lodge care home, Portobello

Last month, on that momentous night that Miss Aurora Borealis sashayed across our Edinburgh skies, I was at the cinema watching Ryan Gosling falling off tall buildings, rolling cars and being set on fire (again and again).

Later, getting ready for bed, I saw some beautiful photos on Facebook posted by local friends. But from our home we couldn’t see any purple or green splashes in the sky - and we were too tired to venture out again.

The next day there were lots more photos on Facebook. Some particularly dramatic ones were posted by a friend in the US. “These were taken in Scotland!” she said. “I hope you saw the aurora?”

“Well, no, but I did enjoy the film.”

Feeling disappointed, I wanted to find out what causes the Northern Lights - and hopefully work out when I might have another opportunity to see them. So I asked my husband, the physics graduate. He explained that the Aurora Borealis occurs when there is an electrical storm on the sun, and the released particles interact with gases in our atmosphere.

I learned a bit more online. Solar

activity varies, depending on where it’s at on its 11-year cycle. Currently, we are about half way through this cycle. The closer we get to “Solar Maximum”, the more chaotic and tangled the sun’s magnetic field becomes. Eventually the sun blows giant bubbles (chewing gum?), which explode, sending out a stream of solar particles.

Once these particles reach our atmosphere, they interact with oxygen and nitrogen, resulting in the beautiful colours we (some of us) see. There’s not been a solar storm of the recent one’s magnitude since 2003.

In the late 1980s, when I was newly married and still had a lot to learn about the UK, I had the opportunity to view what I expected to be another beautiful natural light show. Though it can be seen in the North of England, this phenomenon is not referred to as the “Northern Lights”, but rather the Blackpool Illuminations.

My new family members were keen that I should see this spectacle. So a trip was planned, and I looked forward to seeing something breathtaking. I did wonder why we had to drive to Blackpool to see the Illuminations. Perhaps we needed to ascend a hill there so we’d have the best view in the North of England? My anticipation grew as the trip got nearer. Although I didn’t know exactly what to expect ...

My expectations were much grander than the reality! I’d thought I was going to see something like the Aurora Borealis. But what I saw looked like cheap Christmas lights strung up along the waterfront. I tried to tactfully explain my disappointment to my in-laws; they tried not to laugh.

That was more than 30 years ago, so maybe I’d be more impressed now. And maybe, as we approach the Solar Maximum, we’ll see an even more spectacular natural light show than the one I recently missed.

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

SUZANNE GREEN

^^^ Solution in the July edition of Konect

ACROSS: 1. Well known (6), 4. Long curtains (6), 9. Grandparent (7), 10. Concur (5), 11. Flavour (5), 12. Loosening (7), 13. Marvellous (11), 18. Season’s crop (7), 20. Star sign (5), 22. Bet (5), 23. One of the three r’s (7), 24. Go back (6), 25. Alcove (6).

DOWN: 1. Brawls (6), 2. Breakfast, dinner etc (5), 3. Remove clothes (7), 5. Respond (5), 6. Piece (7), 7. Vehicle used on snow (6), 8. Make, produce (11), 14. Type of piano (7), 15. Turn aside (7), 16. Light rainfall (6), 17. Tree branches (6), 19. Mistake (5), 21. Elevate (5).

Tennis is an increasingly popular game in Scotland. The latest figures produced by the Lawn Tennis Association show that 324,000 adults in Scotland played tennis in the year to August 2023, a rise of 25% compared with the previous 12 months.

This enthusiasm for tennis is also seen in our children with 37,000 participating every week. Tennis Scotland has the vision to “grow tennis by making it relevant, accessible, welcoming and enjoyable.” Statistics show that they are succeeding in their goals.

As Physiotherapists, we frequently get asked about the condition “Tennis Elbow” and the first thing we always point out is that most people who get this problem do not play tennis. In fact, racket sports are only thought to be the cause of 5 in every 100 cases of Tennis Elbow. This overuse condition is linked to repeated movement of the wrist and arm. It can affect people of all ages but is most common in adults between 30 – 60 years old, with men and women equally affected. Jobs or hobbies that involved repetitive movements such as plumbing, painting, or gardening can contribute to developing a Tennis Elbow, but often there is no clear cause. Playing racket sports can increase the risk, particularly if you play for more than 2 hours per day. Poor technique particularly on backhand shots or using poor equipment, such as an overly heavy racket or a racket with an incorrect grip size, will also increase the risk of developing this condition.

As pain is made worse by lifting, gripping or twisting movements of the arm it is sensible to try to avoid these to help the tendon heal. Ice can be a good pain reliever for Tennis Elbow. A bag of frozen peas wrapped in a towel applied to the tender area for 10 minutes twice a day can make a difference. Painkillers or anti-inflammatory medication can be used but evidence suggests that they do not improve the condition in the long term and they do have the risk of side effects.

Symptoms present as pain at the outside of the elbow that can travel down the forearm to the wrist. This pain can be particularly noticeable on shaking hands, turning a door handle or even holding a mug of coffee. The pain that develops is caused by damage to the muscles and tendons which extend your wrist and straighten your fingers. It can be acutely painful to touch the point at the elbow where the tendon joins the bone.

Physiotherapy has been shown to be helpful in the treatment of Tennis Elbow. Massage, utrasound, exercises and advice on a phased return to sports and activity can all help recovery. A Physiotherapist can also give advice on appropriate supports and splints to help the elbow until the symptoms settle. A steroid injection into the affected tendon can give good relief from pain in the short term (6 weeks) but has potential side effects, including making the condition worse. For long term benefit, Physiotherapy has shown to be superior to injection. Please do not suffer with this condition. We Physios are happy to help you get back to doing what you want to do, including tennis!

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

The world of wine is constantly changing and evolving, never staying still! There are new vintages to discover and new grape varieties to taste. That’s one of the reasons I love studying wine.

Spanish wine producers are realising that change and evolution is essential to survive. Many vineyards will struggle to survive the extremes of temperature and drought already impacting Europe. There are several innovative pioneers in Spain who are proactively looking at ways to bring in a reliable crop, but also how to employ more sustainable practices in the vineyard and winery.

In recent years, abandoned vineyards are being reclaimed by grandchildren reclaiming and revitalising the family vineyards that once thrived under the care of their grandparents. This phenomenon is particularly notable in regions like La Rioja, Ribera del Duero, and Priorat, where wine has long been a cornerstone of cultural and economic life.

The movement is driven by a deep sense of heritage and a desire to preserve family legacies. Many of these vineyards had fallen into neglect as younger generations pursued careers in urban areas or different fields. However, a growing appreciation for sustainable agriculture, coupled with a resurgence in the popularity of artisanal and organic wines, has inspired a new generation to return to their roots.

In the 1950’s many vineyards were abandoned, and the vines left. Today, the grandchildren of these former wine makers have reclaimed the abandoned vineyards! The sites will be overgrown, but beneath the tangle of vines are now ‘old vines’ over the age of 70.

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

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To be included in The Dell Directory, please contact us. Our details are on P3.

It’s that time of year when adult birds are busy providing for what is likely a quickly growing brood of babies. This female stonechat was definitely bringing home a tasty (if you’re a bird) snack for her young, who would’ve been tucked away in the heather, out of my sight.

Why are they called stonechats? Well, for once it makes sense, their call sounds like two stones being tapped together. They’re a fairly common bird, with populations being a mix of resident and migratory birds. Quite often the male of the species is the more striking looking, usually to attract a mate, however I find the female stonechat a bonnie wee bird and she was far more keen to have her picture taken than he was!

This was taken at Sheriffmuir, which is behind Dunblane, however you can find these little rock dwellers (that’s what part of their latin name, Saixcola, translates to) in heathlands all over the country so places like the Pentlands are ideal for them. During lockdown there was a pair on the reed beds in Wester Inch, so they really can turn up anywhere.

I also saw and heard plenty skylark, which is always a joy as you watch them parachute down through the sky. It was brilliant to have my first cuckoo encounter of the year too, a true sign of spring’s arrival and the start of the challenge of getting a good picture of them. So far, cuckoo 1 - Clare 0.

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

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

REDHALL WALKING GROUP - A 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 10am – 11.30m 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 - Held in St Cuthberts Church Hall every second Tuesday afternoon between 2.00pm - 4.00pm. 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, 10am-11.30am 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 CLUB - Come and play duplicate bridge in a friendly atmosphere. We meet in St Margaret's Court, Juniper Green on Thursdays at 7pm. Table money £3. Less experienced players made very welcome. For further information

see www.bridgewebs.com/pentland or email mthjkb@gmail.com

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/colinton-literary-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 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

THE SWING CAFÉ - Tues to Sat 10.00am2.00pm. 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 gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan and dairyfree options. Under 12s are invited to enjoy a children's menu. Sit in or take away. We look forward to welcoming you.

COLINTON LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETYWant to know about local history?

W: www.colintonhistory.org

E: enquiries@colintonhistory.org

COLINTON GARDEN CLUB - 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: www.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

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. T: 0131 466 0678 E: oxgangsneighbourhoodcentre@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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SOLUTION TO MAY CROSSWORD

ACROSS: 7. Mediterranean, 8. Revealed, 9. Anti, 10. Advance, 12. Refer, 14. Study, 16. Warmest, 19. Zinc, 20. Lemonade, 22. Demonstration.

DOWN: 1. Here, 2. Cinema, 3. Reflect, 4. Crude, 5. Inhale, 6. Tactless, 11. Detailed, 13. Hammers, 15. Doctor, 17. Minute, 18. Blush, 21. Drop.

WED 5TH & THU 6TH JUNE - Eras Tour!

SOLUTION TO MAY CROSSWORD

Calling all Swifties! Come and prepare for the Eras Tour with us at Currie Library! Make friendship bracelets, paper rings, write your own song, design a microphone/cardigan, Taylor Swift colouring ins, karaoke, quiz, take pictures with Eras archways, show us your outfits! 2.00pm – 5.00pm at Currie Library.

FRI 7TH JUNE - Author Storytime at Colinton Library

We are celebrating Empathy Day this year with Natasha Iregbu and her book 'Slow Down Amaya'. We will follow this with activities and crafts to do with Empathy! Come along at 2.00pm and chat to Natasha!

SAT 15TH JUNE - Repair Café (Great Big Green Week)

You can look out for what’s on offer on Facebook and at cventerprise.org or contact us at colintonvillage@gmail.com

SUN 22ND JUNE - Summer Meadows

ACROSS: 7. Mediterranean, 8. Revealed, 9. Anti, 10. Advance, 12. Refer, 14. Study, 16. Warmest, 19. Zinc, 20. Lemonade, 22. Demonstration.

Join us for a walk through the Dells to discover and learn about the wildflowers that grow there. The walk goes through ancient woodland and open meadow and looks at the diverse range of plants and flowers found there. Water of Leith Visitor Centre, 24 Lanark Road, EH14 1TQ. 1.30 – 3.30pm. £7 or FREE for members, book at www.waterofleith.org.uk

DOWN: 1. Here, 2. Cinema, 3. Reflect, 4. Crude, 5. Inhale, 6. Tactless, 11. Detailed, 13. Hammers, 15. Doctor, 17. Minute, 18. Blush, 21. Drop.

SOLUTION TO SUDOKU ON PAGE XX

SOLUTION TO SUDOKU PAGE 12

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 T: 07729 911858

SOLUTION TO SUDOKU ON PAGE XX

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 T: 07729 911858