BLACKNESS BAY
LOCAL WALK:
WINE TASTING: LOCAL ENVIRONMENT:
We often think of this season as an ending - the end of summer - but I was arrested by the line in the Local Environment column this month, about how autumn is "an exciting time of year" for nature. It brings its own opportunities. Personally I love the vibrant colours and the hive of activity in nature, which we celebrate on the cover of this issue.
Blackness Bay Distillery is offering Dell Directory readers the chance to win a distillery tasting tour for two! Specialising in quirky tours of their whisky and rum distillery, which is based in the oldest building in the historic village, the tour includes tasting of at least 5 of their products. Don't miss the chance to win, see page 13!
All our usual columns are here, with a wonderful autumnal theme to them all. I particularly enjoyed Joanne’s “hallowine” wine notes!
I hope you find the magazine useful. Thank you for supporting local businesses and organisations.
All enquiries, E: M: editor@konect.scot 07854 492638
The first thing that hits you is the pine infused air. Both refreshing and energising, it also carries a bite of cold, signalling the onrush of autumn. As if to confirm this, distant calls draw my eyes skyward, and I see my season’s first skein of geese heading south.
My walk today is in Selm Muir Wood, a tract of forest managed by Forestry and Land Scotland lying midway between the Lanark Road and the A71, yet easily overlooked.
I turn off the Lanark Road onto Leyden Road about a mile southwest of Kirknewton airfield (following the sign for Hairy Coo Wigwams). Then, after a further three-quarters of a mile, I pull in at the forestry gate where a wooden sign states: ‘To Little Vantage and Thieves Road’.
I set off down the long, straight forestry track towards the heart of the wood. The twitter of small birds is all around. In an area cleared of trees to my right, a small group of grey wagtails bob through the air between occasional pools, foraging for insects. To my left, a flock of goldfinches scatter, disturbed from feasting upon thistle seeds. Along the right-hand side of the path runs a long, clipped beech hedge, oddly horticultural for the setting. Glancing southwards, fields slope up to the flanks of the elongated ridge of Corston Hill and cows lie, chewing the cud in leisurely fashion. As I walk, I enjoy the early autumn colours of the hedgerow. Ginger common carder bees visit late thistle blooms of purple, whilst boughs of rowan above hang heavy with berries of deepest crimson.
Soon, I arrive at the main body of the wood and a fork in the gravel road. Bearing right, I follow the road until it comes to an abrupt end. Here, it’s possible to turn left off the gravel onto a narrow track which threads
between the plantation conifers and a line of closely spaced beeches. The beeches are planted hedge-fashion, but each is now a small to medium sized tree thrusting slender branches upward towards the light. Their twisting, moss-coated trunks exude the mystique of a Midsummer Night’s Dream forest, and contrast with the bare, red-brown stanchions of pine to my left.
The path bends left and then right again, emerging to run alongside the main forest road. Here, purple heather blooms by the path, mixed with rowan and birch saplings, and with a backdrop of Scots Pine on the far side of the road. I cross another gravel track and continue alongside more beeches, slightly taller and more spaced here. I pass an area of younger conifers to my left and am kept on my toes by vaulting a few fallen trunks and hopping ditches. I come upon a little glade of young oaks, emerald leaves not yet rust-tinged by autumn, bearing nascent acorns. Shortly after, the path bends left and left again, signifying that I have rounded the western edge of my circuit.
I am now on a narrow track alongside the tumbledown stone wall separating wood and field, with Corston Hill to my right. A lonely raven croaks from a nearby pylon. I enter a stance of Scots Pine, weaving my way between the trunks, and soon I reach an area of cleared forest, scattered with the debris of felled trees. I hear a rasping shriek above my head – a jay! I watch as it curves through the air from the top of one pine to the next, its plumage a gorgeous mix of contrast and colour, from the white and black of rump and tail to rosy back and blue wing flashes. As I reach the far side of the clearing, a buzzard glides across at tree height, heading in the other direction. It is watched by a woodpigeon perched on a bare, isolated birch, pretending not to be there.
The final section of the walk is between pines across sun-dappled forest floor, upon which a variety of fungi are scattered. Upon the path I find delightful, delicate amber fronds of yellow staghorn. In some places, where larger pines have fallen, small dark pools have formed in the pits left by their upended root masses. In one of these, a large black beetle is thrashing around in the process of drowning. I proffer
GET THE ROUTE ON OS MAPS!
him a branch onto which to crawl, and, after some encouragement, he jumps aboard to be whisked back to terra firma. Without so much as a beetle-y ‘thanks’ he scuttles away, disappearing off into the undergrowth. I rejoin the main track by the clipped beech hedge near where I left it and, from there, it’s a pleasant march back to the car, in the gradually increasing warmth of the morning sun.
Time for me to beetle off now too – until next time…
Walk time approximately 1 hour, over a mixture of gravelled forestry road and narrow tracks, uneven and muddy in places.
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
Blackness Bay Distillery is offering Dell Directory readers the chance to win a Tasting Tour for Two!
The tour comprises the full 90-minute guided tour of Blackness Bay Distillery, taking in the history of Blackness and craft distilling of whisky and rum in Scotland through the ages to the present day, whilst sampling five or more of the products produced by hand on the premises.
The timeless method of the traditional Scottish twin copper pot still making of
whisky directly from malted barley is explained in detail with anecdotes of its perils and pleasures. The tour finishes with a toast to Mary Queen of Scots and her long connection to Blackness on Sea.
Winners every week through October! We are drawing a winning entry every week in October so there are four chances to win!
For the chance to win, simply answer the following question:
WHAT TYPE OF SPIRIT DOES BLACKNESS BAY DISTILLERY PRODUCE?
A) Rum B) Whisky C) Both Whisky & Rum
Closing date for entries Thu 31st October 2024
Head to www.konect.scot/win or scan the QR code to enter your answer. Winners will receive a tour voucher from Blackness Bay Distillery which must be used within four weeks of receipt. Full T&Cs are on our website.
Achilles
Tendinopathy –a pain in the heel!
Those of you well versed in Greek mythology will know the story of Achilles. His mother Thetis attempted to protect him by dipping him in the river Styx so that his skin would become impervious to Trojan arrows.
However, she forgot that by holding him by the heel during the dipping process his heel was unprotected and this later caused his downfall. Could your Achilles tendons cause you problems too?
A tendon is the band or cord of fibrous tissue which attaches muscle to bone. In the case of the Achilles, it is the single tendon connecting two calf muscles, Gastrocnemius and Soleus, to the Calcaneum or heel bone. Tendons transmit the forces generated by muscle to bone and are mechanically very strong. The Achilles has to be as it transmits the force generated by the calf muscle to our ankle to lift our body weight up against gravity every step we take.
What symptoms would indicate an Achilles problem?
Pain is usually the main symptom and the tendon can be particularly sore for the first few steps of the day. This will ease off as the day goes on but more severe cases can be sore all day.
The tendon may become swollen and on feeling the tendon, pain is usually worse 2-7cm above the insertion into the heel bone. In chronic cases a tender thickened nodule can be present.
What can contribute to Achilles tendon injury?
Causes can include:-
• Calf muscle tightness
• Foot posture, particularly if you have a foot type where you tend to walk or run on the “outside” or lateral aspect of your heel, then your forefoot flattens quickly to meet
the ground causing a “Whipping” of the Achilles. This extra movement irritates the tendon causing pain
• Old shoes that are no longer able to maintain foot position or help with shock absorption can be factor in Achilles problems
• Sudden increases in activity levels can strain the tendon
How do I treat Achilles tendon pain?
The use of ice is regarded by some researchers as the single most useful intervention in the management of the early acute phase of Achilles Tendinopathy. However, always be wary of complete Achilles tendon rupture. If your tendon pain started suddenly, feeling like you had been hit or shot in the heel, if you have a lot of swelling / bruising, if you cannot point your toes down and if you are finding walking very difficult, seek medical advice at your local A&E department. Complete rupture of the Achilles tendon needs either immobilisation or surgical repair.
If you think you need further advice see a Physiotherapist. We can assess your injury and help identify causes. Collagen repair and remodelling is stimulated by tendon loading so complete rest can be detrimental. An exercise programme to progressively load the tendon to simulate repair is currently thought of as the best form of treatment. Do seek advice sooner rather than later as chronic tendon problems are more difficult to resolve.
The health column is contributed by McNaughton Physiogrange, Edinburgh www.physiogrange.co.uk
Did you know “travel” and “travail” derive from the same root word meaning laborious effort, trouble or torture?
Remember this the next time you book a holiday and friends say, ‘You must be excited about the trip, travelling is so much fun!” Thank them, while pointing out that getting from A to B involves sleep deprivation, feeling desperate for the loo but being required to stand in a long queue through security, enduring nonchalance or flippancy from some airline staff, and growing anxiety when you wait a bit too long at the baggage carousel.
Recently my daughter and I made a trip to the US. We planned well, but … stuff happens. As we waited for our flight from Edinburgh to London to depart, the pilot explained that we were delayed because some passengers hadn’t turned up and their luggage was being removed from the plane. We arrived in London 45 minutes late.
We got to security as quickly as we could. However, for some reason my daughter’s liquids bag was scrutinized. We
waited … and waited. Finally, she got the all clear. Just outside security we saw a departure board: our gate was closing!
“Run!” I shouted. “Save yourself! When you get there, tell them your poor mother with the dodgy knee is just behind you, moving as fast as she can!”
My daughter ran; I loped. We missed the flight. Though the plane was still on the tarmac, the gate was closed. I reflected that it couldn’t take off until our bags were removed, and wondered if it might now be less hassle for the airline to just to let us board. Obviously, a silly thought. It wasn’t the first time I’d missed a connection in this airport due to a delayed flight. The last time it was after a 17-hour journey from Thailand. To say I was tired was an understatement. Unfortunately, my employer hadn’t booked me through to Edinburgh, because it was cheaper to buy two flights. So I had to get to baggage reclaim, collect my case, and then make my way to another terminal to get my flight home. I didn’t make it. At the gate desk I pleaded with the unsympathetic staff member. “Gate’s closed,” she said. There were no more flights to Edinburgh that night – with any airline.
So I did the only thing I could think of to do in my exhausted state. I sat down and cried. After that I phoned my husband, who suggested I get an underground train to the home of some London friends of ours. Then I could get a flight home the next morning. “You don’t understand,” I said. “I have no strength for thatI can barely sit upright on this bench.
“In fact, I’m going to live at Heathrow Airport.” At this point my husband understood that I needed help. From our home in Edinburgh he booked me a B&B close to the airport, and a taxi to get me there.
Isn’t travel fun?
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
Cooking with
October is linked in my mind with the famous Oktober Bier Fest in Munich.
I assumed it was a traditional celebration of a new brew after the year’s grain harvest. However I am quite wrong! The Oktoberfest was created to celebrate the marriage of King Ludwig of Bavaria to a Princess Therese in 1810. Since then it has changed from a royal event with horse races into an agricultural and country show and has now
carts and horses bringing barrels of the six Reinheitsgebot beers which are tapped by the Mayor of Munich to the sound of gun salutes. Then follows 16 days of fun and drinking.
Beer is good in cooking too! In Britain it has long been part of stews, meat pies and bread making. Stout and oysters are a traditional combination and Welsh Rarebit requires beer as the base for the melting cheese. Beer batter (225g plain white flour, 285ml light beer, 3 teaspoons of baking powder) for fish or chicken gives a special crisp finish to these meats when deep fried. Irish Guinness makes the most luscious
“Cooking with Beer” contains more than 150 recipes. is only room here for
This recipe and food notes were contributed by Anne Pinkerton. Originally published in Konect
Chocolate Stout cake:
• 250ml Stout / Guinness / Worthington
• 250g butter
• 75g cocoa powder
• 200g granulated sugar
• 200g soft brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 125ml plain yogurt
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 275g plain flour
• 3 flat teaspoonful’s baking powder
• Topping (optional, the cake is fine without it): 250g cream cheese, 125g icing sugar
Method:
Heat the oven to 180oC
In a large wide saucepan, heat the stout, add the butter and continue warming till the butter has just melted. Whisk in the cocoa and sugars. Beat the eggs and the yoghurt together with the vanilla. Beat into the liquid. Then sift the flour and baking powder together and mix into the beery chocolate liquid. Pour the batter into the 10 inch, paper lined cake tin. Bake for 45 minutes or an hour, till it is just firm to the touch. Leave till completely cool in the tin.
Either make an icing with 250g cream cheese beaten into 125g icing sugar or serve dusted with a little icing sugar or cocoa powder.
Spicy Sausage Casserole:
• 500g Chirizo Sausage or any other hard paprika flavoured sausage, thick sliced
• 1 small can continental lager or bitter beer
• 2 large onions chopped
• 2 yellow peppers de-seeded and sliced
• 1 can chopped tomatoes
• 1 can cannellini beans
• Small amount of plain flour
• Pepper, paprika, salt • Oil for frying
Method:
Heat a little oil in a heat proof casserole and fry the onions till just browning. Drain and fry the peppers till they colour a little too. Use the flour to take up the oil left from the vegetables and then make a sauce with the beer. Add all the other ingredients to the pan and bring back to a gentle bubble. Taste and season. Cover with a well-fitting lid and cook, either in the oven or on top of the cooker, slowly for 40 minutes. Serve with plain boiled potatoes or ribbon noodles and a green salad. You can make other stews in this way from any meat you enjoy with vegetables to extend a small quantity of protein. The beer gives a rounded flavour and if used as a marinade on the meat for 2 hours or so before cooking, helps to tenderise it. Beef and venison are lovely with Guinness and lighter meats such as pork or chicken with lagers. Some of the fruit flavoured Belgian beers add even more interest to the final dish.
Leave the sweets for the kids and treat yourself to delicious, spooky-themed wine and beer this October.
A blood red sparkler, Simpsons of Servian Sparkling Syrah 2022 from Naked Wines, £14.99 a bottle
This fizzy red is a real treat but there is a trick to opening it; only open when cold and open carefully over the skink at a 45-degree angle. Made in France from Syrah grapes, this deep red wine looks chilling in a flute glass and perfect for wannabe vampires!
Bowline, Ghost Corner, South Africa, from vinvm.co.uk £23.20 a bottle.
At the southernmost African tip lies the ghost corner wines. Here compasses don’t show any deviation between the true and magnetic north, making navigating the area impossible, especially on stormy dark nights. Over 130 ships have been destroyed in these treacherous waters.
Bowline is a white wine with ripe asparagus notes from the Sauvignon Blanc which complement the green fig elements of Semillon. A complex wine with well-balanced oak and a refreshing, smooth finish.
Dead Man's Dice Malbec, Argentina, from SecretBottleShop.co.uk £12 a bottle
A young malbec wine from Argentina with aromas of black cherry and plum. Followed by a palate of light damson, chocolate and a sweet tobacco finish. A truly 'wicked' wine. Perfect with game meats such as venison & duck to compliment rich flavours.
Adnams Ghost Ship Citrus Pale Ale, available from Majestic, £12 a case. With bold citrus flavours Ghost Ship is Dealcoholised to 0.5% abv. The beer has refreshing lemon and lime aromas that perfectly complement the aromatic taste of spicy Thai and Indian foods.
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 feel like I’m mourning the summer that never was. There were a few days here and there but otherwise, it’d been a bit of a damp squib.
For nature though, it is reaching the exciting time of year when our winter migrants return to the UK. I’ve read multiple social media reports over the last few days with excited birders reporting skeins of pink footed geese overheard. Other than the leaves starting to turn, seeing their V formation in the sky is a true sign autumn is on the way (did it ever really leave?)
One of the arrivals I look forward to the most is the Short Eared Owl. They turn up on the East coast, which makes sense given it’s the first place they can make land after migrating from their summer holiday to Scandinavia. This was taken at Aberlady Nature Reserve last year, with the skyline of Edinburgh in the background.
Thankfully, they’re daytime hunters making them easier to see. It’s lovely to watch them quartering low across the grass, making a sudden turn when they hear something scurrying underneath them. Their mottled
brown plumage helps them blend in perfectly with their chosen habitat. They have an impressive wing span but earlier this year, I was watching one hunkered down in the rain on Orkney and they’re remarkably small when you see them like that.
Despite the name, they don’t actually have ears but little feather tufts on top of their head.
Ths 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
STREET CABINET EV CHARGERS: WHAT
ARE THEY AND HOW DO THEY WORK?
Since May this year, residents in Haddington (East Lothian) can charge their electric cars up using a converted old BT street cabinet, the first in the UK in a trial to repurpose redundant street cabinets.
The UK’s electric vehicle charging infrastructure continues to grow and while there are gaps in the allocation of chargers across the country, ways to top up are certainly increasing.
BT Group announced last year a trial to see whether their old street cabinets will be of use to an EV owner. Initially, 600 charging points will be installed in the UK, with the first completed on 1st May this year in Haddington, East Lothian.
Before they became surplus to requirements, BT Group cabinets stored telephone and broadband cables, which means that all their
electronics are already installed, allowing them to be easily converted into EV chargers.
The first installation was free to use for residents until 31st May. Users have to download an app to access the charging point. The aim of this experiment is to improve the UK’s EV infrastructure and help on-street charging.
Tom Guy, from BT Group, said: “Our research shows 78% of petrol and diesel drivers see not being able to conveniently charge an EV as a key barrier to purchasing one.”
BT Group looked into how many could be converted and identified that 4,800 street cabinets in Scotland alone could be suitable for the change.
The next phase of the pilot was a site in West Yorkshire, and it’s expected that the roll-out will continue throughout the rest of the UK.
The trial app is available to purchase via the App Store or Google Play Store, see https:// etcdigital.co/ev-charge/ EV owners can connect their cars to get live updates and battery levels, smart estimated costs, charge times and access to their charge history.
The UK government has a target to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles by 2035, and while EV uptake has slowed in recent months, it’s expected that further increases in charging infrastructure – including these BT ones – will help boost interest.
EV Charger in East Lothian
Cabinet charger
OCTOBER SUDOKU (EASY)
OCTOBER CROSSWORD
CROSSWORD SOLUTION IN THE NOVEMBER EDITION
ACROSS: 1. Main roof beams (7), 5. More (5), 8. Fabric or cloth (7), 9. Doing words (5), 10. Long, narrow hilltop (5), 11. Anguish (7), 12. One score (6), 14. Out of the country (6), 17. Timid (7), 19. Goes up (5), 22. Perfect (5), 23. Unsuccessful (7), 24. Distinguished (5), 25. Brighter (7).
DOWN: 1. Helicopter blade (5), 2. Mended (5), 3.Apparent (7), 4. Not moving (6), 5. Impish fairies (5), 6. Whirlwind (7), 7. Confident (7), 12. Tightness (7), 13. Sincere (7), 15 On fire (7), 16. Practical (6), 18. Lubricated (5), 20. Crouch down (5), 21. Pointed weapon (5).
OCTOBER SUDOKU (HARD)
Every day, journalists tell us in fine detail about issues that contribute to the warming of our planet, showing us the consequences of catastrophic weather events, toxic pollution and the destruction of nature. We are rarely told the solutions to the climate crisis.
We often feel helpless, but individual actions taken by significant numbers of the population can trigger or force change for good. Learning how to make effective changes in our personal lifestyles can help, but where to start?
The Friends of Campbell Park are hosting a 'Climate Café' event at the Pavilion at Campbell Park (EH13 0HS) on Saturday 12th October 2024, from 13:00-17:00. This will be our local event for the 'National Day of Action', prompted by Greenpeace, one of the organisations in both the 'Climate Coalition' and 'Stop Climate Chaos Scotland'.
The event will aim to help the local community with information, advice, guidance and support on matters such as home improvement funding applications, commuter transport, recycling, repairs, reuse and community energy schemes.
Our new local Labour MP for Edinburgh South West, Scott Arthur, will attend to meet with his constituents to develop a deeper understanding of the government support they need and want to improve their local environment, insulate their homes, reduce their energy use, improve local transport systems, etc.
Exhibitors and Advisors have been invited from Home Energy Scotland, Harlaw Hydro, SW20 e-bike hire, Edinburgh Tool Library, Changeworks, Bike Station, etc, to attend and offer adviceand assistance, or at least provide literature, posters or informational displays. Free tea, coffee and cake will be provided by the hosts, Friends of Campbell Park, in the hope for donations, of course.
This article was contributed by Friends of Campbell Park, umbrella interest group for all users and friends of Campbell Park. www.facebook.com/ FOCPK
SATURDAY 12TH OCTOBER
Dedication and Communion Service - Hosted by Friends of Campbell park. Exhibitors and advisors to help with information, advice, guidance and support on matters such as home improvement funding applications, commuter transport, recycling, repairs, reuse and community energy schemes. Refreshments available for a donation.1.00 - 5.00pm at the Pavilion at Campbell Park (EH13 0HS). See article on p43 for full details.
SATURDAY 12TH OCTOBER
Farmers Market - Main Street, Balerno, 9.00am to 1.00pm
SUNDAY 13TH OCTOBER
The Dells in Autumn – Rotten! - Winter is on its way and everything seems to be dying, but is it? Explore Autumn in the Dells with Water of Leith Conservation Trust. We’ll learn together about the importance of decomposition as we get up close and personal with the beasties and fungi that make things rot. This session will be interactive and may often stray from the regular path. 1:30pm – 3:30pm, meet at Water of Leith Visitor Centre, 24 Lanark Road, EH14 1TQ. £7, members free. Book at www.waterofleith.org.uk
SATURDAY 19TH OCTOBER
Walk for Freedom 2024 - We will be walking in agreement with thousands across the globe to bring awareness of human trafficking and promote freedom and justice for all. Please join us at the bottom of Lothian Road as we take a stand against the horrors of modern day slavery. Please register via this link: www.a21.org//shop-event.php?intid=3957
MONDAY 21ST OCTOBER
we welcome your optional donation. 7.30pm –8.30pm. Booking essential: hub531.appointedd. com or by email: hub531lanarkroad@gmail.com
FRIDAY 25TH OCTOBER
Live Literature session - With journalist Andrew Blair at The Hub@531 Lanark Road, EH14 5DE. “Write What You Care About” - an introduction to journalism in the modern day. Bookings for school groups or individuals are now available - please email to attend: hub531lanarkroad@gmail.com
WED 23RD OCT - THU 28TH NOV
Pentland Book Festival - The Pentland Book Festival is celebrating its tenth anniversary. This local Festival hosts author events at various locations in Colinton, Juniper Green, Currie and Balerno and features Scottish authors. A leaflet giving further information can be found in the libraries and local shops and businesses, or visit the website: pentlandsbookfestival.org
FRIDAY 1ST NOVEMBER
Family Halloween Craft - Monthly multigenerational afternoon crafting at The Hub@531. All materials provided as well as tea, coffee, juice and biscuits. Under 12s must be accompanied by an adult. Free of charge but we welcome your optional donation. 2.00pm – 4.00pm. Booking essential: hub531.appointedd.com or by email: hub531lanarkroad@gmail.com
PENTLAND PROBUS CLUB EVENTS
All meets are in Edinburgh Pentlands (formerly Juniper Green) Parish Church Hall, Lanark Road, 10.00am - 12noon. New members welcome.
Small Steps & Mental Health - Join Paul, mental health nurse specialist, at The Hub to chat about things that work to improve mental health. First in a new regular Monday evening offering to support mental health and wellbeing and tackle loneliness in the community. The Hub@531 Lanark Road, EH14 5DE. 7.00pm – 9.00pm. Booking essential, hub531.appointedd.com or by email: hub531lanarkroad@gmail.com
WEDNESDAY 30TH OCTOBER
Halloween Craft - Monthly social craft evening at The Hub@531 Lanark Road, EH14 5DE. All materials provided as well as tea/coffee/nibbles, and as we like to provide a chance to enjoy a child-free evening, please feel free to bring your own tipple to enjoy! Free of charge but
Further details from our Club Secretary Leslie Hannaford 0131 453 3012 or lesliehannaford@ blueyonder.co.uk
• WED 2ND OCT: “Mini talks” Three Club members will each give a mini talk.
• WED 16TH OCT: “Did ‘Dolly’ change the world?” An illustrated talk by Karen Walker
• WED 6TH NOV: “The National Museum of Flight” An illustrated talk by Thilo Burgel
WANT TO INCLUDE YOUR EVENT HERE? COMMUNITY AND NOT-FOR-PROFIT LISTINGS ARE FREE OF CHARGE.
EMAIL EDITOR@KONECT.SCOT BY 15TH OF THE MONTH FOR FOLLOWING MONTH’S ISSUE.
SOLUTION TO SEPTEMBER CROSSWORD
ACROSS: 1. Recess, 4. Sticks, 9. Surname, 10. Inner, 11. Snoop, 12 Enforce, 13. Undoubtedly, 18. Cluster, 20. Uncle, 22. Error, 23. Noticed, 24. Melted, 25. Breeze.
DOWN: 1. Resist, 2. Cargo, 3. Shampoo, 5. Thief, 6. Central, 7. Survey, 8. Remembering, 14. Neutral, 15. Equator, 16. Scream, 17. Needle, 19. Terse, 21. Cycle.
OCTOBER SUDOKU SOLUTIONS
SOLUTION TO SEPTEMBER
2.00 - 3.30PM
Diwali:
the Festival of Lights
Every year, for just under a week, India becomes a spectacle of light. Technicolour lanterns, diyas (oil lamps made from clay), sparklers and firework displays fill the streets, as families gather to feast and exchange gifts. Diwali celebrations have begun!
Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is one of the most widely celebrated festivals among Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and some Buddhists across the world. This beautiful ‘Festival of Lights’ is a beacon of brightness and hope for the year ahead, symbolising new beginnings and the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness. The festival usually falls between mid-October and mid-November; the exact dates are determined by the lunar calendar. This year, Diwali will be celebrated between 29th October and 3rd November.
Originating in India, Diwali is now celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and Buddhists across the world, with each religion marking the festival with its own historical legends and traditions.
In Hinduism alone, there are several versions of the Diwali story that vary among geographic communities. In north India, for example, Diwali commemorates Prince Rama and Sita’s triumphant return to the city of Ayodhya after 14 years of exile, whereas in South India, the festival honours the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon king Narakasura.
For Sikhs, Diwali commemorates the release of the 17th-century guru Hargobind after 12 years of imprisonment by Mughal emperor Jahangir. Jains observe Diwali as the day Lord Mahavira reached nirvana (eternal bliss), while some Buddhists see it as the day the Hindu Emperor Ashoka, who ruled in the third century BC, converted to Buddhism.
Festivities vary across different traditions and cultural backgrounds. Generally, it’s marked by spending time with family, performing acts of dana (charitable giving) and seva (selfless service), cleaning and decorating the home, performing religious ceremonies and putting up lights.
Edinburgh Diwali 3rd November 2024
Edinburgh Diwali brings Diwali to Edinburgh so that the mainstream community can share, participate and celebrate the victory of good over evil. It ambitiously aims to make it the second most popular festival, after Christmas, in Scotland.
See: www.edinburghdiwali.co.uk and "EdinburghDiwali " on facebook for information.
The festivities can span five days with each day having its own significance. Typically, on the first day, people pray to the goddess Lakshmi, bake sweets and clean their homes – which they decorate on the second day with lamps and rangoli (designs made on the floor out of coloured sand, powder, rice or flower petals).
The third day is the most important day of the festival. Families gather to exchange gifts, feast, set off fireworks and indulge in sweets. Many Hindus also worship the goddess Lakshmi on this day.
For many celebrants, the fourth day of Diwali marks the first day of the New Year in many parts of India and is a time to exchange gifts and well wishes. Typically, the fifth day is then a day to honour one’s siblings.
Diwali is India’s biggest holiday season, with its importance being compared to Christmas for those of the Christian faith. However it’s celebrated around the world, the spirit of Diwali serves as a reminder of the power of hope and the importance of community.
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 6.00pm - free tea/coffee and biscuits too! For more information, contact Robert Carroll Robert.Carroll@edinburgh.gov.uk or katiemoon7754@gmail.com
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 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, 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 £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/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 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-a-local-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 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. 7.15pm - 9.00pm on the 1st Monday of the month from September. Trial first visit only £5. 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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