Konect Balerno August 2015 by Konect Magazines

AUGUST 2015

FEATUREs

”Twa dogs at ance, but naething mair” - Malleny House & Estate, Balerno Jessica Nuttall - “My six months in India” Walk feature - Walking the line at Tarbrax s& Offer ers h c u o v cal from lo ses s e busin

plus local businesses, community information and more!

Balerno, Currie, Juniper Green, Baberton & Ratho

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feature

M ess ag e fro m t h e editor enjoyed a lovely afternoon stroll around Malleny IGardens in Balerno this

month on a rare sunny(ish) day! If you fall into the category of many local people, myself included, who have gone past the National Trust sign to Malleny Gardens countless times without ever actually taking a look … have a read of the article on pages 8-9 where I’ve been looking a bit into the history of Malleny House, then do take the time to visit the gardens! I believe it’s important to thoroughly explore your local area, so I’m glad to have ticked this one off at last. August is back-to-school and getorganised-for uni month, so we have some articles on that theme, as well of course as all the usual columns. Thanks for reading Konect and for supporting local businesses.

FEATUREs “Twa dogs at ance , but naething mair” 08 Spotlight on Por teous Funeral Director s 16 Spotlight on Evergreen 44 REGULARS Village People Walk Money Matter s Recipe Technology Thought for the Month

18 28 38 58 62 63

COMPETITIONS & PUZZLES Crossword Sudoku

52 52

COMMUNITY What’s on Useful Information Clubs & Classes

62 62 67

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS

Advertising Enquiries Helen-Jane, Editor hj@konectdirectory.co.uk

Distributors needed in this area. If you would like to help deliver Konect in this area please contact distribution@konectdirectory.co.uk or call Sarah on 07904 443005. Few hours of gentle exercise per month, good rates of pay.

JENNY THOMSON 07824 469266 jenny@konectdirectory.co.uk CHARLENE GAFFNEY 07772 941899 charlene@konectdirectory.co.uk Advert booking deadline: 15th of the month prior to print. Artwork/copy deadline: 18th of the month prior to print. The Konect Directory is delivered to homes in Balerno, Currie, Juniper Green, Baberton and Ratho. Copies /KonectDirectory are also left at the library, community centres, convenience stores and various other locations within the area.

Front cover: Malleny House. Photo by Jenny Thomson

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FEATURE

Malleny House

“Twa dogs at ance, but naething mair” Hunting rules at Malleny, Balerno by Helen-Jane Shearer

If General Thomas Scott, proprietor of Malleny House, Balerno, could time-travel 200 years to be with us now, he could wade right into the current hunting debate. He had his own rules published – in the form of a poem – for anyone hunting on his Malleny estate, and judging by the poem he wouldn’t have been in favour of relaxing the current regulations... The poem was published in 1819 by James Thomson, or “Jamie Tamson the weaver poet of Kinleith”, who enjoyed the patronage of General Thomas Scott, the fourth Scott laird to own Malleny House. The poem is entitled “Rules to be observed by those who hunt or course on the property of General Thomas Scott of Malleny.” It refers to hares not foxes but General Scott was of the opinion that two dogs was plenty: “Twa dogs at ance, but naething mair,/ will be allow’d to chase a hare;/ and naun maun kep her in the face,/When close the dogs they do her chase.” At the time, Malleny House commanded an estate of some 3000 acres. There are very few buildings still standing in this area which pre-date the manufacturing heydey of the Water of Leith corridor, but Malleny House is one of them. Long before mills and manufacturing arrived here in the 18th century, there was a small number of large estates and local residents were almost all employed in agriculture on them.

The earliest known owners of Malleny, from 1478, were the fantastically-named Knychtsoune family and evidence of a very old building is present in the current house: set into the fireplace in the kitchen is an armorial panel and a datestone from 1589, originally from over the entrance of an earlier house. The initials WK and JL, for William Knychtsoune and his wife Joneta Livingstone de Belstane, are carved into the date stone. The estate changed hands several times, and the present house is thought to have been built in the 1630s by Sir James Murray of Kilbaberton, James VI’s Master of Works and one of the first men in Scotland to be called an architect. He was granted land at Juniper Green, designed and built Baberton House, drew up the plans for Parliament House in Edinburgh and was in charge of works at Linlithgow Palace. He built Malleny House near where the Bavelaw Burn runs into the Water of Leith, looking east over the fields – a view that has since become obscured by woodland. Malleny soon changed hands again; in 1647 it was purchased by a William Scott, and remained in the Scott family until 1882. There are yew trees in the gardens today that are 400 years old, and must have been planted either by Murray or by early generations of the Scotts. There have been few external changes to the house since it was built nearly 400 years ago; General Thomas Scott added an oval drawing room wing in 1810, and the castellated kitchen wing, and apparently it had a thatched roof at one point in its history.

The grounds however have undergone extensive change, with each subsequent owner and tenant developing them in their own way. Today, the house, garden and associated woodland are owned by the National Trust for Scotland. The house itself is privately leased and can’t be entered, but the gardens are worth a visit. The main feature is the walled garden which pre-dates even the current house – an earlier house it thought to have been built within the walls – but it has been changed many times. It is divided across the middle by an ancient yew hedge, and enclosed on one side by lawns which were once used for croquet and other lawn games, as evidenced by the sloping edges. Malleny has a remarkable collection of roses which has National Collection status. There is a Victorian glasshouse within the walled garden, and a 17th century sundial. Elsewhere in the grounds are various elements of wrought ironwork designed by tenant Sir Thomas Gibson-Carmichael in the late 19th century, and a doocot near the front of the house. There is a Scott burial vault in the grounds, closed since 1884 after the house passed out of the possession of the family, and access is difficult nowdays as it is in unmaintained woodland.

Victorian glasshouse The gardens look lovely this time of year and are looked after by just two gardeners for the National Trust for Scotland. A group called “Friends of Malleny” who used to help unfortunately no longer exists.

Malleny Garden is open all year, daily from 10am-5pm (or dusk if earlier). National Trust members free, Adults £3.50, Family £9, One parent £7, Concessions £2.50.

Excitement, Empire and Independence - Thomas Scott was born on Christmas day and lived to the age of 97, spending his working life with the British Army. It seems safe to say he hardly had a dull moment!. During the battles of Saratoga Scott sneaked in disguise through American lines hiding despatches in his rifle barrel asking for help, earning him a generous pension for life despite the defeats leading to American independence. Scott was attached to a large group of allied native American Indian warriors not long after the war between Britain and the Cherokee Nation. In India, Scott fought in one of the armies of the commercial East India Company against the Kingdom of Mysore; on returning from India he was captured by a French privateer off the English coast and ransomed! After such an eventful life he lived at Malleny House, active in the Army and then gradually retiring to his Balerno home. Did he find Malleny a peaceful and welcome retreat, or did he miss the action of his younger days? He died here in 1842.

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Po r t e o u s Fun e r a l Dir e c t o r s “Our job is not to tell you how a funeral ‘should’ be done, but to make you aware of the many choices you have and then help organise it for you.” This is how Mark Porteous of Porteous Funeral Directors sums up his approach. I’m meeting with him and Office Manager Lesley-Ann in their consultation room in Juniper Green. Thank you cards from customers cover the window sill and cupboard. “Many people don’t realise there’s a lot of choice nowadays,” explains Mark. “You don’t have to stick to any kind of traditional arrangement – although of course many people do want that.” He cites as an example the funeral where the hearse stopped at the paper shop, the betting shop, the pub, collecting tributes and echoing the person’s daily routine on the way to their final resting place. “We’re an independent family-run business, which means that we really can personalise a funeral to exactly what the family wants. We’re not bound to a large corporate ‘menu’. Our approach is ‘the answer is yes, now what’s the question?’” This approach has led to them having to be pretty creative at times, and they clearly 16

Mark, Yvonne and Grant Portous. love this aspect of their work. As LesleyAnn explains, it is deeply satisfying to help people through a difficult time and to make it as special as it can be. “It sounds like a cliché,” she says, “but we really do go the extra mile.” Lesley-Ann joined the firm 18 months ago, coming from a background as a curator at the National Museum of Scotland in the ancient Mediterranean section. “I had spent years studying the processes and traditions surrounding death and burial, and when I took voluntary redundancy I wanted to do something that matters,” she explains. “I see this very much as one of the caring professions, helping people at a time when they don’t know where to start.” Think of the arrangements for a wedding (cars, flowers, venue, food, invitees, newspaper notices, to name a few) then do it all in a few days while grieving, instead of a year – that is the task for the family, and the funeral directors are there to help make it all happen. For Porteous, the key point about being independent is that they have the flexibility to arrange things to suit individual customers. Mark set up the business here in Juniper Green in 2006. His career in the funeral business began when he took a temporary position in a funeral directors in Edinburgh many years ago, shortly after he had lost a parent and had become interested in the funeral process. The temporary KONECT

position became permanent, and when the opportunity came up for him to set up his own firm he was keen to take it. Porteous Funeral Directors now have branches in Juniper Green, Colinton, Blackhall and Leith Walk, and Mark also runs Bonnyrigg Funeral Directors. There are 14 people on the team. And, the Juniper Green branch is just about to expand to a second premises a little further up the road. “We’re aiming to open the new premises this autumn, which will allow us to offer more facilities. We’ll be able to offer memorial services on-site for example, and are planning events such as bereavement seminars and information open days for the community.” On the subject of bereavement counselling, I ask if it is emotionally exhausting dealing all the time with bereaved people. “Yes, but incredibly rewarding,” says LesleyAnn. “To an extent you manage to ‘leave work at work’, although there are some particular ones that stay with you, such as young people. But you have to hold things together for the family and be the strong ones – not in an unemotional way at all, you

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never get hardened to death. Working in a funeral parlour definitely makes you value life more.” So what is their best advice for people: “Plan ahead!” say both Mark and LesleyAnn without hesitation. “You can get prepaid funeral plans which take care of the financial side of your funeral, and we highly recommend you speak to your local funeral director who can recommend the most appropriate cover for you. We also offer a ‘My Funeral Wishes’ service - a free service for you to record your instructions regarding the details for your funeral; questions such as burial or cremation; where you want the service; what music you would like and so on.” Even if you find this too difficult to talk about with your loved ones, you can record it with Porteous; there is no charge for this service. “Times are changing,” concludes Mark. “We’ve noticed that it’s becoming more acceptable for people to want to make jokes and laugh at a funeral, as a way of celebrating a person’s life. It is OK to laugh sometimes!”

village people by Suzanne Green

My six months in India Soon to graduate from her paediatric nursing course, Jessica Nuttall took part in a life-changing experience in 2012. The 22-year-old, who attended primary and high school in Balerno, spent six months volunteering at an orphanage in Bangalore, south India. “On my first day, I was surprised to see a cradle and a bell just outside the entrance,” says Jessica. “It was there so that unwanted babies could be left for the orphanage to care for. Eventually they would be placed in foster care or would be adopted. It seemed a strange system, but was so much better than if the babies were just abandoned in an alley.” Jessica volunteered in India with GapGuru (www. gapguru.com). She chose to go to India and opted to work in an orphanage. “Honestly, I was terrified,” she admits. “I only knew the basics of what to expect beforehand.” In India Jessica lived with a host family; several other British volunteers lived with families in the same neighbourhood. These included a girl and two boys who were about her age, and an older woman. “At first I worked in the nursery,” says Jessica, “so I did a lot of feeding and changing. Later I was asked to help with the school. There was one teacher – who was not formally trained – and I assisted her by working with small groups on subjects such as English and maths. There were 15 children, and all were at different stages in their education. They had very little in the way of books or other resources.” The orphanage where Jessica worked was established by Indian Christians, who depend 18

Jessica with one of the orphans entirely on donations – they receive no government funding. In addition to caring for orphans, they help locals by supporting unwed mothers and contributing towards children’s school fees. About 30 children live at the orphanage and many others are with foster families. Those being fostered attend the orphanage’s school. “One of the biggest highlights for me was seeing children meet their adoptive parents,” Jessica comments. “Because they are often adopted by people from Western countries, many children don’t meet their parents until they actually come to take them home. But they do have a photo of their new family. And they are so excited when the day comes and they finally get to meet them!” Jessica says she loves India, and admires the way people do not dwell on their poverty, but make the most of everything they have. She believes everyone should volunteer in another country after leaving school. It matured her and helped her to see the privileges she enjoys, such as a good education. She keeps in touch with the orphanage, and plans to visit one day. It’s obvious she has gained valuable life experience. Oh, and she also gained a boyfriend. Matt Corfield from Birmingham taught sports at a school in the same Indian village. He is now a student at Stirling University and plans to be a history k teacher. KONECT

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WALK

Karen Murray traces an old mining railway line from Tarbrax to Woolfords and gets distracted by the flora…

Always on the lookout for new walking routes, I was invited to a friend’s for a bowl of soup and a walk. She lives in the old mining hamlet of Tarbrax in South Lanarkshire where on my last visit, we hiked up the bing that rises up on the outskirts of the village giving fabulous views over the Pentlands. This time I suggested we follow the route of one of the old railway tracks having read that there a few that criss-cross the area which was once a busy hive of activity, not the relative wilderness it is today. There was once a line that went from Edinburgh to Carstairs and one of the sidelines from it ended at Tarbrax. We followed the dirt road to the bing, bypassing it to follow a very grassy yet obvious track that we could see would head directly to Woolfords – another former mining village. More specifically the track ends up at Woolfords Cottages built by the Pumpherston Oil Company to house coal miners working at Woolfords Pit. We put our best put forward and headed out along the track, the bing looming over us to the left, one

View with bog cotton in the foreground 28

of the old mine heads visible over the fields to the right. Well, I say fields, but as we negotiated the long grass and gorse bushes and heaved ourselves over a couple of gates to get to the track proper, it was increasingly obvious that the fields were actually a bog. I should have been alerted to this by the abundance of bog cotton waving their fluffy seed heads in the wind. Bog cotton is the only name I know this rather interesting plant as, but I decided to google it to find out more. It transpires the unpronounceable Latin name is Eriophorum angustifolium and it is also known as common cottongrass or common cottonsedge. I still prefer bog cotton to all those alternatives, as it just looks like tufts of cotton when the seed heads have formed in early summer. It grows well in bog and as a child I always assumed that these little tufts were what cotton was made of. However, my googling also informed me that these tufts are unsuited to textile manufacturing. They were however once used as substitute in the production of paper, pillows, candlewicks and wound-dressings. So along the track we travelled and as we walked, we noticed that not only was there bog cotton, there were numerous other wild flowers dotted all over the track. I was with two friends and we were all equally enchanted with each and every flower. It never ceases to amaze me what colours you can find in nature and how beautiful these little wildflowers are. One of the things I love about being out in the countryside and walking is the incidental, small wonders of nature that you find along the way. We started trying to recall the names of the flowers and between the three of us I think we did quite well. We discovered birdsfoot trefoil (aka Granny’s toenails!), a gorgeous egg-yolk yellow flower; the wonderfully delicate common spotted orchid – pink with purple markings; a very pretty tiny white flower I have now decided is heath bedstraw; a member of the rose family, tormentil with a bright yellow little mini rose-like flower and of course the simply gorgeous (and my personal favourite) forget-me-not.

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The best story related to these flowers is the forgetme-not story (which I discovered on a walk along the Falls of Clyde where the flowers were very helpfully given their own interpretation boards). It goes as thus for those of you who don’t know: Legend has it that in medieval times, a knight and his lady were walking along the side of a river. He picked a posy of flowers, but because of the weight of his armour he fell into the river. As he was drowning he threw the posy to his loved one and shouted “Forget-me-not.” Needless to say with all this discussion over the flora we were stepping on as we were walking, we weren’t making as much progress as anticipated and combined with the ever increasing ‘bogginess’ of the track, we admitted defeat on ever reaching Woolfords Cottages before dark and headed back to Tarbrax and that bowl of soup. I am guessing it would be a round trip of around 3 hours to follow the remains of the old railtrack running between the two settlements and a fairly sturdy pair of waterproof boots required, but it would certainly be worth the effort for the flora, the views over the Pentlands and of course the exercise. And if you have a friend to feed you soup at the end, all the better.

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Looking towards Cobbinshaw Reservoir. Photo by Karen Murray

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544 Lanark Road Juniper Green & Bruntsfield - Dalkeith Stockbridge - Forrest Road Waverley Steps - Corstorphine

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A. SULA JOINERY SERVICES All aspects of joinery Kitchen fitting, flooring & much more High quality work Free estimates

Adriatik Sula

Currie Mob: 0777 834 7117

email: adriatiksula@hotmail.com KONECT

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MONEY MATTERS

Two Dangers: One Certain – One Probable by Personal Money Management

Oscar Wilde said there are two certainties in life, death and taxes. This is true but as we get older a third event although not certain must be considered as highly probable. The longer you live the more likely you are to need help looking after yourself. Conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, dementia and stroke all become more common later in life. These conditions can seriously affect our ability to live independently. Everyday tasks that we take for granted, like getting out of bed, washing, and getting dressed, can become much more difficult.

Solution A product called Lifestyle Care Cover can solve the problem. You get life cover as long as you live which may be passed on to your family or used to pay inheritance tax when you pass away. Uniquely, you also get the option to receive some or all of that life cover early if you can’t look after yourself and require assistance. This helps you adjust to ill health later in life and allows you to choose the support services that are right for you. While it would give you a contribution towards the cost of long term care it is unlikely to meet those costs completely. When you die it will pay your family whatever you don’t use. This means the cover is there for you while you’re alive and there for your family after you die. Summary Lifestyle Care Cover gives unique guaranteed insurance cover that’s there for you if you need it, and there for your family if you don’t. No matter what happens your cover is guaranteed to pay out in full either during your lifetime or on your death.

Written by Dr PM Marshall, PhD, DipPFS, AFPC

Balerno Garage 8 Deanpark Brae, Balerno EH14 7DZ

MOT VOSA green traffic light test station.

We put our customers above everything else...and we’ve been doing so for a very long time

Call 0131 449 2139 and discover what good service really means Servicing • Tyres • Exhausts • Brakes • MOT testing • Used car sales

£20 off FU

LLY REPA* GU IRS AR AN TEE

Quality, mobile car paintwork repairs at a fraction of body shop costs Bumper scuffs

Kerbed alloys

Paintwork scratches

Minor dents

ChipsAway Available: Saturday 9am - 5pm Sunday 10am - 4pm

Call ChipsAway Franchisee Name now to arrange for Call F & N Georgeson now to arrange your free estimate

01506 456 871789 891 or 0800 028 7878 01234 or visit www.chipsaway.co.uk KONECT

ED RS E AI ANT P RE AR U YG 39

Gerry Aitken Painter and Decorator Juniper Green

Tel: 07798 565321 Ames Taping Coving Artexing Interior Exterior 25 years Experience

Ratho Auto Services Servicing, Diagnostics, Tyres, Pre-Purchase Checks, Sales

John Plimmer

Auto Technician 73 Station Road Ratho Station EH28 8OP

Free Collection & Delivery Service MOTs arranged

BRUSHSTROKES

Red Hot

WINDOWS Unit 1, Mosshall Ind Estate Blackburn, EH47 7LY

01506 630036

0131 333 5353 07784 537356

Loca family l -ru busine n ss

redhotwindows@btconnect.com

K.MELVILLE PAINTER / DECORATOR INTERIOR, EXTERIOR, PRIVATE, COMMERCIAL, INSURANCE WORK

TEL: 0131 451 5372 MOB: 0797 192 3397 Email: brushstrokes@blueyonder.co.uk 66 Forthview Crescent, Currie, EH14 5QT

■ Supply and fit windows and doors ■ Trade welcome Major credit cards accepted See website and facebook page compliant for photos of our work www.facebook.com/redhotwindows www.redhotwindows.co.uk 40

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15/5/ South Gyle Crescent, Edinburgh, EH12 9EB 0131 334 9705 - Instant Quote

170 Lanark Rd W, Currie EH14 5NY Give your car the care it deserves and have it maintained by our fully qualified technicians in our fully equipped workshop where all services and repairs are carried out using quality parts & lubricants

Cars Bought For Instant Payment TODAY Quality Hand Picked Used Car Sales Finance Available

Air con servicing available - BOOK NOW! Fixed price servicing

MOTâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, diagnostics, recovery, valeting & all mechanical repairs.

0131 449 5751

info@hopescott.co.uk â&#x20AC;˘ www.hopescott.co.uk KONECT

Buster the Dog

Alistair Taylor

• • • •

BVMS MRCVS www.pentlandvetclinic.com 100% Small animal practice Modern surgical, medical, x-ray laboratory and dental facilities Boarding cattery available 24 hour Emergency Service

0131 451 5111

5 Riccarton Mains Rd, Currie, EH14 5PX

We cover areas such as: Balerno, Currie, Baberton, Kingsknowe, Juniper Green, Spylaw and Slateford. 0131 449 3481 / 07760 396 556 E: christine.cooper@talktalk.net W: www.togetherfurever.co.uk

Christine Cooper

90 Crosswood Crescent Balerno, EH14 7HS

“YOUR PETS HAPPINESS IS MY TOP PRIORITY”

Jack Watson JOINERY RELIABLE EXPERIENCED LOCAL JOINER NO JOB TOO SMALL CALL FOR A QUOTE

Tel: 0131 449 3730 Mob: 07711916317

Email jackwatson30@gmail.com

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Claylands Cottage Cattery ...for contented cats

Established in May 2006, we provide first-class holiday accommodation for up to 35 feline guests. Single and double cabins, as well as large cabins for families, each comprises an upper sleeping area (heated in winter) with an exercise run below. A collection and drop-off service is available Fully licensed and insured

Proprietors: Pam and Bill Clark Phone: 0131 333 1636 Email: mail@claylandscottagecattery.co.uk Off Claylands Road, Newbridge, EH28 8LZ Conveniently situated near the airport.

www.claylandscottagecattery.co.uk KONECT

DOG DAYCARE & HOME BOARDING

Tel: 07807 856 940

• Quality Dog Walking/Daycare • Home boarding in our country farmhouse • Experienced & knowledgeable dog handler • Professional service • Disclosure Scotland and insured • Trustworthy & reliable • Exercised on 7 acres of secure private land

HAPPY SCAMPERS

1 Humbie Holdings Kirknewton, EH27 8DS

www.happyscampers.co.uk 43

Spotlight on...

Garden Design on a Budget By Guy Taylor, Evergreen Balerno

If you want your garden to look fantastic but you’re on a tight budget don’t panic. With smart use of space and choice of materials you can keep costs affordable and create a new garden that will leave neighbours in awe. It sounds obvious, but one of the biggest factors is going with the design that involves the least amount of work and thus time and cost. Try and avoid any large excavation work as that is when the cost can dramatically increase. Instead go with the natural shape of your garden and design/build around it.

Have several options in mind - a simple sketch to illustrate them helps make it clear to everybody what you want.

ahead. It sounds simple, but have an 3 Plan idea of what you would like done and have a budget in mind. Verbalise this to your landscaper and if they’re good they will come up with solutions to keep you within budget and give you a finished piece that is close to what you want rather than simply not carrying out the work.

It’s the materials that cost money. By cleverly selecting certain materials and

spending in prime positions you can save money. Large patio areas can become very expensive because of the paving slabs you select. We suggest having a variety to make the garden interesting and unique, for instance by selecting a combination of gravel and slabs you could save yourself a small fortune and come out of it with a design that looks better than simply laying slabs on the whole area. Instead of picking a particular paving slab and being totally set on it, ask for something “similar to it” and your landscaper will find you the best deal. Building suppliers all sell similar materials and they tend to have deals on, so by shopping around you really could make that garden of your dreams very realistic. Including borders with plant features and cobbles could save you hundreds of pounds instantly and break up the monotony of simply having a large patio area.

Bark mulch is a favourite for our clients and has several advantages for somebody wanting to change large areas for far less. It has several advantages such as being a good weed supressor and breaks down naturally.

If you would like a free initial consultation for you garden renovation in person simply contact me Guy Taylor from Evergreen Balerno and refer to our advert in Konect.

CLEANING & MAINTENANCE Tel: 0131 334 2080 Mob: 07768 632867 Ask for Kerr Middleton Rhone cleaning & repairs - cast iron or plastic Roof repairs - tiles or slates Moss removal, pressure washing Free estimates & advice given Over 35 years experience

Kitchens supplied and fitted UPVC fascias and gutters Doors and Windows - wood/UPVC Built-in wardrobes â&#x20AC;˘ Misted d/g units replaced

All Joinery & Glazing Free estimates

0131 449 3714

e. robertmcneilljoiner@virginmedia.com

S & D Fences Either new builds or repairs Highly competetive rates Reliable and experienced

Call Derek 07725 417276 or email: dal05@btinternet.com 46

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D.GREAVES LANDSCAPE GARDENERS

Kirknewton

No obligation FREE QUOTES Local Business

Fencing • Decking • Removals Regular Garden Maintenance • Garden Design • Clearance and more.... Call Dan now on: 07970 700192 dgreaves@hotmail.com

Tag Cleaning Services Local window and gutter cleaning service

Established over 30 years Free quotations on request Tel : 0131 449 2807 (Office) Neil : 07711 581 384 (Mob) www.TagCleaningServices.co.uk

Max's Garage Doors Ltd Garage Doors Electric Motors UPVC Side Doors

For all Installations repairs and services

Tel. 07821 984 978

info@maxsgaragedoors.co.uk 10 Years Experience

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Boiler Repair Boiler Service Boiler Replacement Full Central Heating Installation Gas Safety Certificates PAT - Portable Appliance Testing Boiler Service Contracts Power Flushing

0131 564 0940

info@lsheating.com www.lsheating.com

Gutters can accu mostly leaves an which will inevit overflow. This i your roof becau gutter can get u and begin to rot roofing in your h

ARE YOU FED UP WITH YOUR DIRTY DRIVEWAY AND PATIO? WE HAVE THE ANSWER FOR YOU

The STRATA System for total paving cleaning

Deep Cleaning Rotary System to remove the dirt and contaminated sand to a depth of 10mm We only use professional specialist paving cleaning equipment and fully trained staff in the Strata system

We help with cl

We help with cleaning of: ∏ ∏ ∏ ∏

Gutter ∏ Conservatories Solar Panels ∏ UPVC Caravan Exterior Driveway ∏ Patio

Strata Cleaning Tel: 01324 712484 Mobile: 07732 291477 sales@strata-cleaning.co.uk

∏ ∏ ∏ ∏ On-Board camera system ensures operative leaves nothing behind

STRATA ensuring rainwater flows freely from your gutters

Gutter ∏ Con Solar Panels Caravan Exter Driveway ∏ P

Strata Clean

Tel: 01324 7124 sales@strata-cle

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0131 477 1167 Fully stocked & fully trained professional Locksmiths 24 hours a day www.1stcall-locksmiths.com

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GraemeAd 45X62.ai

25/02/2013

16:40

kitchens, flooring, doors, decking, fencing locks etc

Please call Graeme on 07816 294994 for a FREE ESTIMATE.

CMY

Balerno

6-10 Glasgow Road, Bathgate, EH48 2AA sales@1stchoiceliving.co.uk www.1stchoiceliving.co.uk

Simply Electrical

For all jobs, big or small just SIMPLY call!

Darren Wemyss

Electrician P.A.T. Testing e: simplyelectrical@contractor.net

t: 07563 548348

Look on facebook page for deals of the week! www.facebook.com/SimplyElectricalElectrician

WEIR GAS SERVICES Former Scottish Gas engineer

Tel:

07981 366 988

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

Alexander Aitken Plastering 51 Dolphin Rd, Currie Call Sandy

07966 695595

Plaster work, rough casting, ceramic tiling & general maintenance 50

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146 Turnhouse Rd, Corstorphine

Specialists in

Home Extensions & Brick Stone work Extensions Sunrooms Garages (conversions) Porches Renovations/alterations Chimney repairs Patio/driveways Garden walls Stonework/lime pointing Architect services

All aspects of building work undertaken including bricklaying, stonework lime pointing, extensions, driveways and garden walls.

All trades supplied ALL WORK IS GUARANTEED

0131 453 6259 07931 101 523

www.deanjonesbuildingservices.co.uk KONECT

PUZZLES

CROSSWORD Solution in the September edition of konect

Across 1 Make a choice (6) 4 Railings (6) 9 Enlarged (7) 10 Headgear (5) 11 Home planet (5) 12 Citrus fruits (7) 13 Rural area (11) 18 Leaving (7) 20 Answer (5) 22 Devoured (5) 23 Closest (7) 24 Withstand (6) 25 Narrow river (6) Down 1 Remove doubt (6) 2 Singing group (5) 3 Sea mammal (7) 5 Surplus (5) 6 Altered (7) 7 Scarce (6) 8 Supporting (11) 14 Not included (7) 15 Butler or maid (7) 16 Remove (6) 17 Scheme (6) 19 Not outer (5) 21 Portion (5)

SUDOKU Sudoku solution on page 69

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EH1 CONTRACTS ROOFING & BUILDING CONTRACTOR LOCAL FAMILY RUN BUSINESS Flat Roofing All Enquiries Freephone Traditional Slating & Tiling 0800 043 6068 Guttering- Cast iron & uPVC www.eh1contractsscotland.com Harling & Roughcasting murray.thomson@eh1contracts.info All Building Work Undertaken All Works Fully Guaranteed

Approved hedgehog installer. No more gutter cleaning

Juniper Green, EH14 5DZ

EDINBURGH

0131 621 0026 07899 279 057

a family run business for over 30 years

www.edinburghpavingcompany.co.uk

PAVING COMPANY

10%

OAP

OFF

Discounts

Driveways Paths & Patios Lanscaping Turfing Decking

Paving in August

Fencing Slabbing Drainage Tree work Pressure cleaning

Free estimates ● All work guaranteed ● No deposit See testimonials on our website KONECT

Laminate flooring - supply and fitting available Kitchen installations - FREE estimates Decking | Fencing | Driveways

CALL US ON: 07532 187 467

To be included please call Jenny on 07824 469266 e: jenny@konectdirectory.co.uk or Charlene on 07772 941899 e: charlene@konectdirectory.co.uk

Double Glazing Doctor Four Seasons Scotland Limited

The Lothians finest... • If we can’t fix it - it can’t be fixed. • Does your conservatory leak? • Do you have broken locks, hinges handles? • Are your sealed units misted or broken? • Is your original supplier no longer in business or just won’t honour your existing guarantee?

Don’t panic. Call the Good Doctor now and get a clean bill of health! Keep your existing windows & upgrade to our energy saving glass.

Your Local Home Improvement Company.

four seasons

The Conservatory Complex and Innovation Studio: Riccarton Garden Centre, Riccarton Mains Rd, Currie Mon - Fri 10am - 4pm, Sat - Sun 11am - 4pm.

0131 449 7000 (24/7)

Scotland Limited

Orangeries+Extensions+Roofline+Kitchens+Repairs

+ W i n d o w s + D o o r s + G a r a g e D o o r s + C o n s e r v a t o r i e s + S u n r o o m s +

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Fairmile Roofing

.com

Traditional & Heritage Roofing Specialists

Call Now For A Free Photographic Report & Estimate

0131 445 7787

“Going the extra mile”

Fairmile Roofing

.com

Office: 108/9 Biggar Road, Fairmilehead, EH10 7DU

LANDSCAPING CENTRE

0131 6035300

OVER 20 YEARS EXPERIENCE

Eastfield Drive Eastfield Ind. Est. Penicuik, EH26 8BA

For all your Mono Block, Slabs, UPVC Decking, Fencing, Artificial Grass, Decorative Gravel & much more

FREE

DELIVERY DIRECT TO YOUR HOME IN THE LOTHIANS AREA

For a FREE quote email: penicuik@beatsons.co.uk

www.beatsons.co.uk KONECT

medium advert

Curtains and Blinds

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impact

To be included please call Jenny on 07824 469266 e: jenny@konectdirectory.co.uk or Charlene on 07772 941899 e: charlene@konectdirectory.co.uk

Free ‘At Home’ Service Beautiful Selection Expert Fitting Visit our showroom in Morningside Broken Tracks? We fix and replace these too

CALL US NOW: 0131 447 3135

6–10 Church Hill Place, Edinburgh. EH10 4BD

www.james-erskine.co.uk

GET 3 CARPETS THOROUGHLY DEEP CLEANED FOR THE PRICE OF 2 FREE no tion obliga s quote

All work is 100% guarante e for yo d satisfac ur tion

• Carpet & Rug Cleaning • Upholstery Cleaning • Leather Cleaning & Repair • Stain Protection • Stone Floor Cleaning

Tel: 08000 463 422 Mob: 07789 007 072 www.hydrokleenscotland.co.uk Email: info@hydrokleenscotland.co.uk 56

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DELL ROOFING Currie Established 22 years

● 24 HOUR CALL OUT ● FREE ESTIMATES ● INSURANCE WORK UNDERTAKEN ● MAINTENANCE WORK WELCOME ● FELT ROOF WORK ● POINTING ● SLATING &TILING ● CHIMNEYS AND GUTTERS

Over 16 years experience All work guaranteed

CCTV (Home and Commercial)

0131 449 7193 or 07594 355109 www.dellroofing.co.uk

Telephone Engineer New sockets fitted for phone, internet or sky TV Repair to internal phone and broadband faults Removal of unsightly old wiring and sockets

I can supply and install Easy to use big button voice amplified hearing aid compatable phones with hands free calling. Loud audio phone ringers with flashing indicators

Free estimates – no call out charge Contact John McGraw Tel:

0131 555 1314

Mobile: 0777 192 7796 Email: jmcgraw@quikmail.co.uk www.jmcgrawengineering.co.uk KONECT

Recipes from Hopetoun Farm Shop

Lady hopetoun’s Great Aunt Joan’s Ice Cream

Every summer we spent a week or two in Sandwich, Kent with my father’s twice widowed aunt. Aunt Joan was an incredible caterer and had people to stay throughout the summer, her beach picnics were legendary, but her teas in a little Summer House at the end of her garden were incredibly special, with everything a child could possibly ask for, including ice cream. I still use this recipe regularly; it could not be easier and scoops perfectly straight from the deep freeze. Ingredients 1 lb strawberries, raspberries or blackberries 8 oz icing sugar, sifted 1/2 pint double cream, lightly whipped Method: Puree the fruit in a mixer and then push through a sieve to remove any annoying pips. Gradually stir in the icing sugar, and then finally the cream. Put the mixture into the deep freezer and serve once set.

LADY HOPETOUN’S ICE CREAM

This is a recipe that I remember well from my childhood holidays in Australia. My grandmother always had some of this in the deep freezer, but it was originally her motherin-law’s recipe so it pre-dates the Second World War. It is best cut into blocks, not scooped, and has a wonderfully old fashioned flavour. Ingredients 1 pint thick cream 1/2 tin condensed milk 1/2 pint milk 2 tbsp. golden syrup Method: Beat all the ingredients together until the mixture is thick but not whipped. Place in a shallow rectangular dish in the freezer. Once set cut into blocks to serve. Hopetoun Farm Shop, Hopetoun Woods, Newton, EH52 6QZ Tel: 01506 830716. www.hopetounfarmshop.co.uk

Xmas bookings now being taken

Bar Meals 12 - 3 daily Evening meals 5 - 9:30 Music 2nd Aug - Andy Chung 16th Aug - Mak-a-Din 4-7.30pm 23rd Aug - Andy Chung 29th Aug - David Fettes 4-7.30pm

Wed-Sun 5pm-9.30pm

Malt of the Month Monkey Shoulder

0131 629 2126 07872 300202

Lothians Pub Of The Year Runner-up 2015 4 years in a row

0131 449 2888

www.greyhorsebalerno.com

20 Main Street, Balerno, EH14 7EH 58

0131 629 2126 Restaurant and Takeaway

Deliveries now available 20 Main Street, Balerno, EH14 7EH

www.paulschineseexpress.co.uk KONECT

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Interiors feature

Why a Sunroom is the new Man-C ave or She-Shed by ecko

What most of us already believed has now most definitely been confirmed Britain is full of eccentrics. Channel 4’s Amazing Spaces, Shed of the Year programme has treated us to a budding pirate with a Caribbean hideaway at the bottom of his garden that is not so much Captain Kidd than Captain Big Kid. Then there’s the closet train driver - I say closet because his shed on train tracks is just about big enough to hang a steam engine driver’s overalls in and no more. However, throughout this wonderfully entertaining series the common message was clear - we all need a space to call our own; a place we can escape to for some reflective time and relaxation. While a shed may be a great option for a hideaway it does have its limitations not least in terms of size. However, for those looking for an additional room which offers versatility we’ve found the perfect solution - cue the sunroom. So what exactly is a sunroom and why should I choose one rather than say, a conservatory? Here are the main reasons from EKCO why a sunroom is the perfect alternative. The first difference is in the structure itself. A conservatory tends to be made mostly from glass

including the roof. This can cause issues with over-heating in the summer and a lack of warmth in the colder months. A sunroom on the other hand is more of a traditional room structure with solid walls and a solid roof. There is also the option to have one, two or even three walls replaced with traditional sliding doors or even bi-fold doors which are fully extendable. The roof will always be of a solid structure however, although it can be enhanced even further by adding a cupola. A conservatory is generally used either as a dining room or lounge but a sunroom is much more adaptable depending on what you need the extra space for. Yes it can be a man-cave or a she-shed if that’s what you want but it can also be a brand new dining kitchen, bedroom or even a gym. For that added touch of luxury a sunroom can even be used to house a pool, hot tub or sauna – branches and snow not included! Finally how many of us would love to work from home thus avoiding the dreaded commute but need a completely separate space away from domestic life? A sunroom is the perfect solution. You can have the best of both worlds and if you usually enjoy a Friday drink in a bar near the office you can do what many people on Shed of the Year have done by converting your shed into a pub. Although you may then see rather more of the neighbours than you’d bargained for.

KITCHENS | BATHROOMS | BIFOLD DOORS | SUNROOMS

Many ideas, one solution At EKCO we’ve been supplying and installing top quality Pronorm German-built kitchens and bathrooms since 1999. We’re also one of Scotland’s top suppliers of Origin bi-fold doors which are designed to open fully and allow more fresh air into your home. And, if you need some extra space or simply a place to relax and unwind then we can create that lifestyle sunroom you have always dreamed of.

TO FIND OUT HOW WE CAN MAKE YOUR IDEAS COME TO LIFE CALL OUR DESIGN TEAM ON

01506 857 007 www.ekco.co.uk EDINBURGH 0131 343 6007 Abbeyhill Industrial Estate EH8 8HL

DALGETY BAY 01383 667 048 Western Approach Rd KY11 9XP

UPHALL 01506 857 007 54 West Main Street EH52 5DW

1. Leatherman Charge multi-tool 2. Unbranded MiFi wireless adapter for 4G/3G phones 3. Microsoft Office 365 for University 4. TDK wireless speakers

TECHNOLOGY

Top Tech for University The tools and tech that will make uni life better

University is a time for studying, socialising and watching cult movies, and gadgets play a crucial part in all of those activities. So what technology should you be packing? A laptop or a tablet is essential, and now that Windows 10 is available there are stacks of great laptops at rock-bottom prices. Most of the market is concentrated in the sub-£300 price range, but if you can afford to spend a little bit more you’ll be rewarded with better screens, more storage and smoother processors - all of which come in handy for both work and play. Don’t forget about a printer, too, but make sure you look into the cost of cartridges: an inkjet printer that costs £30 might cost twice as much to run in cartridge refills as a printer costing just a little bit more. You’ll need software. Microsoft Office is the standard, although some courses may require specialist software such as statistical analysis software. If it’s Office, though, the Office 365 for University deal is superb value for money: It’s £59.99 for a four-year subscription that covers 2 PCs, Macs or tablets, including iPads and Android devices. It also offers 1TB of online storage. If you don’t go for Office, it’s still worth looking at Microsoft’s free OneNote program, which is available for PCs and Macs, iPads, iPhones and Android and which is a truly superb note-taking application. Apps can be great for non-uni things too: we love Paprika for storing recipes, Readly for magazines and Spotify or Apple Music for tunes.

A few low-tech devices are smart buys too. A simple carbon monoxide detector can be a genuine lifesaver, especially in rented accommodation where landlords don’t always carry out the checks and maintenance they should. A Leatherman multi-tool or one of its many imitators is great too, offering pliers, wire cutters, files, screwdrivers, bottle openers and can openers in a single device. One important issue for students is internet access. If it’s available in your flat or halls of residence, great, but if it isn’t you might be better off with mobile broadband rather than messing around with the hassle of fixed-line broadband connections with their minimum contracts. Three’s MiFi device is a little box that connects to the phone network and offers a wireless connection for phones, tablets and computers. Prices start at £10.87 per month and the devices work anywhere with 4G data coverage, which means most big towns and cities. Another wireless item to consider is a wireless speaker. The best ones use Bluetooth to connect to computers, phones or tablets, and if you avoid the very low end of the market you can get surprisingly good sound for surprisingly little money. Decent wireless speakers start at around £200, although it’s possible to spend much more. Unless you’re feeling flush and you’re really into music, though, there’s no real need to do that. Last but not least, there’s the smartphone. In the unlikely event that you don’t already have one, a decent Android phone such as the Motorola Moto G costs less than £150. Don’t forget to program your mum’s number into the speed dial and create a wallpaper that says CALL YOUR MOTHER...

KONECT

Talk in a relaxed way about school, including the routine of the day and any homework time after school. Let the children air any worries they have over the new term. Reassure them that everyone wants the best for them and that problems can be sorted out over time. Get back into a routine about bedtimes and getting up in the morning about a week before the term starts. Buy a family organiser with columns for each person in the family. Then everyone can see how family life fits together.

Getting ready for going back to school

Aim to get school clothing out the night before, and bags packed by the door. (Always good to aspire to this!)

by Pat Banfill

Find time to talk to teachers and support staff in the first week of the new term and work out the best way for them to contact you.

Get everything ready and named in advance, uniform, clothing, bags, lunchbox etc. For some children it is best to hide them away until needed, for other it is reassuring for them to see them.

Stay Active in Autumn with Cycling During the autumn the weather lends itself well to cycling and with the new school term approaching why not keep the bikes out a bit longer and make the most of it before winter returns? EasyGo Electric Bikes (www. easygoebikes.com) offers electric bike hire in West Lothian which is a great alternative as they can be used with varying levels of pedal assistance. West Lothian has plenty routes for beginners. The scenery is great and cycling can be combined with a visit to the many attractions including Almond Valley Heritage Centre, Five Sisters Zoo and Scottish Owl Centre, not forgetting our three country parks. Cruising along the Union Canal tow path is ideal for those looking for a flat traffic-free option.

Build in some time for yourself. School holidays can be tiring and settling in can be draining, so give yourself some space and don’t arrange to be too busy in the first couple of weeks. Pat Banfill, Pastoral Assistant, St Mungo’s Church Balerno. www.stmungos.org

The Union Canal meanders through West Lothian taking in historic Linlithgow – ideal for a café stop and the spectacular Avon and Almond Aqueducts. National Cycle routes 75 and 76 traverse West Lothian. Route 75 (which links Glasgow and Edinburgh) includes a lengthy cycling path from East Calder, through Livingston, Bathgate and Armadale. There are numerous points of interest and refreshment stops along Route 75 including at Almond Valley Heritage Centre, Bathgate and Livingston town centres. For the more seasoned road cyclist, there are an infinite number of route options in West Lothian incorporating a variety of terrain from long drags and shorter, steeper climbs, flatter terrain to the east of West Lothian around Kirkliston, and of course some leg testers in the “Bathgate Alps”.

Are you a tourism related business or Food and Drink outlet interested in the benefits of membership of Visit West Lothian then contact T: 01506 283 090 / E: visitwestlothian@westlothian.gov.uk. For more information about all the great things to see and do in West Lothian please visit www.visitwestlothian. co.uk, facebook.com/VisitWestLothian or twitter.com/teamwestlothian KONECT

WHAT’S ON

Saturday 5th September

and Useful Information

Currie Fair 12.30-4pm at Pentland View Park. Get in touch if you would like to have a stall, or if you or your group have some talent and want to be on our stage or if you are keen to help organise the event. patricialumsden@yahoo.co.uk 07810 013172.

Children’s Summer Events at the Water Of Leith Visitor Centre All events cost £4 per child (accompanying adult free) & start at 2.00pm until 3.30pm ish. Booking essential, please contact 0131 455 7367 admin@waterofleith.org.uk Tuesday 4th August - Summer Wilderness Survival Skills: Water, Food, Shelter and Fire are the keys to survival, learn new skills from our ‘wild’ women. Thursday 6th August - River Dipping Tuesday 11th August - Wood Craft: A Tree-mendous event where we get creative with timber and discover the wonderful world of woodlands.

To include your event here, please email editor@konectdirectory.co.uk or call 07854 492638.

library information Balerno Library 1 Main Street, Balerno, EH14 7EQ T: 0131 529 5500 E: balerno.library@edinburgh.gov.uk Opening times: Mon & Wed: 1- 8pm | Tues & Fri: 10am -5pm | Saturday: 10am-2pm. Currie Library 210 Lanark Road West, Currie EH14 5NX T: 0131 529 5609 E: currie.library@edinburgh.gov.uk Opening times: Mon & Wed: 1- 8pm | Tues, Thurs & Fri: 10am-5pm | Saturday: 10am-5pm. Ratho Library

Saturday 8th August Balerno Farmers’ Market Main Street (pedestrianised), Balerno, 9am – 1pm. Balerno Music Festival tickets will be on sale at the Farmers’ Market. Saturday 29th August Currie Horticultural Society Annual Show Balerno High School, 1 30pm - 4 00pm. Competitions for flowers, fruit, veggies. Handcrafts etc. can be viewed on the website www.currieshow.org. Entry £2 Saturday 29th August Juniper Green Farmer’s Market Juniper Green Village Hall, Juniper Park Road at the end of Baberton Avenue. 9am – 1pm. Sunday 30th August The Mills of Water of Leith, a guided walk Currie to Colinton Meet at the Kirkgate in Currie and walk to Spylaw Park in Colinton, discovering the relics of the river’s industrial past. £4 (members £2) Booking essential, please contact Water of Leith Visitor Centre on 0131 455 7367 or admin@waterofleith.org.uk. Meet at 2.00pm at the Kirkgate in Currie and finish at Spylaw Park in Colinton.

6 School Wynd, Ratho EH28 8TT T: 0131 333 5297 E: ratho.library@edinburgh.gov.uk Find us on Facebook, Ratho library. Opening times: Mon & Wed 1-8pm | Tues, Thurs & Fri 10am-5pm | Sat 10am-5pm. Regular events at Ratho Library (for fortnightly and monthly events please contact the library for this month’s dates): Mon: Knit and Natter, weekly 2 to 4pm Chatter Books, for 8 to 12 year olds 3.45 to 4.45pm (first Monday of the month) Wed: Glitz Lit Girls, P6 to S2 weekly 6 to 6.45pm Duke of Edinburgh, weekly 14+ 6.45 to 7.30pm Thur: Book and a Blether, adults. Book chat and coffee. Fortnightly Bookbug, weekly 0 to 4 years, 10.15 to 11am Fri: Library Link, fortnightly, 10.30 to 12.00 Tiger Tales, crafts and stories 4 to 8 years + parents. Fortnightly Sat: Children’s Craft Club, fortnightly 2 to 2.45pm. Craft and Chat Adults Club, bring your own project. Fortnightly 3 to 4.30pm Bookbugs Bookbug delivers free story, song and rhyme sessions for babies, toddlers and pre-school children in local libraries, working in partnership with the Scottish Book Trust.

KONECT

Summer Tours of Kirk of Calder A hidden gem in West Lothian, the Kirk of Calder in Mid Calder is open free of charge to visitors from May to September, 2 - 4 oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;clock. Guided tours are available, although visitors are free to look around on their own or simply enjoy the peace and tranquillity. Kirk of Calder on Main Street, Mid Calder was built in 1541 replacing an earlier 12th century church; a stone Celtic cross from the original building and carved circa 1160 can be seen in the present church. The reformer John Knox is believed to have preached both inside and outside the Church, James Paraffin Young and his family were regular attendees and the composer Fredrick Chopin is known to have visited. The interior of Kirk of Calder is a stunning mix of pre reformation and Victorian architecture and the skills of a number of stone masons over the years is evident. A number of memorials to the Sandiland family illustrate the long association the Lords Torphichen have had with the Church. The Church has links to the Robert the Bruce, Mary Queen of Scots, the Covananters and Witch Trials. Kirk of Calder has a number of striking stain glass windows depicting a variety of biblical scenes and considered to be of the highest quality, two sets were gifted the family of Paraffin Young.

ing servhes w No lunc

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Open Daily

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Pentlands MSP - ADVICE SURGERIES Wester Hailes Library

1st Monday of the Month at 6.30pm

Carrickvale Community Centre

2nd Monday of the Month at 6.30pm

Currie Library

3rd Monday of the Month at 6.30pm

Pentland Community Centre

4th Monday of the Month at 6.30pm

Ratho Community Centre

5th Monday of the Month at 6.30pm

See details @ www.gordonmacdonaldmsp.info 66

KONECT

clubs & classes

Sports, Hobbies, Learning, Support Groups & more... BABERTON 172nd Pentland Scouts (Baberton)

BALERNO Wildfire Explorer Scouts Meet in Balerno High School. Fridays 7.15 - 9.15pm. 14 – 18yrs. Contact: Gordon Simpson 0131 477 3116. Email leaders@wildfire-explorers.org.uk

DadZone At St Mungo’s Church, Ladycroft. Saturdays 9 -10.30am for Dads and male carers and their 0-4 year olds. Toys crafts, refreshments. Dates for 2015: 29th August, 12th September, 17th October, 31st October, 28th November and 12th December. All welcome. For more info email balernodadzone@gmail.com or search Facebook for the online group.

Balerno Monday Club Non-denominational club for over 55s. Our meetings are held in St Joseph’s Centre at Balerno Parish Church at 2pm on the first and third Mondays of the month from September to May. Different speakers, activities and outings each session, please contact the Club for syllabus details.

Balerno Footsteps 4 Fitness Mondays 10am at Balerno High School Riverside Café Alternative Thursdays 10am at Balerno High School Riverside Café Alternative Fridays 10am at Balerno Parish Church Hall Contact 0131 477 7733. www.bf4f.org.uk

Adult daytime swim club Balerno High School Contact Balerno Community Education Office on 0131 477 7733 for more info.

Pentland Art Club Meet at Balerno High School Art Room Every Thursday 7.30 - 9.30pm Demonstrations, speakers, work evenings; All mediums; New members welcome. Please contact E Thomson on 0131 333 4662.

Pentland Flower Club Drama Studio, Balerno High School First Friday of the month at 7pm (excluding January, February, July and August); Visitors and new members are always welcome. Contact Lis Daly on 0131 442 2146.

Children’s swim scheme Balerno High School Tues, Wed and Fri pm; Sat and Sun am. Contact Balerno Community Education Office 0131 477 7733 for more info.

Beginners Yoga Classes

Compass Playgroup

No experience needed (18+) - £6 per class Monday 8.30pm at Balerno Scout Hall Tuesday 8pm at Gibson Craig Hall, Lanark Road, Currie Wednesday 7.45pm at Forth View Crescent Scout Hall, Currie Monday 6pm at Juniper Green Village Hall Any questions please contact Monica on karmayoga@btinternet.com Tel: 07986 600432.

Dean Park Primary Pre-School Centre. 2-5 years, wide variety of activities. Mon to Thurs (school term time only) 9:00am - 11.45am. Lunch Club and Transfer Service to Dean Park Nursery. Call 0131 449 4530 (during opening hours) for more information or email info@compassplaygroup.com

Balerno Girls’ Brigade

Balerno Parish Church Hall 3 Johnsburn Road, Balerno, EH14 7DN. For children 0-5 years and their carers. Term-time Thursdays 9.30 - 11.30am.

Ogston Hall in Balerno Parish Church Tuesdays 6.30 - 7.30pm. Contact Marion Milne on 0131 449 4441 or email marion724@talktalk.net

51st Pentland Scouts (Balerno) Beavers, Cubs, Scouts Various evenings, Balerno Scout Hall. Contact John Henderson on 07941 637262

Currie Rugby Football Club Malleny Park Minis (P1-7) Sundays 10.30am - 12pm. Contact 0131 449 2432 www.currierugby.org

Pentland Caledonia Pipes and Drums Balerno Community Centre Every Friday 7pm-9.30pm. New members welcome. Free tuition on pipes or drums Phone 0131 4495133.

Balerno Village Nursery Balerno Community Centre Available 8am - 6pm, 5 days a week. Preschool play from age 2 years Breakfast / Afterschool Club up to 8 years. Full or part time childcare Call 0131 451 5756

Pilates Classes Balerno Parish Church - Mondays 7.30 - 8.30pm - Intermediate/Advanced 8.30 - 9.30pm - Beginners/Post Beginners Contact Judi on 07716 830905 or judithrintoulpilates@hotmail.com KONECT

Balerno Baby and Toddler Group

Balerno Parish Church Guild Balerno Parish Church New Hall First and third Wednesdays (commencing October) at 7.30pm Varied syllabus with many interesting speakers; Tea/coffee is served at the end of the meeting. New members and visitors warmly welcomed

Balerno Folk Club Held on the last Tuesday of each month in Balerno Bowling Club Doors open 8pm; Evening begins 8.20pm; Guest artist on stage at 8.30pm; Members and guests welcome. For further info contact Morag Dunbar on 0131 449 5014 or John Stirling on 0131 449 3456.

Balerno SWRI Balerno Community Centre 7.30pm First Tuesday of every month (except July & August). We usually have a speaker but we also have “in house” evenings; There is usually some business to be discussed and we enjoy a “cuppa” whilst chatting; New members or visitors welcome, just come along

Minis @St Mungo’s Group for babies and toddlers with their carers on term time. Tuesdays and Wednesdays 10 - 11.30am in St Mungo’s church building, Ladycroft, Balerno; All welcome. For more information see www.stmungos.org

clubs & classes

Please contact 0131 449 3510 or 0131 445 2945 for more info or email patricia.shearer@edinburgh.gov.uk

CURRIE

Currie & District Local History Society

Sarah’s Fitness Currie High School Cardio Dance Mix Mondays 6.30-7.15pm £4 per class. Kettle Class Mondays 7.15-8pm. £4.50 per class. Sarah’s fitness. Tel 07540 894287 or email sarahhardie@hotmail.co.uk

Chat’n’ Chill for S1-S6 Teenage Café Church Gibson Craig Hall, Lanark Road West Currie. Games, Café, Chat. Every second Friday 4-6 pm. Contact Viola on 07806 806920 for more info.

Currie Youth Club Various activities and facilities available including Gym Teds for childern Sound and Music room; Youth club facilities Sports hall Playgroup Lunch club and Football teams. See http://cyc.smartchange.org

Arts & Crafts Group Art Room 1, Currie Community High School Thursdays 7.15 - 9pm - from 18th September to 27th November (except 16th October). We are a small, friendly group (of all ages) and new members will be made very welcome. £35 for the 10-week term or £5 per session, if paid on the night. Fee covers all materials, equipment and refreshments. For more information please email: phoenixarts@hotmail.com or tel: 07934 495488.

Bridge Club Meetings in Gibson Craig Hall on Mondays at 1:30pm, September to June. For more information contact the Secretary on 0131 449 3527.

Coffee and Craft Currie High School, Sun Room Mon 7 - 9pm Bring your own craft and share your knowledge and experience with other crafters and perhaps learn something new. All welcome. £2.00 per night; Refreshments are included.

Air Cadets 2463 (Currie & Balerno) Squadron Forthview Crescent Mon and Thu 7-9.30pm. 0131 449 7449 for more info.

Currie Playgroup Currie Baptist Church Hall Preschool play from age 2 years Mon-Fri, 8.45 - 11.45am (term time) £6.50 per child per morning Wraparound and Lunch Club for children attending Currie Nursery Wrap around £5.00; Lunch club £2.00 See www.currieplaygroup.co.uk

42nd Pentland Scout Group Currie Forth View Crescent, Currie Cubs Monday 6.15 – 7.45pm. Call Andrew 07876567552. Scouts Monday 7.45 – 9.15pm. Call Ross 07729714445. Beavers Friday 6.30 – 7.30pm. Call Martin 07752182793. www.42ndpentland.scoutsites.org.uk

Currie SWRI Meet in the Gibson Craig Hall, Lanark Road West, Currie On the second Tuesday of each month (except July and August) at 7.15pm. New members and visitors welcome

Boys Brigade - 65th Edinburgh (Currie) Company Gibson Craig Hall, Lanark Road West Currie Anchors (Boys P2 & P3) - Thursday 6 - 7pm Juniors (Boys P4, P5 & P6) - Thursday 7 - 8.30pm Company/Seniors (Boys P7 - S6) - Friday 7 - 9.15pm For further info contact Jim Webber on 0131 451 5112

Messy Church at Currie Kirk Usually the last Friday of the month 2 - 3.30pm for children from Pram to Primary age, accompanied by an adult. Crafts, stories, games and fun. Please register through www.curriekirk.org or currie_kirk@btconnect.com Tel 0131 451 5141.

Currie Baby and Toddler Group Gibson Craig Hall Friday 9.30 - 11.30am (term time only). Adults £2.00; Kids go free Parents/Grandparents/Carers/Childminders are all very welcome; Snack provided for the kids and tea and coffee for the adults Loads of space to play

Balerno and District Ramblers Midweek Group meets on a Wednesday at Currie Library Car Park, Lanark Rd West 9.15am for 9.30am start. Contact K Gordon 0131 449 2534 or A Blyth 0131 629 3644. Saturday and Sunday Group meets at Pentland View Carpark, Currie, at 8.45am for 9am start. Contact E Scroggie on 0131 441 1666.

Book Group Currie Library First Wednesday of each month at 7.00pm.

Beginners Yoga Classes No experience needed (18+) - £6 per class Tuesday 8pm at Gibson Craig Hall, Lanark Road, Currie Wednesday 7.45pm at Forth View Crescent Scout Hall, Currie Monday 6pm at Juniper Green Village Hall Monday 8.30pm at Balerno Scout Hall Any questions please contact Monica, email: karmayoga@btinternet. com Tel: 07986 600432

Corner Cafe Book Club At the Corner Cafe, 120 Lanark Road West, Currie Meet 27th of every month at 7.45. Informal friendly group, all welcome, we read a mixture of classics and popular books. £3 per session.

JUNIPER GREEN

The Octagon Club

Pilates Classes

For Adults with Special Needs and Learning Difficulties Meets in Gibson Craig Hall, Lanark Road West, Currie, 7 - 9pm on Wednesday Evenings from mid September until June for table tennis, snooker, badminton, table games, “tuck shop” etc. Contact Alastair Hardie on 0131 453 3556

Juniper Green Parish Church - Thursdays 7.30 - 8.30pm - Post Beginners/Intermediate 8.30 - 9.30pm - Beginners class Contact Judi on 07716 830905 or judithrintoulpilates@hotmail.com

Baby Group Currie Library Thursdays 2.00 - 3.30pm Come along for an informal tea or coffee and chat with other parents and babies. 50p per week.

Karate Currie High School; Mondays 7.30 - 9pm Adults and Children over 6 years.

Meetings Mondays at 7.30 in the Gibson-Craig Hall in Currie Visitors welcome; For further information contact Douglas N Lowe on 0131 449 4349 or douglaslowe51@btinternet.com

Juniper Green Nursery Playgroup Juniper Green Community Centre (Village Hall) 1 Juniper Park Road EH14 5DX. Contact 07948 554889 or see website at www.junipergreenplaygroup.vpweb.co.uk

31st Pentland Scouts (Juniper Green) 45 Lanark Road West, Currie Beavers - Wed 6.30pm Cubs - Mon 7.00pm Cubs - Tues 6.30pm Scouts - Fri 7.00pm Contact - Mary Dick on 0131 449 7043 KONECT

Juniper Green SWRI

Daytime Pilates Classes

Juniper Green Community Centre (Village Hall) 1 Juniper Park Road EH14 5DX. Contact 0131 539 9886.

RATHO

Thursdays in Kirknewton Village Hall: 9.10am to 10.00am 10.10am to 11.00am for beginners For more details contact elise@ekpilates.co.uk. You’ll also find me on facebook.com/ekpilates.

Susan Douglas Pilates

NUstArt West Art Group

Ratho Community Centre Mon 5.55pm – 6.55pm. See www.douglaspilates.co.uk

WHALE Arts Agency, 30 Westburn Grove, EH14 2SA Fridays 10.30am – 1.30pm. Friendly and very supportive self-led art group would welcome new members, both male & female, to join them on Friday mornings. Bring your own paints & brushes, or make use of class materials. £4 per session, but note that weekly fees are due to help pay room rental costs even for a missed class. For further details phone 0131 453 5294, or join us one morning for coffee and a chat.

Ratho WRI Meet in Ratho Community Centre on second Wednesday of each month (except July & August) from 7pm to 9pm. New members and visitors welcome. Contact 0131 333 4862 for information.

Ratho Scouts, Cubs & Beavers Ratho Community Centre Beavers: Tuesdays 6.30pm - 7.30pm (age 6-8) Cubs: Fridays 7pm - 8.30pm (age 8-10.5) Scouts: 7pm - 8.45pm. (age 10.5 -14)

Ratho Ravers Ratho Community Centre Mon 10am-12pm. Exercising body and mind for the over fifties. £3 per class. For more information call the Community Centre on 0131 333 1055.

To include your club or class, email details to editor@konectdirectory.co.uk. Charity and not-for-profit groups are free, there is a small charge for other listings. See our website for details. www.konectdirectory.co.uk

Solution to July Crossword Across: 1 Robots, 4 Tennis, 9 Grandma, 10 Twice, 11 Audio, 12 Thawing, 13 Unnecessary, 18 Cobwebs, 20 Later, 22 Ruler, 23 Imitate, 24 Desire, 25 Agreed. Down: 1 Ragtag, 2 Bland, 3 Tadpole, 5 Extra, 6 Noisier, 7 Sledge, 8 Partnership,14 Nibbles, 15 Solving, 16 Scared, 17 Friend, 19 Error, 21 Tease.

Parent & Toddlers Group Community Centre Tues and Thurs 10am-12noon. Under 3s. Members 50p, non members £1. For more information call the Community Centre on 0131 333 1055.

Art Club Ratho Community Centre Tues 7-9pm. Adult Multimedia Club. Members 50p, non members £1. For more information call the Community Centre on 0131 333 1055.

50 Plus Group Varied programme of activities/outings New members welcome – meet fortnightly at Ratho Community Centre. Members 50p, non-members £1. For more information call the Community Centre on 0131 333 1055

Solution to Sudoku Page 52

Scouts All meet at the Community Centre, meeting times are as follows: Beavers: Tuesdays 6.30pm - 7.30pm (age 6-8) Cubs: Fridays 7pm - 8.30pm (age 8-10.5) Scouts: 7pm - 8.45pm. (age 10.5-14)

OTHER AREAS Potter Around Art and craft studio at Overton Farm, Kirknewton EH27 8DD Drop in anytime for ceramic painting and decopatch or have fun playing with clay. Book both adults and children’s parties in a wide range of arts and crafts. Open the first Tuesday of each month for those who prefer evening. Book into one of our many workshops including candle making, potter’s wheel, felting, jewellery and glass fusion. Regular classes include oil painting for both adults and children and our Kids Art Club on a Friday afternoon as well as the Warhammer Club on a Saturday afternoon. We take commission for painted pottery and artwork and we have a gift shop selling hand made items from jewellery through to art. Look out for our summer workshops running for children through the holidays. For more information call 01506 238961, email chat@potteraround. co.uk . www.potteraround.co.uk www.facebook.com/PotterAround

Irish Dancing St. Nicholas Church, Calder Road, Sighthill New children’s class for ages 4 and upwards on Wednesdays from 5.30pm to 6.30pm. First class is FREE then £4 per class. Contact Audrey on 07952 159227 to register. Children’s classes also in Leith and Wynchburgh. Adults classes in Edinburgh and Broxburn.

KONECT

Whilst every care is taken to ensure accuracy, the publisher cannot accept responsibility for loss, damage or omission caused by error in the printing of an advertisement.The Konect Directory does not endorse any advertising material that appears in this publication. Adverts are accepted on the understanding that descriptions of goods and services are fair and accurate. All material is accepted for publication on the understanding that it is copyright free.The Konect Directory accepts no liability for any subsequent copyright issues. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the prior consent of the publisher. Publisher: Lothian Publications Ltd, Overton Farmhouse, Kirknewton, EH27 8DD. Editor: Helen-Jane Shearer, 07854 492638, hj@konectdirectory.co.uk

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS Aerials Aerial Man Kinnear Aerials Appliance Repair Appliances of Edinburgh Bathrooms 1st Choice Living Ekco Ken Dunton Splash Bathrooms Beauty Beauty Box Juniper Beauty Room Builder Almond Building Company Dean Jones Building Services Cafe/Tearoom Jupiter Cafe Milk Molly’s Cake Maker Molly’s Car Bodywork Bodyshop Edinburgh Car Sales Colin Nixon Hermiston Motors Hope Scott Garage Juniper Green Garage Peoples Ford Car Service & Repair Autocare Solutions Balerno Garage Chips Away Colin Nixon Hermiston Motors Hope Scott Garage Ratho Auto Services Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning Aquatec C and W Cleaning Services Hydro Kleen Scotland James Burnett Carpet Cleaning Catering Food Creations Charity British Heart Foundation Children’s Activities /Entertainment The Bees Knees Playgroup Children’s Nursery Balerno Village Nursery Chiropody/Podiatry Pentland Footcare Chiropractor ABC Chiropractic Cleaning Services Call Alfred Ltd Cleaning and Maintenance Cleaning Doctor Daily Poppins Strata Cleaning Limited Complementary Therapies Access 2 Balance Computer Services Simply Fix It Craft Shop & Classes Coo Creations Dentist Balerno Dental Care Currie Dental Care No 9 Dental Double Glazing Repair Double Glazing Doctor Double Glazing Repairs

57 34 10 50 61 49 35 21 22 50 51 59 65 65 14 2 37 41 40 15 14 39 39 2 37 41 40 30 30 56 6 4 66 5 65 21 23 27 46 4 57 48 23 33 19 22 20 21 54 48

Dressmaking/Alterations Coo Creations Electrician A&A Electrical Altech Electrical Simply Electrical Spark Electrical Solutions Sykes Electrical Fencing/Gates S & D Fences Financial Services Personal Money Management Fitness Classes Centre for Sport and Exercise Florist Flowers by Jak Vicky’s Flowers Funeral Director Porteous Funeral Directors William Purves Furniture & Furnishings Grove Bedding Garage Doors Max’s Garage Doors Ltd Garden & Landscaping Beatson’s Capital Garden Services CS Gardening D Greaves Evergreen Gardening Services Ladies Who Garden SG Landscapes Glazier R McNeill Joiner & Glazer Golf Club Baberton Golf Club Hairdresser Hairtech Head Quarters Tony Harper Hairdressers Health/Fitness KM Fitness Heating Services L & S Heating Home Help Balerno Caring Agency Homes for Sale Miller Homes Insurance NFU Mutual Ironing Services Ironing Aid Joiner Adriatik Sula GK Wilson Joiner Jack Watson Joiner R McNeill Joiner & Glazer Kitchens Ekco Ian Merriman Ltd Ken Dunton S & S Home Improvements Locksmith 1st Call Locksmith Caledonian Locksmith Mobility Ableworld Med-Ecosse MSP/MP Gordon Macdonald MSP Optician Clear Vue Optical Oven Cleaner The Clean Team

19 6 35 50 10 51 46 38 20 19 19 17 11 31 47 55 46 49 47 45 5 6 46 27 21 23 20 24 48 24 7 32 19 35 50 42 46 61 35 49 71 49 24 25 36 66 5 30

Painter/Decorator ACM Decorating Alistair McLellan Brushstrokes Gerry Aitken Paving Alpine Paving Edinburgh Paving Company Just Perfect Paving Pet Services Claylands Cattery Currie Dog Grooming Happy Scampers Together Furever Pet Supplies Coxydene Farm Feeds Physiotherapy Centre for Sport and Exercise Picture Framing Colinton Arts Plastering Alexander Aitken Plastering Plumbing Services Alex Hunter Plumbers Bill Reid & Son Jim Gladstone Shandon Plumbing Weir Plumbing Property Letting & Management Juniper Green Property Services Property Maintenance Cleaning and Maintenance Public House The Grey Horse Restaurant Al Borgo The Grey Horse Roofing Dell Roofing EH1 Contracts Ltd Fairmile Roofing MH Developments Simply Roofing Thomson Roofing Services Soft Furnishings Blind Design James Erskine Interiors Storage Unit Storedge Takeaway Pentland Fry Telecoms Services John McGraw Tiling Barry Edwards Tiling Service with a Tile Tree Surgery Delisle Tree Surgeons Maxwell Tree Care Upholsterer James Erskine Interiors Vet Pentland Veterinary Clinic Wedding Services Flowers by Jak Vicky’s Flowers Wheel Repair The Wheel Specialist Window Cleaning Tag Cleaning Windows 1st Choice Living Double Glazing Repairs Four Seasons Red Hot Windows

50 6 40 40 47 53 13 43 42 43 42 43 20 19 50 40 6 6 49 50 54 46 58 59 58 57 53 55 6 42 12 30 56 5 59 57 54 46 46 47 30 42 19 19 41 47 50 48 72 40

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