Konect Balerno September 2021 by Konect Magazines

SEPTEMBER 2021

CHARITY: HEALTH:

PLUS: MONEY MATTERS, HEALTH & BEAUTY, puzzles, and more local features inside! The monthly community magazine for Balerno, Currie, Juniper Green, Baberton & Ratho

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elcome to the September issue of Konect. I find it hard to believe we’re heading into the autumn already, although this year hasn’t created quite the same black hole in our memories that last year did. A former Balerno High School pupil joins the elite number of people to have successfully swum the English Channel, to raise money for charity. An incredible achievement, see the article on pages 8-9 and please contribute to his fundraiser for worthy causes if you can. Suzanne has a new column for us starting this month, all about food, and treats us to a fun first column on ice cream, see page 20. We felt the New Normal column had run its course – and in fact, as things do slowly return to normal, I’m delighted to be able to get back to printing details of local clubs and events that are taking place. So please do email to editor@konect.scot information of any events coming up in the autumn that you’d like to share with the local community, as well as clubs and classes. Listings are free of charge for community/not-for-profit organisations. I hope you enjoy the magazine this month, as ever, let me know what you think!

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

THIS ISSUE Charity: Swimming the Channel.......................8 Health: Osteoporosis & Exercise................... 18 NEW! I love food: The truth about ice cream............................................................. 20 Wine tasting: Showstopper Combination........................................................ 21 Money Matters.................................................... 28 Local People: Sally Foster............................... 30 Turning over a new leaf: Climate Crisis....... 34 Puzzles.................................................................. 36 Local Environment: Whitethroat..................... 38 Recipe: Flaked Trout with Rocket, Lychees and Sweet Lime Dressing.............. 40

COVER IMAGE: The truth about ice cream, See our new column on P18.

Konect is delivered monthly to homes in Balerno, Currie, Juniper Green, Baberton and Ratho. It is also available online: konect.scot/subscribe BALERNO | 3

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Local man completes the English Channel swim for charity Former Balerno High School pupil Hugh Sellars, 49, successfully swam the English Channel last month – one of the most challenging open water swims in the world – to raise money for charity. He completed the 21-mile swim from England to France on 3rd August, in 17 hours and 14 minutes, to raise funds for Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society Scotland and Marie Curie.

Covid-19 presented some training challenges and Hugh had to get inventive. “Swimming pools weren’t open until March this year,” he says. “So I managed to continue training by putting up a 12 foot garden pool and attaching a bungee cord around my waist. It works like a treadmill for swimming.

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“When restrictions eased, I was able to go back to the pool again. I also trained in lochs and swam across Lake Windermere and back, which is 21 miles. “I’m so relieved I was able to finish the swim. Quite often with channel swims people can complete all the training and then be unable to finish or even start because the weather can turn unexpectedly. Or swimmers can be pulled out with as little as a mile to go due to exhaustion. “I’m really delighted and lucky that I was able to complete the swim with no major incidents. I was stung by jellyfish twice but they were only very mild stings!

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“My friends Dave Mackay and Tommy Fitzpatrick kindly volunteered to crew on my safety boat. I was also accompanied by coach Pam Adams from ‘SwimMastery’, who had helped me to learn the ‘Total Immersion’ techniques for efficient long distance swimming.” For the swim to be recognised, rules state swimmers have to wear a standard swimming costume that does not offer thermal protection or buoyancy, and cannot touch their safety boat or another person during the swim. He continued: “The support I’ve had has been a bit overwhelming, people have been so generous. I’m absolutely delighted to have raised over £5,000 for two causes that are close to my heart. “My sister has been living with MS for over 10 years. It affects everyone differently, and for my sister it’s impacted her cognitively, she had to retire early. Her memory has been affected, and she gets dizzy spells that can cause her to fall over. “With MS a lot of the symptoms can be invisible so you can’t tell what the condition is by looking at someone with it.” More than 15,000 people in Scotland have MS and it can be exhausting, painful and disabling. Morna Simpkins, Director of MS Society Scotland, said, “A massive thank you to Hugh for completing a challenge of a lifetime and his fantastic fundraising. We’ve never been closer to stopping MS in its tracks and our supporters play a key role in funding research into more and better treatments for everyone affected by the condition.” Please support Hugh’s fundraising challenge by visiting uk.virginmoneygiving.com and search “Hugh Sellars” This article was contributed by Katherine Paterson, Communications and Campaigns Officer of the MS Society, email: Katherine.Paterson@mssociety.org.uk Tel: 07740753942. The MS Society hosts fundraising events and supports people to take on their own challenges. See mssociety.org.uk/fundraise @KonectMagazines

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HEALTH

Osteoporosis and Exercise

The diagnosis of Osteoporosis can be a scary one. The thought that your bones are thinner, weaker and more likely to break than they should be for your age is not a comforting one. In fact, the instinctive reaction is to do less activity – to avoid sport, exercise or lifting for fear that it may cause a fracture. However, this is the opposite of what is needed. Bones need exercise to stay strong. So, which exercises are recommended for bone health? Osteoporosis is the condition where bone density reduces over time. Typically, there are no symptoms in the early stages but as it progresses you may notice loss of height, your posture may become more flexed, and bones can break more easily, usually the wrist, hip or spine. Our bones are living tissues with bone cells that are always changing – new cells are formed, and old cells broken down and replaced. You can think of bones like a bank. When we are young and active our body will make new bone faster than it needs to replace old bone cells and our bone density increases. We reach peak bone density about age 30. At this point we reduce deposits into the bone bank and

start withdrawals – bone mass can start to be lost faster than it can be replaced. Women are much more likely to develop Osteoporosis than men, particularly after menopause when women lose the protective influence of the hormone Oestrogen. You can help prevent Osteoporosis by aiming to have a good diet with adequate calcium, protein and vitamin D but exercise is incredibly important for bone density. Our bones respond to exercise by laying down more bone cells in response to the stress we put on them. Exercise will benefit your bones no matter what age you start so you cannot use the “I’m too old to make it worthwhile” excuse! The type of exercise is important. Swimming, cycling and the use of some gym machines like the cross trainer are excellent for cardiovascular health but do not provide the weight bearing and muscle strengthening necessary to encourage bone health. Bones need impact to be encouraged to stay strong and they like variety of exercise where different movements, directions and speeds are involved. This makes Scottish Country dancing a perfect exercise for bone health. Other moderate impact exercises for bone health include jogging, running, team or racket sports, skipping, hopping and stamping. Most people with Osteoporosis will benefit from 50 moderate impacts on most days – jumps, skips, hops etc. If you have had a spinal fracture or are unable to do moderate impact activities, then 20 minutes of low impact exercise like walking or stair climbing on most days will help. Any weight bearing exercise is better than none and it is never too late to start. For more information, The Royal Osteoporosis Society is a great place to start - www.theros.org.uk – or ask your Physio or GP. The health column is contributed by McNaughton Physiogrange, Edinburgh www.physiogrange.co.uk

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BALERNO | 19

I  FOOD

How much of your day has to do with food? Thinking about it, buying it, preparing it, fretting about the fats or carbs in it, savouring it, dealing with leftovers, daydreaming about more food … I realised a long time ago that I was fairly consumed with what I consumed! Some people eat to survive. For others, like me, thoughts of breakfast get us out of bed in the morning!

The truth about ice cream It all started … when I was born. The focus on food, that is. My parents were both excellent cooks, who put their talents to work. My father had learned to cook in the Navy. His style was intuitive – putting things together in the kitchen and watching what happened. He was a creative free spirit, who knew what to combine with what and in what quantity! He was also messy. None of this “clean up as you go along” nonsense. No, that was left to my mother.

“S&S Donuts” was named after my brother Steve and me.

Mom had inherited many wonderful recipes from her German-background mother and Grandma’s parents. She made delicious meals for us, and was a fabulous baker. If you ask me to make a pie, I will start out by making 10 pounds of pie dough, just like my mother did when I was growing up. I’ll use what I need for that pie and then freeze the rest, after patting it out into a number of equal portions, each big enough for one pie shell.

Of course children love ice cream. But even adults know it makes everything better. Once, when backpacking with my husband, the promise of a clotted cream ice cream cone was the only thing that kept me moving. And the dumped person in a rom-com heads straight for the Ben & Jerry’s!

Because she supplied restaurants with fruit pies – peach, cherry, blueberry and more – it was understandable that my mother made a huge quantity of pastry. She continued this practice when baking for her family, because it’s helpful to have ready-made pastry in the freezer. My entrepreneurial parents had restaurants of their own too, famous for Mom’s pies and Dad’s beer-battered chicken. At one point they had a successful donut-making business. 20 | BALERNO

But the only business I have any recollection of is the Dairy Queen, a popular ice cream franchise in the US. My pre-school days revolved around that joy-bringing frozen confection. I even looked a bit like a DQ ice cream cone: the tight curl in the middle of my forehead was not unlike the curlicue at the top of the cone.

I can cut other things from my diet, but not ice cream. It’s related to milk, so surely it’s good for me? And yet there are those who insist on labelling ice cream, or all dairy products, “unhealthy”. If you are looking to identify a conspiracy theory, surely these are the people to watch!

I FOOD is contributed by Suzanne Green. Suzanne, a freelance writer/editor, lives in Balerno and writes regularly for Konect. She is married to Andy and they have two adult daughters.

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WINE TASTING

Showstopper COMBINATION I love a challenge, especially when it involves food and wine! I was tasked with selecting the perfect wine to serve at a dinner party. The main course was slow cooked lamb, so Rioja seemed an obvious choice: wood spice, red cherry and tobacco notes, a grip of tannin and a long finish. However, this leg of lamb was stuffed with Pecorino cheese, mint and artichokes. Wrapped in bay leaves and thyme, slow cooked to perfection and served with barley braised in ale. This showstopper dish required a showstopping wine! When selecting a wine, I consider the weight of the food and find a similarly weighted wine; the wine shouldn’t dominate the food or vice versa. The wine’s tannin, acidity and alcohol should play a supporting role to the food and the wine act as a canvas for the ingredients of the dish.

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There were so many flavours in this dish to consider! Should I select a juicy fruit bomb of a wine? No, this would have been heavy handed, the juicy berry fruit drowning out the herbs. Perhaps a rose? No, a rose would get lost with the rich tannin and texture of the lamb. I needed something to complement the lamb, Pecorino, herbs and barley. I selected an old European vintage wine, Grato Grati, Vecchia Annata 1991 from Tuscany, Italy. It is made with Sangiovese grapes and has a sophisticated earthy tannin, mellow fruit developing to dried herbs, dried fruits and old oak. It’s delicious and has just the right weight, acidity, tannin and finish to complement the lamb dish. I was delighted to find a 30 year old wine and the guests loved it! The monthly wine tasting column is contributed by Joanne Frette. Joanne lives in Juniper Green with her 3 children. She is a Sommelier Wine & Spirit Specialist who runs Swirl Sip Socialise, an online wine tasting business which connects friends and family across the UK.

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MONEY MATTERS

ARE YOUR EXISTING ISAs AT RISK OF 40% INHERITANCE TAX? One of the most tax efficient investments is a stocks and shares ISA (Individual Savings Accounts). However, because it’s so tax efficient the government limits annual investment to £20,000 per tax year. Transferring a previous ISA does not affect your annual allowance.

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forms part of your estate. When added to all your other assets, including house and savings, it could easily attract tax at 40%. SOLUTION - You could transfer your existing ISA to an AIM IHT ISA. You would still benefit from the tax-free income growth, have control over your fund, make ad hoc withdrawals, but - and this is the most important point - they would be free of Inheritance Tax provided you hold them at your death and have held them for two years. Equally important AIM IHT ISAs are higher risk, more volatile and illiquid than conventional ISAs. The value of AIM IHT ISAs could fall as well as rise, that said with the 40% Inheritance Tax savings this can provide a very useful buffer. As with everything financial but particularly investments involving AIM investments professional advice should be sought. The Money Matters column is contributed by Personal Money Management. This month’s article is by Dr Peter M Marshall.

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SALLY FOSTER: Writing is learning

Sally Foster Balerno resident Sally Foster has recently published a book, Journey to the White House Through a Pandemic. Committed to reading and learning, Sally says writing has been her hobby and passion for many years. She is married to Scott, and they are the parents of three adult children.

“Writing is learning,” says Sally Foster. “For me it is a way to gain knowledge and strength.” Sally, who has lived in Balerno 40 years, says she writes about things that worry her. Reading, thinking and formulating ideas on paper is a way of managing situations outside one’s control – such as a pandemic, for example. “Covid hit and it scared me,” says Sally. “Because I have asthma the virus could be fatal for me. So I started shielding early in March 2020.” This was nothing new for her – normally she shields from September to April to avoid the flu. Sally had already started work on a writing project when lockdown was declared. “In February of that year I had begun to research and write about the US Democratic primaries,” she explains. “Since I was 14 I have had a fascination with US politics and the differences between UK and US. And I wanted to know who would challenge Donald Trump.” Then on 23 March, the start of the first lockdown, everything changed. Sally’s project – now her book – expanded and evolved. “Because of the pandemic the primaries were moved,” says Sally. “I could not write about what was happening in US politics without mentioning Covid.” [<<<] Journey to the White House Through a Pandemic is not written from a particular political stance. Rather, it is a record of an unprecedented time for generations to come. Sally hopes it will serve as a 30 | BALERNO

reference for those who have not lived through this period. She began her project on 13 February 2020 and completed it on 21 January of this year – the day after President Biden’s inauguration. She worked from home, normally a couple of hours per day. “Writing the book focused me,” she comments, “and gave me something to do during lockdown.” Edinburgh crime writer Aline Templeton read the finished manuscript and she and her husband encouraged Sally to publish. Currently, the selfpublished book is available through Amazon for £8.99 (paperback) and £4.99 (ebook). But Sally is also talking with other publishers and marketing companies. “As well as providing readers with a timeline for the events of the past year, and an historical reference book,” comments Sally, “I hope to inspire others to pursue their dreams and to believe they can accomplish them – even in difficult times.” Sally describes her book as “reactive,” but explains that a planned second book will be “pro-active”, reporting on President Biden’s performance. It will run to the mid-terms. And if there is a third book, it will cover the 2024 Presidential election. “If I write any books after that,” she says, “who knows what they will be about?!” The Local People column is contributed by Suzanne Green. Suzanne, a freelance writer/ editor, lives in Balerno and writes regularly for Konect. She is married to Andy and they have two adult daughters. @KonectMagazines

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TURNING OVER A NEW LEAF

Climate Crisis

- THE TIME TO ACT IS NOW The climate crisis has been prominent in the news recently. Shocking images of forest fires and floods were followed by the publication of a major IPCC report on climate change. According to the UN Secretary General, the report is ‘a code red for humanity’, but crucially, it is not too late – we can stop this. While many have suspected for years that the planet was facing a serious threat from unsustainable human activity, scientists around the world now seem to agree that we need to act, and act fast, to stabilise the climate. Whether it is switching to greener energy sources and transportation, eating less meat or safeguarding green spaces, many individuals and businesses are already making more sustainable choices.

But obviously, individuals alone can’t fix the problem. It’s time for business and political leaders to step up and make meaningful systemic changes. The IPCC report is timely. At the end of October, Scotland will host COP26, the 26th UN Climate Change conference. For twelve days, world leaders will come together to renew their commitments to reducing carbon emissions. This is seen as a pivotal moment – the world needs to make a commitment to reduce carbon emissions on a massive scale and we need an effective plan to make this happen. As well as the policy work being undertaken by political leaders, now is also an ideal opportunity to raise awareness of efforts already being made by individuals and communities to create a more sustainable world. Thousands of events will take place across the UK between 18-26 September as part of the Great Big Green Week. The Climate Coalition has organised this in 34 | BALERNO

advance of COP26 to celebrate community actions tackling climate change, raise awareness of climate issues and, importantly, show how we can all make a difference.

Politicians have called for us to ‘build back better’ after the Covid pandemic. The UN has told the world that we need to change the way we live to save our planet. Now is the perfect opportunity for us all to make changes to our lives to secure the future for our children and future generations. Rebecca Solnit wrote in The Guardian, ‘We know what to do. We know how to do it. The only question is whether we will do it.’ I’m in. What about you? This month, why not support local community organisations by popping along to Balerno’s very own GREAT BIG GREEN DAY on Saturday 25th September from 10.30am-12.30pm in Balerno Parish Church Hall. This will be an opportunity for you to find out what local organisations are doing and how you can get involved. A family-friendly event, everyone is welcome. See you there! “Turning Over a New Leaf” is a new column contributed by Jo Johnson, a Balerno resident who aims to share her research and shopping choices each month for manageable steps to a greener life. (Artwork by Nikki Forrest of Memorybox Paintings) For more ideas, follow me on Facebook www.facebook/anewleaf

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PUZZLES

CROSSWORD

^^^ Solution in the October edition of Konect ACROSS: 1. Entrance (6), 4. Be owned by (6), 9. Hold (7), 10. Previous (5), 11. Brush (5), 12. Conversing (7), 13. Promises (11), 18. Sediment (7), 20. Undressed (5), 22. Avoid (5), 23. In the open air (7), 24. Guard (6), 25. Grown-ups (6). DOWN: 1. Blame (6), 2. Type of light boat (5), 3. Soap (7) 5. Banish (5) 6. Belief (7) 7. Car repair centre (6), 8. Directive (11), 14. Make clear (7), 15. Caught fire (7), 16. Snakes (6), 17. Worships (6), 19. Curse (5), 21. Small hill (5)

^^^ Sudoku solution on page 42

SUDOKU

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LOCAL ENVIRONMENT

Is it just me, or has 2021 flown by so far? It feels like only yesterday I was looking forward to the return of our migrant species, and within the next few weeks many of them will be heading back to their winter habitats. The positive side of this is it does mean that after this transition period, we can welcome our winter visitors back. This includes the common whitethroat. These can be found hopping about the trees and bushes making their raspy call as they hunt for insects and gather berries or fruit. I was delighted to see this bird around the ponds in Wester Inch, Bathgate, earlier this year. He was singing his very loud song from the tops the trees. Migratory birds always fascinate me. This little bird travels c11,000km twice a year from the Sahara, what an incredible distance! It was thought birds used stars as a way of migrating, and whilst this is true it’s mostly related to the North Star directing the birds in the right direction i.e., South. Many species migrate at night as it’s safer given 38 | BALERNO

there’s not as many predators around. With birds using stars to migrate at night, increasing light pollution can disorient them causing them to be drawn to brighter lights, put them off course, and cause fatal collisions with buildings. Research is still ongoing into this, but we can all do our bit to help the birds by turning off excess lights both indoors, and outdoors when they’re not needed. This column is contributed by Clare Harte and Kate Stevenson, who grew up in Edinburgh and now live in West Lothian. Together they run Scottish Sisters Photography and travel around the country to watch and photograph amazing wildlife and scenic landscapes. Follow them on Facebook @ScottishSistersPhotography @KonectMagazines

for Sunday 5 September, from 10.00am. We listened to all the feedback (which was so positive) and with fingers crossed for a dry day, our second event will be in the grounds of the Ravelrig RDA site off Ravelrig Gait in Balerno.

Going again with a second car boot sale As the restrictions started to lift for us all at the start of the summer, RDA organised the first of their fundraising events since the start of the pandemic - their first ever Car Boot Sale, on 6th June.

We were blessed with two things, for both we are truly grateful. The first was the weather, which was a very warm summer’s day. This greeted the second element needed for success - the participants, either the ‘Car Booters’ themselves or the ‘Table Top Sellers’, or the high number of local general public who came along to support our day. We therefore, wish to say a HUGE THANK YOU to all who came along and supported us.

Anyone who would like to join us, please contact the RDA office either by phone 0131 449 7994 or by email at office@ravelrig-rda.org.uk for the required Application Form and Information Pack. The fundraising events are a vital part of our day- to- day existence, but in raising funds for the seven horses here, we do hope to have some fun too and welcome the local community to join in. We look forward to seeing you on the day! This article was contributed by Deb Heatly, Events Organiser, Ravelrig RDA. Charity No. SC028670.

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FOOD & DRINK

An ideal speedy healthy lunch

Flaked Trout with Rocket, Lychees and Sweet Lime Dressing

The oily richness of the trout contrasts beautifully with the sweet lychees and peppery rocket leaves. Hot smoked trout requires no preparation, making this an ideal speedy healthy lunch or evening meal. Use any lettuce leaves in this dish and plenty of fresh herbs. You could use smoked mackerel or hot smoked salmon instead of the trout if wished.

Ingredients:

• 225g hot smoked trout • 150g mangetout • 2 large handfuls of rocket leaves • ½ cucumber, cut in half lengthways, seeds removed and sliced • 10 lychees, peeled, stoned and cut in half • Handful of basil leaves, roughly chopped • Handful of mint leaves, roughly chopped • Handful of coriander leaves, roughly chopped • 1 red chilli, deseeded and diced • ½ red onion, diced • 60g toasted cashew nuts

Dressing: • Juice of 2 limes • 2 tsp xylitol or honey • 1-2 tbsp fish sauce to taste 40 | BALERNO

Method: 1. Blanch the mange tout in boiling water for 30 seconds, drain and refresh under cold water. 2. Place the mangetout in a bowl with the rocket, cucumber, lychees, herbs, chilli and onion. Break up the trout and scatter over the top with the toasted cashew nuts. Mix together the lime juice, xylitol or honey and fish sauce. 3. Season the salad with a little black pepper and drizzle over the dressing to serve.

Serves 2 Time:

• Preparation: 10 minutes • Cooking: 30 seconds

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SOLUTIONS

SPORTS, HOBBIES, LEARNING, SUPPORT GROUPS & MORE... SLIMMING WORLD - Lose weight without feeling hungry or counting a single calorie (Slimming World have done that for you). In group you will learn how to adopt healthier behaviour changes to help you lose weight while still enjoying the food you love. Classes on Wednesday 7pm Currie Community Centre & Saturday 7:30am & 9am 42nd Pentland Scout Hall. Text or Call Kim: 07921 380711 Instagram: @slimmingworldkim Facebook: Slimming World Groups in Currie YOGA ZOO EDINBURGH – YOGA FOR KIDS @ ORIAM (HERIOT WATT) - Movement and mindfulness for kids! Do you have a little yogi in your family? Did your child become a “Cosmic Kids” devotee in 2020? Are you looking for something new to entertain your little ones? Yoga Zoo kids Yoga classes start in August. Classes for p1-3 and p4-7. Mondays and Thursdays from 3.45pm. Please visit: www.yogazooedinburgh.com to book. PiYo - Yoga + Pilates + Nonstop Movement = Stretch + Strengthen + Sweat! All in ONE workout!! All abilities welcome. Live! Classes - Tuesday 9am Balerno Scout Hall. Virtual! Classes (Zoom) - Monday & Wednesday 19:30. For further details see Facebook. com/HeidiMacdonaldFitness PARACISE - Low-intensity, gentle exercise class (45 min) with NO floor work. Suits those who find regular fitness classes too demanding, or returning to exercise. Wednesday 10:45 Balerno Scout Hall and Friday 10:15 Currie Bowling Club. 42 | BALERNO

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For further details see Facebook. com/HeidiMacdonaldFitness BALERNO ART CLUB - This club suits children who thrive by being creative and individual. Online learning will focus on technique, pencil work and colour. Outdoor classes will be a visual appreciation of colour, depth and nature through pencil and other mixed media like watercolours. We encourage individuality and celebrating being your own true artist. First class is a FREE trial. E: balernoartclub@gmail.com Text: 07591 990020 Instagram: @annieandcarasonlineclasses BALERNO DANCE FITNESS - This class suits children who like to be active, whilst having fun. Online learning will focus on musicality and learning dance routines to your the children’s favourite music within the comfort of your own home. Outdoor Dance Fitness can enjoy the benefits of having more space outdoors in nature, whilst learning Dance Fitness routines together as a group. First class is a FREE trial. E: balernoartclub@gmail.com Text: 07591990020 Instagram: @annieandcarasonlineclasses To include your Club or Class, please email details, up to 75 words, to editor@konect.scot Not-for-profit groups are FREE. There is a small charge for businesses. See www.konect.scot for information.

ACROSS: 7. Remove, 8. Loughs, 9. Sofa, 10. Envelops, 11. Ignored, 13. Steel, 15. Clues, 17. Provide, 20. Tolerant, 21. Pale, 23. Weight, 24. Roused. DOWN: 1. Zero, 2. Potato, 3. Referee, 4. Slave, 5. Mullet, 6. Shepherd, 12. Galloped, 14. Writers, 16. Energy, 18. Vapour, 19. Cacti, 22. Lies.

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