Konect Directory Balerno Dec 11 by Konect Magazines

The

K nect direî&#x201A; ory

December 2011 / January 2012

Balerno, Currie, Juniper Green and Baberton

WIN prize crossword: Bar meal for two at Tanners, Juniper Green FEATURE: RAVELRIG RIDING FOR THE DISABLED

PLUS local businesses, community information and more! To advertise call 07824 469266 or 07854 492638

Message from the Editor

www.konectdirectory.co.uk Find us on Facebook

Hello neighbours There has been a lot going on locally during November, and more events again this month in the run-up to Christmas. We’re very fortunate to live in an area where there is a lot of community activity, so make sure you go along and support the various events and enjoy the community spirit! Ravelrig Riding for the Disabled was the focus for our main article this month. And as usual, plenty of other articles to inform and entertain, all relating to the local area – our people, our businesses and facilities. Congratulations to Shona Goodall of Baberton who won the crossword prize last month. This month, Tanners of Juniper Green is offering a bar meal for two including a free drink, so see their advert on page 7 and turn to the crossword on page 36 for your chance to win.

Have a fantastic holiday season, and a big thank you to all our readers and advertisers for your support of the Konect Directory this year. We value all the positive feedback we get about the magazine. Thanks are also due to the team of local people who have delivered the magazine through your door each month - in all weather - this year! This is a joint December/January issue as we don’t produce a January issue, so look out for the February issue at the end of January.

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

Contents Feature Article Ravelrig RDA Local Walk Pets Recipe Competitions & puzzles Prize crossword

8 20 31 32

Children & Family Community What’s on + Useful Info Clubs & Classes Index of Advertisers

38 38 44 46

The Konect Directory is delivered to homes in Balerno, Currie, Juniper Green and Baberton. Copies are also left at the library, community centres, convenience stores and various other locations within the area.

Jenny Thomson, Sales 07824 469266 jenny@konectdirectory.co.uk

Helen-Jane Shearer, Editor 07854 492638 hj@konectdirectory.co.uk To advertise call 07824 469266 or 07854 492638

Front cover photograph by Robert Whitton: Currie Kirk

14 Months Membership for the Price of 12 Months Join now and pay the 2011 Membership Subscription for the 2012 season. Full Membership £710 A fantastic membership offer is available for new members wishing to join Ratho Park Golf 5 Day Membership £507 Club. From the 1st of December 2011 we are Intermediate £250 offering a, 14 Months Membership for the (under 25) price of 12 Months. For further details please contact the Club Secretary on 0131

335 0068

Or email: secretary@rathoparkgolfclub.co.uk Club www.rathoparkgolfclub.co.uk

1st Five Lessons £80.00

ALAN’S

SCHOOL OF MOTORING UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT

Pay As U Learn

www.alans-schoolofmotoring.co.uk E:info@alans-schoolofmotoring.co.uk

Est. 1979

0131 661 5962 High Pass Rate - Second To None Automatic and Disabled Tuition Block Bookings • Intensive Courses Christmas Gift Vouchers Available 4

LARGE FORMAT PHOTO PRINTS

using the latest inkjets for professional BIG prints from your photos, images & designs. We can even print wallpaper!

Photographic prints onto fine art paper, photo papers & canvases.

Display Prints & Wallpaper from Posters for your photos or Shops & designs. Businesses Prints up to 44” wide & using 12 colours for professional results.

www.edprinting.co.uk

Please remember to mention The Konect Directory when contacting advertisers

alan young designs ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES

Are you considering a building project ? We provide a simple and cost-effective service to homeowners requiring drawings for Planning Permission and Building Warrant approvals. All types of domestic alterations, conversions and extensions considered.

0131 476 3754 07966733087 alanyoungdesigns@virginmedia.com

RE-UPHOLSTERY SPECIALISTS

Since 1919

 Quotes are always FREE and we come to you  Choose from a huge selection of fabrics  Collection, restoration and delivery in 2-4 weeks  We have full repair services and French Polishing  Visit us online: www.james-erskine.co.uk

ALEX HUNTER & SON PLUMBERS

Family Business 24 Hour Emergency

0131 441 2098 • 07831 519003

0131 447 3135 6–16 Church Hill Place, Edinburgh. EH10 4BD

CD’s COMPUTER REPAIRS ALL REPAIRS DONE IN YOUR OWN HOME SYSTEM REPAIRS MAINTENANCE UPGRADING INTERNAL MAINTENANCE INTERNET SECURITY CHECKS FREE QUOTES ON REQUEST

Tel: 0131 629 5328

Email: cdcomputerrepairs@talktalk.net Mon-Fri 1pm-10pm Saturdays 1pm-6pm Sundays - Emergencies only

QUALITY CONTAINER-GROWN CHRISTMAS TREES Treat yourself to a living, traditional Christmas tree this year. These Norway Spruce trees are grown locally, in Currie, and have a full root system within the pot. The main advantages of this are : ● virtually no needle drop ● re-useable year after year ● indoor or outdoor use ● environmentally friendly Ideal for table top, fireplace, doorstep, patio, kids’ bedrooms etc. At around 80 - 100cm in height and bushy, these trees are ideal for anyone requiring a smaller or additional tree which can then be planted into a larger pot, for next Christmas or into the garden.

BRING THIS ADVERT ALONG AND GET £5 OFF YOUR CHRISTMAS TREE NORMALLY £20 – YOU PAY £15. Only available at Currievale Farm, Currie (nr the railway station). Saturday 10th & Sunday 11th December 2011 between 10am and 3pm.

To advertise call 07824 469266 or 07854 492638

Gordon Macdonald MSP Member of the Scottish Parliament for Edinburgh Pentlands Constituency

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 6

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Tanners

Lounge Bar Restaurant Privately owned freehouse for 21 years 459 Lanark Road, EH14 5BA

Cask Ales, Bar Lunches, Evening Meals & Set Menus Sunday 18th Dec Live music - Apple Beggars Christmas Show Thursdays - Quiz night

Function Room available

Private parties, meetings, fundraising events & funerals respectfully catered for. For Bookings contact Alan Forrest or Paula Taylor

0131 453 3152 Alan mob: 0774 3801455

SKY SPORTS

To advertise call 07824 469266 or 07854 492638

FREE WIFI

Ravelrig Riding for the Disabled By Emma Merchant

avelrig Riding for the Disabled Association, tucked away at the end of a quiet residential cul-desac in Balerno, is home to nine ponies. At the entrance, various pairs of green wellingtons hang upside down from the back of a door, like so many large bats, and a wheelbarrow, loaded with fresh hay, waits to be forked. A group of riders are going through their paces in the November sunshine when I arrive. Parents and carers are leaning comfortably on the wooden rail that surrounds the riding arena, watching the lesson and chatting. Volunteers busy themselves cleaning stables. Riders wear big smiles. With its summer house, and brightly coloured play area, Ravelrig Riding for the Disabled Association feels more like a family home than a riding centre. “But this is a family,” smiles Barbara Johnston, ushering me into the cosy clubhouse where bacon butties and hot tea are being served. Barbara is the centre’s organiser and its founder. Twenty six years ago, when working at Barnardo’s Children’s Home in Balerno (now private town houses) she ﬁrst saw a need for riding facilities. “One of the perks of my job was being able to keep my horse at the home’s stable block. The children living at the home, many of whom had learning difﬁculties, loved my horse and wanted to ride her, so I decided to set up a disabled riding group. Over the years our numbers grew. We were relocated to our current premises in the early nineties, and thanks to Cala Homes who gifted it to us, we now own the land.” The centre is certainly well used. Nearly 100 riders and their families visit RRDA every week. And there are more on, or wishing to join, the waiting list. “Riders range in age from two and a half years, to sixty. Once they get a place here, riders keep it for life.“ says Barbara, “Many have been coming for years.”

Like Emma, for example, who, now 24, began riding when she was four years old. “Roman is my favourite horse,” she tells me, “and I really like Gabby, my walker, who leads him for me.” “ “When Emma first started riding,” says Emma’s mum, Pat, “her balance wasn’t as good as it is now, and she needed two helpers, one either side of her horse. She was nervous of trotting and used to shut her eyes. Now she is stronger, more confident, and her balance is much better.“ Barbara explains. “When you ride, you have to co-operate with the horse’s body movements. Your muscles get a work-out, and you become more flexible. Many of our riders’ professional health carers know when they have visited us because their mobility is noticeably improved after the exercise.” Often, riders develop strong bonds with the horses. Barbara describes one girl whose autism made communicating with people very difficult. “She didn’t talk to us, but it was wonderful to hear her chatting away with the horses!” laughs Barbara.

Would your company like to consider making a gift to help turn RRDA’s dream of building an indoor arena into a reality? Perhaps you are interested in volunteering? Or maybe you have what it takes to be a Session Co-ordinator? The group is currently re-advertising for this post.

“Actually, she is such a good rider that she eventually became one of our volunteers.” Everyone enjoys the social aspect of visits too. Rider Michael’s mum, Edna tells me, “Many of us have children who don’t attend mainstream schooling. So, we don’t have the same opportunities as other parents to meet up socially at the school gates. Here we have friends who understand and who are happy to share life’s ups and downs.” Today, everyone is celebrating the success of a recent cheese and wine fund-raising event. And there is much enthusiastic chatter about an exciting new proposal for growth and development. “We have big plans!” Barbara tells me, “Our dream is to build a full-sized indoor arena. This would allow us to continue classes throughout the year, and to exercise the horses fully, whatever the weather. The last two severe winters were very hard for us. We lost three months’ riding time because of the snow.” A new arena would also enable the group to expand their learning activities, and to host various equestrian competitions. Barbara believes it could even become a valuable space for local community events. “Such a large indoor facility could lend itself to all kinds of activities,” she tells me, “We are currently doing a feasibility study, and looking at all the possibilities. It’s very exciting!” It costs £70,000 each year to run the group. Fund raising events bring in £15,000 - £20,000 annually, but the group also relies on generous donations from businesses, from organizations

like Rotary and Round Table, and from individual gifts. I was surprised to discover that not a penny goes towards wages. “Nobody is paid here,” Barbara smiles, “And no-one pays to ride. In fact no money at all changes hands. We are all volunteers, and our reward is going home on a high when a rider has made special progress, and in knowing that we make a difference.” “Our volunteers are committed to the group, to the riders and their families, and to the horses. They give us their time, and they take away with them a better understanding of people with special needs. Some are interested in future veterinary training. Some go on to care for people with disabilities. Some become professional jockeys, riding instructors or grooms. Whatever they choose to do, we hope that what they learn here, they will take with them, into the rest of their lives.” We leave the clubhouse, just as the lesson outside comes to a close. Riders are dismounting, their lengthening shadows stretching across the arena in the diluted winter sun. I reﬂect that it is a remarkably beautiful location, and that this is a very special group. To ﬁnd out more about Ravelrig Riding for the Disabled Association, visit their website: http://www.rda-ravelrig.org.uk

EDINBURGH FIREWOOD Barn stored, dry and seasoned wood fuel

FREE DELIVERY Firewood, kindling, straw logs and more! Check out www.edinburgh-firewood.co.uk Or ‘Edinburgh Firewood’ on

Your Local Balerno Locksmith     

Tel: Chris on 0131 442 3445 / 07740 865 147

UPVC Patio Door Repairs Lock Changes/Upgrades British Standard 5 Lever Insurance Approved Locks Fitted 24 Hr Emergency Lockout Service Window Locks Supplied & Fitted

0131 500 0153 Or Call Tom On

07542781131 For All Your Security Needs www.caledonianlocksmiths.co.uk

MAXWELL TREE CARE PROFESSIONAL TREE SURGERY FULLY INSURED

For all aspects of tree surgery Contact: PAUL MAXWELL Cert Arb. (RFS)

0131 478 0853 or 07890 017159 e. info@maxwelltreecare.net www.maxwelltreecare.net

Snow Clearing & Path Salting

Heritage Windows Scotland Unit 1 Camps Ind Estate, East Calder EH27 8DF

01506 884256

www.windowsbyheritage.co.uk

Windows and doors in u.P.V.C and timber Traditional sash and case Refurbishing and draughtproofing of sash & case Insurance backed 10 year guarantee free quotation

e Te l

p h on e eng in ee r extension Sockets supplied and fitted from £40

For a free estimate and advice, call Alistair on

0131 451 5394 or 07894 703020 24 Bavelaw road, Balerno

Please remember to mention The Konect Directory when contacting advertisers

Konnect taurus ad (OCT 2011).ai

19/10/11

10:08:36

.taurusgardening.co m ww w

FREE PHONE

0800 9700 415

FOR A REFILL

EASYSALT PREMIUM GRADE WHITE SALT FOR MELTING SNOW AND ICE. IDEAL FOR PATHS, DRIVEWAYS & STEPS. WON’T ‘COLOUR’ STAIN FLOORS OR CARPETS.

PREMIUM WHITE ROCK SALT

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TAURUS gardening ltd

Making your garden our business

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FREE PHONE

0800 9700 415

FOR A REFILL

We offer a snow clearing and gritting service as well as premium salt products to ensure you have accessible and safe driveways, paths and steps during the Winter. Just call to place an order and we’ll deliver direct to your door. You can also order a refill there’s no need to get caught out this Winter!

lt in su

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AVIATION STANDARD ICE MELT

TAURUS gardening ltd

Making your garden our business

Call 0800 9700 415 www.taurusgardening.com

RICCARTON GARDEN CENTRE Riccarton Main Rd, Currie, EH14 5AA (between Hariot Watt Uni and Currie)

NOW IN STOCK . .CHRISTMAS TREES TRADITIONAL SPRUCE, NORDMAN (non needle drop), POT GROWN (alive) START FROM £20

ALL UNDERCOVER - Choose your tree early and collect it or have it delivered when it suits you (small delivery fee applies)

IN STOCK NOW! SNOW SHOVELS ROCK SALT SCRAPERS

Tel: 0131 449 4004

10% OFF ANY CHRISTMAS TREE WITH THIS VOUCHER (1 VOUCHER PER TREE)

To advertise call 07824 469266 or 07854 492638

Now Available WREATHS, POINSETTIAS, WINTER PLANTERS, CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS, and lots more... COMPLIMENTARY TEA OR COFFEE WITH THIS VOUCHER

(1 VOUCHER PER PERSON)

TAG Cleaning

here’s a lot more to window cleaning than buckets and brushes, and when it comes to window and gutter cleaning by TAG Cleaning of Currie, it’s a comprehensive range of professional services to keep your property well maintained throughout the year. I went to see them in Currie to learn more about their services and the local people behind the business. Neil Graham started window cleaning in 1976. Having learnt his trade, he made himself a wheelbarrow to push his brushes and ladders around, and set off for Kirknewton for his first round. He soon built up a regular client base, storing his barrow and tools at the Kirknewton sawmill and cycling up each day from Ratho. Adding other services, including office and gutter cleaning, the business went from strength to strength. Today, with son Martin in the business, TAG has a solid base of domestic and commercial customers, locally and in the city. Besides window, gutter and office cleaning, they offer power washing algae removal and keep an eye out for any maintenance jobs that need doing – they will do minor gutter repairs, and if they spot bigger problems they can recommend a professional plumber, roofer or painter. They offer one-off deep cleans, regular cleaning contracts and an interior window option. Using the latest “reach and wash” equipment - water fed poles which can reach up to five storeys – there is rarely a window they can’t do. I ask about the secret of their success. “You have to be able to trust your window cleaner,” Neil replies. “They need to be able to access your property, will be looking through your windows, and may have the code to your gate or keys to your house if you have taken on a interior window cleaning contract. So it’s all about honesty, integrity, old-fashioned courtesy and customer service.” They try to ensure that you will get the same cleaner each time, so they get to know you, your property and your requirements. Their standard service is 12

Images 1) Martin Graham of TAG 2) Gutter Cleaning

13 cleans per year, and they will reliably turn up, clean your windows and update you on any maintenance issues that need attention. Each member of the TAG team is licensed - including police checks and they are fully insured, so you can rest assured you’re dealing with professionals. UPVC Speciality The UPVC used in modern glass ﬁttings becomes dull and discoloured with time, and can’t be cleaned with any amount of elbow grease. TAG are particularly proud of their UPVC cleaning service. Using specially formulated products and techniques, they can restore your UPVC windows, conservatories and sunrooms to a sparkling as-new condition. Popular with people putting their homes in the market, it can transform the look of the whole property. Visit TAG’s website at www.tagcleaningservices.co.uk or call them on 0131 449 2807. 2)

S Gutter SO full of rs and drainpipes

Blocked gutte it for disaster when water are a recipe ny ma so saw e “W s, freezes. Neil say last winter, which gutters come down ed if only they’d oid av en be could have clear of debris.” pt ke d been cleaned an urers will not ins use Moreover, most ho r work if your gutte cover you for repair blocked. ing be of ult res a comes down as er headache this wint So save yourself a ke sure your ma to ing an cle G and call TA prepared as possible r gutters are as best ge an annual gutte for the winter. Arran about it again. rry clean and never wo

Please remember to mention The Konect Directory when contacting advertisers

Property management service to landlords & tenants

0131 449 4858 07825 737 846 mail@khproperty.co.uk www.khproperty.co.uk 0131 477 1167 Fully stocked & fully trained professional Locksmiths 24 hours a day www.1stcall-locksmiths.com

A & A Electrical Solutions Ltd Balerno All electrical work Private or commercial No job too big or small All work guaranteed Free estimates Professional and reliable service

Alan: 07969 929327

or email alskie@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 To advertise call 07824 469266 or 07854 492638

Local Gold Medalist looks forward to 2012 Games

t’s not every day you get the opportunity to meet members of an elite team who have won a gold medal at British, European and World Games. Gordon Macdonald MSP, Edinburgh Pentlands Constituency, recently met members of the Edinburgh Team who take part each year in the British Transplant Games and every two years at the World Transplant Games. The World Games attracts 1500 competitors from 69 countries and they compete in a number of disciplines including swimming, athletics (track and ﬁeld), racquets, cycling, golf and lawn bowls.

Team manager and competitor Frank Clarke, explained “The aim of The Games is to encourage transplant patients to regain ﬁtness and to promote friendship and co-operation between individuals concerned with transplantation, whilst increasing public awareness of the value of organ donation. Our athletes can be aged between 2 and 80 with each individual having a unique and in many cases emotional story to tell on their road to ﬁtness as a result of a successful transplant. Each UK transplant unit sends a team to the UK games of which there are two centres in Scotland, based in Glasgow and Edinburgh.” Gordon Macdonald MSP commented “This is a tremendously uplifting story and gives hope to those individuals undergoing liver or kidney transplants that they can look forward to a better life after their successful transplant.”

Capital athlete Lesley Forrest won her gold medal in the 3K racing walk in Gothenburg at the 18th World Transplant Games in June. Balerno resident Ross Young won gold in the bowls competition at the 34th British Transplant Games in Belfast in August, whilst approaching the anniversary of his kidney transplant This four day annual sporting event attracts over 600 competitors from across the UK. 14

Both Lesley and Ross are looking forward to defending their gold medals at the next games. The British Transplant Games is scheduled for Medway, Kent at the beginning of August 2012 and the World Games in Durban South Africa in 2013. However they can only do so if they raise enough money to cover travel and accommodation. The competitors are also looking for new sports clothing including track suits and t-shirts. If you can assist the Edinburgh team, which is drawn from all over the East Coast of Scotland, with raising funds so they can defend their titles then please get in touch with the team manager Frank Clarke at f.clarke07@googlemail.com.

Please remember to mention The Konect Directory when contacting advertisers

Centre for Sport and Exercise Community membership Community membership at Heriot-Watt University’s Centre for Sport & Exercise is available to all. Membership includes access to all facilities including: Membership

Definition

Price

Community Gold

This membership will allow you unlimited access all of our facilities

£240 per year or £20 per month

This membership will allow you to access any of our facilities for £2.90 per visit between 07.30 and 12.15, 14.15 and 16.15 Mon – Fri and all day at the weekend

£29 per year £2.90 per visit £2.70 per 50+ class

Community Off-Peak

sports ACtive Sports Active provides a comprehensive range of

Physiotherapy, Podiatry, Chiropractor and Sports Science Services A team of professional and dedicated practitioners operate the services of Sports Active and are on hand to provide advice and treatment to get you going again, whether you’re a regular sports participant or just like to keep on the move. For more information please phone Sports Active reception on 0131 451 8440.

5o+

GoLF ACADemy

Class

Day and Time

Description

Cost

The Centre for Sport & Exercise’s Golf Academy is a state of the art indoor facility open to all members as well as pay as you play users.

50+

Tuesday 09.15 – 10.15

This class is designed to improve your strength, flexibility and stamina

£4.80/class if you don’t have a membership, please see below for further information on membership prices

Moving Wisely

Tuesday 10.30 – 11.30

This class aims to improve your balance and co-ordination

£25 for a 6 week block (13th September – 18th October or 25th October – 29th November)

It includes the following: • 5 driving bays • 2 putting greens • 2 chipping mats • Self contained adjustable bunker Ideal facility for all levels of golfer. Come rain or shine we are open and you’ll never need your waterproofs. A brief induction is required in order to access this area – this is bookable at reception. For more information please phone CSE reception on 0131 451 8400.

www.hw.ac.uk/sports

46a Bavelaw Road, Balerno

MOBILE HAIR & BEAUTY BY CHERYL JARRA

T0NY HARPERâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S Hair Studio Tony Harpers Hair studio would like to wish all our clients a

Tel: 07961 818809 Hairdressing Qualified in 1993 Waxing Eyelash & Eyebrow Tinting All major credit & Eyelash extensions debit cards accepted St Tropez Tooth Fairy E: jarracheryl@yahoo.co.uk Ear Piercing www.cheryljarrahair.vpweb.co.uk In the comfort of your own home

Merry christmas and a Happy New Year Gift Vouchers are available now for all hair services and beauty treatments

0131 451 5133 AND CHECK OUT OUR DAILY, WEEKLY & MONTHLY DEALS At - TONY HARPERS HAIR STUDIO

AUTY AND

Mobile spray tanning Minx Nails Shellac Nails E BEACH TH

07860 222343 Pamper parties available

phone to book and ask about special offers beautyandthebeach edinburgh

624A Lanark Road, Juniper Green, EH14 5EW

Please remember to mention The Konect Directory when contacting advertisers

For an appointment call

7A Pentland View Court, Currie, EH14 5NP

0131 449 9690 rachel@thelilacrooms.co.uk www.thelilacrooms.co.uk

(Opposite the doctors surgery)

We accept credit & debit cards

Prepare to Party!!! Spray Tan & Geleration Manicure £45 Add minx or twinkle toes for an extra £20 Xmas gift collections & vouchers now available

Relax in a totally stress free zone

Glow this party season To help you look your best this Christmas we have some great offers on our cosmetic fillers and deep wrinkle treatments. So to look younger than last year why not give us a call? With a full understanding of facial anatomy and the ability to give local anaesthetic we can target the specific areas you require in a pain-free manner.

9 East Main Street Broxburn EH52 5AB

Wrinkle treatments from £99 Fillers from £250 If you would like an appointment please give us a call, we would love to see you

To advertise call 07824 469266 or 07854 492638

Village People

Images 1) Jack McCraig 2) Jack giving an address at the Balerno Burns Club

Jack McCaig

“You could buy four caramels for a penny - a lot of money then. We children did all sorts of jobs. For sixpence, you held people’s horses outside the Malleny Arms, or carried wood and swept, up at the bung mill (where bungs for barrels were made). We were never indoors. We had no television or phones. We’d be outside making our own fun, running around the farms all day.“

By Emma Merchant

At 82 (although he really could pass for a man a couple of decades younger), Jack McCaig knows his local history. “But I’m not an expert, ”he insisted, when we met at his home in Glenbrook. “I just have lots of memories.” Indeed he has. Almost from the minute I arrived, they flowed thick and fast - so fast that I could hardly keep up with him. Scribbling away furiously, I marvelled at the ease with which he recalls every detail. I was reminded of Professor Dumbledore teasing memories out of a bowl with his wand, like candyfloss onto a stick, for Harry Potter. Jack was making magic for me. A local all his life, had he ever thought of moving away? “You can’t improve on perfection!’ he grinned. “Where else could I go? I’ve spent a long time here, and you get to know people.” “When I was a boy, Balerno was a wee parochial village.” he said. “Going to Edinburgh was a very big thing. If you did go, you were that proud, you made sure you put your bus ticket in your lapel, so everyone could see!” “In the village, Nellie Gillen ran the butchers, there was a cobbler, a baker, two grocers, Miss Watson’s chemist, a chip shop, Mrs Brow’s pub, Mrs Wilkie’s taxi, and a number of sweetie shops, one run by Mrs Noble and another by Mrs Fairley of Hannahfield.” (How on earth did Jack remember all these names, I wondered - never mind the shops?) “The village was run by women!” he laughed. “It was no bad thing.” 18

Christmas almost upon us, I asked him for boyhood memories of the season. “Christmas? It wasn’t much for us, really. The shops used to decorate, but with uncles and aunts away in the services (Jack was 10 when the war started) and everything rationed, it was quiet. We’d just get an orange and an apple, in a stocking with a hole in it! We were happy, though, and the blackouts gave lots of opportunities for mischief.” 2)

Anderson air-raid shelter pieces made great sledges too. “When it snowed, we’d sledge down Oddies Field slope, (now Burnside Park). We often ended up in the burn at the bottom.” I admired Jack’s collection of sepia photographs on the wall; scenes of Balerno cottages, dirt tracks and farms, now all gone. “Aye, a lot has changed,” he nodded.

Jack has promised to share more memories with me for future issues of Konect Directory. But live in the past, he doesn’t. “I’m having problems with my email at the moment,” he said as I left, “But I’m on to it and I’ll be up and running by the end of the week.”

Please remember to mention The Konect Directory when contacting advertisers

Gerard Johnstone (Chiropractor) 183 Main Street, East Calder, EH53 0EW

10th anniversary celebration SPECIAL CIAL CHRISTMAS / NEW YEAR OFFER AVAILABLE AS A GIFT VOUCHER

A course of 6 chiropractic sessions for

£120 (a saving of £65 - this is less than 2001 prices!) Why not treat someone you love for Christmas or treat yourself by getting fit for the new year. This limited offer ends on 28th February 2012 Terms and conditions apply

To arrange to purchase or to find out more please call

01506 880444

Payment accepted by cash, cheque or card

E OPTI C VU R

DITCH THE WORKOUT - JOIN THE PARTY!

N IA

Monday to Friday 9am to 5.00pm

CL E A

Opening Times

Home visits available Tel: 0131 449 6889 Tel/Fax: 0131 449 3011

Email: enquiries@clearvueopticians.co.uk

60 Bryce Road, Cur rie, EH14 5LD

JUNIPER GREEN PARISH CHURCH Monday Friday

9.30 am - 10.30 am 9.30 am - 10.30 am

BALERNO HIGH SCHOOL

Chiropody by Claire Claire Monkman WMS Ch(hons), MPSPract

Mobile Chiropodist in Currie, Balerno and the surrounding area

Chiropody Treatments Manicures Spa Pedicures HPC Registered Gift Vouchers available For an appointment in your own home ring Claire on

0131 478 7037 or 07786 516513

To advertise call 07824 469266 or 07854 492638

Tuesday

20.30 pm - 21.30 pm

SCOUT HALL, LANARK RD WEST, CURRIE Thursday 19.00 pm - 20.00 pm *Free Taster Class – Thursday 3 November NO NEED TO BOOK - JUST POP IN £4 PER CLASS - LOYALTY CARDS AVAILABLE 10 CLASS PASS £35 (Please note some new times) CONTACT FOR FURTHER DETAILS

zumbamamaz@hotmail.co.uk Laura: 07976 694 077

A walk through history: Heriot – Watt Campus By Karen Murray

ou might think the Heriot-Watt campus at Riccarton is a place for study and students only but there you would be wrong. As with most Universities there is always much more going on and whilst there for another purpose, I discovered a third - simply an interesting place to go for a walk. If you are someone who likes to take in some history as they stroll or to think about what the environs of their walk once looked like, this is a great place to head to. You can begin the walk by heading down Muirwood Road in Currie, along ‘Donkey Lane’ by Baberton Golf Club and following the cycle path on Farm Road all the way to Riccarton before entering the campus; or you can simply park up in one of the visitor car parks and walk the campus trails only, depending on the time you have to spare. Once on the campus grounds walk up ‘The Avenue’ towards the Library to the rear of the main reception, where a marked trail begins on Cameron Smail Road. Stepping through a clearing in a hedge, you are confronted with the vista of a gorgeous manicured lawn. A century ago you would have been standing in the front garden of Riccarton House, home of the Gibson-Craig family with croquet on the lawn and the odd strutting peacock. The house stood where the library now stands and you can enter the library and walk up to the top floor to get an idea of what the view from the house would have looked like before it was demolished in 1956 after falling into a state of disrepair. The gardens date back to before 1750 but the lawn as you walk across it is quite similar to the original except that flower beds surrounded the golden yew domes. There is an oval impression in the lowest part of the lawn which was once a curling rink, flooded and frozen in winter.

The trail - marked by wooden posts with arrows - takes you along the south terrace to the carriage drive, once the service approach to the house from the stables. You can see the remains of an old bridge overhead which connected the house to the gardens. Walk past the fire pond, constructed as a convenient source of water for use in the event of fire in the house and on to the ice house on the right. There is a deep pit used to store ice collected from the loch during the winter. Head north along the path to the plant collection. Where the kerbs end is one of the original entrances to the gardens and you should spot a small conifer on the left. This is part of the plant collection made by the Gibson-Craigs during the 19th century. The trail continues around the perimeter of the lawn and through the plant collection curving around to what is known as the Velvet Walk - so called because of its fine turf. The trail so far has been on surfaced paths but the Velvet Walk can get muddy underfoot if it is wet. This is a garden terrace leading to the Gibson-Craig family burial ground and while it is probably not as beautiful as it once was, even on a dreich Autumn day, it is a stunning garden walk. On the northern side is a formal evergreen edge of yew, holly and laurel, very traditional for its time and yet as Christmas looms, it seemed very festive as I wandered along.

Images 1) Gardener’s Cottage 2) Sunken garden, where the curling ring used to be

There are iron railings and a gate marking the entrance to the family burial ground and visitors are requested to respect the privacy of the area, laid out as an extension to the gardens. As you walk back along the Velvet Walk and through the woodlands, your eyes will be drawn to the Riccarton Sweet Chestnut. Several centuries old, this tree is possibly the oldest tree on the campus. From here you can head back down the Avenue to the car park or back to Currie, or you can explore the grounds further. I only explored the lawn area which is very tranquil and peaceful, combining both a great walk with a little bit of history and some botany thrown in. The other areas heading to the East, West and North Lodges and the old kitchen garden, now the sports pitch are less peaceful albeit

they provide good walking if you are looking to stretch those legs further. The trail is easy to follow and well signed but you can pick up a leaﬂet at the main reception which will give you more detail on the history of the Riccarton Estate. If the walk inspires you into ﬁnding out more about the history you can contact the Heriot-Watt University Archive on 0131 451 3218.

BABERTON GOLF CLUB Special 2012 Offers on Midweek and Young Adult Memberships from November 2011

Midweek Membership. Play Mon-Fri, £540 with NO ENTRY FEE Young Adult (Age 18-30) Membership. From £252 with NO ENTRY FEE Use our interest free direct debit scheme to spread the cost at no charge! Number of places are limited so to book your discounted trial round (£10) and for further details phone :

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HOME DELIVERY SERVICE Balerno: £1.00, Juniper Green £1.80, Currie: £1.50, Kirknewton, Baberton, Colinton, Clovenstone, Kingsknowe and Oxgangs: £2.50 For any other areas please call to enquire Our highly experienced chefs have compiled a menu that offers an electric selection of dishes designed to suit every palate and every pocket. Allowing you to experience the tastes and techniques covering thousands of miles, resulting from years of perfecting.

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Keep your family warm this winter. We now cater for your winter fuel needs. Black Diamond Smokeless Coal 20kg £7.00 Bord Na Mona Peat Briquettes (24 per pack) £3.50 Heat Logs Wood Briquettes (6 per pack) £2.50 Hardwood Logs per bag £4.00 Delivery Available All prices include vat

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D.A. WARD MOTOR ENGINEERS Servicing Car Sales Tyres

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Juniper Green Garage Cars and Vans sourced and supplied at your request

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Family business established over 40 years

EDINBURGH’S BEST selection of

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Vet’s Tip:

Dental Disease – is your pet affected?

id you know that pets frequently suffer from dental problems without showing any obvious outward signs of pain? Surveys show that after the age of three years, about seven out of ten pets have some kind of tooth disorders. If left unattended these may cause irreversible damage to the teeth, gums and jaw bones. If plaque is allowed to accumulate, it will inﬂame the gums - a condition called gingivitis. If left untreated, gingivitis frequently develops into periodontitis, a painful condition involving destruction of bone and tooth supporting structures and eventual tooth loss. Cats may also suffer from one or more tooth resorptive lesions, usually found at or below gum level. Here the tooth is progressively destroyed leading to exposure of the nerve. Although these

Claylands Cottage Cattery ...for contented cats

are extremely painful lesions, cats will frequently show no obvious outward signs of toothache. In the wild your pet’s teeth would be much cleaner because its diet would contain harder materials than are found in commercially tinned or packaged foods. Cats and dogs naturally eat the bones, fur, etc. of their prey which wear away the deposits of tartar. Replacing soft foods with dry or ﬁbrous materials will slow the build up of plaque. The extra chewing involved helps control infection because it stimulates the production of saliva which has natural antibiotic properties. There are special diets available to help maintain clean teeth, please ask your vet for further advice. Regular dental examinations are of great help in identifying dental disease before it becomes a serious problem.

Let us welcome your pet to

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December Recipes and Food Notes By Anne Pinkerton

ou may just have missed “Stir-UpSunday”, the last Sunday before Advent so named because of a line in one of the church service readings usually associated with that day. Stir-Up-Sunday has been the traditional day to make Christmas puddings. All the family used to be asked to help mix the ingredients and stir in their good wishes for the people with whom the puddings would be shared - but it’s not too late to cook and store some delicious foods for Christmas. It’s always a pleasure to make and receive gifts of handmade food, sweets, chutney or other eatables so this month I suggest several things easily made at home and some even youngish children might like to help you make. There is still time to make the Scottish Hogmanay Cloutie-Dumpling and even a Christmas pudding if you are quick.

Boxing-Day Chutney

Method Put the dried fruit to soak in the orange juice to soak overnight if possible, otherwise a couple of hours. Put all the fresh ingredients in a jelly pan or other large pan and cook over a low heat until the onions are see-through and the cranberries have made the mixture pale pink. Add the soaked dried fruit, any remaining orange juice and the sugar. Bring slowly to a simmering boil stirring often, to prevent the mixture sticking or burning, and cook until the chutney is thick and syrupy. It will still be a pretty pink colour, if it goes brown it is either over cooked or it was not stirred enough and “caught”. Let the mixture cool a little. Put into warm, clean jars, seal and cover. This is ready to eat, but it is best after a couple of weeks and will keep for 6 months. Add your own or family drawn label and tie some attractive cloth over the lid and it will look too good to give away.

This attractive looking chutney gets its name because it is just what you need to liven up cold ham and turkey eaten on Boxing Day. Add a baked potato and a chicory salad you have a meal to come home to after a walk. Fresh ingredients 2lb Bramley apples peeled cored and rough chopped 2lb onions, red or white, peeled and ﬁne sliced 1x 12 oz./340gm packet fresh cranberries 2 pints cider vinegar Zest 2 oranges 1 oz. fresh root ginger peeled and ﬁnely chopped 1 table spoon salt, sea salt is good but not essential 1 tea spoon ground mixed spice Dried ingredients 2lb dried apricots roughly chopped 6oz stoned dates roughly chopped 1 lb. raisins 1 pint orange Juice, include the juice from the zested oranges 2lb granulated sugar

Peppermint creams

These can be fun for young helpers! Ingredients 250 gm. icing sugar sifted twice or make sure there are no lumps White of 1 large egg A few drops of good quality peppermint essence A drop or 2 green food colour. Method In a bowl whisk the egg white and slowly add the icing sugar till you have a very 

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... and a warm welcome

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December Recipes and Food Notes (cont.) By Anne Pinkerton

 stiff mixture. Add the peppermint essence and mix again; you may need a little more icing sugar to keep the consistency really stiff. Sift a little more icing-sugar onto the work surface and roll out the mixture till it is ¼ inch 6mm thick. Cut circles and place in a cool dry place on a rack to dry. You might need to put silicon paper on your wire rack to prevent any marks. If you like after half the mixture is cut out you can add a tiny amount of green colour to the cream and ﬁrm up as before with a little more sifted icing sugar. When boxed together the two colours look lovely. You can even drip melted chocolate over the ﬁnished creams.

Last but by no means least… Cloutie Dumpling There are many different personal and family recipes but they share the same cooking method which gives the pudding its name. It is simmered in a cloth or clout. The proportions and usually similar but exact weights are not vital. Ingredients 500gm. Plain white ﬂour 1 teaspoon baking powder 175gm. White bread crumbs ½ teaspoon salt 250gm sultanas 2 teaspoons each cinnamon, mixed spice and ground ginger 250gm currants 125gm.raisins 250gm black treacle 125gm chopped mixed peel 2 eggs 125gm soft brown sugar Zest and juice of an orange and a lemon 250gm suet 2 each grated cooking apples and carrots Milk to mix

Method In a large bowl mix all the dry ingredients together. Mix the liquids together and add to the bowl of dry ingredients using enough milk to give a soft consistency. Everyone can help just as with Christmas pudding! Have ready a clean, scolded, square of white cotton cloth. Dust it with some white ﬂour and pile the mixture on the cloth. Draw the corners together and loosely tie with string leaving space for expansion but not leaving any holes from which the pudding can escape as it swells. In a large pan of simmering water place a metal plate and put the pudding in the pot to cook. The water should come ¾ way up the dumpling. Simmer for 3 hours checking the water level now and then. You can cook the dumpling in a buttered ovenproof basin. To turn out a cloth cooked dumping you need to dip it in cold water for a moment to stop it sticking, turn it in to a bowl and then invert the bowl onto a plate. Dry it off in the oven. Sprinkle with sugar and serve with custard or thick cream. Any left-overs can be fried and eaten with bacon.

These are only a few food ideas for sharing. You can make oatcakes, shortbread, lemon curd, trufﬂes, tablet, candied fruit, herb jelly, pate, sloe gin or gingerbeer. Whatever you make if you enjoy its manufacture then your friends will enjoy receiving it. Have a happy holiday.

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Delicimo Cakes

elicimo Cakes, based in Currie, can design a cake which is unique to you.

Whether it’s for a wedding, christening, birthday, anniversary, graduation, hen party or just to say thank you, we can provide a cake that looks as good as it tastes. We pride ourselves on our personal and friendly service and attention to detail, and we believe we go the extra mile to give you exactly what you want. We also believe you don’t need to spend a fortune to get the cake of your dreams, so you’ll ﬁnd our cakes are very competitively priced. We design, bake and decorate everything in-house fresh to order, using the best ingredients so you can be assured our cakes taste sensational. Contact us for a free consultation and together we can make your event extra special. See www.delicimo-cakes.co.uk or call 07986 600432

T: 0131 449 2303 M: 07946 588885 www.naturalcatering.co.uk We specialise in quality, bespoke children's catering but we cater for mums and dads too! Let your children and their friends have lots of creative and messy fun at one of our Baking or Cupcake Decorating Parties

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Do you want your Christmas dinner to taste like everything else you’ve cooked this year? Or would you prefer it to taste fresh and perfectly cooked in an Alba cleaned oven?

For a free quotation on our services beat the rush and book your oven clean in time for Christmas. Call us now on 01506 410530. www.albaovencleaning.co.uk 35

Prize Crossword

Bar meal for two at Tanners, Juniper Green. See advert on page 7.

Across

1. Used for measuring (4) 3. Goes before (8) 9. Against (7) 10. Removes sensation (5) 11. Immediate environment (12) 14. Uncooked (3) 16. Edition (5) 17. To colour (3) 18. Very keen (12) 21. Not dead (5) 22. European country (7) 23. Simultaneously (8) 24. Happy (4)

Down 1. 2. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

Item of clothing (8) Writing material (5) Stick, cane (3) SigniďŹ cant (12) Broken (7) Type of window (4) Amazement (12)

8 9

12 13

20 21

12. Birds dwellings (5) 13. Received gladly (8) 15. Not losing (7)

19. Spin around (5) 20. Sour (4) 22. Farewell (3)

Complete the crossword & send to: The Konect Directory, Overton Farmhouse, Kirknewton, EH27 8DD. Please include your name, address & phone number. Closing date for entries 15th December, 2011.

Sudoku

Sudoku solution on page 42

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TELEPHONE ENGINEER New sockets fitted for phone, internet or sky •••• Removal of unsightly old wiring and sockets •••• Repair to internal phone and broadband faults •••• Old style phones converted to work on UK sockets

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Useful Info + What’s On? December

Balerno Library information 1 Main Street, Balerno, EH14 7EQ 0131 529 5500 balerno.library@edinburgh.gov.uk Opening times Mon & Wed: 1.00pm - 8.00pm Tues, Thurs & Fri: 10.00am - 5.00pm Saturday: 9.00am - 1.00pm Bookbug sessions Action rhyme and song sessions for parents/carers and children 0-3. Alternate Fridays 10.30am - 11.00am

Saturday 10th December Family Christmas Craft & Food Fair Potter Around, Kirknewton, in association with Kirknewton Community Development Trust. 12 – 3pm. Craft stalls, Christmas decorations, BBQ, home baking, tea, coffee, mulled wine, carol singing, Santa’s grotto and special Christmas surprises. Funds raised for various Kirknewton projects. Free entry.

Currie Library information 210 Lanark Road West, Currie, EH14 5NX 0131 529 5609 currie.library@edinburgh.gov.uk Opening times Mon & Wed: 1.00pm - 8.00pm Tues, Thurs & Fri: 10.00am - 5.00pm Saturday: 9.00am - 1.00pm Bookbug sessions Action rhyme and song sessions for parents/carers and children 0-3. Alternate Fridays 10.30am - 11.00am

Saturday 17th December Juniper Green Farmers Market The Dental Surgery Car Park, 577 Lanark Road, opposite Juniper Avenue, Juniper Green. 9am – 1pm.

The Pentlands Medical Centre 44 Pentland View, Currie, EH14 5QB 0131 449 2142 Saturday 3rd December Suntrap Garden Christmas Fayre Plant table,Craft table,tombola,Guess weight of the cake,christmas table decorations, baking and lots more including mince pies, teas and coffees. Come and have a look around the garden and join in the Christmas Festivities 10am – 3pm 43 Gogarbank,EH12 9BY. Make your own holly wreath at one of the workshops - 10am - 12pm or 1pm - 3pm cost £10 Booking advised, phone 0131 333 1335. Wednesday 7th & Thursday 8th December Pentland Singers Christmas Concert. The festive season is not complete without a traditional carol concert. Bring your singing voices! Balerno High School 7.30pm. Tickets available from Balerno and Currie Post Ofﬁces, see website at www.pentlandsingers.org for more info. 38

Saturday 10th December Balerno Farmers Market 9am – 1pm Main Street Balerno

Sunday 8 January Calorie burn with Pentland Hills Ranger Service Burn off some of those extra Christmas calories with a short steep walk at Bonaly Country Park. Great views of Edinburgh. Meet: Bonaly Country Park, upper car park 1.30pm – 4.00pm. Bring sturdy footwear and waterproofs. Cost: Donations welcome Grade of walk: Moderate, 2.5 miles (4km) Suitable for over 16 yrs.

Santa Cruises at th

e Bridg

e Inn at Ratho Come and join us the gardens to wr in the Elves’ workshop in draw pictures befoite letters to Santa and barge to sail up th re boarding the sleigh magical Island Grote Union Canal to Santa’s £12 /person. Call 01to. Booking essential, Dec cruise dates : 31 333 1320. Sat 3rd & Sun 4th; 10th & Sun 11th; Sa Sa t 17th to Sat 24th t

To include your event here, please email hj@konectdirectory.co.uk or post details to: The Konect Directory, Overton Farmhouse, Kirknewton, EH27 8DD

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Jupiter has Christmas all wrapped up The perfect gift for any member of your family is a membership for Jupiter Artland. Free entry throughout Jupiter’s open season and invitations to a variety of fun events and 10% discount in our shop ... all wrapped up with a Christmas bow! Adult £20 Family £35 Contact Ailsa Boag ailsa@jupiterartland.org or 01506 889900 to buy your gift now. JUPITER BONNINGTON HOUSE STEADINGS NR WILKIESTON EDINBURGH EH27 8BB TEL 01506 889900 To advertise call 07824 469266 or 07854 492638

Honey Pot Ceramics

Come and have a handmade Christmas To all our Customers - We wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Hate Shopping and never know what to buy?

New Cosmetic Range Come and make your own beautifully scented cosmetics for a perfect handmade gift:

We have a whole ‘Santa’s Workshop’ of things to make. Let us help you make something really special for your loved ones, teacher, swimming instructor, scout leader, next door neighbour!

Body scrubs, soaps, bubble bath, lip balms, bath muffins Check out our website for more information and if you ‘like’ us on facebook we have Christmas surprises for ‘lucky likers’!!

www.honeypotceramics.com or call us on: 0131 333 6348 Open 7 days (10am-5pm) Open late on Thursdays EICA, Ratho, Edinburgh EH28 8AA

other hours by arrangement

Please remember to mention The Konect Directory when contacting advertisers

Christmas at Jupiter

December 17th

• Recycle Christmas workshop for 5 to 14 year olds. Fun, Creative and Christmassy. Your little ones kept busy while you can do some last minute shopping.

• Sketchbook workshop – this all day class will help young artists aged 13 upwards to develop their skills at keeping their own sketchbooks and jam them full of ideas, inspirations, doodles, scraps and sketches.

BOOK NOW

www.jupiterartland.org To advertise call 07824 469266 or 07854 492638

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“A very Merry Christmas to all our readers and advertisers.”

Please contact Jenny on 07824 469266 jenny@konectdirectory.co.uk or Helen-Jane on 07854 492638 hj@konectdirectory.co.uk.

Across: 1 Impact, 4 Tender, 9 Station, 10 Tells, 11 Sleep, 12 Reaches, 13 Introducing, 18 Article, 20 Motor, 22 Above, 23 Treated, 24 Assist, 25 Stalls. Down: 1 Insist, 2 Plane, 3 Crisper, 5 Extra, 6 Dolphin, 7 Resist, 8 Ingredients, 14 Nations, 15 Comment, 16 Banana, 17 Grades, 19 Chess, 21 Total. 42

Solution to Sudoku

Solution November 11 crossword

Solutions

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, Kirknewtonk, EH27 8DD. Editor :Helen-Jane Shearer 07854 492638 hj@konectdirectory.co.uk

Please remember to mention The Konect Directory when contacting advertisers

Ian Merriman Ltd BE FO RE

Hn Pne Kitn

LANE DECOR Painters & Decorators Graining & Marbling Faux Effects - All wallpapers specialist Lincrusta - Gilding - Painted Furniture Highly Skilled - S.A.P.C.T. - FFD www.grainingmarbling.com

01506 884 949

Brown’s Plumbing Plumbing – Heating – Gasworks

From tap washers to re-plumbs We undertake all plumbing work

0131 478 5356 07720 890 226

Free estimates

SPLASH BATHROOMS 164 Lanark Rd West, Currie

Tel: 0131 449 9585

Affordable luxury in your home

Rejuvinate your old kitchen units and furniture. Have them hand painted in a colour of your choice. Ian Merriman Ltd 0131 478 7339

ian@kitchenspainted.com

www.kitchenspainted.com

73 Riccarton Mains Road, Currie, EH14 5ND To advertise call 07824 469266 or 07854 492638

Not all bathrooms are the same...

www.splash-bathrooms.net 43

Clubs and Classes

sports, hobbies, learning, support groups and more... Zumba Fitness with the ZumbamamaZ Mon and Fri 9.30 – 10.30am Juniper Green Church Hall Tues 20.30 to 21.30 Balerno High School Thurs 19.00 – 20.00 Scout Hall, Lanark Rd West, Currie For more info contact zumbamamaz@hotmail.co.uk or call Laura on 07976 694 077 Busy Bee Club at Honeypot Ceramics Friday’s 1 – 5pm term time. (from 18th Mar). Arts and crafts, £10, booking essential. See www.honeypotceramics.com or call 0131 333 6348. Craft Club at Potter Around Fridays 1.30 – 3.30pm Different arts and crafts projects each week, including glass, clay modelling, pottery painting and jewellery making. Cost £10 per session. All materials, squash and a snack supplied. See www.potteraround.co.uk for more information. Range of other clubs available at Potter Around incl. Papercraft, ladies nights, pottery painting. See www.potteraround.co.uk for more details.

BABERTON 172nd Pentland Scouts (Baberton)

BALERNO 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 or 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. Pentland Caledonia Pipes and Drums Balerno Community Centre every Friday 7pm-9.30pm. New members welcome. Tuition free on pipes or drums Phone 0131 4495133

Balerno Fitness Class Aerobics & Conditioning 7.30 - 8.25pm Every Monday, Balerno High School in the small gym. For further information call/text 07811424946 or e-mail balernofitness@blueyonder.co.uk Balerno SWRI Balerno Community Centre First Tuesday of every month (ex Jul & Aug) 7 30pm in. 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. Pentland Flower Club Meetings 1st Friday of every month (ex. Feb, Jul & Aug) at Balerno High School Drama Studio, 7.15pm prompt. All welcome, visitors £5. Contact Lis Daly on 0131 442 2146. Compass Playgroup 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 Rookie Lifesaving Balerno Community High School For swimmers aged 10 - 14 years. Alternate Thursdays 6pm - 8pm. For further information contact the Community Education Office on 0131 477 7733 51st Pentland Scouts (Balerno) Beavers, Cubs, Scouts Various evenings, Balerno Scout Hall Contact Lawrence Mitchell on 0131 449 4680 Balerno Baby and Toddler Group Balerno Parish Church Hall, 3 Johnsburn Road, Balerno, EH14 7DN. For children 0-5 years and their carers. Term-time Thurs 9.45am - 11.30am. Currie Rugby Football Club Malleny Park Minis (P1-7) Sundays 10.30am - 12pm Contact 0131 449 2432 www.currierugby.org

Balerno 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 Janet Dyer on 0131 449 3767 or Marion John on 01506 880428.

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

Yoga with Claudia Goncalves Wed 7.30pm – 9pm, Thursday 10am. 4 week block £20, drop-in £7. Pirnie Ha’, Cockburn Hill Road, Balerno, EH14 7JB. Booking 07501 668364

Step Conditioning Balerno High School Tuesdays 8-9pm. Contact Balerno Community Education Office 0131 477 7733 for more info

Badminton Balerno High School Tuesdays - sessions from 7-9.40pm Fridays - sessions from 6.20-8.50pm Contact Balerno Community Education Office 0131 477 7733 for more info

Karate Currie High School Mondays 7.30 - 9pm. Adults and Children over 6 years. Please contact 0131 449 3510 or 0131 445 2945 for more info or email patricia.shearer@edinburgh.gov.uk

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

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/

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

Currie & District Local History Society Meetings Mondays at 7.30 in the Gibson-Craig Hall in Currie. Visitors welcome. For further information contact Mr P.D. Cowlishaw on 0131 449 2520 or pdcowlishaw@hotmail.com

Fitness Yoga Balerno High School Fridays 7-8pm. Contact Balerno Community Education Office 0131 477 7733 for more info.

CURRIE Air Cadets 2463 (Currie & Balerno) Squadron Forthview Crescent Mon and Thu 7-9.30pm. 0131 449 7449 for more info Sarah Byers Zumba Currie Youth Club- Tuesday & Friday 9.30-10.30am, Thursday 6.30-7.30pm. Teamparente Gym Longstone - Wednesday 7-8pm. Contact Sarah Byers on 07540 894287 42nd Pentland Scouts (Currie) Balerno and District Ramblers Midweek Group meets on a Wednesday at Currie Library Carpark, Lanark Rd West, at 9.15am for 9.30am start. Contact K. Gordon 0131 449 2534 or A Blyth 0131 449 5020 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 7.00pm 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. Baby Group Currie Library Thursdays 2.00 - 3.30pm. Come along for an informal tea.coffee and chat with other parents and babies. 50p/week. Topic for 19th August - Baby resuscitation The Octagon Club for Adults with Special Needs and Learning Difficulties. Meets in the Gibson Craig Hall, Lanark Road West, Currie, 7 - 9pm on Wednesday Evenings from mid September until June for table tennis, snooker, badminton, table games and “tuck shop” etc. Contact Alastair Hardie on 0131 453 3556.

Boys Brigade - 65th Edinburgh (Currie) Company Gibson Craig Hall, Lanark Road West Currie Anchors (Boys P2 & P3) – Thursday 6.00-7.00 pm Juniors (Boys P4, P5 & P6) – Thursday 7.00-8.30 pm Company/Seniors (Boys P7 – S6) – Friday 7.00 – 9.15 pm For further info contact Jim Webber on 451 5112.

JUNIPER GREEN Juniper Green SWRI Juniper Green Community Centre (Village Hall) 1 Juniper Park Road, EH14 5DX Contact 0131 539 9886 Monkey Music Juniper Green Church Saturdays 10am for 1-2 year olds, 10.40 for 2-3 year olds. Contact 0131 669 6004 www.monkeymusic.co.uk Juniper Green Nursery Playgroup Juniper Green Community Centre, 1 Juniper Park Road, EH14 5DX. Contact 0131 453 4427 or see website at www.junipergreenplaygroup.vpweb.co.uk 31st Pentland Scouts (Juniper Green) 45 Lanark Road West, Currie Beavers Wednesdays 6.30pm Cubs Mondays 7.00pm Scouts Fridays 7.00pm Contact: Mary Dick on 0131 449 7043

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To include your club or class, email details to hj@konectdirectory.co.uk or post to The Konect Directory, Overton Farmhouse, Kirknewton, EH27 8DD. Charity and not-forprofit groups are free, there is a small charge for other listings, see our website for details www.konectdirectory.co.uk

Index of Advertisers

The

Architect / Architectural Services Alan Young Designs 5 King Architects 13 Attractions Jupiter Artland 39 Bathrooms Splash Bathrooms 43 Beauty Therapist Beauty and the Beach 16 Cheryl Jarra 16 Juniper Beauty Room 16 Lilac Rooms 17 Blacksmith Keith Davidson 23 Business Opportunities The Utility Warehouse 37 Butcher Mark McGill 33 Canvases & Large Format Print Ed Printing 4 Carpet Cleaning Cleaning Doctor 2 Car Sales Hermiston Motor Co 29 Juniper Green Garage 28 Car Service/Repair Chips Away 28 D.A. Ward 28 Hermiston Motor Co 29 Catering Delicimo Cakes 35 Natural Catering 35 Cattery Claylands Cottage 31 Rosebank 31 Ceramics / Ceramic Painting Honey Pot 40 Children’s Activities EICA 40 Honey Pot 40 Juniper Artland 41 Chiropody Chiropody by Claire 19 Chiropractor Chiropractic Care WL 19 Christmas Trees Eddie Wells 5 Cleaning Services Alba Oven Cleaning 35 Cleaning Doctor 2 Fiona’s Housecleaning 30 HydroKleen 30 Tag Cleaning Services 13 Computer Repairs CD’s Computer Repairs 5

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Dentist No 9 Dental Practice 17 Design & Print Kumo Ink Ltd 37 Driving Instructor Alan’s School of Motoring 4 Electrician A&A Electrical 13 G Beatson Electrical 26 Fitness ZumbamamaZ 19 Florist Vicky’s Flowers 30 Food Real Foods 48 The Whole Shebag 35 Garden & Landscaping Garden Services Edinburgh 10 Riccarton Garden Centre 11 Taurus Gardening Ltd 11 Woodford Timber 27 Golf Baberton Golf Club 21 Ratho Park Golf Club 4 Hairdresser Cheryl Jarra 16 Tony Harper 16 Handyman Bits ‘N’ Pieces 10 Home Improvements Advanced Property Solutions Ltd 22 Alexander Aitken Plastering 26 Heritage Windows 10 RGS Services 23 Homes CALA Homes 25 Hotel The Bridge Inn 47 Ironing Services Ironing Aid 37 Jewellery Jennifer Rose Jewellery 30 Joiners GK Wilson 5 Kirk Brothers 22 Locksmith 1st Call Locksmith 13 Caledonian Locksmith 10 Logs Edinburgh Firewood 10 Reservoir Logs 10 MSP Gordon McDonald 6 Optician Clear Vue 19

Painter/Decorator Alistair McLellan AJ Home & Commercial Brushstrokes Gerry Aitken Ian Merriman Ltd Lane Decor Physiotherapy SportsActive Plumbing Services Alex Hunter & Son Bill Reid & Son Browns Weir Plumbing & Heating Property Management K&H Property Public House The Bridge Inn The Grey Horse Inn Restaurant Adam’s Spice Village Sloeberry Tanners The Bridge Inn Rooﬁng KM Contracts Security Circle Security Sewing Services & Supplies Marys’ Patch Shopﬁtters Advanced Property Solutions Ltd Soft Furnishing James Erskine Interiors Take-Away Adam’s Spice Village Taxi GlenAir Telephone Engineer Alistair McLellan John McGraw Tiler B. Edwards Tiling Tree Surgery Maxwell Tree Care Tuition Monkey Music Utilities & Mobile Phones The Utility Warehouse Vet Pentland Veterinary Clinic Window Cleaner Tag Cleaning Services

26 6 23 23 43 43 15 5 26 43 23 13 47 33 24 33 7 47 26 37 30 22 5 24 28 10 37 22 10 41 37 31 13

CHRISTMAS PARTY NIGHTS & CRUISES SANTA CRUISES December dates

Sat 3rd & Sun 4th • Sat 10th & Sun 11th • Sat 17th - Sat 24th

HOGMANAY FAMILY SUPPER 5PM - Drinks and Magician

HOGMANAY CELEBRATION DINNER 8PM - Dinner & Entertainment

The Bridge Inn at Ratho, 27 Baird Road, Ratho, Midlothian EH28 8RU Email: info@bridgeinn.com or call 0131 333 1320