EDINBU
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A PA TICK IR OF ETS TO G H’S CF MAGI
TO OUR DECEMBER EDITION
THIS ISSUE
A
nother year nearly done; another year here at Konect of endless discovery about the local area! Even though I have been doing this for nearly ten years, it really is a fresh discovery every month putting together the editorial. I hope you find the same reading it. I love all the Christmassy adverts in the December issue. One thing that kept coming up as I was putting this issue together though is how much need there is, how many people are finding the festive season difficult - and, crucially, how many people locally are working hard to make it better for everyone. Our charity of the month, Dignity Boxes, is a new one set up by an Edinburgh Napier lecturer who realised there is a need for people to be able to access help “without having to ask and without having to thank anyone,” hence the word “dignity”. She is focussing on toiletries, see the article on pages 8-9. There is a bracing walk around the loch at Caldercruix to discover; Magic Festival tickets to win; and all the other usual columns and one-off discoveries. We don’t produce a magazine for January, so the next one will be the February issue. Wishing all our readers a fantastic holiday season.
P8 Charity: Dignity Boxes........................................8 The Seasonal Touch........................................ 13 Money Matters: IHT......................................... 14 Local People: Tracy Taylor............................ 16 WIN! MagicFest Tickets................................. 19 Walk Around the Loch.................................... 26 Puzzles................................................................ 36 Ghost Train!....................................................... 40 Community Chest............................................. 44 Recipe: Smoked Salmon Pots...................... 46 What’s On........................................................... 48 Clubs & Classes............................................... 51
Konect is delivered to homes in Balerno, Currie, Juniper Green, Baberton and Ratho. Copies are also left at the library, community centres, convenience stores and various other locations within the area.
HELEN-JANE SHEARER
JENNY THOMSON
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BALERNO | 7
CHARITY OF THE MONTH
“ The aim of the Dignity Box is to promote self-worth and dignity by allowing those in need to take what they cannot afford, without having to ask or thank anyone.”
“I’d like people to be able to have essential toiletries and personal hygiene products without having to ask, and without needing to thank anyone” says Isabel Dosser, a Livingston resident who is rather surprised to find herself at the helm of a new charity which is set to grow massively in 2019. Isabel is a lecturer in nursing at Edinburgh Napier University, where she has worked for 15 years after a 30 year career in nursing, specialising in palliative care. She is very wellversed in issues of care, dignity and choice. “During a nursing conference in April this year, I attended a workshop on poverty. Someone in the group mentioned a box they have at their organisation where women can help themselves to free sanitary products. And the thought just lingered with me.” Isabel is retiring next year and wanted a small project to set up to give something back to the community. “The idea of the box of free products kept coming back to me. I knew that sanitary products are now freely available in many places, so I decided on boxes of other basic hygiene products, to be made available on a self-serve basis in areas of the Lothians where people are experiencing hardship and deprivation.” Speaking with the Foodbank, the clothing bank and other organisations, it was clear that no-one else was focussing on toiletries, and people were generally receptive to the idea. So Isabel drew up a proposal for the project and presented to it to her employer, Edinburgh Napier University, who were very supportive.
Isobel 8 | BALERNO
Isabel managed to get local supermarkets to donate the boxes themselves; Edinburgh Napier University promoted Dignity Boxes internally, agreed to collections points at each of their three campuses, and arranged an official launch and publicity. With donations of products in from the university collection points, Isabel was soon ready to put the first box out in the community. Social Bite in Edinburgh were keen to take it; and on @KonectMagazines
launch day in mid September Isabel found herself and her project in the local press and on Forth Radio. Since then, the uptake and requests have been almost overwhelming. “There is clearly a need for this that wasn’t being filled. It would be easy to get distracted onto lots of other products, but we are keeping the focus on just these six toiletry items.” Each box contains around 20 products, including shampoo/conditioner, shower gel, soap, shaving foam, deodorant, toothpaste/ toothbrushes. The boxes are placed with organisations where people can discreetly help themselves, and are refilled monthly. With an instinct for business that is going to stand this charity in good stead, Isabel has assembled a board of directors for Dignity Boxes, and is in the process of applying for registered charity status which will allow them to take monetary donations too. Monetary donations will enable them to establish a website, reimburse fuel expenses for volunteers who refill the boxes and collect donations and so on. And at some point she will need to look at premises, as her home is quickly becoming overrun with donated products! Isabel’s family have thrown themselves into it too, with her husband in charge of the stock control spreadsheet at home, and each of their three adult children contributing ideas, suggestions and support. Isabel has a waiting list of organisations who have requested a box. She wants to ensure she can sustain the ones she has out first of all, with regular refills. If you can help at all, please see the information in the sidebar (right) and get in touch with Isabel, so that she can ensure the organisations on the waiting list receive their box quickly! This article was contributed by Helen-Jane Shearer after meeting with Isabel Dosser. Helen-Jane is the editor of Konect magazines and lives in West Lothian with her family. @KonectMagazines
Donate! Donations of shampoo/conditioner, shower gel, soap, shaving foam, deodorant, toothpaste and toothbrushes are needed. You don’t need to spend more than a pound or two; just pop an extra shower gel or toothpaste in your regular grocery shopping and it will make all the difference. DROP-OFF POINTS: • Edinburgh Napier Merchiston Campus • Edinburgh Napier Craiglockhart Campus • Edinburgh Napier Sighthill Campus • The Beauty Box (Bathgate) • Personal Design Studio (Mid Calder) • Dedridge Dental Practice (Livingston) Or, please contact Isabel and she will collect your donation. If your organisation can be a drop off point for donations, please get in touch as more donation points are needed – anywhere in the Lothians.
Volunteer! Volunteers are needed to collect products from donation points and to develop relationships with organisations who have boxes, and to top up the boxes monthly. Also if you can contribute skills such as website design, social media, fundraising, please contact Isabel. Facebook: @DignityBoxes Email: i.dosser@napier.ac.uk Dignity Boxes is awaiting its SCIO registration number.
A Sample Box BALERNO | 9
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THE SEASONAL TOUCH
Thinking of buying some new Christmas decorations? All those cheerful colours and twinkling lights! They create such a cosy space, don’t they? Over the coming weeks, we become so used to seeing them throughout our home that come the first week in January, when they all have to come down again, we mourn their passing with cries of ‘Everything looks so bare!’ Instead of buying more Christmas accessories and decorations which are limited to being displayed for only a few weeks, why not consider finding ‘winter’ themed decorations to add to your collection? A cushion emblazoned with an image of Santa Claus has a definite expiration date of 12th night, whereas a cute and cosy winter birds cushion can stay out on the sofa until the first snowdrops of spring appear. It’s all about celebrating the season. Go ahead and enjoy your tree and a sprinkling of specific Christmas accents, but ‘winter’ accessories you can enjoy throughout the rest of the season? Now that’s much better value for money! What works all winter? Here are just a couple of ideas. 1. Lots of faux fur or chunky knit cushions and throws work well. They create a feeling of abundance - a great antidote to the apparent stark scarcity of January and February. 2. Twinkle lights - not just for Christmas! Don’t pack them all away, instead add a string of @KonectMagazines
lights on their own or with some pine cones in a vase. They’re sure to brighten up any gloomy winter corner.
3. Synonymous with breathtaking winter landscapes, stags and reindeer are still a very popular design element at this time of year. As long as yours aren’t the flying sort with a big, red nose, they can stay! 4. Winter wall art - Do you have a line from a favourite song, a winter quote or some wintery photographs you could make into some wall art? With multiple options for printing from the likes of photobox.com or notonthehighstreet.com it’s easy to create and personalise your own art. 5. I’d argue that snowmen can stay too as long as they’re not too ‘Christmassy’ looking. I mean snow in Jan/Feb? That’s pretty seasonal! When shopping for new accessories to add to your collection, just ask yourself ‘Could I still display this in January? February?’ When it’s time to take down the decorations you’ll be glad you did! Lynn McMurray - Enthusiast of all things ‘home’ and owner at The Seasonal Touch. www.theseasonaltouch.co.uk BALERNO | 13
MONEY MATTERS
NO INHERITANCE TAX (IHT) UP TO £1,000,000 Readers of these articles will be familiar with the fact that everyone has a Nil Rate Band (NRB) of £325,000. This means a married couple can have assets up to £650,000 without having to worry about IHT as the government allows inter spouse transfers. New kid on the block - In April 2017 the Resident’s Nil Rate band (RNRB) came into force. In order to benefit from the RNRB you must be an owner of a qualifying residence, must die after April 2017 and the property must be passed to a lineal descendent. A qualifying residence is defined as being a dwelling house which has been the deceased’s residence and which forms part of the deceased’s estate. A lineal descendant includes children, adopted children, grandchildren, spouses and widows.
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Phasing in of the RNRB - The value of the RNRB will be the lower of the net value of the interest in the residential property or the maximum of £100,000 in 17/18, £125,000 in 18/19, £150,000 in 19/20 and £175,000 in 20/21. Transferable RNRB - In the same way as any unused portion of the existing NR can be transferred to a surviving spouse, any unused portion of the RNRB can also be transferred to the surviving spouse. The good news is that from 2020 a married couple will have two NRBs i.e. 2 x £325,000 plus two RNRB i.e. 2x £ 175,000 meaning they can pass on £1,000,000 to their children without any IHT being payable. The introduction of the new RNRB means a review of IHT planning could be necessary, particularly if plans have been put in place to gift an interest in residential property on the first death. The Money Matters column is contributed by Personal Money Matters. This month’s column by Dr Peter Marshall.
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LOCAL PEOPLE
Tracy Taylor: Restoring hope
Juniper Green resident Tracy Taylor helped start a charity that supports widows and orphans in Tanzania. A GP, Tracy is married to Richard and they have two boys aged 14 and 11. In Swahili the word for “hope” is tumaini. So it’s an appropriate name for a charity that works to bring hope to people who have been impacted by HIV/ AIDS in Kagera, northwest Tanzania. The Tumaini Fund was established in 2003 by a Scottish GP, Dr Susan Wilson. Through a visit to Kagera she had learned that, following the genocide, the HIV/AIDS rate in the area had soared to 30 per cent. Many of the households were headed up by children made orphans by the disease. Dr. Wilson wrote to numerous charities, but none had the resources to start a new work in Kagera. So she set up Tumaini. Ten years later Tracy Taylor, who was living in Aberdeen at that time, visited Kagera with a group from her church. They had helped with funds to build houses for Tanzanian families and wanted to see first-hand how the people were doing. “By this time Dr. Wilson had moved to Guernsey,” explains Tracy, “so the charity was administered from there. But after our visit to Kagera, a small group of us were keen to set up a separate and independent Tumaini Fund (Scotland). “Our idea was that we would take on individual projects for Kagera, by raising funds and awareness in Scotland.” In 2014 the charity was officially recognised and added to the OSCR register, and Tracy became its chairperson. “Dr. Wilson still oversees Tumaini’s work,” she says, “but we do our part – and the charity is now established in eight different countries.” Tracy says there are a couple of things she really loves about Tumaini. One of these points is that 100 per cent of the funds raised goes directly into the work – none of the Tumaini charities take an admin cut. “The other thing I love is how the social 16 | BALERNO
outreach in Kagera is done by 200 local parish workers. They are well respected and they know where the orphan-headed households are. Though we work under the auspices of the local Anglican church, we help people from all faiths or none.” Tumaini Scotland was launched with six concerts by singer Ian White. The £10,000 raised made it possible to buy a bicycle for every parish worker. “Each of these people cares for about 130 orphans,” says Tracy, “in very rural areas. So the bikes really help them to get around.” Other projects include sinking wells, establishing a vocational training school, and providing psychological help for those who have been traumatised.
“It’s amazing to think that just two pounds a month can feed a child,” says Tracy. “I’m very happy to speak to groups about all the ways they can help us change lives through the Tumaini Fund.” Visit www. tumainiscotland.org.uk and Facebook@Tumainiscotland for more information. Contact Tracy at tumainiscotland@gmail.com
The Village 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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WIN! A pair of tickets to Edinburgh MagicFest’s futuristic magic show ‘The Miracle of Christmas Future”
This Christmas, Edinburgh MagicFest present The Miracle of Christmas Future, a collaboration between Scottish magicianscientist hybrid Kevin Quantum, and hightech Swedish wizard Charlie Caper. Age-old sleight of hand is fused with state-of-the-art technology, and phenomenal illusions with incredible science, to create a glimpse of a world not too far away from our own. There will be levitations, predictions, misdirection, innovation, science-fiction and science-fact, blended together with expert showmanship from two performers at the top of their game. This show is for magic fans, Christmas fans, future fans, sci-fi fans… for humans who want a special festive experience that will blow their minds and leave them smiling as they float out of the door. 27th - 30th December 2018 @ The Traverse, Edinburgh. Shows at 2.00pm & 7.00pm Tickets: £22, £20 (conc), £15 (u5’s) Book at www.magicfest.co.uk To win a pair of tickets to the show on 27th December 2018 at 7pm, simply answer the following question: What country is Charlie Caper from? Email your answer, along with your name and postcode, to win@konect.scot Closing date for entries 15th December. Winner will be chosen at random after the closing date and informed via the email address used to enter.
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WALK
A
AROUND HILLEND LOCH,
Caldercruix
A gorgeous early November morning was met with a choice of a visit to B&Q or a bracing walk outdoors. A conversation with a friend decided on a walk at Hillend Loch near Caldercruix. It’s a place that has memories for me, more of which later.
The loch is 1.5 miles from Caldercruix station or 4 miles along the A89 from Blackridge, and is an ideal location for a walk. If you take the train regularly from Edinburgh Park to Glasgow via Airdrie, you will be familiar with the sight of the loch as the railway skirts along metres from the water in places. My companion picked me up from Caldercruix station and we drove to a carpark on the A89 on the south side of the loch, over from the now closed Owl and Trout pub.
Access to the loch is via a short track beside the pub. You have two choices after a short walk, to either go right over the south side or left to the north side of the loch. We chose to go left, the more rustic route for which in wet weather I recommend wellies or walking boots. The reservoir has an interesting history. It is one of the oldest in Scotland, built in the 1790s. Its purpose, apart from the storage of water, was to help fuel the paper mills and steel works of nearby Airdrie and Coatbridge. At the time of its construction it was the largest in the world, and it remains a testament to a golden era of Scottish industrial development. At one point 26 | BALERNO
during its construction phase it employed 1500 people.
Veering right along a metalled path you have a choice of either walking along the top of the dam wall or a slightly gentler lower path. Carry on for about 300 yards and you then start to take a rough path along the north side. The area is rich in vegetation and owners of nearby land have replanted a wide range of trees. At this time of year with them shedding their leaves there is a delightful panoply of colours contrasting beautifully with waters of the loch. In terms of bird life the loch is populated with a range of gulls and guinea fowl. As you carry on round the loch you will find a planked path which was a godsend given the boggy conditions in places underfoot. As you carry on round you come to a wooded bluff. This is one of the more interesting parts of the walk, as you walk along the shore you will find numbered stones, the origin of which caused much discussion with my companion. We speculated if these had been milestones of the old Glasgow- Edinburgh road which runs close by. However if you walk into the woods (which is well worth doing, the trees are mature pine and
beach) you will come across the shell of Auchingray House, and the land about was part of the estate. The shell of the house shows what would have been an elegant late classical style, built in the 1820s. Its owner was Robert Haldane who commissioned the property, drained the land and planted the woods; he was one of the founders of the Scottish Congregationalist church in the early 19th century. The house was extended in the 1920s and was later owned by the Stenhouse family who built an insurance empire, and they rented the house to John Colville of Colville’s Steel fame. It caught fire in 1937, and was gutted because, according to local reports, the drive to the house was snowbound and the firehoses were ineffective due to the loch freezing over. The ruined shell of the house echoes an era of Scotland’s wealth created by the commercial barons that made Glasgow second city of empire. As to the stones, speculation centred did they marked the boundary of the estate? Coming out of the woods there are a couple of stones where you can sit down and admire the waters of the loch. Bring a thermos or what ever your tipple is to refresh you on @KonectMagazines
“The reservoir has an interesting history. It is one of the oldest in Scotland”
your route round. Due to the exposed nature of the loch many of the trees show signs of wind sculpting as they drunkenly defy the elements.
At the head of the loch you come across a small path that leads to the main road and the Bathgate to Airdrie cycle path. Opened in 2010 the path allows cyclists a chance to traverse safely. As you walk along you will see the local fishing club buildings, which has a wee refreshment snack kiosk which is open in the @KonectMagazines
summer. Fishing permits are also available in the summer for £10 a day and the loch has some of the finest brown water trout, so in the summer for the less active there is a chance to catch your tea!
You can either walk along the shoreline or the cycle path; having hiked vigorously we chose to take the cycle path. You carry on for about a mile and a half and pass the local sailing club, which holds memories for me of being on the loch on a freezing January day in a wetsuit jibing and cutting and capsizing as I learnt to sail small dinghies. The site is now owned by Monklands Sailing club and they offer lessons in the
summer months… if only I had known that then!
For a Sunday walk this can be either done easily along the cycle path or for the more adventurous a full traverse round the loch takes about two hours. If there is a downside it’s that there are no facilities in terms of food and drink. The area around it is clean and affords excellent views and quirky points of interest that warrant further investigation, and is certainly better than a trip to B&Q.
This month’s walk feature is contributed by Paul Spencer, a lover of the open spaces of Scotland. BALERNO | 27
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BALERNO | 35
PUZZLES
VISIT WEST LOTHIAN
December into January
Solution in the February edition of Konect
CROSSWORD
ACROSS: 1. Connect to another (6), 4. Yarn, twine (6), 9. Mature (7), 10. Problem, concern (5), 11. Bend (5), 12. Places of work (7), 13. Differentiate (11), 18. Identical (7), 20. Fang (5), 22. Having had water removed (5), 23. Hammering (7), 24. Leaders, monarchs (6), 25. Business, company (6) DOWN: 1. Diminish (6), 2. Sweetheart, paramour (5), 3. Most statuesque (7), 5. Robber (5), 6. Bugs (7), 7. 1978 musical set in 50s (6), 8. Meeting with doctor (11), 14. First letter (7), 15. Unfastening, removing knots (7), 16. Kill (6), 17. Long-haired, unkempt (6), 19. More advanced in age (5), 21. Pungent vegetable (5) We’re sorry that the grid for the November crossword was wrong, and hope you enjoy this month’s crossword as usual.
Solution on Page 53
SUDOKU
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Christmas is now very much here, with December being one of the busiest months in the West Lothian calendar! Howden Park Centre’s Jack and the Beanstalk is showing all throughout December – make sure you book early as tickets sell fast. Don’t forget, Santa will be fitting a few visits to West Lothian into his busy schedule, starting from the 8th December at Almond Valley Heritage Centre. Furthermore, again this year he will be touring the streets in his sleigh – thanks to The Garage, Whitburn. For a more traditional Christmas event, Burgh Halls will be running Christmas Wreath making sessions on the 16th. This will be led by the Head Gardener of Falkland Palace (a National Trust for Scotland site). Alternatively, if you’re trying to get away from Christmas for a little while, why not head over to Blackness Castle where Brick City has arrived. Featuring a variety of works by artist Warren Elsmore and his team, the event runs up until March and is included in normal admission prices. The models, representing a selection of iconic buildings from across the world, have all carefully been recreated in Lego bricks. Winners of the Royal Philharmonic Society award for Young British String Players, The Ruisi String Quartet, will be coming to Linlithgow Academy Theatre on Saturday 8th December. The quartet has established a reputation as a charismatic and expressive ensemble, delivering performances that are “strikingly immediate, committed and direct” (Chichester Observer, 2014). After the festivities of Christmas and Hogmanay, January is always a time to relax and making a start on those New Year’s resolutions! The weather may be a little chilly, but why not head over to one of West Lothians Country Parks for a relaxing trip out. Almondell & Calderwood, Polkemmet and Beecraigs are the home to a variety of walks suitable for the whole family. You can warm up at the Beecraigs Café, too. Many of these events require booking, so please do check the events section on our website for more details for these. Follow us on social media to stay up to date with the latest attraction information: www.facebook.com/VisitWestLothian www.twitter.com/SeeWestLothian www.instagram.com/VisitWestLothian @KonectMagazines
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Have you walked along the Water of Leith Walkway when the ground has dried out but rain has fallen recently? If so, you might have seen the “ghost” image left by the former railway line and the sleepers that supported it.
The rain soaks into the softer ground, but not into the ground that was compressed by nearly 100 years of trains. You may also have walked, run, cycled or ridden through Colinton Tunnel. If so, you will have noticed that it is becoming dark and forbidding with increasing amounts of antisocial graffiti. That is set to change, as the Colinton Tunnel project plans to create a major mural inside the tunnel, providing a visual record of the railway that once ran there and celebrating the heritage of the local communities. LOOKING BACK:
If you grew up near the Caledonian Railway Company’s Balerno Branch Line you might remember the Balerno Pug railway engine and stations at Hailes Halt, Colinton,
40 | BALERNO
Juniper Green, Currie and Balerno. Local pubs still display photographs of the line, which opened in 1874 to serve the 70-plus mills powered by the Water of Leith. The local villages were tiny, with populations of 200 or less. Mill owners, many living locally, faced long horseback rides to reach their offices in Edinburgh but the railway, with a 15-minute journey from Princes Street Station (aka the Caley Station) – now the Caledonian Hotel – meant that they could pop home for lunch. Our communities were well outside Edinburgh, but city-dwellers soon discovered that a short train journey provided a lovely day out. The line was called “the picnic line” because of the number of church communities that used it to take parishioners away from the smoke and grime of central Edinburgh to the fresh air and greenery of the countryside. That link between urban and rural arguably catalysed the development of today’s thriving residential communities. The advent of buses on paved roads meant that passenger services ceased in 1943. Freight services and occasional passenger “specials” continued until 4th December 1967, when engines and rolling stock were scrapped; lines, sleepers and other fixtures were removed, and the tunnel was closed. The creation of the Water of Leith Walkway in the late 1970s saw the tunnel re-opened, paved and lit. The smoke-blackened walls and ceiling were painted as part of Edinburgh District Council’s Special Measures Programme, giving school leavers skills to help them get jobs. Ian Temple and Charlotte Cottingham, the Landscape Architects who managed much of the programme, created a simple mural @KonectMagazines
along the 158-metre tunnel in 1980 featuring the Balerno Pug near the western end. Their mural transformed the tunnel and recorded its heritage. Now, sadly, time and casual graffiti mean that it has almost vanished. LOOKING FORWARD: A group of residents has spent two years developing plans to transform the tunnel, restoring the 1980 image of the Balerno Pug and drawing on Colinton’s rich history to create a lasting record of the railway’s influence on our community. Almost 160 metres of space on each wall gives plenty of room to tell the story of the railway and its links with Colinton’s wider history. Our website, www.colintontunnel.org. uk, describes the strands of history on which we hope to draw and how we plan to proceed. A brighter and safer environment will enhance public safety. There is also strong evidence that casual graffitists will respect the outcome and not be tempted to leave their own marks. Our friends at City of Edinburgh Council have already agreed to upgrade the tunnel lighting to LEDs, which will produce a brighter, more even light. A dark, slightly scarey tunnel can become attractive, interesting and welcoming. The completed mural will also attract visitors, who will need to use our shops, pubs, cafes and other local facilities. @KonectMagazines
Now a charity, the project will create Scotland’s largest historic and underground mural, celebrating the area’s industrial, social, literary, artistic and military history. We plan to involve as many of our community as possible, particularly young people, in developing the design and painting the mural. Consultation and engagement events start soon and run until Spring. You will be welcome to consider what elements of history might be included and how they might be portrayed. We then plan to have an exhibition of the first-stage design ideas so that everyone can see what is planned. A professional artist will develop the overall image but there will be space within it for “mini-murals”, developing an interpretation of particular events or individuals from the rich fabric of our history. Two of those mini-murals will be by the children whose entries won our “Paint the Pug” competition. We expect to be putting paint on the walls from late Spring next year. Before that, a great deal of work is needed to ensure that we produce a truly relevant piece of work that is both historically accurate and genuinely high quality. Meeting those criteria means that the tunnel art should become a destination in its own right – as well as a record-breaker. Fundraising is beginning. Creating a high quality, relevant, long-lasting artwork requires a professional heritage interpreter and top muralists; materials that will safeguard the tunnel’s brickwork, and plans to protect and maintain the finished mural. That costs money, and we are applying to a wide range of funding agencies, charitable trusts, corporate sponsors and the local community. Do you want a lasting memory of a friend or relative? Sponsoring a section of the mural could be the way to have their picture incorporated into the mural. Visit our website, “Like” us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to see the really big picture! This article was contributed by Mike Scott of the Colinton Tunnel Mural Project. www.colintontunnel.org.uk.The Colinton Tunnel is a Scottish Charity, SC048476. BALERNO | 41
Alexander Aitken Plastering 51 Dolphin Rd, Currie Call Sandy
07966 695595
Plaster work, rough casting, ceramic tiling & general maintenance
WEIR GAS SERVICES Former Scottish Gas engineer
Tel:
07981 366 988
Central heating - service, repairs Gas fires, cookers, hobs installation, service & repairs General Plumbing services Garden taps, washing machines, dishwashers Landlord safety inspections email : lesweir@blueyonder.co.uk
Est. 1976
• Carpet cleaning • Rug cleaning • Upholstery cleaning • Blind cleaning
Call us 0131 334 2080 Quick drying carpets and upholstery Same day blind cleaning available
www.cwcleaningservices.co.uk
DID YOU KNOW? Purple (or violet) is considered the main color of Advent as it symbolizes fasting and repentance. During Advent, the churches cover the alter with either violet or purple cloth. 42 | BALERNO
John A Brazil
Roofing & Flat Roof Specialist ALL ASPECTS OF ROOFING WORK (Includes 10 year warranty)
Roof tiles, slating, harling, terminals, cast iron gutters, Upvc plastic guttering
Phone: 0131 449 5588 Mobile: 07874 874796
Currievale
Plumbing & Drainage Services Emergency call outs Professional & reliable local plumber Family business, over 15 yrs experience No job too small All work guaranteed Call Alexander:
07849 393364 • 0131 449 3071 Currievale Drive, Currie
@KonectMagazines
BUSTER THE DOG
Claylands Cottage Cattery ...for contented cats
Established in May 2006, we provide first-class holiday accommodation for up to 35 feline guests. Single and double cabins, as well as large cabins for families, each comprises an upper sleeping area (heated in winter) with an exercise run below. A collection and drop-off service is available Fully licensed and insured
Proprietors: Pam and Bill Clark Phone: 0131 333 1636 Email: mail@claylandscottagecattery.co.uk Off Claylands Road, Newbridge, EH28 8LZ Conveniently situated near the airport.
www.claylandscottagecattery.co.uk
Alistair Taylor
BVMS MRCVS www.pentlandvetclinic.com
0131 451 5111
• 100% Small animal practice • Modern surgical, medical, x-ray laboratory and dental facilities • 24 Hour Emergency Service 5 Riccarton Mains Rd, Currie, EH14 5PX
Please contact us if you would like your business included in our Pet Services pages. Contacts details are on page 3.
DOG DAYCARE & HOME BOARDING
Tel: 07807 856 940
• Quality Dog Walking/Daycare • Home boarding in our country farmhouse • Experienced & knowledgeable dog handler • Professional service • Disclosure Scotland and insured • Trustworthy & reliable • Exercised on 7 acres of secure private land
HAPPY SCAMPERS
1 Humbie Holdings Kirknewton, EH27 8DS
www.happyscampers.co.uk @KonectMagazines
BALERNO | 43
CAN YOU CONTRIBUTE TO THE COMMUNITY CHEST? If you are a local business and are able to contribute to the Community Chest to increase the amount of grant funding available, they would love to hear from you! Please contact cc@cbrotary.org
Three years ago the Rotary Club of Currie Balerno set up an initiative called the Community Chest – a grant fund to offer financial support to projects benefiting the local community. Now in conjunction with Balerno Village Trust and with generous support from CALA Homes, Rotary’s Community Chest makes grants of up to £500 each to local organisations such as schools, social clubs, sports clubs and so on.
The Rotary Club has been committed to the local area since it was set up in 1981, and the Community Chest initiative is a way of building on that commitment. Balerno Village Trust was keen to participate in a small grants scheme using funds from Harlaw Hydro to benefit the local communities, so the Community Chest is a perfect way for the two organisations to come together with the scheme. They are keen to see the grant money spread across as many different projects as possible. Recipients to date include Dean Park PTA, Currie Day Centre, Ratho Environment Group, Pentland Duke of 44 | BALERNO
Edinburgh Group and Youth Vision, amongst others. All the grants are for very specific small-scale projects, such as purchasing equipment, funding a trip or premises repairs. A committee comprising members from Rotary and Balerno Village Trust appraises the applications and decides on the amount to be awarded each one. Any local club or voluntary organisation within the Currie, Balerno, Juniper Green, Ratho and Kirkenwton area can apply for a Community Chest grant. Application forms are available on the websites of the Rotary Club of Currie Balerno and Balerno Village Trust, and the forms contain full information on project eligibility. Applications for 2019 are open until 31st May 2019. For more information on the Rotary Club of Currie Balerno see www.cbrotary.org For more information on Balerno Village Trust see www.balernovt.org.uk
@KonectMagazines
0131 477 1167 Fully stocked & fully trained professional Locksmiths 24 hours a day www.1stcall-locksmiths.com
Ratho Auto Services Servicing, Diagnostics, Tyres, Pre-Purchase Checks, Sales John Plimmer
Auto Technician
0131 333 5353 07784 537356
Free Collection & Delivery Service MOTs arranged 73 Station Road, Ratho Station, EH28 8OP
Max's Garage Doors Ltd Garage Doors Electric Motors UPVC Side Doors
For all Installations repairs and services
Tel. 07821 984 978
info@maxsgaragedoors.co.uk 10 Years Experience
Servicing on all makes and models of vehicles from just £99
Call 0131 449 2139
for service you can trust • MOT VOSA green traffic light test station • Budget, midrange or premium tyres fitted • Brakes, exhausts and repairs
Balerno Garage 8 Deanpark Brae, Balerno EH14 7DZ @KonectMagazines
BALERNO | 45
FOOD & DRINK
The Perfect Starter
Potted Smoked Salmon
This is the perfect starter for the lunch on the big day – you can make it the night before and the recipe will easily double up if you are feeding a crowd at Christmas!
Ingredients: • 275g honey roast salmon flakes • 250g smoked salmon slices, chopped • 100g unsalted butter, softened • 125g full-fat soft cheese • 2 tsp creamed horseradish • 1 tbsp lemon juice • Salt and freshly ground black pepper • Fresh dill sprigs and green peppercorns, to garnish • Slices of toasted brown or granary bread, to serve
Serves 6
Ready in 30 minutes, plus chilling time
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Method: 1. Reserve about 25g of the salmon flakes for garnish (cover and chill in the fridge until required). 2. Place the rest of the salmon flakes in a food processor with the smoked salmon, butter, soft cheese, horseradish and lemon juice. Process until smooth and creamy. Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper and process for a further few seconds. 3. Divide the mixture between 6 small ramekin dishes and level the surface. Cover and chill in the fridge until required. Garnish with the rest of the salmon flakes, dill sprigs and green peppercorns. Serve with toasted brown or granary bread.
Tip:
Most supermarkets sell packs of ready-flaked honey roast salmon but if unavailable just buy ready-cooked smoked salmon fillets and roughly flake the fish, discarding any skin and fine bones. @KonectMagazines
@KonectMagazines
BALERNO | 47
THE BRIDGE INN AT RATHO SATURDAY 8TH DECEMBER Redhall Walled Garden Winter Open Day - Join us for a wonderful afternoon in a beautiful winter wonderland garden. Spot the Snowman quiz, cream teas, children’s crafts, holly wreaths for sale. Entry by donation, in aid of Scottish Association for Mental Health. 97 Lanark Road, Edinburgh, EH14 2LZ WEDNESDAY 12TH DECEMBER Christmas on the Corner - Featuring the Alpaca Atrium. Santa’s Grotto & post box, mulled wine, cider & mince pies, tombola and raffle. Dell Room, Colinton Parish Church, 6 – 8pm. WEDNESDAY 12TH & THURSDAY 13TH DECEMBER The Pentland Singers “Sing Noel!” - Celebrate Christmas with the Pentland Singers. Tickets £10 available from Currie Post Office, choir members or website. Get in the mood for Christmas with a mixture of old favourites and well-known contemporary festive songs. Conducted by Michael Ferguson and featuring Jessica Leary with the Pentland Junior Singers. Raffle and Refreshments. Balerno High School, 7.30pm. SUNDAY 16TH DECEMBER Carols in Currie - Gibson Craig Hall, Currie at 7.00pm led by Currie Community High School S5/6 Choir and Currie Community Choir. Free admission but come early due to likely demand for seats. SUNDAY 16TH DECEMBER The Colinton & Merchiston Choir presents a Christmas Concert - A performance of J. H. Maunder’s “Bethlehem”will be complemented by Adolphe Adam’s “O Holy Night” and John Rutter’s “Angels’ Carol”. The venue is the magnificent Memorial Hall at Merchiston Castle School, 294 Colinton Road. 7.20pm. Admission is free, with tea and coffee provided after the concert. Please join us for an evening of Christmas music - all welcome! www.colintonchoir.org MONDAY 17TH DECEMBER The Wise Men - Family musical, with puppets, in the Gibson Craig Hall, 156 Lanark Road West, Currie at 6.30pm. Free tickets available from Currie Kirk Office, Gibson Craig Hall or Molly’s Deli, Juniper Green.
RBS MOBILE BANK:
EVERY TUESDAY The RBS mobile van stops at: • Balerno Scotmid 11:50-12:20 • Currie Library 13:35-14:05 • Juniper Green Iceland 14:20-14:50
This service is for RBS customers to make cash deposits, withdrawals, bill payments and administer their accounts. It is not a full substitute for a branch but is still useful. For the best chance of it continuing please use it as often as possible. Recent improvements include better access for disabled customers and a new approach for those in wheelchairs. If you are yet to use the service, try it out next time it is in your village.
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SANTA BREAKFASTS: Meet Santa and his elves for fun and games, craft activities and photos. Full Scottish breakfast, or mouth-watering home-made pancakes with maple syrup will keep tummies full as Santa and the elves spread their festive cheer. 8TH, 9TH, 15TH, 16TH, 21TH, 22TH, 23TH & 24TH Dec, two sittings, 9.30am & 11am. Tickets £15 per person. Opening weekend, December 8TH & 9TH, tickets £12 per person. To book call 0131 333 1320 or email info@bridgeinn.com. For more information visit www.bridgeinn.com
BALERNO VILLAGE SCREEN SATURDAY 1ST DECEMBER • The Incredibles 2 (PG) 2.30pm SUNDAY 22ND DECEMBER • Love Actually (PG) 7.30pm SUNDAY 23RD DECEMBER • The Muppets Christmas Carol (U) 2.30pm • Scrooge (U) 7.30pm FRIDAY 25TH JANUARY • Blackkklansman (15) 7.30pm SATURDAY 26TH JANUARY • Coco (PG) 2.30pm • Mamma Mia ! Here We Go Again (PG) 7.30pm
VENUE: St. Joseph’s Church Hall & Ogston Hall, Balerno TICKETS: www.balernovillagescreen.com and at The Mill Cafe. Programme and timings subject to change. WANT TO INCLUDE YOUR EVENT HERE? COMMUNITY AND NOT-FOR-PROFIT LISTINGS ARE FREE OF CHARGE.
EMAIL EDITOR@KONECT.SCOT BY 15TH OF THE MONTH FOR FOLLOWING MONTH’S ISSUE.
@KonectMagazines
@KonectMagazines
BALERNO | 49
Various forms of dance have made their way into the fitness studio in recent years as we’re always looking for fun and different ways of getting a workout.
And there is a new(ish) one on the block; making a difficult transition from stigmatised beginnings into the realm of a gymnastic sport, is pole fitness. Personally, I love it in the way I love to watch gymnastics – incredibly beautiful feats of strength and flexibility, with both men and women practising it. So when I heard about a new pole fitness studio opening at Newbridge, I was very excited to go along and have ago. Run by Melissa Jamieson, JamQueen offers a range of classes from absolute beginner to advanced. The classes are designed to be a fun workout in a relaxed atmosphere, with Melissa’s eclectic range of music thrown in! You don’t need to be already flexible and strong to try this – everyone is welcome to come and have a go. Melissa is a full time mature student at Edinburgh Napier University, studying biomedical science at the same time as running the JamQueen pole studio. There are classes three evenings a week plus Saturdays, as well as special events, pole parties and….corporate teambuilding! There is a second instructor, Maz (known as Big Maz) who also has a varied taste in music and a high calibre of coaching knowledge and experience. Having first tried pole fitness nearly 10 years ago, Melissa says “Joining the pole community has been one of the biggest blessings in my life. I love how everyone I’ve had the pleasure to meet has been empowering and supportive. My passion for teaching started as a cover teacher in November 2017 and I haven’t looked back since! 50 | BALERNO
XMAS OFFER!
10% dis silver, go count on membersh ld or platinum ips plus a single dro The perfectp in class. way to get fit in the new ye ar! Use the co d XMAS whee KONECTn booking online
I love introducing this addictive sport to new people; showing them that they can own their bodies and watching their confidence grow, week by week. Pole really is for every body and I hope that you will feel inspired to give it a go.” See www.jamqueen.co.uk for details of memberships and to book classes. Facebook: /jamqueenpolefitness Instagram: @jamqueenpolefitness Drop in classes are £8.50 per session, or there is a range of membership packages available for all levels depending on how frequently you can come. There is plenty of parking near the studio. JamQueen Pole Fitness, 2 Harvest Road, Newbridge, Edinburgh, EH28 8LW This article was contributed by Helen-Jane Shearer after meeting Melissa at her studio in Newbridge – and trying the pole! Helen-Jane is the editor of Konect magazines and lives in West Lothian with her family. @KonectMagazines
CLUBS & CLASSES
SPORTS, HOBBIES, LEARNING, SUPPORT GROUPS & MORE... BALERNO YOUNG@HEART For older people in Balerno, Currie and Juniper Green.
We meet at 10am on a Tuesday at the Ogston Hall, St Joseph’s centre, Main St, Balerno for some gentle exercises then tea and coffee break. We then have various activities. Cost £2 per week for the tea and coffee break and £15 a year for membership, paid in 2 instalments. For more information please contact Mary Laing on 0131 449 3523 or email me on yackadoo@hotmail. co.uk for more information. BALERNO PARISH CHURCH Come and be part of the heart of the community which meets every Sunday at 10 am in the Main street www.balernochurch.org.uk
HAILES SWIMMING CLUB Galas, coaching and development lessons for 7-15 year olds at Balerno, Currie, and Forrester pools. For further details contact membership@ hailesswimclub.co.uk
ST MUNGO’S BALERNO Come be part of our vibrant church community which meets every Sunday, 10.30am @ Balerno High School www.stmungos.org PIYO LIVE!Pilates + Yoga + Nonstop movement. Stretch, Strengthen & Sweat all in one workout! Tues 9am in Balerno Scout Hall and Thurs 8pm in Balerno Community Centre. Contact Heidi on 07982 205111 or heidi.instructor@gmail.com WILDFIRE EXPLORER SCOUTS Meet in Balerno High School. Fridays 7.15 - 9.15pm. 14 – 18yrs. Contact: Gordon Simpson 0131 477 3116. Email leaders@wildfireexplorers.org.uk BALERNO MONDAY CLUB Non-denominational club for over 55s. Our meetings are held in St Joseph’s Centre at Balerno Parish Church at 2pm on the first and third Mondays of the month from September to May. Different speakers, activities and outings each session, please contact the Club for syllabus details.
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51ST PENTLAND SCOUTS (BALERNO) Beavers, Cubs, Scouts Various evenings, Balerno Scout Hall. Contact John Henderson on 07941 637262 CURRIE RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB Malleny Park - Minis (P1-7) Sundays 10.30am - 12pm. Contact 0131 449 2432 www.currierugby.org PENTLAND CALEDONIA PIPES AND DRUMS Balerno Community Centre - Every Friday 7pm-9.30pm. New members welcome. Free tuition on pipes or drums Phone 0131 4495133. BALERNO VILLAGE NURSERY Balerno Community Centre Available 8am - 6pm, 5 days a week. Preschool play from age 2 years. Breakfast / Afterschool Club up to 8 years. Full or part time childcare . Call 0131 451 5756 BALERNO FOOTSTEPS 4 FITNESS Mondays 10am at Balerno High School Riverside Café. Alternative Thursdays 10am at Balerno High School Riverside Café - Alternative Fridays 10am at Balerno Parish Church Hall - Contact 0131 449 2101. SLIMMING WORLD ❤ ❤ ❤ Lose weight eating the most delicious food - yes you can! Classes at Balerno Bowling club, Thursdays 5.30pm. Contact Denise on 07934 823024. PENTLAND ART CLUB Meet at Balerno High School Art Room - Every Thursday 7.30-9.30pm Demonstrations, speakers, work evenings; All mediums; New members welcome. Please contact E Thomson on 0131 333 4662. PENTLAND FLOWER CLUB Drama Studio, Balerno High School. First Friday of the month at 7pm (excluding January, February, July and August); Visitors and new members are always welcome. Contact Lis Daly on 0131 442 2146. CHILDREN’S SWIM SCHEME Balerno High School. Tues, Wed and Fri pm; Sat and Sun am. Contact Balerno Community Education Office 0131 477 7733 for more info. COMPASS PLAYGROUP Dean Park Primary Pre-School Centre. 2-5 years, wide variety of activities. Mon to Fri (school term time only)
8:55-11.40am. Early Drop Off, Lunch Club and Transfer Service to Dean Park Nursery. Afternoon sessions available for Pre-school children. Call 0131 449 4530 (during opening hours) for more information, or email info@compassplaygroup.com 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 Thursdays 9.30 - 11.30am. BALERNO PARISH CHURCH GUILD Balerno Parish Church New Hall. First and third Wednesdays (commencing October) at 7.30pm. Varied syllabus with many interesting speakers; Tea/coffee is served at the end of the meeting. New members and visitors warmly welcomed BALERNO FOLK CLUB Held on the last Tuesday of each month in Balerno Bowling Club . Doors open 8pm; Evening begins 8.20pm; Guest artist on stage at 8.30pm; Members and guests welcome. For further info contact Morag Dunbar on 0131 449 5014 or John Stirling on 0131 449 3456. BALERNO SWI Balerno Community Centre 7.30pm. First Tuesday of every month (except July & August). We usually have a speaker but we also have “in house” evenings; There is usually some business to be discussed and we enjoy a “cuppa” whilst chatting; New members or visitors welcome, just come along MINIS @ST MUNGO’S Group for babies and toddlers with their carers on term time. Tuesdays and Wednesdays 10 - 11.30am in St Mungo’s church building, Ladycroft, Balerno; All welcome. For more information see www.stmungos.org IN THE DITCH QUILTERS Balerno Community Centre. Monthly workshops covering different quilting topics, third Wednesday of the month from 7:15pm. Annual membership £24.00. Contact Maureen Murray on 0131 336 0053 for further details. GIRLGUIDING Rainbows on Monday evenings. Full information and meeting times can be obtained from Edinburgh Head Quarters on 0131 225 4154.
BALERNO | 51
BALERNO ...cont. PALM CAFÉ St Joseph’s Centre, Balerno, last Tuesday of the month 2.30pm - 4pm. A social group café for people with dementia and their carers serving the communities of Balerno, Juniper Green and Currie. It provides a space for people with dementia and their carers to meet others for support and social contact, using activities such as music, movement, reminiscence and craft to enhance the wellbeing of the person with dementia & informal support and information for carers. If you would be interested in attending this group and would like more information please contact Kay Latimer (449-6186) or email: kaylatimer@btopenworld.com BALERNO PARISH CHURCH Come and join us for regular all age worship on Sunday mornings at 10am followed by refreshments in St Joseph’s. Check www. balernochurch.org.uk for all other events and worship information.
THE MILL CAFÉ A community café run mainly by volunteers in the St Joseph’s Centre at the heart of Balerno. Open Tuesday-Friday 9.30am-2.00pm serving teas, coffees, homebaking and snack lunches. (Times may vary during school holidays)
CURRIE NEW SLIMMING WORLD Lose weight without feeling hungry.
Come and join us every Wednesday at 7:30pm in Currie Community Centre. Contact Kim 07921 380711 or kimkenny2011@gmail.com HAILES SWIMMING CLUB Galas, coaching and development lessons for 7-15 year olds at Balerno, Currie, and Forrester pools. For further details contact membership@ hailesswimclub.co.uk CURRIE COMMUNITY CENTRE Various activities and facilities: Nursery, Football, After-school care, ballet, dog training youth club, craft, Taekwondo, parties, Saturday morning cafe, rooms for hire. See facebook page. Currie Community Centre.
52 | BALERNO
ARTS & CRAFTS GROUP Art Room 1, Currie Community High School - Thursdays 7.15 - 9pm - from 18th September to 27th November (except 16th October). We are a small, friendly group (of all ages) and new members will be made very welcome. £35 for the 10-week term or £5 per session, if paid on the night. Fee covers all materials, equipment and refreshments. For more information please email: phoenixarts@hotmail. com or tel: 07934 495488. BRIDGE CLUB The club is played at the Gibson Craig back Hall on a Monday, 1.30pm. For more information contact the Chairman on 0131 449 3527. COFFEE AND CRAFT Currie community Centre Mon 7-9pm. Bring your own craft and share your knowledge and experience with other crafters and perhaps learn something new. All welcome. £1 per person per night. AIR CADETS 2463 (CURRIE & BALERNO) SQUADRON Forthview Crescent. Mon and Thu 7-9.30pm. 0131 449 7449 for more info. CURRIE PLAYGROUPCurrie Baptist Church Hall. Preschool play from age 2 years - Mon-Fri, 8.45 11.45am (term time) £6.50 per child per morning - Wraparound and Lunch Club for children attending Currie Nursery. Wrap around £5.00; Lunch club £2.00. See www.currieplaygroup.co.uk 42ND PENTLAND SCOUT GROUP (CURRIE) Forth View Crescent, Currie. Cubs Monday 6.15 – 7.45pm. Call Fee 07771 370748. Scouts Monday 7.45 – 9.15pm. Call Ross 07729714445. Beavers Friday 6.30 – 7.30pm. Call Sharon 07810 201680. www.42ndpentland.scoutsites.org.uk THE OCTAGON CLUB For Adults with Special Needs and Learning Difficulties Meets in Gibson Craig Hall, Lanark Road West, Currie, 7 9pm on Wednesday Evenings from mid September until June for table tennis, snooker, badminton, table games, “tuck shop” etc. Contact Terry Maloney 0751 466 4292 CURRIE & DISTRICT LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY Meetings Mondays at 7.30 in the Gibson-Craig Hall in Currie - Visitors welcome; For further information contact Douglas Lowe on 0131 449 4349 or douglaslowe51@btinternet.com
BOYS BRIGADE - 65TH EDINBURGH (CURRIE) COMPANY Gibson Craig Hall, Lanark Road West Currie Anchors (Boys P2 & P3) - Thursday 6 - 7pm Juniors (Boys P4, P5 & P6) Thursday 7 - 8.30pm Company/Seniors (Boys P7 - S6) Sundays 6.30 – 8.30pm For more info email 65edinburghbb@ gmail.com or see website 65edinburgh.boys-brigade.org.uk CURRIE BABY AND TODDLER GROUP Gibson Craig Hall - Friday 9.30 - 11.30am (term time only). Adults £2.00; Kids go free. Parents/ Grandparents/Carers/Childminders are all very welcome; Snack provided for the kids and tea and coffee for the adults. Loads of space to play BALERNO AND DISTRICT RAMBLERS Midweek Group meets on a Wednesday at Currie Library Car Park, Lanark Rd West - 9.15am for 9.30am start. Contact M Timmins 0131 449 4525 or A Blyth 0131 629 3644. Saturday and Sunday Group meets at Pentland View Carpark, Currie, at 8.45am for 9am start. Contact E Scroggie on 0131 441 1666. BOOK GROUP Currie Library - First Wednesday of each month at 7.00pm. BEGINNERS YOGA CLASSES No experience needed (18+) - £6 per class Tuesday 8pm at Gibson Craig Hall, Lanark Road, Currie Wednesday 7.45pm at Forth View Crescent Scout Hall, Currie Monday 6pm at St Margaret’s Hall, Juniper Green Monday 8.30pm at Balerno Scout Hall Any questions please contact Monica, email: karmayoga@btinternet.com Tel: 07986 600432 CORNER CAFE BOOK CLUB At the Corner Cafe, 120 Lanark Road West, Currie. Meet 27th of every month at 7.45. Informal friendly group, all welcome, we read a mixture of classics and popular books. £3 per session. MACULAR SOCIETY, PENTLAND GROUP Group for visually impaired people, 2nd Friday of every month in Currie Library at 2pm. Audio Book Group meets 1st Monday of every month in Currie Library at 2.15 pm. I-Pad tuition group for visually impaired people all other Mondays in Currie Library at 2.15pm.
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MESSY CHURCH Second and last Fridays of the month from 2-4.30pm in the Gibson Craig Halls. We will meet from the second Friday in September until the second Friday in December then from the second Friday in January until the second Friday in June. All ages are welcome, but children must be accompanied by an adult who stays with them. For further information, contact Louise on 466 3472 or Easter on 449 4719
JUNIPER GREEN JUNIPER GREEN NURSERY PLAYGROUP Juniper Green Community Centre (Village Hall) 1 Juniper Park Road EH14 5DX. Contact 07948 554889 or see website atwww. junipergreenplaygroup.vpweb.co.uk
JUNIPER GREEN BOARDGAMERS We meet 2nd and 4th Friday of the month, 6pm-9pm in Juniper Green Parish Church Hall C - We currently ask for £1.00 per person to cover the cost of the hall (£2.00 non-members - First visit FREE!). Everyone welcome, suitable for kids over 10y/o. Children must be with an adult, and the adult must stay and play too. For more information and dates for this month, please contact Eric (eric@ericonline. co.uk) or find us on Facebook using “Juniper Green Board-Gamers”. 31ST PENTLAND SCOUTS (JUNIPER GREEN) 45 Lanark Road West, Currie Beavers - Wed 6.30pm. Cubs - Mon 7.00pm. Cubs - Tues 6.30pm. Scouts - Fri 7.00pm Contact - Mary Dick on 0131 449 7043. JUNIPER GREEN SWI Juniper Green Community Centre (Village Hall) 1 Juniper Park Road EH14 5DX. Contact 0131 539 9886.
PENTLAND BRIDGE CLUB The club meets at 7pm on Thursday evenings throughout the year to play duplicate bridge at St Margaret’s Court, Juniper Green. Prospective new members are welcome to come along to see if it suits them. If interested, please contact Ken Brown 0131 449 5314 email mthkjb@gmail.com.
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RATHO RATHO SWI Meet in Ratho Community Centre on second Wednesday of each month (except July & August) from 7pm to 9pm. New members and visitors welcome. Contact 0131 333 4862 for information.
SOLUTIONS
SOLUTION TO NOVEMBER CROSSWORD
RATHO SCOUTS, CUBS & BEAVERS Ratho Community Centre. Beavers: Tuesdays 6.30pm - 7.30pm (age 6-8). Cubs: Fridays 7pm 8.30pm (age 8-10.5). Scouts: 7pm - 8.45pm. (age 10.5 -14) RATHO RAVERS Ratho Community Centre. Thurs 10am12pm. Exercising body and mind for the over fifties. £3 per class. For more information call the Community Centre on 0131 333 1055. PARENT & TODDLERS GROUP Community Centre Tues and Thurs 10am-12noon. Under 3s. Members 50p, non members £1. For more information call the Community Centre on 0131 333 1055.
ART CLUB Ratho Community Centre Tues 7-9pm. Adult Multimedia Club. Members 50p, non members £1. For more information call the Community Centre on 0131 333 1055.
ACROSS: 7. Organisations, 8. Membrane, 9. Harp, 10. Schools, 12. Ashes, 14. Crabs, 16. Streets, 19. Zinc, 20. Politely, 22. Communication DOWN: 1. Free, 2. Bamboo, 3. Finally, 4. Caged, 5. Wishes, 6. Angriest, 11. Corridor, 13. Italics, 15. Become, 17. Estate, 18. Opens, 21. Lion
SOLUTION TO SUDOKU ON PAGE 36
50 PLUS GROUP Varied programme of activities/outings. New members welcome – meet fortnightly at Ratho Community Centre. Members 50p, nonmembers £1. For more information call the Community Centre on 0131 333 1055
SCOUTS All meet at the Community Centre, meeting times are as follows: Beavers: Tuesdays 6.30pm - 7.30pm (age 6-8), Cubs: Fridays 7pm - 8.30pm (age 8-10.5), Scouts: 7pm - 8.45pm. (age 10.5-14) TO INCLUDE YOUR CLUB OR CLASS, PLEASE EMAIL DETAILS TO EDITOR@ KONECT.SCOT CHARITY AND NOT-FOR-PROFIT GROUPS ARE FREE. THERE IS A SMALL CHARGE FOR OTHER LISTINGS. SEE OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE INFORMATION AT WWW.KONECT.SCOT
Disclaimer: The publisher cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage caused by error in the printing of an advertisement. We do not endorse any advertisers in this publication. All material is accepted for publication on the understanding it is copyright free. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior consent of the publisher. Publisher: Lothian Publications Ltd. Geddes House, Kirkton North, Livingston, West Lothian EH54 6GU. Magazine Design: Universal Appeal Ltd. M: 07729 911858 W: www.universal-appeal.com E: info@universal-appeal.com
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INDEX OF ADVERTISERS
AERIALS & SATELLITE Kinnear Aerials 39 APPLIANCE REPAIRS Appliances of Edinburgh 6 BATHROOMS & KITCHENS Ian Merriman 24 Splash Bathrooms 38 Paragon Bathroom solutions 2 Taylor Property 25 BEAUTICIAN Beauty Box 18 Beauty Therapy by Rhona 20 Juniper Beauty Room 18 BLACKSMITH D & I Blacksmiths 34 BOILER SERVICES The Gas Engineer 38 BUILDER Almond Building Company 31 CAR SALES Juniper Green Garage 45 CAR SERVICING, MOT & REPAIR Balerno Garage 45 Ratho Auto Services 45 CARPET & FLOORING SALES DRZ Trade Services 24 Pentland Carpets 10 CARPET & UPHOLSTERY CLEANING Cleaning Doctor 7 CW Services 42 CHIROPODY / PODIATRY / FOOTCARE Pentland Footcare 21 CHURCHES St Mungo’s 49 COMPUTER / PHONE REPAIRS Simply Fix It 28 Worx2455 CURTAINS & BLINDS Blind Design 10 Harvey Bruce 12 DENTIST Artis Dental and Implant Studio 22 No.9 Practice 20 DOG WALKER Happy Scampers 43 DRAINAGE SERVICES Currievale Drainage Services 32 DRIVEWAYS AND PAVING Alpine Paving 35 ELECTRICIAN A&A Electrical Solutions 6 D Sykes Electrical 7 MT Electrical 31 Spark Electrical Solutions 30 ESTATE AGENT Blair Cadell Solicitors 5
54 | BALERNO
EXTERIOR CLEANING Cleaning & Maintenance 34 Laws Gutter Cleaning 33 FENCING, RAILINGS, GATES S & D Fences 35 FINANCIAL ADVICE Personal Money Management 14 FIREPLACES / WOODBURNERS Fireplaces, Stoves and Flues 10 FITNESS CLASSES JamQueen 50 Judith Rintoul Pilates 19 Karma Yoga 21 Maureen Clarke Yoga 19 FLORIST Juniper Flowers 4 Vicky’s Flowers 18 FUNERAL DIRECTOR Mark Porteous Funeral Directors 17 GARAGE DOORS Max’s Garage Doors 45 GARDEN CENTRE Riccarton Garden Centre 12 GARDEN DESIGN / MAINTENANCE CS Gardening 35 D Greaves Landscape Gardeners 34 Evergreen Balerno 32 Greenspace Landscapes 34 GARDEN FURNITURE AND BUILDINGS Champfleurie Estate 11 GLAZING REPAIRS CR Smith 29 DGR Double Glazing Repairs 24 GOLFING Baberton Golf Club 5 HAIR SALON Hair Tech 18 Tony Harper’s Hair Studio 22 HANDYMAN We Can Do It 4 HOLIDAY LETS Midkinleith Holiday Cottage 4 HOMES FOR SALE CALA Homes 15 IRONING / LAUNDRY SERVICES Iron Aid 19 JOINERY Create Enhanced Spaces 31 GK Wilson Joiner 38 Jack Watson Joinery 42 R McNeill Joiner & Glazier 6 LOCKSMITH 1st Call Locksmiths 45 CVC Locksmiths and Security 39 MARKETING/LEAFLETING The Leaflet Lady 56
MEMBER OF SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT Gordon Macdonald MSP 4 MOBILITY SERVICES Ableworld 23 PAINTING & DECORATING Alistair McLellan 33 Brush Strokes 6 Gerry Aitken 6 Ken Dunton 38 Lane Decor 39 Mark Reece Painter & Decorator 30 PERSONAL TRAINER KM Fitness 21 PET SITTING / BOARDING Claylands Cottage Cattery 43 PLASTERING Alexander Aitken Plastering 42 Self Employed Plasterer 25 PLUMBING & HEATING SERVICES Bill Reid & Son 30 Currievale Plumbing & Drainage 42 Jim Gladstone 32 Owen Gibb Plumbing & Heating 42 Shandon Plumbing 39 Weir Plumbing Heating and Gas Services 42 RESTAURANT Al Borgo Ristorante 47 Pentland Fry 47 Courtyard by Marriott Edinburgh West 4 ROOFING Dell Roofing 30 Edinburgh Roofing Services 37 Fairmile Roofing 31 John Brazil 42 Thomson Roofing Services 33 TAXI & PRIVATE HIRE Capital Cars 47 TREE CARE SERVICES Evergreen Tree Surgery 34 Maxwell Tree Care 32 VET & ANIMAL WELLBEING Pentland Veterinary Clinic 43 WEIGHT LOSS Slimming World 20 WINDOW CLEANER Tag Cleaning Services 35
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